Manatee Encounter

West Indian Manatees- By far THE most adorable sea-life on this planet! I still can't believe it took me an entire week to post our latest adventure; this is by far the best thing we have done in Florida! I'll start from the beginning: Shortly after we moved here I developed a fascination and great love for manatees. (Florida is one of the few places that still has a manatee population). Our nightly, and sometimes daily walks around the slow moving waterways consisted of me listening and searching intently for bubbles (slow digestive systems), manatee noses coming to the water's surface (air breathers), and any other noise that may indicate these gentle "sea cows" were near. Tyler indulged my preoccupation for a while. He would go silent when I would "hear" something, and encourage me when our little excursions produced no signs of manatees, and a disappointed enthusiast.

Finally, my dream came true! I'm still not sure if Ty just wanted to make me happy, or if he was tired of our manatee searches and hearing about my disappointment; either way, he planned a very unique Valentine's weekend which gave us the experience of seeing them up close and personal. If you know a thing or two about manatees, now is a great time to see them! In the winter months the natural spring waters of Homosassa become a manatee refuge (I learned this and many other facts in my free time). Manatees, who do not tolerate cold water, migrate inland from the ocean to bask in the 72 degree clear water springs of the Homosassa and Crystal River --both are now protected as refuges. From about mid-November through the end of March they can eat, rest and enjoy being protected from some of the serious threats in the open ocean. (boats, pollution, destroyed habitats etc).

The waters of the Homosassa (about 5 hours from Miami) are clear and shallow, making it a perfect place to snorkel and interact with the manatees- A LOT of manatees, we couldn't' believe how many there were just chillin- enjoying life. They proved to be as they are characterized, calm, curious, sweet and lovable. One big Momma-Manatee LOVED Ty, she liked to nuzzle up to him and follow him around. Take a look! How could anyone not adore their sweet teddy-bear eyes, their roly-poly wrinkles and their playful nature!

I think she had a little crush on Ty! My little buddy- So cute!

If you are now a manatee lover- take a look at some of these websites. Sadly, these gentle mammals face serious threats! Most fatalities are a result of water craft collision- boat propellers, pollution and a serious reduction in habitat! Very sad.

http://www.savethemanatee.org/manfcts.htm

http://www.manateecenter.com/

http://www.homesafe.com/manatee/manatee-facts.html

Everyday Life

It was brought to my attention that in the 7 months we have lived in Miami, I haven't posted any pictures that show where we live!! To my great shock it was also made known that due to my most current blog postings- it may look as if all we do here is play, vacation, go to the beach, eat gelato ect :) ....although this is true to a small degree, we also have a very functional, school/work life. In fact, with my teaching job and Ty's studies- we are working harder than we ever have! - hence the need for relaxing on the beach!

Accomodations:
Many of you know, we live in a beautiful city (Aventura) just outside of Miami. The average temperature right now is about 80 degrees, the average person is a frigid 10 degrees, or shall we say, less than friendly?! Our two little hondas do NOT fit in with the vast array of sports and luxury cars! WE don't enjoy the traffic/unfriendly drivers, but we love the cleanliness, the weather and the scenery!

Home sweet home!

Across the street- We like to look at the boats!

Weekend with Mom & Dad Nelson

Our first visit from family! Right now, Tyler's parents are basking in the warmth of the Caribbean- we were lucky enough to have a few days with them here in Miami before their cruise departed on Saturday!

It was so fun to have family here!! We had a great time together. Some of our activities included: watching a Cuban band play at Hollywood Beach, walking the boardwalk, eating a scrumptious dinner at Houston's (on the water), and of course, frequenting Dolce Vita Gelato! We hope they are hooked and that they will be back to visit very soon!

A few things they were shocked by:
The humidity (we told them to come back in the summer :) )
The crazy drivers and terrible traffic
The beauty of South Florida
...and my personal favorite, that our "apartment is not a dump" (Ty's Dad)

Shelly, Rawl and Ty-- Hollywood Beach

Dolce Vita Gelato: quite possibly the best dessert on the entire planet! This is just a sampling of the many flavors- it's addicting!

From Snowflakes to Surf!

Weekend in Orlando

A week ago we went to Orlando with some of our good friends here in Miami! Our friends Josh and Lindsey scored a weekend in a time-share condo and were generous to share it with all of us!

The trip was super fast! -- we left Friday night, played all day saturday at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, and left early the next day! --it was very fun and a much needed diversion from lesson planning and grading papers (for me), and studying (for Ty). :)

We love our friends here- we feel so grateful to have them at this time when we are SOOOO far away from old friends and loved ones!