We chose a good week to get away!

At home it was ice, snow, rain and more ice …

… while we were enjoying palm trees, sunshine & warmth!

Lorie & I spent a week with my brother and sister-in-law in Florida, just north of Tampa. It had been about 5 years since we were in Florida, and we had never been on the Gulf side.

I was interested in the farming, but there wasn’t much to see. This part of Florida is not a major agricultural area. While we only saw 1 small orange grove, fresh Florida citrus was readily available and we ate plenty!

We did see some massive strawberry fields around Plant City and enjoyed fresh strawberry shortcake at Parksdale Farm Market, a place my parents used to visit 40 years ago when they travelled south. The berries were sweet, juicy & delicious!

Lunch one day was at a roadside BBQ – with a unique menu! Unfortunately the gizzards weren’t available, but the gator bites were amazing!

The house we rented was along a canal that flowed out to the Gulf of Mexico. Much time was spent enjoying the warm temperatures (mid to upper 20’s C each day) on our deck which was built out over the water …

… and watching the sunset from Sam’s Beach Bar.

A person could get used to such a life!

But it is good to be home now, relaxed & refreshed.

CSA sign-up has started and applications are coming in. Next week we begin seeding in the greenhouse.

It’s almost spring!