Strawberry Festival

     Saturday, Clif and I decided to spend our day at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL. The Festival is just like a State Fair, only with the sole purpose of celebrating the Strawberry harvest.   It was a cold day for Florida, but perhaps not for the northern folk.  It never made it beyond the mid 50's, and with the windchill, it seemed like 40 degrees.  It whipped right through to the bones!  But when the sun was not hidden by the occasional clouds, it was bearable. 
     Strawberries this time of year are in their peak season, and nothing is tastier than strawberries freshly harvested.
     After going through the livestock area and midway, we headed over to the exhibit area. 
 


They had an educational display garden explaining the farming techniques.  The strawberries made our mouths water.  I was saying to Clif, "I'd love to go in and get that one.  Hey, look how ripe that one is!  Yum, that one is really, really ripe!  These can't go to waste! I really want one of those strawberries."



We made our way to the strawberry shortcake line, grabbed our serving and headed over to the Clogging Show put on by the Orlando Cloggers.  This was one of the many free entertainments provided throughout the day.  They were a pleasure to watch, not to mention, it was nice to be out of the wind.  :)



Next we were off to the Robinson Pig Races.  This event has been taking place for at least 25 years.  (Notice the fans are bundled up trying to keep warm.)  The had 4 different events.





These are the potbellied pigs.



The next race they had to swim across a pool.  I felt sorry for the pigs.  Who wants to get wet in cold weather?  The good news though was that they had heating lamps in the pens when the pigs returned.



Who knew pigs could swim?  I didn't.



Even potbelly pigs can swim, but they sure do make a big splash!



They are fierce competitors.  And to think, they race to eat an oreo cookie.

We had an enjoyable day, and brought home a 1/2 flat of strawberries to enjoy.  YUM! :)

Carefree Timelessness

Tonight I had a pleasant surprise when I got home from my day's work and workout.  Both boys were home, and out playing basketball with dad.  It was even more amazing in that I was listening to one of Matthew Kelly's CD's on raising a family.  On this CD he was talking about Carefree Timelessness and how important it is especially in today's society.  At a time when we are caught up with our electronic devices, we rarely spend quality time with our loved ones...It is communication via texting, glued to TV and video games, spending countless hours on the computer, running kids here and there.

Well, after snapping a few pictures, I joined in the fun.  We had much laughter, and it reminded me of the years as a young family!  Clif won the first game, and Stephen won the second.  I wonder how sore we will be tomorrow because I can't remember the last time I shot so many hoops!



                   Clif's saying, "I can't believe that shot didn't go in!"


                "I'll show you how it's done!"



                                 "Uh-huh, and you think that's a basket?"



                "It's my turn, let me have a try!"



      "No, no, no, I'm telling you, this is how it's done.  It'll go in this time."  Notice Michael,
"Yeah, right!"

     Carefree Timelessness.  The world needs more of it. :)

Living with Passion and Purpose

Last Saturday, my sister Diane and I attended a seminar given by Matthew Kelly titled Living Your Life with Passion and Purpose.  This man is truly graced with the Holy Spirit, and I believe he is one of God's current day evangelizers. I am providing a link to his schedule because if you can, and if one is nearby, you should go. http://www.dynamiccatholic.com/passion-purpose-events   It is life changing. He uses common sense, humor, and truth.  If you are not able to attend, I would suggest to at least go to his website and order his books.


    I have read Rediscover Catholicism and The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic.  I purchased Rhythm of Life at the event.  I am eager to dive into reading and applying his advice. It's time we revitalize our Faith. Afterall, Pope Benedict XVI has declared this THE YEAR OF FAITH. We just need to live it.

DeLeon Springs

Today Clif and I have been married for 28 years.  We decided to head off to DeLeon Springs in DeLand to enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading off onto the hiking trail.



DeLeon Springs State Park has the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you cook your breakfast at your table.  It is a really fun concept, and on a cool morning like today, it gives you warmth being next to the hot griddle.



Clif usually does all the cooking when we go camping.  I thanked him for doing our cooking this morning too.  He didn't mind because he said, "at least I get to eat it while it's still hot."



I liked the multigrain pancakes best.  We had plenty of energy in our tummies for a day of adventure.



We headed off onto the Wild Persimmon Trail.  I have to admit, it is one of the most beautiful hikes I've taken in Florida.  I was hoping to spy a bear, but no such luck today.  We had fun looking anyway.  We didn't have trouble with insects as it was a dry, crisp day. I think it made it into the low 70's which is ideal for hiking.




There was plenty of tree canopy which of course is my favorite hiking environment.



They have planks strategically placed for the rainy seasons.  Technically we didn't have to walk on them, but it was fun just the same.



There was a patch of ferns.  My thought is the tops are discolored due to a recent freeze.



Then Clif notices a couple of bones.  We were curious as to what animal was eaten.



We couldn't help but notice all the new growth.  And to think, the northeast is snowed in.



Even the Azaleas were in full bloom.  They were absolutely gorgeous. 



After we finished our hike, we rented a canoe for an hour.  This is a manmade waterfall
where the Spring empties into a cove that eventually leads into Lake Woodruff then into a river named Garden Run.



It's nice having Clif navigate the waters.  It makes for an enjoyable time. :)



I didn't realize at the time the water was choppy as the wind was at our backs.  This is Lake Woodruff.  Nice big lake, eh?  The row back across was a bit strenuous with the headwind, but we made it! 



Once we got across, Garden Run had a tranquil setting.  The land to the left is Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge.  We ventured there once we finished at this park.



On the way back to the park, next to the DeLeon Springs sign is what we called the Abominable Mossman.  We have no idea what the significance of this was, but it was interesting.  It made us laugh. :)




Once we got to the Woodruff National Wildlife Refure, we caught glimse of this alligator.

We had a wonderful day together, perfect, in fact.  The Food for Thought for today from DynamicCatholic.com was a great way to start our day.  I believe this is why our day turned out being just perfect.

"When two people love each other it is a wonderful thing, but when two people love God and each other this is the kind of relationship from which the future of the Church will spring. When you both burn with a love of God the fire will consume the impurities of your human love. The more you love God the more you will be able to love each other."
                                                                                            -Mustards Seeds.

5K

I know many of you are experienced 5K runners, but I for one am not.  Running isn't even my preferred avenue for exercise.  I'd much rather be dancing.  But with inspiration from my twin friends, and 80's music on the mp3 player, I ventured outside my comfort zone, and can now say proudly...I DID IT!



Kim, Karen, and I are very chilly without our jackets.  Race time was 7:30am, but we had to be there at 6:45.  It was a cold 42 degrees.



In the sea of pink shirts, I saw Joanna.  I taught her daughter Sunday School in K, 1, 2, and 3rd grade.  Laura has a special place in my heart.  I still hang the pumpkin craft she gave me for Halloween every year.  I love to look at her signature on the back.  It brings such joy. :)




Karen came in minutes behind Kim and I.  I think it had warmed up to maybe 48 by this time.



I don't think we look too bad afterwards. We look presentable enough to treat ourselves to breakfast!

Wekiva Springs

We have finally had a reprieve from the upper 80's weather.  It's been a bit too warm for January in Florida.  Sure the northern tourists probably appreciate it, but when you get hot most of the year, you welcome the cool downs.  Today was in the low 70's.  Perfect for hiking.  Clif and I ventured out to tackle the north loop within Wekiva Springs State Park in Longwood.  In the winter you have to be selective as to where you hike because of various hunting seasons.  Being Wekiva Springs is a state park, we opted for this location.

             

We started at the parking area just north of Sand Lake (by the number 24).  We followed the white trail blaze (white circles), visiting 3 back country campsites along the way.  It was a long, but enjoyable hike, a 10 mile loop.  It was amazing how many ecosystems there were in just this short distance.

 

I always enjoy hiking through the canopies, so when we got to the trailhead to follow the loop around I was excited to see the shade.  It was short lived.

 

 

About 1000 feet we were out in the open.  As you can see we are not lacking in the Florida sunshine.

 

 

First stop was the Big Buck Campsite.  Great location, not too far from Rock Springs Run.  You can either hike in from where we parked, or canoe from Rock Springs State Park.

 

 

Plenty of room, and shady too.  It's about 1.7 miles by foot from parking area.

 

 

We thought we might see canoers on the river, but it was quiet.

 

 

Off to the next stop...Cozy Camp.

 

 

The hike was like being in a jungle.  We hiked through the flood area of the river.  At times it was muddy, but lots of fun.

 

 

Camp Cozy wasn't as cozy as Big Buck. 

But it was noon, and this is where we decided to have lunch.

 

 

It was a little bit longer jaunt down to the rivers edge.

 We had to be careful because of lots of gnarly roots.

 

 

The view wasn't as nice as at  Big Buck either.

So onward around the loop so we could head back to the truck.

 

 

 

Crossing one of the bridges, I spied this petrified bug.  It actually had a leaf growing out of it.

 

 

Next, we ended up going through a cypress swamp.

 

 

Shortly thereafter, back into the hardwoods of a pine forest.

 

 

Spied a nice deep sinkhole.  The tree across the bottom is probably a good 30 feet across.  No, we didn't opt to hike down to cross it.  That would mean we'd have to hike back out.  By this point in our journey, we had already hiked 7.1 miles and had nearly 3 to go.

 

 

Big Fork Camp was the last campsite on our way out.  It is only about a 1/2 mile from the parking area.  It is an esquestrian campsite. 

 

 

 

But for us, it was a good stopping point to view our map, and replenish our nutrients.  Food is more enjoyable to consume when you are out and about.

What a wonderful day to spend with a loved one.