Celebrating New Life...or Renewed Life!
I don't know about you, but my New Year is off to a great start!
This past week:
My daughter, Allison, and her husband, and my two oldest grandsons arrived from Ohio on New Years Day. They scheduled a cruise leaving out of Florida, so they made sure to include a few days with us before the cruise. Of course, my mother was here to enjoy it all!
Family. That alone, is a gift.
Still, we managed to enjoy a day of Christmas gift opening as well. Mike’s sister and his son (though I now claim them as my son, too) made sure to come over for a visit during Allison's family stay. In addition, two of the Waters’ uncles and an aunt who live in the area came for an evening of food and fun.
We didn’t ignore the tourist stuff, though. We went to Homosassa Springs to view the manatee. We discovered the state park is so much more. The venue is a zoo of sorts. It is a haven for rescued Florida wildlife.
We saw birds of every shape, size and color, including flamingos, egrets, cranes, ducks, and pelicans.
We saw Fox Squirrels. (I’ve seen those in the wild.) And red foxes. (I prefer not to see those in the wild.)
They had alligators, fish of every size and shape. Key deer, a bear, turtles, and of course beautiful, graceful manatee, swimming around the dock in the warm springs. We saw dolphins playing in the river beyond the springs. There is something calming and wonderful about water.
The park is a sanctuary for injured creatures. It offers a place of healing. A new beginning. Isn’t that what we all want and need?
We start each new year with a list of dreams. Hopes. Plans. We vow to make this year better.
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And if your joy button needs a little boost…I recommend Homosassa Springs. Or a nature center near you.
This Manatee appeared to smile at us!
