Our Animal Friends
The wonderous world of animals who share our planet deserve our respect. Pets who are not destined for breeding purposes should be spayed or neutered. This act alone would remove 60% to 65% of all animals in shelters and pounds. Another important item is that humans who desire a pet should go to a local shelter before going to a pet shop where many of the pets offered for sale originated in "Pet Mills".
GULFPORT
Gulfport is considered the "Art Colony" of Pinellas County. Gulfport is located in the south of the county on Boca Ciega Bay.
North and east is St. Petersburg and west is South Pasadena. St. Pete Beach is only a few miles west.
Gulfport is a dynamic and progressive city with intelligent, caring, and energetic citizens.
The Gulfport Public Library is one of five library winners of the prestigious 2019 National Medal for Museum and
Library Service award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the group’s highest honor.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Library on May 7, 2019.
OCALA
Ocala is the heart of Florida's thoroughbred breeding. The subsurface limestone, the availability of soluable phosphates, and
abundant rainfall creates a magnificent grass growing area.
Ocala is situated forty miles east of the Gulf of Mexico, sixty miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, ninety-five miles south of the Georgia-Florida
state line, and two hundred sixty-five miles north-northwest of Miami.
Disney World and Orlando are sixty-eight miles to the southeast; about an hour and a half drive.
VENICE
Venice is the jewel of "The Suncoast". Located in southern Sarasota County, Venice is one of the few cities that lies
directly on the Gulf. No barrier island. Just north of Venice is the barrier island of Casey Key and to the south is
Manasota Key.
Venice has numerous fine dining sites, great libraries, superior schools, Venice jetties protecting the Venice Inlet, excellent pier, and dedicated citizens.
Florida State Parks
Silver Springs State Park is located just east of Ocala on State Highway 40. It was once a private attraction that was acquired by the state in 1980. The headspring ejects 23 million gallons of fresh water each hour and flows outward as the Silver River which runs into the Oklawaha River about four and a half miles to the east. The water is crystal clear and home to abundant wildlife.
Myakka River State Park is the largest state park in the
Florida Park System and is located about twenty
miles east of Sarasota on State Route 72. Some of
the favorite activities at the park are fishing,
boating, and hiking.
Airboat rides are available as are tram rides in the
cooler months.
On the Photo Albums page there is a gallery of
Myakka River State Park photos which were taken in
July of 2008.
There are 47 State Parks in the Florida State Park system. The smallest is 65.5 acres. The largest is 57 square miles. One is entirely under water. Crystal River State Park is the home for many manatees during the colder months.
MERLIN
Merlin was my über pet. He was a Belgian Tervuren and
lived to the age of thirteen.
He was a very loving and playful dog and his sheparding instincts were super strong.
I grew up with him and he was a full family member. He was my grandmother's favorite. I will miss him greatly.
BARON
Baron was a true Dachshund; curious, smart, playful, and loving. We picked him up at the Orlando airport when
he was flown in from San Francisco as a puppy. He was whelped in northern California.
Baron did a lot of travelling; automobile and aircraft. Nothing fazed him and he made himself at home wherever
he found himself.
Baron had a great life and lived to the ripe old age of 16. He was loved by all.
SKIPPER
Skipper was a miniature, longhair dachshund. He was actually the last canine to join our household.
Skipper lived a long life with many travels. One trip was from Venice, Florida to Salem, Oregon.
CASEY-KI
Casey-ki was also a miniature, longhair dachshund. A very long-lived canine, he was around for nineteen years and four days.
Casey was the last of our canines He will be sorely missed.