101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #17

Because I can walk around my block and see this every night.

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #16

I. LOVE. THUNDERSTORMS.

The Tampa Bay area is known as the lightning capital of North America, and this morning it showed everyone exactly why. I woke up to the minutes-long rumble of constant thunder, and when I looked outside I saw one of the most impressive lightning displays that I've ever seen. Three or more strikes were hitting simultaneously all over the sky. It was breathtaking. Moments later we were pelted with hail and torrential downpours that lasted well into the late afternoon. The river came up over the seawall and halfway across the road before receding, and I expect it to be even higher tomorrow. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of the lightning, but this is a picture of the clouds forming over us yesterday afternoon. Just beautiful.

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #15

I am WAAAAAAAYYY behind on my posting!

Today I found myself walking the shores of Anclote Key, an island just off the mouth of the Anclote River. We searched for seashells, waded through gorgeous turquoise waters, and watched dolphins frolicking about between the  boats. We didn't have time to climb the lighthouse this trip, but  one day soon I plan to check it out!

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #14

Today is a gorgeously rainy day here in Florida. I made my usual drive along the river this morning and saw a pair of pelicans napping on some pilings near the marina. I'd love to get a picture of them in flight, but I really liked seeing them having a little rest, too.

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101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #13

When I met Terri, she was living about a mile from me with her 7-year-old son and 18-year-old niece. Her son, Brandon, was a well-mannered and adorable little boy, and I loved him instantly. Over the years I have watched as he has gone through all manner of ups and downs while growing into a remarkable man. He is now 23 years old, happily married, and serving in the U.S. Navy. Today, after several months of serving in Afghanistan, Brandon's feet touched U.S. soil, and all of us who love him breathed a collective and ecstatic sigh of relief.

And, yes, that is a camouflage Santa hat. ☺

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #12

Because this is where Santa vacations.

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #11

Because seriously, where else are you going to see this?