I Gotta Go Where It's Warm 🌴

If you read my last blog post, you now know I am full of fish tacos and rum so it was time to hit up another beach to spend the afternoon soaking up the sun.  Jensen beach delivered just what I needed as I laid out my beach towel, loaded up on sunscreen, and took in the salty ocean air.  The breeze felt amazing so even though it was 90+ degrees, it didn't feel that warm and besides, you have an endless supply of salt water to cool off in.  The boats in the distance I imagined were Pirate Ships, and even though they weren't, they offered a great view. So, I'd say the Atlantic is being good to me! And yes, I changed outfits...I mean, swimsuits.

Today was the first day I experienced Jensen Beach.  The sand is soft and it offers plenty of room for those wanting to spend the day there.  The water was cooler than Bathtub Reef but refreshing, clear, and a great place to paddle board, swim, or just float.  The waves here are bit more intense but once you get past the undercurrent, it's smooth sailing.  However, they do recommend you have some sort of flotation device if you are going to venture out too far...I'd say that's not a bad idea for safety reasons.  It's a great place to visit, so pack up a cooler and an umbrella, turn on some Jimmy Buffett, and bring a mermaid attitude.

Jensen Beach is also known as Jensen Sea Turtle Beach because of three different species of sea turtles that will nest here. Designated areas are marked off to protect the species nests, so remember that as you visit.  Jensen Beach is also part of the Treasure Coast because of the many shipwrecks in the 17th century caused by shallow waters and coral reefs. It is said that treasures are still being found even today.  Anyone up for a gold hunt?

Seas the Day
Shona

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One Hell of a Loft Living Year

One year ago on August 11th I was loading up the U-Haul on the hottest day of the year, because that's how I roll, and heading to my new home in the River Market.  Do not confuse this with downtown KC...it's different, much different.  I remember telling my friends and family I was going to move there and most of their reactions were about the same.  "It's so far away", "Why?", "Is it safe?" My response;  It's not that far, I grew in a town without a grocery store or stop light, I am used to driving everywhere, besides, maybe it would get more people to venture out of their comfort zone and experience something new.  The why, well because living in a loft is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do, it's less expensive than where I was living, and I had the chance to do it, so that's why.  Is it safe? Yes Mom and Dad...I will be fine, bad shit happens anywhere.  Do not get caught up with the "downtown" area being unsafe.  Of course there are unsafe areas to avoid, just like anywhere. And yes Dad, I have my firearm.  What can I say, I grew up on farm target practicing. No big deal.

Here's what I have learned from moving here.  People are super friendly and even though I had a great family adopt my Melly because of my schedule, there are pets and specifically dogs everywhere, so I get my fix.  You can walk or take the streetcar and be most places in about 10 minutes.  It's like a little family down here, you see the same people and they remember you, they say hello and they stop and will have a conversation with you.  I am right across from a little diner that so reminds me of the one my Gma used to own and it has a great breakfast. Coffee shops, farmers markets, fresh flowers, happy hours, views of the city, and being centrally located are more reasons I love it here.  Did I mention there isn't a Target nearby? Yes, that's a good thing...but I have managed to still frequent there probably more than needed.

I couldn't be happier with this decision I made a little over a year ago, signing the lease before even seeing the loft I would be living in, but rather knowing it was time to take a chance and because I knew the view I was going to have, I couldn't let it slip away.  I did have to buy a couple of new pieces of furniture that would "fit" so when I found an orange leather sofa and vintage camera light, I knew those pieces were perfect for the space! I love the concrete and brick walls, open ceilings, and huge west-facing windows where I can see the River Market and the KC Skyline. I have learned to live a more simpler life in a much smaller space with less "things" that I realized aren't really important anyway.  Ok, so the closet is a bit of an issue but I have made it work...I haven't quite given up on fashion or shoes.  But I have learned to live a life that makes me happy and to appreciate what life has offered me in the last year.

Cheers To One Year! 

Shona

A Day At Sea

The Atlantic Ocean, International Waters, and views that I have never seen before.  While in Florida, we surprised my sister with a day trip to cruise around the Atlantic, do a bit of gambling, eat a lot of food, and enjoy top deck views as far as the eye could see.  I had never been on a cruise ship before or that far away from land surrounded by the ocean blue, but I am ready to go back!  The ship wasn't a massive one, definitely tall enough to keep me from getting to close to the edge, but rather the perfect size for a day at sea.  I really wanted to take the role of Captain, but I figured that wouldn't be allowed.  I did get a pic of him scoping out the waters with binoculars, I am guessing he was looking for icebergs.  I am so bummed I forgot to take my spyglass...

We boarded the ship and started the day by touring the four different levels it had to offer. We found the top-deck bar...of course, and then headed to eat lunch.  It was buffet-like but they served you and when I say served you, they did not skimp on food.  Pasta, fish, bacon...I am sure I had at least a pound of it, potatoes, rice, vegetables, salads, and desserts...which I had two of.  We found our way to the gambling sections of the boat and with using only the money that we received with our tickets plus a bit my Mom and Phil surprised us with, we set out to win.  And were we ever lucky...we all came off the boat ahead and took home some extra cash!

We spent the last hour or so on the top-deck, it was hot but we had some cocktails, and with the sea wind blowing across the stern, it was a perfect ending to the day.  As we watched the storm clouds roll in about the time we were getting ready to dock, we headed inside to avoid getting drenched.  A typical time for rain to hit the area, but it was a cool site seeing the storm coming towards you and many other fishing boats racing to get to harbor.

Thank you Mom and Phil for the amazing day!

A Day at Sea is the Life for Me. 

Shona

Sun, Sand, and Dive-Bombing Seagulls

I'll do just about anything to get to the beach...a two hour drive with two of my favorite people just to see and feel the salt filled ocean and sand between my toes.  We decided on Clearwater Beach since neither of us had been there and since it's supposed to be one of the best in Florida, we headed out early to spend the day soaking up the sun.  Besides, I had already checked out the places to eat and found the cutest little joint just two blocks off the beach.

After finding rock-star parking, we found our perfect spot for the day and set up. Three beach towels, one umbrella, lot of sunscreen, snacks and water...because they don't allow "drinks" on the public beaches. But don't worry, we took care of that beforehand.  The water was the perfect temperature, not too hot or cold and I found that most people spent their time there.  It was nice to lay out for a while but the salt water was too nice to pass up...and the views of passing sailboats was just the view I needed.

But then this happened.  As we were eating our cheese, crackers, grapes and pineapple...because I can't imagine eating anything else at the beach, the seagulls started to surround us.  Almost as if they were talking to each other, like..."these people have food, get here quick before it runs out."  At first, no big deal...and then it happened.  Out of no where, one dive-bombed down and took the cheese right of Shelli's hand..as in beak-to-hand and I have never seen her jump up so fast in my life.  Apparently there was one hovering over my head but I was laughing so hard at what had just happened I had no clue.  Literally one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life and apparently everyone else around us found it just as funny.  And so that was the end of lunch...it was either that or Shelli wasn't going to return to the beach towels...she hates birds.  

After gaining our composure and spending a few hours at the beach, we wandered around the local shops before hitting up Pearly's, which was perfect timing too...as it started to downpour right when we got there.  Seriously the cutest little beach bar, all outside seating, surfboard tables, bright orange and teal chairs and serving local beer.  We opted to share the Gnarly Nachos and a Blackened Fish Taco and I tried the Clearwater Honeycream Ale, which was perfect for a sunny/rainy/humid afternoon.  On the way out we stopped by Whiskey Joe's, it was Happy Hour...and enjoyed a few cocktails on their outside patio before heading to their Beach Bar where you could enjoy more ocean views with your feet in the sand.

A day on the water is always a good day.

Until next time Clearwater Beach...keep the seagulls at bay. 

Shona