76th Annual Sanibel Shell Show

I've lived in Fort Myers since 2001 and this was my first time going to the Shell Show. I didn't know what to expect but I found it to be really interesting! It's held in the Community House with a few booths set up outside in the parking lot. It was only $5 to get in & they also gave you a free ticket to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum to use during the 3 days of the show. The money goes to support The Community House-Sanibel Community Association.

Outside they have a live shell exhibit that that was really cool to see. I believe the kids were in 6th grade that were giving you information about the shells/animals in them.

I couldn't even begin to tell you about the displays with shells from all around the world! It's just unbelievable to see the shapes, sizes and colors that were on display.

Would you look at this? I totally want to find a Freak Shell!  

                                 

 Here's some of the Sailors Valentines that were on display

The patience and talent needed to create these is just crazy to me! I think I've accomplished something when I fill a jar with my shells! LOL

This is something I could do!

She didn't just stand here, she was spinning!

Adorable!

 The flower arrangements were gorgeous!

Outside there's a tent where you can buy our local shells and crafting shells.

These are all made by the Shell Club members
 

This was my favorite of all- so simple but so beautiful :)

Hope this gives you some idea of what a great event the Shell Show is & maybe you can get to the next one!
Happy Weekend!
Stephanie

12 days until Christmas 2012!

Greetings from cloudy but 77 Fort Myers Florida! Since going back to work last September after being home for 11 years with the kids I never take the time to write on my blog. But.... Since I'm home for a few days because I had an allergic reaction to a medicine & I'm as red as a tourist, here I am. Fun to be back.

It's such a busy time of year with work, shopping & preparing for Christmas. I haven't even gotten my shopping completed! Yikes!
Amazing how it feels like I was just dressed up in my 80's costume for Halloween.

My in laws were just here for a visit from Texas. Always lots of fun! Funny thing though- they're not beach people! I know, it's hard to imagine such a thing!!

My husband has an interest in bonsai trees- come to find out in north Ft Myers there is an unbelievable bonsai store/garden. Here's a few pictures. Truly amazing!

I just found this funny- swimsuits & coats side by side. Hahaha. I'll stick with swimsuits.

Talk to you soon & happy shelling!
Stephanie

Little Hickory Island

Alot of you on my fb page have questions about Little Hickory Island beach. It is a wonderful place to spend the day & I hope you get a chance to go!  Here's the link to Lee Parks & Rec.
http://www.leeparks.org/facility-info/facility-details.cfm?Project_Num=0021

There are 2 parking lots- 1 is free and the other is $1 an hour. Restrooms & showers are available as well.

When I get on the beach, I take a right and head all the way to the end. No particular reason really, I just like it! Since Isaac had just come by the waves were bigger than normal & combined with high tide it was really cool. Look how close to these condos the water is.

Although I do normally have really good shelling days- the 2 days I was there last week were crazy good!

The water was so churned up but it's normally clear & blue/green

My best find! A JUNONIA!!

 

                                 Here's a look at my 2 days worth of shelling.

I love worm shells!

5 cones, but my mom found 12!

I hope you are able to check out this little piece of paradise!
Happy Shelling!
Stephanie

After Tropical Storm Isaac-Barefoot Beach Preserve

As I write this I have seen the destruction that was caused by what became Hurricane Isaac. Here in SW Florida we were ready for what we were being told was coming. Luckily for us, it moved west. We bought all the water, gas, food, and  had the generator ready to go. I moved all the plants in & took care of stuff on the lanai. It was a good reminder of what you need to do to be prepared for hurricanes.

 

After everything settled down and the weather cleared up I went to Barefoot Beach.

The waves were unbelievable! It's normally so calm here in SW Florida so it was really cool to have such a different experience at the beach.

If you've ever taken the trail, which is a mile and a half to the end, you know how cool it it is. I wasn't exactly ready for it to be flooded though. Luckily hubby was with me so he could carry me through it! haha but it had lots of 'wildlife' swimming & the what-not and it was a little gross for me.

Once you get to the end you are rewarded with gorgeous views!

Turtle nests

Although I didn't find many shells here that day, it was still so fun. I'm looking forward to my next time!