There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home,

Isn't that how Dorothy got home with her ruby slippers? Well it's one statement that I can agree with. And there's nothing better than your own bed! And your own pets and your own man. Who I swear can't live without me. I bought tp 2 weeks ago and put it in the closet in the hallway. (not it's normal spot, but I got tired of seeing it out and about). Do you think he bothered to look for it? Do you think he bothered to get some while he was at the store 2 times? Is my septic tank gonna be stuffed with paper towels? grrrrr But I missed him and my dogs very, very much. And I missed all my friends here too. As you know I did try to get to some of the sites at least once and walked into a hornets nest at one. If you didn't read my rant on manners and freebies, it's under this one. The day I left, Yen passed on a friendship award to me and many of my friends. Well, while I was gone everyone I was gonna pass it forward to, passed it on to me. I love ya all and it's good to know that we're a happy family. So I'll list ya all, just cuz I know it's good to read your name sometimes. But better than that, it's good to know that you're considered a friend. In no particular order: Heather, Fantacy, Kristine, Cate, Andrea, Yen, Kim, Dawne, Traci - You all RAWK!!!!

Ok, on to some photos. I took over 300. I have a simple point and shoot and I never know how they're gonna turn out until I load em into my computer. All the Christmas talk about new camera's and replacement cameras have really made me wanting one with a decent zoom. But it's not to be, for now.

This is the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville Beach. There was really no one around to take my picture there so I decided that my shadow would be the next best thing. The thing with shadows is they add oh about 100 pounds to you. (yeah I wish) The next one is just waves

crashing on the beach. There's just something so majestic about seeing that. The water was cold! But beautiful. That was the first time I'd been to the Atlantic since I lived outside of Ft. Lauderdale for a year in 95.

On Saturday morning we drove to Homosassa Springs to the wildlife preserve there. I'd say it was the most fun of all the excursions. After a 20 minute pontoon boat ride, you get to this park that had all sorts of Florida animals.

The gators are heading into hibernation season and there were about 8 on the beach in area they had cordoned off. The didn't move at first and I truly thought they were fake. But then one stretched and I jumped and then started taking a ton of photos.

This is Lu. He's the main attraction there. He's 47 and was a movie actor in the early 60's. That's kinda why he's there. Obviously hippos are not native to Florida. Feeding Lu is a big production. And thrilled kids everywhere. That's only a face a mother could love.

They had the coolest bird sanctuary there. I love the flamingos. Nothing says Florida like a pink flamingo. But I also got photos of herons and cranes and all sorts of birds.

I'll save the manatees for tomorrow, that is if you want to see them. If so, mention it in comments. It's good to be back. I have to go get dressed for work now. grrrr I'll be poppin by blogs and sites all day.

Until next time, scrap happy!