We frequently pass the big Derecktor Shipyards, located north of the marina and causeway on Indian Trail Drive. This is where the ships and mega yachts are drydocked and worked on. For the past 18 months, a huge power cat has been sitting on the hard having work done. The pictures do not do it justice. It has to be a good 85 foot long and stands from the bottom to the top of the pontoon, probably about 15 feet above the waterline. She probably takes a good 40 - 45-foot clearance to pass under a bridge. As I stepped out of the car to take a photo of it, Pete yelled “watch out for the snake.’ I just ignored him and took pictures. When I got back into the car, he questioned why I didn’t come when he yelled. Truthfully, I thought he was kidding! That is when he told me that I was about 6 inches from a baby, black snake, which was about 18 inches long and, thankfully, headed in the opposite direction!
There’s always such great photo opportunities walking Tilly around the park and back home. One evening, there was a rainbow in the clouds and the sky just looks so pretty, so different than what it is up north. Another time, I spotted a very unique duck by the creek coming out into the marina basin. I’ve never seen one like this. It was brown with white dots and stripes. I took a picture of it. I blew it up and I went searching. The following is an excerpt from an article by Tom Dennig:
His official and my highly zoomed, digitalized and distorted photos
This duck typically winters on the Pacific Northwest coast from Northern California to Alaska and on the Atlantic Northeast coast from North Carolina to Newfoundland. Classified as sea ducks, Harlequins are fairly small and average 16.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 26 inches and weigh in at 1.3 pounds. We see males most often in their basic or eclipse plumage when their coloration is much like the female with dark brown flanks and undersides and a gray head, neck, and back. Bright white markings are present as wing bars, a thin “necklace," and a uniquely shaped “cheek” patch in front of the eyes with a round white spot behind the eyes. Females are a lighter brown with light grey head and back and they only show white on the head.
The males breeding plumage is spectacular with added chestnut-red crown, bordered with an extended strip of the front “cheek” patch, a large chestnut-red flank marking, and additional white patches on the side of the neck, below the neck and just in front of the flank. The bill is blue-gray and eyes is reddish-brown.
They feed on aquatic invertebrates especially insect larvae, small fish and fish eggs. In wintering locations they eat aquatic invertebrates, mussels, and snails and upon close examination of their re-surfacing after a dive you may see them with a bill-full of mussels or invertebrates.
When “speaking” with each other, Harlequin Ducks make distinctly un-duck like squeaking sounds that have earned them the name “sea mouse” in some locales. Other colloquial names include Painted Duck, Rock Duck, Glacier Duck, White-eyed Diver, Squeaker, and Blue Streak. Female calls include a nasal “ekekekekek” and also smooth quacking sounds. Their fondness for turbulent waters often comes at a cost to their bodies.
Harlequin Ducks suffer more broken bones than any other species, and x-rays show that most adults live with multiple healed fractures much like the small local raptor, Cooper’s Hawk. The species’ common name harlequin and scientific name histrionicus refer to the almost theatrical coloration of the males breeding plumage.
A new color for Porsche captured on our way out to walk by the Inlet Jetty. Map showing the naval use of the jetty when it was designed by Mother Nature, and the Manatee Center we pass daily.
Views around Waterfront Park
The Pirate, Winches and Seafood Festival was on the 10th. There were some really great costumes, but I was so busy talking to the characters, I forgot to photograph most of them. Pete and I thought about heading over to try some of the food, but decided it's better to avoid all that fried food.
Saturdays, we still head over the Farmer’s Market for breakfast. We have decisions to make; breakfast empanadas, Reggae bowls (omelets and home fries), bakery items, cider donuts, yogurt bowls, gyros, BBQ, coffee, fresh squeezed OJ or fruit smoothies. Pete’s favorite OJ stand has not appeared this winter. He found out that they have lost many of their fruit trees due to fungus. They are just maintaining their farm stand for the present. 
I have always been a sky watcher, fascinated by the clouds, the angle of the sun with its varied light qualities, and the magnificent contrasts that appear in the skies, as well as the moon, the stars and the periodic rocket launch! On our way down to the cardiologist, we saw one of the strangest cloud formations. We were sure that it was a rip in time and something from the future or the past was going to come through the hole in the clouds. 
Elisha and Charlie only recently to I-Dock (forgiven, since they are finalizing their May wedding plans). Elisha suggested we ladies catch up over a lunch. Seven of us walked over to a restaurant that none of us have tried, but Barb and I had spoken to the owner when checking out their menu on one of our walks. Café Pasta blends Italian, French and Spanish in new and tasty ways. Elisha and Barb had different flat breads, while Melissa, Diane and Sue Ann enjoyed some of the pasta dishes. Teresa had a salad while I enjoyed a panini. Everything was beautifully presented and delicious. 
Children's art that will be lost once the new resort is built on the power plant property
Along South Indian River Drive and the Melody Pier
Succulents around an access-to-the-beach wall ~
His official and my highly zoomed, digitalized and distorted photos
of the Harlequin Duck. The markings are right on!
This duck typically winters on the Pacific Northwest coast from Northern California to Alaska and on the Atlantic Northeast coast from North Carolina to Newfoundland. Classified as sea ducks, Harlequins are fairly small and average 16.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 26 inches and weigh in at 1.3 pounds. We see males most often in their basic or eclipse plumage when their coloration is much like the female with dark brown flanks and undersides and a gray head, neck, and back. Bright white markings are present as wing bars, a thin “necklace," and a uniquely shaped “cheek” patch in front of the eyes with a round white spot behind the eyes. Females are a lighter brown with light grey head and back and they only show white on the head.
The males breeding plumage is spectacular with added chestnut-red crown, bordered with an extended strip of the front “cheek” patch, a large chestnut-red flank marking, and additional white patches on the side of the neck, below the neck and just in front of the flank. The bill is blue-gray and eyes is reddish-brown.
They feed on aquatic invertebrates especially insect larvae, small fish and fish eggs. In wintering locations they eat aquatic invertebrates, mussels, and snails and upon close examination of their re-surfacing after a dive you may see them with a bill-full of mussels or invertebrates.
When “speaking” with each other, Harlequin Ducks make distinctly un-duck like squeaking sounds that have earned them the name “sea mouse” in some locales. Other colloquial names include Painted Duck, Rock Duck, Glacier Duck, White-eyed Diver, Squeaker, and Blue Streak. Female calls include a nasal “ekekekekek” and also smooth quacking sounds. Their fondness for turbulent waters often comes at a cost to their bodies.
Harlequin Ducks suffer more broken bones than any other species, and x-rays show that most adults live with multiple healed fractures much like the small local raptor, Cooper’s Hawk. The species’ common name harlequin and scientific name histrionicus refer to the almost theatrical coloration of the males breeding plumage.
~ From our walks. . .
Views around Waterfront Park
Views from Second Street
Diane spread the word for Docktails, so we gathered on Saturday evening, with our drinks, jackets and blankets. Barb and Mike, SV ELAN, Melissa and Mike, MV BOLD RASCAL, Diane and Dave, MV ARGONAUT, Marie and Mike, SV BEDROCK, Sue Ann and Ray, MV DESTINY Though a clear evening, it was in the low 60’s with a north wind. In spite of the weather, we still had a great, but more abbreviated evening.
There was even a beautiful sunset, complete with pelicans~
The market is great training place for Tillie. She is so much better about following commands, walking past people, past other dogs, and sitting while we eat on the sea wall. However once someone stops to say “hi,” training goes out the window!
I took Tillie to a new groomer and once again the groomer said she was terrible to handle and added a 30% nuisance charge to our bill. After much discussion and Pete’s investigating, we went out and bought shears, scissors and everything we need to trim her. There are plenty of YouTube videos on how to groom our dog. With new equipment in hand, Pete gave Tillie a trim, unifying her legs and body to the desired ¾-inch coat. She was so good while she was trimmed and now, she looks great. It was a great success! The enclosure is great as we can cut off the wind so that her hair stays in the cockpit until her trim is complete!
I took Tillie to a new groomer and once again the groomer said she was terrible to handle and added a 30% nuisance charge to our bill. After much discussion and Pete’s investigating, we went out and bought shears, scissors and everything we need to trim her. There are plenty of YouTube videos on how to groom our dog. With new equipment in hand, Pete gave Tillie a trim, unifying her legs and body to the desired ¾-inch coat. She was so good while she was trimmed and now, she looks great. It was a great success! The enclosure is great as we can cut off the wind so that her hair stays in the cockpit until her trim is complete!
Variety in the skies
The weather continues to be different. We had plenty of wind, especially from the north. Though temp remained in the 60’s, it felt raw. I shouldn’t complain, knowing that the rest of the country has seen very bad weather. The flooding in Southern California continues. Homes have been swept off their foundations, crashing into other homes or sliding down the ravines. Waters have risen so fast, many needed rescuing from their inundated cars, and the river of moisture continues to flow off of the Pacific. It's said, “after the rains comes the rainbow.” I guess we are very lucky to be gifted with beautiful sunsets. I am trying to capture as many as I can before the 4-storied building is built on the old power plant grounds just west of our location in the marina.
Sunsets are always different and changing, but never get old!
We enjoy taking Tilly over to Winter Lakes Neighborhood Park in Port St Lucie, about 15 minutes from here. It not only has a huge children’s play area, baseball, soccer and football fields, tennis and pickle ball courts, as well as 3 great dog park enclosures. She loves going and always manages to find the dirt even though it’s well-grassed. She comes back filthy, but thank heaven, she doesn’t mind when Pete gives her a good brushing and bath.
There is much to be said about meals with friends and we have been fortunate to have many opportunities. Connie and Ed (MV SOUTHERN PILOT) and Marilyn and Jon (SV ESCAPADE) are friends from our Chesapeake Catalina Yacht Club. Not only do we enjoy periodic lunches at Taco Dive, but we have now introduced them to Lola’s Seafood Eatery. Pete and I have met other friends at their location in West Palm and more recently in Stuart. I didn’t realize when we set up our dinner date, there is also one closer to us now in Port St. Lucie. The lobster rolls and fish tacos were so good, no one complained about the drive down to Stuart.
Elisha and Charlie only recently to I-Dock (forgiven, since they are finalizing their May wedding plans). Elisha suggested we ladies catch up over a lunch. Seven of us walked over to a restaurant that none of us have tried, but Barb and I had spoken to the owner when checking out their menu on one of our walks. Café Pasta blends Italian, French and Spanish in new and tasty ways. Elisha and Barb had different flat breads, while Melissa, Diane and Sue Ann enjoyed some of the pasta dishes. Teresa had a salad while I enjoyed a panini. Everything was beautifully presented and delicious.
Melissa, Diane, Kathy, Elisha, Terry, SueAnn and Barb (who didn't make the photo) headed to
Cafe Pasta. The food, service and friendship was so memorable!
We headed down to Delray Beach to spend some tie with Ann and Howie. Pete has been craving Greek food, so we headed over to Taverna Kyma. It was definitely worth the ride.
The 3rd Saturday in February is the conclusion of the Cracker Boys Parade. Taking a week, they ride their horses from Bradenton to Fort Pierce to commemorate the original cattle drives cross state. All ages ride a variety of about 100 horses, ponies and mules. Tillie and I went to see them. She didn’t mind the people and dogs that passed us while waiting for the parade. She also was curious about the horses, but when the cowboys and cowgirls started “cracking” their whips, she became frightened. Unfortunately, I was not able to get any photos from this year’s parade. I do have to admit, many of the faces, horses and costumes are familiar from previous years. Oh well, there is always next year.
This interesting Florida winter weather continues. The numerous fronts with their winds have continued to make it a challenge. There has only been 3 really safe windows for cruisers to jump across to the Bahamas. Our friends, Jen, Mike and their 3 teens aboard SV SAOR, were among the "fleet" that crossed mid-February. I am happy they are enjoying the adventure. Can't wait to hear more from Jenn.
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| From the 2022 Parade |
This interesting Florida winter weather continues. The numerous fronts with their winds have continued to make it a challenge. There has only been 3 really safe windows for cruisers to jump across to the Bahamas. Our friends, Jen, Mike and their 3 teens aboard SV SAOR, were among the "fleet" that crossed mid-February. I am happy they are enjoying the adventure. Can't wait to hear more from Jenn.
We met Jon and Marilyn at the club for great dinner. Unfortunately, while biting into bread, Pete noticed something crunchy. It turns out to be a broken tooth. Thankfully, the inside wall was still in place, so his tongue was not curious and hence, not irritated. Based on recommendations from Mike and Melissa, Pete found a good dentist here in Ft Pierce and it now sports a crown.
Our Taco Tuesdays have become quite popular. Once again, our numbers swelled to 24 people on I-Dock. Our two transient boats added 9 to our steady 15, and that did not include the dish set aside for Randy, our dock hand. As usual, everyone enjoyed not only the delicious food, but the great company.
It is hard to believe that we are old enough that our youngest has turned 40. How did that happen? We might not want to admit that we have kids in their 40’s, but we are extremely proud of the adults they have become! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!
It is hard to believe that we are old enough that our youngest has turned 40. How did that happen? We might not want to admit that we have kids in their 40’s, but we are extremely proud of the adults they have become! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!
From another walk with Barb ~
A palm tree being overtaken by a fiscus tree
Along South Indian River Drive and the Melody Pier
Succulents around an access-to-the-beach wall ~
I had reviewed the acts scheduled to come to the Sunrise Theater here in Ft. Pierce back in August, before the tickets were available. iLumnate light and dance show, was scheduled for February 29th. I forgot about it until early December and most of the tickets were already gone. What I didn’t know is that Pete was able to get tickets. The show as high energy, celebrating mostly recent pop hits that had many in the audience dancing in their seats. The dancers wear suits with lights that are programmed to appear, disappear and change during the dance. Even with the bulk and weight, they are able to jump, break dance, pirouette, high kick and do splits. I imagine that the performers are hot and tired with suits that are rather ripe at the end of the night!
The Fort Steakhouse, the Sunrise Theater along Second Street. . .
And now another month draws to a close, but this time with some better weather! . . .and iLuminate
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
