First, a fun cartoon from the Wall Street Journal for anyone who has ever been to a doctor's office:

So, yesterday we toured with the Edison Ford Museum to Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island. On the route, there was a lecture by arborist Rick Joyce at the newly created Preserve At Placida, a 35-acre project boasting of 4,000 new trees at the former Mercury Outboard Testing Center. Then we had a private tour of the Boca Grande Lighthouse on the south tip of the island, and there was an additional info talk by a ranger discussing the types of shells found on our SW Florida beaches. Great luncheon in the Gasparilla Inn and tour with history of the site. We then visited the Boca Grande Historical Society, with yesterday's presentation covering the replacement swivel bridge completed last year. Toured Banuan Street and walked some of the neighborhood. You will see photos of one of the homes below. The owners graciously allowed us into their yard. The house began as an artist studio of the husband of a DuPont heir. They owned the whole block on Gilcrist, which orders the beach on the west side. Today there are approximately eight structures including the original residence continuous to the studio site. During the walking tour we encountered the newest church on the island, built in 1952. Our Lady of Mercy just happened to have 4 PM Mass so we stepped in rather than walk the t-shirt shops. So below I have entered photos of the inn and the yard.

The yard:

Mass:

So, a great diversion. This week I will try to start Beige and Blue to acompany my Black abstract. And, I have three small 8 x 10 landscapes 50% complete.