This past Sunday I hopped in my kayak and paddled over to check out part of a movie set. In late 1984 Ron Howard directed Cocoon which was filmed at various locations around St. Petersburg.

The scenes with the seniors frolicking in the regenerative pool were set at Casa de Muchas Flores. Dr. Chester Babat and his wife Doris had purchased the mansion a few years earlier and begun to restore the historic property. They fell in love with the pool house that the film company erected so they had a replica permanently built.

The pool house is not publicly visible by land, only by sea. I opted to paddle from my house, a little over six miles roundtrip. There were certainly easier ways to get there but, as you know, that’s just not my style. I snapped a few photos from my floating perch and later in the afternoon I drove by to capture the front of the mansion.

By the way, the property is for sale. It’s a mere eight minute drive from my house so, if you have $11.5 million laying around why not become my neighbor?

Well, it’s Westley’s birthday month, he’s officially one year old. I think he knows because he just finished all his kitten food this morning, it’ll be adult cat food from here on out.

He still plays with his shark, his cat tree is his favorite hang out, he loves to zoom around the backyard, and during the summer he sleeps in the bathroom sink (I presume that’s a commentary on my thermostat setting).

He’s a very sweet boy who loves to cuddle (though as you can see in some of the photos, he gets annoyed when I take too many pictures). It may be his birthday but I’m the one who got the present!

My friend Alyssa and I headed down to Pass-a-Grille beach yesterday. She had just returned to town and this was her first beach day – what a fantastic day it was!

We wandered around the southern tip of the island, looking for shells. This beach has the best shelling in my area and it did not disappoint, we both gathered handfuls of treasures.

Not only did we have pleasant weather and stunning water but we shared our day with some fascinating locals: a Moon Jelly (Aurelia aurita) and three Manatees (Trichechus manatus).

Man, I love this little slice of paradise!

I found these decorated shells on my beach walk last night. I love shelling but these were certainly different than what I usually find.

They gave me such delight, thank you to whoever created them. I kept one, but left the other so that it could brighten someone else’s day. I love my beach, it never ceases to surprise me!

I never know what I’m going to see around here, certainly made me do a double take. I love the random surprises!

Since I wasn’t able to get to the beach yesterday, this shot from Monday will have to do. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this view!

According to his family, one of Jimmy Buffett’s last wishes was that we keep the party going. This past Saturday, The Landsharks threw a free concert in downtown St. Pete in his honor.

The band had a special connection to Jimmy, he discovered them years ago in Key West and hired them to play at one of his properties.

It was a wonderful night full of music, dancing, and laughter – just exactly what Jimmy wanted.

I worked the grand opening of a new Sprouts last week. They had special demonstrations as part of the celebration, one of which was fruit carving. I expected radish flowers but her artistry with the melons was quite impressive!

I was supposed to mow yesterday morning but when I heard there were flamingos at Shell Key I grabbed my paddle instead. The only good to come from Hurricane Idalia has been the multiple sightings of flamingos around the state.

At the end of August, Hurricane Idalia brought at least 20 flamingos to Florida (and points further inland). According to ornithologists, the birds were en route from the Yucatan Peninsula to Cuba when they were caught in the strong winds.

As wild animals, the birds have been moving around the state looking for food. There are at least 10 that have been spotted in various locations around Pinellas County. Wisely, a handful have recently gathered at Shell Key, a nearby wildlife preserve.

The various sandbars and mangrove islands that make up the preserve are a popular kayaking destination which I’ve paddled to before. It’s a lovely trip, even without flamingos. Lucky for me, four of them were hanging about. I had a fantastic time watching them, it was a great way to spend a morning (far better than mowing).

Here’s hoping that the flamingos find suitable habitat and decide to stay!