From Sanibel to Reality...

We escaped Northeast Ohio for awhile and relaxed on the beach on Sanibel Island.  My husband's family has been going to Sanibel since the early 1970's and it is one of my favorite places on earth. 

North Captiva

 My older daughter and I love to hunt for seashells and Sanibel is the shelling capital of the world, so we have plenty to keep us occupied!  In years past, we have gone on group shelling trips to Cayo Costa State Park and have had moderate success.  This year, we enlisted the help of Captain Brian Holaway and took a private trip.  It was in a word: FANTASTIC!  I told him that we were interested in Calico Clams, Sun ray Venus Clams, and Lettered Olives and that is what we found.  We went to some great spots and came home with more shells than I know what to do with!  The bonus was seeing two loggerhead turtles swimming.  Brian was able to catch one on film and he has some great photos on his blog.  I highly recommend contacting him if you are going to be in Sanibel/Captiva area and want to get some awesome shells!

This is just some of our stash!

A few more pics:

Cayo Costa State Park with Captain Brian's boat in the distance.

Happy Swimmers!

Last dinner before our departure - the flamingo (garlic) bread is amazing , as is the mesquite grouper!

Now it is back to laundry, housework, painting floors, back to school shopping, playdates, etc. and maybe some hooking.  I am looking forward to going to Sauder and seeing all of the M. Briner rugs and yummy wool in a few weeks!!!