Shelling in Sanibel

Before Brian and I even thought of buying a camper, we made plans to spend a week on Sanibel Island.  So just days after we got back from the KODIAK MAIDEN VOYAGE, we headed back on the road.  No camper...no cat!

The theme for this trip was SHELLS.  I enjoy walking on the beach looking for shells.  And I didn't have to go any further than the beach outside our resort.  There were drifts of shells.

Lots of common shells, but there were plenty of surprises, like this live tulip shell. (my sandal is for reference).  Yes, the orange part is the mollusk.

Here what I collected on the beach.

If you don't find what you want on the beach, just stop in at one of the several shells shops.  So many shells...so little time.

You may wonder...what do I do with all the shells that I collect (beside store them away in boxes).  My Dad covered Styrofoam balls with shells.  Some of these are over 30 years old and are one of my favorite shell pieces.

In addition to the shell balls, I display shells in trays, make refrigerator magnets with miniature shells and silverleaf shells.

While I was shelling, Brian did some fishing.  I definitely collected more shells than Brian caught fish.  But we both enjoyed being near the water.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

To round out my shell experience, I spent an afternoon at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.  The museum exhibits cover everything you need to know about shells...history, biology, art.  During the Live Tank Talk, I learned how shells grew and what they ate...surprisingly some eat other shells!  It's a "Shell Eat Shell" world out there under the waves.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

I didn't spend all my time with shells.  Brian and I toured the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.  Turns out Thomas Edison may have been the first snowbird!  The tour and displays provided interesting information on both of these men and their friendship.

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Brian and I liked the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge so much, we went there twice.  The refuge has a 4-mile drive where you can pull over and view the wildlife (mostly birds).  We kayaked through the mangroves for a closer look at the wildlife.  We saw jumping fish, birds and some elusive mangrove crabs.  It was the first time I saw a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron and the Roseated Spoonbill.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:  If you are over the age of 62, get FREE admission to Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge with a lifetime Senior Pass to the Federal Parks and Recreational Land.  This will be the best $10 you will spend.  Check out the Federal Parks webpage for details on how to buy the pass and where you can use it.

Bike Paths and Geocaching

Sanibel Island has 22 miles of great bike paths.  Not bad for an island that is only 17.91 square miles of land.  There are lots of geocaches along the bike path.  Brian and I picked up 8 caches while on a bike ride.  These caches are referred to as "park and go" caches.  Not real interesting, just stop and sign the log.  I found two other caches on the island.  One was at a small historic cemetery.  Lots of the headstones had shells, trinkets and coins on them.  

I found another interesting cache on the causeway.  We stopped there for some fishing and kayaking.  I  noticed that we had parked close to a cache.  Not only did I score a cache, but I found a banded tulip shell and a crucifix bone lying nearby.  The crucifix bone is from a gaff top sail catfish.  

Of course, the natural beauty continues to fascinate me.   The highlight from this trip was the Banyan Tree that Thomas Edison planted and the beautiful blooming Royal Poinciana trees.

Another great Florida adventure!

Kodiak's Maiden Voyage

I am not sure who came up with the idea first...but a few months ago, Brian and I started talking about getting a camper and spending more time travelling.  We rented a small motorhome to see if we like the lifestyle.  Checkout my previous blog post on our fun trip in the rental.

After much research and discussions, we agree that the best configuration for us would be a small travel trailer hauled by a cargo van (for all our toys...kayaks, motorcycles, bicycles, golf clubs and fishing gear).

Let me say that buying the trailer was easy.  Getting the van took a little more work.  But after a couple months, we finally had everything we needed for our MAIDEN VOYAGE.

I choose the Manatee Hammock campground in Titusville, FL for our first trip.  It is close to home (90 minutes away) and near some fun places...Kennedy Space Center and the Canaveral National Seashore.

Our campsite was a short walk to the Indian River with the Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) across the water and a nice fishing pier.  Brian handled the trailer setup like a pro and in short time we were relaxing and watching the birds.  During our visit we saw some snowy egrets, ibis, red shouldered hawks and buzzards in the field behind us.

The next day we went to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC).  Brian and I are both such "space nerds" that we have season tickets to the KSC.  My favorite space programs are the International Space Station and the Mission to Mars.  We frequently drive over to the coast to watch rocket launches.

The second day we went to the Canaveral National Seashore and kayaked through the mangroves in Mosquito Lagoon.  It was low tide and there were several exposed oyster bars.  Brian spotted a large True Tulip shell, but it still had a snail in it, so he left it.

The trees, roots and oyster bars were fascinating...tangled and covered with barnacles.

Just when I thought the sightseeing was over, a dolphin showed up.  It put on quite a show.

When we got back to land, Brian took an opportunity to do some fishing and I walked the Turtle Mound Trail.

Turtle Mound is the largest shell midden on the mainland United States at a height of 50 feet.  It was created by Timucuan Indians and is made up of oyster shells and Indian refuse.  From the top you can see from the lagoon to the ocean.

On the way back, we stopped in New Smyrna Beach for a 5-star grouper fish sandwich at Ocean's Seafood.

This trip was not just a MAIDEN VOYAGE for our camper and van.  It was a MAIDEN VOYAGE for our cat Lizzie.  To my surprise, she took to the RV lifestyle easily.  I think the idea of getting a camper was so that we could take Lizzie with us on our travels.  It isn't that I miss her while we are gone...it is how angry she is when we get back (and how guilty I feel).  It takes her a half a day before she stops yelling at us.  Our next challenge is to get her to wear a collar and leash so she can join us sitting outside.

Hello Adventure

A few months ago, Brian and I started talking about adding a camper to our outdoor adventures (off-road motorcycle riding, kayaking, hiking, geocaching).  We decided to rent a RV to see if the lifestyle would work for us.  We rented a Class C RV from Giant Recreation World in Winter Garden, Florida.   Barbara and Chris (from the rental department at Giant Recreation World) were very helpful..  Barbara got us all signed up and Chris gave us a thorough explanation of the RV's features.

Shortly we were on our way to Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins (100 miles north of home).   Setting up the camper was easy, even for newbies.  Water...✔, electricity...✔, sewer...✔.  Our excitement for our new adventure was still running high.

However, we found that the Wifi signal was weak (even with a booster), our cell signal was minimal and we didn't get good TV reception.  I admit, I did start to think that without the "Trifecta of Technology", this lifestyle may not work for us.

It didn't take long, though, to get into enjoying the experience.  The weather was perfect and the campground was quiet and peaceful.  I spent most of my time sitting outside.  In the morning the squirrels put on quite a show...every day a Pileated Woodpecker showed up...and I read two paperbacks (thanks to the camp store's lending library).  I was fascinated by the surrounding trees.  I learned I could live without internet and TV.

Brian and I rented kayaks and took a 4-mile paddle down the Ichetucknee River at the nearby State Park.  In the summer, tubing is very popular.  The young guy who shuttled us to the river said that there are as many as 5,000 tubers a day on the river.  The line to get in the park can be 4 miles long before the park opens.  We picked a great time because the traffic on the river was very light...no lines, no waiting.

Kayaking was very relaxing and the scenery was beautiful. There were lots of turtle on the river, interesting flowers (spider lilies), beautiful springs and miles of clear, calm water.

I found a spot where the fish were jumping.  See why I LOVE KAYAKING!

The next day, we bicycled back to the park to see two springs that were not accessible from the river (the Head Spring and Blue Hole).  It took me a while to slowing ease myself into the cold water (a constant 72 degree), but the underwater view at the spring was worth the discomfort.

Brian and I celebrated our last evening with a campfire.  Later that night we were serenaded by several owls.  What a treat.

On our way home we took a side trip the University of Florida Museum of Natural History to see the exhibit, Frogs! a Chorus of Colors.  It was a different experience driving the RV in a big city...traffic, obstacles, unsympathetic drivers.  At the museum, we had to pay for 4 parking places!  With a little more experience we may have gotten it down to 3 spots.

The exhibit was colorful and informative.  Frogs come in all sizes and colors.  The golden poison frog from Central and South America is probably the most poisonous animal on Earth.  One golden poison frog contains enough poison to kill 10 people.  Another poison frog (Epibpedobates tricolor) produces a powerful painkiller that seems to have all of the benefits of morphine, but none of the damaging side effects.  Interesting creatures.

THE VERDICT

I knew this trip was a success when after we were home, comfortably watching TV, Brian said he would rather be sitting outside the campsite.  Good thing we liked it, because we have already ordered a new van and bought a travel trailer.

I see many more adventures in our future!

For The Love of Vinyl

I love cutting vinyl on my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine.  I didn't know that vinyl could be so much fun!  I am inspired by projects I see on Pinterest, blogs and Facebook groups...so may ideas, so little time.  I started out putting single colored vinyl on things like my coffee cup, Brian's motorcycle and a tray for my poker money.

 Nothing is safe.  Even my kayak got decals.

Then I started layering colors...like my current drinking tumbler.  Monograms and mandalas are big in the Silhouette community.

I can cut decals using premade files or using the Silhouette software I can create my own designs.  I had a lot of fun creating this cutting board for my son-in-law (a Miami Dolphins fan).

Another fun project was temporary tattoos for a golf tournament.  I also created stencils and etched glasses for the tournament.

My motto is ... "I Can Make That".  One morning I saw some handy measurement conversion decals on a Facebook group.  Three hours later I had them on my kitchen cupboards...no breakfast, no shower, still in pajamas...but I got them done!

Same story with these Starbucks cups.  Eff from Whatcha Workin On blog shared the cut files for adding a personalized band on a Starbucks cup.  The authentic cups from Starbucks have the mermaid already on it (far left).  I also found some plain cups from Dollar Tree and created my own mermaid (far right).  I need more practice to get the name band centered on the Starbuck mermaid (middle left).  The Dollar Tree cup isn't any easier...weeding the small pieces in the mermaid is difficult (middle right).  After making a few cups, I found several eBay sellers offering personalized cups for under $10.  It reminds me of the MasterCard commercial...$250 for a the Silhouette machine, $40 on a bunch of vinyl, 5 hours and 3 failed attempts...making my own...priceless.

I have graduated to Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) and made a couple shirts.  I thought of the yoga shirt after seeing several "Straight Outta" designs.  Then I googled the yoga idea and found it for sale.  I guess there are no new ideas.

I even ironed HTV onto toilet paper.

My favorite project is personalized ring dishes.  They are great gifts.  I found lots of examples on Pinterest. and made a few before I focuses on my favorite...an initial with a name.

Of course, my favorite project is always my current project.  I am working on a wood sign to hang over a door in my kitchen.  This project involves fun fonts, wood, vinyl and my Silhouette machine....Oh My!  I will save the details for another blog post.

Headlight Restoration - Real Retired Housewife Style

My latest adventure into "Do It Yourself" was restoring the headlights in my 2010 Mazda CX7.  With over 90,000 miles on my SUV, the headlights were slightly cloudy.

The protective coating on the headlight lens only lasts a few years.  Then the elements start working on the plastic resulting in a foggy, hazy headlight.  Foggy headlights can reduce your headlights effectiveness at night.  Plus it looks bad.

There is a range of solutions for hazy headlights.  You can buy new headlights ($300 per headlight and who knows how much to install)...you can take your car to to a local shop and have the headlights restored ($50 or more)...you can use a headlight restoration kit ($20)...you can use tooth paste ($1).  I went with the kit -- Meguiar's G3000 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit ($19.90 with free Prime Shipping).

Before I started, I watched several YouTube videos.  The written instructions were good, but the videos were great.  After watching some of the videos, Brian wanted in the fun.  So we agreed to each do one headlight.  Not so much as a competition...but more to share the enjoyment.

The kit includes 2 sanding discs, 1 hand pad, a bottle of PlastX buffing polish, a bottle of headlight protectant and a microfiber cloth.  I also needed masking tape, a spray bottle with water, a drill, extra cleaning rags (cotton is best), paper towels and cleaning spray.

Here is how it works...

CLEAN AND PREP

I cleaned off the headlights with a cleaning spray and paper towels.  This took off any loose dirt.  Then I taped off the car paint around the headlights.  I used 2" painters tape because that is what I had around.  I didn't want to buff the paint!

WET BUFF

I attached the 1000 grit buffing disc to the hand pad and sprayed the headlight with water.  I buffed the headlight, side to side, keeping the headlight wet while buffing.  The water was dirty and sudsy from the baked in grime. I did this for a couple minutes, then wiped off with a rag.  I wanted the headlight to be evenly frosted.  I repeated this step again for another couple minutes, then wiped off the water.  After the second try, the headlight was evenly frosted.

I removed the 1000 grit buffing disc and put on the 3000 grit buffing disc.  I sprayed with water and started buffing.   This time around the frosted finish was clearing up.  Again, it took a couple rounds of buffing to get an even finish.

BUFF POLISH

POWER TOOLS...now you're talking.  I attached the buffing pad to my cordless drill.  The written instructions said it was better to use a corded drill...but, the YouTube videos all used a cordless drill.  I added a small amount of PlastX buffing polish and started the drill.  I buffed with the pad flat against the headlight, using side to side overlapping motions. 

I added more buffing polish when it looked like the cream was drying out.  After a minute or so, I used a cotton cloth to wipe off the headlight.  Then I added more buffing cream to the pad and repeated until the headlight had an even shine.  

PROTECT

The last step I did was polish with the headlight protectant cream using a microfiber cloth.  It is recommended to reapply the protectant cream every couple months to keep the clear finish.  One YouTube video mentioned spraying a clear gloss polyurethane spray on the headlight for a permanent finish.  I think I will wait to see how long the Meguiar's protection lasts before I take a can of spray paint near my car (even if it is clear).

The whole process was easy from beginning to end.  Each headlight took less than 20 minutes.  Brian and I both agreed that the process was easy and we were happy with the results.  

Now that I have tried it...there is no excuse for dingy, dirty headlights!