By VERNA BROCK
As we wrap up another summer, Ed and I have enjoyed spending time with our grandkids. In particular, I had a lovely visit to Wakulla Springs with Harrison and Harper last week. We managed to snag a trip on the river cruise, and the weather was perfect.
Among the many critters we saw was a bevy of manatees, with approximately 10 different individuals placidly swimming and enjoying themselves. There was one very small (relatively speaking) manatee that appeared to be a newborn, and a curious adolescent that approached the boat quite closely. The “new” never wears off when it comes to these magnificent creatures!
We saw countless varieties of birds, including a number of baby chicks of the moorhens. Little more than black balls of fluff with bright red beaks, these tiny birds scurried across vegetation in the water. Following their mothers, they seemed to walk on the surface of the water the way you or I cross the road.
We spied ospreys, different varieties of herons, anhingas, ibis, and more as we traveled the river. The air was filled with the calls of birdsong in the early morning air as the mist quickly burned off. We spotted alligators of all sizes, some as big as logs, others just mere inches long, as well turtles sunning themselves on convenient logs. It was easy to imagine what this paradise was like hundreds of years ago, undisturbed as it is today.
As we returned to the docks we watched intrepid souls fling themselves into the dark depths of the spring, only to climb out and do it all over again. Afterwards, we indulged in ice cream and swimming until a threatening thunderstorm sent us packing for home. All in all, it was a great way to spend a morning.
I returned to the Lodge this past Saturday for a painting class with Sue Scott. She periodically teaches classes in the technique of Bob Ross, and this was my second one. The location is perfect for spending a day being creative, and I loved the camaraderie. I highly recommend it if you have any creative juices needing an outlet. And, I got an original Verna Brock artwork to take home!
This coming Sunday the Wakulla United Methodist Church will celebrate Communion at 10 a.m., followed by a covered dish dinner in the social hall. Everyone is invited to join us for a good time of fellowship and food. The following Sunday the Woodville UMC will host its Second Sunday Sing at 6 p.m., followed by a fellowship supper, and all are welcome to join in.
Please continue to lift Cindy Blackstock and her sister Deborah Giles in your prayers, as well as Angel Smith’s father, Wayne. Terry Allen, Emily McKuen, Becky Perkins, Thelma Watts and Mike Harrison continue to need our prayers also.
Happy birthday wishes go out to Faye Sweeney, Lorrie Gallamore, and Joyce Hinsonnn!
