We made an unexpected trip to Florida this week—just three days. We got word that Tracy’s stepmother who we visited last January in Florida has been diagnosed with rapid-onset dementia. She was a vibrant, energetic woman who just a few months ago was still teaching piano and voice lessons, directing musicals, and singing in choirs. We had no idea what to expect, but she did recognize Tracy right away. I’m not sure she knew who I was the first visit, but she might have remembered me by the time we left. That’s about all she remembers, though. She has no idea where she is, what’s happening, and no coherent recall of past events. It’s a pretty frightening disease. I’m glad we got there while she still knew Tracy.
The weather in Florida was truly a pleasure–generally 60° higher than the corresponding temperature in Rochester at any given time! We mananged to get some nice walks in on the beach, and Tracy’s mom drove over from the west coast to visit for two days. The first pair of photos was taken on the beach. These are pilot gulls, and they always stand together in a group facing the wind.
Tracy’s mom has always wanted to go to the Morikami Japanese Gardens, so one afternoon we drove down there. I have no idea what kind of flowers these are, but I just love them.
I’ll have more photos to share from the gardens in a day or two. I’m linking these to Helena’s Zoom In, Zoom Out meme. The minute I got on the beach and in the gardens I started looking for good subjects for this meme. Such fun!
I am sad to read of the reason for,your visit, Karen, and hope there is plenty of,support for you all as a family. The shape of the flowers reminds me of some of the tiger lily varieties – lovely far away AND close up. I bet that warmth was a welcome respite from the winter conditions.
Such a shock..I had no idea it could come on so quickly. I’m sorry to hear, as Alexa says, of the sad reason for your trip. I liked that glimpse of blue sky in your photos. Very welcome here
echoing Alexa and Sian, so sorry to hear of the reason for your unexpected visit and I too had no idea it could develop so fast. Great photos of beach and flowers
Echoing Alexa as well…..so sorry to hear this.
You managed some wonderful photos as always….personally I am not a great lover of gulls….but love those flowers.
I’m so sorry to hear about the reason for the visit. I’m glad you were able to appreciate some of the beauty of the place while you were there. Great ZIZO images; my favourite is definitely the last one – gorgeous!
Sorry to hear about Tracy’s stepmother. What a shock for everyone! Lovely photos as always. Love the seagulls on the beach and the last 2 closeups!
I”m so sorry to hear about the reason for your trip. Hugs to you and Tracy. . . glad you were able to make time to get there ASAP.
What an interesting fact about the pilot gulls. I love seeing there facing into the wind – you capture the gusts so clearly in your photograph. And the photos are just lovely!
Rinda
Fantastic zoom in/zoom out photos!
I’m so sorry to hear about Tracy’s stepmom! Sending prayers that she’ll receive excellent care and that family members will each be recognized and have a special time with her.
Fantastic ZIZO’s. I love the gulls standing to face the wind and that flower is really beautiful. I am sorry to hear about your m-i-l. I worked with dementia for 10 years and know all too well what a devastating disease it is. I will remember you all in my prayers as you travel her journey.
Beautiful photos to document a very bittersweet trip. I’m so sorry to hear about Tracy’s stepmother, Karen. What a sad disease to have to witness! xo
Gorgeous flowers – glad there were some bright spots in a bittersweet visit. So glad that you and Tracy were able to visit while she still recognised you.
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