Thistle Cove Farm

Home & Homestead Living

  • Blog
  • Home
    • Thistle Cove Farm Privacy Policy
  • Homestead
  • My Story and Travel
    • Email
    • Facebook

Swamp Folks

by Sandra Bennett
TCF

20 Oct
 ~ watch yer own dang kids ~

Dave and I are struggling along at a condo in Satellite Beach, FL owned by Vicki of 2-Bags Full. It’s a tough life but someone has to do it and, dang nab it, we stepped right up to the plate. Vicki and her Gardner love to travel and a lot of their traveling is done in the beautiful sunshine state. Right now, she’s having a give-away on her blog so hurry along and sign up; while you’re there, stay a while and enjoy yourself. Vicki is an uplifting, energetic blogger and there’s always eye candy abounding. We’ve become friends and I’m anxiously waiting for the day when we meet face to face. As for her condo, never have I been in a more personally decorated, warm, cozy and friendly property. Dave and I walked through the front door and it felt like home. There are personal touches throughout…actual artwork and not the mass produced generic “art” most people throw on their rental property walls; hand stitched artwork, a fully stocked kitchen…every where the eye lands, there’s room to rest. There’s not a jarring note to be found; it’s simply beautiful! Well done, Vicki! We are finding rest here.

~ our fearless leaders ~

Well now, today, in the tradition of Swamp People, I went ‘gator hunting. I’ve seen nary an episode because the commercials scare the socks of me and I’m not talking about the wild life…wink, wink. Anyway, I went gator hunting while Dave waved good-bye…did he mention something about life insurance as I was leaving???…on a ‘gator hunt air boat ride. That’s okay though; he can watch this and it’s just like being there. I did see some alligators; a 7′ long mother and her babies. 

 ~ baby gator ~
 It’s pretty difficult to see and Dave thought it was a snake, but in the upper left of this photo possibly you can see a long, stripped body. That’s the baby gator. I missed the baby gator snatch but found it on you tube, watch it here. Now, these boys good ole boys apparently either aren’t much afraid of baby gators OR their mother OR they are juiced up on “something”. Care to guess which? -wicked grin-
~ great egret ~
Back to the beginning. Dave and I started our day at Son on the Beach where we had breakfast. I had fried green tomatoes, shrimp, poached eggs, hash browns and a glass of milk. Why no, I’m not going to plow today, why do you ask?
~ Gullah Benedict ~
Dave had pork tenderloin, sausage gravy, hash browns, two eggs and a biscuit and he didn’t work today either, though, I think he might have napped later on -grin-.
~ Country Fried Pork Loin ~
The rest of the day was spent unloading and re-loading the car. Why, you may ask? Well, because I finally found a thrift store that had something I wanted! A matching rocking chair and rocking ottoman that was “fun sized”. In other words, it fits my short, stout peasant type body just perfectly! However, I think I’ll be able to fit in the three or four bags we have to pack so we can leave Saturday morning. It’s either that or leave Dave here and send come back and get him later. We talked about that but I don’t think he was as serious as I so…I re-packed the car -grin-. You’ll have to wait until we get home to see a picture of the rocking chair and ottoman; it’s buried too deep to go back now.
~ me, blown away on the air boat ~
When people I don’t even know call me Grandma Sandy…and I’m not…it doesn’t leave a lot of room for pride -smile-. Thus, this self photograph of me on the air boat today. Have you ever seen one of those commercials with the high powered hand driers? That’s what it felt like on the boat. It felt like my face was being blown off the bones and I spent most of my time gritting my teeth and keeping my mouth shut. “Oh, why”, you ask? Well, let me tell you a joke. How do you tell a happy motorcycle rider?

Because of the bugs caught in his teeth! -har-de-har-har- The young woman next to me kept squealing like a pig girl because she couldn’t keep her mouth shut and kept getting bugs in her mouth. If it wasn’t bugs in her mouth it was bugs down her shirt…her skimpy tee shirt, duh!…and bugs smashing against her legs. Me? I looked just like a granny. I had on long pants and a long shirt and nothing, but nuttin’ bothered me. At one point the young woman anxiously patted my arm; when I looked at her, she nervously pointed at my leg. OHMYGOSH! There was a grasshopper on my leg! I just smiled and kept taking pictures but I’m not sure my calmness rubbed off on her. Too sad. 
Time for some ice tea and a wind down before bed. I’m trying to get a lot of sleep and walks on the beach; will try and remember to take my camera tomorrow to show you some of the beautiful shells.
Good-night all, sweet dreams.
Blessings ~ Vicki ~ Paradise Beach Club ~ Satellite Beach ~ gator hunting ~ air boat rides ~ rocking chairs and ottomans ~
Share
Pin
Email

37 Comments

« Facing Fear
Sabbath Keeping »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Comments

  1. Vicki says

    October 31, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    This post was hilarious. Funny thing, we were over in Satellite Beach yesterday at a friend's condo. We live about 45 minutes inland from there(near plenty of gators). We spent the night. The wind was kicking up lots of waves. The gusts didn't keep us from taking a long walk. Love that you did an airboat ride. Now that is true Florida fun! lol

    Reply
  2. Kerrie says

    October 30, 2011 at 11:23 am

    How nice of you to take time to visit! I have just been catching up with your posts and cannot believe you were right here in our neighborhood of Murrell's Inlet and I missed you-ha! Wonderful copter pictures! I am so happy you are having a wonderful trip-enjoy! Hugs, Kerrie

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    October 30, 2011 at 5:35 am

    Yikes! I've never had to watch out for aligators…

    Reply
  4. thehootingmind says

    October 29, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    what a great day! I like gator hunting and air boat rides…

    Reply
  5. Gumbo Lily says

    October 29, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    THAT was an adventure! So was the breakfast. We love to eat big breakfasts, especially on days when we'll be plowing (or working hard).

    Jody

    Reply
  6. Pomona says

    October 29, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    What an adventure – sounds like lots of fun!!

    Pomona x

    Reply
  7. Lloyd says

    October 29, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God Bless, Lloyd

    Reply
  8. Steve Finnell says

    October 28, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    you are invited to follow my blog

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    October 28, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    BOYCOTT AMERICAN WOMEN
    Why American men should boycott American women

    http://boycottamericanwomen.blogspot.com

    I am an American man, and I have decided to boycott American women. In a nutshell, American women are the most likely to cheat on you, to divorce you, to get fat, to steal half of your money in the divorce courts, don’t know how to cook or clean, don’t want to have children, etc. Therefore, what intelligent man would want to get involved with American women?

    American women are generally immature, selfish, extremely arrogant and self-centered, mentally unstable, irresponsible, and highly unchaste. The behavior of most American women is utterly disgusting, to say the least.

    This blog is my attempt to explain why I feel American women are inferior to foreign women (non-American women), and why American men should boycott American women, and date/marry only foreign (non-American) women.

    BOYCOTT AMERICAN WOMEN!

    BRAND NEW: Buy the Boycott American Women book. After reading this book, I promise you that you will never even think about dating an American woman ever again, or else I will give you your money back. That's right, if you are not convinced by my book, I will give you a full refund!

    Buy the Boycott American Women eBook now for just $4.99:
    http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/boycott-american-women/16690691

    Please join the Boycott American Women facebook group:
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boycott-American-Women/118711841530679?sk=wall&filter=1

    Sincerely,
    John Rambo

    Please also take the time to read a FREE short 100 page book called “Living Free in a Fem-Nazi World”. This book is about freeing you from the fem-nazi, fem-fascist state you live in to live your life as you choose. This book will show you how to no longer be subject to the fem-nazi ‘legislation’ that claims you are a slave with no rights at all.

    After reading this short 100 page book, you will understand how to become completely legally free of the feminist legal system worldwide. That is, no woman will ever be able to persecute you or harm you through false DV charges, false rape accusations, feminist divorce courts, etc. In short, you will indeed be a free man in a world of feminism, free and safe from being harmed by feminism.

    Download the ‘Living Free in a Fem-Nazi World’ eBook for free here:

    http://www.crimesagainstfathers.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=yZdxTPgDMtE%3D&tabid=82&mid=409&forcedownload=true

    Reply
  10. Ragamuffin Gal says

    October 28, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    So glad you are enjoying your time away Sandra! Sending you blessings and gratitude for the words you left for me on my blog. Lovingly, Katie

    Reply
  11. Whimsey Creations says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    It sounds like you're having a marvelous time! I tell you I could have just jumped through the screen after that Gullah Benedict! And although I love fried green tomatoes – no fried foods anymore whaaaaaaaaaaaaa But I sure would have eaten the shrimp and eggs!

    Reply
  12. Jen Chandler says

    October 27, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    Sounds like you guys are having a wonderful time!! Having lived in Savannah, GA, which is surrounded by swamps, I can just imagine what it was like weaving through those backwater alleys. I've always wanted to go for a ride on those air boats. What a blast!

    Glad you are having fun! Tell the ocean I said hello 🙂

    Jen xo

    Reply
  13. Nezzy says

    October 27, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    I hope ya got a great nights rest. 'Gator huntin' can be quite exhausting!!! Heeehehe!

    When we owned the semi company I'd go out with Hubs a couple times a year. (I don't sit well enough to have gone more) Down there in the swamp country we'd have to check under the semi before we got out after spendin' the night somewhere.

    For some reason they liked the heat and hummmmm of the motor and liked to 'hide' under the truck.

    'Kinda like my feet….Heehehehe!!!

    God bless ya sweetie and have a remarkable day! :o)

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    October 26, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    Thanks so much for your visit to Ashleigh's blog.
    Come join us in prayer at thelittlegraycottage.blogspot.com
    Blessings to you today XXOO

    Reply
  15. Nancy @ A Rural Journal says

    October 25, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    Gosh, it's been awhile since I've visited you (too long) and here you are, in Florida, chasing alligators. You go girl! Sounds like a fun, fun trip. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says

    October 25, 2011 at 11:59 am

    How fun. I love swamp tours!

    Reply
  17. ain't for city gals says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:10 am

    Absolutely can hardly wait for your trailer post….a trip to Arizona this winter??

    Reply
  18. Carol............. says

    October 25, 2011 at 2:06 am

    I really do like bugs…in spider webs not my mouth LOL. What a great time for you guys.

    I want to eat that food! LOL

    Reply
  19. ~from my front porch in the mountains~ says

    October 22, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Sandra, you were a hop, skip, and a jump away from J and I lived in Florida! We were about 40 mines south right down the coast!
    Gators lived in all the canals that surrounded our property. Hence the reason e kept no outdoor cats at the time 🙂
    Glad you are having a ball!!!!!
    I just wrote a post about working somewhere in south Fl. If had driven straight down A1A, you would seen it 🙂
    xo, misha

    Reply
  20. La Petite Gallery says

    October 22, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Florida sounds good about March.
    I remember those Gaters.. My friend lives in Sunrise and on a canal. Her dog was eaten by one. UGH! be carefull they run fast..
    yvonne

    Reply
  21. Karen says

    October 22, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    What a wonderful getaway!!… my grandmothers florida condo was like that too.. you'd walk in the door, feel the homey environment and smell the salt air..immediately feeling relaxed.

    Enjoy! and Oh man, that breakfast looks awesome!!…

    Reply
  22. Dawn @ Dawnings says

    October 21, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    You and your adventures, Sandra! I envy your wanderlust. Enjoy the beach and the warmth.

    Reply
  23. Barbara says

    October 21, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Sounds like home to me, I too am in the swamp, but Georgia not FL I love Fl and go often there, have fun and catch a gator for me, I love gator tail, have you tried that yet?

    Reply
  24. cathy@home says

    October 21, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    That is so cool seeing an Aligator in the wild. It looks as though you are having a great time there.

    Reply
  25. Ron aka TheOldGeezer says

    October 21, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Ha! Sandra the swamp person. Next thing ya know, I'll be seeing you on TV wrestling a gator! You are a lot braver than this big chicken.

    God Bless and have a Wonderful Weekend 🙂

    *The Old Geezer Blog

    Reply
  26. ain't for city gals says

    October 21, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    Every thing sounds fun! Funny you should mention eating and plowing…my grandpa always would say that..but he did plow everyday and had a breakfast like Dave had everyday. YUM!

    Reply
  27. KathyB. says

    October 21, 2011 at 9:05 am

    This sounds like a very good place to stay a spell and get some R & R. Looks like your R & R includes a lot of excitement.

    Reply
  28. Jane and Lance Hattatt says

    October 21, 2011 at 8:08 am

    Hello Sandra and Dave:
    How thrilled we are to think of you both having a well earned rest in such a beautiful spot and enjoying all the delights of being away from home. In this case alligator hunting [perhaps not quite our scene], eating delicious food cooked by someone else, walks [we are sure] on the beach, and acquiring interesting items of furniture to be transported home.

    A safe return and jó hétvégét!

    Reply
  29. Cloudia says

    October 21, 2011 at 5:01 am

    Wheeeeeee!

    Aloha from Waikiki;

    Comfort Spiral

    > < } } ( ° >

    ><}}(°>

    Reply
  30. Mr Stumbles says

    October 21, 2011 at 4:04 am

    Shucks! No 'gator stew,….. again.

    Reply
  31. Deanna says

    October 21, 2011 at 1:35 am

    noooo way
    noooooo way
    I will not go gator hunting.
    No can do.

    no swamp fever for me!!!

    You're very brave,
    d

    Reply
  32. Angela says

    October 21, 2011 at 1:16 am

    What fun! Glad you and your honey are out and about LIVING life. Making memories and just being. Enjoy!

    Reply
  33. goatldi says

    October 21, 2011 at 1:04 am

    ok sandra bugs in teeth I thought that when I saw the photo! you are one brave lady-no gators here please. it would produce auto culling of the goat herd for sure!

    what a blessed time you and Dave had and are having. I remember you both in my prayers daily.

    as for breakfast-OMG- did , could you, even eat the remainder of the day?

    Reply
  34. Walking on Sunshine... says

    October 21, 2011 at 12:54 am

    This was a great post! Sounds like you're having a wonderful time! Too funny about the girl getting the bugs in her mouth. I hate to think that would be me, screaming at the bugs! Can't wait to see your rocking chair. Hope the rest of your trip is good!

    Reply
  35. Marydon says

    October 21, 2011 at 12:28 am

    How fabulous for you both, my friend. Sandra, enjoy the warm weather, it is chilly, windy & wet here.

    Look forward to your entire trip, but I'll pass on those swamp fellas. Chuckle!

    Have a wonderful weekend.
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

    Reply
  36. LuLu Kellogg says

    October 21, 2011 at 12:11 am

    I am so glad you are having a wonderful time!!!

    Love,
    LuLu~*xoxo

    Reply
  37. Farm Girl says

    October 21, 2011 at 12:06 am

    It sounds like fun and since I am a fan of Swamp people I knew what you were talking about.
    Have a blast!!!

    Reply

Comment Policy

Thank you for visiting Thistle Cove Farm; may God bless you, yours and the work of your hands and heart. My goal is to respond, here, to your comments although it may take a while. Anonymous comments negative, rude or detrimental in nature will be removed.

Generational Homesteader

Both sides of my family are homesteaders and I bring 25+ years of personal experience to the table. Are you ready to stake your claim and make your homestead dream come true? Your first step is to sign up for e-mails; it’s where you’ll get the help you need, your questions answered and live your Home and Homestead best life!

Browse by Category

Website Development By…

Gretchen Louise

  • Blog
  • Home
  • Homestead
  • My Story and Travel

Copyright © 2023 · Sandra Bennett · Thistle Cove Farm · All Rights Reserved ·
Ask permission if you'd like to use my photos or my writing. ~Sandra