Ella’s Boating Birthday ~ Originally posted May 19, 2012
It’s been two days of non-stop tourism for me – the Ringling Museum yesterday and rental boating today. I’m relaxed, happy and sunburned. I may as well be from Ohio. It’s awesome. I’d say it was back to work tomorrow but covering the Sarasota Dirty Duo seems more like a continuation of the impromptu stay-cation than actual work.
Today’s outing was all about Ella. Monday is her birthday, so Ubermommy rented a pontoon boat and we celebrated Florida-style – on the water. 
It was also a day about critters. We didn’t spot any dolphin or manatee, but we found a sand dollar, spider crabs and snails living in conch shells. The sand dollar was a fluke, but crabs and snails littered the sand bar where we docked. You couldn’t walk three feet without seeing one or the other.
John found the sand dollar after jumping in the water to save the metal Madeline bucket pictured above. In writing, it sounds silly; but in person, that bucket carries 17 years of family memories. It was bought for Mary, the oldest of my sister’s children, and today was holding critters for Dylan, the youngest of my sister’s children. A lot has happened in between, and thanks to John going overboard, we have one more story to drop in…Remember the time Uncle John jumped off the boat to save the Madeline bucket and came up with a sand dollar? 
Good memories were made today. Thanks, Ella!
If you’re looking for a good boat rental, Captain Larry will take care of you.
