Friday, April 8, 2016

Friday, April 8, 2016

Tonight's picture was taken in April 2009, during Mattie's seventh birthday party. Mattie actually celebrated his last birthday with us in the hospital. Yet thanks to Linda, Mattie's child life specialist, he had a big party. Several of Mattie's friends attended and pictured next to Mattie is Brandon. Brandon was considered Mattie's big buddy. Brandon and Mattie met in the Fall of 2008, when they were both diagnosed with cancer. Despite their age difference they appreciated and understood each other. Brandon was great with Mattie, and Mattie looked forward to interacting when Brandon was around. Which was a God sent, because as Mattie's cancer journey continued, he preferred isolation over playing with people in many cases. 



Quote of the day: There is no grief like the grief that does not speak. ~ Henry Wordsworth

I have never visited a man-made wetland before, but today's visit in my opinion is a MUST SEE! Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center is a nature preserve located in Boynton Beach, Florida. The 100-acre property was purchased in 1999 from Ted and Trudy Winsberg, who used the property for farming. The Winsbergs sold the property for 1/3 of its appraised value with the condition that it would be made into a wetland. Construction began in July 2003. It was created jointly by the Palm Beach County Utilities Department and the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department in 2004. This park includes 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk, which takes visitors through various habitats, including cabbage palm hammock, cypress swamp, wetland hammock, and tropical hardwood hammock. 

This is what you see as you enter the Green Cay Preserve.

The waters were teeming with turtles. You could see them basking on trees and also swimming in the waters.

We had TWO alligator sightings today. Peter spotted this clever fellow! You can only see his head and eyes poking out of the water.

The 1.5 mile boardwalk
was truly special and the people who passed us along the way, were all very friendly and equally happy about the sightings we were all seeing. 

The beauty seen from the boardwalk. It was 89 degrees and somewhat hot in the sun. But it truly was delightful to be there. 

These are male and female moorhens. The funny part about these hens is you can HEAR them way before you SEE them. They don't quack. They sound more like a new year's eve party horn! 

Though this photo doesn't do this bird justice, it is a tri-colored heron. It has multiple and vibrant colors. 

The green heron just hanging out on the boardwalk. 

Anhinga also called the snake bird! When it swims, only the colored neck appears above the water, so the bird looks like a snake ready to strike. 

White Egret

These beautiful purple flowers are called Pickerelweed. They are vibrant, grow in the water, and almost looked like a field of irises. 

Along the boardwalk, we had the amazing opportunity to see an Eastern Screech Owl.

This was our second gator sighting today. This one literally drifted passed us on the boardwalk. He was a good 6 feet long. 

A close up!!!

It has been a glorious weather week, filled with adventures. We head back to grey, raining, and depressing weather tomorrow. I would say if someone is looking for a Florida vacation that involves beach and outdoor adventures, then staying at the Singer Island Marriott is the place to be. The level of service here is incredible. NOT ONE unprofessional person here. The hotel is a franchise and family run and operated. The general manager believes that service is vital to a good stay. It shows in everything they do. I can see why this hotel has been voted the number one Marriott resort east of the Mississippi River.