January 1, 2015 -- Happy New Year from Ormond Beach

Happy New Year, family and friends! I wanted to wish you happy new year from sunny Florida. Unfortunately, we  had another drizzly chilly day. In a way, this is a blessing because we've had lots of quality time with Ann and Jim.

This is Max!

Today we visited over a late breakfast, relaxed with coffee, hot tea and biscotti, and then Jim drove us around the city and beach area, showing us another of the parks where he walks Max and some lovely old riverfront homes. We had a late lunch at Cracker Barrel, where they offered us each a complimentary dish of black-eyed peas! And those peas were delicious, especially with a little cornbread crumbled in them.

The Casements, Ormond Beach's Cultural Center

Smoky and I went with Jim and Max for their afternoon walk. I think Max was the only one who didn't mind the misty weather! Smoky found a lone great blue heron fishing in a small water area in the Rockefeller Gardens, a lovely riverfront park on the grounds of the Casements, the late John D. Rockefeller's winter home, which now serves as the Cultural Center for the City of Ormond Beach. Set on the shore of the Halifax River, and just two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful complex is known as "The Jewel of Ormond Beach." It was named for the large hand-cut casement windows that adorn the mansion. After our few days with Ann and Jim, we can understand why people are drawn to retire in Florida in cities like Ormond Beach.

Tonight is football night. The first bowl game of interest was Florida and Oregon, which was a bit of a disappointment for Florida fans. Now the important one is under way -- Alabama and Ohio. The winner of this game plays Oregon for the championship. I think I'll check out of this blog before the game ends!

Tomorrow we drive to Miami to meet Michelle, Dennis, and Steph.

-- Shann