I wrote this April 26 but had problems with the computer so it was never published.  Better late than never, right?  Enjoy reading:

What an awesome day on Siesta Key!  After church we walked to the fiesta in the Village and then to the beach.  Along the way we encountered the folks from Ships of Glass, Inc. out of Tampa.  This guy takes glass bottles, cuts off the top and bottom and then used the rest of the bottle cutting out curved sections to make the sails of his sailboats.  I bought a replica of the Bugeye “Edna E Lockwood”; a 9-log sailing bugeye, 53′ long, built in 1889 that was designated a national historic landmark.  It is now ported in St. Michaels, MD.  Its a beautiful piece of art so I bought it.  Although I’m currently “ported” in Florida, I, too, am from Maryland.   Check out their website: www.sipsofglassinc.com.

Further down the Village, we met up with photographer Lou DiVata who keeps is home here on Siesta Key.  According to his business card, he is a fine art nature photographer using natural light and patience.  His work is incredible.  I’ve met him at another art festival around Sarasota (either in Sarasota or Lido Key).  Anyway, my Travis, who loves owls, found a photograph of a horned owl that he couldn’t live without.  It will grace the walls of his bedroom.  You know I’m proud of him at age 12 making purchases like this.  Usually he’ll spend his money on trading cards or gum.  My little guy is growing up, sigh!  You can find Lou’s art on his website: www.loudivita.com.

Then we had to hit the beach, which was a total blast, as usual.  Gary swam, the boys dug holes in the sand, and I collected shells.  Siesta Key beach is my favorite.