Swamp Buggy Races

We recently took a walk on the red-neck side of the tracks, and went to the Swamp Buggy Races. Right here in Naples, too, just down the road about a mile or two from our house.

The "track" is a water-filled canal of varying depths, from about one foot to maybe five feet or so. The "buggies" are a marine version of dirt track race cars. They have huge, finned wheels for traction across the top of the water.


Another version of the buggies was the modified jeep category. They plowed through the water, and did not float on top of it. If they tracked across the occasional invisible (below the water) deep troughs, the drivers as well as the vehicles were almost (but not quite) submerged.

When pieces flew off the vehicles, as they did several times, the staff had to wade around and feel for them with their bare feet. (Let the record show that they used no "grid" or any other logical method; they just milled about until someone finally stubbed his toe.)
Of course no such gala day would be complete without the beauties. These are the 2nd and 3rd runnersup for the highly sought-after title of "Miss Swamp Buggy." I think the mascot is an alligator, but I'm not certain.

Did I mention red-neck?!

John's MRI

Yes, the results are in from John's lab tests. The verdict is a torn meniscus, much the same as the other knee had last year. He is scheduled for an arthroscopic procedure to be done on Valentine's Day. He plans to take advantage of the warm weather and easy-living lifestyle here in Florida for his recuperation.
Of course, as the doc told him, both knees will still have arthritis, but at least temporarily the acute symptoms will be abated.

Burrowing Owl

John and I took an interesting foray onto Marco Island (Florida) recently on a search for the little burrowing owls. Success! We found this male guarding his burrow, and judging from his fierce hissing when we approached, we are pretty sure his mate was down inside sitting on her eggs.

I confess, we had a leader who showed us where the burrows were ... I had tried (and failed) on earlier tries to find these little fellows. They are about 8" tall and dig their nest holes in sandy soil in grasssy fields ... which sometimes means right in someone's front yard.

Our guide took us to see three or four sites, each with a nesting pair.

December Pictures

Okay, so here are a few actual photos...

Here we have "Karin Montana" and her cohort "Sheela Montana." These were taken in the house we rented in New York state in December. One of our grandnieces had gotten this blonde wig for Christmas and we all took turns modeling it. The idea is that we are supposed to look like the teen idol "Hannah Montana" when we wear it. However, ....

Okay, to be fair, here I am, too.