2010 Jan. 25, Monday.
We woke up to a thunderstorm this morning - kind of unusual - and very warm. It was 75 at 7:00 a.m. which was the high for the day. By noon, the cold front had come through, it was mostly sunny, much less humid, and cooler. It feels much better to us than the 80’s and high humidity. Lunch at home, then for our afternoon break we went to the bookstore for coffee and treat (they have a great vanilla scone), and I did computer work. On the way home, we stopped for groceries. Supper here.

WEATHER: High 75, low 48. Rain amounts varied from .3 to .9 inches. It was welcomed because the area is about 1 inch lower than normal for the month. The temperature of the gulf water is up to 67 now.

FL NEWS: (1) [From north to south, the names of the towns goes like this; North Ft. Myers (north of the river), Ft. Myers, San Carlos Park (where we stay), Estero (where Ahearns are), Bonita Springs (where Haltermans are), Naples.] “Community’s future discussed today” A town hall meeting will be held today to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Estero remaining part of unincorporated Lee County, being annexed by the city of Bonita Springs, or incorporating as a city. The meeting is a forum for all interested residents and visitors to learn about all of the governing options.
(2) [Maybe this will be the last story about the record cold snap earlier this month!] “Cold snap takes its toll” Backyard gardeners who are disheartened by their brown, cold-damaged landscaping may have to wait a few weeks before they can add some bright splashes of color from popular annual flowers. Local nursery operators say many popular varieties are hard to find. Growers, who lost some plants to the cold, have quickly sold much of the rest to major customers, like gated communities and even theme parks. One year-round resident said she prefers perennials, but even her more cold-hearty plants, including some Florida natives, took some damage. She said, “I have lived here 13 years, and I have never seen anything like this.”