Greeting the Eternal City

For years I had been trying to get my family to go on a trip. After much planning and preparation I finally got my wish. We headed to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise. My family and I got to Rome a few days early to explore this incredible city.

Myself, mom, and dad on the flight.

Seeing the first bits of tall grass coming into Rome.

Myself and dad on the train.

Getting to see remnants of old Roman walls next to the graffiti of a modern city.

An old section of a Roman wall just outside the Termini Station.

The Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù.

The lovely view from our hotel window. You can see mountains very faintly in the distance.

My parents and sisters getting ready to explore Rome.

More sections of old Roman walls. Just so incredible to see tangible pieces of history all over the city.

Labor Day Weekend 2023

My sister Jenny and I got the chance to spend a weekend visiting Laura and Emily. Emily flew in from Las Vegas and Laura had just begun her journey through law school. We had all know each other since we were babies and it was absolutely wonderful spending the weekend laughing our hearts out. 

Myself, Jenny, Emily and Laura drinking wine and causing a scene at The White Oak Cottage.

Photo by Mike Turczyk.

Myself, Emily, Laura, Parker, and Jenny enjoying a fun afternoon in the pool. 

Parker patiently waiting for her turn on the llama floatie. 

All the chaos in the pool reminded me of a Renaissance painting. 

Myself, Jenny, Emily, and Laura.

Fall Coronation 2023 - The Elevation of Ja’far to The Order of Defense

On Saturday, September 2nd Ja’far (Sergio) got elevated to The Order of Defense. This is the highest honor you can receive as a fencer in the SCA. 

Ja’far (Sergio) seated before the populace and surrounded by other members of The Order of Defense.

The first person to speak on his behalf was Mistress Julianna, a peer from a foreign land.

Dan spoke on behalf of The Order of Chivalry.

Davius (reading a speech from Matthias) spoke for The Order of Defense.

Ennelynne (Whitney) spoke for The Roses.

Finnguala (Susan) spoke for The Order of The Pelican.

Sayf spoke for The Order of The Laurel.

Rurik spoke as a member of the populace.

Sibilla presented him with his ceremonial sword.

Master Robert presented him with his medallion and white collar.

Swearing his oath of fealty to King Vincent (Nathan) and Queen Catherine.

Finnguala (Susan) presenting him with his scroll.

Standing before the populace as a Master of Defense.

From left to right: Blaze (Keith T.), Luther (Franco), Ja’far (Sergio), Hélèna (myself), and Javier. 
Photo by unknown.

Ja’far with all of his cadets.

Ja’far proudly displaying his new weapons belt.

The Curious Goat

Back in April I had gone to an SCA event near Miami. Sergio, Tiger and I all spent the night at Dan and Whitney’s house. They have a small farm with several horses, donkeys, and goats. As a side gig, Whitney makes artisan soaps from the milk she gets from her Nigerian milking goats. We arrived early in the evening and I was able to take a picture of this curious little guy.

Birthday Festivities

A few days before my birthday my sister Liz stopped by and took me out to dinner.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Photo by unknown.

Enjoying our wine flights.

Beautiful caprese salad.

On my actual birthday Sunny and Tiger surprised me with a delicious homemade spice cake in the shape of a dragon guarding three eggs.

Amber and Ava enjoying the pool.

Giving Emilio piggy back rides.

Javier’s wife Daisy made me this incredible chocolate cake frosted to look like the night sky and was decorated with the signs of the zodiac.

The High Ground

I ended up getting rid of a cat bed I had for years. I noticed my cats never used it and I wanted more room for storage. Once the fluffy bed was removed and the storage bins were in place the cats (particularly the boys) couldn’t get enough of their new favorite spot.

Sunset at The Zoo

The Central Florida Zoo has extended hours on the last Friday of the month through out the summer. I only found out about it at the last minute and decided to go on a whim.

Some caterpillars clinging to a vine.

One of the zoo keepers explaining the logistics of caring for the curious bears. 

A Florida Pine Snake.

The Everglades Rat Snake.

An enormous Gaboon Viper. This venomous snake comes from Western Africa and can weigh up to forty pounds. Its head was the size of my fist. In their natural habitat they hide on the forest floor and wait patiently for prey to get within striking distance.

The Aruba Island Rattlesnake, the rarest rattlesnake in the world due to habitat destruction.

The Desert Horned Viper, a venomous sidewinder from North Africa and the Middle East.

An Emerald Tree Boa from the Amazon Basin. 

Some beautiful succulent plants around the zoo. 

The giraffes reaching for a piece of lettuce from an eager child.