Embracing Our Differences

1/16-1/17. Sarasota
     We took Salty on a walk in the nearby park and happened upon an outdoor art exhibit called Embracing Our Differences.  It had 45 large billboard sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote.  Students from schools all over the world submitted their artwork and quotations to the juried exhibit.  The art celebrates cultural diversity.  It was very inspiring to see what the kids came up with, matching the quotes with the art work.  If you want to see the art, the website is EmbracingOurDifferences.org. We really enjoyed walking around viewing each one.
     The park has been full of friendly people walking their dogs and consequently Salty developed kennel cough.  She has been vaccinated, but still managed to contract it.  We called our vet, who helpfully explained what to do.  She coughed quite a bit for several days, but got over it, thankfully.
     The next day we biked to the Shelby Botanical Gardens and enjoyed the afternoon looking at all the orchids, trees and plants.  It was beautiful and peaceful.  They also had a display of rainforest masks, made by artist from Costa Rica.  Each mask was carved from a single log of balsa and then painted.  They were so alive with color!
     Karl worked quite a bit on the boat, replacing the search light and he washed and waxed the roof. It seems there is always something to do or fix on the boat.
Every evening there has been live music in the outdoor bar.  We were close so we heard it! We are ready to move on!