Nice Days To Run!

John and Mabel Ringling’s  winter home in Sarasota 

Circus Performers were actually shot out of a cannon

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     Karl got interested in running shortly after we moved to Tallahassee in 1977.  It is a great way to stay in shape and a good way to make new friends! Running and exercise have been an important part of our lives ever since then! For Karl, it is a way to manage stress and problem solve.  Throughout the years, he has enjoyed competing in races and setting goals, meeting up with friends for interval training and longer runs. I have enjoyed running for many years with my best friend!  After she moved away, I now enjoy walking and listening to books on my phone and going to the gym.
     Boating is similar in some ways, in that we meet people who have common interests and goals.  When we arrive at a new place, Karl loves to take off on a run to explore the new environment.  It is a great way to see a new city!  I usually walk around the town, looking for the nearest shopping and places of interest to visit.  We usually always end up talking to people in the marinas. They are very friendly and are happy to talk about their boating experiences!  We have met so many friends already and are looking forward to meeting more along our trip.  We have been told that people make lifetime friendships while traveling the Loop.
     We spent all day Monday at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.  It was built in 1925 by John Ringling, one of the famous brothers who created the Ringling Brothers Circus.  He became one of the richest men in the world at the time and developed an interest in European art, along with his wife.  He left his collection to the state of Florida as his legacy and memorial to his wife.  It is so impressive.
     There is also a museum dedicated to the circus, highlighting the various circus acts, exotic animals and performers.  The history of the circus was documented with displays of the train cars and various memorabilia pertaining to the circus era. It was all fascinating.
     There is an entire miniature circus model on display at the Tibbals Learning Center, which is administered by Florida State University.  It took Howard Tibbals more than 50 years to handcraft nearly 1 million pieces to make up his miniature circus, including 1500 performers, 152 wagons, 7000 folding chairs, 500 circus animals,  tiny pots and pans, circus tents, and train cars. He was inspired to create this, after he watched the circus come to his town during his childhood.  The model takes up almost half of an entire building and it was truly amazing to see!