Whale Watching Up-Close

The other day, I wanted to eat French Fries from McDonalds. We have frozen fries but, I am too lazy to cook it besides, I want McDonalds fries hehehe. We drove about 5 minutes and hubby decided we will get a chicken sandwich and have a picnic by the Indian River wharf. I don't see why not after all, it was a gorgeous day. In the area, dolphins can sometimes appear as well as the manatees. I never seen the latter though, how I wish I will be able to see the manatee up-close. I check out the signage and was delighted to know that whales go this far too? I never seen one. How about you? Have you ever seen a whale up-close?

The Risks of Living in the Coastal Area

As my thought and prayers goes out to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, life must go on. If we don't look forward, we will be miserable. Much as we ached for them especially for those whose love ones perished from the storm, we have to continue to work and to earn a living so that we have something to share to them. We should give and help them in anyway we can and pray for the best that it will reach them and will somehow lessen their burden.

Risks in Coastal Living  

Yesterday, we went to Cape Canaveral to watch the #Maven liftoff to Mars. We live in the coastal area too down here in the Space Coast. My husband and I love living in the coastal area but, we know the risks. When we have hurricanes, even category 3, we have to leave and evacuate. We have evacuation signs here and most people living in Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, Titusville and Port St Jon takes the evacuation warning seriously.

This is Banana River along Cape Canaveral, so pretty and calm. Beyond few miles from here is the Atlantic Ocean. People came here for surfing. We have big waves from the Atlantic, perfect for surfing. Living nearby waters is beautiful but, when storm comes, we do not think twice. We have to leave.

Too many died in the Philippines because they are not aware as to how damaging a storm surge could be. Storm surge was being reported in the news many times but, it was reported like an ordinary word. Most people in the area especially those living in shanties had no idea that a storm surge can do widespread devastation. In Biloxi Mississippi during Katrina, big building and casinos were like a toy smashed and toppled down. It was only category 3 hurricane compared to what hits the Philippines, a #SuperTyphoon category 5.

I've never been to Leyte Philippines but, I bet the coastal areas are beautiful. It probably looks like these photos. When Hurricane Katrina hits Mississippi in August of 2005, the house of my father-in-law was gone because they live by the bayou. The water reached as high as the ceiling. They evacuated bringing only important documents.

Right now, we will go back to Mississippi and will probably live there for many years. We will be buying property away from the beach. We were already looking for houses nearby our family. 8 years had passed  since Katrina but, most of those badly hit areas remain vacant. If you visit Biloxi Mississippi, you can still see the vacant lots with flooring intact, buildings abandoned and more, the traces of the fury of the storm surge.

The Mai Tiki Bar at Cocoa Pier

We were at Cocoa Beach last week. Hubby and I decided to have lunch in one of the restaurants in Cocoa Pier. Before we went to the Pier, we decided to walk by the shoreline for few minutes. I look at the Pier and it seemed crowded so; I zoomed in and took this photo. It's unbelievably clear don't you think?

Check out the distance where I took the first photo. We could never tell that there was a number of people in there. The end part of the Cocoa Pier is called Mai Tiki Bar. It is located 800 feet over the Ocean. Did you know that this is the best place to snap a great Sunset photo? Oh yeah, next time I will be sharing that photo here. I like this place because people can go fishing, enjoy a glass of beer and a sip of wine. Most of all, I enjoy watching people surfing.

We just walk barefoot along the shore and the breeze was nice. After we walked for few minutes, we then went to lunch at the Boardwalk. We love it there because we can see everybody coming in and out from the Pier. They also have live band which is really great, the feel of Florida living!

We live about 20 minutes from here. Awesome view right? On a nice weather, this place is awesome. Thank you for stopping by. Come by next time.

Living in Brevard County in Florida

We live in Cocoa area and after a year of living here, we wouldn't trade for anywhere else. Cocoa is in Brevard County located along the coast of the Atlantic. Brevard County has a total population of 543,376 based on 2010 census. It is the 9th most populous county in the US and the home of John F. Kennedy Space Center. Did you know that our area code is 321 as in 3-2-1 and ... lift off (wink). Speaking of lift-off, the Atlas V MUOS 2 is scheduled to launch on July 19 at 8:51 AM.

We the residents here in Brevard get to enjoy and experience the powerful sights and sounds of the thunderous roaring engines of an Atlas V rocket as it thrusts into the sky. This time though, it will not be coming from the launch pad of NASA's Kennedy Space Center but, from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station which is also located right here in Brevard County.

Brevard County has preserve wetlands dedicated to conservation and wildlife protection in fact; there are 250 square miles of federally protected wildlife refuges here such as: 

1. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
2. Canaveral National Seashore
3. St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge
4. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and more.

Moreover, Brevard County is a home to 4,000 species of animals such as alligators, manatees, white tailed deer, raccoons, and the cute ones bottle nose dolphins and many many more. With Flora, Brevard County has many live oak trees and cabbage tree which is the state tree of Florida. Close your eyes and think of sunny Florida, the tree that you imagine is cabbage tree. You watch CSI Miami right?

Historic Landmark in Brevard includes:
1. Fort Ann U.S. Army Post - The access is restricted though. This is a Federal property protected as part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on the Kennedy Space Center.
2. Dummett Grove in Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge 
3. Titusville Commercial District 
4. Brevard County Courthouse
5. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
6. Launch Complex 39
7. Rockledge Drive Historic District
8. Community Chapel of Melbourne Beach
9. Old Town Hall History Center, Melbourne Beach 
10. Juan Ponce de León Landing ... and more.

I hope I can visit some of the landmarks here in Brevard and if that happens, I will surely share some photos here. That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

At the Manatee Cove

From the church in Merritt Island, hubby and I love to drive down the scenic route along the NASA Parkway and Indian River Lagoon. Yesterday, I directed my husband to turn on the left heading to the Manatee Cove. When we arrived at the parking lot towards the end of the road, I saw these 3 people enjoying their Kayak ride. According to one tourist, Manatee Cove is one of the best places to see manatees. I never seen a manatee yet and I live 15 minutes away from here, such ironic huh? I will try to rent a kayak and explore my place. I am so envious seeing them paddling (wink).

In most days, manatees shows up here too but, today is not my lucky day. Manatees are huge, aquatic, and  herbivorous marine mammals. They are also known as sea cows. They measure up to 13 feet long and weigh as much as 1,300 pounds. They have a paddle-like flippers. Oh , see that beautiful house? What a glorious location huh?

I might go along with groups of tourist for canoeing and kayaking. I am fearful of gators. I wonder if gators wander in this area too. Manatees are harmless big baby.

Next post, I will show you the pictures of  the children's playground and the pavilion in Manatee Cove. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy and Content with Life

Hubby is planning to sell the big condo. We are still waiting for the papers and maybe, it will be in the market by next month. Real estate finally bounced back from rock bottom prices. We bought the condo almost three years ago and we lived in it for about a year. When we bought our house here in the beach area, we have it rented to a nice couple. We plan to inform them before we sign the contract. We love the condo but, since we saw some good properties right where we are now, we plan to buy a new property here.

We love living here in the coastal area and away from the hustle and bustle life in the city. Here, we can hear the birds chirping at the backyard, traffic is minimal; beach is nearby, near to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and just a laid-back life.

Check out the two people fishing. This is a great day to spend an afternoon in the Indian River Lagoon.

We love to drive along the coast and if we are bored, we just head to the beach or just drive around the neighborhood and check out some great restaurants in the area. We are happy and content with our life here. How about you? Do you like living in your place? Would you prefer living in the city proper or the outskirt of the city? Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Veteran's Memorial Park in Merritt island

The Veteran's Memorial Park consists of substantial grounds to which I took some photos posted below. This place has also a Veteran's Memorial Center and a Hall of Honor: The Hall of Honor is located in the entrance foyer of the Veteran's Memorial Center. There are memorial photographs of veterans and that includes the Medal of Honor recipients. Displayed are the colors of many of the participating Veterans Organizations as well. We never get the chance to visit the museum which highlights some Museum military artifacts. I told my husband that we just explore the Veterans Memorial Plaza. It was a gorgeous day and that's me with the symbol of one of the heroes of war, the dogs.

The CAPTION: "Because of you, I am here, because of both of you, I am able to live freely. Yet, I do not know either one of you, and I have not done anything for either of you. But there, both of you are, ready to stand and fight prepared to die for me. Both of you have fought before, and both of you will fight again for someone neither one of you know. So thank you unknown soldiers, whether you have two legs or four, for fighting for me. I am free because of both of you and I owe you both for my future. -UNKNOWN"

I got a sudden sadness reading the message. In wars, lives lost to give this FREEDOM that we have today.

The park is huge and well planned. Each area has its own place for reverence. Very clean and well-managed.

They have white benches with markings in it.

They have one tank on display and two helicopters. My husband works for few years in the army in Vietnam and he rode on this type of helicopter.

The CAPTION says: In honor of those that served in harms way Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.

One caption has this message: "During our nations military history, ten of thousands of war dogs served during WW1, WW11, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They continue to serve around the world. American war dogs have a legendary history of bravery and courage on foreign fields of battle saving countless American lives."

CAPTION: "Dedicated to war dogs and their handlers, past, present and future. Your deeds and sacrifices will always be remembered."

The soldier statue on the side of the picture below is THE DIXIE DOUGHBOY.  The sign has this caption: There were 33, 331 soldiers from Florida who served in World War 1. Many served in the 31st infantry division. A division composed of soldiers primarily from Georgia, Alabama and Florida, nicknamed The "Dixie Division".

The monument stands in memory of all who served in this great war 1917-1918.

The statue was sculpted by CHARLES L. SMITH.

The Veteran's Memorial Center in Merritt Island is located at this address:

400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy Merritt Island, FL 32952
Tel # (321) 453-1776

They are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. You may call 321-453-1776 for assistance. A Veterans Service Officer is available from 9:00 a.m. to12 Noon from Monday through Friday and the Officer can be reached at this number 321-453-1776.

Beautiful Sunrise on Easter Sunday

Hello to all YOU beautiful creation of God, Happy Easter! How was your vacation? I bet you spend it with your family and friends at home; could be by the beach; on a road trip or at the church perhaps doing the "Visita Iglesia". I remember when I was a child, Lent season means church activity. We don't go for a vacation and each year, I look forward for this event and during Holy Week, mom and I spent our time attending masses, did the Way of the Cross, listen to the Seven Last Words of Jesus, and more church activities. My mom is very religious so; she would wake us up at 3 AM, prepared coffee and pandesal (rolls) before we head to church for 4AM Easter mass. I always have a simple, peaceful, and happy recollection of Easter Sunday with my family back home.

This year, I spent the Lent Season at church as well, with my husband. On Holy Week, hubby and I attended the mass, went to the Penance Service, and on Holy Thursday, we attended the Mass of the Lord's Supper. We also went and participated the Stations of the Cross and Passion of Christ on Good Friday. For Holy Saturday, we attended the Easter Vigil Mass and Blessing of Fire  which was really a solemn event. The photo above was taken after we attended the 6AM Easter Sunday Mass. Taken along the Indian River, the sunrise above was so beautiful and I couldn't resist not to take a snap of photos. Such a nice reflection of a new day, new beginning and a new life for Easter .... as a Christian. May the light of GOD, shine upon us all, always.

Kennedy Space Center in Florida: Home of the Space Shuttle Atlantis

How are you folks? Did you miss me for few days? I miss you too (wink). Today, I am so excited to share about my latest "wandering" inside the Kennedy Space Center. As few of you knew, we live close to NASA's KSC and it's about 15 to 20 minutes away and since we have a Commander's Pass this year, we can go in and out anytime of the day in any day of the year. Right where I am is the home of Atlantis and the building behind me is the $100 million Atlantis facility.

The facility is under construction and expected to open on June 29. I hope I can visit that day and for sure, it will be an exciting event! Check out my post during the Final Launch of Atlantis. At present,the Atlantis has been wrapped in order to preserve the orbiter's natural state when it landed back to Earth during its last journey.

The Atlantis Facility is 90,000 square foot and I am sure, it will become a popular attraction in Kennedy Space Center just like the Apollo/Saturn V Center which is my favorite attraction in KSC (see above photo).

If you are having a vacation in Disney, Sea World or Universal Studios, KSC is just an hour drive from Orlando so; you should come visit KSC to experience and explore Atlantis up close and with the numerous simulators and hands-on interactive experiences I am sure, it will be an awesome trip for you and your family.

The Atlantis home is a six-story facility and located right at the Shuttle Plaza in fact, it is on the right side when you turn right heading to the parking area. I am really excited to explore this building because according to their Website, "the guests will walk underneath the full-size replica space shuttle external tank flanked by two solid rocket boosters" at the entrance to the Atlantis exhibit. I can only imagine right now!

Anyway,they also said that the outer layer of the building has orange and gold “wings” which represent the space shuttle’s reentry to Earth. I really am excited and as always, I will take some photos for you to see what's inside of the home of the Atlantis in Kennedy Space Center. Thanks for stopping by. On my next post: the Astronaut Memorial and I hope you check out my blog again. Have a blessed Holy Week!

Cocoa Beach Pier: Perfect Place for Fishing

Extending 800 ft over the Atlantic Ocean is the Cocoa Beach Pier which was built in 1962. This place is located in Cocoa Beach, Florida where you can watch and enjoy a perfect sunset and the sunrise.

Using the zoom lens of my samsung digital camera, seen above are people paying a $1 entrance fee to access Mai Tiki Bar at the end of the Pier.

Cocoa Beach Pier is a perfect place to go fishing and watch the surfers around the area. A perfect 180 degrees of awesome and beautiful natural scenery.

Cocoa Beach Pier has restaurants, shops, and live entertainment.

I was on the beach taking pictures of Cocoa Beach Pier. If you want to check out this area, you can put this address in your GPS: 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL. When you arrive in the area, you can pay $10 for a parking space in Cocoa Beach Pier parking lot or, park using a meter parking nearby for .25 cents/ 10 minutes.

Visiting the Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center is a major tourist destination in Central Florida and just an hour drive from Orlando. It is one of ten major NASA field centers and a launch site of the United States.

Since 1968, it has been used for every NASA human space flight. Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, Florida and would you be amazed if I tell you, we live just 15 minutes away from KSC? Yes we are. All three photos below are exhibit display at the Rocket Garden area.

The first area to explore when you visit the Kennedy Space Center / KSC is the Visitor Complex, which has different exhibits, artifacts, displays and attractions on the history and future of human as well as robotic spaceflight. All bus tours of Kennedy Space Center start from this area. It offers public tours of the center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Kennedy Space Center is a big property and is a wildlife sanctuary therefore; Bald Eagles, American alligators, wild boars, Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes, Florida panthers and Florida manatees are just taking refuge in the area.

The complex also includes the separate Apollo/Saturn V Center, north of the VAB and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame (photo below), six miles west near Titusville.

Check out the tag topic below this post to see more photos of Kennedy Space Center. Thanks for stopping by. I will be seeing you in Kennedy Space Center soon right?

The Beach in Florida

Here in Florida, we can always enjoy the beach even in winter time. As long as the sun comes up, the beach is the primary place that locals and tourists love to hang out. SwimsuitsDirect.com is one place that my friend recommends to check regarding bathing suits. She loves swimming and surfing so; she collected quiet a few swimsuits already.

My husband and I went to Cocoa Beach yesterday just to enjoy the breeze and watch my friend surfing with her group. It was sunny and breezy and there were quiet a few surfers who take advantage of the waves. They look so amazing and comfortable playing with the waves. We just watch them surfing and since it was so breezy, we decided not to go swimming. We just enjoy the scenic view by the beach as we sit on the Adirondack chairs. The beach in Florida is gorgeous and when summer time comes, all beaches are jam-packed with people.

Locals like us give way to tourists during peak season. Sexy men and women flaunt their amazing trunks and swimsuits during spring-break. The beach shown in the photo above will be fully packed with sexy students wearing beach bikini and ready to party.

Hubble 3-D on IMAX at Kennedy Space Center

Just 15 minutes away from home is the Kennedy Space Center. I consider myself lucky to live in this area where I can see scheduled space shuttle launch as well as meet astronauts in person. Hubby and I have a Commander's Pass so, we can go here anytime as we want. Have you seen Huble 3-D movie? Few days ago, we visited KSA to watch the new IMAX® film Hubble 3-D.

It is 3-D so; it feels like I was floating beside space-walking astronaut. It was a powerful story of the Hubble Space Telescope and this movie was narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. Watching Hubble 3-D offers a glimpse of how beautiful and amazing life on earth and with the help of the great creation the Hubble Space Telescope,  it provides images about our beautiful planet Earth, the universe and beyond.

Indeed, there is no better place to watch the story of the Hubble Space Telescope than from KSA. After all, Space Shuttle Discovery was launched here in 1990. Hubble Space Telescope is the greatest telescope ever built was deployed on that year. The film is truly amazing for it features the footage from the final Hubble repair mission aboard STS-125. Watching the movie in 3-D is a wonderful experience. It shows the space shuttle launch sequence, dangerous spacewalks when they repair the telescope and my most favorite part of the film was when they show the magnificent tour of the cosmos.

The Hubble Space Telescope shows clear images of the amazing distant galaxies. The impressive view of the universe is just amazing. Hubble telescope also provides imagery about ancient stars, nebulae and galaxies. Hubble Space Telescope is truly an incredible creation.

Anyway, photos here were taken at the Rocket Garden in Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

You should watch the movie guys and make sure that your children watch it with you. I truly salute all the scientists for their extra-ordinary skills and knowledge on Science and Exploration. May God bless them and keep them safe always. Thanks for stopping by and please, let us spread peace and let us love Mother Earth. Stay safe everyone!

Coastal Living

Look at the picture below, isn't it nice? How would you like to spend your free time? Our neighbor own a boat and they always hang out on the river boating, fishing and just enjoy the view of Indian River and Banana River. I just realized that when we live in Mississippi, we live along the Gulf Coast facing the Gulf of Mexico. The picture below was taken at the Bay Bridge in Biloxi/Ocean Springs Mississippi. I have driven this road everyday from home to my work place.Now, we live near the beach in Florida facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is so beautiful out here and life is pretty laid back plus no heavy traffic at all if compared to Central Orlando. Here is the view of the road where we always pass by when we go to the beach area. We drove Indian River and Banana River before we hit Cocoa Beach area. Hubby and I used our old soft top tracker and just drive along US1 or A1A road and enjoy the cool breeze from the sea. When we get tired, we ate at the local seafood restaurants in the area and enjoys watching the cruise ship.Living along the beach area is quiet and simple. I also noticed that people here are more polite, friendly and family oriented.The last picture with the arrow, I was showing you the tiny object. I was laughing because my blackberry phone can only capture a small and fading picture of the space shuttle Discovery during it's final ride to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. We live few minutes away from Kennedy Space Center and on April 17, 2012, we watched as the shuttle Discovery ride at the back of the big Boeing aircraft --- off for retirement.