Anna Maria Island (posted by Ann)

Last weekend I was in Florida for a long awaited weekend with the girls. It was a group of 8 women, and we rented a house on Anna Maria Island for a Thursday through Sunday escape from the icy winter that has gripped Chicago this year. We had a blast, and I took my new camera and had lots of fun taking pictures with my new camera. The difference in the pictures is incredible - I just can't believe how much difference it makes!

This is Egmont Key, which is an island in the mouth of Tampa Bay. 25 years ago, I was sailing to Egmont Key on the weekends, anchoring on the bay side, and walking around the island in the mornings when I had it all to myself. This picture was taken from the south shore of the bay, and it looks just like I remembered it.

And this is the group of us on the beach, obviously enjoying ourselves. It was a blast!