Category Archives: Florida

Orange Blossom 10K Race Recap

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Kelsie Lou

It’s hard to drive anywhere in Polk County, Florida without seeing orange groves. It was only right that the major running event in Haines City be named after the state flower that adorns a growth stage of orange trees. The … Continue reading →

Posted in fitness, Florida, half marathon, Photography, running, Sports, Teachers, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

My Jewels: Phillip and Alice Smoot

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Kelsie Lou

I told my mom that we should have some photos taken.  Our last photography session was in summer 2016 before my parents moved to Florida.  We needed to break the monotony of the pandemic restrictions and have a reason to … Continue reading →

Posted in family, fashion, Florida, mothers, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Central Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Kelsie Lou

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a Japanese inspired botanical garden retreat between Gainesville and Ocala, Florida.  The once abandoned lime rock quarry was purchased by Dr. Raymond Webber to build his residence.  What miners used as a resource to … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida, Gardens, Kayaking, landmarks, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Carnival Elation Cruise Ship Review

Posted on December 29, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

Oh Ship! It’s a Mother Daughter Trip! My Mom exposed me to cruising as a teenager when we took our first Carnival cruise to the Bahamas. Over the years, we have sailed to Bermuda, Cuba, and all over the Caribbean … Continue reading →

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Santa’s 🎅 Run for our Kids 5K

Posted on December 28, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

I was on the first thing smokin’ outta Louisville for Winter Break. My Mom and I were on a mission to compete in another 5K. The Christmas themed race is organized by the Winter Haven Optimist Club. I had the … Continue reading →

Posted in fitness, Florida, health, mothers, running | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Thankful for Miles

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

My Mom had a 48 hour notice about the Lake Wales YMCA Turkey Trot. I gave her the option to participate based on how she felt on Thanksgiving morning. She said if it was too hot, she was not doing … Continue reading →

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Long Time, No Sea

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

Summer Break in Full Effect I just returned from a two-week visit with my parents in the Sunshine State.  It was a chilled-out vacation with a visit from our family who lives in Morgantown, WV.  We were game ready for … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Florida, landmarks, Photography, Teachers, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Spring Break: By Land, By Sea, By Air

Posted on April 15, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

Beach Cruisin’ I took my Mom to get a beach cruiser bike. This will give her another fitness option in addition to walking and swimming. My Mom has a few more weeks before she can ride due to another back … Continue reading →

Posted in family, fitness, Florida, health, running, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

New Season, who ‘dis?

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Kelsie Lou

Fall Break from school called for a quick trip to Florida to visit my parents. The timing was perfect due to a crisis situation regarding my work as a therapeutic foster parent. Sleep has been difficult, and working out has … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, fitness, Florida, health, running, Travel | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Don’t Worry, Beach Happy!

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Kelsie Lou

Summer should get a speeding ticket.  I’m trying to get the most out of Summer Break without doing too much and defeating the purpose.  I flew to Florida for a week to cool off from the 108° heat indexes in … Continue reading →

Posted in concerts, family, Florida, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments