Ca d'Zan

Finally! Some photos I promised you of Ca d'Zan, the winter residence of John and Mable Ringling (as in the Ringling Brothers Circus) in Sarasota.

I was going to write that I had a busy weekend this weekend, but then I thought: "It just felt busy, but really wasn't." In fact, it was a slow weekend.

I did a lot of reading and some napping - I forget how very tired the humid heat makes me all summer long. Even with air conditioning, I feel as though I only function at half capacity all summer.  I also did some cooking and baking and (of course) eating, one of my favorite past times. Daniel made us cucumber and cilantro margaritas - yum!!! But I digress...

Back to our day in Sarasota. It was quite warm as well, which is why you'll see me on plenty of benches and chairs in the shade...

Apparently this was the winter residence of John and Mable Ringling and she oversaw every detail in the designing and building of it.

It was stunning and I am totally going to overwhelm you with photos, which were all taken by Daniel, the talented photographer! ;-)

I could have moved in and stayed there for the rest of my days. With plenty of staff, of course!

Here I am half moved in! Resting in the shade on "my" beautiful marble terrace overlooking the water.

Daniel thought it was pretty amazing as well. Look how he is dressed to blend in with the railing and the water and sky... I could almost not find him!

 Admiring the view from "my" palace.

And another sit-down. Feeling right at home...

 Daniel as well...

And now many more photos (I told you I'd overwhelm you). Enjoy!!

Did you notice those were only exterior shots? Just wait until my next post showing you the interior. It was opulent to say the least!

Along the pathways were a few buxom ladies like this one keeping watch.

And little putti, this one sporting a watchful lizard.

And just to remind you again - this is in Florida! I kept forgetting as it felt so mediterranean to me. Aside from the humidity maybe...

I hope you all had a great weekend and are enjoying the slower pace of summer. I'm ready for my pace to pick up a little tomorrow and hope to be back on my blog with more (lots more!) photos soon!!

❧ Silke