Henry Ford once said – “My best friend is the one who brings the best out of me.” We read those words at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. You all bring the best out in us! During the visit we enjoyed amazing gardens and learned lots about both men and their families.

Some of the highlights: Ford first worked for Edison. Edison used his estate to try and find a substitution for rubber. The original “Work-A-Ford” car could help you saw wood, grind your feed, shell your corn and much more. Edison understood that fossil fuel resources were not self-sustaining and was an advocate for solar, wind and waves. Ford played violin. I plan to do more reading about their lifelong friendship.

Their estates were built during The Gilded Age and we were struck by the difference between the Edison and Ford Estates and the Newport, RI summer homes built by the Astors and other robber barons. The Edison and Ford Estates were cottages compared to the Newport Mansions. For Edison and Ford the priority was nature.

To celebrate the day the Sanibel Gang went to the Lazy Flamingo for dinner. During dinner Melinda and I walked to the beach to watch the sunset. We met some Wisconsin folks who took our picture. We did not see a green flash.

Otto is enjoying long walks and chasing bunnies. We have had some good beach days and have enjoyed bicycling in the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.