Naples, Florida daily photo

400th Post and Farewell...

2008-04-27T00:06:00.000+01:00

Big Hickory Island Beach

"The sun... has gone... to bed and so must I...

So long...farewell...auf weidersehen... goodbye...

Goodbye...Goodbye....Goodbye...."

(from The Sound of Music)

Dear blogger friends,

After year and a half and 400 posts, I will be taking an extended leave of absence from this forum. Hopefully it is not a true "goodbye", but rather "until we meet again one day".

If you find yourself missing the brilliant Florida light (and you know you will ;-)), please drop in on my many fellow CDP bloggers around the Sunshine State.

Thank you for your visits, kind comments and friendship. I will miss you and the images of your hometowns and promise to visit, whenever possible. In the meantime -

LIVE. LOVE. LAUGH.

Isabella

Remember me

2008-04-26T00:07:00.001+01:00

off Key West, Florida

"Ships that pass in the night,

and speak each other in passing,

Only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness.

So on the ocean of life we pass and speak one another.

Only a look and a voice;

then darkness again and a silence."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Tales of a Wayside Inn

Tomorrow, Sunday, I will celebrate my 400th post and more. Today's post is a sign of things to come...

Grumpy Bird

2008-04-25T00:06:00.005+01:00

"Bird wakes up feeling grumpy. Too grumpy to eat or play - too grumpy even to fly."

I wonder if Jeremy Tankard had this bird in mind when he wrote his book;-)

No regrets

2008-04-24T00:06:00.000+01:00

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,

Old Times is still a-flying:

And this same flower that smiles today,

Tomorrow will be dying."

Robert Herrick To the Virgins to Make Much of Time

Reflections

2008-04-23T00:07:00.002+01:00

Reflections fascinate me. It's like a big puzzle - can you find all the pieces that make up 2 completely diverse pictures? Like this one, taken of an art gallery in Key West.

Or this one, of a funky art gallery in downtown Naples.

And my favorite, yet another art gallery in...can you guess where?

Monochromatic

2008-04-22T00:06:00.001+01:00

To celebrate Earth Day 2008, I am going green...

How will you mark the day?

Passages

2008-04-21T00:05:00.000+01:00

Small alley behind a garden shop, downtown Naples.

I spy Sunday

2008-04-20T00:05:00.000+01:00

I spied an Anhiga, surveying his territory, but if you enlarge the photo, you will spy something else in the water...

Little helper

2008-04-19T00:05:00.000+01:00

The rabbit on the right (please click to enlarge) is on our payroll - he trims the arbor so we don't have to.

(Sorry, can't visit, I am travelling).

Standoff

2008-04-18T00:06:00.001+01:00

"You wanna piece of me?" challenged the Hawk.
The pair of Blue Jays, chasing him away from their nest, took notice.

Needs grooming

2008-04-17T00:07:00.000+01:00

Who is more hairy - Truffles or his keeper?

Stop the World - I Want to Get Off

2008-04-16T00:06:00.000+01:00

Rest stop along Florida Turnpike (taken from a speeding car).

"This big old world is spinning like a top
Come and help me now and make it stop
All you have to do is live for now
Come along with me I'll show you how..."

It's one of those days...You know what I mean?

Quiz Tuesday part 42

2008-04-15T00:06:00.002+01:00

Another strange appendage I came upon near the beach. What the heck is it?

TOG? ANYBODY?

My destiny

2008-04-14T00:06:00.000+01:00

"Just beyond the sunset

Someone waits for me

Just beyond the sunset

Lies my destiny

Where the purple mountains

Lie in deep tranquillity

There I’ll find the treasure

Of love eternally

Just beyond the sunset

Waits someone so fair

Just beyond the sunset

All alone they wait there

Their hair is golden

The colour of the sand

Their eyes sparkle in the night

Like diamonds in your hand

Just beyond the sunset

Lies a home for me

Where the world is peaceful

Like a paradise should be

Just beyond the sunset

Someday is where you’ll find me"

David Harris

Tipsy

2008-04-13T00:05:00.000+01:00

This should serve as a reminder: Please don't drink and ~~drive~~ fly!

(I caught this Cardinal just as he was about to spread his wings and fly off)

At first glance

2008-04-12T00:06:00.004+01:00

Another participant in the Third in Bloom competition

When I first came upon C.W. Smith (seen in the background), I mistook it for W.H Smith, the English Bookstore on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris (that's the place to get English newspapers and The New York Times, best sellers and a wide range of English paperbacks).

This Smith, however, is "a direct importer of 17th, 18th and 19th century antiques from China and the former British, Dutch and Portuguese colonies in Asia".

That's a whole different kettle of fish, isn't it...

Quirky

2008-04-11T00:09:00.000+01:00

This fellow would not give up his seat for me...What happened to chivalry?

And this place opted out of the "Third in Bloom" competition. I don't blame them - exactly what kind of gardening would go with ''Bad Ass Coffee"?

Flowery welcome

2008-04-10T00:14:00.002+01:00

Man, it's a jungle out there!

My favorite gift boutique, A Mano, was one of the entrants in the "Third in Bloom" competition, where storefronts are decorated with container gardens.

You like?

Canine oasis

2008-04-09T00:15:00.001+01:00

John Craig Clothier, downtown Naples, consistently wins top honors for their "timeless menswear for the sophisticated man".

I would like to bestow on them one more - my own Animal Lover award.
See that doggie water dish in front of the entrance?
From what I could see, it was very much appreciated on a hot, sunny day.
A lot of happy tail wagging...And I don't mean me ;-)

The town is jumpin'

2008-04-08T00:07:00.001+01:00

There's been a lot going on downtown Naples lately. Like the "Third in Bloom" festival, where the Garden Club judges the best decorated merchant' windows on Third Street South. I will show you some of them this week.

Also, the ever popular Naples Art Festival on Fifth Ave South.

All you need is some comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water. Baby, it's hot out there!

Just another day...

2008-04-07T00:08:00.000+01:00

Big Hickory Island beach

Sunday, 6 April

Naples air temperature 89°F/31°C

Gulf of Mexico water temperature 81°F/27°C

Nuff said.

Fiery end

2008-04-06T00:06:00.002+01:00

Photo taken through the screen of my lanai

"After a day of cloud and wind and rain

Sometimes the setting sun breaks out again,

and touching all the darksome woods with light,

Smiles on the fields until they laugh and sing,

Then like a ruby from the horizon's ring,

Drops down into the night."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

More blooms

2008-04-05T00:07:00.002+01:00

This post is dedicated to Tog of Coral Gables for 2 reasons:

1. He keeps me on my toes. Every so often he emails me privately and basically points out "YOU IGNORANT GIRL, YOU GOT THE WRONG PLANT NAME AGAIN", but in a very nice way ;-)

I've lived in SW Florida for only a few years and am still learning about its fauna and flora, so his guidance is very appreciated.

2. He saved the life of the orchid above. Last year, after it bloomed and reverted to its dead stick stage, Tog advised me to tie it up to a tree and forget it. Well, guess what - six months later the orchid is on my patio, happy and thankful for a second chance...

And this showy Spider Lily is blooming in my garden...at least I think it's a Spider Lily. Tog?

Neapolitan Spring

2008-04-04T00:16:00.001+01:00

If you take a look at the CDPB portal you will notice it right away: Spring has sprung! We are regailed with splendid photos of apple blossoms, cherry trees, redbuds and tulips.

Since South Florida enjoys summerlike weather all year long, it is a bit of a challenge to find some legitimate signs of Spring. But I did! This African Tulip tree is in bloom right now...

and the Tabebuia chrysantha (not a Yellow Poinciana!) beckons under its shady canopy.

more tomorrow...

Lost and Found

2008-04-03T00:28:00.004+01:00

You can always tell whenever small children have paid a visit to the Canoe Park. There are (not so subtle) reminders scattered all around. Like these rose colored sunglasses left behind on top of a canoe...

or this highly fashionable picture book, forgotten on a bench.

Were we ever that careless about our possessions as kids? Don't think so. I did not have much...but what I had, I cared about. Maybe that's the secret.

Naples own

2008-04-02T00:09:00.003+01:00

"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."
Abraham Lincoln (attributed)16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

Most of you guessed my April Fool's joke in yesterday's post : it was one of the famous fountains from the Gardens of Versailles, France. Bravo Olivier, you were the first to identify it!

It's not like Naples lacks in that department - this fountain from the Third Street South even has some horses - but it does not pack the same punch, does it?

Theme day - water

2008-04-01T02:08:00.006+01:00

Combining the love of horses and fountains, this is my take on today's theme: water.

Now all you have to do is figure out the April Fool's Day element to this post ;-)

***
Please visit the other 170 bloggers participating this month:

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Paja, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Cypress (TX), USA by Riniroo, Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), USA by A Wandering Soul, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lake Forest Park (WA), USA by Azure, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Nancy, France by yoshi, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norman (OK), USA by Chad & LaCresha, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Odense, Denmark by ania odense, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Paris, France by Gordio, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Pont-à-Mousson, France by Tintin-j, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portland (OR), USA by NWgal, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Shanghai, China by Jing, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Nathalie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Toruń, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn

Big Al

2008-03-30T00:06:00.000+01:00

I wanted you to experience Al up close and personal. This image was obviously zoomed in...

...however, this was the distance between us.

Fearless or foolish? You decide ;-)

Couplehood V

2008-03-29T00:09:00.002+01:00

Mourning Dove: "For a relationship to work, you need good communication...but I feel like I'm doing all the talking!"

This is the last of my "Couplehood" series. Hope the course of your relationships run smoother ;-)

Couplehood IV

2008-03-28T00:29:00.003+01:00

To celebrate the arrival of Spring (and all that it implies), I am continuing with the series titled "Couplehood".

Glossy Ibis (leaving in a huff): "I can't believe you won't share your catch with me..."

Little Blue Heron (munching on the fish): "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times - what's yours is mine, what's mine...don't touch!"

more tomorrow...

Couplehood III

2008-03-27T00:07:00.002+01:00

mallards in my pond

To celebrate the arrival of Spring (and all that it implies), I am continuing with the series titled "Couplehood".

Female duck: "We still have so much to do today: preening, fishing for dinner, feathering the cove for the night...
Male duck (disinterested): "I know you are talking, but all I hear is "quack, quack, quack..."

more tomorrow...

Couplehood II

2008-03-26T00:51:00.002+01:00

fish in my lagoon

To celebrate the arrival of Spring (and all that it implies), I am continuing with the series titled "Couplehood".

Fish 1: "Did I ever tell you about the fisherman I got away from?"

Fish 2: "Yes, many times. And each time you tell the story, the hook grows bigger and bigger!"

more tomorrow...

Couplehood I

2008-03-25T00:12:00.002+01:00

Even the pelicans enjoy Naples white-sand beaches

To celebrate the arrival of Spring (and all that it implies), I am starting a series titled "Couplehood".

Pelican 1: "I can't believe you forgot the towels again!"
Pelican 2: "Oh, stop nagging and just flap your wings to dry off!"

More tomorrow...

Double trouble

2008-03-23T00:08:00.002+01:00

photo taken through the screen

As I was debating which photo to post today, not one but two bunnies hopped into my yard (which explains the sorry state of my plants!).

What could be more appropriate?

HAPPY EASTER!

Predator

2008-03-21T00:32:00.001+01:00

Dragonfly: A Haiku

"Blue mosquito hawk
Swooping in to catch your prey
Mighty dragonfly"

Melyssa Sprott

St. Patrick's Day hangover?

2008-03-19T00:08:00.001+01:00

And you think you're having a bad hair day?

Blue and red

2008-03-17T00:11:00.002+01:00

Bougainvillea branch, hanging over the lake

In 1768, when Admiral Louis de Bougainville (a French navigator and military commander) began his long journey to the Pacific Ocean and discovered the vine that now bears his name, it was the botanical highlight of the voyage.

Through the ensuing years, this Brazilian beauty has assumed its rightful place as one of the most popular, spectacular and beautiful tropical plants.

And a perennial favorite of mine...

Fish story

2008-03-15T00:11:00.002+01:00

I caught this wood stork catching a fish...

...now fish for my catch here ;-)

Hem cat

2008-03-13T00:07:00.001+01:00

So by now you probably heard that when Hemingway settled in Key West, Florida around 1931, he was gifted a six-toed (polydactyl) cat by a ship's captain. Today there are around 60 descendants of that cat roaming freely around Hemingway's Home and Museum on the island.

Most of them are named after a famous artist (Pablo Picasso, Emily Dickinson), but I could not find out the name of this black beauty so I baptized him Nikon - for our fellow blogger and lover of cats and all things Hemingway...

Day 5 and a quiz

2008-03-11T00:32:00.003+01:00

I will end this series with our weekend escapade to Key West. What can I say about the Conch Republic besides its being the southernmost city in the continental United States?

It assaults all of your senses: it is funky and sexy and oh, so tropical...For more, visit here .

I will combine this post with the old perennial favorite (!) - Quiz Tuesday# 41. Today's question: Can you guess where this photo was taken?

Here are some clues: 1. yes, we are still in Key West, and 2. some of those cats are polydactyl...

Day 4

2008-03-09T01:50:00.003+01:00

Are you still with me? Well, hold on tight...
One morning we drove to Everglades City and bravely climbed onboard an airboat for a Safari Tour through the swamp...What fun! I highly recommend it, if you are in the area. Click here for a short video.

Later that day, we visited an alligator farm. If you ever wanted to hold a (baby) gator or watch an adult one swallow a snake - this is the place for you! For more info, click here.

BTW - how would you like to have that job?

Day 3

2008-03-07T01:13:00.002+01:00

For the past 2 weeks we hosted our good friends from Germany. We knew that they were both athletic and adventurous, but they totally wore us out!!! For the next few days I will show you just some of the things we did on their vacations!

One overcast morning, our visitors on steroids (as we lovingly referred to them) insisted on paragliding on Fort Myers Beach. It was an exhilarating experience, gliding in the air, water dips at extra cost ;-)

You'd think that would be enough excitement for one day. But nooooo...That afternoon we took a 4 hour kayaking trip through the alligator infested Spring Creek to Estero Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately, the gators stayed away, but we could almost touch this 6 foot tall Great Blue Heron, fishing in the mangroves.

Day 2

2008-03-05T01:13:00.002+01:00

For the past 2 weeks we hosted our good friends from Germany. We knew that they were both athletic and adventurous, but they totally wore us out!!! For the next few days I will show you just some of the things we did on their vacations!

Early one morning we piled into our friends rented convertible (cabriolet, as they call it) and took a day trip to Miami.
We spent most of the day ogling the beautiful people on South Beach and the beautiful Art Deco buildings off the beach.

Around midday, we had a scrumptious meal at Oriente - a Cuban and Asian influenced restaurant inside the Cardozo Hotel, owned by Gloria Estefan.

And yes, we enjoyed some mojitos before the meal ;-)

Day 1

2008-03-03T01:07:00.003+01:00

One morning we ventured into Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and took the 2.25-mile raised boardwalk through four distinct environments: a pine upland, a wet prairie, a cypress forest, and a marsh. Encountered quite a number of wildlife but no bears! Whew!

Click here if you want to take their virtual tour.

That evening we took a boat to Big Hickory Island and went swimming in Estero Bay as the fog rolled in. We had to leave sooner than expected as the fog became a safety concern for the boat trip back.

Believe it or not, we considered spending the night on the beach ;-)

Theme day - graffiti in your town

2008-03-01T01:31:00.003+01:00

5th Avenue South

The Naples (commercial) gangs strike again!

Since the definition of graffiti is lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property, I think this fits today's theme, don't you?

Almost 150 City Daily Photo blogs participate in today's theme day. Please pay them a visit below:

Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Detroit (MI), USA by Taittems, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Cassie & Chris, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Terre Haute (IN), USA by Zann, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn

Give me a break...please!

2008-02-29T01:29:00.002+01:00

From the storefront of "The lady from Haiti" boutique downtown Naples.

This is exactly how I feel today...well, maybe not so chipper ;-)

Let me explain. For the past 2 weeks we were hosting our good friends from Germany. We knew that they were both athletic and adventurous, but they totally wore us out!!! For the next few days I will show you just some of the things we did on their vacation!

(BTW - this was their first visit to the States and with the euro at an all-time high, they were...well, like kids in a candy store! Our food, gas and clothing seemed ridiculously inexpensive to them!)

The signs of spring...

2008-02-27T01:07:00.001+01:00

A pair of Stinkpot turtles feeling frisky in the marshes...

Are you getting spring fever?

Naïf

2008-02-25T01:32:00.001+01:00

There is a funky Caribbean art gallery and gift boutique in the heart of downtown Naples, called "The lady from Haiti".

This painting is just one of many vibrant works by the artist E Jean-Louis.

To see more paintings (and read about "the lady" herself), you can visit here.

The art of sharing

2008-02-23T03:21:00.004+01:00

brown pelicans off Naples Pier

Continuing Thursday post...

Here's what happens to mild-mannered pelicans when one of them snags a fish - the rest attack with fervor, forcefully prying open his gullet and stealing his catch.

How rude!

Catch me, if you can...

2008-02-21T01:03:00.004+01:00

brown pelicans off Naples Pier

Belle of the ball? Ring around the Rosy?

No, just a gang of youngsters trying to prevent the mature pelican (in the middle, with yellow plumage) from stealing the fish scraps thrown to them by the fishermen. He seemed to outwit them every time!

Hey, age has its privileges ;-)

The edge

2008-02-19T01:04:00.003+01:00

The Anhinga is the classic bird many people visualize when they think of a swamp; a place of Spanish moss draped trees in a watery environment.

It is a bird that is frequently seen sunning itself on a snag with wings spread and long neck outstretched. Its behavior of frequently bobbing its neck and making primitive calls adds to the mystique of its setting.

The Anhinga, also known as "water turkey" and "snake bird", is a regular on this blog...

Fuzzy golf

2008-02-17T01:21:00.001+01:00

community golf course shrouded in morning fog

"Through early morning fog I see

visions of the things to be

the pains that are withheld for me

I realize and I can see...

that suicide is painless."

Do your recognize the quote?

Here is the same gazebo in the sunlight...

A tale of 2 frogs

2008-02-15T01:11:00.003+01:00

This little froggie went to market,

and this little froggie stayed home ;-)

Ribid!

Fancy this?

2008-02-13T01:13:00.002+01:00

Do you have some extra cash ly(on)ing around?

Is your den large enough to house a bronzed horse?

If the answer is yes to both, you might want to visit the American Art & Antiques downtown Naples.

Don't worry - they deliver ;-)

Seeded

2008-02-11T02:08:00.000+01:00

This is the same Cardboard Plant (Zamia Furfuracea) I posted a photo of here. When ripe, the female cone breaks to reveal an array of tightly packed, bright red seeds.

Just goes to prove - you can never judge a book by its cover!

Btw - can you guess why the seeds are not eaten?

Have a seat

2008-02-09T01:11:00.000+01:00

Fifth Avenue South, Naples

Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.

~ Satchel Paige

However you do it, enjoy the weekend!

Winners and losers

2008-02-07T01:25:00.000+01:00

Do you remember The Tortoise and the Hare fable? Well, this is the Florida version: The Turtle and the Gator (please enlarge the photo for a closer look).

As you can see, the turtle won the race...or did he? Draw your own conclusions ;-)

Not totally off topic: I've been under the weather lately and, as it usually happens when I run a fever, I've had some interesting dreams/nightmares/ hallucinations...

In one of them I was teaching a large snapping turtle how to climb a ladder so he could reach a microwave (precariously balanced on the top step), get inside of it and press the right button to "reheat" himself whenever he felt cold!?

In another ~~dream~~ nightmare, George Clooney was regretting that he cannot marry me, because "he does not feel worthy of me". Bugger!

Quiz Tuesday part 39

2008-02-05T01:33:00.000+01:00

My brother owned one of those beauties and cried like a baby when it came time to let it go...
I never had such a strong connection to any vehicle I owned...with the exception of my first bike!
How about you?

Today's question is: can you name the car? and for some extra points: name the year.

The Answer: 1962 Corvette! The year was supplied by a friend (not the owner) so I cannot be absolutely sure. I guess we should ask Kate who seems to be an expert (or is married to one;-)).
Congratulations to Kate and all who guessed right.
(Ex- dream on! This beauty goes for $160,000!)

Simple things

2008-02-03T01:29:00.000+01:00

Mangroves at Estero Estuary

"Heaven above was blue, and earth beneath was green; the river glistened like a path of diamonds in the sun; the birds poured forth their songs from the shady trees; the lark soared high above the waving corn; and the deep buzz of insects filled the air."

~Charles Dickens Nicholas Nickleby

Theme day - what your city is known for

2008-02-01T01:21:00.000+01:00

To help you remember what Naples is known for, I came up with this acronym:

B.L.I.S.S.

Beaches

Leisure

Indulgence

Shopping

and Sunsets

Sadly, we are also known for hurricanes :-(

135 Daily Photo Bloggers are participating in today's theme. Please pay them a visit here:

Portland (OR), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Memphis (Tennessee), USA - Manila, Philippines - San Diego (CA), USA - Anderson (SC), USA - New York City (NY), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - San Francisco (CA), USA - Mumbai (Maharashtra), India - Mainz, Germany - Weston (FL), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Turin, Italy - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Bicheno, Australia - Durban, South Africa - Joplin (MO), USA - Nashville (TN), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Brussels, Belgium - Chicago (IL), USA - Montpellier, France - Seattle (WA), USA - Mazatlan, Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Sesimbra, Portugal - Toulouse, France - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Susanville (CA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Helsinki, Finland - Pilisvörösvár, Hungary - Lisbon, Portugal - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Trujillo, Peru - Dunedin (FL), USA - Albuquerque (NM), USA Port Angeles (WA), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - London, UK - Baziège, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Mumbai, India - Naples (FL), USA - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Setúbal, Portugal - Stayton (OR), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Sofia, Bulgaria - Arradon, France - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Athens, Greece - Austin (TX), USA - Singapore, Singapore - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Jackson (MS), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Budapest, Hungary - Rotterdam, Netherlands - St Malo, France Chandler (AZ), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Cleveland (OH), USA - Nottingham, UK - Kansas City (MO), USA - The Hague, Netherlands - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Wrocław, Poland - Chateaubriant, France - Cheltenham, UK - Moscow, Russia - Monrovia (CA), USA - Saigon, Vietnam - Toruń, Poland - Grenoble, France - Lisbon, Portugal - New Orleans (LA), USA - Sydney, Australia - Boston (MA), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Montréal (QC), Canada - Wichita (KS), USA - Radonvilliers, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Christchurch, New Zealand - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Wailea (HI), USA - Aliso Viejo (CA), USA - St Francis, South Africa - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Seattle (WA), USA - Pasadena (CA), USA - Vienna, Austria - Orlando (FL), USA - Torun, Poland - Delta (CO), USA - Santa Fe (NM), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Paris, France - Stavanger, Norway - Niamey, Niger - Le Guilvinec, France - Bogor, Indonesia - Saarbrücken, Germany - Auckland, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand - Budapest, Hungary - Juneau (AK), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Glasgow, Scotland - Chicago (IL), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Adelaide (SA), Australia - Sydney, Australia - Riga, Latvia - Subang Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Terrell (TX), USA - Terrell (TX), USA>

And the answer is...

2008-01-31T01:14:00.000+01:00

...canoe and kayak launch! That's the answer to Tuesday's quiz.

Most of you came close to guessing (with the exception of Rauf, as usual ;-)), but Kate, Nikon and JoAnn were practically spot on! Congratulations! And thank you all for playing!

Looking back, I have had many adventures in kayaking, in different parts of the world. But the one that stands out is meeting James Michener, the author, while we both (he in a sailboat, I in a canoe) floated around Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

Any paddling adventures you'd like to share?

Quiz Tuesday part 38

2008-01-29T01:34:00.000+01:00

It's that time again - Quiz Tuesday! Did you miss it?

Well, even if you did not, here's today's question: What are you looking at here and what is it used for?

(and no, it is not the "Live long and prosper" Vulcan salute ;-))

What's in a name?

2008-01-27T01:11:00.000+01:00

Guess what I found growing in the bushes - a Lotus. Well, not exactly. This is a Toyota MR2 Spyder, a nifty looking sports car, built based on the Lotus design.

When said in French, the name MR2 [em er 'dø] sounds like est merdeux (fr: is terrible, sh.t and hell). Thus, the car was sold there only as the MR. In English, the MR2 is frequently called the " Mister Two." (just an amusing tidbit I found on Wikipedia).

Which reminds me of another urban legend, where GM introduced their Chevy Nova to the Latin American market. They could not understand why the car was not selling well there. Apparently, nobody told GM that "no va" in Spanish means "no go" ;-)

The colors of Naples - 6

2008-01-25T01:13:00.000+01:00

Sadly, not even upscale Naples remains unaffected by the current economic downturn. This is Fifth Avenue South, the heartbeat of the city, in the height of the season and, as as you can see, pretty deserted.

You might debate whether or not US is in a recession, but this photo speaks for itself - any other year, Naples in January is the happenin' place ;-)

Are you noticing any negative economic effects where you are?

Casual affair

2008-01-23T01:18:00.000+01:00

The Village on Venetian Bay

Since I left the corporate world, I no longer wear high-heeled shoes. For one, I am tall enough, and two, I am not a masochist!

As a matter of fact, that's one of the things I like about living in Naples - its casual lifestyle.
What you see here is our daytime "uniform": polo (shirt), capris (pants) and flats (shoes).

Evening wear? That's a whole other kettle of fish ;-)

The Big Chill

2008-01-21T01:07:00.000+01:00

We are having a cold spell this weekend, with the temperatures hovering around 60F/15C during the day. Too cold for the beach...unless you are a visiting Northerner ;-) Then you are just glad to dig yourself out from under the snow and upturn your pale face into the Florida sun.

For the natives, nothing to worry about - Tuesday's temps are predicted to climb back into the 80'sF/27C.

Welcome to winter in Southwest Florida!

Box Step

2008-01-19T01:06:00.000+01:00

Molino's Ristorante at the Promenade of Bonita Bay

This photo makes me smile. And it's not only because of the "Dancing Santa"...

Happy weekend!

Killer trees

2008-01-17T01:07:00.000+01:00

We have some beautiful...and aggressive vegetation in Florida.

Here's a perfect example - a bougainvillea tree trying to swallow up my neighbor's house!

I guess that's what they call herbicide ;-)

Indigestion

2008-01-15T01:12:00.000+01:00

OK, let me paint the picture for you: it's early morning, I'm ~~sleepwalking~~ walking Truffles on the boardwalk skirting the canoe lake and I see this long stocking draped over the railing. But as I approach, the stocking burps and I am face to fang with a snake! We both freeze - I, from sheer terror and he, from having just ingested a palm rat (one hopes ;-)).

Since my formal education did not include herpetology, I have no idea what kind of snake it is - corn snake? rat snake? - so if any one of you can enlighten me, I would be very grateful.

In the meantime, I plan to walk softly and carry a big stick ;-)

Special thanks to Olivier for presenting me with the "You make my day" award! I hope he feels the same way after today's post ;-)

Waterworld

2008-01-13T01:07:00.000+01:00

Weekend on Venetian Bay in Naples. Boating, shopping, dining...

And just so you know, this condominium complex is firmly planted in the middle of the Bay. WaterCar mandatory ;-)

The colors of Naples - 5

2008-01-11T01:11:00.000+01:00

The Village on Venetian Bay, Naples

If you've been to Paris, you are undoubtedly familiar with the stereotypical French mademoiselle - very thin, dressed in black, cell phone in one hand and cigarette in the other.

This is the Florida's version - more rounded, wearing bold colors, with latte instead of cigarette, but with the ubiquitous cell phone ;-)

(BTW - did you notice the bead store motto: "Don't worry. Bead Happy"? )

Winged

2008-01-09T01:17:00.000+01:00

Blue heron in my community wetlands

"The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings."

~James Matthew Barrie

(I love the birch tree reflection on the left, don't you?)

Le dejeuner au bord de la mer

2008-01-07T01:43:00.000+01:00

One of the perks of living in a vacation destination and thus hosting a slew of visitors, is that they often insist on taking you out to eat. Whether they are grateful for lodging or just tired of my "healthy" cuisine - why look a gift horse in the mouth?

We enjoyed this delightful lunch at Marie-Michelle's - a French bistro, right on Venetian Bay in Naples. Warm, sunny day, the sight of dolphins frolicking in the water and a slightly fruity Chardonnay...need I say more?

Every dish was finger-licking good, but I personally recommend the Saumon Poche aux Fruits Tropicaux - Poached Alaskan King Salmon served with a mixture of exotic mango and papaya, laced with lime ginger Beurre Blanc.

Oh, I almost forgot: halfway through the meal, Marie-Michelle herself, came out and double kissed all the diners. The French way ;-)

Shellshocked

2008-01-05T01:18:00.000+01:00

Remember how much fun you had combing the beach for shells as a child? Or even as an adult ;-)

Southwest Florida has some of the best shelling beaches in the world! I previously wrote about it here.

There are approximately 400 species of multi-colored seashells in our area, from the commonplace scallop and clam to the exotic – tulips, olives, fragile paper fig shells and the rarest of the all, the brown speckled junonia. This poster lists the most common ones found on Naples' beaches.

What kind of seashells are common in your area?

Nuts!

2008-01-03T01:12:00.000+01:00

"A squirrel leaping from bough to bough, and making the wood but one wide tree for his pleasure, fills the eye not less than a lion,—is beautiful, self-sufficing, and stands then and there for nature."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I wonder, is that where the expression "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed" came from?

Theme day - best photo of the year

2008-01-01T02:47:00.000+01:00

Sail into the weekend. Naples Fishing Pier (with pelicans)

It is nearly impossible to pick one's best photo of the year. What criteria should I use: what I consider the best, or the one you liked the most? The most dramatic one or the most visually pleasing?

So I took the easy way out and picked the 5 top comment garners. Hope your favorite is among them ;-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please visit the rest of the DP Bloggers who participate in today's theme:
Paris, France - London, England - Hyde, UK - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Grenoble, France - Stockholm, Sweden - Riga, Latvia - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Manila, Philippines - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Weston (FL), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - New Orleans (LA), USA - Wichita (KS), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - San Francisco (CA), USA - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Greenville (SC), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Mainz, Germany - Melbourne, Australia - Portland (OR), USA - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Toulouse, France - Naples (FL), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Brussels, Belgium - Stayton (OR), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Toruń, Poland - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - Budapest, Hungary - Baziège, France - Nashville (TN), USA - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Chicago (IL), USA - Prescott (AZ), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Nottingham, UK - Miami (FL), USA - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Evry, France - Trujillo, Peru - Arlington (VA), USA - Denpasar, Indonesia - American Fork (UT), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Coral Gables (FL), USA - Montpellier, France - Joplin (MO), USA - Pilisvörösvár, Hungary - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Boston (MA), USA - Torun, Poland - New York City (NY), USA - Dunedin (FL), USA - Quincy (MA), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Chateaubriant, France - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Jackson (MS), USA - Wailea (HI), USA - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Budapest, Hungary - Austin (TX), USA - Montréal (QC), Canada - Cypress (TX), USA - Bicheno, Australia - Wrocław, Poland - Brookville (OH), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - Cheltenham, UK - Wellington, New Zealand - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Mumbai (Maharashtra), India - London, UK - Haninge, Sweden - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Arradon, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Orlando (FL), USA - Mumbai, India

Cherish

2007-12-31T01:21:00.000+01:00

I no longer make New Year's resolutions. My success rate is pretty low - good intentions are usually forgotten halfway through January.

Reading some of my favorite bloggers lately, I noticed a trend; instead of making resolutions, people adopt words they will focus on throughout the year. Words like: forgiveness, compassion, risk, health, understanding, adventure, love, acceptance, spirituality...

So I pick the word "Cherish" for 2008. To be aware and appreciative of the people in my life, the places I hold dear and simple moments like this one - curling up in a comfy chair with a good book and Truffles gently snoring on top of my head...

What's your word?

Neapolitan Christmas

2007-12-29T01:04:00.000+01:00

I just realized that I have not posted any Christmas themed photos this year. But it is so hard to get into the proper spirit when the beach calls your name...

Lest you call me Scrooge, here are some holiday takes from around town: a rooftop Santa from the Palm Cottage, a disco boat from the Christmas Boat Parade on the Imperial River, a Christmas Tree from the Venetian Village, a couple of lawn decorations from my community and yes, a self-portrait ;-)

Whew! Glad to get it out in one big swoop. Now, back to the beach...

The aftermath

2007-12-27T01:08:00.000+01:00

The Village on Venetian Bay, Naples

After the recent days of continuous feasting and overall Christmas merriment, I feel like "The Pie Lady" ;-)

Luckily, right behind her is a clothing boutique selling Tummy Tuck Jeans. They promise to: lift your butt, flatten your tummy and make you look a size smaller!

If I buy a few pairs, will I drop several sizes?

Rejoice!

2007-12-25T01:17:00.000+01:00

"The time draws near the birth of Christ:

The moon is hid; the night is still;

The Christmas bells from hill to hill

Answer each other in the mist.

Four voices of four hamlets round,

From far and near, on mead and moor,

Swell out and fail, as if a door

Were shut between me and the sound:

Each voice four changes on the wind,

That now dilate, and now decrease,

Peace and goodwill, goodwill and peace,

Peace and goodwill, to all mankind."

~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson Voices in the Mist

Warm and wonderful Christmas wishes to all my Blogger friends!

The Letter

2007-12-23T01:13:00.000+01:00

Fifth Ave South, downtown Naples

Dear Santa,

This year I wish for World Peace, a Cure for all Disease, the End of Global Hunger, and - since I've been a very good girl - a little red sports car (preferably a hybrid)!

Merry Christmas!
Isabella

What's on your wish list?

Footloose

2007-12-21T01:16:00.001+01:00

Holiday visitors arrive in Naples and the first order of business is to test the waters...

Yep, it's warm enough to swim.

“A real friend is someone who takes a winter vacation on a sun-drenched beach and does not send a card.”
~Farmer’s Almanac

After the rain

2007-12-19T02:35:00.000+01:00

Typically, the rain did not last long. The sun came out, the birds returned and life is back to normal...

" I realized that if I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes."
~Charles Lindberg

Let it snow rain!

2007-12-17T01:09:00.000+01:00

photo taken through the screen of the lanai

Finally! Thank you Olga!

Woke up Sunday morning to the sound of the rain - a rare occurrence here in the wintertime but very welcome! Like most of the South this year, Florida is suffering from extreme drought. I will expand on it in a later post.

I love rain...In the rain, no one can tell that you are crying...

Conformity

2007-12-15T00:26:00.000+01:00

Brown deck, brown leaves, brown lizard. Boring and dull...but safe.

We are all trying to fit in, not to stir the waters. Have the days of hippies, counterculturists and nonconformists gone the way of disco?

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind, don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss

High anxiety

2007-12-13T01:26:00.000+01:00

Just an ordinary afternoon in my community...or is it?

If you lived in one of those houses, would you be worried?

No? Well, obviously you have not seen the following:

Smell the flowers

2007-12-11T00:52:00.000+01:00

Truffles and hibiscus

"Don't hurry and don't worry,
Life's too precious to be rushed,
Take time to hear the blackbird sing
When the evening's hushed.

Don't stumble and don't grumble,
We're only here a while,
So smell the flowers on your way,
Enjoying every mile.

Don't groan a lot, or moan a lot,
Or dwell on stress and strife,
But see the wonders of the world
And all the gifts of life.

Don't hurry and don't worry,
Enjoy the sun and showers,
We're here for such a little while -
Take the time to smell the flowers."

~Iris HESSELDEN Smell the Flowers

Just a friendly reminder, during this stressful holiday season ;-)

I only have eyes for you...

2007-12-09T02:10:00.000+01:00

Well, guess who kept me company during this morning's walk - Al, the alligator!

Some of you've asked if I fear Al. Not really. If left alone, an alligator would much rather stay away from humans than attack them. In the State of Florida it is illegal to feed a wild alligator, as doing so tends to make the animal associate humans with food and it loses its natural fear of man.

However, attacks on humans do occur, and there have been several fatal alligator attacks in Florida. Many of these involve small children or swimmers, however most of them can be attributed to human error. One of the most important rules is, should you see an alligator in the wild...Leave It Alone.

Intoxicating

2007-12-07T02:55:00.000+01:00

Coconut Point Mall, Estero

It's the weekend, people - I need my Grape!

The Grape is a wine bar, where you can taste over 120 unique wines by the bottle or a glass, all the while munching on some gourmet treats.

It is also a wine merchant, so if you find your perfect wine, you can bring a case home ;-)

Pod invasion

2007-12-05T01:13:00.000+01:00

La Florida - "the land of flowers" in Spanish - is also the land of mighty strange looking pods, like this one

and this one.

Don't ask me what they are - I have no idea! But if it seems like I've been replaced by an alien being, you'll know how it happened...

Smooth sailing

2007-12-03T01:09:00.001+01:00

“Jolly boating weather,

And a hay harvest breeze,

Blade on the feather,

Shade off the trees.”
William Johnson Cory

And how was your weekend?

Theme day - bridges

2007-12-01T01:27:00.000+01:00

Don't get me wrong - Southwest Florida has plenty of impressive bridges, linking the mainland with our famous islands like Sanibel, Captiva or Marco.

But truthfully, we cannot compete with the Golden Gate, Sydney Harbor, Le pont de Normandie or Tsing ma.

So I will keep it humble - this is a footbridge over a small lake in my community. Most of my nature photos - flowers, plants, birds, alligators, turtles - were taken from this spot.

It's my private Giverny ;-)

More than a 120 City Daily Photo blogs are currently participating in this theme day. Please visit them here:
Boston (MA), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Stayton (OR), USA - New York City (NY), USA - Portland (OR), USA - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Inverness (IL), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Stockholm, Sweden - Setúbal, Portugal - Brussels, Belgium - Phoenix (AZ), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Hyde, UK - Manila, Philippines - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - London, England - Austin (TX), USA - Toulouse, France - Weston (FL), USA - Sesimbra, Portugal - Selma (AL), USA - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Saarbrücken, Germany - Cleveland (OH), USA - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Seoul, South Korea - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - North Bay (ON), Canada - Arradon, France - Paderborn, Germany - Durban, South Africa - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Portland (OR), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Wichita (Ks), USA - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Petaling Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Grenoble, France - New York City (NY), USA - Nottingham, UK - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Arlington (VA), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Miami (FL), USA - Cheltenham, UK - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Saratoga Spgs. (NY), USA - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Nashville (TN), USA - Toruń, Poland - New Orleans (LA), USA - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Melbourne, Australia - Moscow, Russia - Trujillo, Peru - Château-Gontier, France - Quincy (MA), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Joplin (MO), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Brookville (OH), USAChateaubriant, France - Chandler (AZ), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Baziège, France - Auckland, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Subang Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Detroit (MI), USA - Riga, Latvia - Nelson, New Zealand - Budapest, Hungary - Cape Town, South Africa - Sydney, Australia - Dunedin (FL), USA - Sofia, Bulgaria - Radonvilliers, France - Turin, Italy - Montpellier, France - Kansas City (MO), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Wailea (HI), USA - Lubbock (TX), USA - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Terrell (TX), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Budapest, Hungary - Montréal (QC), Canada - Sharon (CT), USA - Le Guilvinec, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Saigon, Vietnam - London, UK - Crepy-en-Valois, France - Orlando (FL), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Paris, France - Mainz, Germany - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Darmstadt, Germany - Naples (FL), USA - Torino, Italy - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Bogor, Indonesia - The Hague, Netherlands - Minneapolis (MN), USA

A gift

2007-11-29T01:14:00.000+01:00

We've all been there. You walk around, looking for a photo worthy of a post and all you can find is a turtle sticking his head out of the (Canoe Park) lake. It doesn't look very interesting, you can't see much more than what's on the surface, but resignedly, you click anyway.

And then you come home, upload it to your computer and SURPRISE! The camera saw so much more: entire graceful creature, body armour and tail, suspended in water like a young Esther Williams!

Technically, it is known as a Florida soft-shell turtle, but I call it an Unexpected Gift ;-)

Tuesday quiz part 37

2007-11-27T01:13:00.000+01:00

Every once in a while - mostly on Tuesdays - I miss our quizzes.

Well, actually, what I miss is your highly creative and often bizarre comments ;-). So let's do it one more time!

Today's question is: What is it? Have you ever seen anything like this? Did it come with a lizard?

Birds of a feather...

2007-11-25T01:29:00.000+01:00

Your mama was right: money does not grow on trees!

But apparently, birds do ;-)

To listen to their cacophony of calls, see my short video.

Remains of the day

2007-11-23T01:22:00.000+01:00

Thanksgiving Day...evening (photo taken from my backyard)

"Softly the evening came.
The sun from the western horizon
Like a magician extended his golden want o'er the landscape;

Trinkling vapors arose;
and sky and water and forest
Seemed all on fire at the touch, and melted and mingled together."

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Le Jour de Merci Donnant

2007-11-21T01:20:00.000+01:00

Glossy Ibis at Hurricane Lake

Sorry friends, this is the closest I could get to a turkey today ;-)

Earlier this year, our country lost a great humorist and writer, Art Buchwald. Remember his classic piece Le Grande Thanksgiving in which he explained the holiday to the French? For those who don't, I'm re-printing it below.

Chacun à son goût, or why we eat turkey.
by Art Buchwald (originally published in 1952 and reprinted each November since).

One of our most important holidays is Thanksgiving Day, known in France as le Jour de Merci Donnant.

Le Jour de Merci Donnant was first started by a group of Pilgrims (Pèlerins) who fled from l'Angleterre before the McCarran Act to found a colony in the New World (le Nouveau Monde) where they could shoot Indians (les Peaux-Rouges) and eat turkey (dinde) to their heart's content.

They landed at a place called Plymouth (a famous voiture Américaine) in a wooden sailing ship called the Mayflower (or Fleur de Mai) in 1620. But while the Pèlerins were killing the dindes, the Peaux-Rouges were killing the Pèlerins, and there were several hard winters ahead for both of them. The only way the Peaux-Rouges helped the Pèlerins was when they taught them to grow corn (maïs). The reason they did this was because they liked corn with their Pèlerins.
In 1623, after another harsh year, the Pèlerins' crops were so good that they decided to have a celebration and give thanks because more maïs was raised by the Pèlerins than Pèlerins were killed by Peaux-Rouges.

Every year on the Jour de Merci Donnant, parents tell their children an amusing story about the first celebration.
It concerns a brave capitaine named Miles Standish (known in France as Kilomètres Deboutish) and a young, shy lieutenant named Jean Alden. Both of them were in love with a flower of Plymouth called Priscilla Mullens (no translation). The vieux capitaine said to the jeune lieutenant:
"Go to the damsel Priscilla (allez très vite chez Priscilla), the loveliest maiden of Plymouth (la plus jolie demoiselle de Plymouth). Say that a blunt old captain, a man not of words but of action (un vieux Fanfan la Tulipe), offers his hand and his heart, the hand and heart of a soldier. Not in these words, you know, but this, in short, is my meaning.
"I am a maker of war (je suis un fabricant de la guerre) and not a maker of phrases. You, bred as a scholar (vous, qui êtes pain comme un etudiant), can say it in elegant language, such as you read in your books of the pleadings and wooings of lovers, such as you think best adapted to win the heart of the maiden."

Although Jean was fit to be tied (convenable à être emballé), friendship prevailed over love and he went to his duty. But instead of using elegant language, he blurted out his mission. Priscilla was muted with amazement and sorrow (rendue muette par l'étonnement et la tristesse).
At length she exclaimed, interrupting the ominous silence: "If the great captain of Plymouth is so very eager to wed me, why does he not come himself and take the trouble to woo me?" (Où est-il, le vieux Kilomètres? Pourquoi ne vient-il pas auprès de moi pour tenter sa chance?)
Jean said that Kilomètres Deboutish was very busy and didn't have time for those things. He staggered on, telling what a wonderful husband Kilomètres would make. Finally Priscilla arched her eyebrows and said in a tremulous voice, "Why don't you speak for yourself, Jean?" (Chacun à son goût.)

And so, on the fourth Thursday in November, American families sit down at a large table brimming with tasty dishes, and for the only time during the year eat better than the French do. No one can deny that le Jour de Merci Donnant is a grande fête and no matter how well fed American families are, they never forget to give thanks to Kilomètres Deboutish, who made this great day possible.

Thanks Kilomètres, thanks Art and thanks to all of you who visit me here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Love gone bad

2007-11-19T01:15:00.000+01:00

This vine, known as the love vine, has several much more descriptive nicknames: woe, witch's hair, devil's gut or strangleweed.

Yes, it is very unloved around here, and for a good reason - it's a parasitic vine that grows into an insidious (fishing-like) net that eventually strangles the host (mostly live oaks). It produces small berries (dodders) which attach themselves to a new host, and thusly continue their...herbicide ;-)

So why the love vine name? According to Elizabeth Silverthorne's "Legends & Love of Texas Wildflowers", young lovers in England may have given the plant its name.

"It was said that if a man swung a bit of the vine three times around his head and then threw it backwards, he could find out if his sweetheart loved him. After three days, when he returned to the spot, if he found that the dodder has attached itself to another plant, it meant that the lady returned his love, but if the vine had died, she did not love him."

Anybody need me to swing the vine around?

Nature call

2007-11-17T01:23:00.000+01:00

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." ~John Muir

Beautiful weekend to you all!

"Strange animal facts" #14
The original name for the butterfly was flutterby!

Patchwork quilt

2007-11-15T01:33:00.000+01:00

This is just a small sample of the driveways I cross on my habitual walks through the community.

"The powers that be" would prefer that all driveways were built using individual bricks/stones. But as you can see, most homeowners opt for the easier, less expensive method of pouring concrete and "stamping" out a design...

See anything you like?