NOV152009

NOV152009, originally uploaded by colemama.

As the humidity of a long Florida summer wanes, the seasonal residents begin to arrive en masse, as evidenced by the filled slots of one of many (once empty) bicycle racks at a condominium parking lot. As the residents are usually retirees, I was fascinated to note the new and modern styles of bicycles (though not racing types!) - only one of about twenty-five total had a basket in the front! :) Bicycles are such a good form of exercise, as well as a great alternative for transportation and exploration - it is good to see folks appreciating their value! Gulfshore Blvd & Yucca Rd, Naples, FL

NOV142009

NOV142009, originally uploaded by colemama.

With much attention given to the 'pretty' and graceful shore/water birds living along our coast, the anhinga often gets ignored. They are often elusive photographic models unless they are drying their wings, which they need to do fairly often as they do not possess the natural oils to waterproof their feathers. This one found a protected, but sunny, site under the boardwalk to air out those feathers while still keeping a watchful eye on the potential meal! Beauty is really more than skin deep!

This is the first time I've remembered to take a walk through this new park, Freedom Park - it will also be the home of the and is a 'cover' for a stormwater management site. Though banked by two major roads in town, it definitely offers some hidden surprises. Freedom Park, Golden Gate Parkway & Goodlette Rd., Naples, FL

NOV132009

NOV132009, originally uploaded by colemama.

What's for dinner tonight? It is fun to see what you can do with the ingredients at hand. Some days are better than others, but this one was well balanced and tasty with added seasonings and few other basic ingredients. I'm sure our Culinary students would've developed a more inventive recipe, but I wonder how often the idea of designing/creating/producing something with 'the ingredients at hand' could be transferred to other classes, like English and social studies, science and even math...it is, after all, a mimic of 'real life.' Naples, FL

NOV122009

NOV122009, originally uploaded by colemama.

A couple of Monarchs were finding plenty of nectar in a mass of yellow flowers today. Their bright orange splendor was in hiding as their wings folded up during rest, but one can get a peak of it amongst the stained-glass pattern of the underwings. Monarchs are known for their traveling tendencies, predictably migrating north and south. Like the monarchs, we have become more transient over the years. The experiences garnered from travel and habitation in a variety of places offer amazing learning opportunities! Naples, FL

NOV112009

NOV112009, originally uploaded by colemama.

Since school was in session, we missed the parade, the tank display, and the ceremony, but stopped by Cambier Park after work to capture the monument's image. The names of Naples' fallen heroes, starting with WWI, are etched in the surrounding panels...and, unfortunately, the name of another Neapolitan was added today. Although I'm glad we take a day to honor our nation's veterans, I wish we would think about their service on a daily basis. After all, "freedom is never free." Cambier Park, Naples, FL

NOV102009

NOV102009, originally uploaded by colemama.

While I was marveling at the beautiful sunrise on my morning commute to work, this beauty was in my rear view mirror!! Some days are really lucky...though I didn't find the pot of gold!

Some people count on 'luck' for success. But, believing in that external locus of control tends to prevent ownership and responsibility. On the other hand, instilling belief in self-power has a far-reaching influence that is positive and self-perpetuating. In the role of helping develop young people, encouraging the connection between the growth and use of one's own capabilities does make a difference! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

NOV092009

NOV092009, originally uploaded by colemama.

The fish that got away - what a clever sand sculpture! Inventiveness and creativity fed by the imagination of one's mind and available resources. Though there were master sand sculptors an hour north on Ft. Myers Beach this past weekend, this work of *art* captures the innocence and the storytelling that can only come from amateurs. How delightful that it emerged amongst the foot-trodden sand to welcome the early morning beach walkers! 7th Ave S & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL