Birth of a new day (and a new baby in the extended family, too - welcome Baby O'Brien) and not a bad start to Easter morning. :) Cocoa, FL
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
03.30.13
Pepper plants ready for transplant and by the look of the color, ready to eat, as well. Fun to change the focal point and create a front and rear blur - kinda reminds me of the transition of the garden seasons...one becomes easily blurred when the other is in focus! Melbourne, FL
Friday, March 29, 2013
03.29.13
The Yellow Tabebuia is beginning its golden trumpet burst all over town - they really show up nicely against the blue sky, but these show off the tangled and bare branches that support the flowers. Hoping that the joy and happiness of yellow translate for the FGCU men's basketball win to move to the Elite 8. Love the #marchmadness! Naples, FL
Thursday, March 28, 2013
03.28.13
Skyward view of a coconut palm tree with three little ones still hanging on. The palms always elicit a tropical expectation and this one is no different, Despite our sudden cold night, the sun came out and warmed our day to about 70 degrees F. Ah, nice... Naples, FL
03.27.13
The arbor is filling in nicely with two colors of bougainvillea - it's looking up again! :) Naples, FL
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
03.26.13
The very windy conditions kept all birds at bay - only the kites and the wind surfers even attempted to work with the wind. Here a kite stayed aloft near the shoreline, but the surfing variety were taking rest, leaving color in their wake. Surf was high, sand was blowing a couple of inches off the surface, and the beach was predictably vacant, despite one of many Spring Break weeks in March...sounds like many of them were visiting the FGCU campus checking out admission opportunities. 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
03.25.13
Great intersections in the sky this afternoon. Can't figure why I get so entranced with these power lines, but they are fascinating to shoot...and always around as a daily photo object.
As a small token of support for the Cinderella team, FGCU Eagles, upcoming Sweet 16 basketball game against UF Gators, I'm going to limit my daily photos to the "looking up" position in search of the Screaming Eagle mascot - at least I know I won't see a gator in that direction. :) Florida Gulf Coast University is up the road a bit and I taught a class there one semester many years ago, so I would be pleased to see a win for them - but I wouldn't be sad if Florida wins either....so a win/win for me! Naples, FL
Sunday, March 24, 2013
03.24.13
Just a quick shot while waiting at the stop light (quite noticeable in the reflected windows!) - a cloudy and windy day, but the weekend spells 'boarding' no matter the conditions for some! Though there was some temptation to follow him to the beach to capture additional shots, other priorities prevailed. Kinda liked that the boards coordinated with the tail light here, too! Naples, FL
Saturday, March 23, 2013
03.23.13
It is always a treat to see white pelicans as ours are usually brown - they almost look albino with their nearly pure white feathers (thought there is black line of feathers underneath their wings more revealed in flight) and faded pink/yellow bills. Unlike their brown cousins, they are rarely solo, instead relying upon each other for community and for feeding. Naples, FL
03.22.13
Often referred to as the Tourist Tree (since the peeling bark resembles the unfortunate peeling skin that occurs when tourists get sunburned), the gumbo limbo tree is always quite identifiable. Its versatile uses make it quite desirable not only to the birds, but to humans, as well. The limited berries visible in this shot indicates that the birds have already had their feed and the shading leaves are on their way. Naples, FL
03.21.13
Sharp thorns on this variegated succulent made it a less likely hiding place for the geocaching experience today...there were other areas of concealment. :) Following the lines of shadowed thorns lead center, but also radiate out. The variegation, blotched here and there, is uneven - but somehow patterned. Nature always seems to have a purpose and reason. Naples, FL
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
03.20.13
Caught this cormorant mid-dip, but he came up empty-beaked, so I guess dinner will have to wait. The reflection and beaded water drops gleaned in the sunlight, showing off a little sparkle to an ordinary image. Interpretation of ordinary versus extraordinary is such an individual perception - what criteria do you use to make that judgement? Do you do determine that intuitively or with structure? I'm always surprised at the little things that become much bigger upon closer examination! Naples, FL
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
03.19.13
Yay - the sun was out this afternoon with a burst of double buttercups challenging the bright blue sky. Another spring tree in blossom to keep me smiling.
As an observer of nature, I can only continue to appreciate ... and to wonder. Curiosity and awe are so natural for true learning - and, unfortunately, not evident in schooling in most situations. Are we seeing more of an intersection between learning and schooling these days? Hmmm - I know that is a goal for many, but I'm having difficulty judging the potential commonalities. On the 'wonder' note, I was re-introduced to Wolfram/Alpha tonight - I had forgotten about this cool computational knowledge source and had no idea about the widgets and the ability to create your own - great thinking exercise! Naples, FL
Monday, March 18, 2013
03.18.13
Who ordered rain today? Although precipitation is always welcome during the dry season, the accompanying lightning/thunder/pressure changes create canine fear and frenzy. Thankfully, a nearby construction worker reported the escapee who is now embraced in his 'thunder-shirt'. Raindrops are always fun to capture with their kaleidoscope nature and unpredictable movement - these on a plumeria branch. Naples, FL
03.17.13
No green beer this year (or for many years, for that matter!) - just a green anole showing off his color and Mc'Irish O'Limerick to bring good cheer. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
An O' can make Irish of thee
Just as easily as a Mc'D
So whatever your name
Play the St. Patty's day game
And be Irish as Irish can be!
~ Linda Riggs
03.16.13
Such unusual patterning and coloring on this butterfly - apparently an atala. It is amazing how much joy there is in discovering such a delightful image (even though its fuzzy wing edges indicate flight). Naples, FL
Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
Friday, March 15, 2013
03.15.13
Shaving brush - not as functional as the 'real thing' but sure looks a lot prettier! :) Got to spend a couple of good walking and talking hours (and a few photographs here and there!) with a friend at the Naples Botanical Garden this last morning of Spring Break - what better way to spend time!?! :) Lucky to live so close to the glorious sights and sounds, it is difficult to not appreciate the beauty and the mysteries of nature. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Thursday, March 14, 2013
03.14.13
Fallen petals in various stages of withering - it is interesting that they are all faced down until they begin to shrink and then they turn more upward! The natural elements in the poured concrete tiles make for a textural background that might very well be overlooked if not for the remains of purple. Naples, FL
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
03.13.13
A sea of yellow embraces the eye interrupted only with those dainty pansy 'faces' and traces of the sprinkler's early spray. The pansy evokes fond memories of my maternal grandmother who favored these annuals and always commented on the individual nature of their markings and colors. They are planted in our climate now since the danger of any potential frost has passed, but with the loom of excessive humid heat, they won't last long. Naples, FL
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
03.12.13
Overturned, this flat bottom fishing boat is apparently no longer in service - but it does provide a bit of distraction from the grassy terrain that lines the lake. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Monday, March 11, 2013
03.11.13
It is county fair time in Florida! For most northern states, the county fairs happen in the summer, so I guess we keep the carnival workers in business during the 'off' season! This ferris wheel was being assembled for the big week in Okeechobee County. With rodeos and 4-H, you know you are in Florida cowboy country - and the country-side is full of cattle ranches...and orange groves. Though the Sunshine State is more famously known for its coastline and tourist economy, agriculture represents a fair share. And, despite the growth and promotion of knowledge/information/technology economies, we still need agriculture. Okeechobee, FL
Sunday, March 10, 2013
03.10.13
Indian River at dawn with mirrored reflections of peaceful moorings. The clouds gave way to bright sunshine and a warm day - makes living on a sailboat a bit tempting.... :) Cocoa, FL
03.09.13
Cocoa Village has a number of murals in the downtown area - including many that advertise local business. Obviously Linda's supports Coca Cola company, as well. An interesting blend of small and mega - but it looks like it works for them. Cocoa, FL
03.08.13
Headed home from @ATL after a Breaking Barriers (BYOD) conference at Forsyth County Schools. Today's highlight was the ever on-target, energetic Bernajean Porter. Though I've heard her before, the message never seems grow old ... Too bad there are some that don't hear it and others who don't heed it. Ah well - still look forward to moving some ideas into action. Atlanta, GA
03.07.13
A bit protected, this flower (camelia?) was one of the few that did not show signs of age or perhaps damage from the cold. It was a welcome sight, as it appears it will be another week or more before the flowering trees make their mark here in GA. Mother Nature at her best...allowing for individual differences, while still providing a framework for life. Cumming, GA
03.06.13
Setting sun at the reception of Breaking Barriers BYOD Conference featuring fine food and a bit of live music, as well. Looking forward to a couple of days of learning and networking as we prepare to be one of the Phase 1 schools for district implementation. Forsyth Convention Center, Lanier Technical College, Cumming, GA
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
03.05.13
A closer look at the fallen pink tabebuia blossom reveals its fuzzy texture and the pale yellow throat. Though the bad timing of recent windy days took away the beauty of most trees, the carpet of pink remains aground. 4th Ave S & 5th St, Naples, FL
And though unrelated, my happy birthday wishes to Mom who turned 91 today and played golf (chipped & putted) with the winning foursome - May you have many more MJL! :)
Monday, March 4, 2013
03.04.13
Moon setting and sun rising...what a good start to a Monday and at least today promised (and delivered) more sunshine. This seamless change from one phase of the 24-hour period to the next is not often so visible, but always anticipated. One wonders why other desired changes cannot be so easily adopted - LOL! US 41E & Gordon River, Naples, FL
Sunday, March 3, 2013
03.03.13
The wind stopped blowing long enough to snap these orchid tree flowers - love the color, especially on sunless days like today. 2nd Ave N & 3rd St, Naples, FL
Saturday, March 2, 2013
03.02.13
Chance is on alert at the dog park...waiting for 'fresh meat', uhmm other canines to arrive. He's got a major alpha streak in him and think he exudes that intimidation (and maybe even terrorizing bully) as the others seemed to cower when he passes/approaches. Fortunately, he's just another dog at 'camp' and he's a just a little less than equal in the household! :) Naples Dog Park, Goodlette Rd, Naples, FL
Friday, March 1, 2013
03.01.13
Here's to grilled spicy shrimp, sweet potato and edamame dinner to open up March! Some days the meals are less than nutritional, but most days when cooking is scheduled, there's a much better match...and this is 'leftovers'. :) Simply prepared and fresh from the earth and sea. Naples, FL
02.28.13
Pale pink hibiscus...with pistil and stamen showing a bold shadow...is a good ending to this year's February. :) 3rd Ave N & 5th St, Naples, FL
02.27.13
Men do change, and change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass.
~ John Steinbeck
Those poetic words bring out the silent beauty of the process of change - a bit more optimistic than most of my experiences, but the 'concealed' nature of its entrance is so oft true. Naples, FL
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