11.20.13

11.20.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Potted annuals are starting to show themselves around town! With many orange tones, these flowers still speak autumn - Florida style! :) Naples, FL

11.19.13

11.19.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Coming in for a landing...Our campus is only about a mile from the local airport and in the direct flight path, as indicated by this low flying private plane. Season is just beginning ... and so are the daily flights buzzing our roofs (this is only a two-story building, but there is a nearby three-story building as well)! If the lack of response to my request for quotes to get work done at the house is any indication, this is going to be a good season... LW Campus, Naples, FL

11.18.13

11.18.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A few small seed pods caught in a pine needle - wonder if the gentle breeze sent them on their way after I left... Naples, FL

11.17.13

11.17.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Volunteered at the Naples Botanical Garden's annual Plant and Garden Sale...and, of course, I didn't leave empty-handed! :) Now, I just need to wait until Tue to see if I won any of my potential raffle prizes. Of course, you always leave a winner when you visit the garden. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

11.16.13

11.16.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Our school hosted an Open House this morning with invitations to the entire community to visit and see what we do - it is our 40th anniversary! Culinary prepared food, Automotive and other Transportation classes provided demos, Medical Assisting took blood pressure readings, Massage gave chair massages, Cosmetology offered mini manicures and facials, and a variety of other programs had displays. This little girl captured my lens...but it took forever to get her to crack this bit of a smile....fortunately, her eyes are dancing with happiness. :) LW Campus, Naples, FL

11.15.13

11.15.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Changing of the guard...though our maples don't drop all of their leaves due to temperature as in northern hemispheres this time of year, our drier conditions often put 'survival of the fittest' at the forefront. Naples, FL

11.14.13

11.14.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Just a look at the jagged edge of this bromeliad...it's unusual beauty is defended by the thorny edges, but it can't hide from the webs of tiny spiders nor the dust of neighboring areas. Naples, FL

11.13.13

11.13.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Like so many birds, we hear this one before seeing it - a distinctive tap/tap/tap...and from the looks of this dead tree, it has been the victim of the pileated woodpecker on more than this occasion. Freedom Park, Naples, FL

11.12.13

11.12.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Good morning! The sequence of today's date was lucky, but being greeted by such a sunrise is just....well, just awesome! Lorenzo Walker Campus, Naples, FL

11.11.13

11.11.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Veteran's Day 2013 - Honoring all veterans for their patriotism, service, bravery, and sacrifice...but in particular, the stranger whose name is engraved on one of my Vietnam War POW/MIA bracelets.

JAMES MARTIN LUTTRELL

SFC - E7 - Army - Regular
USARV
Age: 42
Race: Caucasian
Sex: Male
Date of Birth Dec 14, 1935
From: FAYETTEVILLE, NC
Religion: METHODIST
Marital Status: Married

His tour began on May 10, 1971
Casualty was on Oct 20, 1978
In QUANG NAM, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, GROUND CASUALTY
Body was not recovered

11.10.13

11.10.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The water was sparkling like natural bling this morning as the water's assertive movement created foamy bubbles to catch the light. It doesn't seem to bother the birds. :) 1st Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.09.13

11.09.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Shooting a palm frond from eye level - looks like some sort of 'fairy dust' got sprinkled atop (or maybe chili powder!). :) Naples, FL

11.08.13

11.08.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The American Beautyberry is a delightful to see as the swamp continues to dry out in anticipation of winter - the bright purple is quite the 'pop'! Naples, FL

11.07.13

11.07.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Always love how the silver buttonwood leaves shimmer in the contrast of a clear blue sky...the color is both green and grey depending on the light and the side of the leaf. Naples, FL

11.06.13

11.06.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Funky moth at little fly temporarily coexist on greenery - the sun made a couple of brief appearances creating nice crisp shadows. Naples, FL

11.05.13

11.05.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This bushy-tailed squirrel took a quick look before romping among the tree branches. There are not many squirrels in our area - likely because of the number of palms as trees, but the hardwood trees in the swampy part of Freedom Park offer good food and shelter. Freedom Park, Naples, FL

11.04.13

11.04.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Yesterday (dark purple), today (lavender), and tomorrow (white) plant (also known as brunfelsia) is in full bloom - though looking more 'tomorrow' in this photo! Fascinating color transitions - just within three days, too! So, with the focus on tomorrow - I can plan ahead. Naples, FL

11.03.13

11.03.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Unusual footprints on the sand...unless there is a beach re-nourishment project going on! 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

11.02.13

11.02.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Seeking different ground, this wood stork soars overhead - not the most graceful of flyers, but fun to see nonetheless. Freedom Park, Naples, FL

11.01.13

11.01.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This turtle is covered with mossy algae - kinda like wearing a green coat! :) He obviously was disturbed by my approach and teetered back and forth 'to stay or to go'... Naples, FL

10.31.13

10.31.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Forgot my pumpkin and costume shots ... and with class tonight can only offer this bit of orange who definitely tricks, but loves his treats. ;) Naples, FL

10.30.13

10.30.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Flowering in overload on this plant! Naples, FL