An ominous warning? No evidence of any danger on this boardwalk, so will consider it unnecessary graffiti instead....Freedom Park, Naples, FL
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
05.06.13
The brilliant Geiger tree is blooming - there's actually a white flowered version as well, but one can hardly deny the stunning beauty of this streetscape tree. I love this replicated entry from John James Audubon's Ornithological biography;, or An account of the habits of the birds of the United States of America : accompanied by descriptions of the objects represented in the work entitled The birds of America, and interspersed with delineations of American scenery and manners / v.2 [Publication Info: Philadelphia, PA. :, Edinburgh : Judah Dobson ;, A. Black, 1831-1849].
"The Rough-leaved Cordia
This plant, on account of its large tubular scarlet flowers, is one of the most beautiful of the West Indian trees. I saw only two individuals at Key west, where we supposed, they had been introduced from Cuba. They were about fifteen feet high, the stem having a diameter of only five or six inches. They were in full bloom in the early part of May, and their broad deep green leaves, and splendid red blossoms, mingled with the variety of plants around me, rendered their appearance delightful. Both trees were on private property, and grew in a yard opposite to that of Dr. Strobel, through whose influence I procured a large bough, from which the drawing was made, with assistance of Mr. Lehman. I was informed that they continue to flower nearly the whole summer."
Not only did I enjoy the digital version of this classic and encyclopedic work, but I learned more about the White-Headed Pigeon. Audubon's storytelling narrative really does make learning 'stick' and much more interesting! Naples, FL
05.05.13
Parts of five umbrellas in honor of Cinco de Mayo on this absolutely gorgeous (almost humid-free) Sunday morning. The birds were relatively uncooperative - either in hiding or with their backs to me across the marsh - so the patterns in diagonal format were the selected image. On the dog walk through the Botanical Gardens, we apparently missed a curious baby alligator as the workers rode quickly by on the golf cart with a one-footer tightly gripped - wished they'd stopped for a photo opp, but understood! Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL
Saturday, May 4, 2013
05.04.13
Spanish moss and a broken branch offer a natural 'still life' though chances are there is nothing but 'still' in that micro-ecosystem! In thicker clumps, this gray beard is used as homes for bats and birds. As an air plant (epiphyte), it is part of the bromeliad family.
It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you. ~ M. Grundler
Like so many other things we take for granted, the air we breathe is a vital part of our being. After the rains or even a wind squall, it smells so much cleaner...and it makes you wonder how 'dirty' it really was! Trying to keep the air clean is a continual challenge, but even more difficult in the summer when the air is warmer and the ozone levels are higher. In addition to the typical driving tips, it is recommended that you 1) refuel, when it's cool, 2) don't top off your gas tank, and 3) use less gas. Naples, FL
05.03.13
Going for the spiraled vine and out of the blue lands a spotted dragonfly...fun find! :) Naples, FL
Thursday, May 2, 2013
05.02.13
A very full day of rain finally gave way to some sunshine - sweet moments when capturing the color of bromeliad highlighted by remaining water drops. More rain on the horizon for tomorrow and then tapering off on Sat...it always leaves everything so fresh and clean...AND the precipitation is not white! Naples, FL
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
05.01.13
A little bit of blurry 'sunshine' to greet the month of May - much appreciated since there was much more rain than rays today. There are no special celebrations here for May day, but I do remember wrapping ribbons around the May Pole when I lived in Germany in my youth. May is generally a month warmly welcomed...hope yours is off to a good start! Naples, FL
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
