05.31.13

05.31.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Like the constant rain that has come and gone [in buckets!] so has the month of May! The rain is due back tomorrow, but May won't be back again for another year. In the meantime, we'll try to read and follow the signs.

05.30.13

05.30.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Oh, yeah! It's that time of year...graduation! At our postsecondary adult vocational institution, the commencement was emphasized with the basic facts that our graduates will walk straight into the workplace...and generally decent-paying jobs, as well. From Aviation Mechanics to Dental Assistants to Network Systems Administrators to Surgical Technologists [and many more], our students have awesome opportunities not only for immediate paychecks, but also stepping stones into additional education. Congratulations to the class of 2013! :) Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology, Naples, FL

05.29.13

05.29.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Just another glimpse of the Gulf - a respite for the weary today...It seems that holiday weeks always end up being longer for some reason! ;) 1st Ave S & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

05.28.13

05.28.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Mangoes...yummy mangoes! Unlike zucchini when it is more than plentiful and one wonders what to do with the excess crop, there is no need for such a hunt with mangoes...at least not for me! And since there are so many varieties with staggering dates of ripeness, this season will extend into July, I hope! :) Good thing the neighborhood shares, too. Naples, FL

05.27.13

05.27.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Remembering and honoring those who sacrificed their lives - many at a young age - in service to our country.

To Brandon - killed in action 02.18.07
"A U.S. Army soldier from Naples died in the weekend crash of a military helicopter in Afghanistan, authorities said. Spc. Brandon D. Gordon, 21, and seven other soldiers died Sunday when the Chinook helicopter they were in crashed after reporting an unexplained loss of power and engine failure in the Shahjoi district of Zabul province in southeastern Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense. Gordon, who attended Lely High School for his freshman and sophomore years, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. He joined the Army in October 2003 as a Chinook helicopter repairer, the Department of Defense said in a news release. The military said the Chinook was carrying 22 U.S. service members when it crashed about 50 yards from the main highway between Kabul and Kandahar."

and to Pinkus Aylee, Civil War Union soldier, "since there are no living descendants to do this for him."
~ Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

05.26.13

05.26.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Since life is all about change, this sign takes on even more meaning. ;) Funny that I've been in this spot dozens of times and never noticed the sign - maybe it is because it is newly installed or maybe because it was the first time that I sat down at the bench across the path....either way it seemed to make its point very well! At the Naples Botanical Garden again! Naples, FL

05.25.13

05.25.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Touching down in the lotus pond for a staring contest - this dragonfly must have forfeited as he hovered off before the camera was down. The purity, elegance and simplicity of the lotus flower is quite beautiful to behold. This one is just unveiling its magnificent petals and there's much to show underneath the layers. Quite the heat today, but still an enjoyable stroll through the Naples Botanical Garden. Naples, FL