Thanks 2010

Thanks to all my blog supporters for coming to visit my little slice of life throughout 2010. I hope you'll be back to visit often in 2011 and share this spot with your friends if you think it is worthy.

The beach today was wonderful. I almost didn't go but when my first glimpse was of a delighted child feeding the gulls... I was hooked. Yep, this was the place to be for an hour or so to renew my energy. Too much holiday, too much food, too little sleep all washed away with the waves and sea breezes.

I almost felt like this little tern, just sitting in the sand enjoying the warmth of the sun. It was as if he was saying to his departing feathered friends... "you guys go ahead, I'll just sit here for a while."
But things were not dreary back at home either. A neighbor's kids had watched a butterfly hatch from its cocoon just before they went on a holiday trip. I was given the task to butterfly sit until it felt like taking wing.

And a hibiscus flower survived the latest freeze to make a colorful showing for the new year ahead. All of these things I count as good omens for 2011.
Happy New Year to all.


As far as I got

This photo is my beach approach. It's the beach entrance closest to my house and the one I use 99.9% of the time. Today this was as far as I got.

Winter storms dumping snow up the east coast, record setting cold in Florida and even though the sun came out, the wind didn't abate and the temperatures were barely out of the 30s. Much too cold for a Floridian whose blood has thinned out to the point of being almost reptilian. Br-r-r-r.

I am grateful though that I'm not having to deal with shoveling snow, power outages, traffic tie ups or sleeping in airport terminals. I'm sorry for all the vacationers who came to Florida to get warm. But this won't last and by week's end we are supposed to be back in the 70s again. I'll post some warmer beach photos then.

In the meantime, if you are cold... stay warm. If you are being deluged with rain... stay dry; and if you are surrounded by snow enjoy it for me, because that's as close as I want to be.

Christmas eve on the beach

Christmas eve, you are in Florida for vacation and no matter what, you are going surfing! It not important that the air temperature is in the mid 50s and that the wind is blowing out of the north at 12 to 14 mph. The water temperature is in the low 60s so it probably feels good, especially if you are suited up in a wet suit. I did notice the car this young man got out of had license plates from New York so I guess this is warm. Right?

Well, lucky me got to go to the beach too, though I was in heavy coat and hat. The wind was strong and this poor gull was trying to head north right into the wind but was being held stationary no matter how hard he tried. Gave me a good photo op.

At least the sun was out, at least I was able to walk on the beach, and thankfully had a warm coat to wear. Merry Christmas to all!

Birds of a feather

Yes, just like the shore birds, I certainly enjoyed this lovely day at the beach. The surf was good enough for a few intrepid surfers, the sun was bright and it was warm enough for me to shed my jacket. Not bad for December 22 any way you slice it. Woo hoo!

The beach is back!

Hurrah, my new computer arrived and it is up and running like a charm. As a matter of fact, I think I'm in love. It is bigger, faster, sleeker than my previous 6-year-old model and has features that will take me years to learn.
Though unexpected... Merry Christmas to me.
More importantly, I am able to get back online and to share my idyllic life with you. I also headed to the beach for the first time in many, many days. We've had unseasonably cold weather and the accompanying strong winds have made beach walking unbearable. Then the past two days it has been rainy and dreary.

Today there is sunshine but cold again so a short beach trip afforded me some blue blue skies with the hint of passing jets. It also heralded the return of the royal terns.
I didn't stay long without my heavy coat but... I'm back!

Stay tuned

Alas my trusty computer died and a new one is on order. I'll be back SOON I hope.

Stay tuned....

Before the cold

With a massive cold weather front coming this way (after dumping so much snow in Minnesota that the Metrodome roof collapsed) I decided to enjoy what may be my last beach walk for a while. Temperatures were bearable in the upper 50s and the sun was out so I savored it all. Though the photo above has no real visual interest, the different colors of the sky, the waves and the foam on the red sand was captivating as was the blue, blue sky with just a hint of what was to come in the wispy clouds.

I even got to enjoy a cup of tea on my patio before heavy clouds and a sprinkling of rain forced me inside. At least it wasn't snow and fortunately I didn't have to run to the grocery store to stock up before the storm.

Catching up

It has been too cold to brave the beach. With approaching holidays there has been too much to do, and I've been embroiled in a home project that has taken me away from my daily routine. I have also been a bit lax with this blog. So I nosed through some of my old files and decided to share these two photos with you.

The first one I named the little teapot because, just like when we were kids and could find objects in clouds shapes, this one was unmistakable.

On the same day the sun ducked behind a little strip of cloud for a moment and I thought the image was remarkable.

So there you have it — catching up for now and ready for the beach again tomorrow.

Brisk!

Wintertime here in Florida is without ice and snow, fortunately, but we do get some cold temperatures and the bright skies and rough seas seem to be part of the cold. Too bad I can't send you the frigid wind that accompanied these waves and nipped at my ears, nose and fingers.

As usual there were a couple people in shorts and short sleeved shirts (usually Canadians) and even one brave soul was taking a swim without a wet suit. Maybe he was practicing for the upcoming Polar Bear swim. More power to him.

Lovely day though, and enjoying the surf and sky took my mind off the cold — for a while anyway.

Not Montana

On my bucket list is a trip out to the western US especially Montana, big-sky country, and Wyoming. Today Florida offered up its own version of big-sky country. A cold front was moving through and the sky was spectacular. Reflection on the water made it doubly spectacular.

So welcome to big-sky country, Florida style. That front also brought us temperatures 30ยบ lower than what we've had lately. Br-r-r-r-r.

Not sapphires

The beach was strange this morning, threatening rain, rough seas, and more stranded Portuguese Men-of-War than I have ever seen.
The farthest point of my walk is two miles and every foot was littered with these strange and dangerous sea creatures. With a little imagination one could almost think someone had thrown sapphires all over the sand.

Some were no larger than the end of my thumb, others were a good 8 inches across and they were everywhere along the tide line. With their stinging tentacles, many stretched out on the beach, it would certainly be a painful swim. This time of year, and in this rough surf, it would probably only be surfers braving the ocean and their wet suits would help with the stings, though I imagine it would be like swimming in vegetable soup with big ol' hunks of veggies bumping into you. Yuck. No thank you.
I'll just pretend they're sapphires.

Happy Thanksgiving

What's a good way to start the Thanksgiving holiday? For me it was a beautiful walk on the beach, for these guys it was catching a wave.

There were news reports of severe weather in the Northwest US and I feel sorry for anyone suffering in the cold, ice and snow. It made me even more grateful to be wearing shorts and short sleeves. Hopefully these surfers were appreciating their advantage along with the good waves.

So, what did you do before the turkey and stuffing?


Go fly a kite

Somehow I had always assumed the phrase "go fly a kite" was a derisive term. You know... scram, go away, leave me alone. However, the young man on the beach today was having a great time flying his kite.

Once rigged and ready to go the kite immediately started flying and as he gently played out the string, I noticed that the flyer was having a wonderful time maneuvering the kite and steering it higher and higher. He was having so much fun! Just plain gleeful fun!

So today "go fly a kite" took on a whole new meaning for me. Not derisive at all. Do you suppose that the next time you want someone to go out and have some fun, you'll say "go fly a kite?"

Surf's up!

The ocean is so changeable and always interesting, which certainly is part of its mystique. It seems to draw me in and if it is calm, it calms me; if it is bursting with energy, then I feel energized as well.

Earlier this week we had some big waves and they were just plain thrilling to watch. A surfer I chatted with said that even though the waves were tall, they were a little too rough and collapsed before he could get a good run in. He seemed to be enjoying himself though. I was never good at surfing but with the waves this big I was tempted to yell "surf's up" and hit the water.

Sensibility prevailed and I just stayed on the shore and enjoyed the energy of these magnificent breakers. I always count my lucky stars to be a part of this.

Sea to shining sea

Midday beach walking certainly is opening a whole different world for me. Since I have a tendency to have songs pop unbidden into my brain, today it was patriotic with the brightness of the sun reflecting off the water.

America the Beautiful seemed to sum up my majestic mood and there was certainly a shining sea along with the beautiful spacious skies. No amber waves of grain, unless you count the sea oats. Purple mountains majesty are only here if we have mountains of dark clouds off shore. The shining seas were wonderful though and it was a beautiful day for which I, of course, am always grateful.

Tailwind

With the change of seasons I change my morning routine and instead of rolling out of bed and hitting the beach before I am fully awake (because in summer the sun is too brutal later in the day) nowadays I have a tendency to lollygag in bed. Though this is a luxury, sometimes it means I have to make myself get going and get on with my walk. This was one of those mornings. Lazing around was very comfortable and I had to invoke Nike... Just do it.

What an eye opener! It was warm but windy. Winds from the northeast not only stirred up the ocean but it stirred up the clouds. Birds were either zooming along with a tailwind or were held in place by the headwind. It was a fascinating and exhilarating phenomenon and I was so happy that I just got there! The energy of the elements was so stimulating that I came close to kicking up my heels. I restrained myself but it was tempting.

I'm so glad that I just did it... my day started a little later than usual but I felt like those birds with the tailwind — revitalized and ready to go.

Wish this photo could send you the energy, the sounds and invigorating air but this is the best I could do.

16th hole

It was so cold and windy that I skipped the beach and walked around the neighborhood instead. Fortunately most of my neighborhood is a golf course and the 16th hole is indeed picture perfect. There was not a golfer in sight and on this lovely par three water hole, at least for today there was not a birdie either.

Perusing pelican

A cold front moved in a few days ago and though it has been bright and sunny, we have had record-setting low temperatures for this time of year. I'm just not ready for winter yet but it doesn't seem to be affecting this big ol' pelican as he peruses the coast.

Though you can't see it or feel it, his flight is being propelled by a 15 mph tail wind. Great flying weather for pelicans, penetrating cold for us land-locked humans.

I'm not complaining, really. I don't have to shovel snow and I still get to walk on the beach. Bundled up but enjoying the beach nonetheless.

Energizing

Since I was renewed and energized by the sun's rays the other day, Mother Nature had to show me that she could do even better. Today's treat of the sun breaking through the clouds was even enjoyed by some shore birds.

Amazing how much fall's cooler weather and lovely sights like this can energize me. Life is indeed good!

Invitation from the sun

This morning I was frazzled and have yet to figure out why I was feeling so discombobulated. I was late for my beach walk, had too much to do before I got there but was finally delighted when the clouds parted and invited me into this lovely day.

Amazing how the jagged edges went away with some fresh air, the sound of gentle waves on the sand and the sun's rays warming me. I sometimes forget that this is a grateful blog but am reminded how grateful I am to be "combobled" again just by taking in this lovely outdoor arena.

Leonard

This heron (or one who looks exactly like this one) I often see in the mornings very close to this location on the beach. Today it was still almost hard dark when I first passed by and his head was tucked under his wing, sound asleep. Not a feather fluttered as I passed. On my return though, the sun was making its ascent as was the head of this wonderful great heron. As is my wont I have named him. I call him Leonard.

Here's the story behind the name. Several years ago I worked with a fellow named Leonard who was very nice to me, helped me out during our hurricanes of 2004, and in turn I helped him with some computer projects, with his taxes, etc. After we both left that place of employment we lost touch and I hadn't seen or talked to Leonard in more than a year when I found out that he had died... at the age of 57. The morning after I heard the news I was walking on the beach thinking about Leonard and aloud I said, "Oh Leonard, I didn't know... I'm so sorry." At exactly that moment this great heron took off, flew what seemed like inches above my head with a very loud GWAAAK, GWAAAK! Scared me to pieces until I decided it was just Leonard saying..."that's okay, don't worry about it."

Now every morning that I see him I say "Good morning, Leonard."

Leftovers... yum!

What a surprise I got when looking out my back window this afternoon. There was a box turtle eating cat food out of the bowl. He was up of his back legs, front legs on the edge of the bowl and he was eating leftover cat food!

I grabbed my camera and ran out the back door to share the event with you. By the time I got there the turtle was munching away right beside the cat food bowl. His mouth looks funny in the picture because he was chewing a bit of kitty kibble. That was about the cutest thing I've seen in a long time.

It's lucky that today I over fed the neighborhood stray kitty who comes to my back door every morning, lucky there were enough leftovers for a cute little box turtle to enjoy. I usually put out fresh greens for the turtle, who seems to like mustard greens better than spinach, but I never knew he liked cat food.

Guess you can learn something new every day if you just pay attention.

Young artists continue

Just when I least expected to find it, a wonderful sandcastle, or should I say medieval compound, appeared on the beach. The young minds and hands that create these sculptures just fascinate me. The intricate details on this one were smile producing for sure.

I love the little bridge crossing the moat to enter the compound.


The garden set out in rows was an agricultural delight.

The "parade ground" with flag pole and nearby "swimming pool" was any castle dweller's dream.

Young minds at work... it's a wonderful thing. The work being done above the high tide line is even better.

Names and labels...

The different cloud formations this morning were intriguing and to be honest, a bit daunting. It's also a little intimidating in that, as much as I appreciate looking at clouds, I don't know as much about them as I should. Am I gonna learn more? Maybe, but for now...

Just enjoy this scene and the solid bank of clouds positioned in a straight line from right at the horizon to about 200 feet in height and it was unmoving. In the hour I was at the beach it never wavered. Above that were lavender stratus (I think) clouds with some interesting swirls and formations and higher still, highlighted against the blue, were wisps of cirrus clouds.

So, now that there are labels for everything, just forget what they are called and enjoy the scenery as much as I did. It was a beautiful start to the day.

Golden

The golden quality of this morning was intriguing, especially with the shrimp boat positioned in the rays of the sun. Don't know what more I can add.

10.10.10

With the date of October 10, 2010 (10.10.10) the sunrise just had to be special. It was! Even as it slowly progressed it just got better.
The rest of the day was pretty special too, numbers notwithstanding.


Practicing

Instead of going to the beach at dawn when it was chilly and high tide, I decided to go in the afternoon and what a show I was treated to.

There is an air show in town this weekend and I didn't know that the planes: jets, WWI and WWII aircraft practiced their maneuvers and flying formations before the event. It was like a free ticket to the show.
The picture above is one of many I took of the jets of the Canadian Snowbirds. Those guys were so fast I missed each and every one. Just a tiny little puff of contrail in the bottom right corner is the only evidence that they were really there.
The flying formation of single engine WWII vintage aircraft was slow enough and close enough for me capture and share with you. It was a very exciting afternoon!

Different day...

What a difference 24 hours can make. One day beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. The next, heavy clouds, strong winds and down right chilly. It did, however, give us the opportunity for a spectacular mix of sun and clouds at dawn.
My regular camera had dead batteries so this is from my cell phone. Not great quality but the subject matter alone made it pretty spectacular. I sort of like the unexpected lens flares in this second shot. Enjoy!

Monday, Monday

What a day! How wonderful to be retired and not have to start a work week on that dreaded Monday.

Being a golf fanatic, I arose early to watch the final round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament from Wales. The USA team didn't win but beyond all odds they made a great showing and the thrills came hard, fast and often. I was cheering, fist pumping and having a great time. The tournament was over about 11 a.m. and then I thought — now what?

Since I missed my morning beach walk because of the golf, I decided to make a picnic, take my book and beach chair and head to the beach. Instead of my power walk with walking shoes, shorts and t-shirt, I was in my bathing suit and enjoyed a leisurely stroll barefoot at water's edge. I took in the clear blue sky and a hunting osprey.(See above.) The waves were wonderful and rolling, the sights, sounds and smells were all just delicious. It is only about 75ยบ and a nice breeze... well just perfect. I haven't enjoyed myself so much in a long, long time. I was happy, relaxed and not a care in the world. Wish I could bottle it. I can of course share the song that whisked through my head and out my lips.



Strange dancers

The clouds remind me of some strange dancers performing a modern jazz presentation upon the stage of the sea. Their costumes are soft gray veils and lavender tunics.

Once again the fall phenomenon of towering clouds along the horizon invokes strange images. That's my interpretation, what's yours?

Fall clouds

In the fall we often have clouds standing on the horizon — mostly a solid dark line with a few taller ones arising out of the mass.
That was my greeting this morning. The lower humidity and a nice breeze gave me hope that summer's heat would soon be behind us.

When the sun started to appear behind the clouds... it was just spectacular, but someone said it better than I, "a picture is worth a thousand words."

All puffed up...

It was dark when I started out and I couldn't really see any clouds, at the far point of my walk it was lighter and when turning back toward home, I was stunned by this big guy lurking behind me.

What a great cloud. Standing so tall and alone as a sentinel over the beach, the ocean and all the other clouds. After my awe waned and I began to wonder why this one cloud was standing so tall, a thought struck me... "all puffed up and nowhere to go."

That's a phrase I use laughingly and fondly with my cat when she puffs up to show off to other felines who wander into her territory. What fun, amazed and silly all in the span of mere moments.

Progression

At first there is just a little bit of brightness at the edge of the horizon. The sun was barely visible and almost like one of those pinpoint laser lights.
But it didn't take long before old sol was making its presence fully known.
Then fully lighting the sky, except of course for the clouds which kept the images interesting. Hope the rest of my day progresses as nicely as this, but no matter what's in store, it would be hard to beat this start to the day.