Cantaloupe season

I've been expecting them, but on my trip to the farmer's market I finally met up with our wonderful Florida cantaloupe. Fresh off the vine and right out of the fields of south Florida this time of year, these heavenly bits of sunshine for the mouth are soooooooooo delicious. They taste nothing like what you find in colored cardboard in the grocery store. Heaven until the first of July when they are gone until next April.

I added some summer squash, including the darling and tasty little patty-pan squash, along with kale and parsley from my own garden and have a basket of delightful, colorful and tasty treats to share with you.

Along with the cantaloupe, there are fresh watermelons also in season this time of year. Alas, eating watermelon gives me hives so I must resist. But melon lovers... it's time! Hurrah.

Ginger flower progress

This morning I noticed that the first ginger flower is growing and beginning to open. To give you perspective the entire flower pod is about 8 to 10 inches long and has several buds that will open to about an inch or more in diameter. 

I can't wait to see it in full bloom but for now you can laugh along with us as it continues to open.

HA, HA, HA, HA, HA... cute little guy, huh?

Ginger

I love ginger as a cooking companion as well as ginger ale, ginger bread and ginger snaps — each is near the top of my all-time-favorites list — so how could I resist when a neighbor, who was having some construction done, gave me some fully grown ginger plants before workers destroyed them.

They have been a lovely addition to my landscape, easy to take care of and adoring of our tropical climate. Imagine my surprise this morning when I noticed that one of the plants was beginning to flower. 

                  

Upon further inspection, I've found several other plants that are also going to be showing some finery in the coming weeks. Joy is in the little things you chance upon unexpectedly!

Easter sunrise

Since I got up early and it was warm... I decided to see the sunrise at the beach for the first time in quite a while. I still walk on the beach every day but usually mid-morning to afternoon in winter.  It was worth it and a wonderful way to start an Easter morning.

There was even an easter bunny sighting. Well, not from today because I suppose he was busy this morning — I had to drag this cute little fellow from my archives to share with you. 
Happy Easter all.

Surf lesson

The surf was high today due to strong easterly winds and it was absolutely exhilarating to be at the beach. Beautiful the way the sun struck the waves, too.

 

I enjoyed watching father and son in the surf with a lesson in catching a wave. 

 

I'm not sure who enjoyed it most, the father, the young surfer or me living vicariously.

Looks like fun...

Lately there have been many people fishing on the beach. To me it looks like a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and to feed yourself to boot. 

     When I asked, this fellow had not yet had any luck but assured me that the fish would come if he were patient enough. 
     Looking back, my dad was a great fisherman, enjoyed the activity and my mom even cooked up what he'd bring home. She once said there were times when she had to think about something else when she was eating his catch, but they'd never go hungry.

     Makes me wonder how I'd do if I took up rod and reel. I'll keep you posted.

Roxy, Boxy and Garden

Things have been so normal that I could find nothing different, unusual or exciting to add to this blog. I feel I bore you enough with beach, clouds, birds and all there has been lately is more beach, clouds and birds. 
However, part of my life is feeding my neighborhood kitties and occasionally other wildlife. This morning my pal Roxy the kitty was joined for breakfast by Boxy the turtle. He was eating her cat food and drinking her water. 

 

Sweet.

Another exciting part of my life that doesn't involve beach, clouds etc. is my garden. This is my first venture into growing my own food beside the occasional tomato plant, that is.
Here it is the day I started it — the first of November. 

A month later...

And just last week after replanting the romaine which had grown up to my chin!

Even more amazing is that I've been eating out of it every day, often two or three times a day. Even sharing it with neighbors can barely keep up with the growing greenery. Who knew I had a hidden green thumb? Yum!