Goodbye Fort Lauderdale!

Goodbye Fort Lauderdale! 

We set sail at 4:00PM, 4/30/2013, leaving our country, family, friends and most importantly my comfort zone. I couldn’t help thinking of my grandparents who crossed the Atlantic in 1920, to start a new life in this country. Certainly not in the lap of luxury or for recreational purposes and grand-mother was pregnant.

As we entered the cruise terminal, I welled up and needed a moment to compose myself. A nice woman on staff, asked what was the matter? “I just can’t believe I am here”, I sobbed! She gave me a great big hug and welcomed us aboard. 

“The herded cattle process” as some call it, went extremely well. Very little waiting, except for the photo line which we were allowed to decline. The staff, extremely polite, punctual and informative. My wish is their command. A little scary!!! I could get really use to this.

Our cabin is spacious with a king size bed, small couch, desk and a large window that lets the light flood in! Not a bad way to spend the next twenty-seven days! We settled in quite nicely, enjoyed a tour of the ship, a delicious dinner and a great show latter in the evening, followed by a sing along at the piano bar. My micro managing, along with the help of a great travel agent, has now finally paid off. Holland America, has just got it all right, folks. 

My only problem is navigating my whereabouts. I have still to figure out how to get from point A to point B. Hubby, hysterical that I get it right about 20% of the time! Hopefully my numbers will improve shortly! Forward, aft, starboard and port, way to much information to comprehend on our first day! My sense of direction has now vanished! The benefit to all of this, walking off those extra calories!

Dreaming of unknown adventures yet to come, I fell into a deep sleep! Humming engines and calm waters were the perfect combination to help this process along.

Many activities are planned for us in the next six days at sea and I am excited to try new things. 

Our first port of call, Horta, Azores. The second port of call, in the nine island Azorean chain, Ponta Delgada. I suspect my camera will get a real workout when the time arrives. So exciting and so decadent! Hey somebody has to do it!

Our Journey!

Our Trip
We embark upon our journey and trip of lifetime in just a few days. Celebrating a landmark anniversary and a milestone birthday for me. Our trip has been in the planning stages for some time now and we are looking forward to the excursion! It is too early to say that I am excited, as I am still caught up in the details. Fears vanishing, I am sure, as soon as I place one foot aboard ship. We will be visiting, Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece and Croatia by cruise ship. Followed by a two-week land tour of Italy! Six weeks total, visiting places I have romanticized about for many years. Who would have thunk it??? Little old me and the hubster, embracing the great masters and all the genius that Europe has to offer. Our home in Florida, lived in for the summer by some friends. Once our journey is complete, we will fly back to Boston and spend the summer in Massachusetts, visiting with our children. Many of our friends have asked to see our pictures upon our return to Florida, in September! 
Be careful what you wish for PEOPLE! 
It will be interesting to see how many thousands of photos, I will capture. I will try to blog and post when I can. I hear that the internet service is slow aboard ship and patience is definitely not one of my virtues. Then relying on hotel and café wi-fi in the last leg of our trip. Above is a photo of the husband, opening a birthday/anniversary card from our friends Larry and Linda. When opened it plays the chicken dance. Hysterical because hubby is "The King of the Chicken Dance". 
If you follow my blog you know that, the man, can adapt this phenomena to any song. 
Hmmmm, I wonder if he can customize it to the Flamenco. 
Now try to get that image out of your head! Que pase un buen día! (Have a nice day!) 
Now. how you say...where is the bathroom???

Forever Grateful!

Great Blue Heron

can grow: 40-52 in.

a very famous profile...

a fearless hunter...

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."~Gandhi~
Trying to escape the ills and evils of the world, a trip to the beach would surely be the elixir!  Barbaric media images, were now embedded deeply upon the scanner and keeper of my soul! The horror and the scoundrels who committed the horror, remain forever, a mystery to my being! Why? 
Families destroyed, life disrupted as we know it. Sweet innocence lost, their genius never to be. 
My roots are in the Boston area! I knew that some family members would surely attend the race! Panic filled my heart and the phone calls began! Thankfully all are fine! My sister and her family, stranded in Boston, were finally able to leave by train. 
Definitely a perfect 10 beach day, my therapy would begin. Hardy breezes cooled the high ninety degree temperature! A large heron greeted me as soon as I placed my feet in the sand. His massive wing span and overall size were truly amazing. He flew off in a hurried swoosh! Darn where is that camera when I need it? 
All settled, chair placed perfectly in the sand, cooler close by, towels laying flat, soda in one hand and my instrument of capture perched firmly on my lap, I was ready! Bring it on!
Moments later Mr. Heron, returned to my left. Engrossed by any tidbit that an angler might cast his way. Too pre-occupied and hungry to allow my shutter button to frighten him off, he waltzed toward me. 
Click, click, click, many photos later, forever grateful for his grand performance, he meandered along, scrutinizing the shoreline. 
The heron is a bird of immense symbolism and folklore. For me he symbolized hope, on this sunny day. A much-needed gift from the universe to divert my fears, enabling my tentative belief in humanity once again! 
Boston, a city steeped in tradition, founded by heroes, a legacy carried on, through all the efforts of those involved! Home of the BRAVE!!!
 We love you Boston! You make us proud! 

I was so impressed by this gorgeous heron that I decided to make him my new blog header. A peaceful reminder, that we must hold onto faith and hope, no matter the circumstances.

Also sharing with: http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com

The Wood Storks Of Corkscrew Swamp!

A fascinating creature...

Standing tall...I was protected by a fenced in boardwalk when I took this photo.

Always in pursuit of food...

Ok, so not the prettiest bird in the universe...

Yes, that is a gator in the background...

follow me...  
The wood stork is another common sight here in Florida. We usually see them by the road side, wading in almost any pool of standing water. They can stand erect, commanding a second look, especially in larger groups. My hubby often says that they are holding a union meeting! 
Quite playful, they seemed to go about their day peacefully. Not nearly as aggressive as the egret.  
Very regal looking creatures, larger than most of their sloshing buddies, dressed always in formal attire! 

A few facts: "Wood storks are tall, white denizens of freshwater or brackish wetlands and swamps. They can be identified by their long legs, featherless heads, and prominent bills. These waders feed on minnows in shallow water by using their bills to perform a rare and effective fishing technique. The stork opens its bill and sticks it into the water, then waits for the touch of an unfortunate fish that wanders too close. When it feels a fish, the stork can snap its bill shut in as little as 25 milliseconds, an incredibly quick reaction time matched by few other vertebrates. The storks prefer to employ this technique in isolated pools created by tides or falling freshwater levels, where fish congregate en masse. In some areas, such as Florida, breeding begins with the dry season that produces these optimal fishing conditions. Though wood storks eat small fish, they eat a lot of them. An average nesting pair, with two fledglings, may eat over 400 pounds (181 kilograms) of fish during a single breeding season. Wood storks are social animals. They feed in flocks and nest in large rookeries—sometimes several pairs to a single tree. Females lay two to five eggs, which both sexes incubate for about one month. Young fledge about two months after hatching."

~National Geographic~

sharing with: http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/

More On Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary!

Egret

I feel happy, o so happy...sorry not the greatest shot but it made me smile...

Too Skinny...

Slowly I walk...

Their plumes were used by hat makers and they almost became extinct... 

Sitting Pretty...

I said... 
Suffice it to say, that the Egret is a common bird here in Florida. Hardly a day goes by, that I don't see at least one meandering about. It is also fair to say, that I have taken their existence for granted. Witnessing their antics at Corkscrew Swamp, has given me a whole new respect for these wispy creatures. Their delicate beauty added to the tapestry of the shrinking waterscape. 
Observing them for quite some time I became aware of their tenacious nature. They are very patient and strike their prey at lightning speed. Territorial, they scavenge gingerly about, foraging for any protein that swims, slithers or crawls. 
I used several different techniques to edit these photos! Actions, filters, textures and fooling around with levels for that matte finish look! 
Once again, Mother Nature, the conductress, of her universe! 
Have a wonderful and peaceful day! 

I was awarded Post Of The Week by The Smitten Image! Thanks Hilary

Our Day At Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary!

Roseate Spoonbill/Let Me Get This Out Of Your Way

Little Blue Heron

Roseate Spoonbill/ Little Blue Heron

Roseate Spoonbill/Morning Ritual 

Roseate Spoonbill/Me First 
We dropped Mom off at the airport, then headed south for about thirty minutes to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. A local TV station had reported an abundance of birds due to the lack of rain. Birds seeking refuge in any water that remained, had been reported.  
Rain was in the forecast, it was overcast, muggy and a perfect day for photographing! The much needed rains would indeed grace us later that afternoon, accompanied by thunder and lighting. You can read more about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary here: 
We entered the 2.25 mile boardwalk at the exit sign, fully knowing that the lake inhabited by the majestic creatures would be a shorter stroll. 
Walking about 3/4 of a mile to our destination and what a sight it was! We encountered seven different species of birds, there may have been more. Roseate Spoonbills, Ibis, Heron, Little Blue Heron, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Egrets, also alligators and turtles, all coexisting in the now shrinking lake. The true birders were all excited about a Night Heron, that they had spotted in a distant tree. 
Amazing what they can identify, as for me, it looked like a blob and my limited camera lens wasn't buying it either! 
It was an exciting and peaceful day and I have many more photos to share.
Mother Nature, and her cast of characters, is quite possibly the best show in town!

Sharing with: 

http://www.aruraljournal.com/ 
Wild Bird Wednesday: http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/wild-bird-wednesday-39-stilts.html

Me & My Cousins! Happy Easter!!!

Easter Sunday, circa 1953, say Cheese...
An innocent time when our only thoughts were that of the Easter Bunny and what gifts he would bestow upon us. Scrubbed clean, new socks, patent leather shoes, underwear and always a new dress, it was Easter Sunday, after all.  Yes, I got the new coat being the oldest and my sister Barbara (front center, screaming) would get my hand-me-downs, a year later. Straw hats and bags would surely accessorize the outfit.
After church, a visit to grandma's where cousins met and played for hours. Consuming, comparing and exchanging candy of all shapes and sizes! 
Excitement and the sweet smell of chocolate filled the air. Headless and sometimes earless bunnies stood stoic, waiting their turn for further attention and or consumption. Pink, green, lilac and yellow foil wrappers strewn about, grass filler everywhere. 
Eventually an adult would surface to control the chaos. Giggles, hushed for a few brief moments. Cleanup imminent! 
Some sixty years later we are all still alive and doing well! We remain friends and have the comfort of knowing that we are there for each other, although separated by hundreds of miles! 
My sister Barbara, front center, myself in the middle with the big head, cousin Carol, pictured left, cousin Jimmy, back left, cousin Ricky, back right, cousin Nancy Paula, outer right and cousin Susie, middle right! 
Happy Easter Guys! Love you all!
Happy Easter to each and everyone of you, as well! 
Have a wonderful day!

Small Town USA

Small Town Church, USA 

As in any small town USA, a community church, post office and several small structures may command the landscape! 

Recovering from a bad cold, Judy called and asked if we would attend a strawberry festival in a neighboring town. Cooped and confined for a week, I eagerly agreed. My trusty Canon in for a tune up, I had my little point and shoot as a backup. 

The town so tiny we weren't sure if we missed it or not. A small wooden library, adorned with chipped white paint and several tented vendors confirmed that we had indeed arrived. The church quite beautiful by comparison, stood proudly across the street. 

Strawberry shortcake being served under one tent only. YUM!

"We are sold out," explained a mature little lady, loaded down by character. It's only 11:30AM, I thought. Oh well let's make the best of it, as we all seem to do very well! Husbands along for the excursion, I am sure wishing they were on some golf course about now! 
Plants for sale along with a few crafts around the west side of the well weathered structure. The air perfumed by grilling hotdogs, manned by a few younger residents. Children running amuck and screaming were the melodious tunes of the day.

The library beckoned us in, much to our amazement we discovered a plethora of vintage artifacts. Although tattered, dusty and reeking of a moldy sent, that old items seem to own collectively. We were intrigued!

Town matriarchs guarded the door and creaking floors danced under our dusty feet. Appreciating the labor of love and pride it took to create this hidden treasure, we meandered about. What a discovery! 

Glass cabinets housed old wedding gowns, high topped buttoned shoes and vintage jewels. A rusted metal dentist chair, instruments along with a well used doctor's bag were on display for all to see and touch. Items to numerous to mention captured our attention for quite some time. Some even a little creepy, rendering us a few chuckles. 

The day finished up at a local vineyard for a wine tasting and of course a late lunch at the local diner. We were assured that they served the best broasted chicken in all the land and that they did! 

Well there you have it folks, a wonderful day enjoyed by four retirees discovering Old Florida, one town at a time. 

Using an action, .atn file, for the first time. Created by The Coffee Shop Blog. Thanks Rita!
A whole new world to me. 

My Winning Essay! What Not To Do In A Job Interview!!!

A previously posted photo above that represents some of my blogging career!

I thought some of you might enjoy my winning essay. I know it is a bit long, but truthful, none the less. You just can't make this stuff up!!! Jennifer Cornell over at Three Dogs in a Garden hosted the contest and I won a beautiful handmade bracelet that she designed. Jennifer, is a woman of many talents and has visited my blog for quite a while now. She is a master gardener and her photos are sure to mesmerize you! She encouraged me to enter her contest and so I did. You can view the rules here. Make us laugh, was the category that caught my attention and the following event immediately came to mind! It might be more humorous after a couple of glasses of wine...maybe to early for that! Enjoy!!!

What Not To Do In A Job Interview!!!

Many years ago, about forty just to narrow it down, I managed a fabric store shortly after graduation from college. The job was OK but I longed for something a little more challenging. Informed  of an area manager’s position for a competing fabric company, I made a phone call! A pleasant voice answered and informed me that the district manager would be in my area, he would call me shortly.

I answered the long black collector of coins in the back of the store, “can you meet me today,” barked a stern voice! “Sure where shall we meet,” I asked? “How about the steak house across the street from the mall.” “Sounds good, 1:00PM.”

So now the stage is set and the series of events that followed could not have been fabricated even if I tried! There are embarrassing moments in one’s life that one simply cannot forget! But it’s what we take from the event that matters! Right?

A very stern tall fiftyish man, in a rumpled gray suit and pencil thin tie, reeking of an Old Spice, Aqua Velva cocktail greeted me with a firm handshake. My then slender knees began to buckle. Slightly intimidated, we ordered our food, honestly I don’t remember having a bite! The questions came fast and furious, all the while gulping his carnivorous morsels of flesh in between the interrogation! 

Offense number one: Finally, Mr. Stern Face, suggested that I fill out an application and asked if I had a pen! Yes, as I reached down into my faux leather disorganized container of everything un-necessary. Grabbing onto a slender instrument that my automatic pilot assured me was a pen, I drew it up in a cigarette like position between three fingers. It went directly up to my ear, without a glance I held it there tapping my head while reading over the application. Looking up to ask a question, Mr. Drop Your Jaw, had an unusual and perplexing look of horror about him. He was staring at my ear. I knew my ear to be of normal size, I quickly realized that it was my pen he focused upon! Dare I look? Oh what to heck!!! Can you only imagine??? In my haste I had accidentally retrieved a tampon! That's right a tampon! I could feel the rush and flush of blood take over my entire body. Heart pounding, hands sweating, my inner voice kept telling me to make a joke of it. “Oh, silly me, can’t write with this can I,” I muttered. Be still my heart! I managed to calm myself down! My breathing went back to a normal but disjointed rhythm.

Offense number two: The bill arrived and I fully expected Mr. Cheapskate, to pay! He firmly announced that my share was seven dollars. For sure I knew that only three dollars swam aimlessly about in my faux leather. Horrified once again, I confessed to the shortage. Reluctantly he paid the bill and we departed on a surreal kind of note. 

Offense number three: Leaving the parking lot in a rush to get back to work I got stuck behind a rather pokey old shark finned red cadillac. Please go I thought and proceeded to lean on my horn. Totally out of character for me, but remember I was somewhat rattled! Yup you guessed it, it was him, Mr. Speedy! He waved and let me pass on by!

Mary Mother of the Arc Angels, could this interview have been more of a disaster? Well I’ll just have to chalk this one up to experience, I thought! Kiss this one goodbye, jingled in my head! Can you only imagine the conversation back at his office water cooler! 

Several days later, Mr. Nice Guy, offered me the job!!!!! Yikes, was he desperate or what? Relaying the entire incident to my husband, I decided to decline the offer as there was too much traveling involved and we had a very young daughter. 

Well folks I learned early on what not to do in a job interview, but mostly to have the ability to laugh and learn from my mistakes, pick myself up and move forward! People still roar all these years later when I tell the story! I am who I am, I can’t seem to fix it, unusual events seem to accessorize my life challenging me always to keep on laughing! A sense of humor, yes that’s the key! Maybe a bizarre sense of humor, but a sense of humor, none the less and we won’t even talk about me almost crazy gluing my grand-daughter’s lips together!

I also received Post of the Week from Hilary over at The Smitten Image. Thanks Hilary!

Have a great day! 

Family!

Family

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."~Jane Howard~ 

Just a sweet little photo today to remind us of how really important family is! 

Have a wonderful and happy day!

The Many Facets of Love!

"May this Valentine's Day be filled with love, understanding, and contentment as you journey through life with those you hold dear." ~Darly Henerson~ 

The Many Facets of Love

Love is, kind, gentle, compassionate, forgiving and sweet! 
Love is mindful, happy and sometimes sad! 

Love is passionate, serene, silent and loud! 

Love is courageous, strong, fragile but never weak! 

Love knows no age, color or race! 
Love can be short but everlasting!

Love is admitting that sometimes we can be wrong! 

A harsh departure has no song!

Love can be romantic or sometimes just a gentle smile! 

Love is a burning candle, a dozen roses, a gourmet meal or a heart shaped meatloaf! 

Love is how you shape it, nurture it, give it, forgive it or receive it! 

Love knows no boundaries, flourishes when you let it go and trust that it will return!

Love is a state of being we all must learn! 

~Rose Aubut~ 

The words seemed to flow this morning, Happy Valentine's Day!  Got to thaw that hamburg!!! 
Sure many of you can add your own sentiments!

I Miss You Not!

Blizzard Nemo, February, 2013

Remembering the days of extreme cold, windy, wet, dank and dreary, I miss you not! Toes that never seemed to warm, a drippy nose, gloves crusted with snow and a dose of the fluffy white stuff that usually made it's way down my boots no matter how hard I tried to keep it from finding an entrance. No power, an eighty foot driveway that needed to be plowed, steps and porches that must be cleared, I miss you not! 

Just a few reminders of why we moved to Florida! It was eighty two degrees here yesterday and it seems surreal to watch our northern brethren suffer through the massive inconvenience that Mother Nature has bestowed upon them. 

I do remember however, the first snow on the day of it's inception. It was clean, white and o so bright. No footprints other than an occasional animal or bird foraging for sustenance. Waiting for removal, it laid quietly and serenely blanketing the landscape. The air smelled clean and fresh, while freezing one's nostrils if a deep breath was taken. Trees burdened  with the heavy white stuff, fallen branches on the ground that could not survive it's weight and icicles glistening in the sun. Fond memories of it's visual beauty that I now want only to remember. The only white stuff I wish to step foot in these days, is sand. Call me a sissy, but a warm sissy I shall be! 

My daughter sent me this photo, via her cell phone of my son-in-law, snow blowing the more than two feet of snow that they received. Thought it very poetic and artful, that the gray and dank day, allowed the intense red only to stand out in this color photo. Guess, Mother Nature was having a Photoshop kind of day!!! 

Miss you, my sweet babies, off to the pool now! TaTa!!! 

More On Cruising The Caloosahatchee!

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” 
~Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island~
There it was right in the middle of the Caloosahatchee, this little gem that captured the attention of everyone aboard our vessel. We all fantasized about habitation, even though there was no room to build a house or much of anything else. Adorned with a grass hut, a few chairs and a dock to tie one's boat was about all that this small piece of heaven had to offer. Yet it seemed in that small fraction of time all that one really needed to reside in paradise. 
To lose oneself in time and dream a little dream while inhaling the fresh air and all that Mother Nature had bestowed upon us that day was truly intoxicating. 
Passing by we noticed that this little piece of nirvana was for sale. My guess would be that it is far beyond our means and I will just keep on dreaming that little dream! Last time I checked dreaming is for free, but beautiful memories are forever priceless! My instrument of capture helps me to hold those memories true! 

Cruising The Caloosahatchee!

Osprey

Why hello...

This is my good side....

See ya later....

Need some sauce?

Home Sweet Home...one bedroom Condo, perfect water views, need boat...priceless

"When nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it."~Ralph Waldo Emerson~ 
Cruising down the Caloosahatchee River, we came across the awesome Osprey! Their nests perched atop zone signs, almost every one occupied. Many nests are quite visible but their occupants not always in residence. 
Out hunting for nourishment to feed their young and themselves keep them engaged! I was amazed to see the size of the prey in photo five! 
Last Wednesday was the day of our voyage. We rented a boat and cruised the Caloosahatchee with three other couples. The planning for this event was a long time coming, our friend Linda made many phone calls to set our expedition in motion. 
The wait was well worth it, Mother Nature bestowed upon us a perfect day. The temperature hovered around eighty two degrees, the wind mild and the river tame. Our destination, Sanibel Island for lunch. There is something about being on the water that makes me think of food almost immediately.
My observations of the river from a boat were amazing, camera in hand allowed me to capture it's essence, and the spirit of my spirited friends. The almighty Osprey were an added bonus, truly a gift allowing us to invade and capture a glimpse of their environment! 
Haven't been on a boat in quite some time and honestly can't wait to do it again! An event from which memories are made to cherish!

"The Osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant.
As its other common name suggests, the Osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey.
The Osprey, sometimes known as the sea hawk, fish eagle or fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 24" in length and 71" across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts, with a black eye patch and wings."~Wikipedia~

My Word for 2013!!!

Open wide...

Standing tall...

A Hint of Spring...

I just love tulips and I am happy to say that these beauties were a gift. Tulips are colorful, strong and wispy. Can't you just taste their color? Sherbet maybe??? Living in New England most of my life, they always suggested that a hint of spring was surly not far behind.
Standing tall, strong and upright for a few days, soaking in all available light they slowly tire, beginning their graceful decline. Some opening wide adding to the drama. Loving their wispy fall, I decided to capture me a few photos over several days. 
Reading my fellow bloggers posts recently, I noticed  that some were picking a word to live by in this new year. Hmmm! I thought long and hard about this and had several phrases that I could attach myself to. But just one word!!!!!! This is not as easy as one might think! 
Well folks, after much deliberation I have decided on a word!!! Drum roll please......EXPLORE! 
Yes explore, that's my word and I really love it! 
This is our year for a landmark anniversary and those birth numbers that accumulate automatically. Usually we don't make a big deal out of such events, but this is a perfect excuse to make things happen, a long time waiting! 
We are planning a trip to Europe and I am beyond excited. Sitting in class for four years studying art history many moons ago, I knew that someday I would visit these magnificent treasures, gifted to us through pure genius. 
More details to come as I wish all of you to share in our journey! We will explore as the ancient navigators did, however, in the comforts of a cruise ship and later a two week land tour. Our trip is planned in several months.
So many things to explore! So much to see and do! So many photos to capture! Yes, I love my new word and plan on executing it to it's fullest potential. Dress rehearsal is over folks, no more dreaming! 
Just do, explore and enjoy!
Isn't that a phrase???