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??? 

Goodbye Christmas...Hello New Year!

As I say goodbye to yet another Christmas, I look forward to the new year with great anticipation!
I think of all the people and comforts of life that I am grateful for. When I think of Christmas past and all the things I thought I wanted or needed, I quickly realize the True Spirit of Christmas. Yes we have all heard this before but if you are still on the edge, know that it is the family and friends that surround you that make it all worth while. Trinkets and toys come and go but the people who love you are the gifts you want to cherish, the gifts you never want to return. 
Our family has lost a hero this year, my father in law passed in February! Somehow Christmas will never be the same, yet his message of love and kindness lives on in each and everyone of us that knew him. 
For sure I know, that for me, my hubby, children, grand-babies, family and friends are my treasured and most precious gifts! They are gifts that keep on giving. New beginnings are in the air, I embrace each blessing and challenge that comes my way! In the New Year, grant me the gratitude to realize, the tolerance to endure, the patience to wait, the acceptance to understand, please sprinkle them all with a dose of love and peace, may the world become a kinder place!

Below are a few quotes that I have recently found, I hope you enjoy them as well: 

"Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing." 
~Denis Waitley~ 

"Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved." 
~William Jennings Bryan~ 

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction."
~George Lorimer~ 


"Press on. Obstacles are seldom the same size tomorrow as they are today."
~Robert H. Schuller~ 

"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery~ 

"There is nothing in your destiny, nothing in your future that you cannot accomplish." 
~Larry King~


"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything."
~Mark Twain

Christmas Details!

Photos taken at the Burroughs, Langford Homes, Fort Myers Florida. Christmas cookies...

 Crystal box...

 Christmas elegance...

 A beautiful window...

 Waiting for Santa...

Enjoying a visit with Santa. I'm the one with the dorky smile in the middle...

 Two little elf enjoying a ride...

 A beautiful entrance to the Burroughs House...

 Santa busy sorting gifts for all the little children...

"May your Christmas Rock" 

The details for all of us are endless during the season! Trust that they will all come together soon enough! Take a deep breath, enjoy the Season and all that truly matters!

"MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE" 

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." ~Hamilton Wright Mabi~ 

Trying To Understand!

 Magical Bedroom, The Langford House...

 Langford House, upper level...

 The White Room, second level...

 White Room...

Close up, The White Room...

"With all the horror and disappointment in mankind that sometimes overwhelms us, we must continue to believe!"~Rosemary Aubut~

I shed tears this morning for all the families who will never again celebrate Christmas in innocence and peace. My heart and soul aches for you! Hug and hold your children more dear people, love them with all of your heart!

Pictures above were taken at the Burroughs and Langford Kingston Homes, Fort Myers, Florida. Beautifully decorated and open to the public by the Fort Myers Women's Club! 

I'm trying to see beyond the horror but will never understand!

Grandma's Bragging Rights!

 Beached Boats, by Mike....

 mixing the colors...

 the master at work...

finishing touches...

Part of my recent four day stay in Massachusetts was to help my Grandson Mike with his Spanish homework. Now don't get me wrong I don't speak the language but I could certainly help him with the art project side of his homework. The assignment was to copy a painting of Joaquin Sorolla, a Spanish Impressionist! I may have studied him over 40 years ago but his name did not ring a bell! Mike looked through his work and decided on the boats, titled "Beached Boats" and printed it out. 

After a trip to the art store we were ready! I'm pretty sure I was more excited than he was! "I hate to paint Grandma," he proclaimed! That word "hate" usually translates into fear of the unknown. Don't you think?

Deep breath Grandma, one step at a time. With very little instruction and a few helpful hints, Mike ran with it. We were all amazed, as drawing is really his thing, he is in advanced art classes in school. He added a few extra touches and made it his own. He took his project to school the next morning, two weeks early. A very quiet young man, I know he was proud of it! His teacher was amazed and said she might have to keep it! Mike's comment, "you will have to fight my mom for it!" I'm hoping he paints a lot more and just maybe this summer while up north, I will just have to paint with him!

I am so darn proud of this kind and gentle soul. I love him so!!! 

A special Thank You, to his Spanish teacher who has expanded his horizons, certainly boosting his confidence! Great job! 
And for myself, just so honored that he asked! What else are grandmothers for????

"Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (February 27, 1863 - August 10, 1923) was a Spanish painter, born in Valencia, who excelled in the painting of portraits, landscapes, and monumental works of social and historical themes. His most typical works are characterized by a dexterous representation of the people and landscape under the sunlight of his native land."~google search~

My Four Day Whirlwind!

Why a whirlwind you ask? For those of you who follow my antics I will try to explain my absence and lack of commenting to my fellow bloggers! I flew up to Massachusetts for another event and a bonus birthday for my Mom ensued!

Surprise!!!
 My sister Terry called earlier in the week announcing she would have a surprise birthday party for mom who would be turning 89 on Saturday the first of December! Although in good health why wait until mom turns 90! We will just have to do it again next year she explained! Perfect, I would be there and help in any way that I could. Needless to say, in family tradition, there was enough food to feed an army! Sister Barbara would bring the cake and candles! About 50 people attended, including mom's six children, 10 of her 13 grand-children and four great grand-children. Friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and 2 of her 3 sisters also attended.

Mom was so happy and commented several times that her whole family was there. Not quite 89 candles but a beautiful display for a beautiful lady!

Mom with her friend Dotty who recently turned 94. 

Can you believe it???

 

Anniversary Flowers and Bridal Guest Registry above...

My daughter Kathy and her husband Brian celebrated their 20th anniversary earlier that week! An added bonus, magnifying all the festivities! 

Later that evening I helped my grandson Mike with an art project, which I will post about later this week. 

Monday was a bit more quiet, however, I had to start my day with a court date, disputing a ticket that I had acquired earlier in August while driving in Massachusetts. With sweaty palms and a bruised ego I was vindicated because of my good driving record! Not without a difficult time from the magistrate who decided to grill me for 20 minutes! Wow keeping my mouth shut, only answering his questions without a lot of explanation wasn't easy for me. My daughter was present and could not say a word, equally difficult for her! Enough about that though! 

I am a free woman! My friends will tease me forever! 

A lesson in humility, for sure! 

Some retail therapy and a great lunch with both of my children was later enjoyed! Kathy and I picked Sophie up from school and we headed home! Spent some great time with the kids, Sophie painted my nails blue and added some sparkly beads to one fingernail! Not my choice of color but we both loved the time it took to complete. She is such a hoot!

I was driven to the airport early on Tuesday morning by two of my great friends, Susie and Mary. We laughed all the way and I was so grateful that the normal one hour drive to Boston had turned into two because of traffic. I had so little time to spend with so many people that I care about!

Well folks there you have it and I am still recovering! Hubby picked me up at the airport here in Florida and it was great to see him! I missed him so!!! 

Have a great week everyone!