I discovered a surprise guest in my backyard earlier today, an Ivy-leaved Morning Glory (Ipomoea hederacea). Not sure where this tiny volunteer came from but this bright blue bloomer is a welcome addition.
I imagine my pollinators will take full advantage of this new nectar source. Fun fact, did you know that the genus Ipomoea also includes sweet potatoes?
While leaving work the other night the writing on a van in the parking lot caught my eye.
At first I thought it was a sarcastic social commentary on the overall lack of road skills exhibited by many drivers down here.
But then I read further. Nice word play, Joe!
While tending to my yard yesterday, I was a bit surprised to see this wriggly horde. I’ve seen so few butterflies in my yard since the hurricanes tore through that I just presumed it would be a quiet Spring.
Though the floodwater killed the original passionvines my sister gifted me a few years ago, two of their seedlings managed to survived.
This Gulf Fritllary seemed pretty pleased to have found them. She even gave my toes a gentle brush. I’ll take that as a thank you. Nature continues to amazes me with its resilience!
Yesterday afternoon I finally tackled my side yard. It was long overdue but I had been avoiding it. Primarily because I’ve had other things that required my attention but also, many of my plants had been killed by the saltwater flooding during Hurricane Helene and it was demoralizing.
As I cleared away the dead vegetation I had a few pleasant surprises. Some of my plants managed to survive and I came across a mostly intact snake shed! Based on the markings (and previous experience with this species in my yard) it was left by a Black Racer (Coluber constrictor).
I didn’t note any flood debris attached to it and the shed looked fairly recent. So I’m taking it as a positive sign that my resident snake also survived the flood.
Spent a lovely afternoon kayaking out to Shell Key with Shana and Amber today. Though it was cloudy, the temperature was mild and conditions were calm, just perfect for a leisurely paddle.
The water was exceptionally clear and we were treated to a wildlife show as a stingray glided under and a dolphin swam by, seeming to show off its big catch.
Later I met Alyssa on Treasure Island for a sunset beach walk. We caught just a bit of color before being enveloped by fog.
The beach, the wildlife, the weather, and the people – some of the many reasons why I love living here! 🏝️
Lucky me, my friend Lisa flew in from Oregon for the week to help celebrate my birthday. The first few days of her visit were unseasonably (and unreasonably) cold. Thankfully, the last few were warmer and sunnier.
No matter the weather, we filled our time with fun: museums, breweries, parks, live music, tasty restaurants, bonfires, beach walks, wildlife encounters, and sunsets – not a bad way to spend a week!
It’s been awfully gray and chilly around here lately. Our highs are in the mid-fifties, which is way too far below 70° for my liking (and sadly, it’s forecast to be the same for another week or so).
This was my reward for braving the elements yesterday evening. It’s the little things…
It’s been so chilly down here that even the Gulf needs a warm, fluffy blanket! 🥶 (And yes, I’m well aware that I’m a wimp!)
The sunset last night inspired some camera play. The shot above was taken with the Live setting which I changed to Long Exposure for that airbrushed look.
The shot below was also taken Live but I opted to Loop it for a very relaxing, serene show. I hope you enjoy them!
3rin's View... 