Linear view vs. Masonry View

Archive for ‘Observations’

Positive Sign

Over 32″ in length
Face, Note the Eye Area

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.

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Island Hopping

Overcast but Calm and Mild
Shana Shelling
Happy Ladies
Shell Key, Aptly Named
Stay True to You
Bit of Blue Before Sunset
Fog Rolling In

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! 🏝️

Dolphin Showing Off Its Catch, a Big Mullet
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What a Week!

Lisa is Westley’s New Fave!
Audubon’s Bird of Washington
Fried Green Tomatoes
Big Al & the Heavyweights
My Birthday Present (for Westley)
Wild-growing Passionfruit
Oddly Appropriate Car Wash Sign
If You Really Like the Pie Factory You May Need a Workout
Cold but Sunny
Colorful Glass Art
Colorful Natural Art
Full Display
Sunset in Gulfport
Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach
Shadow Friends
Manatees
Buckley, the Sea Turtle
Lisa, Capturing a Stunner
Beach Hair, Don’t Care
Weeki Wachee Mermaid
Sponges, Tarpon Springs
One Can Only…

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!

Westley Didn’t Want Lisa to Leave (Neither Did I But I Don’t Fit in Her Suitcase)
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Nice Start

My friend Katie and I took advantage of the sunny, mild weather this afternoon and paddled out to Shell Key. I haven’t been out on the water since hurricane season, when the Gulf of Mexico decided to enter so many of the homes around here (including mine).

It seems the Gulf and I need to work on our relationship, and today was a good start. While floating on the calm, clear water I admired the view and asked it to kindly refrain from entering my home again in the future. Here’s hoping that works!

There weren’t very many other folks out today. We only had to share the island with the snowbirds: dunlins, gulls, pipers, plovers, sanderlings, and turnstones along with a squadron of White Pelicans.

What a lovely way to start the year!
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