Ever have one of those days when you just don’t feel all that motivated? Same for this squirrel.
Meh…
Archive for ‘Observations’
Wee Wednesday
I spotted this Alligator hatchling at Sawgrass Lake Park last week. Since they usually hang out in a pod (a safety in numbers thing) I was surprised to find this one on its own. Though I didn’t see her, I knew mom had to be nearby, quite possibly under my feet (I was on a boardwalk).
Hope your middle of the week is as peaceful as this gator!
Cool Amenity!
A friend and I recently took a couple hours one evening to explore the new expansion of Robinson Preserve in Bradenton. Manatee County has certainly invested some time and effort into this restoration project!
In addition to the construction of ramadas, well-defined walking paths and scenic bridges, they’ve done a tremendous job reintroducing native plants to the landscape. Though young and small now, they will definitely benefit wildlife in the years to come.
What I found most impressive was the kayak setup. Not only are there several launch spots with rinse stations but the park also offers kayak storage (for a monthly fee).
What a great idea – no more loading your kayak on your vehicle and lugging it around. Instead, just pull it out of the safe, weather-protected space and plop it on the water. It’s definitely a popular feature, of the 50 slots I only counted 5 that were not in use.
Leaf Lace
An artistic composition, created by a plant and designed by bugs. Nature is beautiful!
Relax…
Following Their Footsteps
Last week I shared some photos from my great grandparents’ visit to Sarasota from seventy years ago. While I was looking for those images I came across a couple that were snapped within three miles of where I currently live.
Had some fun over the weekend trying to find the locations and recreate those images. Luckily, there’s one small section of the seawall in Pass-a-grille Beach that still has those hexagonal pavers.
In hindsight I should have taken the images with me that day. Ah well, you get the general idea…
Truth in Advertising
It may still sound a bit warm to some folks but the humidity here has dropped and now that we are officially under 12 hours of sunlight each day the nights finally have a chance to cool off.
The next six months should be fantastic!
Porch Pals
I had a few visitors the other night while working on a project in my carport. The furry ones allowed me to pet them (lucky me). Rudely, none of them offered to lend a hand (or paw, as it were).
Interesting what my front porch light attracts…
Family in Sarasota
1951 – Ferry boat crossing Tampa Bay en route to Sarasota, FL 
1951 – Circus grounds, Sarasota, FL 
1951 – Sarasota, FL
Yesterday’s post about the Sarasota song reminded me of a couple old family photos. In 1951 my great-grandparents drove down from Ohio to visit cousins in Florida (just a year before the aforementioned song was recorded). Lucky for their descendants, they wrote little notes on the back of each picture.
From 1926 to 1954 the ferry was the quickest way to reach Sarasota. According to the Bee Line Ferry ads, the 40 minute boat ride “Saves 49 Miles!”. Considering a one-way ticket was only $1.50 for motorists ($17 in today’s dollars) it was not a bad deal.
I’m rather disappointed that the opening of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay put the ferry out of business, it’d be a lovely cruise.
I have inferred that my relative’s trip took place during the winter for two reasons. One, that’s a great time of year to get out of Ohio and two, the Ringling Circus wintered in Sarasota. The animals were kept near John Ringling’s mansion, which I had the good fortune to visit recently.
I’m grateful for these little snapshots of old Florida.
I’m Having Fun…
I recently watched a video about the history of Sarasota (just about an hour south of me). While I enjoyed the content of the show, it was this little song that stuck in my head.
Recorded in 1952 in an effort to draw tourists to the burgeoning, bayside town, this snazzy little number could also easily describe my area.
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