Spotted this immense and laden mango tree on my way home from a park this past weekend. I made a u-turn just to take these photos. The tree absolutely dwarfs the house! I wonder how old it is? I’d be a happy girl if this was in my yard!

He was hoping to catch one last wave but his family was calling him away, so he just stared wistfully out at the water for a few minutes. I don’t surf but I fully understand how hard it is to leave the beach! 

I found this tiny gem (less than an inch long) on my doorstep this morning. There’s been a pair of Blue Jays visiting my yard regularly, they are quite fond of my bird feeder but even more so of the bird bath. I clean it daily and fill it with fresh water, which they take turns frolicking in.

I wonder if this token was from them? They have been known to do such things. I’ll be on the lookout for more treats in the future. For now, Poubelle*, will have a spot on my kitchen windowsill where she can watch the Blue Jays every day.

*Poubelle is French for trash can. It was also a friend of mine’s nickname during her childhood (given with affectionate by her grandfather). Besides, it’s a fun word to say!

This morning, I answered a Facebook plea for volunteers to help clean up a nearby island. I tend to pitch in when I can but I’ll be honest, the added enticement of a boat ride made me even more eager.

Both Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves and Keep Pinellas Beautiful teamed up to host this event. I was familiar with KPB’s work but it was my first time learning about TBAP (they are mainly in charge of submerged areas but in some cases of high priority, they manage islands, too).

Our worksite was a three-acre island with the incredibly romantic name of BC 21 (Boca Ciega Bay, near marker 21). Our job, removing flotsam and jetsam, was made a bit easier since a crew had already cleared out invasive trees, like Brazilian Pepper and Australian Pine.

We collected over 1,000 pounds of trash in just a few hours, clearing the entire western side of the island. The debris on the eastern side of the island will have to wait for another day. Fittingly, for the upcoming holiday weekend, I found some stars and stripes related items.

Once the rainy season starts (hopefully soon), TBAP will be back out to plant native species, restoring the tree canopy for migrating birds and other animals. Speaking of wildlife, we crossed paths with a couple Marsh Rabbits and a shy snake in the mangroves while out in the shallows, a young dolphin was learning to fish from its mom.

Not a bad way to spend a morning!

The weather has been perfect lately: low 80s, with very low humidity, and slight breezes every day. I know it won’t last so I’m taking full advantage before the “real” Florida summer sets in.

I’ve realized I’m happiest when I have sandy toes!

Florida’s five month rainy season starts today. And, I may very well regret saying this later but, we could sure use a good soaking! It has been warmer than average here (no surprise) and the three plus inches of precipitation we received in April has long since evaporated.

The upside of this dry weather? I’ve only had to mow my grassy/weedy lawn twice this year!

The first 8pm sunset of the year happened on 04-24. The last one will set on August 24th. Which gives me plenty of time after work for long beach walks. I’m a lucky girl!

What I planned:

What actually happened:

It may not have worked out the way I planned but it certainly hasn’t been boring!

Lines captured at St. Petersburg Marina, Florida April 2021