For the past four weeks I’ve been volunteering at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s drive through food bank. Since I’m out of work right now as a result of the pandemic I figured I might as help out. Plus, as you all know, I don’t sit still well so having a productive outlet for my energy is important.

A huge perk of this gig is working alongside some wonderful people. And we do quite a bit of work: last Thursday we handed out 45,000 pounds of food! No, that’s not a typo, we actually distributed 22.5 tons of comestibles.

The fun and enthusiastic demeanors of the staff and volunteers makes the time fly by. Occasionally, there’s even a bit of dancing…

Stormy Afternoon, Treasure Island, Florida April 2020

Lightning, thunder, wind, and sideways rain pummeled us earlier today. From my window, I watched palm trees bend, patio furniture flip over, and water flow down the road. It was loud, chaotic, and a bit worrisome for awhile.

After the tempest blew out to sea, a quiet calm prevailed. The sun reappeared and birds emerged from their sheltering places. It brought to mind the Persian adage, “This, too, shall pass.”

A saying which is also relevant in light of the global crisis we are living through right now. Though perhaps this updated version is more apropos? “This, too, shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.”

Seedhead Star, Largo, Florida April 2020

This jumped out at me at the park yesterday afternoon. I had been following a pair of Indigo Buntings, hoping for a decent photograph when I spotted this star. It was so eye-catching that I stopped what I was doing and switched cameras.

Ordinarily, the naturalist in me would clamor to learn the name of the plant and details of its life history. But sometimes, it is just enough to admire a thing for its beauty…

Sand Dollar, Treasure Island, Florida April 2020

This is only the second sand dollar test that I’ve found since moving to Florida. I’m even more pleased with this discovery since it is rather small, about an inch across. I often see pieces of much larger sand dollars on my beach, perhaps someday I’ll luck into a whole one.

Regardless, I remain fond of this little one. And isn’t that perhaps one key to a happy life, to find joy in the simple things?

Treasure Island Sunset, Florida April 2020

The camera on my phone doesn’t do today’s sunset justice but I still thought it was worth sharing.

Gulf of Mexico, Treasure Island, Florida March 2020

I don’t know about you but I’m happy to close the door on March. Here’s hoping that April is kinder to us all. Stay safe and healthy, my friends!

Note: While our beaches closed to the public ten days ago, they are allowing local residents access to the beach with one important caveat, we must stay on the wet sand. As a very nice officer explained to me, the ocean is not closed so anything that the water touches is fair game. Just as long as I observe social distancing rules.

Motel Sign, Treasure Island, Florida March 2020

Together (alone) we can do hard things! I look forward to the time when we can hang out, share a laugh, dance in the sand, and create more amazing memories. Until then, stay safe and healthy, my friends. ❤