Archive for ‘Observations’

Back in Business

Well, I’m a happy woman. I picked up my big lens today from the camera repair shop. It had been out of service since last August when I was caught in a downpour at Highlands Hammock State Park. Someone had a rain jacket but left it in her car when she set out on the 3 mile-loop trail, during rainy season, in Florida. Sigh.

Yes, I should’ve known better and trust me, it won’t happen again. Anyway, I stopped off at a park on my return trip today just to snap a few practice photos. It’s nice to be back in action!

DIY Cat Door

In usual cat fashion, Westley has taken over my entire house. However, all his special cat things are in the laundry room. For the first few weeks I kept the door slightly ajar so Westley could have easy access but installing a cat door was a definite necessity.

Instead of buying a small dog door I decided to get creative. For the flap, I cut the hinged lid off a storage container I picked up by the side of the road. For the closure, I used a piece of wooden cat art that I found at a thrift store.

It works and it’s Westley approved, so that’s good enough for me.

Worth a Shot

Yesterday I learned that St. Petersburg is home to the Fountain of Youth. I have no idea how that fascinating detail eluded me for so long but I headed over there today to check it out. The current fountain occupies the northwest corner of the Dali Museum parking lot marked with little fanfare.

Like its current condition, the fountain had a humble beginning. The original natural spring was tapped in 1901 by Edwin Tomlinson, who owned bayfront land just south of downtown. He allowed people to drink their fill without charge, though since it was reportedly quite sulfurous in taste I can’t imagine folks drank much of it.

Somehow, word spread that the water had healing properties and soon locals and their guests were filling up their jugs at the fountain. Seeing a moneymaking opportunity Dr. Jesse Conrad purchased the property in 1908. He installed a large Fountain of Youth sign, opened soaking pools, and started charging for the restorative water.

A hurricane in 1946 damaged the waterfront operation and the spring was piped a few blocks west. In 1971, the spring water was tested and found to contain a high level of lithium, a known mood stabilizer. The water may not have been able to turn back time but apparently, it made you worry less about aging. The water continued to bubble up until 1975 when the pipes deteriorated and the site was closed.

I wasn’t able to find out when the city reopened the site but I do know that what gurgles out today is from the municipal water system. I took a sip and filled a bottle anyway, after all, I do have a birthday coming up soon.

First Time for Everything

For various reasons, the majority of the beaches along this stretch of the Gulf Coast do not allow dogs (not going to wade into this controversial issue right now). There are informational signs posted at beach entrances listing the prohibition but the signage fails to say anything about other pets.

This week I met a sweet rabbit named Daisy. Her owner claims she loves getting sand in her paws. She certainly seemed to enjoy all the attention. Reminded me of the time I saw someone’s pet duck out there. Spend enough time on the beach and you’re sure to some interesting things…