I wish this photo was a bit crisper but I’m sharing it anyway since I am so enamored with this handsome fellow. I mean, if I was a female grackle, I’d be interested.
Oddly, most of these birds that live here along the Gulf of Mexico have a dark eye while the ones that live over on the Atlantic coast sport the yellow eye. I wonder how he ended up here?
These showstoppers caught my eye as I wandered around Eagle Lake Park last week. The bright colors of these fruits more than made up for the dearth of flowers around.
From left to right: Elderberry, Beautyberry, and Pepper Tree fruit.
A fisherman caught this baby Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) at the John’s Pass jetty last week. Also known as a shovelhead, this is one of the smaller members of the hammerhead genus.
When they are less than two feet long they don’t look all that scary. This little one was gently replaced into the Gulf of Mexico.
“Swim away, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo”
Hoping that 2021 is full of an extraordinary amount of love for all of us! 💖
The final sunset of the year was a mellow affair but, after all the ‘excitement’ of 2020, that was fine by me. I’m relieved to close the door on this year and am cautiously optimistic about the one ahead.
Much love and light to all!
Many of you know that back in mid-March I was forced out of work by the closure of restaurants here in Florida. Shortly thereafter, I began volunteering at a local food bank. As is my wont, I researched many local organizations before settling on the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.
I chose to volunteer with them for a couple reasons. One, they’ve been serving the community for 50 years. Two, the nonprofit has three main components: food bank, health and dental clinic, and recovery housing (as well as many other assistance programs).
While I’m a hard worker, I must admit that my time volunteering these past nine months has also been incredible beneficial to me. It provided much needed bolstering of the spirit to be in the company of all these dedicated people striving to help those in need.
So, I am delighted to announce that I Monday I started working for the clinic. I’m in a small, behind the scenes role but it is a good fit for me right now and I’m happy to be a part of the team.
The mural featured above was just finished this week and I feel it embodies the ethos of the organization. Added bonus – I drive by it every day on my way to work!
This is how we top our trees down here in St. Petersburg!
Since the bedroom window in my new house is larger than the one in my old rental, I recently found myself in need of a headboard. Turns out those darn things can be kind of expensive so I put the purchase off for a bit.
Driving home the other evening I saw these closet shutters out by the curb. Figuring I could find a good use for them (and hating to see things thrown away), I turned around and shoved them in the back of my car. Thankfully, my Prius is rather like the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts – it accommodates most every need of mine.
After a few quick measurements I realized the shutters would work as a headboard. I made my plan that night and put it into action the following day. I might decide to paint them later but for now I’m quite pleased with the result. Cost of materials: $0. Sense of accomplishment: Priceless.
Hoping your day is filled with all the magical gifts of the season! 🎄
