Caught this view of Boca Ciega Bay last week. Wishing you calm seas this weekend!
Serene Seas
Daytime Surprise
It must’ve been the clouds that convinced this primarily nocturnal Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode Quadrata) to open its burrow and venture out. Even though they are pretty good at matching their surroundings, these crabs are a favorite food of gulls, hence their preference for the nighttime hours.
As you can tell from the numerous trails around the hole, the species name ocypode (from Ancient Greek meaning “fast feet”) is rather fitting. These speedy critters dine on anything from sea turtle eggs and hatchlings to other crabs to mole crabs (similar to ones I discussed while living on the Oregon coast).
It was fun to catch a quick glimpse!
Free Fishing Fun
Frozen Squid 
Lures and Bait Bucket 
My New Rod and Reel
I saw a posting on Facebook Marketplace last week, someone was moving and wanted to give away some frozen bait. I zipped over to pick it up and during the meeting I mentioned that I was just learning how to saltwater fish.
The nice young couple made my day even better when they gave me a rod and reel, lures, and a bait bucket on top of the 20 pounds of frozen squid. Lookout fishies!
Tough Guy
My neighborhood tomcat not only “owns” this whole block but he’s a bad*ss on a bike. I call him Morrissey, not that it matters because he doesn’t answer…
Living Up To Its Name
I planted this Little Gem Dwarf Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’) back in May after receiving it free as part of an Arbor Day promotion. Though still only two feet tall my tiny tree has decided to bloom. Known for its extended bloom season, I look forward to seeing what it produces after it is fully established next year.
I do love those large white, showy flowers and those bright green, shiny leaves!
Little Bar Joke…
As a former bartender (and lover of word play), I’ve collected a few bar jokes over the years. Here’s my new favorite:
A man walks into a bar with a newt.
Bartender asks, “What’s your pet’s name?”
Man, “Tiny.”
Bartender, “Why do you call him Tiny?”
Man, “Because he’s my newt.”
As with most bar jokes, its best said aloud…
Reverse Trompe L’oeil
Caught this Great Blue Heron last week at the tail end of the “golden hour”. The light was fading fast which limited the crispness of the image but I was rather delighted with the painterly outcome.
Though I have artist friends who I know could paint a much better rendition, it’s not bad for a photo taken with my cell phone.
When Life Gives You Berries
I was driving home when I saw a handwritten, cardboard sign by the road, “Free Raspberries.” As a big berry lover I was not one to pass up this deal (especially when the sign uses my favorite four-letter word).
It didn’t bother me one bit that the berries were not, in fact, as advertised (black instead of red). After some washing and pureeing (with a bit of sugar) I ended up with four large jars of blackberry syrup. It’ll be perfect over ice cream or pancakes, as the base for bbq sauce, or even as a fruity mixer for drinks.
Berry-licious!
Helpful Hopper
I disturbed this Southern Toad’s (Anaxyrus terrestris) daily routine with one of my recent digging projects. I was pleased to discover this nocturnal hopper in my yard since they are known to devour roaches and other nighttime creepy crawlies.
As a true toad it is toothless, covered in warts, and sports two parotoid glands. An effective defense mechanism, the toad can secrete a toxin from these glands that deters predation.
Thankfully for dog owners, the Southern Toad’s poison is not nearly as powerful as that of the non-native Cane Toad (now found throughout Florida) or the Sonoran Desert Toad out west. Years ago, I had to rinse out the mouth of a dog that made the terrible mistake of trying to chew on one, Shelby never did that again!
Welcome to my ‘hood, little one. May you live long and prosper!
Neon Sunset
Caught this stunner at John’s Pass this past weekend. I’d have a hard time believing this was real if I hadn’t witnessed it.
Sitting by the water, watching dolphins swim by, and marveling at the colorful show put on by the setting sun = one of my favorite ways to spend an evening!
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