Linear view vs. Masonry View

Danger Cone

I stumbled across this interesting specimen while strolling around the estate of John Ringling in Sarasota earlier this week (more about the estate soon). Fascinated by the twisted symmetry, I thought it was part of an unraveled pinecone but couldn’t spot the source tree.

Thankfully, Jesse the head landscaper was passing by and he pointed out the tree (even better, he gave me permission to keep the segment). The tree was roped off to protect visitors from the falling cones – larger than coconuts, the cones weigh anywhere from 20-40 pounds.

Araucaria bidwillii, commonly known as the Bunya Pine, is not a true pine at all, instead it is one of the last surviving species of the family Araucariaceae (all but one of which reside in the Southern Hemisphere). This particular species is found in Queensland, Australia and, like most native things down under, it has the ability to kill you.

Which reminds me of an excerpt from Bill Bryson’s “In a Sunburned Country”:

“[Australia] is the home of the largest living thing on earth, the Great Barrier Reef, and of the largest monolith, Ayers Rock (or Uluru to use its now-official, more respectful Aboriginal name). It has more things that will kill you than anywhere else. Of the world’s ten most poisonous snakes, all are Australian. Five of its creatures – the funnel web spider, box jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus, paralysis tick, and stonefish – are the most lethal of their type in the world. This is a country where even the fluffiest of caterpillars can lay you out with a toxic nip, where seashells will not just sting you but actually sometimes go for you. … If you are not stung or pronged to death in some unexpected manner, you may be fatally chomped by sharks or crocodiles, or carried helplessly out to sea by irresistible currents, or left to stagger to an unhappy death in the baking outback. It’s a tough place.”

Not only are the falling cones dangerous but you do not want to be near one when the spiked branches start whipping in the wind. On the other hand, the cones do contain large chunks of edible nutmeat, said to resemble the flavor of chestnuts.
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Life > Vacation

A few years ago I read this quote from Rob Hill Sr: “My goal is to build a life I don’t need a vacation from.” It really resonated with me, especially since I was in the midst of a huge life change.

After living in four states in four years (and a few months in Costa Rica), I bought a house here in St. Petersburg last September. This area of Florida has so much to offer: tons of parks and green spaces, easy access to multiple bodies of water (both salty and fresh), dozens of social and environmental nonprofits and colleges, vibrant local restaurants and merchants, and a laid-back, artsy vibe.

After years of searching, I’m grateful to have found my happy place. Where’s yours?
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Night Beauty

The climate here along the Central Gulf Coast of Florida is in the humid subtropical category. As such, any number of exotic species thrive here with little or no assistance.

I am familiar with several species of night blooming cereus from the desert southwest, so it was pleasant to see these blooming in my neighbor’s yard this past June.

I have since been able to add a few cuttings of these to my yard since someone placed their unwanted trimmings out by the curb. They are thriving right now and I look forward to their nighttime show next year!

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The Exception is Florida…

As you may know, I love to read. I especially enjoy devouring books about places I have lived or visited (which includes all 50 states as well as a dozen foreign countries).

My current home state of Florida is no exception, and thankfully, there are a number of prominent authors here. My dear friend, Karen also an avid reader, turned me onto Carl Hiaasen novels at least a decade ago.

His books prepared me for the oddness that is Florida which I encountered during my first trip to the Keys back in 2018. I recollect Hiaasen saying that as a columnist for the Miami Herald, he didn’t have to search hard for weird subject matter, he pulled the wild tales right from the news desk.

I’ve gleaned so much about my new home from his novels (and his YA books, which I also adore). More recent additions to my reading list are Randy Wayne White’s books. In contrast to Hiaasen’s typical setting of Miami and south, White’s are centered on the Fort Meyers area (along the Gulf coast of Florida).

While both authors include a healthy dose of history, geography, and biology in their tales they never take themselves too seriously (irreverent is an understatement), as evidenced by this Author’s Note in White’s first novel, Sanibel Flats.

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Flamingo Fun

  • Headshot
  • Minnow Pedicure
  • Preening
  • Bathing Beauty
This past Sunday, I finally toured the historic Sunken Gardens, a 4-acre botanical masterpiece. Within the footprint of a small, ancient lake (hence the sunken part of the name), George and Eula Turner began planting exotic species in the early 1900s.

What began with citrus and tropical fruits, quickly grew into a flowering oasis. People clamored to tour their lush greenery and thus, a roadside attraction was born.

In a nod to an extirpated, Florida species, Chilean flamingoes were welcomed to the garden in 1956. A koi pond, turtle exhibit, and parrot aviary were later added.

To preserve this bit of history, the city of St. Petersburg bought the property from the family in 1999 for roughly $2.26 million. In 2016, 20 additional flamingoes were purchased from the San Antonio Zoo to supplement the declining, original flock.

Currently, the plant collection surpasses 50,000 specimens from over 500 different species. Though my visit began with hot and muggy weather, a passing rain shower cooled the gardens off nicely (and had the added benefit of thinning the crowd).

What a wonderful way to spend part of the day!

  • Red Tower Ginger
  • Aphelandra sp.
  • Lobster Claw
  • Winding Path
  • Layers of Greenery
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Mowing, Mowing, Mowing

Not my images, CTTO

The first image is an accurate assessment of my predicament. Trying to time my mowing between rain events is a fun challenge. As for the second one, I don’t water my lawn, but it made me laugh.

In between sunsets and beach walks, I have been working on my (seemingly) endless list of house and yard projects. Sadly, one thing I’ll never be able to cross off my list is mowing.

There is a downside to having the largest yard in the neighborhood, I have a lot more to mow! Ah, summertime in Florida…

To the tune of Rawhide:

“Mowing, mowing, mowing,

The grass just keeps on growing,

Keep those mowers mowing,

Too high!”
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