
Some days, I just need to disconnect and relax. The beach on Manasota Key is my favorite place to unwind. Can you blame me, look at that view!
This song was part of my soundtrack today.

Some days, I just need to disconnect and relax. The beach on Manasota Key is my favorite place to unwind. Can you blame me, look at that view!
This song was part of my soundtrack today.


When out roaming nature this time of year I’m on high alert – because it’s alligator mating season. The males are on the move searching for females and as such they are a bit more rambunctious (or aggressive, depending on your point of view).
It’s funny how quickly this pattern became ingrained in my head as a warning. I took an immediate step back in both instances, though a second later I realized it wasn’t necessary for the latter.
I am not overly afraid of them but I also don’t want to become a statistic. Since 1948, there have only been 26 recorded cases of human death by alligator in Florida. Considering the species now numbers over 1.3 million in the state, that’s a tiny fraction.

The first 8pm sunset of the year happened on 04-24. The last one will set on August 24th. Which gives me plenty of time after work for long beach walks. I’m a lucky girl!
What I planned:

What actually happened:

It may not have worked out the way I planned but it certainly hasn’t been boring!
Lines captured at St. Petersburg Marina, Florida April 2021

Spotted this sign while on my way to the nursery the other day. Had to turn around and snap a photo. Thankfully, I’ve recently replaced my front brakes so stopping wasn’t an issue.
Tip of the hat to the owner’s for their sense of humor.
Note: It wasn’t until I downloaded the photo that I realized there’s also a pub next door. Bet that makes waiting for your car repair a bit less boring…

I stopped by the nursery after work today to pick up a few native plants for my yard. As I wandered the backlot I met this fuzzy Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana).
I know they have hairless, rat-like tails but I still find them rather cute. They are especially good to have around considering all the ticks and other pests that they choose to dine on.
This one seemed a bit sleepy, so after I snapped a few shots I slowly backed away and gave it some room to relax.

Found this painted shell on the beach this evening. I don’t disagree.

Found this cool, engraved bracelet in the sand this evening:
“She believed she could, so she did.”
It fits me, both literally and figuratively. Definitely my favorite beachcombing find!

The sign says no dogs on the beach. However, it says nothing about domestic waterfowl. This young lady created quite a spectacle walking her duck in the sand.
Like I’ve said before, my frequent visits to the coast are never boring…








My cousin, Shane and her family, visited Orlando for their Spring Break recently. Lucky for me they came over my way last Friday.
Even though the day started off a cool and breezy 52 degrees by mid-afternoon it was in the low 70s and warm enough for a trip to the beach.
After lunch, we spent the entire rest of the day playing and relaxing with our toes in the sand. A nearby surf fisher kept us entertained as he caught two sharks and then a stingray in short succession.
We stayed for sunset, hoping for a green flash, but no such luck. Regardless, it was a wonderful day. My only complaint? Their visit ended too quickly.
Hopefully, I’ll see them all again real soon!