Adorable Marsupial

Virginia Opossum, Largo, Florida April 2021

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.

Cousins on the Coast

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!

Book Lover

A couple weeks ago, I popped into Goodwill on my way home from work. I’ve been a thrifter for decades, those stores can be a big help for a woman with a tight budget.

As I wandered through the household section I passed a man who was clearly homeless. He had that disheveled appearance; thin with long, uncombed hair, soiled and ragged clothes, and worn out shoes. His only possession? A blanket tossed over his shoulder.

I didn’t pay much more attention to him until we both hit the checkout lines at the same time. I finished signing my credit card receipt and looked over to see the cashier ringing up his purchase.

What I saw took me by surprise, he wasn’t buying shoes or the clothes that he desperately needed. No, instead he was buying two hard cover books. Of all things. He didn’t even have a backpack to carry them in.

That hit me hard, so I tapped the cashier on the shoulder (yes, violating social distancing, I know) and handed her my card. I told him to keep the money that he had crumpled in his hand.

I didn’t want to embarrass him or make him uncomfortable and I doubt I’ll ever see him again, but I really would’ve liked to have known his story. Because there’s definitely a story there…

Sunset, Treasure Island, Florida March 2021