Shellseeker

Mellow Yellow Monday #81

2010-08-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

This beautiful orchid was given to me by my good friend Patrice from Ricepatty's Repertoire. And for those who want to know what kind it is, it's an oncidium intergeneric orchid.

Ewwwww chunky is right!

2010-08-09T10:46:00.001-04:00

When I poured out these chunky mushrooms into the skillet this "huge chunk" plopped out! I'm sure it's the stem of the mushroom but it's gross. It was all I could do to take a picture of it (so I can show the company too). After I took the picture I immediately threw it away!

Color Carnival #54

2010-08-07T10:11:00.000-04:00

This is the waiting area outside of The Bubble Room Restaurant on Captiva Island, FL (USA). Inside the restaurant is not any less colorful than the outside! The bubble lights we had on our Christmas tree growing up as kids are all over this restaurant as well as thousands of antique items throughout the restaurant. If you ever get a chance to go Sanibel/Captiva Island make this a must have stop on your list! BTW, they have a signature dessert, Orange Cake, that is to die for. It's enough to feed 4 people (after a meal) and I overheard a woman say she traveled over 100 miles just to eat that cake!

Mother Nature at her finest....

2010-07-28T20:52:00.001-04:00

Just stepped out my front door and took these pictures! We had a little rainshower come through then about 30minutes later I looked out the window and bam this is what I saw.

Today's Flowers...new addition

2010-07-26T22:11:00.003-04:00

Please enlarge to get a better picture.....
New to my garden this year are SW Florida native plants that don't mind the heat, and can take the wet or dry weather. One requirement was that I wanted them to attract birds and butterflies and so far it's working. Best thing of all is I didn't even have to buy these! A Master Gardner friend gave them to me which I am grateful for.

Macro Monday

2010-07-18T19:32:00.002-04:00

This guy was 3-4 inches long and his eyes are still giving me the willies!!

Click on image to get the real effect!

Weekend Reflections from Florida, USA

2010-07-16T20:21:00.003-04:00

Happy 3rd Anniversary Skywatch Friday....

2010-07-16T19:53:00.002-04:00

On my way to work last September.....I only work 3 miles from home and I noticed the moon and colored clouds right away so I went back home to get my camera before I lost this moment. BTW, I was still early to work!

Georgia on my mind......

2010-07-14T00:03:00.009-04:00

Doesn't this photo look refreshing? While on vacation early last month we stopped in the beautiful little alpine town of Helen, Georgia (USA) and this shot was taken behind the Nora Mill Granary, a working grist mill and store located on the Chattahoochee River in the foothills of the North Georgial mountains. Check out their website for some interesting info on their history www.noramill.com/store/history.php

Toot Toot....Here comes Thomas

2010-07-12T09:24:00.004-04:00

Spotted Thomas the Train giving rides to the little ones and a few adults at a strip mall recently. I'm doing a little doubling up since the colors are so prominent....Mellow Yellow Monday, Sally Blue Monday, and Ruby Tuesday.

Weekend Reflections

2010-07-11T11:20:00.001-04:00

Last Father's Day we were over at our daughter's and she wanted to take us kayaking...a first for us. I was tandem with my daughter and she had to do most of the paddling because I was busy with my camera. I love how this old, cut-up tree reflects in the smooth as glass water we were kayaking in.

SSS #106....oak trees lining Magnolia Street??

2010-05-29T19:39:00.006-04:00

Magnolia Street in St Augustine, FL taken from the trolley we took to tour the city....wonder who decided to plant oak trees and not magnolia trees?!? I love how there's so much spanish moss hanging from the trees.

TMS Show and Tell (new meme)

2010-03-07T13:44:00.004-05:00

I like to make a pot of soup on the weekends and freeze in individualized containers. I am a secretarial substitute in the local school district and when I am called to work (sometimes at the last minute) I can grab a 'bowl' of soup and some fruit and I am ready to walk out the door. This recipe is quick and easy. Easy to make it vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Navy Bean Soup

yield 7-8 servings

10 minutes prep

+ 20 minutes cook

= 30 minute meal

2 15-oz cans navy (white) beans, drained and rinsed

3 14-oz cans chicken broth

2 cups water

2 cups ham, diced

1/4 cup onion, diced

1 cup carrots, diced

1/2 tsp black pepper

3/4 cup instant potato flakes (I used Honest Earth Yukon Golds Chunky Mashed Potatoes

that are packaged into pouches and I used one pouch)

In a 4-quart pot, combine chicken borth, water, beans, ham, onion, carrots, and pepper. Cover, simmer on medium heat for approximately 15 minutes until the carrots are tender, stirring occasionally. Gradually add potato flakes while stirring constantly. Take soup off of heat and let stand 5 minutes. Stir the soup gently and serve hot.

Color Carnival #40

2010-03-05T18:05:00.004-05:00

I "borrowed" this picture from a friend.....taken on her vacation to North & South Carolina.

Camera Critters #100

2010-02-24T17:10:00.014-05:00

Happy 100th blogaversary to Camera Critters!!

have to share this wonderful story I read in the latest Birder's World magazine.

Alaska story: Chickadee revives fallen mate

Dear Birder's World: The following is an account of an unusual and inspiring event I witnessed at my home when I lived in Alaska.

On March 29, 2008, I heard a thud against our picture window. I knew right away it was a bird. On some instances, I've taken birds in by the heater where they can revive. But on this day, I went to the window and just stared out. There on a patch of snow lay a chickadee on its side looking dead. One by one, three or four chickadees came to peck at the bird's beak and then its side. Suddenly, the chickadee rolled onto its back with its fee straight up in the air. I was sure it was dead. Then, one lone chickadee flew down and pecked at its beak, then pecked and paused at its side.

The pecking chickadee flew up in the air and hovered over the 'dead' chickadee, slowly lowering itself until its talons were linked to those of the chickadee on the ground. It lifted the 'dead' chickadee about one foot in the air, and it came to life. They unlocked talons and flew over to a mossy stump. The healer bird pecked at the other's beak and nestled against its side. They both flew off together.

Lorraine Stone

Jackson, New Hampshire

Camera Critters #98

2010-02-20T10:23:00.007-05:00

Captured this little fellow (gopher tortoise) just as he was getting ready to take a bite, check out the stretched out neck!

Color Carnival #38

2010-02-19T18:07:00.004-05:00

This is inside one of my favorite shops that I always take visitors to.....Margaret Albritton Gallery in Placida, FL. It's so much fun to go there and very colorful as well.

Color Carnival #37

2010-02-12T17:12:00.002-05:00

Found this while shopping in St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, Florida. Pretty expensive at $450 but it is hand carved and hand painted and was about 18" in diameter. If only I could afford to buy beautiful pieces such as this.

To see more Color Carnival visit Martha here http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/

Pink Saturday......2-6-10

2010-02-06T02:00:00.000-05:00

I know women like to fish but come on pink reels on a pink rod, that's a bit much for me. Maybe for little girls though.

Color Carnival #36

2010-02-05T15:52:00.004-05:00

While traveling (? can't remember where) we ran into a Wal-Mart I think, and found this really cool McDonalds. So, of course, I had to run out to the car to get my camera just so I could get another CC shot!

Color Carnival is hosted by the fun and fabulous Martha .... click on the link below and and see more CC photos.

http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/

Sunday ~ Odd Shots

2010-01-31T18:43:00.000-05:00

Look what I found while peeling potatoes....makes a good odd shot!

Check out Barb's blog ~ it's her 1st anniversary!

2010-01-30T22:29:00.005-05:00

Barb at Bella Vista is celebrating her 1st year anniversary and is offering a beautiful rooster soup tureen with four matching bowls. Click on the link below to enter for your chance to win.

http://barbsgoodlife.blogspot.com/

Shadow Shot Sunday #89

2010-01-30T20:33:00.006-05:00

HAPPY SUNDAY TO YOU!!

Color Carnival #35

2010-01-29T20:37:00.005-05:00

to join in and/or see more click on Color Carnival

Another piece of art from the Venice (Florida) Art Fest

Window Views ....and Doors Too! 1.27.10

2010-01-27T19:03:00.004-05:00

Thru the window I spotted this cool sculpture while browsing the neat shops in Mount Dora, Florida.

ABC Wednesday........B

2010-01-26T16:52:00.005-05:00

Beautiful Banyon trees line Banyon Street on Boca Grande Island, Florida

This is a must see street every time I visit Boca Grande because it is so beautiful.

Color Carnival #34.........

2010-01-22T19:41:00.004-05:00

Venice Art Fest ... November 09

Camera Critters #94..........

2010-01-22T01:00:00.001-05:00

This is Max and he lives at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Daughter Leslie's boyfriend is one of the animal keepers in the Africa Expedition there and we got an up close and personal visit with Max. We got to clean him with a scrub brush which removes the dried on dirt that he gets from rolling in the wet mud. It's like giving him a massage and he loves it. In the top right portion of the collage Leslie is masaging the inside of his upper leg and believe it or not that part of his skin is quite soft compared to the rest of his thick, tough skin. Click on collage to enlarge and see details.

TWTW....No. 40 ~ what else would you do?

2010-01-20T19:35:00.004-05:00

Found this at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida....Can't imagine what else they were thinking of besides maybe pouring your drink down there?!?

ABC Wednesday Round 6 ..... A is for

2010-01-18T23:07:00.006-05:00

AMATEURS designing their ALIGATOR sculpture during the Ft. Myers Sand Sculpting Festival last November. Notice the miniature in the bottom right corner they are using as a visual.

Ruby Tuesday

2010-01-18T22:26:00.006-05:00

This antique car was placed on top of the building.

Shadow Shot Sunday #87

2010-01-17T11:33:00.003-05:00

Mama and baby hidden in the shadows. This was taken from inside my friends (Colorado Springs, Colorado) dining room. I think mama could hear me and that's why she is facing me ... she is also waiting to make sure I don't come out there and try to get her fawn . Many times my friend has seen a deer literaly running through her back yard only to find out the deer was being chased by a bear!

........365 no themes-no memes ....WHEELS

2010-01-15T22:27:00.002-05:00

A ship's wheel no serving as a decoration!

Community Photo Challenge ~ TRANSPORTATION

2010-01-15T21:59:00.002-05:00

Take your pick!!

Color Carnival #33

2010-01-15T19:58:00.004-05:00

A couple of yard art designs at the Barrier Island Center, Melbourne Beach, Florida part of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. These are made out of bottle tops....check out the sea turtles eyes, pretty clever I'd say. That one was made by my daughter and the star fish below by one of the kids during sea turtle day camp.

Camera Critters #93

2010-01-15T19:15:00.006-05:00

Frito is a new addition to our family. Our daughter was relocating to San Antonio from the east coast of Florida right after Christmas and didn't have an apartment secured when we left (I helped she and her boyfriend drive out). My husband and I said we would love to have Frito .... he is a great bird .... daughter even "potty trained" him. When he is out walking around or on our shoulder for about an hour and hasn't gone potty I put him back in his cage and say "duty Frito duty" and sure enough he goes potty. I praise him and back on my/our shoulder he goes. He likes everybody but especially the ladies!!

Saving Wildlife ~ TWTW .... No. 39

2010-01-14T19:26:00.006-05:00

Signs along a stretch of beach (US 1) in Melbourne Beach, Florida

Macro Monday ..... 1-11-10

2010-01-11T16:17:00.003-05:00

One of my orchids......it's not blooming now but when it does it looks like this.

Blue Monday..........1-11-10

2010-01-11T15:51:00.001-05:00

Mural painting outside a smoke shop in Loveland, Colorado

Color Carnival #32.........I'm baaaack!

2010-01-09T19:11:00.002-05:00

Went to the Ft. Myers Sand Sculpting Festival back in November and while waiting at the Holiday Inn on Ft. Myers Beach for the bus back to the parking lot I spotted this gator sculpture and thought it would be perfect for Martha's Color Carnival meme.

Blue Monday..................November 30

2009-11-30T01:00:00.001-05:00

Decorated light posts along walkways in Walt Disney World.

Shadow Shot Sunday.........November 29

2009-11-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

Camera Critters #86.................November 28

2009-11-28T01:00:00.001-05:00

This bird's nest was found on a houseboat deck.....notice how the imitation snake didn't deter these birds at all.

Skywatch Friday...............November 27

2009-11-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

I love how the sun's rays are coming from the clouds in this photo taken in Pueblo, Colorado.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.......November 26

2009-11-26T01:00:00.002-05:00

I have no Thanksgiving themed photos so this will have to do!

GOD BLESS THE USA!!

Window Views and doors too!.............November 25

2009-11-25T01:00:00.001-05:00

One of the oldest establishments in Key West, Florida

Ruby Tuesday................November 24

2009-11-24T01:00:00.001-05:00

Mellow Yellow Monday..&..Blue Monday

2009-11-23T01:00:00.003-05:00

I found this cute little guy in a shop in St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, Florida. All the dressing rooms were decorated in cutesy art such as this.

Weekend Reflections #9..........November 22

2009-11-22T01:35:00.000-05:00

Color Carnival #29..............November 21

2009-11-21T00:10:00.001-05:00

Another beautiful piece of art work for the Venice ArtFest held earlier this month. This is a glass "plate" to either place in this stand or you could probably use a plate holder for the wall. The artist said all she did was basically 'splat' color onto clear glass pieces and of course there would never be two alike.

Please visit Martha here http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/ for more CC photos.

Thematic Photographic 76 - Orange (November 20)

2009-11-20T10:51:00.003-05:00

While driving around one day I noticed this new, very large house being built and for some unknown reason they wanted it painted ORANGE and it was quite bright. Maybe they're Florida Gator fans and they were getting ready to paint the trim royal blue!

This Way Thurs-Way...............November 19

2009-11-19T07:39:00.003-05:00

This is one passage way I hope to never have to use. This was taken from inside an airplane and these arrows are on the wings to show you which way to go once the emergency door opens and you have to leave the plane!

Window Views...and Doors...............November 18

2009-11-18T01:00:00.001-05:00

I've seen many antique ice boxes but this is the largest and has the most ornate hardware of any that I have ever seen. Normally you would see one maybe two doors but not this one. Then again this one was inside the Ringling Museum where most everything is very ornate.

Ruby Tuesday?.............November 17

2009-11-17T18:04:00.005-05:00

I spotted these APPLE (the outside was probably red at one time) dolls in a shop in Walt Disney World.....aren't they adorable? Well, a grandpa dressed in a tutu and holding a fairy wand is something you'd probably never see! hehe!

Mellow Yellow Monday................November 16

2009-11-16T01:00:00.003-05:00

More displays of artistic talent found at the Venice ArtFest last weekend.

Shadow Shot Sunday.........November 15

2009-11-15T01:00:00.000-05:00

This is right outside of The Trading Post at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Artistic fountain..............November 14

2009-11-14T01:00:00.002-05:00

I never did check out the price of these great water fountains I spotted at the Venice, Florida ArtFest last weekend. I'm going to another show this weekend (in Estero, Florida) and maybe they'll have them there but they are probably priced out of my league.

Color Carnival # 28

2009-11-13T20:41:00.004-05:00

Not edible by any means this is a dish of shaved soap that I found in a shop in Venice, Florida. BTW, I did get the permission of the shop manager to photograph this.

For more Color Carnival visit http:/colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/

What time is it?....................November 13

2009-11-13T01:00:00.002-05:00

Aren't these clocks cute? Found these in a shop for animal lovers at St. Armands Circle near Sarasota, FL. For a minimum cost of $225 you too can have one made from a photo of your own pet! Check out www.nitrodog.com/shopping/mache_clocks.htm

Aren't these clocks cute? If you're interested check out www.nitrodog.com/shopping/mache_clocks.htm prices start around $225

This Way Thurs Way...............November 12

2009-11-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thought this drink 'station' had a cute and quirky name. I spotted this at Walt Disney World.

Window Views and doors too..........Nov 11

2009-11-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

Just a few of the windows from The John and Mable RINGLING Museum of Art

located in Sarasota, FL.

That's My World Tuesday..........Nov 10

2009-11-10T01:00:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was the Ft. Myers Sand Sculpting Festival. These are just a few of the many sand sculptures. Please click on collage to enlarge and see the detail.

Mellow Yellow Monday #42..........Nov 9

2009-11-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

This is a cool lamp I found in a shop in Venice, FL this past weekend. The lamp itself is not yellow but the glow of the lightbulb brings yellow to the photo.

Shadow Shot Sunday #77..........Nov 8

2009-11-08T02:00:00.001-05:00

Camera Critters........Nov 7

2009-11-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

I guess even sandhill cranes know to use the crosswalk in Celebration, FL.

As you can see, this one made it just fine. But, boy are they ever slow crossing the street. LOL, must be a teenager!

Color Carnival #27

2009-11-06T17:59:00.002-05:00

Saw this stained glass artwork in a shop in Celebration, FL and thought "Color Carnival"!

How is this possible? Nov 6

2009-11-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

I really do not know what this pelican is trying to do but he looks like he's trying to turn himself inside out?!?

Another "drive by shooting"..........November 5

2009-11-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

This is an advertisement for Fantasy of Flight located in Polk City, FL (on the way to Walt Disney World). We were again on the interstate and DH did not stop to take this photo I just shot it through the window.

This is an art deco facility home to over 40 rare and vintage aircraft many of which have been restored to flyable condition. They offer a variety of guided tours including visits to their working restoration & maintenance areas. You can climb inside the cockpit of a Corsair fighter for a battle over the Pacific and then take a spin on their state-of-the-art hang glide simulator in their Fun with Flight area.

We'll miss you sweet Tucker :( Nov 4

2009-11-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

Not such a happy post today. This is Tucker, one of my grandkitties and he is no longer with us. My daughter has had two kitties since her college days and just yesterday Tucker, at age 15 years old, went to be with my mom, who passed away in August and also with his housemate, Harley, daughter's bassett hound, who passed away this past June. This has been a very rough year for all of us, so, if you would, please keep us in your prayers

Ruby Tuesday........Nov 3

2009-11-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

This cool adirondack chair with the lobster claw back was found outside a shop in Matlacha, Florida. Matlacha is an "Old Florida" fishing village home to many brightly colored art galleries, island boutiques, seafood restaurants and traditional Florida cozy waterfront cottages. The name Matlacha comes from a Caloosa (Indian tribe) word meaning "water to the chin".

Another drive by.....Nov 2

2009-11-02T06:12:00.003-05:00

While we were driving down I75 (at 75 mph) I finally was prepared and ready to shoot this shot of this hockey player that was designed to look as though he had "jumped" right out of the building. Click on it to enlarge the detail even though it is a little blurry since we were driving.

Dinosaur's anyone? Nov 1

2009-11-01T07:42:00.003-05:00

On our way to Walt Disney World a couple of weeks I spotted this dinosaur advertising for Dinosaur World and I just started clicking away and came up with a really cute picture just as a semi-truck was passing under the dinosaur and here it is below!

Color Carnival #27

2009-10-30T16:15:00.006-04:00

Please visit Martha over at http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/ for more colorful photos.

These magnets were a few of the hundreds of magnets I came across in Magnetron a shop located in Walt Disney World.

This Way Thurs Way #28......visiting friends?

2009-10-21T16:39:00.001-04:00

Ruby Tuesday

2009-10-19T20:24:00.004-04:00

Found this magnificient piece of artwork in a wonderfully fun shop at St Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida this past week. If I had several thousand dollars I didn't know what to do with (don't I wish) I would purchase this in a heartbeat. It is a solid, hand carved, very large, piece of wood probably about 3' x 5' or so. To see the detail click on it to enlarge.

Blue Monday......Mellow Yellow Monday

2009-10-19T19:53:00.002-04:00

Needlepoint (actually quickpoint) pillow I made to go in the guest bedroom which is decorated in a Florida theme.

Another stained glass window decoration I found in a shop in Mt. Dora, Florida.

Watery Wednesday #57

2009-10-13T19:40:00.002-04:00

These were taken last week while visiting Little Gasparilla Island, FL (gulf temperature at the time was a mere 84 degrees!)

Ruby Red Tuesday....tomatoes anyone?

2009-10-12T23:19:00.004-04:00

We have a dear friend who is heavy into decorating with tomatoes....her husband is a tomato broker and they make their living in the tomato industry so I guess that's why there are so many tomatoe items in their home some of which are very expensive as in this first picture. If I'm not mistaken this set cost over $500 but it does have 8 tea cups to go with it!

Extra shelves were put up all around their kitchen, dining room and living room to accomodate a fraction of all the tomatoes they own.

They even commissioned someone to make this lamp ... it started out to be a ceramic pumpkin but they saw the vision of making it into a lamp and as you can see it worked out great.

Blue Monday ~ Unique Blue Things

2009-10-12T17:55:00.006-04:00

Found this mermaid on a 'party type' boat that does sightseeing cruises out of Sarasota, FL while on the WorldWide Photo Walk this past summer.

Mellow Yellow Monday #39

2009-10-11T20:18:00.004-04:00

Check out more Mellow Yellow Monday posts at

http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Stained glass art I found in a shop in Micanopy, FL

Color Carnival #24...."Never Give Up"

2009-10-11T18:20:00.012-04:00

The painting below is done by Tony Ryals ....

see his story below this painting.

Tony Ryals was born with a rare, crippling disease robbing him any use of his arms and legs. At a very early age Tony was sent to a foster home, raised with LOVE and understanding, with a high standard of work ethics, mainly to always try to earn your own way in life. He was taught that everyone in this world will need help sometime in their life, that the human race is like a two-way street! (Always try to Give and sometimes Receive.) Not the Other way around! Meaning we ALL have our very own capabilities to give or help each other. No Excuses!

Tony is making it! His life is proof that even extreme obstacles can be overcome, and that dreams can be achieved. With a wife and two kids plus now a grandpa, he lives a happy productive life. Through his life and his life story, Tony encourages others to have Hope and to enjoy living, no matter what comes their way.

With a head ful of Dreams, and a Heart full of Hope, Tony was able to reach deep inside of himself and find peace. He was touched by the true Master Creator of all, GOD! These inspirational feelings give him the willpower and determination to develop this GOD given talent.

The Painter of Hope uses the finest artists tools, grasped in his teeth. Bringing a canvas to life with detail ranging from the smallest feather on a humingbird's wing, to the colors of a brillant sun setting on a tempestuous sea.

He feels the need to change the word disability to a brand new word Diff-Ability! His message to all of us is "Never Give Up".

check him out at http://www.artbymouth.com/

Shadow Shot Sunday....#73

2009-10-11T11:04:00.004-04:00

Check out other great shadow shots at http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

This is the way all playground parks for children should be....in the shadows....especially down here in SW Florida where the equipment can get blistering hot. This particular park is located at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek, FL (near Micanopy, FL).

Camera Critters #79...a seagull's breakfast tale

2009-10-09T19:37:00.008-04:00

Captured these on Little Gasparilla Island, FL yesterday

Notice the fish under the seagulls foot

Picking it up...

trying to get it into mouth...

still trying....

got it in...

it's going down...

down a little farther ... but wait

oops, gag, guess it's just a bit too big!!

Color Carnival ..... #23

2009-10-09T19:12:00.007-04:00

I really don't think words are needed to describe this photo except maybe OMG! I will say she is quite noticeable in all the color though.

This next one is blurry but you had to see she dressed up her ankles too!

For more Color Carnival click on the

Ellipsis..Monday Photo Shoot #58: Bridges & Walkways

2009-10-06T18:46:00.004-04:00

Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL and a little history of the Canopy Walkway....

The Myakka Canopy Walkway was the inspiration of tropical rain forest canopy biologist Dr. Margaret Lowman (http://www.canopymeg.com/) .... world expert in canopy ecology using these walkways to study insect-plant interactions. This suspension bridge is 85' long and 25' high....it connects 2 towers, one of which is 35' high (you climb this one to get to the bridge) and the other is 74' high which you can climb to get a great view of the park. The trees along this walkway are live oaks, laurel oaks and cabbage palms.

Though her experience was with tropical ecosystems, she realized that Florida's forests were as imperiled as many of the legendary rainforests.

She began studying Myakka's treetops with traditional methods that included ropes, ladders, and pulleys. Then she devised a plan to build a walkway through the treetops, as had been done at several of her previous research stations

ABC Wednesday ..... the letter L

2009-10-06T15:59:00.005-04:00

While daughter, Leslie was preparing her breakfast her per caique, Lucy, decided she wanted to know what was in the bowl so she flew over to her and decided that what was in the bowl was pretty good stuff!

Whenever you sit down on the couch or chair one of daughter Leslie's cats, Lily, will jump up in your lap just so she can lick you .... one of her favorite things to do, which drives me crazy, feeling that rough tongue on my arm. Guess she likes the salt from our skin.

Shadow Shot Sunday #72

2009-10-04T11:20:00.005-04:00

Reflection/shadow on friends infinity pool with the Little Manatee River in the background.

visit more SSS photos here heyharriet.blogspot.com/

Color Carnival # 22

2009-10-02T16:45:00.004-04:00

I went to the Charlotte Harbor Bird Show last weekend and found these very colorful bird toys

and this very pretty, colorful finch from Australia!

I knew better than to go to this show because now I want another bird, DH is not so sure yet! I did fill out an application to foster a small parrot or cockatiel and this way we'll know whether or not we really want a bird for the next 20 or so years!

Check out all the other Color Carnival posts at http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/

This Way Thurs Way #25.....beware the pirates!

2009-10-01T19:10:00.003-04:00

Actual "road" signs on Little Gasparilla Island, Florida. I say "road" because they are made up of sand, gravel and shell not blacktop roads because everyone uses golf carts on this island which is only accessible by boat.

ABC Wednesday.......K is for knotted tree and kiss!!

2009-09-30T11:14:00.004-04:00

The Life Magazine cover photo of a sailor kissing a nurse after the end of WWII ... this famous photo was published on August 27, 1945. This statue (stands probably 30-50 feet tall) is in a park in Sarasota, FL and I know of another that is in San Diego, CA. I do not know how many there are or where the others may be. There have been many men and women claiming to be the person in the photo but no one knows for sure who they are.

Color Carnival #21

2009-09-25T18:09:00.004-04:00

Orlando area tour bus used at the many hotels to take visitors to the many attractions in the area.

Happy Mellow Yellow Monday and Blue Monday

2009-09-20T19:04:00.004-04:00

Saw this 60's lamp in an antique shop this summer and thought it would make a great post! We never had anything like that when I was growing up and I don't remember ever seeing anything like this before;~}

Another painting from one of the students at the local high school....aren't they talented?

And, of course, I had to take a picture of this boat. Martha at http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/ and I spotted this on our World Wide Photo Walk that we participated in a couple of months ago.

Camera Critters #76.............Where are you?

2009-09-19T15:19:00.003-04:00

Doesn't this look like he/she is looking for his/her young 'uns?

and here they are!

Round Robin Photo Chalenge....Chickens

2009-09-19T01:49:00.002-04:00

Found this handsome guy while touring author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, historic homesite in Cross Creek, FL.

and this one while grocery shopping on Big Pine Key, Florida.....as some of you know Key West, FL is known for their wandering chickens and roosters everywhere.

Ruby Tuesday.....Harley?!?!

2009-09-15T10:17:00.007-04:00

I was substituting at the local high school recently and one of our graduates, who is now doing a little side business of balloon designs, came in and gave us a demonstration, one of which I have posted here. Isn't that the coolest motorcycle? I think he did a great job and to think he's only been doing this for about a month.!

2009-09-12T00:10:00.000-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday everyone!

I was driving around town one afternoon and ran into this horrendous house. The trim is painted a very vibrant pink and as you can see there is a pink gate and fencing all around! The driveway even has a pink tink to it.

Even in the front of the fencing are these posts adorned with lighted pelicans and a "fancy hat" which is actually the covering for the light bulb!

It's even for sale and if you're really interested I'll be glad to give you the realtors phone number and you can come down here to SW Florida and check it out for yourself LOL!!

Color Carnival #19

2009-09-11T19:01:00.001-04:00

hosted by my friend Martha at http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/

one of the murals at the Denver Internation Airport

Skywatch Friday ~ Season 4, Episode 9

2009-09-10T18:44:00.002-04:00

St. Petersburg, Florida skyline.........sunset with the Little Manatee River in the foreground.

H is for ..... HIBISCUS of different colors

2009-09-08T19:50:00.000-04:00

Mellow Yellow Monday #35

2009-09-07T10:43:00.003-04:00

On the marque of this bus is written Lions Tigers Bears.com but when I searched that sight it had nothing to do with Florida or the Ringling Museum which is where I spotted this bus last week. It still makes a good post for MYM though!