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All That Flitters Is Not Gold

Today we spotted our first goldfinch of the season, and belying its name, it had no gold. Its feathers were in winter colors, like the birds in the photo above, but its distinctive wing markings gave it away. They always show up between Thanksgiving and Christmas, chased south by the cold. When their feathers turnContinue reading “All That Flitters Is Not Gold”

Nothing Beats a Beater

Nothing beats licking the beaters after they have been used to make frosting for cookies. It make a person feel like a kid again, even if you’re an old beater. #frosting #cookies #beaters

Up, Up, and Away

Cape Canaveral is nearly 140 miles away, yet we can see rockets as they are launched here in Ocala, Florida. We were playing a game at friends house yesterday, but we put the cards down and went outside to see this launch. Flames from the first stage were visible through the trees, then finally itContinue reading “Up, Up, and Away”

Red In the Morning, Tornado Warning?

“Red in the morning, sailor take warning” applies to landlubbers as well. Our morning walk was cut short by rain precipitated by an approaching cold front. A short time later the rising Sun briefly painted the sky red, and the weather radio warned of a tornado watch for the area until 4 PM. Soon theContinue reading “Red In the Morning, Tornado Warning?”

Of Fairy Gnomes and Ukuleles

Something about big shadows in the setting sun works a special magic that attracts Fairy Gnomes and ‘ukuleles and begs to be photographed. This Pono ukulele is my favorite for its sound and playability, and it truly lives up to its name which means “righteous” in Hawaiian. I have had it for over eight yearsContinue reading “Of Fairy Gnomes and Ukuleles”

Little Red Diner

This country-looking cafe takes us back to our rural roots with its farm-fresh fare, its warm, friendly atmosphere, and generous helpings. Its delicious, creative menu keeps locals like us coming back for breakfasts and lunches that we enjoy sharing with family and friends. It has a personal touch that is a very refreshing change fromContinue reading “Little Red Diner”

Out of Luck and a Pickup Truck

Like Santa, this pickup is a classic and it is loaded with goodies. Unlike Santa, it is powered by horsepower under the hood, not a team of reindeer. Either way it looks like both will able to get their jobs done, unlike us, who arrived at the Peddlers Wagon in Eustis, Florida, on the dayContinue reading “Out of Luck and a Pickup Truck”

Gangs All Here

The decorations are up and the stuffed animals have gathered under our lighted palm tree, a fitting symbol of our Florida climate. This includes the infamous flying super-monkey that soars through the air and lands with a cacophony of primate calls. It was a gift from someone who will remain anonymous, but its aerial anticsContinue reading “Gangs All Here”

Fire on the Mountain

Sunlight burnished clouds into the form of flame on Mou’a (Mount) Tohiea rising over Cooks Bay. It was born of fire as lava poured from ancient volcanoes, and appears to have not forgotten its origins. Locals say that it is the mountain that inspired the final scenes of the movie Moana, and like a benevolentContinue reading “Fire on the Mountain”

Banjolele Bear

It looks and sounds like a banjo, but has four strings and plays like a ukulele. It was a gift from a patient a few years ago since I kept a ukulele in my office and often played for them after the visit was concluded. The banjolele is probably around 90 years old and hadContinue reading “Banjolele Bear”