eskildoodle1

Tropic Time

Gray, somber clouds blanked the sky with the threat of rain. This was a regional storm system, not quite a “tropical depression” and definitely not a “tropical storm.” No, this was just a prelude that I call a “tropical wad,” which portends the beginning of the hurricane season. It’s heeeere! #clouds #weather #tropicalstorm #hurricaneseason

Lady in Waiting

She gracefully perched atop the shepherd’s hooks of the birdfeeder, gazing about for friend and foe before descending to feast at the feeders below. She was alluring, enchanting, and a bit mysterious; all cardinal characteristics of a true lady. #cardinal #ladyinwaiting #birdfeeder #shepherdshook #ladybehavior

Tahitian Dreamin’

The nightlight’s soft glow silhouetted an ukulele under a faux palm tree alongside a photo of Bora Bora’s signature mountain, Otemano. It was time to close my eyes and gently drift away to the dreamland of “Tahiti et ses iles.” #tahiti #borabora #tahitietsesiles #ukulele

Kite Flight

Whistles and squeaks drew our attention to this seasonal visitor as it swooped towards a tree where it landed next to another kite. Others soared about communicating with curious calls and peeps. Another sound and sight of summertime in central Florida. #kite #swallowtailedkite #tree #peeps #squeaks

Giant Tree Spider

It is very tall and has legs like a spider, but it “eats” trees instead of bugs. It creeps into position on a narrow pair of tracks, spreads wide its four spider-like legs, and then proceeds to lift a sawyer into position by the doomed tree. Along the way, lower branches are lopped off withContinue reading “Giant Tree Spider”

Bowing to Time

An old palm tree, bent and bowed has finally toppled into the stream, ending its days along the bank. A mere reflection of its former glory, its remains await recycling into nutrients that will feed new life, including its own eventual replacement. #palm #recycling #endoflife #cycleoflife

Bright Memory

When I retired from the local VA medical clinic, they gave me a collection that had been taken for my retirement party. I was shocked by the amount I received, but delighted to spend it on this “Little Gem” banjo ukulele to add to my collection. I had spent a little time each Friday morningContinue reading “Bright Memory”

Gone to Seed

The flowers’ glory may have faded away but they have fulfilled their destiny and produced seeds of promise for more beautiful blooms next spring. #flowers #seeds #gonetoseed

KABOOM!

I recently caught these images of gigantic magnetic explosions on the sun (bright areas near the solar limb). They are far larger than earth which is represented by the blue dot at the bottom center of the image. They result from chaotic interactions between unbelievably strong magnetic fields that explosively reconnect and shower the solarContinue reading “KABOOM!”

Creatures Great and Small

Living in the “Woods” next to the Cross Florida Greenway keeps us in proximity of all kinds of creatures. Signs warn of the bears sometimes seen in the area, and tracks tell of the racoons that cavort in our back yard at night. Coyotes’ serenades are occasionally heard in the dusk and the dawn alongContinue reading “Creatures Great and Small”