We came across this praying mantis while walking on a local greenway trail. It seemed not the least bit interested in us, nor bothered by our presence. We were neither food nor potential mates, fortunately, for the female praying mantis draws little distinction between the two. When a female mantis captures its prey, which canContinue reading “Little Green Cannibal”
Author Archives: eskildoodle1
Berry Beautiful
A quiet walk through the woods often conjures serenity that can last through the rest of the day, especially when treated to scenes like this. #beautyberry #serenity #walk #woods
Mountain High
It’s better not having to take off from a high altitude when you’re flying light aircraft. The thin air at higher altitudes robs the engine of horsepower and limits the airplane’s performance. This lengthens the takeoff roll considerably and decreases the rate of climb. Cruising speed is also decreased a bit. Even so, this lightContinue reading “Mountain High”
Top of the Morning
These ibises seem to have a much more bird-worthy perch than their cohorts from yesterday’s post, which were snoozing in the middle of the street. I suspect that these two had not yet had breakfast and were probably mapping out their plans for the day. I do imagine that the neighborhood is much more interestingContinue reading “Top of the Morning”
Idle Ibises
It was a lovely morning and after arising early, flying about and feeding on bugs and worms in the nearby lawns, these ibises seemed to think that it was time for a nice nap. And what better place to snooze than in the middle of a street? Their naptime lasted longer than I expected, butContinue reading “Idle Ibises”
Veteran Days
Forty-four years ago we were deployed to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, to care for refugees from the Marianna Boat Lift in 1980. Our unit was from Fort Sill, Oklahoma and we provided primary care and emergency medical services. I could tell many stories from my time there, some curious, some amusing but others, deadly serious. Fortunately,Continue reading “Veteran Days”
Noggin Knocker Season
This overeager acorn fell onto our sidewalk recently, but was off target and had poor timing. We are at the height of the acorn season now and are wary of the little projectiles falling from trees, sometimes bouncing off heads before reaching the ground. This produces the time-honored ritual that began decades ago when IContinue reading “Noggin Knocker Season”
French Polynesia 2012 Day 18: Return To Nuku Hiva and Ua Pou
Saturday Travelogue
Advanced Training
The distinct growl of a big, radial engine grew into a deafening roar as this AT-6, a WW-II advanced trainer airplane, departed a local airstrip recently. Leaving a trail of white smoke from its airshow smoker, it left more than just a passing impression. Decades ago, planes like this prepared young pilots for war inContinue reading “Advanced Training”
Skirting the Storm
The late-season hurricane Rafael formed quickly in the Caribbean and moved north and west but will not be heading our direction. It is projected to proceed due west across the gulf and then downgrade to a tropical storm before reaching Mexico. Yet, clouds on its margin obscured the sky over Ocala (marked with an asteriskContinue reading “Skirting the Storm”
Eskildoodle Photos and Feelings 