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Mele Kalikimaka

The Hawaiian word, “ukulele,” is made up of two parts: “uku” which can mean flea, and “lele,” can mean to jump or fall. Hence “ukulele” is commonly interpreted as the “jumping flea,” perhaps referring to the rapid motion of a skilled player’s fingers along the strings and frets. Queen Lili’oukalani, however, is said to haveContinue reading “Mele Kalikimaka”

999

As of this morning, we have walked 999 miles this year; tomorrow we will reach our annual goal of 1000 miles and then some. It is good exercise but more importantly, it is great fun. Besides, it is really nice knowing that when my wife tells me to “go take a hike,” she usually wantsContinue reading “999”

Mickey Magic

There was no sadness when when we left Disney’s Magic Kingdom recently. We had a wonderful time, got lots of free cookies, enjoyed shows and a parade, and rode on some of the attractions. Living in Florida makes it easier so say goodbye, and to paraphrase Dr. Seuss: Don’t be sad that it’s over, beContinue reading “Mickey Magic”

Christmas Camellia

The camellia in our yard has tolerated all the cool weather sent its way and has produced many blossoms. Barring any hard freezes, some of them may survive the whole blooming Christmas season. #camellia #christmas #freeze

Of Trees and Gutters

Brisk winds broke a branch free from high overhead and sent it plummeting earthward. It pierced the gutter guard over the center of the downspout, then flipped over, bending the guard at the point of penetration, and landed on the driveway below. The upper left photo shows the bent guard and gutter along with theContinue reading “Of Trees and Gutters”

Santa Pause

While going about daily duties, I just had to pause to take this photo of Jolly Old Saint Nick. It brought a smile to my face, and I didn’t even have to be all that good. #christmas #santaclause #santa #jollyoldsaintnick

Little Big Bird

It was a simple matter of opportunity; the wren perched just outside our back window, and the camera happened to be close by. This little bird left a big impression as it tenaciously clung to its perch in gusting winds, seemingly unconcerned. Though tiny, its song is very loud, often leaving us wondering how suchContinue reading “Little Big Bird”

Jingle Wow

We went for a walk through the community after sunset to look at the Christmas lights recently. We had driven through it a few nights before, but we needed the slow, relaxed pace of walking to really take it in. We had a lot of fun and will likely do it again soon. I madeContinue reading “Jingle Wow”

Tiny Traveler

The goldfinches are back! I spotted this one at the feeder yesterday, and it was kind enough to wait for me to get the camera and take some pictures before it flew off. They usually arrive between Thanksgiving and Christmas and are a welcome addition to our backyard aviary. Though drab in color for theContinue reading “Tiny Traveler”