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Morning Star

Venus, the bright point of light that was visible in the evening sky for so much of the year, has passed between earth and sun and now is arising in the twilight before dawn. It will dominate the morning sky for the remainder of the year. Though it was named after the goddess of loveContinue reading “Morning Star”

Florida’s Fall Colors

Autumn is coming to Florida as seen by the ripening of the beauty berry bush, much to the delight of the casual observer as well as the birds who are said to find the berries delicious. However, I seldom see the bushes stripped of these berries like what happens to the local blueberries, so maybeContinue reading “Florida’s Fall Colors”

Acorns and Noggins

It started on Palomar Mountain in the 1970’s. Two newly-weds were camping there, hiking, admiring the views, and gawking at the dome of the 200-inch telescope. Oak trees everywhere lined the trails, and the surrounding rocks showed a multitude of shallow, bowl-like impressions where prior cultures had ground acorns into meal to be prepared andContinue reading “Acorns and Noggins”

Survivor

This butterfly fluttered by the pool cage, then landed on the tea olive bush just outside. It had endured the brunt of the storm, little the worse for the wear, surviving by means unknown. Its colorful wings definitely brightened the dark weather, but I don’t really know if it is just resting or hanging onContinue reading “Survivor”

Regarding Swirling Winds

Hurricane Idalia has come ashore well north and west of us. Through the night winds here seldom topped 30 MPH, but will increase to as high as 45 mph later today before tapering off through tonight and tomorrow. Rain will continue off and on through the day. In the meantime we are under a tornadoContinue reading “Regarding Swirling Winds”

The Calm Before…

All is calm and even a little bright. The birds are happy at the feeders and a wandering sunbeam spotlights distant trees. This afternoon things will change as hurricane Idalia approaches, bringing heavy rains and 50-70 mph winds to our area over the next 36 hours. All loose items have been removed from our lanaiContinue reading “The Calm Before…”

Holy Schist!

During our recent cruise I found this unusual rock in Ketchikan, Alaska. The thin, flat rock was about the size of the palm of my hand, and I just had to pick it up. This tortured rock was once buried miles beneath the surface of the earth and was forcefully thrust upward by collisions ofContinue reading “Holy Schist!”

Of Mist, Magic, and Fairy Boats

I believe in the magic of Fairies and boats. Yesterday’s blog showed a place where the Fairy Boat had once moored in British Columbia. This is a picture of it about 25 years ago in Princess Louisa Inlet, about 150 miles from where it was kept when not in use. This is a magical placeContinue reading “Of Mist, Magic, and Fairy Boats”

Memories Afloat

Just beyond the Japanese Garden this sheltered cove provides moorage for boaters visiting Butchart Gardens. I could almost see the ghost of our beloved Fairy Boat at the empty mooring buoy near the center of the photo. We have been to the gardens several times, but this most recent visit was the first time weContinue reading “Memories Afloat”

Signs of Life

Inspiration and a great deal of perspiration turned this mined-out quarry into a glorious garden. Robert Butchart operated a limestone quarry just a few hundred feet away from his home and left an unsightly scar in the landscape when it was mined out. His wife, Jenny, was not about to put up with that eyesoreContinue reading “Signs of Life”