What's Not in Bloom?

Whilst a volunteer at the Polasek Museum for many years, whenever I had spare moments, you would find me photographing the gardens. That doesn't surprise you in the least no doubt. Because I had so many shots they began a feature in their newsletter/website called, "What's in Bloom?, using my photographs. So, I wore two hats, one as a receptionist, and one as their resident photographer. While riding around in the last week or so, it came to me that now that the weather has mostly cooled off, we have a whole new group of flowering trees and plants that are very happy, prompting the thought, what's not in bloom?, because there is a whole heck of a lot going on in the plant world.

Before we take a tour of what's blooming, we have some happenings to discuss, including a nice little walk to the polling place on Michigan. Apparently 46% of our precinct voted early, but we are old school, preferring to vote on Election Day with our neighbors.

Bruce, as you see, brought along his filled out ballot that he spent a good deal of time preparing beforehand. We were there and back within about thirty minutes. By the end of the day, I wanted to throw my phone at the wall after receiving so many texts about voting. For crying out loud, leave me alone, I've voted in every single election since I was able! Enough already!

The crown/filling went as well as could be expected, taking far longer than I'd remembered. Tuesday I was a satisfied patient. Thursday night, not so much when the temporary came off in my mouth. Although they were closed today, I managed to have it reinstalled, and am hoping this one will last more than two days.

Late yesterday afternoon, say around 5ish, I saw the otters again. Unprepared, because I was merely looking at the wonderful reflections on the lake, most especially the blue house that was recently painted, I have no photographic evidence. Take my word for it, okay?

Small as it may be, the lake still provides endless entertainment. Who doesn't love a mirror image? 

The above shot of the canal is taken by the big lake and I love this one as well, because the light is so interesting, but the grandaddy of my reflection photographs in this post is this one that I took of the sunrise the other morning. Lord have mercy, the sky was on fire!

Fascinating to see how shots taken at different times of the day, can look so wildly different. Thus, the constant entertainment value for this gal. What makes it all the better is that it has come as such a surprise. Never did I imagine that this would be a part of our condo experience! You gotta love good surprises, right?

Bougainvillea, with their, what some might term, garish display of color, are blooming all over the city.

Some sort of orange plant?

The Orchid trees are just beginning to flower,

as are the African Iris.

The Crinum Lillies, scattered throughout the complex, are either flowering, or about to do so.

 Here's a cute little patch of mushrooms I discovered.

And while we are on the subject of plant life, recently the 5:00 gang at the pool, told me about a florist on Grant Street that was worth checking out. While at Target, replacing my kettle that died, I drove down said street and found the place just across Division Street. Although they are wholesale, they sell to the public at purported reasonable prices. I'm no expert, so I can't be certain about that. What I was certain about was buying an orchid to replace the one that I had to leave in Vancouver because it was too delicate to transport. Perhaps you recall Matt and Tom sent it to us, two weeks after we arrived for our wedding anniversary? On its second blooming, it was painful indeed leaving it behind. Instead of white, this time around I bought this deep purple color. Not really purple, but that is the best description I can come up with.

Furthermore, they had a tray of succulents for only $2.00 each which delighted me as I am joining the succulent bandwagon of late, having purchased this super cool one some weeks ago.

As you know I am such a fan of all things retro so when I found these little planters I could not resist, in spite of having nothing to put in them. Now I do.

Left with one more tiny succulent, for now I'm using an egg cup from London as a holder.

It has been an expensive week in the Peck household, what with my portion of the crown and Bruce's care needing work done to the tune of $2,200. After dropping him off at the dealership yesterday afternoon, because I was in Winter Park, I decided to pay a visit to the newly opened Sprouts that filled the old Whole Foods space. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, they are a part of the new wave of grocery stores coming to town. Just prior to reading about them in our newspaper, Carol said she shops there in Los Angeles and thinks highly of their product lines. Here's the outside....

and here's what it looks like inside.

Apparently known for bulk foods and produce, I bought something in each category to check it out. Not that I will be going there very often as it is seriously out of our way. Brussel sprouts were excellent, however, Bruce and I are of differing opinions regarding the pistachios. In my humble opinion, all of the newcomers will be hard pressed to knock off Publix as the best overall place to purchase groceries. Then again, what do I know?

Driving home from the temporary crown replacement, I drove through the peacock neighborhood, wondering how big the male's tail feathers have gotten. My word, there are a lot of peacocks on those couple of blocks.

Definitely not my best parking job, I pretty much stopped instantly when I saw two males with their tale feathers, such as they are, held high.

The female completely ignored the males trying to get her attention. It was somewhat like how old age places are, lots and lots of women, and very few men. In this instance, I counted two males and 15 females!!

In the coming months it will be fun to check in on then now and again, and we will watch this amazing phenomenon together. Unless you tell me otherwise, that will be our plan. 

Finally, when next we meet, the kitchen will have a new countertop. At least that is what they tell me.

your friend,

Gail

Going Out on a Limb

At the risk of raising scorn amongst my readers, I have to admit that I am one of those old fashioned folks that still believe in creation by God. As stubborn as I am, no one can convince me that this beautiful bird appeared from a big bang.

The last time I was through the peacock neighborhood, most of the males had yet to get their gorgeous tail feathers, nor were those beautiful scale like things completely filled out. Scale like things--getting all technical there. I do love the tail feathers, but the symmetry and colorations of those things get me every time. Looking them up just now I could not find them specifically labeled, so I assume they are feathers as well. Then there are the tips, oh my!

Let's put it this way, the male peacock is a marvel of creativity and engineering! Then too, most people think the spots look like eyes, however to me they look more like fat little hearts. Perhaps because I am a romantic?

The ladies who do the flowers at church outdid themselves on Easter Sunday, as did the pastor, and the choir. Beautiful service.

We went to Hawkers for lunch, following the service, and since Bruce was wearing a white shirt and dark pants, when we pulled up, I asked him if I could get a photo of him next to the bright orange wall on the building adjacent to the restaurant. I've been thinking a lot about using contrast in art and quilting of late, knowing he would embody that concept against the wall. He's so sweet to work with me on my photographic experiments.

He then asked if I wanted my picture made, and of course I said no, as I look horrible in photographs, however, he insisted, and since I told you I was wearing a springy dress, I thought I'd show it to you.

Naturally I am talking while he's taking the photograph! Let's just say growing bangs out is not for the faint of heart....yeesh! Then too, I've not been able to rid myself of the plantars wart on my toe, thus the sandals, as anything with much of a heel kills me. The dress on the other hand, a gift from Bruce last year, is pretty as can be.

On the way home, I asked him to pull over and let me photograph this amazing display of sunflowers in front of a house just off Mills Avenue.

Woo hoo!!! Interestingly enough, years and years ago, I pulled over myself to photograph a flower on the side of this very house that proved to be very popular with buyers. Because I'm no longer selling myself, here it is.

At the time I did not even know it was a dahlia, mostly being drawn in by the gorgeous color. Getting back into the car that day, which was gray and gloomy, I might add, I heard the song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, and a title was born for this photograph. Not the diamonds part ,but I thought of Lucille Ball, and since I'd laid down on the ground and taken it against the sky....well, it only seemed fitting. People often wondered how I came up with titles and now you, too, know my secrets.

Every single year I seem to take this same photograph. One because I love the old chairs, and two because with fallen Tabebuia blooms surrounding them, I cannot resist. My neighbors are accustomed to me roaming in their yards.

Speaking of the outdoors, as I am wont to do, this little guy was entertaining as heck to watch at the feeder. Very aggressive, he kept flinging seed to the ground as he ate.

For those of you who like knowing more, I'm pretty sure this is a Hairy Woodpecker, but don't quote me on that. Or maybe it is a Downy Woodpecker?

I do know that these are ibises and they were patrolling our street for food the other day. I'm pretty sure it is breeding season for them, which apparently causes the beak and feet to be much redder than normal.

The leader of the pack broke off, following another group across the street. Perhaps looking for love?

While chatting with Jonathan and Alissa on Sunday night, I asked if they'd seen my posts with the eagles? Of course they hadn't! They are thirty-somethings, they are far too busy to read Camera Crazy! I mentioned that because I could not find the owls, I was having to watch eagles and eaglets instead. Not that I was complaining or anything....it is a good problem to have. Anyway, I saw a call coming through from Pam so I asked him to hold on a second. She exclaimed----"good news, we saw the owls and their babies on our walk tonight!!!" Unbelievable. Getting right back to my call, I had to retract the owls not being anywhere in sight.

As it turns out, they moved this year, nesting in a back yard about four doors down from Nell's house. Naturally, at first light on Monday, I rode right over scanning the trees. No luck at all. About to concede defeat, I finally spotted one of the parents high above me.

Another gray and gloomy day, so the photo is not my best, but merely documentation. I went back later in the day with the same result. I went back yesterday morning, more of the same. All was not lost because I stopped by for a chat with Nell who is still working in her beautiful gardens at 80. The blooming Nun's orchids are divine, as is the yellow orchid she cleverly planted in the ground.

Aren't they something? While we were visiting a ladybug appeared, not something I see very often.

More rain and gloom around here, but I'm thinking today we will once again have some sunshine, or so I hope. One thing though, sewing is a good way to spend the gloomy days inside.

So, here's what I'm thinking about creation....because the Bible says we are made in God's image, all of us are creators as well, whether it be with wood, paint, words, fabric and the list goes on. Some folks find their creative talents early on, some later in life, but I believe the urge to create eventually surfaces. What is your outlet for creativity?

Our friend Cheryle, who once tells me she killed a fake plant, now has a garden that is a feast for the senses, with blooming plants everywhere. Having lived in an apartment most of her life, she'd never really gotten into gardening until she and David bought Lois's house with blooming gardens already in place. Cheryle, though, has taken it to an entirely different level. That said, I took this yesterday, while over there discussing her next move doing outdoor art festivals, and while there is not a bloom in sight, the texture of the leaves caught my eye.

While trying not to be too negative, I did tell her all of the difficulties involved with selling art out of a tent; things I learned, sometimes the hard way! For me, I am ever so grateful to be out of that business even if I do sometimes miss chatting it up with folks from around the world!

Back to my sewing machine,

Gail

p.s. Yesterday was Matt and Tom's two year anniversary. Time really does fly the older you get...

Curiosity is an Underrated Passion

Does that title fit me, or what? I wish I'd made it up, however, I'm not nearly that clever; it came from that Beth Gutcheon book I read last week. I did, on the other hand, make up, "a good memory is overrated", and I cling to that like flies on honey!

I suppose it was my curious nature that led me to ride down a street off Michigan which might be described as iffy for several reasons. One, the houses are pretty worn out, and two, the lot on Lake Pineloch I thought would have a big beautiful house on it by now, had anything but.

A number of years ago Bruce and I looked at this lot when it was for sale. Can't remember what happened, well, obviously we didn't buy it, but apparently neither did anyone else. How in the world does a place get so run down? Here's a creative solution to covering windows:

Doors over windows, oh my! Foliage growing on the roof, oh my! Mosquitos, mosquitos, mosquitos, oh my! The morning was gloomy, humid, and just plain gross, so I should have known so much better than to park my bike and roam around this place. The trees are huge,

aren't they? My bike looks so tiny. Then too, there are palm trees, as in two, growing up right through the branches on that live oak tree. My curiosity sated, I took off, only to go down another street on the other side of the Blankner School track. It's hard to explain, but on occasion I've been on the other side of this little lake in the area and heard a peacock. Well, now I've found him:

Finally, what good sense I do possess told me to get home and out of the weather because I am seriously allergic to mosquito bites, and if ever there were a time for them to be out in full force, yesterday morning was it! The inside of my left wrist is still swollen from a bite!

Later in the morning I talked to Cheryl and she thought I was crazy for going out--she may very well have been right. Last Friday night she had an awesome dinner party at her house and we were happy to have been a part of it.

Once home and cooled off, I had a little inspiration for a photo shoot to add to my growing litany of wine cork photos. If you've ever wondered what my work space looks like, this is it:

A stool to stand on, various background fabrics, in this case placemats, my bag of corks, a box from Bruce's Mom, and my glasses! Inside that box I found all manner of goodies, including this photo book with an adorable picture of my husband:

Now you know why they moved to Florida from upstate New York! Obviously I love digital photography, but there won't be much of looking at old photos in the future, which is sad, but I guess young people won't think twice because they have never known otherwise? As well, I found this family photo taken in 1984:

I posted this on facebook, however, there are a few, and you know who you are, readers, who are not on fb who might find the photo interesting. From the left-- Matthew, age: 8, Bruce, age: 30, David, age: 4, Jonathan in my arms, age: almost 1, Gail, age: 30, and Bill, age: 4. Currently, no one can remember the cat's name. When Bruce saw it he barely recognized me, and I couldn't agree more! Who is that girl? I do remember the skirt though because I made it. It had a complicated waistband, buttons on the bottom portion, and then angled parts in the front with the buttonholes. Even though I lived that life, it is hard to imagine I had time to sew. It looks as if I've got my hip stuck out to hold Jonathan doesn't it? Many people who meet me today cannot imagine this was my life for so many years. I tell them I have four sons, but when you see the whole gang together, it takes on more meaning. The stag horn fern hanging in the tree behind our heads is the only part of this picture that still lives with us. I'll have to photograph it to show you what it looks like nearly 30 years later!

If our weather doesn't perk up pretty soon, Tom, when he comes home with Matt in a few weeks, won't believe that our state is called, The Sunshine State! Grey, windy, and rainy days have been the norm lately, which is not at all to my liking.

Baxter, with his new haircut, is enjoying the breeze:

It's surprising that the pad Baxter is standing on is not wet because most things are, including our new umbrella:

I'm not fooling around with this one--the slightest breeze, and down it comes!

After getting out those props, it spurred me on to some cleaning which led to another trip to Goodwill today. I wisely parked this time.

Cleaning out drawers and such is always a trip down memory lane, one that I was glad I traveled on yesterday. I'll tell you more about that in my next post. Are you curious yet?

What Kind of Bird Are You?

I may be the only person who has never heard of DOPE, or maybe not. Every single Sunday someone tells me about something new, and in this instance, a woman told me about DOPE, a personality test that claims everyone is one of four bird types: dove, owl, peacock, or eagle. I'd forgotten all about it until I was handing my sales book over to Bruce to record, and noticed I'd written the acronym down.

Because we all know how fond I am of birds, I checked it out, linking it to my blog. Except at first I did not take it myself, then thought better of it. How could I convince you to take it if I hadn't done so myself?? While in the midst of answering the 40 questions, which really amounts to clicking your mouse 40 times, Angela called and I told her what I was up to. She knew all about it, claiming that I was a peacock. Really?

Well, guess what? She was correct, apparently I am a peacock, or at least 37.5% so. Following, it claims that I am 27.5% dove, 25% eagle, and a lowly 10% owl. Telling Bruce about it during dinner time, I suggested he take it as well. Well, can you guess what bird Mr. Bruce turned out to be? It was no surprise to me that his major bird, if you will, is an owl.

This little guy is from my Ponce Inlet trip, taken through the wire cage. Bruce's percentages were as follows: 40% owl, 35% eagle, 20% dove, and an even lowlier 5% peacock! Well now. I've always said opposites make the very best partners!

I had to click on "full of trivial conversation" if I wanted to answer truthfully!

Speaking of birds, I realized that some folks may have never seen an osprey before, so in the spirit of education, here is last weeks osprey and mockingbird.

Did you know the mockingbird is Florida's official bird? Well, now you do.

I bought some lettuce last week which was almost too perfect to be true. I'm thinking they put these heads into some machine to make them look so symmetrical.

It was such a cute little head! I got to thinking about the time I learned that baby carrots are not babies at all, rather, they are shaved down from life-sized carrots! Some of us are so easily fooled. :)

As well, while at the market on Saturday, I purchased some baby cucumbers with the intention of trying my hand at pickle-making. Around these parts, we love pickles, although, heaven only knows how these will turn out.

It will be about a week and a half before I know how they taste. Looking up some recipes online, I really wanted some mustard and dill seed, however, Bruce called me from Publix saying he could find neither, so we're giving pickling spices a go. Because I like garlic pickles, there are about four cloves in the bottom. Am I crazy or what?

Don't you just love cherry season?

Raniers are tasty all right, but expensive, so generally I buy the Bing cherries which are pricey enough! This photo was taken at the market on Sunday, which was not too bad, both heat and sales-wise. Plus, I  had early visitors--the beautiful Condon family. My great nephew Spencer has been walking for about a month now and he was pretty much loving testing out his new found freedom:

He's the cutest darn thing you've ever seen, and such a sweet spirit! I hope their luck holds out when baby boy #two comes along this fall!

Let's take a little stroll around the garden shall we? Our poor little gnome is showing the effects of our hot Florida sun, fading more each day.

He's still awfully cute though. I told you I re-planted the window boxes with red pentas and white lantana. The pentas are blooming just fine, the lantana is only days away:

And then there are my crown jewels, the dahlias! My word they are a gorgeous flower, and pretty soon I'm going to have more than you can count, as there are about 20, yes I said 20 buds on my three plants!!

Some are variegated, some are just plain deep red, or not really red--maybe pinkish red? Somehow this bloom has a little extra row of petals on the bottom. To be honest, I never dreamed they would even come back, let alone thrive like nobodies business!

Because Bruce has been home for a few days, I'm making meals of a little more substance then when I'm alone, thus, groceries needed to be purchased yesterday afternoon. Plus, I could not, for the life of me, find my box of "London Cuppa", which is my everyday tea; the whereabouts of my latest purchase is a mystery to me. Except most of the time they have it at Marshalls, so off I went, in spite of the threat of rain. Paying for my purchase I glanced towards the glass doors, and talk about a rainstorm! Good grief, the thunder and lightening were amazing, even setting off car alarms. Standing under the portico, I was convinced it would not last long.

Convinced and reality are two entirely different things when it comes to rain in Florida! Eventually I went back into the store to wait it out. Now, I love a good shopping trip to Marshalls, but not for nearly an hour! Finally, asking for a bag for my handbag, I took off my shoes, and made a run for it! Arriving home I found Mr. Bill visiting with his Dad, showing off some new boots purchased from eBay. Nice. The bank has him studying at home for yet another license. Have I told you he's moved over to SunTrust, joining his brother at the same bank? Well, he has, beginning last week. After Bruce took the bird test I asked him what he thought our boys would be. The twins--definitely eagles. Jonathan I'm thinking would be a dove, but it is Matthew who has me completely stymied. No clue.

In true peacock fashion, which means I'm willing to take risks unlike my owl husband, I tried parking my bike along a bit of an incline this morning. Not a good move Gail. I took a sideways tumble, landing in gravel on my left hip and ankle. The good news is that my camera, which I'd been holding in my right hand, suffered no damage. The bad news is that, in an effort to break the severity of my fall, I'm thinking I might have twisted my back. Then again, perhaps it's only temporary discomfort and it will be as good as new later today. That, my friends, is a bit of that peacock optimism at work!