GOLDEN ARCHES

"Carve a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment."

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

A series of arches at Ft. Pickens.

Walk towards the light.

FEATHERED FRIENDS

"A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are signing, and the lawn mower is broken."

~James Dent

Yesterday was just such a day. I would call it a soft day. The sun was shining softly, the breeze was blowing softly, the birds were singing softly and the only other sound was the soft lapping of the water. I couldn't have ordered a more perfect day. We've had a week or so of these days, which makes me fearful of what may lay ahead. This kind of perfection certainly can't last.

Two white crowned sparrows at my neighbors feeder

Aren't they pretty?

HERB HEAVEN

"A man taking basil from a woman will  love her always."

~Sir Thomas Moore

It's that time again. Preparing garden beds and up-potting plants that were started from seeds. My favorite garden is the herb garden, mainly because it grows so well with very little help from me. Already my basil is looking pretty good. So good actually I should be putting it into the garden. Unfortuneately, the herb garden is still in its weed infested winter condition. I've a little more work on the vegetable garden beds and then I can turn to the herb garden. I don't even want to think about the flower beds. I was very lazy last fall and did little in the garden. The warm winter was perfect for weeds and ugly grasses to thrive, and thrive they did and quickly took over every square inch of space.

Today, its windy and rainy and as I look out over  my yard I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the work ahead. But then I remember how lovely the flowers where, how tasty the vegetables and how aromatic the  herbs. And I want to go out and get my hands dirty and put my beds in planting order. Maybe tomorrow, once the rain has passed, the thunder has stopped booming and the wind has calmed down, I can continue to chip away at my list of chores.

Genovese basil with thyme.

PUMPKIN

"My favorite animal is the mule. He has more horse sense than a horse. He knows when to stop eating ---and he knows when to stop working."

~Harry S. Truman quotes

(With apologies to all my horse friends.)

Meet pummpkin Pie, a New Orleans mule who spends her days pulling carriages filled with tourists through the streets of the French Quarter. She nudged me twice as I stood taking a picture of Jackson Square, so I assumed she wanted her picture taken too. Rather photogenic, don't you think?

I love the mules, though I would much prefer that they were on a farm frolicking (do mules frolick?) rather than standing in the hot sun waiting for drivers to persuade tourists to take an over priced carriage ride. They always look so sad just standing there patiently.

MARGARITAVILLE

"If life gives you  limes make margaritas."

~Jimmy Buffett

Margaritaville Hotal, Pensacola Beach, Fl

FOGGY DAY

Great achievements are accomplished in a blessed, warm fog.

~Joseph Conrad.

We've had a lot of foggy, cloudy days lately. I took these pictures on a day that started out sunny and by the time I arrived at Ft. Pickens, a thick fog had rolled in. Since I was there and had my camera all ready to go, I took some shots in the fog. I'll have to come back if we ever get sun again.

 Osprey-keeping a close eye on the nest from its perch.

Ready for take off.

Osprey pair in nest.

Sunny Day at the Beach

Finally, the sun came out. We've had visitors from RI for two weeks now and the weather has been dismal. Mostly clouds, rain and thick fog. Not very pleasant for those who come to the "sunshine" state for some warmth and rays. But we consolded ourselves with good conversation, good food, and lots of wine.

Looking towards the Pensacola Beach fishing pier from Jimmy Buffet's

Margaritaville Hotel, Pensacola Beach.

A brisk easterly wind kept the surf rolling and

the sun added color and sparkle to the water.