(Jupiter, FL, April 12, 2012)

Every landscape has its wildlife and, in Florida, you spot animals that are more reptilian in nature. This morning we spotted The Boxer Turtle as it graced our courtyard. It’s identified by its domed shell, which is hinged at the bottom and allows the turtle to close its shell tightly to escape predators.  Its domed shell alone is a fascinating study of design and function in the natural world.

(Sunday, May 6, 2012—Boca Raton, FL)  F5, 1/30, ISO 800

A supermoon is when a full moon or new moon is closest to the Earth on its elliptical orbit or perigee.  The size and brightness of the moon follows an inverse-square law, which means that a full moon at perigee is 12% larger and brighter than an average full moon. There are on average 5 supermoons a year.  Record crowds were at the beach this weekend to capture the beauty at moonrise.

Our local farmer’s market closes today.  It will not reopen until the Fall.  As we perused the bounty of vegetables, artisan bakers, craftsman, farmers, beekeepers, burrito makers and the “olive guy” aka David’s East Side (all kosher), we expressed our gratitude that on Sundays we are blessed with their labors of love and all the tips they provide on everything from how to save tomato plants, cook and prepare beets, kale, Silician white eggplant and techniques to farm and serve tasty food. 

We thank The Honey Man for reassuring us that colony collapse disorder has been addressed.  The honeybees will survive, pollinate and provide us with fresh honey and keep fresh fruit and vegetables on our plates and “their honey will outlive both of us (do not refrigerate)”.  We are grateful for Macy’s smoked fish dip, the garlic spread, Starz Bakery, Two Sister’s Catering and all the homemade dishes and crafts. 

We thank them for “going out on a limb” and bucking the system. Their music, crafts and foodstuffs will keep us coming back.  It tastes better and their business model is stellar–it comes from the heart .  They are part of “the market family” and we worry when we cannot spot their stand.  We are happy to have met the brother of Two Sisters Catering (amazing conch salad), my tomato and pepper plant guy’s grandsons who helped us save our tomato plant from the tobacco hook worm and the many more who brought nutritious food to our plates and a smile to our faces. It is a pleasure to be in their company.    

There is no subsitute to practice. You need to practice winning, practice losing, practice making the effort, practice peacefully accepting disappointment and gracefully accepting success. Every time you practice, you make yourself that much better.
Practice creates masters.

The masters were evident and they arrived from all over the world to compete as The 2012 Cheerleading and Dance Worlds™ returned to ESPN Wide World of Sports.  My eyes were on the The Shooting Stars as they returned another year to blaze through the sky. They are masters in jumping, tumbling and dancing with ease and grace. Bodies suspend in air.  Their stunts and movements are synchronized, coordinated and fluid. It seems as if one body and one mind controls the routine.

 (The Shooting Stars, Orlando, FL,  April 29, 2012)

Congratulations to The Shooting Stars! It was another successful year in bringing home a medal.

It was exhilarating to watch the energy, excitement and talent. One Shooting Star made her Aunt especially proud.  Her smile captures the moment. Caitlin—you are fierce, bold  and oh…so talented. 

What a wonderful treat this weekend–a light baked confection hand delivered with a yellow post it note from my Ohio relatives–“This is from Darlene’s bakery”.  I met Darlene earlier in the weekend.  The coconut macaroon was the perfect blend of coconut, sugar, egg white and texture–flaky and moist.  We enjoyed every bite.

Thank you, Joanne and Jeff for the delivery and Darlene for owning such a wonderful  bakery.  If you live near the Columbus, OH area,  you need to visit her store or website–http://www.thesuisseshop.com. 

It is my view that people should never waste calories on grocery store baked, or mass-produced frozen, or boxed desserts.   Darlene Jones

It is the perfect quote.  The coconut macaroon was simply delicious.

This is the conclusion of my local community graffiti art project–The Bottom Series.  

There are different types and styles of graffiti.  It is a rapidly developing art form whose value is highly contested. 

For me, it was a moving experience using native Florida palm frond and enjoying the local “whodunnit” scuttlebutt.  Rumor has it the more desirable pieces were removed based on personal interest.

 Kite Beach–April 14, 2012

Feeding ducks, geese and swans at local ponds and parks is a controversial topic, but it is also an enchanting wildlife experience.  It was an essential part of my growing years at the Jersey shore. I do not believe any child, grandchild or great-grandchild of our family escaped the experience or activity with my Mom.  My Mother’s legacy continues and remains with grace and love (February 8. 1912 – April 18. 2011). 

My nature experience with The Hasson Girls (April 2012).

Equestrian’s First Place (April 14, 2012)

As a traditional part of the rodeo subculture, halfway through the bucking broncos and steer roping comes the boot scramble.  A boot scramble is an event where children are invited down to the dirt floor of the arena.  They remove both boots/shoes and they are tossed and mixed up in a pile.  The children then race from the opposite end of the arena to relocate and put on their boots/shoes as fast as they can to tag the mascot to win.

About 30 children participated in the boot scramble, with a handful sporting their own cowboy hats and boots, like true boot scramble veterans.

If you yearn for a foot long hot dog, an eight second bull ride, barrel racing, cowboys and cowgirls, you need to go the rodeo.  All the events are based on tasks required by cattle ranching.  In the arena, you observe team roping, bull, bronco riding and barrel racing which fitted the needs of the terrain and climate of the American West.  The skill of the rancher, rider, horse and bull are easily displayed.

Children participate in activities such as the boot scramble or ribbon chasing.  If a rodeo hits your town, attend.  You do not want to miss out on the western couture.

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