(February 26, 2012)

Instead of flippers like a sea turtle, the gopher tortoise has chiseled looking front feet and it burrows.   They are important to our ecological landscape because they share their burrows or “digs”.  If disturbed, they would leave others species homeless. The Gopher Tortoise is on the Endangered Species List so you are unable to touch them or their homes. They get most of their water from the foodstuffs they eat.  The real tongue twister is that the gopher tortoise is a turtle as all tortoises are turtles but not all turtles are tortoises like a gopher tortoise.

(Jupiter, FL)

The owl is a fascinating bird of prey. Much of its hunting strategy depends on stealth and surprise. The dull coloration of its feathers render it almost invisible and the serrated edges on an owl’s remiges muffles its wing beats, allowing its flight to be silent. The owl also has spectacular binocular vision which allows it to pinpoint prey in very low light. Its eyes are close to the size of the human eye and immobile within its bone socket so instead of turning its eyes like humans, it turns its head. The owl’s neck can move a full 270 degrees to see other directions without moving its body.

If the visual capability of an owl does not impress you than its hearing will.  An owl’s hearing is as good if not better than its vision.  The owl has better depth and sound perception than humans. The owl ears are strategically placed on either side of its head. The right ear is higher and positioned at a different angle. By tilting or turning its head, it captures sound equally.  An owl can pinpoint both the horizontal and vertical direction of  sound. They are wonderful to see and photograph in the wild.

Full Moon, February 7, 2012 (ISO 100, F9, 1/320)

On a quick glance, it has  a “Blue Marble” appearance.  If you have not seen the “Blue Marble” series,  they can be seen at http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/.  Using a collection of satellite-based observations, scientists and visualizers stitched together months of observations of the earth’s land surface, oceans, sea ice, and clouds into a seamless, true-color mosaic of our planet. The images are amazing.

“Exit Through The Gift Shop” (2010) is a documentary produced by the notorious artist Banksy  which tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles and his obsession with street art.  The film also covers the works of Shepard Fairey and Invader.  It is fascinating study on graffiti , unlicensed art work and the artists.  I launched a project of my own.  Keep you posted on the results.

One of my goals in 2012 is to prepare a tasty new meal a week.  I began my culinary journey by culling through the many recipes friends and family provided through the years.  This one is a gem.  Thank you, Karen.

Recipe: The Wild Alaskan Salmon Patty

1 can salmon–squeeze fresh lemon on top & add grated lemon peel

Add fresh chopped cilantro & parsley, chopped celery & green onions

Season with garlic powder, dill and whatever else you want

Add bread crumbs & parmesan cheese (1/2 cup each)

Mix in 4 egg whites

Form patties and saute in olive oil until browned on each side (4 mins each side)

*When adding fresh herbs and vegetables, it should be similar in color and texture when you make a tuna or crab salad.

The patties can be frozen. Layer in a container with wax paper in freeze. Heat in oven to serve. Recommend using (3) cans of salmon to start and freezing patties.

(Georgia Hasson, January 2012)

We smile in the womb. We are born smiling. A very simple way to improve your life and the ones around you is to smile. The Dalai Lama advocates it in his teachings.  Children smile often and adults need to do more of it.  We should never overlook the untapped potential of a smile.

The talented, brave and eager that love wind, water and sail flew across Jupiter beaches on Sunday for the 9th Annual Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion Contest.  The event includes a freestyle exhibition in three divisions–amateur, pro and masters.  It was simply delightful to watch.

(Kite Beach, Jupiter, FL, January 29, 2012)

(Juno Pier, January 17, 2012)

There are a number of benefits you receive when you get up early. You greet the day in a relaxed state of mind. You get an amazing start with peace and quiet.

You find time to exercise, set goals and be productive.  I am always astonished what I can accomplish with a clear mind in the early mornings–my productivity increases tenfold.

The best part is that you witness one of the most of the most beautiful cycles of nature–the sunrise.

When I was in Vail in early December, Beaver Creek finished hosting their 8th Annual Chocolate Chip Competition. If you win the coveted spot, you serve as the official cookie for the 2012 season at Beaver Creek.  It is offered daily at Beaver Creeks’s famous Cookie Time at 3 pm at the base of the mountain.  You only need to look for the crowd with crumbs stuck on scarves and excess chocolate on face and ski wear. 

I finally had an opportunity to give the recipe a try.  It is worth it!

The Chunk

Recipe by Shannon Bostrom
1 stick butter
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 bag milk chocolate morsels
6 oz chopped unsweetened Baker’s chocolate

Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes.