Late afternoon beach

Somehow, going to the ocean always makes things better.  I don't know why it takes me so long to get over there ...

The Glades, John Stretch Park and the Retired Pump Machinery Historical Display

Drove halfway across the state to meet up with Eric and Dawn for a picnic at John Stretch Park today.
Beautiful sky and land that seemed almost surreal.

 This was the only controlled burning that I saw. 

 Good $2.99 bottle of California Chardonnay that I got at Whole Foods. 

 From across the lake, we saw what looked like a child's playground made up of spaceships!  We walked over to investigate, only to find that it was the "Retired Pump Machinery Historical Display".  John would have loved it.

 Balconies that you could climb up on, for closer examination.

 Jubilee wanted to go up too, obviously.

 Another one ...

 Jubilee took a few swims, despite the danger.

 Saw a rainbow on the way home.

 Coming through Belle Glade.

 Lots of motorcycles on the road.

 Then I stopped at the South Florida Water Management Storm Treatment Area, which had a little fishing place off the side of the road.

 Across the road from the Agregate Place where John almost worked.

 My car still looking good ...

 ... with Jubilee in the back.

the hedges

John is anxious for me to post photos of the hedges that we planted just before he left last May (2010).  They are thriving.  Not quite at the point of offering privacy to the back yard (we may have to plant a few more), but they are getting there.  Much rain, lately, so everything is thriving, even the grass which always has looked a little sparse.

 Down by the canal ...

cabbage and potato soup

This is the cabbage and potato soup that John made from last week's bounty.  I'm bringing back my blender and juicer so that we can make pureed soups!  Can't wait.

FL update

Jubilee has been enjoying her back porch and back yard.  She is almost always out there, watching things.  Her steroid shot is keeping her relatively itch-free.  By the time it wears off, I suspect we will be heading north again.

We've been getting a lot of rain.  For a few days it seemed like the monsoons.  Somewhat cooler now, though (like low 80s during the day).

Most every other time that Jubilee and I have come to FL, we've had a major problem to deal with.  So far, this time, the only problem (if it can be called that) has been the mealy bugs.  The pantry was full of them.  The only open food in there had been 1/2 box of dog biscuits, and they had been turned into sawdust!

Last Sunday I went to Lynn University with some friends to hear Bishop Thomas Gumbleton speak about saying no to war - War, Never Again.  I was inspired by his clear vision and simple faith.

 

It was good to be among so many friends whom I have known for a long time.  No need to explain myself, or even talk if I didn't want to.  These people know me.  C.B. Hanif, who used to be the ombudsman for the Palm Beach Post was there, and made a point to come over to talk to me.  (For years, C.B. made sure my letters to the editor were published.) 

Meanwhile, here is one of my FL sky photos, taken on the way to Loblolly for yet another computer appointment.  I have enough work here for a full time job, which is reassuring in a way, much as I complain about being "too busy".

snow in PA

I can't believe I missed this!!  John took these photos early this morning.  The first snow, and Jubilee and I are swimming in Florida. 
(Had to take Jubilee in for a steroid shot this morning.  Five days in Florida and  she was overcome with her allergies.  At least we caught it before major infections had set in - I hope.)

Florida sites

Took my camera out with me today.  There was this Banyan tree ...

... which became more fascinating the closer I got ...

Met Jane at the Our Lady of Florida Monastery where we joined their little Wednesday afternoon Contemplative Prayer group.

Visited Roberta in her office.  I've already forgotten the translation of this Arabic sign over her desk ...

... but it was something like "may the fortune of God be with you."  What I do remember was that the center word is Allah.

Went to Siam Square ...

... and saw all these birds on the lines on the way home.