Zebra Longwing Butterfly

The Zebra Longwing, known as the official butterfly of Florida. This beautiful butterfly, is one of the few butterflies that eat pollen and drink nectar. This is thought to contribute to a longevity of roughly three months of life......Interesting, right? I've never really thought about how long a butterfly lives before. I suppose I heard it somewhere, someplace or sometime. Most likely back in elementary school, although it didn't register, or perhaps our teacher never dealt with the death of the butterfly, only the miracle. I suppose I was more interested in how that cocoon broke open and the birth of a beautiful butterfly. I'm still pretty happy when I see one in my garden. We actually have plants that attract butterflies. The plant in the photo, Lantana, is one of them. You know, these days I pay more attention to what is going on around me. I take a more closer look at nature. Hmmm.....the butterfly ...a tiny delicate colorful creature. God does good work!

Autumn

"The gilding of the Indian summer mellowed the pastures far and wide. the russet woods stood ripe to be stripped, but were yet full of leaf. The purple of heath-bloom, faded but not withered, tinged the hills....Fieldhead gardens bore the seal of gentle decay;....it's time of flowers and even of fruit was over."

Charlotte Bronte

The All Wise God

I wonder where the morning goes when afternoon arrives;

I wonder if it has a spot where it can quietly hide.

And where does afternoon time go when twilight shadows fall?

I wonder if it waits somewhere till it's again on call.

And where do twilight shadows steal when night shades do the scene?

I wonder if they dissipate into a tranquil dream.

Too, where is nighttime's rendezvous when morning gilds the skies?

Man stands in awe, a wondering, but God knows; He's all wise.

Loise Pinkerton

My orchid in full bloom......

Quote of the Day by C S Lewis

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because I see everything in it.

Anniversary Dinner

Columbia's Flamenco dancers....

One of our favorite places to dine, is the Columbia Restaurant, located on Sand Key Beach. The original Columbia Restaurant is the oldest Spanish restaurant in the United States. Founded in 1905 in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, the landmark still serves authentic Cuban cuisine. Today we celebrated our anniversary, dining on Boliche "Criollo". Roasted Eye round of beef stuffed with chorizo and roasted flavorful gravy.....served with white rice, black beans and platanos. We had one of the specialties at the Columbia, the 1905 salad served with wonderful Cuban bread. Desert was sinfully delicious.....White bread pudding with rum sauce. In all the years of marriage, never have I received a more beautiful card from my beloved....

"We're Two Upon The Shore of Life"

Like pebbles side by side upon the sand,

together we've endured the push and pull of time's relentless waves

Still hand in hand, we stand, where all is movable, unmoved.

Unending love has made us one against the toss and tow of wind and sea.

Now smoothed and polished by the rain and sun, our separate lives are

shaped in unity...

You are still you in ways that have not changed since we were

together long ago. I am still I

And time that rearranged our features cannot dim the heart's deep glow:

We shine together in this time and place, each one the light

upon the other's face. I Love You.... Happy Anniversary

Justice of the Peace

We're celebrating our anniversary this Sunday. It's been quite a few years now, since we eloped. The details are not important anymore, but I do know God had his handprints all over our union. We've had a lot of mountaintops and a few valleys. The years have been like chapters and each day as we turn the page of life, we look for purpose while setting goals. We've got some pretty interesting plans for this coming year, and the way things are going this chapter promises to be "a page turner."

Garden Visitor

Well, hello there Mr June bug! I had an interesting visitor today, and the first time ever seeing this type of critter in my tropical garden. But there he was, perched in the top of my Mexican Sage. In Dolly Parton's song Tennessee Mountain Home, she sings...."Sittin on the front porch on a summer afternoon, in a straight back chair on two legs, leanin against the wall. Watch the kids a playin with June Bugs on a string and chase the glowin fire flies ....." That's the kind of childhood I had also. Poor ole June Bugs...

Tiny Flowers....

Searching For The Manatee

The Safety Harbor marina is one of our favorite places to visit. It's quiet there for the most part, serene and scenic. The park, displaying all kinds of beautiful tropical plants, looks out over Tampa Bay. Water is everywhere, but this location has something special. While looking out over the waters, now and then we catch a glimpse of a Manatee. Curious marine mammals known as "sea cows," they spend much of their time grazing in shallow waters. It's when they come up for air, that we see their plump little faces. Well, not so little faces, as the average Manatee weighs 900-1200 pounds. It is believed that they can see color and they're known to live up to 60 years. If I have sparked your interest in the Manatee, you might also like to know they are friendly, harmless and for the most part enjoy humans. Perhaps a nice swim with the Manatee on your next Florida vacation......