First its Doggy Mitts... and Now its...

While I was in the Florida Keys, I stopped into the beautiful (and very expensive) World Wide Sportsman store in Islamorada. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this!



I'm sorry the picture didn't come out all that well in the intense Florida sun - but the sign says something to the effect that all dogs are welcomed in the store IF they are Service Dogs, carried in your arms, OR put in the special Doggy Cart!

I didn't see any carts in use in the store but next time... :) I was tempted to ask if you had to use a Doggy Mitt if the poor pooch had an accident while scoping out the merchandise.

This store is gorgeous inside - click the link up at the top for interior pictures.

Look what the cat dragged in...

Like a bad case of herpes, I'm back... And no offense to any of you, but I really, really didn't want to come back.



A path in Bahia Honda State Park I walked along enjoying the 70F degree weather and gentle breezes. I saw a couple larger Iguanas sunning themselves - perhaps they were Geico spoke-lizard stand-ins. I couldn't understand a word they said to me, the you allin' southern Iggy-talk (dats "youse awe'lin sudern iggy tawk" to us nude joysians) accents were too much for me to decipher.



Two female "Magnificent Frigatebirds" (Fregata magnificens) - These birds can fly with effortless grace for hours on end and never land on level ground or in water, and always take their food items in flight since they can't take off unless they drop out of a tree.



A pelican checking me out as I paddle a small dingy over to the town dock. I think he was giving me the "evil eye" since I caught a much bigger fish than he did that day.

I was enjoying the sun and the warmth and the swimming so much I barely noticed the lack of the orange traffic cones for a day or two - but thank gosh - February is a road construction month in the Florida Keys so they were out in force. I chose not to photograph them though... I could say I "chose" not to photograph any squirrels too, but actually, I didn't see any.

I really enjoyed the sun and the warmth and the swimming...

It might take me a while to say something coherent (if indeed, that happens at all) and it's going to take me a while to catch up on reading and commenting on every one's blogs and e-mails. Please bear with me - the sunburn I got is itchy. :)

Oh, did I mention I enjoyed the sun and the warmth and the swimming?

Iggy Spotted!

..or actually that's an Iguana striped...



I only have ten minutes on the computer here - so I have to be quick! I miss you all - and am enjoying the warm sunshine and water. Swimming has helped my shoulder a lot.

This little two foot long Iggy was in the parking lot and it walked across the road with me acting as a crossing guard in Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys.



In another parking lot on Big Pine Key, I encountered a wild rooster (is it Cedric?) and his family, consisting of one hen and about 8 chicks (one of which I named Marble) having walked to the car from Blue Pool - an alligator and Key Deer refuge. I saw one 8 foot long, very sleepy, alligator and one key deer - I might post the pictures later.

I hope all of you are well - I am being tapped on the shoulder as my time is up - more laters!!

Happy Valentine's Day

I have been very busy the past few days - actually working overtime - and will be going away tomorrow for a couple weeks for a dandelion break - so I'm busy getting ready - but the first thing I want do today is give a big splash of sunflowers to my friends.

Happy Valentine's Day!


Photo from Anil Ranganatha's Nature Photography. If you have time - it's well worth the visit.