A Nice Discovery

I came across a wonderful blog today and thought I would post the link because some of you may find it meaningful. I did. Today there is an article about being honest with ourselves about what we really want. There are some good suggestions for becoming more authentic. I would enjoy hearing your comments. The web address is http://zenhabits.net

A Day At The Beach

My dog, Jellybean, in a digging frenzy! It's her favorite thing to do at the beach. My favorite thing is finding unusual shells. Sanibel Island, Florida is a great beach for shelling. That's good and not so good. The shells hurt if your feet are bare so wearing beach shoes is a good idea.

It seems like such a treat to see dolphins feeding. You can often catch sight of them just around dusk or shortly after dawn. This mom and her baby were cruising by just off shore. Sometimes you see dolphins playfully leaping into the air and twisting just like the ones that perform at Sea World.

I wonder how long this piece of driftwood has been here. A very long time, huh? You can see the causeway that connects Sanibel to Fort Myers in the background.

Sunset on a Cloudy Day

Sanibel Island Sunsets

Watching a sunset on a cloudy day seems extra special. The colors are magnificent. As rays of light pierce through the darkness of the storm clouds there is a sense of peace, faith and hope. Three things we can all use a little more of, huh?

Heading to the park in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park is a beautiful part of Costa Rica. The above photos were taken in the park and surrounding areas. Wish I could be walking that beach right now! Buying a sarong from the friendly locals would be fun too!! Click the photos to enlarge for better viewing.

A Beautiful Beast

A view of Mount Arenal from the area of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. She is like a fire breathing beast! Watching and listening to this volcano is an unusual experience, to say the least. First she rumbles, and it sounds like far away thunder, then you see a large puff of white smoke come out the top. At night you can see her throwing out bits of red hot lava. I am not sure when the most recent major eruption was but I know there was one in 2006. The white cloud in the above photo is what came out after the sound of thunder.

Flowers of Costa Rica

The thing I remember most about Costa Rica is the beauty of nature everywhere you look.! It reminds me of the colorful flowers of Mexico. I don't know if I will go back to Costa Rica but I look forward to returning to Ajijic, Mexico. What a special place!!!

Memorial Day Memory

The three day Memorial Day weekend means different things to different people. We all know that the purpose of the holiday is to honor all the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. They went off to war and came home in flag draped coffins. Many parents, wives, husbands, children and friends will place flowers and flags on the graves of their beloved this weekend. A time for remembering and a day to offer prayers of protection for all the soldiers currently stationed in far away places and hoping they will come home soon.

To many people the long weekend spells fun. Spring is slowly fading and summer is almost here. There are get togethers with family and friends, outdoor barbecues, picnics at the lake and endless other possibilities. A few days to relax.

For my family Memorial Day brings back other memories. My father died on Memorial Day weekend in 1981. It's hard to believe 28 years have come and gone since that dreadful day. It came as quite a shock. Dad was only 59 years old and had never been sick. Well, maybe the occasional cold or flu but nothing serious. In the years since he passed I have come to realize how lucky he was to go so quickly instead of growing old and feeble. He was able to live life to the fullest right up until the day he died.

The greatest love in his life, other then my mom, my sister, me and my son, was sailing. On Memorial weekend he was sailing in a regatta at the lake where they lived in Missouri. We think he knew he was about to leave this life because he turned to mom and told her how happy he was to have been with her for their 35 years of marriage. He asked her if she was ready to go about. In sailing terms that means to turn the boat in another direction. That seems ironic. She said yes. As he pushed the tiller he fell forward into the bottom of the boat. He was having a heart attack. He died before he reached the hospital. He died doing what he enjoyed most. What a blessing!

Little Miss Jellybean

This is a photo of my dog Jellybean. She also answers to JB and Beaners... unless she sees a lizard! Then she can't be bothered to answer to anything. We have been together since the fall of 2006. Her unconditional love and companionship mean the world to me and after nearly three years together it is hard to imagine life without her. I had gone for many years without a pet because I enjoy traveling and didn't think it would be fair to a pup or to myself to be separated for weeks or months at a time while I was off on some adventure or other. One day I woke up knowing the time was right for adding a furry friend back into my life. She is small enough, barely, to fit under the seat in the cabin when I take her on planes. She has yet to make her first international trip but one of these days she will.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers, Florida

Serene and Peaceful

Ibis

One Mile Walkway Through The Slough

Happy Turtle

Giant White Egret

This natural wildlife preserve is a wonderful place to visit. There is much to see and there are many places to sit if you decide to meditate or you just want to listen to the sound of silence. There are guides to show you around or you can go alone at your own pace. Don't forget your camera!

Exotic Flower

This is one of the very rare flowers in nature. The Parrot Flower from Thailand. Click to enlarge.

Ashes and Snow

The Ashes and Snow web site is remarkable! The photography is stunning and the music is perfect for exploring the various pages. Ashes and Snow is supported by the Rolex Institute. As you explore you will find that some of the photos you click on will have beautiful verbal messages. I can not imagine how all of this was put together but I am so glad it was. So...turn your audio on and start your own journey through the animal kingdom. I hope it brings you as much pleasure as it does me. Enjoy.

Washington D.C. and the Marine Corp Marathon

Lincoln Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery

John F. Kennedy grave and the eternal flame

Capitol Building

Runners Passing The Smithsonian Institution

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Iwo Jima Memorial

Washington Monument As Seen From The Lincoln Memorial


In October of 2008 I went to Washington D.C. with my son and daughter in law. My son ran in the Marine Corp Marathon. It was his first marathon and he ran it in 4 hours and 19 minutes. Not bad for a forty something year old guy! I was a proud mom!

We were only in D.C. for a few days but we were able to see many of the monuments, places and buildings that are so important to our country. I would enjoy going back and doing some of the tours. The bus tours are a good way to see D.C. You can get off at the places you want to visit then catch another bus when you are ready to go to the next place you want to see.

Ellie...my adorable grandbaby

Ellie was born on February 5, 2009 in Taiwan. We hope that she will be at home, in Atlanta, with her new family later this summer. Her new parents have been on a roller coaster ride for the past few years. There was a failed adoption from another country. It failed because the agency owner left town with the cash and prepaid fees from several couples. It was heartbreaking and costly. The agency they are involved with now is doing a fabulous job. Their dream of being a family is finally being realized. What a wonderful blessing!

Sand Sculpting Competition at Ft. Myers Beach, Florida

I love going to the beaches in Florida! It is especially wonderful to head out to Ft. Myers Beach to see the fabulous sculptures created during the annual Sand Sculpting Competition. The participants come from all over the country. The sculptors say Ft. Myers Beach has some of the best sand in the world to work with. These photos were taken a couple of years ago. The event is held in October each year. Click on the photos to enlarge for better viewing.