Backyard pet?

April 3, 2009--A backyard armadillo surprise!

As I looked out the window into our backyard I was quite surprised to see this weird creature walking across the back. I grabbed my camera and went out for some close ups. He ran under a gap in the fence to our neighbor’s yard and I haven’t seen him since.

Stephen Foster

A MORNING STROLL

I took my camera along on my morning walk through our funky neighborhood today because it is such a lovely day with the sun shining, mild breeze blowing, birds chirping constantly, flowers (especially the azaleas) in bloom, and the new tree leaves bursting forth.
I’ve just got zinnias in the planters by our front steps and a pot garden (2 bell pepper and 2 cherry tomato plants) started on the back porch. It is so nice to have spring here!

For pictures go to:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=71899&id=617928368&l=c354d24713

for pictures go to:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67076&id=617928368&l=f69c38c1b6





Saturday March 14, 2009

DUDLEY FARM HISTORIC STATE PARK

This weekend is the big Paint Out fundraiser at the farm and one of our friends is among the artists scattered all over the place painting farm scenes. We had never been to the farm before and decided to spend the morning. It is about 8 miles west of Gainesville and was founded before the Civil War. Three generations of Dudleys worked the farm for over 100 years. It is still worked daily by volunteers who are well versed in how things were done in the late 1800’s.
Today the farm includes the farmhouse, separate kitchen, gardens, cane syrup house, sweet potato cellar, general store, hay barn, stables, corn crib, tobacco barn, chicken area, smoke house, outhouse, corn fields, sugar cane fields, grape arbors, well with a hand pump. There were a few mules and horses. The volunteers were working in the gardens, spinning yarn, cooking, washing clothes, making baskets and rag rugs. They were eager to explain how these things were done.The weather was delightful and we had a good time.

2/26 through 3/3/09 Sharon’s Ohio Trip

I had such a great time visiting our girls and families in Ohio. Even the cold weather didn’t matter!!
Cole is an amazing boy—so bright, so loving, so adorable. His voice is so sweet—especially when he calls me Nana. We had a fun exploring the children’s area and water world at COSI in Columbus (Heather, Ali, Cole, and me).
Ali’s baby shower was terrific. Her coworkers are all so very nice and did a beautiful job at Panera’s with all the decorations, food, and gifts. Heather’s games were a big hit, too.
I got to attend another of Heather’s psych classes at Columbus State which are always entertaining. I also got to spend time with my hand on Ali’s belly interacting with little Dexter!
Ali and I had lunch with brother Bob. He got advice and a lesson on his laptop from Ali on genealogy research.
It was hard to leave but I shall return the end of April for Dexter’s debut!!
I took plenty of photos—hope you enjoy them!
For pictures go to the link below and enjoy.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65833&id=617928368&l=2d766

Beezer

Our long time pal is gone, but never forgotten:

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BEEZER

Have you ever had a cat that comes when it is called?
Have you ever had a cat that recognized its name?
Have you ever had a cat that would give you her paw?
Have you ever had a cat that wanted to eat your peas?
The marks on her face said “M” for Maine Coon,
but, we knew it stood for Moynihan.
She loved us without reservation.
She captured our hearts and demanded our affection.
We called her Beezer.
1996-2009

Haile Plantation, Fernandina Beach, FL

Friday I was sent to save a building in Haile Planation, Florida. This is a planned community that is beginning to mature. About 20 years old. The building is in the center village. The area lends itself to photographs. So I have taken a few for your enjoyment. I tried to get as much green and blue of Florida to shine through.

On Saturday we went to Fernandina Beach, FL to visit my sister, Beth, and her son, Shawn, and, of course, my mother and Clint. The weather was beautiful--not a cloud in the sky--just a bit cool for us Floridians (50's). We walked on the beach, walked around the quaint downtown, ate at an Irish pub. Beth is feeling good, Dotty and Clint seem fine. Shawn is great! It was a nice visit.

On Sunday we went to an art show and visited the painting of two artists we know, Mary Jane Volkmann and Melanie Peter in a five person show. After a quick but delightful visit we left for a Cancer Fundraiser held at the UF Softball stadium. Many college athletes tried to get a hit off our All-American Softball pitcher, Stacey Nelson. She made many football players, track stars, swimmers, and baseball players look foolish for fun. I have taken some pictures of Billy Donovan in the batters box. He looked pretty good hitting the ball once.

For more pictures go to: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59225&l=b1a32&id=617928368

My work is an adventure

I hope you can see this little video.