Dead Heads?

Live Oak Landing
Freeport, FL
December 8, 2013

 One of the first things I did when we arrived at LOL was plant a pot of violas. I love violas! All the pretty colors sitting on our picnic table just put a smile on my face. 

Today, as I was pulling off the "dead heads" ( I am not sure why I call them that!), I noticed these tiny, and I do mean teeny, tiny seed pods. 



What a wonder nature is...these tiny little seeds can make such a sweet little  flower.






This is Resurrection plant. The live oak trees here have this plant growing all over them.

 According to what I read, it evolved long before flowering plants. During drought it becomes dry, turns brown, and rolls inward to survive.










It can remain dormant for decades looking dead!  The picture below shows what it looked like when we arrived.


After a rain, it absorbs water, restores chlorophyll to its leaves, and grows rapidly. We have had lots of rain...the trees are full of this beautiful fern-like plant. Thanks Mother Nature!

 We had ourselves a walk on the beach this past Friday...spent the morning walking and breathing in some salt air. Oh the sweet smell of the ocean!

            













       

Blue Mountain Beach is one of 16 beach communities in South Walton. It is the highest elevation found on Florida's Gulf Coast. Locals say early sailors christened it Blue Mountain after seeing its high sand dunes covered in Blue Lupine.

My, my another week has already begun. What adventures await?

Until next time...

enjoy your view!

It's a bird, it's a fish...IT'S A HOG!

Live Oak Landing
Freeport, FL
December 4, 2013

The weather has been a little bit of everything this past week.

 We had rain and downpours and windy,  cold days...





days we spent wishing we could go out and play. We were busy cleaning up 20 paws and feet when we did!

We had some sunny, windy and chilly days...








days we enjoyed the sun with Belle blocking the wind.

Finally, yesterdays high was a very nice 80* with the sun peeking out from some very thick, gray clouds. A nice day for a pontoon boat ride with Millie and Barry. We headed down the river towards the Chactawhatchee Bay.



The bay stretches some 30 miles from end to end and spanning 4 to 6 miles across.

 It is a beautiful ride going down the river into the bay.

 The bay is quite popular for boating and fishing. We have been told there is an abundance of redfish, trout, shrimp, mullet, and even dolphins in these waters.

As we tootled along, we passed a few fishermen.








But the cormorants had all the luck today. There was a huge flock enjoying lunch. We just sat and watched! What a thrill...

There wasn't a lot of zooming in with my camera today. Of all days, the lens that I use most of the time decided to lock up...its a Nikon DX AF-S VR 55-300. We will be shipping it off for repairs.

 It was beautiful when the sun did pop out. The clouds were  thick and when they opened up we had nice patches of blue and oh... the glistening water!

 This is the bridge on Hwy 331. Construction is under way to build another bridge so it will be a 4 lane.

After just drifting along for awhile enjoying the quiet, the birds and our snacks, we headed back down the Mitchell River.





When, what to my wondering eyes should appear (It is December after all!), but an immature Great Blue Heron.

 What a magnificent bird! He just flew right in...with his tucked-in neck and trailing legs. What a sight...



as he gracefully landed and stretched up so tall on a dock post. Thank you Barry for turning off the engine and sitting for a few minutes!

Our skilled captain did an awesome job navigating us in and out and thru areas that were not so deep.

Joe

Captain Barry

Mitchell River

We know the Mitchell River is well known in this area for fishing, camping, and picnicking.

 But were we ever surprised to see this...is it a  bird?, or a fish? NO...







IT'S A WILD HOG! Quite a swimmer he is!

We obviously interrupted his adventure as he turned around and hightailed it back to shore...

curly tail and all.

It was a very nice day. Thank you Barry and Millie for the invite!

 We are enjoying our stay at LOL. Cant believe we have already been here a month. Also,can't believe it is December...where has the year gone? The older we get, the faster time flies!

 

Belle is getting dressed for Christmas.

 

Until next time...