Month: May 2012

Stingray Shuffle – Popular Florida Springtime Dance

Stingray Shuffle – Popular Florida Springtime Dance

May 29, 2012 | , |

No, we are not kidding, most full-time Florida residents are familiar with the Stingray Shuffle. Stingrays tend to congregate along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico more in late May and early June. They can be seen in very shallow, warm water (less than one foot deep). The rays are well camouflaged and often difficult to see unless they are on the move. They bury themselves in the sand. The fish has a sharp tail barb, coated in potent venom. Stepping on a stingray is the most common way people are injured by these fish. Being stuck by...

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Barbershops

Barbershops

May 28, 2012 | , , |

In most of the US, barbering seems to be a craft in decline, Florida is no exception. There are fewer neighborhood barbershops around; those that are still open, seem to do a pretty good business. I guess it is hard to make a good enough living cutting hair these days. Most of us old guys remember when a good haircut was under $5.00, I know, that was long, long ago. Still, many balk at prices over $15.00 for a trim. The barbering industry has faced a trend of fewer shops for years. The small one or two man shop...

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Love Bugs

Love Bugs

May 28, 2012 | , , |

Spring love bug season is here. This year, it seems like it will be a short season, with not too many of the pesky critters. For all of you non-Floridians, love bugs are a small insect, about the size of a lightning bug. Typically, the fly joined to a member of the opposite sex, mating. The bugs emerge in May and September, and fly around for about 2 – 4 weeks. When we do not have much rain, the bugs are not as numerous. They tend to be found in the largest quantities along the roads and highways. It...

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Ouch! Florida plants can hurt you

Ouch! Florida plants can hurt you

May 23, 2012 | , , |

Many new Floridians are surprised to find how many plants, bushes, vines and trees in the state can hurt you. Stems, fronds, leaves or other parts can inflict pain or injury if not handled carefully. When we first moved into our home, we hired a landscape service to teach us a bit about the plants in our yard. As we explain on our About page, we were complete rookies as far as landscape maintenance was concerned. As the professional landscaper walked around the yard, he pointed out some of the plants that have sharp or pointed parts. He actually...

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I can’t believe I ate the whole thing

I can’t believe I ate the whole thing

May 17, 2012 | , |

I returned to the Venice Rookery three days after I photographed the two gator lovers. I arrived about 1:00 PM; there was not much activity on the island.  I did see three great blue heron doing a bit of a dancing competition, complete with lots of noise. My field of view was limited by the use of a long telephoto lens, so I was not paying a lot of attention to the water below the birds. When I glanced down at the shore line, there is this alligator having lunch. Sighting this gator and being able to photograph it...

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