Sunflower of Spring

Our sunflowers are starting to bloom here at the end of May, a sure sign of the approaching summer. Margaret took this one, a photo that demonstrates beautifully why the flower deserves its name.



Ah! Sunflower

Ah Sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun;
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller's journey is done;

Where the Youth pined away with desire,
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves, and aspire
Where my Sunflower wishes to go!

~ William Blake

Memorial Day

A day for remembrance... and crawfish! These tasty creatures - 100 lbs. of them - were boiled up for a Memorial Day cookout at the Pensacola Country Club.

A Break in the Rain

After a morning of cloud cover and rain, some of the resident lizards at Shoreline Park's boat launch came out on a Saturday afternoon to soak in some warmth from the rocks.

Sea Oats

Baby Blues on the Beach

Taking a break from bodysurfing at Pensacola Beach this morning, an exhausted young girl poses for a portrait.

Freedom of Expression

It's Saturday, and that means lots of locals and tourists shopping at Innerlight Surf Shop on their way through Gulf Breeze to the beach. This stop sign in the Innerlight parking lot is appropriately embellished, I think.

At Twilight

YBNormal? Again...

It is impossible not to smile when driving or walking past this fun yard art sculpture in Gulf Breeze.

YBNormal?

Why settle for plain, boring garage doors? This otherwise normal brick ranch home boasts beautifully painted double doors. In fact, Gulf Breeze residential streets are bursting with unique expressions of architectural adornment in many different forms. Most of these gems are missed at 25 mph, but are a delightful bonus on a morning walk.

Mushroom

Lots of rain in the last couple of days has coaxed the fungi up out of the ground to join the world of light. This was one of Margaret's first photographs taken in Gulf Breeze last summer.

The Flea Market

Some of the treasures that caught Margaret's eye at the Hwy 98 Flea Market on Sunday.

Tree Frogs

Margaret spent a lot of time and effort trying to get a clear shot of the tree frogs that were hanging out on our pool ladder after dark this week. Wouldn't you know, the one great shot turned out to be X-rated!? Great job, Margaret.

Theme Day - Shadows

St. Ann Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

FOOD FRIDAY: Roasted Garlic-Edamame Spread

My May 2009 issue of Southern Living arrived a few days ago, and I couldn't resist trying this recipe since everyone in the family loves edamame (even the picky 10-year-old). It is wonderful! I used frozen organic edamame in the shells, cooked them and then removed them from the shells. I also used part-skim ricotta. Otherwise, followed the recipe exactly. If you'd like to try it, click here: Roasted Garlic-Edamame Spread (It may be difficult to find fresh basil right now, but it is well worth the search.)