The Nature Channel

Dood relaxing in front of Nature TV.

We "turn on" Nature TV on for him every morning.  However there isn't much on his favorite channel today.  It is a rainy, dreary day, and Dood is nowhere to be found.  I suspect he is curled up in his box in the basement. 

Yep, I know my cats!  

Where do your cats (or dogs) like to sleep the rainy days away?

Quote of the Week

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.
- Abraham Lincoln

Image Source:  Wikipedia

During our journey from childhood to adulthood, our beliefs, morals and ethics are formed. Our character is figuratively where we place our feet, and we back this up with our actions.

What If?

The sun stopped shining?

It would get cold and dark, and we'd all die.

It never rained again and our water sources dried up?

We'd have no food or water, and we'd all die.

You won the lottery?

It wouldn't save you if there were no sun or water.  Be thankful for what you have.

Written for Friday Flash 55 and Magpie Tales.
For clarification,  I am not against the lottery, but know that money doesn't fix everything either.

A Taste of Florida

Madeira Beach

I always get a peaceful feeling watching the sun set over the water.  

Citra, Florida

There is such beauty in Nature, and a few oddities such as this very tall palm near The Orange Shop in Citra, FL.

Hubbard's Marina - John's Pass

What great advertising!

Breakfast at Nina's Cafe

It's important to start your day out right.

Fried clams and french fries at the Sea Hag

So you can eat like this later.

Feeding the Pelicans

These birds have a good thing going here.  They know when the fishing boat comes in and flock in to await lunch.

Thanks for joining me as I look back on some of the "kodak moments" of our vacation.

In Honor of a Principled Man

Today's post honors another of the great men in my life, my father-in-law.  It was with much sadness that we said goodbye to him just before Christmas. 

My father-in-law, like many men of his generation, was a true gentleman.  He drew people to him with his kindness.  He respected everyone, in all walks of life, with "yes sir", or "no ma'am".  He led by example, and inspired those around him to become better people.  His sons will tell you that there was no finer role model than their father.

He had a remarkable memory, which was most evident when he met someone new.  He would ask their name, where they were from, etc.  When he next saw them, he would call them by name and ask how so-and-so was back home.  That made everyone feel special.

He was an avid golfer and had been since his college days.  It was often (and incorrectly) assumed he was on the golf team, but he would correct that misconception, stating that he played WITH the golf team.  This demonstrates the honesty and integrity with which he lived his life. 

There was a message left on my answering machine from a college friend of his with whom he had played golf.  He told of them playing 9 holes of golf in 45 minutes (they wanted to get a round in between classes).  He also said "he was a principled man and all around good guy". 

Even though he wasn't part of his college golf team, he was an excellent golfer and won numerous trophies, held a lifetime membership at his golf club, and won the club championship several times.

He served his country in the US Navy during World War II, and later worked as a traveling auditor for the railroad - golf clubs in tow, of course.

He lived a very full 85 years, and bore the discomforts of surgeries and illness with the same great humor that made his eyes twinkle when he told stories of his grandchildren.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and friend to many.  While he enjoyed pastimes such as Scrabble and the NY Times crosswords, two of the greatest pleasures in his life were his family and golf. 

Indeed, he enriched everyone's lives, and will be greatly missed.