Images of Nature

This is what I really love to do -- take photographs.

Enjoy some of my favorites on this rainy and snowy weekend.

Dragon Gardens 2007

Orange Poppy, Arum, Butterfly on Stocasia, Datura

Millineum Park, Chicago

Allerton Park, outside Champaign, Illinois

Welcome Garden, University of Illinois, Champaign

Toronto Botanical Gardens

Dahlia, Sunflower, Ornamental Grass

Spencer Falls, Toronto

Wildflowers

Dragon Gardens 2008

Rose, Maple Leaves, Coneflower, Morning Glory and Cleome

Stinky (Fido) Friday

Yes, having a puppy or young dog is at times like having a baby. They can create a mess and infuriate you, then melt your heart with their eyes. "I know I screwed up bad, but you love anyway don't you? I'm sorry. I am really cute, aren't I? You do still love me, don't you?"

This morning John woke up early to find Prince, pee, and poop all mixed together in the crate together! And bless John's heart, he did not come pull me out of bed, but made the early efforts to get the crate and bedding cleaned up and put the "smelly" Prince outside.

I knew something strange was going on. Prince did not run back to the bedroom to wake me up, and I kept hearing the back door open and close. I got dressed in my sweats while John relayed the overnight happenings.

Together we got Prince over on the patio for a good hose-down and shampoo. He was shivering with the cold water even though (thankfully) the temperature was over 50 degrees. John did the lathering and rinsing, and I handled the drying duties. Prince, of course, was no worse for wear. But, I was horrified at the thought of a cold shower in the cool temps! Ouch!!!

I will watch him this morning to see how his stomach behaves. This is only his second accident in the crate. But, he did "eat" one of the daylily tags yesterday afternoon while outside. Perhaps that plastic did not go down well.....

Right now, Prince is sleeping by the back door curled up, and I am washing the bedding (for the second time--it may take a third round---pwuueee!!).

And yes, he is cute as can be. An angel while he sleeps. We love you, Prince!

Nassau Blue

We escaped the winter in NC to the warmth of Nassau earlier this month. Jim and Eileen, our NC neighbors, were gracious enough to invite us down for a few days and to introduce us to the "insider's" view of the island. Jim is working in the Bahamas as a professional photographer and journalist, and Eileen comes and goes between homes, assisting Jim and taking care of the NC family.

Jim and Eileen arranged for us to rent an apartment in the complex where they are living in Cable Beach. From that central post, we were able to take in downtown historic Nassau, the waterfront and beaches, and the more far-flung and quiet locales of Lyford Cay and South Beach.

Our hosts in the Bahamas, Jim and Eileen

Cable Beach Manor, our apartment home in Nassau, was on the oceanfront. We had easy access to downtown Nassau via the bus or jitney ($1.25 one way), as well as the Swiss Pastry shop and the grocery stores and several restaurants. Jim and Eileen live here along with several of Jim's co-workers. Most residents are long-term rentals, so we were lucky they had a spare room for us for a few days.

Our piece of Cable Beach was small, but we did have sand. Neighbors to the left had no sand and the ocean lapping at their beach walls. On the right, our neighbor was Sandals Grand Bahamian Resort. It was not peak season and the weather was a bit cool, so it was quiet. Johnn took the picture below with the colorful sails out at Sandals.

The foliage and blossoms on the island were quite spectacular, and one of my favorite things to photograph. Here are some of my favorites.

Palm Leaves and Fruit

Oleander

Bougainvillea Vines and Berries on a variety of Palm (?)

Hibiscus

The docks at Potter's Cay are where the locals bring in their catches. You just walk along and talk with the crew on the boats and see what fish they have to offer. We saw barracuda, red and yellow snapper, jacks, and other tropical water fish. Many of these boats are out at sea for weeks or months, freezing their catch to keep it fresh until you buy it on the docks.

As you can see, you have quite a variety of choices for dinner. Cleaning the conch at Potter's Cay is an art. We did not try any of the conch this trip, but it's on our list for the next trip. You can fry conch fritters or use as is with lemon juice in your salads.

We also visited the vegetable stalls at Potter's Cay where John made selections for our dinner. Convenient one-stop shopping, Bahamian style!

On Sunday morning, Jim got a call to photograph boats coming in at the finish line for the Miami to Nassau yacht race. We met the "official" boat at Prince George Wharf, and we moored at the western tip of Paradise island, near the lighthouse. Here we watched and photographed two of the sailboats cross the finish line. It was also a fun time to bask in the sun and nap, as well as catch up on island lore and history with Jim and Eileen.

Gold Digger, second to cross the finish line, was the first sailboat we saw come in. It won first place finish in the handicapped race, and the crew accepted their trophy Monday night at the Nassau Yacht Club. Jim arranged for us to go to the dinner and ceremony, where we met the crews as well as Miss Bahamas World!

Catching some rays while we wait for the next boat on the horizon.

Second Wind was the second boat we photographed and the third to cross the finish line. They were first place in their category, and the crew was really excited on their time.

Lighthouse on Paradise Island - View from our boat during the Miami to Nassau Race. We did not venture on to Paradise Island and Atlantis this trip. It's another "excuse" to come back!

We spent some time on Monday seeing the traditional historic sites. And yes, most of the buildings are pink. Above is the Governor's home and Parliament Square with the statue of Queen Victoria.

A Bahamian "stop light" on Bay Street and East Street Intersection in front of the new Bacardi Store. The police uniforms are heavily starched. How do they wear the full uniform and the gloves in the summer heat?


The Public Library in Nassau is one of the oldest buildings still in use. Originally, it was built as a jail, with a dungeon below ground. Eileen enjoyed a quiet moment in the carrels while we toured the three stories, including a top floor view of the city and the wharfs and cruise ships.

John and Jim playing around with the staff at The Pirates of Nassau Museum.

We ventured to the west side of the island to see Lyford Cay where the other (rich) half lives. Since it is a closed community with many celebs, we were fortunate that Jim was able to flash his credentials at the gate. I don't think there is a person on the island that Jim does not know! We saw some incredible homes and visited the marina. 135 foot sailboats and a 195 foot motor yacht were sites to behold. Awesome!

The south side of the island was our final stop on the island. We were the only folks on this beach in the late afternoon. It has hammocks and a local bar for a Kalik or cocktail. Just the sound of the ocean and the wildlife. Such a change from the hustle-bustle of downtown Nassau. A world away on such a small island.

We hope you enjoyed our pictures from an Insider's Bahamian Vacation. And remember "island time" is the best time!

Cleaning House with Prince

Hot or cold water cycle?

Is that suction working?

Dusting makes me sneeze.

Laundry, vacuuming and dusting have never been so entertaining! Sure hope we are actually cleaning and not adding more to the dust pile...............