Spring has sprung in Miami

Just when you think you live in a place with no change in the seasons, you are proven wrong yet again. While I can't say there is huge change... there are definitely things changing. Things are blooming that weren't before. Temperatures are rising that weren't before and visitors are visiting... well, you get the picture.


I think this is a wild orchid tree. The purple
one above. The yellow one below is a Yoke tree
or a golden shower... depending on who you ask.
















Then there's the new regular stop on my tourist tour... the Coconut Grove Farmers Market where you can get a young coconut, hacked open by machete so that you can enjoy the sweet coconut water inside. Here's Sammy enjoying the biggest one we could find!








But of all the spring-like sightings... I this is my favorite! Sammy and I were playing in the pool tonight when we were joined by a couple of new friends -- first one, then a second came to join us. Two birds came to take a dip in the shallow end of the pool at my apartment. After much waiting and very quiet stalking... we were able to snap a photo of one of the new visitors.
















Or maybe this is the rite of spring. As I was driving down the road one day I saw this. Look closely...this psychic, Mrs. Williams uses TARROT cards. Those are sort of like Tarot but have birds on them. Okay, just kidding but this tickled me. I guess once the sign is printed, in this economy there's no going back!!!


Spring brings mating season for the peacocks. I finally caught one in full regalia. I swear every time I see this it reminds me more and more of gay pride. Then hens are usually on the other side of the pen but the boys are all standing around comparing notes. Sooner or later they must get together but from what I see, its a big old fashion show!!!







There 's been a lot of nature in my world lately. Still more spring, I presume. Last week at the beach, we saw four pelicans just having brunch right around and in the midst of the swimmers. It was wonderful to see them so close. They were huge and so majestic. Almost prehistoric in a way. I never did see one with its "chin" FULL of water but I saw them partially full and that was cool enough. We saw the usual flocks of seagulls, inured to human interaction and even a few new birds. I think these are Ibises. That's more than one Ibis to you.





I'm off to Philly in a few days to celebrate Passover with the family. I'm looking forward to seeing spring up there with daffodils poking their heads and forsythia and azaleas in bloom. This is one of my favorite Jewish holidays for all the storytelling and symbolism. Not to mention some really good food. Matzoh Ball soup...Brisket. Yum. But I have to admit to missing the cherry blossoms this year. How many years did I drive by with a glance and a complimentary thought but didn't really stop or was busy complaining about the tourists. I miss them now and wish I was there to be one of those tourist. Ah well... I'll make do with my new flowers and blooms and a trip to the beach every now and again to console me. Happy spring everyone. Enjoy it where ever you are!