Month / May 2025

by Cheryl Batavia

Spring Animal Babies at Robert is Here


Chicks take a morning stroll with their mother.

All photos were taken by Ellen Maher and Katey Batavia at Robert is Here: farmer’s market, antique farm equipment, animals to feed, and so much more!

Ellen and Katey brought me a delicious papaya and a perfect avocado from Robert is Here.

Spring Animal Babies

at Robert is Here

Cute springtime babies

exploring Robert is Here,

staying close to Mom.

Babies, winsome and sweet,

captivating visitors.

Ah, a new baby tortoise!
I am right behind you, Mom.

The baby goat hanging out in the background doesn’t seem interested in lettuce yet.

Calf looks at its reflection in a puddle.

Copyright© 2025 by Cheryl Batavia

Happy Memorial Day!

Hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend.

Take a moment to appreciate those who died in defense of your country. Think about the values they were defending. Support democracy, and fight to preserve the rights and freedoms promised to you in the Constitution.

by Cheryl Batavia

Mother (Reblog)

Photo by Priscilla Duprees from Unsplash

Mother

Mother

is proud of you

for every step you take,

picks you up every time you fall,

shows you how again and again,

and builds your confidence

to walk alone.

She’s proud!

Mother

hears your first word,

always listens to you,

wants for you what you want for yourself,

gives advice, knowing that someday

you will surely recall

what Mother said…

She hears!

Mother

sees potential

when those around you doubt,

has high hopes for you in tough times,

never, ever gives up on you,

even when you give up,

always loves you…

Always!

Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia

Happy Mothers Day!

by Cheryl Batavia

Haiku for Summer Nights

Whippoorwill. Photo by Dalmoarraes from Pixabay.

Birdsong delights us

on peaceful, mid-summer nights…

sighing, “Whippoorwill!”

Orion Nebula. Photo by Bryan Goff from Unsplash.

Scanning starry skies…

We ponder the vast cosmos,

the far reach of time.

Lightning. Photo by Felix Mittermyer from Unsplash

Summer thunderstorm…

We lie in bed, listening

to rain on the roof.

Copyright© 2025 by Cheryl Batavia

Happy Summer!

Here, on the SW Florida Gulf Coast, the temperatures are rising, and grass is parched and brown. Yesterday, we got several brief thunder showers, our first hints of welcome summer rains. Today, the sky is overcast, promising more rain. We need it!

Happy summer! A little early for our friends in other locales, but heartfelt!

by Cheryl Batavia

Ellen and Katey Meet Skipper, the Dolphin: Shallow Water Dolphin Swim, Theater of the Sea, Islamorada, FL

Getting to Know You

Getting to know you,

(Cheryl Batavia’s daughters, Ellen and Katey, meet Skipper, the bottle-nosed dolphin, and his trainer.)

getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,

(belly rub)

getting to hope you like me!
You are precisely my cup of tea!

(It’s not polite to stick out your tongue.)

Getting to know you. Suddenly, I’m bright and breezy
because of all the beautiful new things
I’m learning about you!
Getting to know you,
knowing we know how to play!
Getting to know you.

(Ellen playing the piano, Skipper singing!)

Things I’m learning about you, Day by Day!

(Katey playing the piano, Skipper singing!)

Cuddle Up a Little Closer

Cuddle up a little closer, Lovey mine!
Cuddle up and be my little clinging vine!
I like to feel your cheeks so rosy.
I like to make you comfy, cozy,
I love you, I love you so much
from your head down to your toesies, Lovey mine!

Photos taken by a Theater of the Sea photographer. Please give credit if you use them.

This is a highlight of the vacation my daughters and I planned together. Due to a last minute emergency, I was unable to go on the trip. These photos make me feel like I was there.

Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, FL has various animals, many of them rescue animals, on display. There are sea turtles, rays, seals, and other animals to observe or encounter.

I hope you enjoy the vintage music. I also considered “Splish Splash!” by Bobby Darren. It didn’t quite fit, but it was fun!