I am going to be off the blog celebrating the holidays. The holiday gift I want most is a world at peace. Let’s hope 2026 will be peaceful. See you in the New Year!
Yikes! Katey met a terrifying baby camel at the Texas State Fair. When I asked Katey why she was afraid, she said, “Camels spit!” Thank you, Katey Batavia, for sharing this photo!. But when Katey and the baby camel got to know each other, they became friends! Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash
Robert will be 77 on September 20, 2025. I wanted to share Robert’s homemade birthday card with you. Though we are going through some challenges, health-wise and otherwise, we are OK and expect to come out alright. I am working on a lot of projects.
When life slows down again, I hope to be more active on the blog. I am looking forward to that day! 💕🌈 💕 I miss you!
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 andfreedoms promised to you in the Constitution.
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!
(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 breezybecause of all the beautiful new thingsI’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 muchfrom 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!
Gulf Coast Poet 