Life is Good!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs is a beautiful state park with something for everyone! Enjoy the more than 13 miles of shady hiking trails, or canoe or kayak along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. There’s also a cool 72 degree natural spring that you can swim in (the water is crystal clear!). It’s a great place for kids to run around or to have a nice picnic. The Wekiva River is one of two recognized National Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida. There’s lots of wildlife here, and if you’re lucky you’ll see deer, turkey, fox squirrels, shorebirds and even Florida black bears. Also of note, there is a little wildlife/reptile/nature center were I met a very nice volunteer who showed me snakes, an alligator, and a bunch of different kinds of turtles. It was very interesting; be sure and stop by it if you visit this beautiful park.

An Ibis looking for lunch.

Cool spider

Lots of squirrels running around posing for pictures!

FLEAS!

Some cute Tortoises

Gopher Tortoise (protected in Florida)

A baby alligator in the little Wildlife Center

An albino-something snake (being

handled by a nice volunteer in the Wildlife Center)

Very nice, knowledgeable volunteer at the park

Florida's version of "fall colors"

Swimming area.

This is a natural spring.

The water is crystal clear - very unspoiled!

I loved this boardwalk trail. It was shady with lots of birds

along the way. Beautiful.

These looked like oranges or tangerines.

Great day for a canoe ride.

Very nice spot for a picnic.

You can tell I am really enjoying my day in this pretty park!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Art by: Giannina Coppiano Dwin (Art & Culture Center of Hollywood)

This artist is awesome. All the below designs are made from SUGAR or PAPRIKA! The designs on the flat table, are just sugar (it wouldn't be wise to sneeze in the room!) The ones in frames were made from only sugar / paprika, then photographed. I found this artwork to be amazing! I can't imagine!