Let's 'mosey' around Shalom Park

We can't count it as a hike because we are going to 'mosey' real slow. 

Are you with me? 

We'll stop to take as many pics as we want and enjoy the fabulous views.

I haven't driven over to Shalom Park in awhile because I prefer being out in the woods.

But it's always delightful to walk around this park and see what flowers are blooming.

Roses bloom year round here!

Let's walk down to the gate and look over the pasture.

And I know it's hard to believe but I did NOT alter the grasses in these photos. 

I didn't do anything to them. 

The grasses really are a burnt orange color!

And one of the paths at the park is lined with purple flowers.

Just gorgeous!

I hope you've enjoyed a walk at the park. There weren't many people there, a few small families and some couples walking. Everyone with masks and/or social distancing.

My favorite photo of the day!

We've had some cold air plunge down to Florida but my banner at the top is altered! I have to admit to adding the snow and snowmen and little spindly trees....just for fun! We're back in the 70s today! ☃

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.

Feathered Friends Fly South!

 

We've had some cold temps plunge down into Florida this week but we are still enjoying sunny skies and highs in the 50s! And it will be in the 70s by the weekend so we can't complain! And we have a chance to see some birds we don't normally see.

We DO see White Ibis all through the year but we have never...EVER seen this many at one time!

We counted over 70 in this flock that flew into our neighborhood.

They stopped to get some buggy snacks.

And then flew away. 

We have a small neighborhood pond nearby and I think they were headed to the pond.

I hope you've had a wonderful holiday! ☃

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Merry Christmas from my little part of the world!

 We've sure spent time in our 'own little part of the world' this year, haven't we! 

But I feel blessed to have been here in Florida, enjoying the nice weather and good hiking trails nearby.

It's been a difficult year for so many. I won't complain because many have had it much worse.

I'm wishing a very Merry Christmas for those who celebrate this holiday.

And a beautiful blessed time of year for everyone!

(from a few years ago)

We have much to be thankful for every year!

My house with a 'few' embellishments! ⛄ 

Be sure to tune into your Hallmark channel on Christmas day for a beautiful fireplace scene with cute critters and beautiful music in the background!

Sweet holiday hugs, Diane ☃

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Florida Christmas Colors!

 

We've had a good frost this winter so we are enjoying the colors of Christmas! 

The Bald Cypress trees are gorgeous when they turn to burnt orange before they shed their needles.

And on this particular hike at Blue Run Park, the river was gorgeous!

Even this kayak was perfectly placed for a photo op! (he was fishing)

This is the Withlacoochee River that we walk along as we hike this trail.

Hike #150 for the year! We are happy to reach our goal and adding to the number now while the weather is nice! 

Hugs to my hiking buddy! It's a special day week for him!

The house on the river.

Views of the Withlacoochee River.

I hope you've enjoyed views of North Central Florida in December! I love seeing the photos many of you are sharing of the SNOW in your area! Stay safe and healthy this week!

Update: the trees I am showing are Bald Cypress trees that grow along and IN the water. It's unusual for a conifer to be deciduous but this one is, it loses its leaves in winter thus the name 'bald'. 

 holiday hugs! 🌴

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.

We met our goal! 150 Hikes for this year!

 

We wanted to go to Blue Run Park for #150 and it was a beautiful day for a hike! I have an Apple watch that helps with the stats to add to my hiking journal. 

It was 70 degrees with 63 % humidity. Perfect!

But on the way over we passed this 'critter'. What is it? (think about it and get the answer in your head to add to the comments! because the answer is at the end of the post and you can't change it then! hahaha)

We always have quite a list for the hiking journal on this particular hike. I'll show a few of the critter sightings and let you hurry along!

Limpkin

Moorhen

Ibis

Little Blue Heron

Pileated Woodpecker

Alligator

and me!

 

Oh and the mystery critter? 

What did you guess? We see him every time we pass this way but today he came to the fence and there was no traffic on this little back road. 

He's a beautiful horse, isn't it? With such unusual markings!

What's your weather like this fine December morn?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Playing with Dolls

 I play with dolls....now I've said it! Are you happy now?

Well, it makes me happy and life is too short to spend it all doing chores! I've been keeping my house tidy these past few months. I can't stand to stay inside so much and have clutter.

And I didn't want to do as much this year with holiday decorations. (I looked back at this post and this may seem like WAY too much clutter to some people! lol But everything is in place and that's what I need...pretty things all in place!)

So I decided to make a little holiday tea party on the doll's bed. I didn't even change everyone's clothes! 

I did put a cute little reindeer onesie on this little doll.

These are all dolls from around 1960 and dolls just like the ones I had at the time. I bought them from a sweet lady on Etsy. I don't know how she could sell her childhood dolls but I'm happy to have them.

And my girlfriend Pat has made wooden 'paper dolls' for me over the years.

So I got out Santa...

and Mrs. Claus!

And the dolls changed their outfits. (really they did)

Have you taken time to do something just for the fun of it this week? 

I'm thankful to have some toys to play with and good health and so many other things! My gratitude list is LONG!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!