The Sweet Georgia Peach

If I had a list of "top ten flavors," I would include the taste of a sweet, tree-ripened, Georgia peach. This fruit could also win first prize in a beauty contest with its plump, fuzzy, blushing form, nestled in slender, arching leaves—quite an artistic triumph. Now let's hear it for the peach!

Yay, peach... You GO, peach... Woohoo... Peaches rule!

Are you surprised by my enthusiasm? Then try this: Peel and thinly slice five ripe peaches. Stir in about 1/2 cup of sugar, then let this sit for an hour as the juice runs out to form a syrup. Finally, spoon the fresh fruit mixture over some good-quality vanilla ice cream. I think you'll become a fan.

A Summer With Frieda

I met Frieda early one summer when she announced herself in boisterous song. This happy little frog had set up camp in a yucca plant between my front porch light and an outdoor faucet. With dripping water on her left and swarming bugs on her right, this chubby girl had plenty to sing about.

Frieda disappeared in the Fall, but she is not forgotten. My memory holds her tiny joyful presence—a bright green chunk of smiling, outspoken, froggy fun.

Portrait of a Wild Sweet Pea

A hummingbird lured me outdoors today with the promise of a photo—then it promptly flew away. Unwilling to accept defeat, I surveyed the wooded land surrounding my Georgia yard, hoping for a subject that wouldn't disappear.

As if by appointment, a delicate wild Sweet Pea waited for me at the edge of a thicket. Often unnoticed by humans, these blooming vines are entwined in the midst of other plants and hidden in meadow brush. So this pretty face, posing against a backdrop of shade, was a wonderful find indeed. Not inclined to flee the scene, the wildflower modeled professionally.

Escape to the Deep

When vacationing at my favorite beaches, I usually play in the water or look for shells along the shore. But once each day, I make a point to search for digital treasure.

This graceful Millipede Starfish was stranded on a sandbar when I happened along with my camera. The creature was in full view of approaching beachcombers who might seize it as a vacation trophy. Providence had placed me there to prevent this tragedy.

Carefully sliding my hand beneath the nine-legged body, I lifted it into the shallow surf. The starfish quickly revived, and I took some photos—my reward for helping it escape. Then I moved it into the deep and out of sight.

Meeting by the Castle

Of all the coastal birds, I think the Great Blue Heron commands the most admiration. Dressed as a reigning monarch, this bird walks confidently among "its people" on the shore.

Shortly after dawn, I met this handsome fellow right outside his castle. We talked as I drank coffee, and we strolled for almost a mile. It's true—I did most of the talking. But the heron was a great listener. Mostly, I praised his appearance and paid tribute to his regal personality. The bird took all of my words in elegant stride as he scanned the water's edge for minnows.

Working Well Together

Eye-catching blue Plumbago thrives at the foot of this elderly tree. The vibrant floral growth has found a backdrop that doesn't compete for attention. In return for its complementary support, the weathered tree has received a boost in status. It is now the "charming antique element" of a landscape composition.

Sunbleached grays have never looked finer, and the blooms present a quality show. Young and old are working well together.

A Tropical Challenge

Auto insurance in South Florida may not cover "coconut damage," so it's wise to avoid parking in coconut shade. Even standing beneath one of these fully loaded palms requires courage and maybe a bit of insanity. All things considered, I was still compelled to capture the best perspective of this tree.

Risking a fractured skull and dealing with August humidity, I plunged headlong into this tropical challenge—loving every minute of it.

Beyond My Reach

In all it's subtle variations, the color of green surrounds us. When held in the arms of this nurturing hue, we go through our days more easily. If God has a favorite paint, my guess is that it's green—with blue as a close runner-up.

I suspect there are more colors in heaven, unknown to us and reserved as a great surprise. Sometimes I try to imagine these unseen tints. But so far, any "pigments of my imagination" have been elusive. If new colors do exist, they are beyond the reach of an earthly mind.

Minnows in the Morning

This young White Ibis led me along a Florida shore for quite a distance one morning. The bird was aware of my presence, and I was careful not to enter his personal space. While foraging for breakfast, he poked his bill into the sand and drilled around for burrowing crustaceans. An occasional school of minnows would lure the Ibis a little deeper.

Oh, to be a shore bird and live in subtropical splendor—free of charge—where food is abundant, and the water is pure delight!

Black tail feathers and brown mottling identify this bird as being immature. The adults of the species are completely white with beautiful ice-blue eyes.

Do You Like Red?

A perennially beautiful "dinnerplate hibiscus" plant is thriving in my back yard. From July to September, I'm greeted daily with several new blooms—large and round and simply gorgeous. These ten-inch flowers open to botanical perfection. They almost look artificial, like the oversized flora seen in Munchkin Land.

Not a macro shot by any means, I consider this a successful attempt at closeup photography.