washington oaks

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getting outside yourself

Taking a good friend to a special birding site

Going to see whatever species present in view

Looking all around carefully as we walk

Catching a glimpse of distant movement.

Being outdoors in nature is a pleasure

Here in the marshlands the sky and horizon

The feeling of moving through immense space

Reflected on the water as we scan the scene.

This is about paying attention to details.

This is about learning to name the differences.

This is about getting outside yourself

Being alive in the midst of life on earth.

We see and hear coots in abundance

Singles and clusters and entire rafts gathered together.

We see great blue herons and little blues

And tricolors and great egrets in the marsh.

Overhead a great kettle of black vultures swirls

And ospreys swoop and hover and dive for fish.

We see a large flock of birds approach like a cloud

Twisting and turning and showing they are glossy ibises.

Out in the marsh a sandhill crane is sitting on a nest.

On our path another dances with wings outspread.

Hiding in the weeds there are blue winged teal

Showing momentarily the white crescent on their cheek.

Ahead of us perched at the top of the tallest reed

A kestrel keeps its separation, moving as we approach.

Alongside us on the bank there are alligators sunning

Not interested and not concerned with our presence.

Boat tailed grackles serenade us with their repertoire.

A huge turtle watches us but stays put in the sun.

We see a pair of limpkins foraging on the bank

One finds a snail and kindly gives it to the other.

My friend sees a wood stork hiding in the tall grass.

It’s good to see what someone else sees

That we would have walked past unawares.

It’s good to get together and share the sights.

princess place preserve

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footprints in the sand

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Lake Woodruff

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song of praise

On your birthday I sing your praises

Which might get to be a repeating story

If not for all your new accomplishments

Bringing ever greater feats than before.

It is truly remarkable how you are thriving

Teaching elementary school students

Getting their attention and respect and affection

Giving them the precious lifelong love of learning.

I don’t have the skills needed to do that.

I hear about you doubling up last Wednesday

Teaching two classes at once different lessons

And I am overwhelmed at the thought of it.

As a first year teacher maternity leave substitute

Anyone would expect you to be struggling.

Instead you get the highest praise from everyone

Students, parents, teachers, administration.

You have been selected with two colleagues

To present at a major teacher conference this June

In your first year already appreciated for what you know

Achieving recognition far in advance of your years.

I am so proud of you but there’s more.

In the coldest February since 1934

You are alone in our house taking care of it

Keeping everything together while we’re away.

Living completely on your own for the first time

Doing everything to keep your life going

Keeping up with your friends and family

While doing this job that would consume others.

For sure we’ll be happy to be back home in April

Enjoying your company in springtime

Marveling at the capable person you are

Happy to be part of your life.

St Augustine Beach overcast windy walk

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St Augustine Beach moonrise

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Salt Run to Fort Matanzas

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