Friday, January 17, 2025—All About Manatees

Posted on January 17, 2025 by dunngone

One of the key items on our “TO DO” list for this winter was to see the manatees in Florida. Earlier this week, Kay found that the Crystal River area had great manatee tours, and was only 1+ hour west of The Villages. A quick check on Trip Advisor revealed a number of tours, including snorkeling, kayaking, or just viewing from a boat. We opted for the last one, and reservations were made for 2 o’clock PM Friday, January 25.

Crystal River, named for the river which flows through the area, sits on Kings Bay near the Gulf of Mexico (Or is that Gulf of America? What a buffoon). Kings Bay, in turn is fed by over seventy springs and as many as forty more seeps that feed 600 million gallons of freshwater a day into this incredible body of freshwater sitting only six miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It is a leading winter refuge for the Florida Manatee. Consequently, there were many places to see and things to do in the Crystal River area, but a late start hampered our ability to partake. We ended up touring the Crystal River State Archeological Park, one of the longest continually occupied sites in Florida. It is a National Historic Landmark comprised of 61-acres; it is a six mound, pre-contact, Native American site with burial mounds, temple platform mounds, a plaza area and a substantial midden. For more than 1,900 years, this site on Crystal River in Citrus County, Florida, with access to the Gulf of Mexico, served as a ceremonial center. The real reason we visited this site was to photograph birds, which proved to be somewhat unsuccessful except for an Osprey and Red-headed Woodpecker.

After the archeological park, we ventured to Pete’s Pier to await the Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise. Florida manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are native to Florida. Adult manatees are typically 9-10 feet long from snout to tail and weigh around 1,000 pounds; however, they may grow to over 13 feet long and weigh more than 3,500 pounds. They can only tolerate a very narrow temperature range; Manatees need access to water warmer than 68 degrees to survive prolonged cold weather. At 2 o’clock PM sharp, Captain Chris motored through the pier area to one of the springs areas where we joined many other tourists anxious to see our first manatee.

Snorkelers getting up close and personal. Manatees are dark shapes in background

Regretfully, attempts to video the large animals with a GoPro underwater failed. Most of the following photos were taken by Kay.

After the neat manatee viewing cruise, we ate seafood at one of the local restaurants and returned to The Villages.

Sunday through Thursday, January 12-16, 2025—Still Trying to Adjust

Posted on January 16, 2025 by dunngone

We are still trying to adjust to the cool weather and life in The Villages of Florida. Fortunately, we have been able to play Hand-and-Foot cards and golf with the Starr’s which make it a bit less difficult.

On Sunday, January 12, we drove to the Lake Panasoffkee WMA west of The Villages with lots of optimism, photographing a Pied-billed Grebe aloe the way, only to find that the WMA was open for hunting on THAT day and we were strongly discouraged from walking any of the trails—another wasted trip!

After again researching eBird, I drove to Hogeye Preserve in The Villages on Monday to walk the 2.8-mile Hogeye Preserve Pathway. This proved to be a decent walk even though it bordered a golf course much of its length, and yielded several good photo ops.

Kay and I ventured out to walk the short Fenney Springs Nature Trail on Tuesday. Despite it’s short length, I was able to take a few photos.

After the photo walk, we decided to try one of The Villages’ Pitch and Putt golf courses. With holes ranging from 40-110 yards in length, these courses focus on shots around the greens. With holes ranging from 40-110 yards in length, this course is shorter than championship courses which are 300-400 yards in length, and is a focused on shots around the greens. We played Marsh View Pitch and Putt Golf Course and it was loads of fun.

Wednesday through Saturday, January 8-11, 2025—Trying to Enjoy The Villages

Posted on January 11, 2025 by dunngone

I suppose it’s been obvious from the previous post that “pickleball” has not been mentioned. I played twice and enjoyed both times; however, it’s not the same as the great group at Diamante. It was competitive enough, and the players were friendly (even though the first “old” lady I played with instructed me on how to play the game). But, it just wasn’t the same and there were no warm fuzzy feelings.

Also, it’s been difficult to find birds, etc. for photo ops, though I’ve worked really hard and walked a bunch of trails towards that end. And, it’s been cold here by Texas and Arizona winter standards, with afternoon winds making it feel even colder. (Note to self: Could it be that I’m homesick? Who knows, but it is the first winter I’ve ever felt like this. Maybe that’s a good thing.) Anyway.

Kay had a cut and color on Wednesday, January 8, and was not too shocked that the price was almost double what it was in Hot Springs Village—it’s expensive in this part of Florida.

After tons of research in eBird, we took a day trip on Friday,, January 10, trying to find somewhere to find something to photograph. We ended up at Emeralda Marsh, east of The Villages. The Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area (EMCA) is a 7,089-acre conservation area administered by the St. Johns River Water Management District, In December 1974, it was designated a National Natural Landmark Our objective was to explore via the EMCA wildlife drive. When we got there, the gate was locked as the drive is only open seasonally. Nevertheless, we opted to walk the drive, and immediately upon starting, Kay spotted a Zebra Heliconia butterfly.

As the drive continued, it became obvious that there weren’t many birds, but there were several blooming marsh plants.

And then, a few birds were flitting about among the adjacent trees. An American Robin, Palm Warbler, and Gray Gnatcatcher were photographed.

And a Gulf Fritillary was nectaring on a far away shrub.

We met another person on the trail that mentioned more robins further along the drive, and that he had seen a mama black bear and two cubs. We were not so fortunate. We asked him about places to observe birds, and indicated that there was another area of the Marsh just north of us that offered shorebirds. Kay and I drove to that area and were immediately rewarded with birds. We immediately saw a Red-shouldered Hawk and an Osprey, the latter with a fish in its talons.

And then we saw Anhingas, Glossy Ibises, and Snowy Egrets. There were also several other bird species but they were too far to photograph.

From Emeralda Marsh, we drove to the Fred Funk Butterfly Garden(s) at the Lady Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and were a bit surprised to see several nectaring Monarchs.

Also, a small Cassius Blue butterfly (?) stopped long enough for a photograph.

Wednesday through Tuesday, January 1-7, 2025—Struggling to Find a Niche

Posted on January 7, 2025 by dunngone

After being overwhelmed last night (New Year’s Eve) with the crowds and traffic, we enjoyed a quiet day in The Villages celebrating New Year’s Day. Clothes were hung or put away, toiletries were located where they could easily be found, and computer equipment set up for processing photo images. We enjoyed hog jowl, black-eyed peas, and cabbage for dinner, and watched TV. A lot of time was spent setting up the TVs to reflect our various subscriptions. Regrettably, we have had no luck in turning closed captioning on the various specialty subscriptions; with my hearing loss, closed captioning is a must! I believe this is the evening that we had our first Hand and Foot card game, women vs. men. It wasn’t even close; ‘nuf said. Way to go men.

The next few days were spent trying to get our bearings, learning all the processes used to “survive” at The Villages, and doing a bit of shopping. Kay suffered sticker shock when checking out at the groceries; groceries are expensive.

We played nine holes of golf at Bogart Golf Course on Thursday, January 2—Bogart is one of the executive courses near us—and had a lot of fun. The executive courses are better than what we were led to believe, but they are really crowded.

We joined Gary, Jolene, Ron, and Bev Friday evening for dinner at the Americanos restaurant at Spanish Springs, one of the large town squares in The Villages, after which we listed to a “just okay”t band.

We left Spanish Square and moved to Sumter Landing town square where the music was a bit better.

Saturday afternoon late, almost 5:00 PM, we played the Bogart Executive Golf Course, together with another couple. Kay and I called it quits after seven holes because of darkness.

On Sunday, January 5, we ventured to the largest of The Villages’ nature preserves—Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve—but it was closed because of flooding. I had been counting on it for photography—very disappointing. Desperately trying to find some photo subjects, we drove to the small Chitty Chatty Preserve, also in The Villages, and managed to take a few photos.

The Air BNB owner came by the rental and helped with the garage door openers and see how we were doing. In the preceding days, Kay and I had had some serious discussions about our future in The Villages, and we both quickly and firmly agreed that it wasn’t our type of place—too crowded, too much traffic, absence of an abundance of photo opportunities, a lack of neighborhood social activities, and a very expensive place to spend the winter. We agreed that we would ask the owner if we could revise the lease agreement to change the duration to one month instead of three. Fortunately for us, she agreed, and we executed the new rental agreement while she visited. Consequently, we will be returning to Hot Springs Village before the end of the month of January.

Monday was a shopping day for Kay and Jolene, while I remained back in the rental to process photos. We both made calls and/or sent messages letting family know that our plans had changed.

Tuesday, January 7, (not sure of date) Jolene, with Gary’s assistance, prepared a chicken noodle soup and apple bread dinner for Ron,, Bev, Kay and me, after which we had another robust game of Hand and Foot, women vs. men. It was close, but the women edged out a win.

Monday through Tuesday, December 16-31, 2024—Another One Bites the Dust

Posted on December 31, 2024 by dunngone

The last couple of weeks have been mostly all about Christmas; actually though Christmas pretty much ended for us on December 22, when we celebrated with most of our immediate family and a holiday meal. More about that later.

The first few days of this “reporting” period involved luncheons and pickleball for Kay while I managed to take a few photos and play a bit of golf and pickleball.

On Thursday, December 19, birds were far and few between, and only a few of the regulars showed up at the feeders: a Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, and Red-bellied Woodpecker.

And then on Friday, December 20, only a Carolina Chickadee and American Goldfinch fed during photo time on the deck.

Karyn and her family came down over on Saturday afternoon, and attended church with us on Sunday morning. Ron his family joined the activities after their church. We enjoyed a really nice holiday meal, after which gifts were exchanged. For Kay and me, it was pretty low key, and we really enjoyed the mostly stress-free environment. After the kiddos left, a time of picking up present wrapping waste and then relaxation was enjoyed.

“De-constructing” Christmas decorations followed on Monday and Tuesday. A holiday tradition, Candles and Communion, occurred at church on Tuesday, December 24, after which another holiday tradition, a spaghetti meal at Jim and Jackie’s was enjoyed by Jim, Jackie, Jackie’s sister and BIL, Pam, and Kay and me. It’s nice to have “new” holiday traditions, particularly after divorces from our original families, when all traditions collapse—just sayin’.

A cocktail party honoring the Starr’s was on Friday afternoon at the Janice and Harlan’s; Janice really knows how to host a party, and we enjoyed the hors ‘doeuvres, drinks, and most of all visiting with friends.

Following the party we began seriously packing for our winter stay in Florida.

Departing from home on Sunday, December 29, we stopped in Cordova, Tennessee, for a brief Christmas visit with Jenny and her kids.

The kids are growing so much and its interesting to watch how much they mature between visits. Jenny is doing well and is immensely enjoying her job at the YMCA headquarters. We are so pleased that all our our kids are good parents.

Decatur, Alabama, was the first overnight stop on the way to Florida, and an infection had Kay down and out, and very uncomfortable. Consequently, we spent 3 1/2 hours in the ER. It was packed, with most of those present coughing and hacking, likely with the flu. We donned facemarks for personal protection.

After the long wait, and then treatment in the ER, we drove back to the hotel for overnighting.

Our stop in Decatur, Alabama, was chosen because of its proximity to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). After a very short drive on Monday morning, the sound of Sandhill Cranes greeted us upon entrance to the NWR. The cranes were seemingly everywhere.

Even though the NWR Visitors’ Center didn’t open until 9 o’clock AM, people had already begun to arrive and were walking to their favorite observation sites. After eating the breakfast sandwiches in the parking lot, Kay and I walked to the two-story photo observatory, and began to photograph the birds immediately.

We then walked to several other observation sites, amazed at the number of cranes (between 17,000 and 19,000).

And then it was off to the Florida panhandle where we overnighted at Panama City Beach, the location chosen mainly to enjoy a dinner of fresh Gulf seafood. Dinner was at a highly recommended “hangout” that was only so so.

On Tuesday morning, we drove east and south to The Villages of Florida, the US’s largest 55+ community. After a brief orientation, we found the rental house, and “moved” in. We then joined the Starrs and Grahams for a really good dinner and then music at the Sumter Landing Town Square. People were everywhere! Being old fogies, Kay and I didn’t last too long and returned to the rental house to see 2024 out and 2025 in.

Sunday through Sunday, December 1-15, 2024—A First for a Modern Day Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2024 by dunngone

Even though the holiday season is in full swing, it has been relatively quiet here on the home front these first couple of weeks in December, at least for me. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons holiday depression has not reared its ugly head for the first time in perhaps 40 years! Kay, of course, has been busy with parties, etc, including hosting The Book Club for the month of December.

As we continue to spend winters away from home, medical and dental appointments abound this time of year. We both had dental appointments, Kay had visits with two doctors. I FINALLY got my hearing aids working (actually they were replaced) after several months, and I got a new prescription for contacts in both eyes±—close up in the left, distance in the right—and I can wear them at night for up to two weeks.

We both p played pickleball a couple of times, and ventured out on the golf course as well. Surprisingly, the courses remain in good condition.

As for projects, I put the finishing touches on the rolling workbench, trimming it out and adding a shelf.

Only a few birds were flying the last few days, and they were regulars at the feeders. I did manage to shoot a few photos on December 2, 4, 8, 9, and 15.

While Kay was out and about on Monday, December 2, a Brown-headed Nuthatch, a Carolina Chickadee, and an American Goldfinch visited our “sanctuary”.

On Wednesday, December 4, a Tufted Titmouse and Downy Woodpecker added to the mix.

And then on Monday, December 8, a Dark-eyed Junco and a Brown Creeper showed up. The Brown Creeper was a Life Bird for me!

Another new seasonal bird appeared on Tuesday, December 9: a Great Blue Egret.

And lastly, on Sunday, December 15, only a Carolina Chickadee came to hide in the now bare birch tree.

Saturday through Saturday, November 16-30, 2024—Christmas Season is Here

Posted on November 30, 2024 by dunngone

The Christmas season is upon us. Kay has begun decorating—at first a bit slow, but picking up speed as the month matured. Since we’re typically gone in the January through March timeframe, decorating early allows us to enjoy the season for a tad longer.

Besides golf and pickleball, Kay was busy with medical appointments and social events, while I took a break from pickleball for the last couple of weeks, but continued to play golf, 9 holes at a time. We both really enjoy our Sunday afternoon “Couples” Golf with the Seitzs, Baggetts, and Grahams.

While Kay was at a dental appointment on Tuesday, November 19, I waited patiently for birds to land to take their photo. Only a couple “posed” long enough for photos: a Tufted Titmouse and a Red-bellied Woodpecker.

The big project for November was design and construction of a rolling workbench. Fortunately, friend Dan had the same idea and came sup with a design for his workbench that was really good. I slightly modified it, and he and I cut out the pieces on Thursday, November 21.

I photographed birds on Friday, November 22, and again on Sunday, November 24, but nothing was processed to “write home about”. Also on Friday, November 22, The Christmas season began in earnest with a performance of A Christmas Carol, A Musical Performance by the HSV Players. It was awesome!

Cast of *A Christmas Carol, A Musical Performance*

Parts of Saturday and Sunday, November 23-34, were spent assembling the rolling workbench.

My carpentry and wood working skills are quite rusty,, but the project was fun and will work for the intended purposes.

Finally, on Monday, November 25, a few new birds showed up and were photographed.

Also on Monday, I returned to the Costco Hearing Aid Center to have hearing aids adjusted. This is the third or fourth time in the last few months I’ve been there to have adjustments. After much discussion and testing, the hearing specialist agreed that the hearing aids weren’t working; that’s what I told him several months ago before I finally stopped wearing them. A loaner pair was provided and they work great. Now, if mine will come back working…

The rolling workbench project that was begun on November 21was finished on Tuesday, November 26. It’s important to note that good friend, Dan Olson, devised the original design, and I only modified it slightly.

Also, on Tuesday, Kay cooked for Thanksgiving, making my mama’s cornbread dressing and a sweet potato casserole, and I photographed a Downy Woodpecker.

We enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast at Kay’s son and daughter-in-law’s house. All the food was really good.

As the days of late November came to a close, a significant cold front invaded the mid-south, dropping temperatures to a more normal level—lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. This Carolina Chickadee, photographed on Saturday, November 30, has become a best friend of the seed feeder.

Friday through Friday, November 1-15, 2024—Life is Good, Except for Sports Injuries

Posted on November 15, 2024 by dunngone

The first week of November was one of intense rainfall, which was much needed. However, pickleball courts were closed and golf courses were cart path only; guess one can’t have everything!

I did manage to take photos five different days. A switch to bird photography was made on Saturday, November 2, as butterfly flights were far and few between. Only a couple of birds, the regulars at the feeders, were photographed, and it’s obvious I’m out of practice.

Daylight savings time ended on Sunday, November 3, and it now gets dark so quickly, and the older we get the longer it takes to adjust to the “new” time. More birds were photographed during the day, including a couple of “new” species: Brown-headed Nuthatch and Pine Warbler.

Kay’s social calendar is becoming quite full with various clubs and groups meeting weekly. This is in addition to her pickleball play several times a week.

I photographed birds again on Tuesday, November 5, but only the usual birds showed up near the feeders.

Middle school basketball has begun in earnest, and grandson Ridge plays a couple times a week. We watched him play on Thursday, November 7, but he only logged a few minutes because his team is so dar good that they were blowing the other team away. We watched him play again on Saturday, and it was the same with hime only playing a few minutes. He left at half time of the second game to play soccer, and his team won handily.

Unseasonably warm weather on Sunday, November 10, brought a few butterflies out, and two new species to our garden were observed. These were numbers 39 and 40 of the species visiting this year.

During pickleball play on Monday, November 11, I re-pulled the left hamstring, so no more pickleball for a while, and golf only 9 holes at at time.

Wednesday, November 13, was a busy day for us as we both had cardiology appointments, and Ridge had a basketball game. I did manage to take a few photos, finally switching over to the big lens, a Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS. Needless to say it requires a steady hand which I no longer possess.

Another new seasonal bird appeared on Friday, November 15—House Finch.

Tuesday through Monday, October 1-15—The Hummingbirds Left and then Kay Left

Posted on October 15, 2024 by dunngone

Kay and I continued playing lots of golf and pickleball despite the above average temperatures and humidity. Family birthdays continued this first half of the month of October; Karyn celebrated on October 6 and Jenny celebrated on October 13. One more birthday remains and it’s in a few days. Cool weather finally arrived on Monday evening, October 14, and was a welcome change from the high 80s and low 90s experienced earlier in the month. Big events this last couple of weeks included a “girls’ trip to the casino”, the monthly meeting of “The Book Club”, the Hot Springs Village Big Band Concert, and did I mention that Kay left me.

I did photography 8 days so far this month. On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a “rare-to-this-area” Long-tailed Skipper showed up again, having first been observed a few days ago on September 29. I have seen only two other Long-tailed Skippers in Arkansas, in 2018 and 2020, both time in the west Little Rock area.

And, on this same day a tiny Anole was detected among the marigolds. It couldn’t have been more that about 5 centimeters (approximately 2 inches) long’

Only one new species of butterfly was detected so far this month, a Red Admiral on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

A White-lined Sphinx Moth appeared out of nowhere and hung around for several photos. This was another first time visitor.

Otherwise, the garden visitors were many of the same species observed the previous couple of weeks.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, Kay, Pam, and Sue ventured to Pine Bluff to play the slots at the Saracen Casino Resort; none of the “girls” reported a winning night! Meanwhile, a Sachem Skipper butterfly was photographed.

On Monday, October 7, 2024, an American Lady butterfly was seen nectaring on a Butterfly Bush.

On Tuesday, October 8, a couple of real beauties were photographed: a Monarch and a Painted Lady.

The Hot Springs Village Big Band played a concert at the Balboa Pavilion on Friday, October 11, 2024. They are quite good, as many played professionally or as music faculty in the working lives. A couple of vocalists accompanied them on several songs.

Saturday, October 12, 2024, three butterfly species were photographed in the garden. Their beauty made up for the lack of numbers.

And then on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Kay traveled to Short Pump, Virginia, for a sister visit. There is so much catching up and laughter when they get together, particularly reminiscing about foregone days. However, I miss her and am anxious for her to return home. The butterflies took pity on me that afternoon, and provided opportunities for several photographs.

Monday through Monday, September 16-30, 2024—Was It The Greatest Butterfly Day Ever

Posted on September 30, 2024 by dunngone

There’s not much to report this two-week period; we continued with our usual activities and meetings. A couple of highlights, though, were dinner out and cards with the Nobles and our annual COVID and flu injections.

Dinner on Friday, September 20, 2024, was at Mulligan’s, and Kay, Celeste Noble, and I had catfish while Tom had pizza. Kay and I used to eat catfish there every Friday evening when Troy and Patty owned and operated it, but had not been overly impressed when new owners/operators took over. This particular Friday evening was good. I can’t remember the card game we played, but it was similar to Hand-and-Foot and Tom won ALL the games!

A couple of butterflies and a hummingbird were photographed Saturday, September 21, 2024.

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Kay and I had our annual flu and COVID injections. And, as usual I began having a reaction to the COVID injection at 2 AM the following morning. The reaction is tolerable, but a nuisance—fever, achy joints, and a headache—lasting about 48 hours. It is yucky at best.

Sunday, September 29, 2024, was a great day for butterfly photography. In fact, it’s the best day we’ve ever had in our yard. The small butterfly garden was full of various species of butterflies flitting here and there, nectaring on the wide variety of flowering plants. Of special note, a Long-tailed Skipper briefly appeared before disappearing for the day; however, I did get a decent photo of it. It’s only the second Long-tailed Skipper I’ve seen in Arkansas.

Also a first in the garden was a Gulf Fritillary.

And then a huge Great Spangled Fritillary, a bit worse for wear, was seen nectaring on a nearby flower.

The first Monarch butterfly to grace the garden then flew in for a brief visit.

And finally, a tiny Red-banded Hairstreak was spotted on a flower; this was another first-time visitor to the garden.

Not to be outdone, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird seemingly begged to be photographed.

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