Another one, and they just keep comin' ....

Tropical storms, hurricanes, storm surge & flooding. Mandatory evacuations declared today for all Level A areas, our designated Siesta Key island flood zone.

Now approaching Hurricane Helene. And it’s only been 6 weeks since the last flood (Debbie). We're all gettin' a little worn out, tired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

at Keelie's request

My niece is the archivist. One who reminds me that important items should always be documented.

In late 1977, I purchased a fine, Seminole woman's patchwork skirt off a used clothing rack from the old Miccosukee Cultural Center, then located along the Tamiami Trail down in the Glades. I was gathering material for a series that I had started, on documenting native American clothing.

The Hidden Seminole, (1978) - satin patchwork skirt with sheer translucent cape.

 

 

As for the skirt, I have kept it in my possession for over 45 years, rarely pulling it out from it's forgotten drawer. Recently I decided to return it back to the tribe for which it once belonged. So, I contacted the AH-TAH-THI-KI Museum's collections department - and they said they would love to have it.

Appears to be from the early 1950's. A rare satin, "ric-rac" patterned patchwork skirt, with a tied waist, worn by a female tribe member as daily wear (unlike those that were crafted later for the tourist industry). 

 

 

 

So I wrapped it up and sent it out yesterday.

 

 

 

An early photo of a Seminole homestead, showing a young family living alongside the old Tamiami Trail.

 

wet dream

 

 

 

High water

Big gators. 

A 10 foot road kill.

 

 

Woman's Tongue

Common name; Woman's Tongue (or Albizia Lebbeck)

Twenty some years ago, I tried my darndest to eliminate an unfamiliar sapling, weed like, as it continued to grow profusely under an old, mature, Buttonwood tree. 

The so-called 'Woman's Tongue' is a highly invasive, yet remarkable species, originating from tropical Asia and northern Australia. Named as such for its hanging dried seed pods which are often heard "rattling in the wind."

Now, and for the next several days this deciduous, mature tree will prove to be special in achieving its first ever massive bloom. I figure this Woman's Tongue must be happy. Or just maybe, someone's trying to tell me something.

 

 

 

 

a Guest of Honor

Sally Lucke Elkes (b. 1932)

A philanthropic arts leader, an early local mover & shaker, and a dear friend - who once, years ago, married in our home. A truly exceptional "childless cat lady" in all the good ways. 

At 92, and born during the Great Depression, Sandy and I today treated Sally to a special birthday luncheon. And Sally's birthday wish (besides her cats)?  She wanting still to have a pet fox, and only wishing today she had one to raise. A hard wish to honor.

 

 

Mid-August; hot, humid with an early evening's cooling breeze

A potential set-up right out of a Carl Hiaasen novel.  Hiaasen's 'Bad Monkey' premiers today as an Apple TV+ release with a typical Florida backdrop - unexpected waters. 

 

 

Prepping for an evening paddle tour of Sarasota Bay.  Mysterious; hot, humid, and a little salty.