It has been quite a while since I have posted anything on this site so I figured it was time for some updates. I am not adding them in any particular order but I will try to include the dates. This small adventure was early May 2020.

Usually when Jackie and I visit one of the many parks in Florida our gator sightings are from a distance or they are very juvenile gators. Recently we visited a park in Largo, FL with my in-laws and the gators were out in force.

Largo is not by any means and out of the way place. This was a medium sized park for the area. It is right in the city.

There happened to be a park ranger and he gave us a little education on the wildlife in the park. One thing I learned is that the female gators are much larger than the males. The one in the above picture looks pretty big, but check out this monster.

Take a close look under the nose and you can see the white teeth. These last two images caused my sister a bit of concern. “How close did you get?”, she asked. “Probably too close.” I said.

If you want to see some big gators in the wild just let me know.

Recently we have had the welcome opportunity to visit Clearwater Beach. There are the public areas that many, many people go to. A very nice beach that has been rated a top beach in the country. But then there are the more private areas and state parks.

One of the signs read, “…the Real Florida”

Today we went to downtown LA to renew our library cards. Walking from Pershing Square metro the library is two blocks away. Right before crossing S Grand Ave. across the street from the library is an old building with very interesting architecture.

A great view of the library itself can be seen from across the street. There are stairs that go up several flights at the base of what may be the tallest building in downtown LA.

Here is the building that is very tall.

Back to the front of the library and the inscription on the face of the building.

Inside the library is phenomenal. It goes down several levels and each floor is like a whole wing.

If you like libraries the Central Library of Los Angeles is a great place to check out.

Floyd

Floyd and I walked along Laguna Beach after work today. The weather was warm, a lot of people were enjoying the water.

Yesterday was Father’s Day. I remember when I was growing up I never knew what I could get my father that he would appreciate. My Dad never seemed to want any type of gadget or gift. If he needed something that he did not already have he would simply make it. Functionality was the watchword. He made our aquarium stand and our kitchen table. When I was very young and I accidentally burned down the pantry and caused smoke damage to the hallway and kitchen he took the opportunity to convert the hallway into a storage room and open up the kitchen to the dining room.

It seemed that every problem my father was presented was an opportunity to build something or fix something.

Being my father’s son I never expect anything myself for Father’s Day. This year however I received a very wonderful gift. A story from my daughter. She posted it on Facebook and since I don’t post all that much on Facebook I was not exactly sure how to respond. I just said, “Thanks for sharing that.” but I feel it a better acknowledgement to say a bit more on my own post.

I have always enjoyed time spent with my children, as any parent would understand. We have Mother’s Day to honor mothers, we have Father’s Day to honor fathers but we don’t really have a day that is dedicated to celebrating our children. Not only when they are very young but also when they grow up to be adults. Maybe it IS because they grow up to be adults.

When I read my daughter’s post one of the things I thought was, “When is Daughter’s Day?”  Then I realized there isn’t really such a day. It seems like an omission. I felt like saying, “Thank you.” but she was thanking me and “Your welcome.” felt selfish because I feel like I have gotten more out of the relationship than she has. So what I will say instead is: Thank you for allowing me to be your father.

We were on the Freewinds for New Years. We have been supporters of The Way to Happiness for many years. About 4 million copies of this booklet have been distributed in Columbia since 2007. Col. Prado has spearheaded the distribution in Columbia. Since this campaign started Columbia has seen a dramatic decrease in crime. It went from being a dangerous place for tourists to being on a recommended destination list.