This beautiful old oak tree in our neighbor's yard across the road has suddenly developed large cracks in it's base (possibly due to unusually strong winds we've had recently) and so it's been determined that the tree needs to come down. The local highway department is scheduled to remove it later today. :(

In these photos it's difficult to get a sense of how grand this tree is - and the poor thing has been butchered over the years due to it's proximity to the road - plus it's bareness during this season does not reveal it's full majesty. I can't imagine all the critters it has harbored and fed over the years (including our own kitties who enjoyed it as a playground for chasing squirrels and chipmunks), or weary travelers who lingered under it for shade (I like to dally there whenever walking by). All the sunrises and sunsets it enjoyed, while the scenery around it changed through the decades and centuries... Mr. Verheil, Naples' resident historian, told us this tree was planted to commemorate the War of 1812 - so it would be celebrating it's 200th birthday this year!

Cake - "It's Coming Down"

(this song isn't about a tree, but the chorus is stuck in my head today and the overall sadness of the sound seems fitting)

late afternoon

this fallen log serves as a bridge for several critters:


faces in the ice



dried weeds looking like pieces of jewelry:



all kind of critters' tracks:

including of course...

..and me!

cold, brittle sunrise

Attended my first Kirtan - Govinda Jaya Jaya was one of the chants we sang...!




Something new I just learned (thank you, internet): After traveling to India in the late 1960s, George Harrison embraced Hindu culture and music, ultimately becoming a life-long devotee.. At one point he asked guru Prabhupada if he should shave his head and join the temple. The guru told George that he could do more for the theology through his music. George H. has since been credited as a pivotal figure in exposing this music to the Western mainstream. (the second video is his own song)

Free Cabin Porn! - click here

can't wait to see this...

so what, I still like Wes Anderson!

Kimbra: something new & different

A little weird, very creative, theatrical,
great dancing + what a voice!
She's from New Zealand!

suddenly snow

early morning greeted with the most snow we've had all season




this is what I expect January to look like

Another day, another tough nut to crack.

that little black squirrel again

"Nonna (Grandma) Lina" coasting down a lovely sloping Italian hill... (random find)

In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.

- Lao Tzu

"I'll Fly Away" - Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch



Attended a funeral on Sunday, after which we unexpectedly felt inspired & uplifted -
This song was played at the end of the service (performed by a different artist, but I've always liked this version too)

bits of my weekend

1. the first snowflakes that fell this morning - bigger ones coming now...
2. marimekko textile pattern
3. little black squirrel who's been around frequently the last few days - he's just as fat as the grey ones this year

1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

A rough estimate of the number of snowflakes that fall to Earth per year:

1 followed by 24 zeros

(the big old oak across the street from our driveway)

(using Hipstamatic iPhone app)

1,2,3,4,5,6,7

one of these days I'll get through all the photos I have from the last month and post a few!
...in the meantime another great song I heard on the radio this morning:

❆ • ❄ • ❅ • ❆ • ❄ • ❄ • ❅ • ❄ • ❆ • ❅
• ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❆ •
❅ • ❄ • ❅ • ❄ • ❆ • ❄ • ❅ • ❄ • ❆ • ❄
• ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❆ • ❄ •
❆ • ❅ • ❄ • ❆ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❄ • ❆ • ❄

never get tired of Floyd - can listen to this over & over...
(except the animal sounds in this one make Sparky bark!)

New Year's Resolution #27

Acquire this skill:



...been watching this series via Netflix - it's a fun watch

(Maltesers are a British chocolate candy - my plan is to try it with M&Ms of course)

perfect for New Year's Day: old black & white movies with Fred & Ginger...