Currently in bloom in our backyard oasis - our Callicarpa Americana, commonly called the American Beautyberry

We are often asked how we have come to enjoy so many native songbirds in our Palmetto Bay yard - the answer is proper planting.

What’s blooming today: our Callicarpa Americana, commonly called the American Beautyberry. Per Wikipedia- this is an open-habitat, native shrub of the Southern United States which is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and yards. American beautyberries produce large clusters of purple berries, which birds and deer eat, thus distributing the seeds.

I’m planning to take cuttings from this plant to add additional plants throughout our yard.

Remembering Bailey - as kids and their friends said about her: "The Goodest Dog!" She was a great pet that deserves some recognition.

 Baily was another of our family pets that deserves her due.  A very loyal pup who was a great family member. She was much needed her in Palmetto Bay - I headed President Harry S. Truman’s advice, “If you want a friend in this world, get a dog.” Politics in Palmetto Bay is often dog-eat-dog.

She passed away Friday May 2, 2025, quite unexpectedly and lived less than 11 years - far less than I would have expected or hoped. She passed away an hour before her veterinary appointment I made earlier in the morning and while I was preparing to take her - again - with no signs of any urgency. I figured we'd have her for at least another two, maybe even three years. No warning.

I am posting some family photos - pets are great. We have been bless with various pets, mostly rescues over the years.

“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.”
― Mark Twain

We are going to miss Bailey.