Wasting no time - the seasonal fall foliage has begun to change - Upstate NY - PODs

September has just started. The Falls colors are just beginning to make an appearance in Upstate NY.  

Here are a few photos of the day - enjoy!

Update - arrest made in the SUV v Cyclist road rage incident

The Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office made an arrest in the case of the SUV v Cyclists road rage incident of Saturday, August 22, 2026 - see prior post: Road rage incident against cyclists on 87th avenue - the Palmetto Bay / Cutler Bay border. Allegations of a gun being fired.

Here is the information I have as of date of this posting:

Raimiero Rios, booking date 8-25-2026. He is currently facing three felonies.

Case(s) Information
Case Number: F26016908
Charge: ASSAULT/ AGGRAVATED/ WITH A FIREARM Bond: $ 5000 **
Charge: BATTERY/ AGGRAVATED/ WITH A DEADLY WEAPON Bond: TO BE SET **
Charge: FIREARM/ DISCHARGE FROM A VEHICLE Bond: TO BE SET **
Bond Information
Charge Satisfied: No
Bond Submitted:

Info above taken verbatim from the MDC Inmate search.

Note that the Defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. 

Road rage incident against cyclists on 87th avenue - the Palmetto Bay / Cutler Bay border. Allegations of a gun being fired.

Saturday, August 22, 2026: Road rage against cyclists on 87th heading out of Palmetto Bay and into Cutler Bay. 

What is wrong with some drivers?

   

 I will be watching to see if an investigation occurs and if any arrests are made.

The video is from a cycling group heading toward Blackpoint Marina on SW 87 Avenue, a popular route heading south. 

There are some very troubled people out there who want to take their problems out on people on bicycles, using their car as a weapon. 

It appears from this video that the car was not the only weapon applied - witnesses advised that he used a weapon to fire off a shot that can be heard at the end of the video.

I join with others who hope the police will find this guy and punish him for his dangerous and aggressive behavior. BICYCLES HAVE A RIGHT TO THE ROAD! Nobody deserves to die because you don’t agree with that!

87th Bridge - photos of the protected bike lanes and separate multi-path for pedestrians

I received several inquiries from FOSDU regarding the protected bike lanes and the separate multi-purpose path for pedestrians.  I am posting 3 photos that I feel best show how these features will work.

[Above: closed view - there is a low rise barrier that separates cyclists from motorists. The pedestrian multipath is raised on this section of the bridge. This delineates and separates the cyclists from the pedestrians. The low rise barrier (or curbing) separates the motorists from both the cyclists as well as the pedestrians.]

(Above: a full view of the bridge as it existed on 5/13/2026. Centerline striping in place)

Above: This photo best represents the relative scaping that is provided for the motor vehicles (full lanes), the full bike lane as well as the wide pedestrian multi-path.

Please note that final striping and signage is not in place - which will help advise motorists, cyclists and pedestrians as to how this bridge will best function. 

87th Avenue Bridge pics - Signs say "Road Closed" but not for long

We have all been watching the progress of the bridge over the last few years. I am posting some photos of this soon to be opened bridge. These photos were taken Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

NOTE: The bridge is currently closed for vehicular traffic

A general view of the southbound lane (above left) with a close up of the pedestrian walkway and protected bike lane (above right)

Posted below is a close up of the pedestrian walkway and protected bike lane - there is a real issue as to whether these amenities will be limited to the bridge or the plans officials have (if any) to continue the protected bike lanes and walkway further along 87th Avenue. 

CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to the history of the 87th Avenue Bridge.

2026 Mango Season looks promising - get ready for trading time!

Get ready for the annual Palmetto Bay Mango-fest!

March 11 - 2026- The blooms on our mango trees look healthy, though a bit behind the usual schedule (late blooming). This should be a big year, assuming no fungus or foul weather including the heavy winds that often arrive in March. 

We will be looking for help in trades once again this year. Participants will once again be doing me a favor by taking the fruit we cannot use (fruit drop - spoilage - is a waste - and attracts vermin).  Trades have historically included non-mango fruit swaps as well as mangoes in exchange for samples that included mango bread and jam, dried mango and chutney. I have received backyard Palmetto Bay home produced eggs. I am always open for new trades. This is our Palmetto Bay community!

Serious note - one of the best trades is simply seeing the fruit leave my yard without spoiling to be enjoyed by others. Mango trees can be quite overwhelming at times.

CLICK HERE to see prior posts on my "Flinn Family Mango Co-Op" including the rules and some recopies.  Mango season is approaching. Get ready to enjoy.  

I have posted photos of some of our trees taken on March 11, 2026:

Know your holidays - Know your Grubers

You're welcome!

Future topics - look for a future controversial Christmas post: 
Is “Yippee Ki-Yay” a proper greeting at Christmas time?

Moving deeper into the Christmas season: Peanuts Gang : Christmas Song "Linus & Lucy"

Enjoy.  Merry Christmas.

Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives - HD Audio - Kicking off Christmas music season

A well known ear worm.   am now passing it on to you.

Enjoy.  Merry Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving 2025 - and remember - the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is ready to assist with that holiday mean questions.

The holiday season is officially upon us!  Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

There is much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.

Like millions of others across this great country, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring a tradition older than the nation itself. The Continental Congress proclaimed that the "inhabitants of these states" observe a day of Thanksgiving back in 1782.  Ever since then we set this day aside to give thanks for all our blessings, and this year we have many things for which to be thankful.

Please also take the time to remember and help the less fortunate.  Many families and children are doing with less, Take the time to become involved in a local charity, with time, if not a donation. There are many ongoing charities that are looking for donations and volunteers.

Thanksgiving is the busiest traveling season of the year.  Please be aware and be safe.

One of my personal favorite quotes about a holiday:

On Thanksgiving Day all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime.

- (author unknown) 

Need last minute help with the holiday meal? The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is ready to assist with that holiday mean questions.

• Phone: 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372)
• Text: 844-877-3456
• Butterball’s Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest channels
• Visit Butterball.com to e-mail or chat live with the Turkey Talk-Line experts plus find trusted recipes, how-to videos and other resources.The backstory:

Every November and December since 1981, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line’s professionally trained turkey experts have assisted millions of holiday cooks.