Cleo's Corner (3.24.10)

As I was cleaning out my photos and trying to get organized, I found this great shot of me in one of Marcus’s chairs (Island Time Design) with some kids hanging out with me. I’m sure you can hardly wait for warm weather too, but this picture proves it does come…sometimes!

When I was growing up here we loved this time of year. The wind brought down coconuts for us to eat, and the waves were fun to ride (when we were brave enough to go in the cold water)! Look at the bright side as you slip your sweater on, it is not snowing, it is not raining (at the moment I write) and we do have the sun most days. These are our blessings in paradise.

Some of the History of Pass-a-Grille

The above comes from a brochure which was provided by the Herman’s of Fairhaven Estates on 7th Avenue and Pass-a-Grille (a great place to stay, by the way - if you love the water, fishing and history). To read the whole brochure (and another that is different but just as interesting), go to OUR HISTORY on the menu on the left, click on Historic Photos on the left and scroll to the bottom. Double click on either brochure and enjoy some good historical reading.

More info on the Bell - Come ring it!
Last week I mentioned the bell and in September of 2009 I wrote the full story of how the Ringing of the Bell became a tradition (click here to read it.)

I thought it might be interesting to read “why” we ring the bell. Here is the plaque from the actual bell which we ring each evening at sunset. If you haven’t met Jim Meyers, keeper of the bell, go on down and either Jim, myself or one of our wonderful winter guests will see that you get your signature and memory in the book. The books are kept in the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum on 10th Avenue, along with all the other historical photos of the area over the years.

Where to go for this evening tradition? Paradise Grille is located at 10th avenue and the Gulf (in front of the Hurricane). The bell is located on the seawall. I’ve seen people combine their events (weddings, births, deaths, etc.) with a celebration hosted by Paradise Grille (the Hurricane also hosts events in this location.) After they tie the knot they ring the bell and sign the book. Sad but true, we even had one couple sign the book when they got married, and they rang the bell and signed the book again when they got divorced a few years later! Births, deaths, memorials or just saying thanks for the day are all great reasons to wander on down some evening. Beer and food is served until sunset.

Birds you might see:

As you walk around St. Pete Beach keep your eyes open for the pink-billed Ibis which is flying around in large flocks at this time of the year. They love to eat worms and grubs in your yard or on the shoreline.

Other birds you might see include the large Wood Storks which are very large birds that can be seen hanging out around the ponds on the Bayway.

If you haven’t noticed the large numbers of Pelicans flying over head, then you’re not paying attention! I have never seen so many brown-headed pelicans in years (these are the new babies born this year, mom and Dad are usually still nearby.) The baby dolphins and their parents can also be seen frolicking in the Bay and Gulf. Very often you will see them and then they seem to just disappear. Dolphins corral their fish prey by swimming around in circles and then taking turns going in for the kill. Watch the top of the water for turmoil and sometimes you can “see” the action.

That’s it for this week. Shells are being thrown up on shore from the strong wave action we are having in the Gulf, so keep your eyes open. Fruit trees are ripening (had some kumquats off a neighbor’s tree this week and they were great). Watch for lemons, oranges, grapefruits or tangerines that have fallen on the ground (ask the homeowner if you can pick them up or otherwise the rats will get them).
Keep warm just a little bit longer and soon we will be complaining about the heat!

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