Between Day and Night

In the solitude of a brilliant orange sky, nestled in that moment between day and night, a young couple pause to share a kiss in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The salt air, gentle breezes and glowing waters can provide that special moment, an ambiance that captures all the senses. Like a fine restaurant, the surrounding environment often is just as important as the food it serves.

But it only can come into its highest expression when the experience is shared with another.

- Grant Jefferies

What Fathers Will Do For Their Flock...

  Perry Haley, a local agronomist and PACE volunteer, ferries his bounty of rescued rubber ducks on Saturday, after the wind and the current conspired to hijack the start of Saturday's annual Lucky Ducky Race for PACE.  Thousands of rubber ducks veered off course and the mighty Manatee river threatened to carry them out into the great unknown.

  Hilarity ensued, and like something out of a scene from Sesame Street's, "Do De Rubber Duck," a cast of would-be marine rescuers swung into action, wielding nets and taking to the river in anything that could float.

 After the initial panic and confusion died down, piles of ducks were safely returned to the starting line, and the race resumed.

 To be fair, there was some grumbling from the spectators. Fingers were pointed. A few gasps arose from the sidelines. Each little duck was, after all, inscribed with a number which could guarantee a small fortune in free groceries - the driving force behind the fundraiser.

 But in the end the stars of the day were not the ducks themselves but rather the volunteers - and chiefly among them the crew of husbands and fathers who endured, without complaint, the frigid waters and rubber ducky-hijinks to help bring a beloved fundraiser to a successful finish. 

~Paul Videla

     

Keep your eyes on the ball!

Baseball season is finally in bloom.

Fans of all ages are gathering to take part in what has become known as America's favorite pastime. Whether playing the game or just watching, it is a sport like no other.

Just holding a baseball in one's hand brings back memories and creates a sort of magic that is unique to each individual. It is amazing that a baseball in the hand can never be still. Feeling the smooth hide automatically causes the fingers to twirl it around.

Then there is the toss in the air, catch and smile, bringing a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment in catching the stitched-rawhide ball. So it is no wonder that Pittsburgh Pirate infielder Chase d'Arnaud was captured in this very process recently during a spring training practice at Pirate City in Bradenton. And being a “professional” he is able to toss two baseballs at once.

The moment captured also brings to mind one of the classic utterances barked to young players by tough weather-worn coaches from the beginning of time, baseball's No. 1 rule... 'Keep your eye on the ball!' or in this case, both of them.

And there will not be a shortage of balls to watch. Pat Hagerty, minor league equipment manager at Pirate City, ordered 10,800 baseballs for use during the Pirate's month-long spring training season. So "Play ball!"

-Grant Jefferies

Pawprints on hearts will never fade away

Just off the heavy traveled highway of U.S. 41, a two-lane road cuts through Rubonia, a small town that can be missed in a blink of an eye.

There, a small quiet plot of land is filled with small monuments marking the burial sites of  loving big hearts. Not of aunts or uncles, or even grandfathers or mothers, but of four-legged family members. Their small bodies may be laid to rest, but their memories are still alive.

Companions Memorial Park and Pet Cemetery, 7777 Bayshore Road, offers pet owners a palate to express their final good-byes. Some simple, like Misty's, pictured above, “A Loving Friend,” to Fish Glass's “She wiggled her tail with happiness.” Others include “Good Boy Rusty,” “Hey Bubba we love you,” and “See you at Rainbow Bridge.”

Too many to mention here, but each expresses the emptiness left behind with the loss of a loved pet. A tribute to two small dogs, Kiyu and Miko, may say it all, so to Venny, Gismo, Rufus, Jasper, Sugar Bear, Winky Dinky, Sam I Am, and the countless others, “You left footprints on my heart that will never fade away.”

-Grant Jefferies

A red moon rising

An orange glow highlights our closest celestial neighbor, the moon, as it rose last week above the horizon in Palmetto.

The dim light of the full moon was filtered by the earth's atmosphere, allowing only the red and orange spectrums of light to show forth to us earthlings.

As the moon rose higher in the sky, the reddish orange glow transitioned to a brilliant white, casting shadows on the ground even in the darkness of night.

-Grant Jefferies

Fountain of Fun

Floating in the air was the unmistakable scent of meat sizzling on hot grills.

Sounds of music blended in with the drone of hundreds of finger-licken' barbeque enthusiasts attending the fifth annual BBQ Cook-Off on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.

While others were captivated by the cuisine, 2 year-old Lennox Briant was drawn to something different; the water fountain on Main Street. As columns of bubbling water burst into the air Lennox erupted in smiles and laughter. In a short time the foamy water receded, and so did the laughter.

The smile turned into a look of inquisitive wonder as the dancing liquid disappeared beneath the surface. In moments the flow of water and laughter again burst forth bringing another smile to the young girl's face.

The cycle was repeated over and over until the irresistible lure of the barbeque drew her dad, and Lennox, into the nearby crowd.
 
 -Grant Jefferies

Lizzard takes a ride

It was a nice sunny afternoon as I was riding on a Ford 150 down Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. No problems, just enjoying the ride and the warmth of the summer sun.

As I was stopped at a traffic light I peered through the windshield and noticed I was not alone. On the other side of the glass a strange shape caught my keen eye as I gazed at a massive form approaching my personal space. It was some weird fellow contorting himself into strange shapes while holding a square black object that made clicking sounds.

Leaping lizards, it's a blasted camera!

In my little brain I knew this guy was not normal. Doesn't he realize that the nearby motorists are staring at him?

So before my temper escalates into road rage I am going to scurry on and catch a more peaceful ride, maybe that school bus over there. I always did like yellow!

-Grant Jefferies

The Picture that Almost Blew Away

The panorama before me was quickly changing as a large mass of black floated effortlessly overhead.

The leading edge of the approaching thunderstorm seemed to be moving faster than I was driving as I crossed the Manatee River into Palmetto.

The wall of dark forms came to life as it flowed westerly, dwarfing the Manatee County skyline. Now it seemed to be moving even faster as I quickly targeted a parking space and a location to shoot from.

The wind and I both picked up our pace as we raced toward the docks of Regatta Pointe Marina. Within minutes, and several frames of the camera, the rolling mass drifted past bearing down on Tampa Bay.

A gray defused mist of heavy rain was now on the eastern horizon ready to take its place, my signal to move on.

Grant Jefferies-

Why fly when you can walk

It is always nice to have a companion along to share a nice walk in one of our beautiful preserves. But on this warm sunny day I was alone shooting an assignment at Emerson Point Preserve.

As the narrow dirt trail meandered through the trees, a lone gull appeared before me. My new feathered friend walked only several feet in front of me for quite a while until stopping to let me pass.

After completing my assignment I returned by the same trail only to find my trusting trail guide waiting where I left him. So as before, his little feet began to churn and off we went in the other direction. After a while he let me pass.

I thanked him for his company and proceeded down the rest of the trail. I do not know why the gull did not take flight or if the gull really cared if I was there or not, but for me it was a bright moment in a long day.

After all, why fly when you can walk.

Grant Jefferies-

Reasons to be proud on the Fourth of July.

Everywhere you looked along the Bradenton Riverwalk this Fourth of July, people seemed to be enjoying the display of fireworks launching over the Manatee river. 

Thousands lined the nooks and crannies throughout the park: parents with kids in tow, friends gathered with friends, and even a fair share of house pets including dozens of tail-wagging dogs and at least two iguanas. 

And though it was certainly a fabulous display of explosions and light, it was also a breathtaking display of civic pride and participation. 

Here were people from all walks of life, gathered together in celebration.

The Riverwalk is just one example of civic enhancements happening on both sides of the river.  And if last Thursday was any indication, it's a good time to live in Manatee County.

~ Paul Videla

Wallenda prepares for Grand Canyon Wirewalk

 
  Last week, as throngs of well-wishers showed up to watch Sarasota aerialist Nik Wallenda practice at Nathan Benderson Park for his planned high-wire crossing June 23 of the Grand Canyon, a popular saying kept coming to mind.

"If you build it they will come."

Here were the signs of no less than three spectacles unfolding against the horizon:

• A man on a wire, continuing a family legacy of showmanship, and hoping to realize the successful completion of a death-defying dream;

• A framework of massive cranes and steel girders angling out over what will soon become a much-anticipated shopping mall and engine for economic growth; and

• An artificial island, snuggled up next to a brand-new roadway and network of bridges that will lay the groundwork for another economic boom dream based around the sport of rowing.
 
  It makes one appreciate the power of visionary ideas to shape and conquer the landscape around us whether itís the Grand Canyon or a prime stretch of real estate by the highway. Even the smallest of dreams can turn big, especially when you have the support of a community behind you.

-Paul Videla

Welcome to hurricane season

photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Welcome to hurricane season.

Or, as I like to think of it: the time of year you need a backup plan for outdoor activities.

You want to go fishing but a storm is moving in?

That's probably when it occurs to you your propane tanks are empty, you have two bottles of water in your cooler from the last time you went fishing, and your canned goods consist of dusty tins of pumpkin and evaporated milk left over from Thanksgiving.

Not good.

As I came across Jay and Karen Campbell Thursday with their doggy, Widget, Tropical Storm Andrea was cruising away from the area and they were using the window of good weather to re-stock the supplies on the boat where they live.

Good.

It's here, people. Hurricane season. Get supplies, make sure you have a plan, get your papers in order and stock up on doggy treats.

Then go fishing while the sun is shining.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Dinner for Two

One unlucky snake became the center of attention of two hungry American White Ibis as it is caught in the beak of one and wrapped around the beak of the other. 

The two long-curve-beaked birds were captured struggling over their prize on the golf course of the Sara Bay Country Club during a recent tournament. 

So while golfers lined up their putts and swung their clubs, these two birds were going beak-to-beak in a literal tug of war to claim their tasty prize. 

So which bird walked away with the slithering winnings? Well, the bird on the right had to go find another bug to devour, and the ibis on the left went away with a smile on its beak and a snake for a snack.

Grant Jefferies/Bradenton Herald

Butterflies and Baseball

A western gulf fritillary butterfly rests on a bare branch of a crape myrtle. Its wings carefully outlined and colored to match its small fuzzy body.

Could it be a hint of spring in the middle of winter? With daily temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s, old man winter may be losing his grip. This is good news for butterflies, surviving the winter. Butterfly expert Art Shapiro, professor of evolution and ecology at the University of California, notes that the butterfly can be killed by hard freezes.

So far so good!

But a word of warning, in several weeks baseballs will be flying and bats will be swinging as Spring Training kicks into gear. So to all those fritillary butterflies out there flying around McKechnie Field and Pirate City, keep your head down, it's spring!

My heart bleats for you...

 


   Sunday night, the lights over the midway at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto blinked off. The fair was over, the food trucks shut down, the tents packed up. Until next year.
   After a decade or so of munching on fried dough and wandering mindlessly through all the displays, Iíve cultivated my own list of personal favorites.
   Way up at the top are the goats.
   Those crazy kids are always fun to watch, and their curiosity and seeming affection has made for some great photos.
   Ladies and gentleman, may I present my annual favorite fair outtake, presented in a haiku. Oh, and Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so it's high time to dust off those writing chops for that special someone -- even if they have more than just two legs....

My heart bleats for you
as two heads are far better than one.
Mere fences cannot keep us apart!

Fresh Catch

An osprey holds a fresh-caught fish tightly in its talons as it flies over the north end of Anna Maria Island.

The large raptors are commonly seen soaring high overhead, sometimes up to 100 feet, scanning the water for their next target, then diving, hitting the surface feet first to snag its prey.

Fish make up 99 percent of the ospreys diet.  According to the National Geographic, an osprey will use their feet to direct its catch headfirst into the wind, which causes less resistance as it flies.

Light it up!

With the click of a slow-speed camera shutter and the turn of the zoom lens, a colorful explosion of Christmas lights illuminate from the darkness during the recent Holiday Boat Parade at the Bradenton Yacht Club. 

From the glowing Menorah candles of Hanukkah, Judaism’s Festival of Lights, to the various colored Christmas bulbs illuminating trees, houses, golf carts, or a boat in this case, it is a season of light. 

A season of celebration, family, giving and rededication, all lights in their own right that overcome the darkness. 

Have a blessed holiday and new year.

-Grant Jefferies

Kids Shop for Christmas with Cops

Bradenton's annual Honoring the Badge Christmas-time gift event pairs Bradenton Police Department officers with families in the community as they shop together for toys at the local Toys R Us.  Funded in cooperation with Kingdom Life Christian Church, this will be the event's fifth year.  It was great to see uniformed officers and clean-cut detectives helping bring smiles to the faces of needy children Tuesday as they teamed up to find gifts.  Each child had a $25 gift card to spend and the officers, many with families themselves, helped them keep track of the tally as they perused the aisles.  Here, Officer C. Ward lends a little extra hand to a family as she holds their baby, 5 month-old Roshyia, while checking out a gift with Roshyia's brother , 7 year-old Robert.  It's multitasking at its best, and apart from the obvious good will effort, I'm willing to bet there's a good chance that this brief but positive encounter between officers and children will make a lasting impression on many young minds and hearts.  Best wishes to the BPD and look forward to seeing you next year!
-pvidela@bradenton.com

Remembering Christmases Past

There's only one shopping week left until Christmas!  If you're feeling a little burned out from navigating the endless aisles of big-box stores while holiday shopping for everyone on your gift list, it might be time to take a little breather!
At the Manatee County Agricultural Museum in Palmetto's Historical Park, there's a whole host of vintage Christmas toys and decorations arranged into thoughtful displays that are sure to bring back even the most sleepy childhood memories of years past.    But be prepared! Any children in tow will be sure to fire off lots of questions, most of which will relate to how you ever survived childhood with such, "boring," toys.
Ah, here's to those simpler times, when whiz-bang didn't have a screen, run on batteries, or require a credit card and email address.  And if you dropped it, it probably wouldn't break, because it was made of wood and metal, and in the grand old U.S. of A.
- pvidela@bradenton.com

Framed at sea

A sailboat is framed in the leaves of sea grape plants as it glides upon tranquil waters of the Manatee River.

Crisp blue skies, steady winds and cooler temperatures turn the stifling dog days of summer into a distant memory.

Humidity, thunderstorms, and sweat give way to increased traffic on the roads and longer lines, as visitors from the north migrate to the area to escape the probability of brutal snowy winter.

But who can blame them, this is one of the best times of the year, now is a good time to get out and enjoy it!

-Grant Jefferies