Jack

This wondrful little guy (Jack Russell mix) just walked up to us one day and wouldn't leave. After hanging out flyers for a couple of days, I thought to take him to the vet and have him scanned for a microchip. He had not one, but two microchips embedded in his back, and after a few phone calls was able to track down his owner and reunite them. And not a day too soon, either, because Jack grows on you. Fast. A totally delightful little dog. Jack, I still miss you.

Paradise Found

One of my favorite spots on the planet, the Florida Keys. The people who live down here are a little "different," shall we say. Which is probably why I love it so much.

You can't see me, right?

This is a Knight Anole, a lizard native to Cuba, but now found in many areas of south Florida. He (she?) is about 18" long.

His Majesty

Another shot of Lover Boy, this time reclining on his throne, fast asleep.

The Crow

I shot this photo in the parking lot of a Publix supermarket. He was about 60 feet away, and I just happened to have a short telephoto lens on the camera. I rolled down the window on the truck and took four quick shots. This was the best of the series, and was heavily cropped. The colors are striking, especially at full size.

Lover Boy

Lover Boy lives in our screened-in porch. He's a big boy, and still getting used to living in captivity, after living outdoors for most of his life. Presumably. We don't know for sure. But he lives here now.

Golden Silk Orb Weaver

This is a golden silk orb weaver. They're all over the place. When the sunlight hits their webs just right, you can see where they got the name - their silk glitters like gold. The big one is a female, the small one a male. He brings her food to eat, and in return, she sometimes eats him, too.

Blue Heron

This is a blue heron. It hangs around a local Florida canal, and has a wingspan of at least 7 feet. I took the photo with a telephoto lens, and it's heavily cropped, too.

Grady

Introducing Grady, a stray cat that drops by daily for some chow. He gets into a lot of fights, and has been bloodied more than a few times. He won't let you get very close to him, which is why this photo was taken through the window, with a telephoto lens.

My Name Is Old Glory

My Name is Old Glory

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over great institutes of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up! And see me!
I stand for peace - honor - truth and justice.
I stand for freedom
I am confident - I am arrogant
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners
My head is a little higher
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one.
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted - I am respected
I am revered - I am loved, and I am feared.
I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years:
Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy,
the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies andjungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal
New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.
And a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me.
I was there.
I led my soldiers - I followed them.
I watched over them.
They loved me.
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me,
and I was proud.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of
countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of
my country, and when it is by those
with whom I have served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch over the
uncharted new frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to
be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle,
When I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers,
And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving
mother at the graveside of her fallen son.
I am proud.
My name is Old Glory.
Dear God - Long may I wave.

-by Howard Schnauber