Today I’m sharing a stunning mural which really caught my eye. You can find these gorgeous monarch butterflies flying around pink flowers on a wall that separates Allan Kruger Park from the Lake Mirror Tower Apartments in Downtown Lakeland, Florida.
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Checking Out Almost Famous Chicken
Since my childhood, I’m been a big fan of fried chicken. Like many southern families, we ate quite a bit of fried food. My mother’s fried chicken is one of my favorite memories. As a senior, I grew up in a time where we ate homecooked food daily. Take out was unheard of. Going to a restaurant was a treat, and we sat at tables with cloth tableclothes.
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April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida
Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, Pacific Islands, and Australia. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus and John Ellis after Alexander Garden (1730–1791), a Scottish naturalist. Gardenia species typically grow as shrubs or small trees from 2 to 15 feet, however some species are more like ground cover. Gardenias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight In warm climates like Southern California or Florida. They need protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. They cannot survive deep freezes.
The weather here in central Florida has been beautiful, warm days with highs in the upper 80’s or low 90’s F. We’ve had no significant rain in the last week. Summer temperatures are here but the humidity hasn’t risen like summer.
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Azaleas in Bloom in Lakeland, Florida
Azaleas are native to Asia, Europe, and North America and are flowering shrubs within the Rhododendron genus. They are known for their vibrant blooms in spring and some varieties reblooming in fall. They come in both evergreen and deciduous forms. They generally thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. Some varieties are even cold-hardy enough to survive in zone 4. However, the ideal growing conditions include well-draining soil, partial shade, and a slightly acidic pH.
The weather here in central Florida can change overnight. We had beautiful, warm days at the beginning of the month with highs in the 90’s for several days. Then a front moved in from the north with cooler temperatures and rain.
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Golden Trumpet Trees Spring Blooms
Tropical Tabebuia trees
Common name(s): Golden trumpet tree
Family: Bignoniaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11
Origin: native to Central and South America
This last week I was surprised by the sudden blooms of bright yellow on trees in the neighborhood. I remembered them from last year. It reminds me of forsythia up north. One morning you wake up to an explosion of yellow blossoms throughout the neighborhood.. Tabebuias are from the West Indies, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Central America, but several species are very well adapted to South Florida. I am thrilled to find the golden beauties around me. Since they are tropical plants, they WON’T SURVIVE HARD FREEZES.
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Christmas Decorations at My Condo Building
Last January I sold my house and closed on a condominium in Lakeland, Florida. (For those of you who are not familiar with the term: A condominium, or condo, is a residential property complex with multiple units that are individually owned, but where the owners also share ownership of common areas.)
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AstroKnights Mural,Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland, Florida, is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, I’m sharing a bright, colorful mural called AstroKnights by C. Stanley Creative. The mural is on the exterior walls of South Florida Gun & Pawn Shop at 844 South Florida Avenue. The owner of the Gun & Pawn Shop requested a bright, fantasy themed piece featuring a knight of some sort.
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Lake View & Flowers
Today I’m sharing two of my favorite things: a beautiful blue sky with puffy white clouds and pretty flowers in bloom. I hope your day is also beautiful.
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