Naples Pier

It ended up not being much of a sunset.  But, the sight of
the setting sun through the pier's supports was nice.

It will be a relief to put 2020 behind us, won't it?

Wishes for a Happy New Year are meant even more for 2021 than usual.

A Found Ball

Many golf balls roll into the water, or the palmettos, or the other hazards at my golf course.

When searching for a stray ball, one sometimes finds balls lost by other golfers.  Golfers often mark their balls to identify them.  Like this one.

River Otter

He stared at me for quite a while, surprised that I had entered what he thought was a perfect hiding place. 

Marvin D. Rouse

In an industrial area in North Naples, I came across a colorful mural by Marvin D. Rouse behind a building, with tables, chairs and umbrellas in front.

Monday Mural.

The Windblown Look

 

They are usually so well-groomed.

Great blue heron.

Great White Egret

 I stepped on a branch and scared it into flight.  But I was ready.

Merry Christmas

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Naples, Florida.

Victoria Park

 

The Victoria Park neighborhood in Naples has a strong tradition of Christmas lighting and decorations.

I visited a few nights ago.  The streets were clogged with cars driving slowly through.  I used my iPhone.

Christmas Tree

 Thinking back on the one 2020 trip, to Cape Cod.  This was in Eastham.

Merry Christmas!

Mediterrano

 This restaurant on 13th Avenue South is regularly ranked as the best al fresco dining in Naples and has been listed among the best al fresco dining in America.  The plantings are always amazing, and they don't hold back for the holidays.

A Carol Sing

Socially distanced, of course.  On a chilly night -- for Florida, at least -- in Cambier Park in Olde Naples, just south of Fifth Avenue South.  Hint:  most of these carols could be sung quicker.  They aren't dirges.

You've Got to Scratch Where it Itches

 Heron.

Nutcrackers

I have a thing for nutcrackers.

Reflection

 Does anyone else like reflections?

Weekend Reflections.

Beachfront

No, I don't live here.

Humane Society of Naples

 Making it easy to adopt a rescue.

The Beach

 .Pretty nice down here.

The Girl with the Button Earring

 The Aldo Castillo Gallery on Fifth Avenue South is stunning.

This girl is made from handcrafted buttons.  Wow!

Augusto Esquivel (2019).

Gopher Tortoise

 It is hard to figure out how some animals find mates.

It's Not My Fault

 I didn't name the fishing supply shop.

C-Level

 A very fine restaurant on Bonita Beach Road is a vision in blue.

Turkey Vulture

 

Maybe not a beauty, but the work they do is necessary.

Alan, Beata and Laura

 While on Fifth Avenue South last weekend, I ran into Alan, who does yoga, and Beata and Laura, who are two of the three members of the women's Latin dance troupe, Flodivanas.

Beata and Alan are a couple.

I liked Laura two ways.

The ladies told me Alan can stand on his hands, so he showed me.

Fifth Avenue South

 Last weekend I visited Naples' leading street, Fifth Avenue South.

There was a small and lightly attended show of cars sponsored by the local Porsche club.

There was an art show with just a fraction of the usual number of exhibitors and shoppers.  The exhibitors' tents were well spaced apart and "wear a mask" signs were everywhere.

High end art galleries and restaurants were open and decorated for Christmas, but customers were rare.

It is a terrible time to be a merchant of any kind.

An Anhinga Glides in for the Landing . . .

 . . . and puts on the brakes!

A Cormorant Accelerates . . .

. . . and takes off.

Night Lights

 Naples Botanical Garden's annual holiday event began in late November and runs into January.