Bobcats

 

Bobcats are nocturnal and quite wary of humans.  I saw them in the distance in a spot too dark for a good photograph.  They spotted me and ran into the underbrush.  I walked to the place where they disappeared and waited quietly.  Soon, they came out, one at a time.  After checking me out, they went on their way.

No Kings

 Naples had a big turnout for its "No Kings" protests yesterday at the Collier County Government Center.

I have seen estimates that 5,000 people turned out.  That is very good in a red city in a red county in a red state, and before most of the snowbirds have returned from up north. 

Banyan Tree

A lot on a very busy street is being cleared to build a car wash business.  Now that the foreground has been cleared, a lush banyan tree at the rear of the lot is visible. 

I imagine the new business will once again block the visibility of this tree.  

At minimum, I hope the tree is preserved and guarded from encroachment.

Posh

 

A white Rolls Royce convertible was parked in front of a posh restaurant and hotel on Naples' poshest street.

Back in Florida

 

I saw great blue herons recently in Burgundy.  Then I saw them when I got back to Connecticut.  It is comforting to know that they are still down here in Naples, Florida, too.

America 250

 On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Ridgefield, Connecticut, has a committee that is promoting yearlong discussions, lectures and other activities in support of America 250.  I saw these mailboxes wrapped with America 250 signage at the home of Ridgefield's First Selectman (the equivalent of a mayor in this town's government).

Back to Naples, Florida.  I hope I have a Florida image by tomorrow.

Scarecrows

 

Ridgefield loves celebrations.  This month, scarecrows are decorating lamp posts along Main Street.

Some businesses like a hair and nail salon, a jeweler and a restaurant have scarecrows in front.

Some public schools sponsor scarecrows.  This one is by Branchville Elementary School.

Some families join the fun and put up their own scarecrows.

Community organizations like the Lion Club, the library, Ridgefield Playhouse and an animal rescue organization have scarecrows.

And, a civic-spirited orthodontist who supports just about every activity in town put up a scarecrow with the message "Wear your retainer!"