Courtyard

This apartment entrance is located just a couple blocks from Jax Beach Pier. I loved it because it has more of a European flavor, the entrances to the apartments quietly tucked away in the corners of the courtyard. Very different from the run-down beach houses that often line those first few streets along the ocean. There's also an hibiscus bush on the left side of the courtyard...more on that tomorrow.

This is, Unbelievably...

...someone's backyard. Located in the heart of Jax Beach, this person has mastered the fine art of no maintenance, a sort of wild-state park look. The plant and animal life around here is one of the reasons I love my home so much. Yes, it's a little swampy, and, yes, it's a fairly buggy, but it's also incredibly beautiful.

Interesting Lines

I found this palm tree in a neighbor's yard, and I thought the fronds looked interesting against the cloudy sky.

Ft. Lauderdale

I've returned from my weekend in Ft. Lauderdale, and, as promised, have a few pictures to share. This is what I've been up to the last few days, away from home:

This shot was taken at Dania Beach. I love south Florida because surrounding all the plant life are sea grapes. My husband, who is a native of Ft. Lauderdale, says that sea grapes are south Florida's answer to the palmetto bush, but I think they're lovely.

A cool building located in historic Hollywood, just south of Ft. Lauderdale.

For some reason, I loved this phone booth. Still standing, though it's usefulness is obviously long passed. Now it's just a piece of art, a statement of times gone by.

I can't end this post without a photo of my home town, Jax Beach. So, here you go:

This is a Chinese Fan Palm. I liked the way it created a border between me and the birdbath behind.

Lee's Ice Cream

Lee's Ice Cream is a very cool, vintage ice cream parlor in the entertainment district of Atlantic Beach. Located just a few blocks from the ocean, this is a great place to go get a cool treat and enjoy the amazing weather we've been getting!

For those who have been dropping by, I am going to be down in Ft. Lauderdale the next few days. Unfortunately, I won't be able to post while down there, but I will take some awesome pictures which I will share with you when I return. See you next week!

Shadow of a Palm

This photo, again, was taken in old Atlantic Beach. This is the beach access, and these palms line the brick road up to the sand.

Our rainy days have passed and we've been getting some amazing weather. This is the season when it's not uncommon to see pedestrians and cyclists out in board shorts and bathing suits. It's a very lazy and slow time of year.

Brick Leaf

This is part of the same road in yesterday's post of old Atlantic Beach. I don't know what it is about brick roads that I love so much. It certainly isn't the practicality. But they do have a certain charm that asphalt just can't rival.

I'm posting this in honor of Monochrome Monday. Go check out some other great shots!

Walk of Palms

This is the entertainment district in Atlantic Beach. I love this part of town, the brick sidewalks and roads, the palm trees, and the stores and restaurants. Just beyond this walk is a beach access. It's a great place to ride your bike, and there are plenty of stores and coffee shops to hang out in.

Local Artist

A local artist paints at a coffee shop.

Palm

Unfortunately, I'm not terribly sure what kind of palm we're looking at. My best guess is Dwarf Umbrella Palm. Can anyone confirm this?

Happy weekend everyone!