The Colors of Spring

 In the fields, gardens, parks and yards brilliant colors of

flowers now catch the eye of the casual wanderer.  They give

reason for one to slow down and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

In the words of the poet Leigh Hunt; "Colors are the smiles of nature."

Let Spring Begin

                            

                        

                                                                 

Dreams Made of Sand

 ~  Sandlantis  ~

From across the country sand artists again converged on Florida's Treasure Island.

A vivid imagination, a lot of sand and water were combined by these sculpting

masters as they created unique works of art.  While their works erode and stand 

for too short a time, they spark the imagination, bring on a smile and reflect the

 passing dreams of every child who ever sat on the beach with a sand pail and shovel. 

Castle in the Sand

Neptune's Organ

The Whale Wash

Fresh Fish

Jelly Girl Shelly

The Joust

    " Dreams are made of sand and sun "  

                                                     ........ unknown

Holiday Lights In The Gardens

As the sun set beyond the towering palms, the evening dusk beautifully accented the glow

of Holiday Lights in Florida's Botanical Gardens.  Soft chords of a seasonal soundtrack

added to the enchanted setting as one wandered along glowing paths, captivated by the

subtle beauty of radiant palms, glittering bushes and a few beaming critters.

Natural beauty and the magic of the season can make the spirit bright! 

                                                                           

                           

Remembering Sgt. Reckless .... A Marine Veteran

"She wasn't a horse ... She was a Marine"

                                        ----  Unknown Marine Veteran

As we honor the many veterans who served our country in times of need, a
special Marine whose undaunted courage saved lives and whose unique
character captivated the troops deserves our salute.

 Sgt. Reckless was a two-year-old mare when brought into the Korean War to help

 supply front line Marines.  In one of her finest hours, alone, she made countless treks 

  through intense live enemy fire for five days, carrying needed ammunition to isolated, 

   besieged  troops and carrying wounded Marines to safety.  Later, she was also wounded. 

 

She not only earned the respect of those serving with her, they also enjoyed her
company as she’d join them for chow and for a beer when off-duty.  This Marine
was officially inducted into the Corp. and was the recipient of various military honors. 

 

Today, Sgt. Reckless is honored by six monuments in locations across the country.
Pictured is that at Florida’s World Equestrian Center.      

Read more about Sgt. Reckless .... click here 

and

Watch a video about Sgt. Reckless ...click here

Saludo Cristobal Colon !!

"You can never cross the ocean unless you

have the courage to lose sight of the shore."

                                                                                                           ---- Christopher Columbus

In Parque d' Colon in Santo Domingo, DO an impressive monument depicts

Christopher Columbus who first set foot on this island in 1492.  He is celebrated

 today as the courageous explorer who connected the old world with the new. 

Saludo Cristobal Colon !!

The World Equestrian Center ... in Florida

 Florida's horse country includes many renowned breeding farms in the area around Ocala. 

It is viewed as rivaling the Lexington, KY area in the fostering of champions.

The World Equestrian Center is a vast, recently opened complex which has brought 

worldwide attention to Ocala.  It is the largest and most complete equestrian complex in the country.

The equestrian center's elegant five star, 248 room hotel, its' varied culinary options and unique

boutiques welcome those in the equine industry as well as curious visitors.  The nearly 3000-acre 

complex has over 2100 climate controlled stalls, wash racks in each barn and 21 indoor and outdoor 

arenas for practice and championship exhibitions.  It is truly an impressive complex!

~~~~~~~<O>~~~~~~

While the center’s facilities are quite impressive, time spent wandering through arenas

and stables offers a behind-the-scenes view of the equine world.  Beautifully groomed 

Paso Fino* horses are seen comfortably resting before their “show time” while grooms

 shampoo others and a farrier works to refit a mare’s shoes, assuring a perfect gait. 

 

 ~~~~~~<O>~~~~~~

    In the week-long Paso Fino Grand National Show hosted by the center, girls ages 7 to 9 competed in the Pleasure Class Performance / sub-juniors event.  They were masters at controlling their beautiful mounts through a series of intricate movements directed by a caller while maintaining the poise and manner of true pros.  Bravo!       

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* The Paso Fino breed was introduced into the Western Hemisphere by Christopher Columbus and 

Ponce de Leon.  They're considered native to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.  It is an adaptable, 

 intelligent breed equally at home on the range or in an arena.  They have a natural, unique gait

  with a rapid, unbroken rythm that results in a smooth ride without "bounce". 

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