sand

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Tread softly…

Tread softly is not just a warning about this plant that when touched will cause a burning rash. This plant too was on the restored dune area of the Lauderdale by the Sea beach. The pretty white flowers betray it’s named warning; Tread softly (Cnidoscolus stimulosus). I would suggest tread away from any patches of this plant; another reason to stay on established pathways.

Macro photo of the pretty little white Tread Softly flower. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

The prickly bristles are evident here; strongly suggesting I avoid touching. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Not an area to walk in. Note the dangerous Tread Softly with clusters of even sharper Beach Star plants. Not all the danger is found in the ocean’s waters. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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Barefooters beware…

One of my favorite beach areas is the established dunes in north Lauderdale by the Sea. Previous posts have shown some of the diversity of plants thriving in this small area. However, if you are barefoot on your walk when you reach this area I strongly suggest you put your sandals or flip-flops on to walk through this vegatation. My first time there I thought I could see where to safely step without pricking my feet on the Beach Star (Cyperus pedunculatus)’s spikey leaves. However, new sprouts are very tiny and easily hidden with blown sand; but when stepped upon it’s prick is quite obvious. This tiny plant packs a painful warning; stay on the paths and wear your shoes so you help protect the dunes.

Natural dune protector. Beach Star plants of various sizes, each packing a painful punch when stepped upon. This one, like most are mostly hidden from blown sand. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Some among many. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Some of the Beach Star are large enough to be seen and avoided. But if you look carefully there are many tiny new plants acting as guardians of the Dune. Happy Earth Day. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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Sun on the beach…

This bit of sunshine is the Dune Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) found on the sandy bank just off the beach in front of Sea Watch restaurant, Lauderdale by the Sea. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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Bright growth amongst the arid…

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) close-up view. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

CLICK this image to read more information on the Purslane. This cluster was on the beach side of Sea Watch restaurant in Lauderdale by the Sea,a Florida. BOTH places I heartily recommend. Copyrightberg

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Honing my skills…

I realize that each painting I’ve done has a different feel to them. It also seems that while I try to pick a scene that’s simple so my work will be less, in reality EVERYTHING has detail. Never thought I’d spent HOURS on clouds. The challenge of painting continues to be fun, so I’ll keep on keeping on. Here’s painting number three, the last one from my classes. Actually, I only began it during my last class so have replied on my husband’s critiquing to help me make decisions during the way.

As always, I’m more than ready to hear your opinions.

The scene is looking South to Anglin’s Pier in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida. I included Pelicans, a favorite for me. Can you find the “heart”? Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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A Daddy’s excitement…

Ahh…….this man in the dark trunks made this to welcome his daughter’s visit to him!

Dad’s welcome for daughter, Sammy Joe. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

All the details included. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Lovely love! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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Tropical sunlight and shadow…

Lovely palm, with sunlight creating detail in the leaves; outside entrance to the Bonnett House, Ft. Lauderdale. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Shadows of the palm in the surrounding sand. Strong sunlight yields strong shadows. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

Details in the tropical shadows. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg

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Durable, beneficial, loveliness…

This delicate bloom can withstand the harsh shoreline environment including winds and waters. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg

This delicate bloom can withstand the harsh shoreline environment including winds and waters. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg

Time on the beach, for me, includes checking out the plants on the inland edges. My newness to the area had me assuming that this thick, prolific mass was native to the area. Closer study has taught me this is not the case.

Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is the African relative of Florida’s native Coco Plum. Both species live on the sandy shores. Both have edible plum-like fruits. Natal Plums’s invasive character includes spine tipped leaves which are oft overlooked with focus going to their graceful year-long blooming white flowers and reddish fruit.

After flowering the Natal Plum fruits emerge here, still too unripe for eating. The “plum” is the only non-poisonous part of the Natal Plum. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg

Ready to eat Natal Plum. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg

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Change of pace

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Playtime on Lauderdale by the Sea’s beach in Florida. Copyrght 2017 Pamela Breitberg

Who knew?

January

Here is SUN and SAND and SALTWATER.

Who knew?

January

doesn’t have to mean SNOW and COLD.

Here a beach tractor raking the sand

Replaces the snow plows in the streets of Chicago.

Here families and couples wear light clothing as they play at the ocean’s edge

Forgetting the boots, coats, mittens and hats required for snowmen building and sledding.

Who knew?

January

Here is SUN and SAND and SALTWATER.

Beach is raked each morning, as an ecologically friendly way to "pretty" up last night's high tide's treasures. My goal is to walk the beach to treasure hunt for shells and coral before they are hidden under the sand.

The beach is raked each morning, as an ecologically friendly way to “pretty” up last night’s high tide’s treasures. My goal is to walk the beach to treasure hunt for shells and coral before they are hidden under the sand. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg

 

Early morning family play while a couple take a selfie to remember their date on the beach. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg