Category Archives: Tampa

Seffner sinkholes

Seffner is finally on the map and known worldwide… Now it is fallin’ in!

It is devastating what happened to the man who lived on Faithway Drive in Seffner. No one would have ever predicted someone would die due to a sinkhole.

Another sinkhole formed over the weekend in a parking lot in Pinellas County – just across the bridge from Tampa.  It made the news.  Well, if you blinked you would have missed the story.

But now a third hole has formed in my little town of Seffner and everyone is in a panic.

Sinkholes are not rare.  Here in Florida we live above an aquifer – or at least that is what I was told many years ago by someone who should know what he was talking about. Google it and you can probably see why a sinkhole could possibly form.  We build homes, roads, parking lots, shopping malls, you name it, all above this aquifer.  I’m not saying it is right or wrong, it is just a fact.  Another  fact is that Florida has 100000000s of sinkholes.  Ok, maybe not 100000000/ of them, but A LOT!  Google that too and you will see the numbers.  Now the world knows that Florida has a sinkhole ‘problem’ and everyone is freaking out.

But why live in fear or panic?   Doesn’t every area of the world have some sort of natural disaster which could cause death and destruction?   Tornadoes.  Monsoons.  Earthquakes.  Hurricanes.  Blizzards.  Now add sinkholes to the list.  Is there any place in the world that is untouched by Mother Nature?  Where ya gonna go? 

I will take my sunshine state and just hope my world doesn’t cave in too soon or blow away this 
summer. 

I also hope the insurance companies aren’t watching the news.

My thoughts are with the family and anyone affected by these tragedies.  

UPDATE:  I just read an article where the brother stated he felt rescue workers could have done more…. Seriously?  They saved YOUR life.   That sinkhole was a very unique situation.  The first responders, and everyone who assisted later, did the best they could do and I’m thankful they are here for all of us.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinkhole

Divide and conquer in the garden

In April 2012 I bought two pots of these colorful foliage plants. I wish I could remember the name of the plant right now but I can’t…Anyhoo, at that time I divided the two full pots into about 15 or so plants. They’ve had all summer to grow and multiply so today I divided three of the established plants and now have a total of 24. Tomorrow I’m gonna divide more into the other garden. What a deal. 🙂

See the larger plant. In the back? I have many more outside of photo range that are my future dividing targets.

Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds at Clearwater Jazzfest

http://www.sistersparrow.com/
I spent today in Clearwater with thousands of my friends.  Not really my friends but we all had something in common.  We were there to enjoy the music.  I also wanted to try and relax a bit.
It was a beautiful, sunny day.  Not a cloud in the sky.  I could have used a few clouds or an umbrella but with the bullfrog and hat, I survived. 
The sun started going down around the same time this fabulous band, took the stage.  I saw SS about 18 months ago or so at Skipper’s Smokehouse.  They opened for another famous band but after seeing them rock the stage, I left after the headliner played a few songs.  I couldn’t wait to get the CD into the car player. 
I’ve been following SS ever since and have promoted them to everyone I think would enjoy their sound and energy.  Yes, I did miss the  Tampa show two weeks ago but dang, it was day 3 of my surgery and I wasn’t leaving the house. 
They continue to be one of my favorite bands and their music is in constant rotation on my ipods and Pandora, yes, I created a Sister Sparrow Channel. 

It’s a family affair.  That’s her cousin on drums.  So much talent in this band.

too bad blogger’s new and improved software still doesn’t give you the option of rotating a photo… above is her brother and he can play the harp.  boy, can he play the harp!  Below are more of the dirty birds.

 I am looking forward to the next show.  Soon please. 

the apartment in madrid – a few folks have asked so here’s a few shots

me doing what i do best – researching the places to go next!  wi-fi thanks to the neighbors but that will soon be a thing of the past.

bedroom.  we finally got the lights to work.

to the left of the sofa.  3rd floor apartment with fun street action below. I guess I should have shot a few pics outside the window.  Next time.  Soon.

Across from the sofa and entry to bedroom.  Sparse but what more do you need for a rental?  It was perfect for us.  I’m looking forward to a return trip soon.

Bathroom to the right with a shower that reminded me of the stalls found on the cruise ship.  Kitchen table to the left. Kitchen to the right past the bath.  Doorway into the foyer and stairwell.

 Bathroom with washing machine.  Perfect for this back-pack traveller.

Kitchen.  Small fridge to the right under the counter.  Don’t need anything more since there are so many cafes and bars steps away.