(Well, all trips come to an end, and as I now post the last entry, I say farewell to Costa Rica -- for now....) This was our first "proper" trip to a place south of Texas (a couple cruise vacation stops don't count, now matter how adventurous we may have been).

(Costa Rica is months ago, but I am determined to have it stay in the forefront of my mind by spacing out blog posts!) We've moved from the very comfortable surroundings near Manuel Antonio and traded them for a cabin about 1 1/2 hours north along the coast outside the small town of Tárcoles.

Raúl, our naturalist guide from the previous day, pointed out a particularly melodic trill from the Clay-colored Robin. Based on the song, one would understandably expect to see a stunner of a bird especially since it is the national bird of Costa Rica, yet the species is quite true to its common name with dull, brownish coloring, but at least sporting a regal shape.

I know the early bird gets the first worm, but I don't like worms and I'm far more of a cocktail hour birder, enjoying nature as it settles in for the night after which I can settle in for dinner.

I had no idea what the problem was until lovely husband inquired "Did you just swallow that moth I brushed out of my way?"

Light on words, heavy on images for this post. Some snaps from our recent trip to Utah - 5 days spent within 2 hours of Salt Lake City. Stunning place with such diverse landscapes, flora and fauna!

She’s curvy, a little plump but firm, glossy and warm after a day of sun bathing. High-paid executives may seek out the trophy wife, but for the gardener it is the tomato that fills our dreams.

We just can’t stay off the boat.  Last Friday, a lovely summer day, we were back on board the American Princess anticipating fun and marine adventure.

I'm able play dress up (or more accurately, dress down) and pretend at my little urban farm in Brooklyn, growing some of my own food, and nurturing my ever-increasing respect for those who actually farm for a living.

I have seen the enemy and it has compound eyes and six legs. Right now, a war is on against a few members of the class Insecta. This crafty enemy is armed with efficient mouth parts and, shall we say, energetic reproductive systems. I am outgunned.

To know me is to know I love nature, particularly birds, and especially ducks. Of all our dabblers and divers, my favorite remains the very common Mallard. Few things bring me as much joy and peace as watching the birds we grew up toddling after at a local duck pond. So you can imagine my bliss when we spotted 10 freshly-hatched ducklings at my wonderful workplace, Queens Botanical Garden.