Aloha to Florida - Philippe Park in Pinellas County

I enjoyed an early morning power walk through Philippe Park. From its website (link),

Philippe Park was acquired in 1948, making it the oldest park in the county. This historically rich park bears the name of Count Odet Philippe who introduced citrus culture to Florida. The existing park property was part of the original Philippe plantation from which several citrus trees still remain.

This is the first time I've seen these flowers ... 

... and this bird! Do you have any unusual flora or fauna near you?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, Auguts 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

This house backs up to Philippe Park ...
 and it is rumored to be owned by John Travolta.

Aloha to Florida - Oldsmar's Fishing Pier

We took an evening stroll through Oldsmar.  From the Oldsmar Library website (link),

The City of Oldsmar sits on the Eastern edge of Pinellas County at the Northern end of Tampa Bay. A charming town with lovely oaks and beautifully planted medians, it is like a breath of fresh air in the midst of Pinellas County, the most densely populated county in the State of Florida.

There were only a handful of settlers in the area in 1913 when Ransom Eli Olds decided to purchase 37,541 acres on the northern tip of Tampa Bay from Richard Peters in what is the present day Oldsmar. At the age of 52, the inventor of the Oldsmobile and REO cars embarked on a grand undertaking, turning the untamed land in northern Tampa Bay into a bustling community.

We walked onto the pier for the sunset that hid behind the clouds.

We met these happy Boston terriers on the pier.

Oldsmar salutes its veterans who defended this way of life.

Oldsmar salutes its veterans who defend this way of life.  Do you have a pier near you?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City