SOME APRIL PHOTO SAMPLES

Delaney has introduced a cat to the house and she appears willing to take over. She seems to pay no mind to Dewey's growls and would rather play with Molly than any toy she might have. Here are a few pictures of the animal house.

A RARE FLORIDA SIGHTING

When I go on my route around the neighborhood I like to take some pictures of the wildlife and different things I may see along the way. Usually I'll get a decent picture of some things that you would ordinarily see on the ponds around here like cranes, ducks or alligators, etc.

Today, I got a rare treat. I was able to take a picture of something you used to see all the time in Florida. But in the last few years the opportunity to see them in the wild has become more rare. Now I admit, there have been times when I thought I saw one but the moment was fleeting and I really couldn't be sure. Today I had my phone with me and was able to snap a couple of pictures. These are not the best pictures that could have been taken but I dared not get too close for fear that they may be scared away.

Because these have become so rare in Florida in recent years I believe they have protective status so I wanted to enjoy the sight but not take the chance that they would not come back. The positive thing regarding their preservation is that these two appeared to be in some type of reproductive dance or positioning. We can only hope that their spawn will flourish in these parts. Most of us would like to see them spread from the Tampa area to all of Florida.

I hope you enjoy the picture that I did get so that you too can pass the word that they do exist and they will be making a comeback right here in Florida.

MANAGING MEMBER

As the newly installed Managing Member of ELTEDE, LLC I thought it would be appropriate at this time to make a few announcements. As you may know there have been a few changes here lately and I thought it would be appropriate to let everyone in on what I have been thinking and acting on.  Most of these relate to sports in general but to life in particular (pretty deep, huh).

1. As a matter of public safety I will no longer be picking football games for this season after February 6th. This is being done for the good of anyone who might think I have any idea of what I am doing with these picks but mostly because the season will be over.
2. I will not be making a pick for the Pro Bowl game. Sorry.
3. Anything I say in this blog regarding the selection of any team in an NFL playoff game should be taken with a grain of salt. Hasn't it become obvious that I don't get it.
4. Starting Monday I will be officially looking forward to baseball. Maybe I'll even give my take on the off-season activity.

With that being said I need to make my picks for this week's Conference Championship. I'll try not to give too much analysis with these, but here goes without point spreads.

NFC Championship. Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears.
I like Green Bay. Both of these teams have some holes but I think Green Bay pulls it off.

AFC Championship. New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers.
Although I'd like to see a Super Bowl between two of the great dynasty teams I think the Jets will pull this one out. Defensively the Jets should wear down the Steelers injured offensive line and the Jets also have a way of looking like hell for long periods on offense and then pulling out a clutch performance in the end to get a win. So, begrudgingly. I will pick the Jets but cheer for the Steelers.

Good luck everyone, stay healthy so the Super Bowl will be entertaining and remember that there are now just over twenty days until pitchers and catchers report.