The Many Lakes of Lakeland, Florida

 

 

When you drive around Lakeland, you pass lots of lakes. The City of Lakeland says that there are a total of 38 named lakes within City limits, as well as numerous smaller lakes. Sizes among the 38 named lakes range from 2.5 acres (Lake Blanton) to 2,272 acres (Lake Parker) of which 17 are natural and 21 are man-made. Lake Parker is the large lake behind my condo development. Today I’m sharing a few photos of another lake I passed in my drives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kayaking at Kensington Metro Park, Michigan

 

 

Today’s photos are courtesy of Heather. My nephew James & his wife Heather went kayaking this last weekend at Kensington Metro Park, Milford, Michigan. Surrounding Kent Lake, the park covers 4,543 acres. It has wooded hilly terrain and surrounds 1,200-acre Kent Lake.

 

It’s a beautiful day in Michigan. Let’s go kayaking on Kent Lake with James & Heather.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 After the kayaking, Heather and James visited the Kensington Park Farm Center. There is a 150-year-old restored barn and lots of farm animals. Heather loved visiting the kid section with the little goats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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June Afternoon Sky

 

One day the clouds were so beautiful that I had to stop what I was doing and take photos. Sometimes the sky seems to reach all the way up to heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sunset on The Balcony

 

 At the end of a busy day, there's nothing better than a restful view of a soft sundown. Here are views from my balcony on that day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trees & Sky at The Condo

 

 

Today’s photos are more from the condominium grounds, with a viewpoint on the building next door. The grounds are kept beautifully, with grass cutting weekly. Grass grows year round in Florida, although very slowly in the winter. Between my building and the next is a nice walkway and lots of trees. Florida’s blue skies are really the norm. I hope you enjoy the photos. 

 

 

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Sunset in the Trees

 

Sometimes life gives us presents. We're in the right place at the right time. A colorful sunset in the trees was such a present. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida

 

Gardenia bushes typically thrive in USDA Growing Zones 8–11, requiring warm, humid climates, though some cold-hardy varieties like 'Frostproof' and 'Kleim's Hardy' can withstand Zone 7 winters. They prefer full sun to partial shade, acidic soil, and consistent moisture. In zones 6 or lower, they must be grown in containers and brought indoors. 

 

The gardenia bush in the garden in the center of my condo building has been blooming for the last five days.  It is so wonderful to open my front door and step out on the 2nd floor walkway with a view of flowers. It really makes your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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