My Mind's Eye

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Happy Gotcha Day for sweet niece Cali

Dear Auntie,

It’s hard to believe I’m celebrating my 2nd Gotcha’ Day on the Hill!

The Cat Distribution System knew exactly what they were doing when they delivered me here!

I’ve come a long way since the first day, and I have to thank my loving peeps & sweet brothers for making me feel loved.

When Mom picked me up and cradled me in her arms for the first time, I knew I was safe and instantly drifted off to sleep.

Love from your niece Cali

Cali you melted all our hearts for the very first M E O W

Love Auntie HiC

Friday, July 17, 2026

Nature and Feline Friday by Chelle our Belle

Nature Friday host LLB Gang

Featuring Chelle (a very good buddy to Kit and me aka HiC) and her 2 traveling buddies. I have permission from Chelle to use these photos but I gave everyone smiley faces. I wanted to show those who are not familiar with Banyan trees a reference for their size. Chelle (in the middle) is 5'5"

I found some info on the St. Pete Banyan trees below

The trees are a type of ficus called a Banyan. Based on their size these trees may look hundreds of years old, but in actuality those at North Straub Park are probably less than 100 years old. Native to India, a 4 foot tall banyan was imported to Florida in 1925 by auto tire businessman Harvey Firestone as a gift to Thomas Edison at his Fort Myers winter home. Edison, Firestone and Henry Ford were on a quest to find an alternative and less expensive source of natural rubber for use in making tires. Today that same tree has grown to over an acre in diameter!

In the US, banyans are found mostly in South Florida and Hawaii. The trees in St Pete are able to survive this far north because of the "peninsula effect" (the water surrounding Pinellas creates a temperate/sub tropical climate). There are other massive banyans by the Mirror Lake Library and in around the Bahama Shores neighborhood of South St Pete.

Exactly when these two trees started growing in North Straub Park remains a bit of a mystery but they certainly are impressive. There's a possible reference to one of them on a postcard from the 1930's. So while we don't really know exactly when or how they actually got there, over the years they've grown to be a terrific source of entertainment for kids and adults.

Chelle, my Belle, as always I thank you for taking time out of your fun weekend excursions to share so many lovely photos.😍💝

If you would like to read more about this amazing Banyan tree, click here