Deer Run on the Atlantic

06/09/2026

Earlier this morning, scientists from a northern Florida science center conducting geological surveys came out and retrieved pressure sensors that were deployed offshore here last year. They were here at a lower tide, that probably helped them out a bit. Sensors were deployed in several locations in Keys waters and are now being collected. I’m not completely certain all the uses the data might provide, but I think improving forecasting is on the list. In other locations, apparently a few were not able to be located maybe either silted over too much or perhaps moved despite being set on extremely heavy bases. Sadly, no amount of diving could locate them. Nothing earthly can overcome the power of the ocean. Throughout our well over 20 years here we have, at times, been contacted by researchers for access and information, we always respond affirmatively to help them. Maybe because of what happened out here with hurricane Irma it makes this area of more particular use for study (I’d sure agree with that), but I don’t know. I think one of the real perks of living here is being able to help others help others. Not sure how long it will take for the data to be analyzed and reported on, but we have asked for results to be shared whenever that may be.

06/08/2026

Its nice to have something so sweet to share with you. Ozzy’s (formerly Cosmo) mom shared this photo with me. He’s adjusting so well in his furever, and although there are still spats here and there, he and his soul brother are definitely establishing a connection. After all he went through, seeing pictures of him and hearing snippets of stories is a breath of fresh air. If you have positive circumstances for fostering, I urge you to do so. Ozzy is alive and able to live his best life only because we fostered, that’s a fact. I can’t save them all, but for the ones I can, I’m going to. 🖤🐾🐈‍⬛

06/07/2026

Phantom. Around here, he will be known as Phantom. Deb Wilson …. Thank you, one never knows when inspiration will strike. Despite my current sea of grief, Phantom provides some balm for my battered soul. To see someone who is so content and appreciative of such simple things like a soft place to sleep, gentle pets, and calm instead of chaos is indeed soothing for me too. I don’t know how long he has, but whatever it may be, Phantom will be safe, nurtured and loved. And… on the slight chance that someone out there might want to adopt this beautiful elder, you can still contact the Florida Keys SPCA Marathon campus and discuss. His shelter name will still be Buster. 🤍🖤

06/06/2026

I know life will never be the same, but we are expected to keep going even after catastrophic loss. To that end, we are hospice fostering Buster. After I spotlighted him for you, I learned he has 2 serious illnesses which will accelerate his decline. He will not have a lot of time left and it was unlikely anyone was going to step up as an adopter. He deserves to know love and comfort. Not that the Florida Keys SPCA wouldn’t do their best, but I feel he needed more. As I’m writing this, I’m with him on my comfy bed watching him sleep. We have an extra wide set of stairs at the foot of the bed which the other happy vegan built to help Pink Moon. Buster took right to them, although he can still make a jump. Pink is not happy but progress has been made regarding her attitude and they’re both here with me, just 2 feet apart. I’m going to be renaming him, I feel like Buster just doesn’t suit this oh so gentle elder. He’s been purring non stop since his arrival. He is very low maintenance, enjoys quiet, catnip bananas and snuggles. These elder cats really get to me. As much as I say over and over how much I’d love to someday bring a kitten into my life, it may never happen as old souls keep falling in and out of my life. 🖤🤍🐾

06/06/2026

Once there was a tree… 🧡🧡🧡🥭🥭🥭

06/05/2026

I’ve spent the last day thinking about Jim. My friend. Our friend. A friend to so many. As the hours go by, the reality of his passing is setting in harder and harder. He has been to Deer Run more times than I can count. I see his presence in glimpses right now… waving as he arrives and gets out of the car, sitting in a chair on the beach, walking through the door for supper. It just can’t be real that he’s gone. I have lost parents, a sibling, VIP friends and so many animals. This is hitting differently. I’ve begun writing a tribute about Jim for Save-A-Turtle, and then I’ll write my own to share with you. I never thought the last time I saw Jim would be the last time I’d see Jim. Here’s a pic of Jim on the seaplane on the way to the Tortugas. You can’t see it but in one hand is his clicker which he used to count how many sea turtles he’d see from the air. He was expert at spotting them. We’d compare our counts after every trip.

06/04/2026

We are devastated to share with you that our dearest friend, and a truly great human, Jim Gamlin has passed away. I’ll write a tribute worthy of him soon, but for now, there’s this. This was one of the few true and authentic friendships in my life, built on respect, admiration and love. Many of you have met him, read his books, or knew of him. Jim was like no other. Absolutely irreplaceable. A very thoughtful person who was exceptionally generous with his knowledge, his time and also with his money for causes. There is a hole in my life, and the lives of so many others, that will never be repaired. I learned so much from him. I’m honestly just crushed, as I know so many others are. A quality man of conviction, honor, loyalty and love. You are so loved Jim. 💔

06/03/2026

I’m driving so much extra lately, fawns seem to be everywhere. Please drive with extra care. The fawn shown in this picture had the zoomies IN the street! Back and forth so many times, leaping and prancing. Mommy was right there watching but her baby would have been in imminent danger if a car whipped around that curve. I waited way back with my flashers on for almost 5 minutes until the fawn ran back into the scrub. She is so beautiful and I hope she has a long, happy, healthy life.

06/03/2026

In my travels today I saw a raised flower bed with this riot of color. Reminds me of black eyed Susans, another favorite of mine. 💛 🖤

06/03/2026