ANOTHER SIGN OF THE TIMES

This is a shot of The Las Olas Riverfront project. It is a complex of theaters, restaurants, and retail shops. It is also in bankruptcy. While the economy contributed to it's demise, it was not the only factor. If it were located a mere two blocks east, it would be located in an area that is thriving. Location, location, location! It may well have been the jewel in revitalization undertaking instead of a parking garage which seems to be it's future. As Joni Mitchell said, "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."

THEME DAY - TIME

WELL, IT'S ABOUT TIME!Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

GREAT PIPES

I was sitting around the house the other day, moving a little slow after Thursday's delectables, when I heard this heavenly sound coming from outside. Employing my cat-like reflexes, I was able to get a shot of this bird. I'm not sure what kind he is but he sure can sing. My staff was no help, the often mistake a sparrow for a penguin.

FIND THE HIDDEN TURKEY

Showing the Thanksgiving Manatee is like going to grandma's house for dinner. OK! So you never met my grandmother. Regardless, best wishes for a joyous holiday to all of you in the blogosphere.

GREEN BEFORE IT WAS POPULAR

Let's try something different today. Let's play, "Find The Lizard." If you find him, you will win a free quote on your auto insurance.

HE MAY SMELL BUT HE HAS NICE SHOES

Most people think our alligators are only in the Everglades;not true. They frequent many urban areas and have been known to frequent many of our local watering holes. The problem with gators is that they don't know when they have had too much to drink. They get a "snoot full" and then they tend to lose their snoot (or snout). Take this fellow, he must have had more than his share and voila, missing snoot. Gators don't know when to say when!

SCHOOL'S OUT

This is a fish just standing on the side of the road, minding his own business. An unusual sight, to be sure, for an urbanite such as myself. Being acquainted with the pulse of the city, I knew enough not to go up and ask him why he was standing there. Fish don't like to be confronted out of their element. Then I saw the school bus approaching, and it all began to make sense.

EARLY TREE HUGGER

I came across this mural on a house just the other day. I fail to get the symbolism. Feel free to decipher the hidden meaning.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Seriously now! Do you really need another reason NOT to pick-up hitchhikers?

THE ALLURE OF THE SEAS

This is THE ALLURE OF THE SEAS. Click this link to see all that she has to offer, should you be interested. This is a shot of her arrival in Fort Lauderdale a couple of days ago on her maiden voyage. She is the largest cruise ship in the world. The Allure takes the title from her sister ship, THE OASIS OF THE SEAS, that debuted here last year. You may click this link to see a video of the two ships side by side. I don't have the photographer's name who deserves credit for this shot. Whether you are a "cruiser" or not, it is a beautiful sight!

I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE, SOMEONE IS WATCHING ME...

Do you ever have a feeling you can't shake. That very strange sensation that someone is watching you. You turn quickly and look around but, nothing. Yet the felling will not leave you. Somebody is looking! But, where?

TURNAROUND IS FAIR PLAY

I pulled into a gas station the other day to fill up. I saw this fellow just standing there, so I went over to see if he needed some assistance. He just kept mumbling something about a trade. At first, I thought he was enamored with he new staff car which was gathering more than a few stares:He kept saying , "trade?" I told him the car was still in a trial period, so technically, it wasn't mine to trade. "No," he grumbled. "Not car, I trade you pumpkin for Manhattan." After considerable thought, I agreed. He has taken possession of Manhattan and I have a lovely pumpkin that will make several pies. I think I got the better of the deal.

ACT II, SCENE III

You know, I've often wondered why the faces in statues like this always appear to be so distressed. I guess have your head removed and then put on a stick will cause that to happen. She seems so unassuming;must be a good actress. Maybe it was just their fate.

NOT A GUPPY

Another addition to our Big Fish Series. I can't say that I have ever caught a fish that looked like this. He's definitely not a Rainbow Trout although he is certainly colorful. He's not a Redfish nor a Bluefish although I suspect he has relatives in both families.

NOT OF SIGHT OR SOUND BUT OF MIND

Look up, look down, look all around, heck look into the Third, Fourth, or Fifth Dimension if you have to. They really are here you know! This sign proves it.

QUITE A TROPHY

While I was in the North Country a couple of weeks ago, I was shocked to see the it was Moose Hunting Season. I, being a fan of NORTHERN EXPOSURE, have always assumed that moose have an exalted status almost like an endangered specie. Imagine my shock upon discovering Moose Season means something entirely different in Canada. Be careful of gun totting moose while up north, you may not live to regret it.

SHE WAS A BIT STIFF

I found these wood carvings at a store in Canada. They aren't the typical thing you would expect to see at a small store. I thought they were interesting and, besides, I haven't been able to get out to shoot much. The staff is a little afraid of the Halloween season.

THEME DAY-PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

A new mural depicting and old form of transportation.Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

3 DUECES AND A FOUR-SPEED

The staff and I were out doing a little shopping the other day. We were suddenly distracted by the sounds of a vehicle racing down the street. It screeched to a halt right in front of us. A women got out wearing a large pointed hat and apologized for the racket. She said a big event was taking place in a couple of days and she had so much to do before then. She politely asked if we would keep an eye on her ride as she was having problems with the starter and didn't want to turn off the ignition. We obliged and asked if she wouldn't mind our taking a photo of it for today's blog. "Of course not, my pretties," she replied. Such a nice lady.

FRED LANTERN, JACK'S BROTHER

They sure didn't have pumpkins like this when I was a kid.

HOT TAMALE, CHILI TOMORROW

Saw this weather station in Canada a couple of weeks back. After studying it for a while I concluded that it is highly accurate. We can learn a lot from those people that would increase the accuracy of our own weather people.

A LEAP OF FAITH

This is an interesting wood sculpture I found in the country. A leaping deer, nicely reproduced. If you enlarge the photo, you will see he has an admirer. We should all be so lucky.

A LONG RIDE HOME

One of the interesting things about being of the road are the interesting people you meet. We met this fellow who said he lost his horse and needed a ride. We obliged and spent many hours listening to his stories about the "Old West" and how things have changed. I asked if he was from Texas or some other area of the Southwest. "No," he replied. I'm from the West Village. We let him out at the next exit. You meet a lot of strange people on the road!

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER

We had our annual Fall staff party last night. It was a tremendous success;much was accomplished. After a few too many jello shots, our Vice-President of Accounting got a little out of control. As the above photo confirms, I'm not exaggerating. Well, the local powers that be were called and suggested we leave. It was actually more like an order. They also hinted it would be a good idea if we left the state. So, we will be packing up our temporary staff car and heading back to sunny Fort Lauderdale tomorrow morning. Actually, they said they would give us 24 hours before coming after us. See you next week if our "getting is good." Good-bye Michigan!

HERE DOGGIE, DOGGIE, DOGGIE

The staff and I were taking a nice drive in the woods yesterday. It was a beautiful Fall day and we wanted to get away from the demands of our blog. So, we are taking in the beautiful Fall colors when we glance to the side and see this thing in the woods. I still don't know what it was. You must consider, we weren't near anything. After taking several photos we all decided to beat a hasty retreat to our offices. We had enough for one day. The woods can be a very scary place.

POWWOW VII

Here is the next generation of The Odawa Tribe. Seems like a fitting way to end this series. There are more photos of this PowWow which will be displayed from time to time. From what I saw, The Odawa will survive and flourish into the future.

POWWOW VI

This gentleman was dancing with a sword. I don't know why. Maybe it was taken from a "Blue Coat" by one of his ancestors. He seemed to be the only person sporting one and he was very proud of it.

POWWOW V

While the drums are beating, there is constant, what only can be described as, screaming. It is a sound most of us cannot make. This gentleman was very into his dance. I really like his taste in footwear.

POWWOW IV

It's not just the men who are colorful. The women are dressed beautifully but don't have a lot of feathers. Their dancing tends to mimic birds while the men are more like land animals.

POWWOW III

These gentlemen were part of a ceremonial dance. The drums were so intense, more than any Rock concert. You could feel the the sound on your body. Unlike anything I have ever seen.

POWWOW II

One of the tribal elders. I love the feathers. The embroidery is magnificent, as well. Such detail! I'm sure it all has significance, I just don't know what.

POWWOW

The Odawa Tribe PowWow 2010. For the next few days I'll be showing some of the sights and colors of this interesting event. I find their ceremonial dress to be extraordinary. Tribes came from Canada and the U.S. for this annual event.

CHANGE FOR A BUCK

Another addition to our WIND VANE SERIES. This buck look proud and regal. He apparently is heeding the call and going west.

FLIP YOUR BIC

You never know what you'll see while taking a walk down the street. These two "things" were having a heated discussion. I inquired what it was all about. Several people said they heard the little guy ask for a "light," and the big guy took him literally.

UP IN SMOKE

I'm not really sure what kind of fish this is. In fact, I don't have the slightest idea. I do know they were quite popular in the Late 60's and early 70's. They were often seen after a large catch of "Square Grouper." Some of you may not be familiar with that term. Suffice it to say, Cheech and Chong's favorite fish was the Square Grouper.

FLYING FISH

This particular fish sits (stands) outside an art center. The eagle, a fish, and a totem pole are very special to the Native Americans in this part of the country. You see the three displayed prominently in their art. The totem poles feature many different birds and bears, as well.

MAYBE HE'S FROM THE RIVER ROUGE

Here is another of our fish. This fellow appears to be jumping. Maybe he just saw his reflection in a mirror. A little heavy with the lipstick, don't you think?

WHAT DID YOU USE FOR BAIT?

Nothing says Autumn more than a painted fish. This week we will be featuring some painted fish that inhabit this part of the country. Why do people paint fish? I haven't a clue. In Fort Lauderdale they paint walls, here, they paint fish. There must be some primordial urge in artists to paint, well, anything.

LOOKING FOR A GOOD HOME

Alright, admit it. You want it too. As far as benches go, this one has to be right near the top. Just don't let your kids or grand kids see it or they may want it or one of the puppies.

BLOWING DOWN THE WALLS OF JERICHO

This is another in our WIND VANE series. This one happens to be one of my favorites. Enjoy!

A SIDE OF FRIES WITH THAT?

Up here in the North Country, you never know what you may find roaming around in the garden. This fellow just wandered in looking for a snack. I suggested a salad with oil and vinegar dressing;hold the vinegar.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

I saw this contraption on Mackinac Island. There are no motorized vehicles on the island. As such, I would assume it is used for delivering water or possibly it may be a fire engine. Maybe it is used to deliver some other liquid;Vodka, perhaps. Any guesses?

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

I'm sitting in the new FTLDP staff car trying to decide on where to take a leisurely drive to. Yes, the Yugo is no more. The new staff car will have to undergo several changes before it can be displayed to the public-at-large. So here I sit, thinking I could take spin over to Versailles and visit my friend Ciel. Or maybe New York, lots of blogging friends there. Then it hits me, why put anymore miles on the car than I have to. So, I park the car and stroll over to Bishop Antiques. A perfect afternoon for a walk!

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

Labor Day has passed. The kids are back in school. Time for all the kayaks to be tucked into their bunks for a well deserved rest. Speaking of which, the staff and I will be incognito for a few days. Seems we have located a possible replacement for the FTLDP staff car and will be entering into serious negotiations to acquire it. Since this will demand our full attention, we beg your indulgence and will be back soon.

IT'S NOT FRIDAY THE 13th

I'm really not a fan of horror movies, never cared for them. This implement, however, looks like it should be in one. If you know what it is, please enlighten me, so I won't have to watch them to find out.

UP ON THE ROOF ...

You ever have one of those days? You're taking a nice leisurely walk like you do every day, and then you notice it. Yesterday it was a house, today it is a roof. What happened to the rest of it? Did it sink or vanish? I'll be taking a new route tomorrow. Some things are better left a mystery.

THEME DAY - OPEN AIR MARKET

Bill's Farm Market, Petoskey, Michigan. Has been a family farm for over one hundred years. From the number of people shopping here, it should easily survive another hundred years.Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

STAIRWAY TO ...

Saw these colorful steps in an alley off the main street. Seems like they have been this way for quite awhile. Rather nice, however. Not what you would expect to find in an alley.

400 AND COUNTING

The FTLDP staff held a big celebratory bash last night. You see it was our 400th post. To tell you the truth, it doesn't seem like anything over 380. Regardless, the staff partied well into the night and a few got down right stoned. This is a picture of those that imbibed just a little too much. Thanks for coming along on the ride. There are some interesting shots just around the next bend. See you there.