FORT LAUDERDALE DAILY PHOTO

ANOTHER SIGN OF THE TIMES

2010-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

GREAT PIPES

2010-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

THE ALLURE OF THE SEAS

2010-11-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-11-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

3 DUECES AND A FOUR-SPEED

2010-10-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

HOT TAMALE, CHILI TOMORROW

2010-10-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-13T00:01:00.001-04:00

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

2010-10-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-09-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

A SIDE OF FRIES WITH THAT?

2010-09-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-20T00:01:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

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 ...

2010-09-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

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 ...

2010-08-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-30T00:01:00.001-04:00

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.

NOT A FORD MUSTANG

2010-08-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

This has to be the most unique car that I have ever seen. Let's see, it's not a horseless carriage and probably has more than a one horse power engine. Maybe, it belonged to a cowboy who moved to the big city. Regardless, I am in serious negotiations to replace the Yugo with fine machine.

A LETTER FROM AUNT LEAR

2010-08-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Another addition to our ever expanding Mailbox Series. These two fellows sit waiting to great the postman. OK, so technically one is standing. It is kind of a post moose in training. One day, he'll have a mailbox all his own.

WEDNESDAY DOORWAY:SUMMER COTTAGE

2010-08-25T09:45:00.000-04:00

I came across this set of doors that adorn a simple summer cottage. I thought they looked rather impressive. Hope you like them, too.

IT WAS A FOGGY, FOGGY NIGHT

2010-08-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

I saw this shot from my deck the other day and immediately thought of The Doors song, RIDERS ON THE STORM.

Riders on the storm

Into this house we're born

Into this world we're thrown

Like a dog without a bone

A actor out alone

Riders on the storm.

The rest of the lyrics are rather strange, regardless, the title seems to fit this photo even if the words don't. Any thoughts?

MUCH ADO ...

2010-08-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

Think Romeo and Juliet the first time they laid eyes on one another;lightning bolts, a heavenly choir, magic. That is what it was like for this young couple. When it's right, it's right. The stars aligned and it happened. Harmony in the universe, they have found one another. Life is good!

FANTASIA

2010-08-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is one of those things you just kind of trip upon. This little cart with beautifully cared for flowers sits in a wooded overgrown area. It is on someone's property, but can't be seen by them. It is there for the occasional passerby who just happens to be looking in that direction;like me and now you.

NO HOLDING BACK

2010-08-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

I look at this and I see TOM SAWYER. What better thing for a kid to do on a hot summer day. That was a time, long, long ago. Makes me wonder what old Mark (Sam) might say if he were alive today. The world has changed a lot, but some things have been lost in all that change. I was thinking about that the other day while I was fishing down on the pond. It was hot that day.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE

2010-08-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

You know, it's a shame. There are a lot of older folks who spend their summers in this area. I feel bad for them. They are in the twilight of their years and they have to drive these old cars. Such a pity.

FLOWER POWER

2010-08-10T00:02:00.000-04:00

One very impressive ride. Mine never looked this good.

ELFIN MAGIC IN EVERY BITE

2010-08-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

On first glance, this appears to be a new addition to our MAILBOX SERIES. Well, it is that and something more! You can't see from this photo, but, there was a little bit of smoke coming from the tiny chimney. I went around back to investigate and, low and behold. I found the Keebler Elf Bakery. Our friends across the pond are probable not familiar with the Keebler Elves and it may be hard to explain. You may click here to get a better understanding. If not, a nice addition to our MAILBOX SERIES it is.

BUZZ ME AGAIN IF YOU NEED HELP

2010-08-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

I came across these flowers the other day. I have no idea what they are. The had no perceptible scent to me. So I asked my friend if he good check it out since his sense of smell is much better than mine. He hopped right in and said, "Yep, they smell great. I guess it's all a matter of Beeing There." Wise acre! I still don't know what the are.

IT CURES WHAT AILS YOU

2010-08-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

I was out taking a leisurely drive yesterday, playing some tunes on the 8-track in the Yugo, and just enjoying life. All of a sudden a car passes me just as the light up ahead turns red. We both slam on the brakes and, fortunately, I was able to stop in time. This is a rare event in a Yugo, you understand. So, I look up and this little guy who was sitting behind the seats in the car ahead of me, rises out of nowhere;eyes as big as saucers! He seemed a bit dazed and said he felt sick. I suggested soup may help his condition. He became agitated, so I left.

THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA

2010-08-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Tall, and tan, and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking and when she passes, each one she passes goes - ahh. Ooh but I watch her so sadly, how can I tell her I love her, yes I would give my heart gladly, but each day, when she walks to the sea she looks straight ahead, not at me.

Tall, and tan, and young, and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking and when she passes, I smile - but she doesn't see, she just doesn't see, she doesn't see.

ROBERT, NOT JACK

2010-08-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then look the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence;

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Interesting how a simple image can bring to life words not heard since sophomore English class. Thank you, Mr. Frost!

THEME DAY - BRIGHT COLORS

2010-07-31T22:32:00.003-04:00

It was a difficult task remembering and coming up with an idea for THEME DAY. After many countless days and nights, I felt I deserved a break. So, off to the ice cream parlor I went and, Voila! There it was. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

UTTERLY STUMPED

2010-07-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

I know there must be a good reason to put a cow with a chicken on it's back in front of your garage door. The more I think about it, however, the less I can come up with. Perhaps, I need MOOre time.

SO VERY BRITISH

2010-07-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

I guess people in this part of the country are used to seeing vintage automobiles. This area really does offer a treasure trove of automotive history. This car was just sitting in a parking lot minding it's own business. It is an MG circa 1955. I don't know the model but someone out there will. Very well preserved or beautifully restored, I don't know which. I like it and would love to take it for a spin. All I need is a Deerstalker and a pipe to go with my Tweed jacket. There's room for two!

HOUSE TO HOUSE SEARCH

2010-07-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

I happened upon this unusual looking cottage. It has a certain charm. The placement of the rocks above the first floor was different. The details of the house carried over to the carport was a nice touch. I don't know anything about the house but I'm sure there is a story here. Next time I pass by, I may just knock on the door.

A LIVING LEGEND

2010-07-26T00:01:00.001-04:00

This a one of a kind, seldom seen classic. It is a 1953 Corvette, the first model ever made of the soon to be legend. All the 53's were white with a red interior. There were only two options offered: A heater and a signal seeking AM radio. Supposedly, there are only 225 known to still be around. The original price was $3,498.00. This car is worth a heck of a lot more than that;somewhere in the neighborhood of $200,000. You make look, but do not touch! I came across this in a parking lot, not a car show;never did see the proud owner.

I'LL NEVER ORDER ANOTHER HOT DOG

2010-07-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

You've come to see and expect some pretty strange things from time to time on this sight. This may well be the strangest in my opinion. Do yourself a favor, enlarge the photo and take it all in. Comments cheerfully received.

Do yourself a favor, enlarge the photo and take it all in.

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

2010-07-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

There once was a man who loved onions. He loved them so much, he wanted to be one. He succeeded. THE END.

If you have a better story, feel free.

WHERE EAGLES DARE

2010-07-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

This strange looking plane is called a Long EZ. It was designed by Burt Rutan and is offered in kit form or straight plans. It is a little over 16 feet long, capable of staying in the air for 10 hours and travel over 1600 miles. No, it is not missing a front wheel. Before the pilot can get in the aircraft, he has to extend the nose landing gear. It is as bizarre looking in person as it is in the photo. An amazing piece of aeronautical engineering.

FRACTURED FAIRY TALES

2010-07-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

An evening at the theater is always something special;more so when it is opening night. "The In People" fly in from everywhere to see and be seen. The Red Carpet is rolled out and flash bulbs are popping (you do remember flash bulbs, don't you?). No expense is spared to look one's very best. The celebrity pictured above is Mrs. Bullwinkle J. Moose. She attended with her husband, the famous actor and their good friend, Rocky The Flying Squirrel. It was a magical night.

RUM AND GROG

2010-07-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's amazing what people do with their old trees. A lot of people just have them cut down for firewood. The gentleman that owns this residence commissioned someone to carve the tree trunk into, well, whatever this is;a very fancy light post. Seems a little far away from the sea and, I believe he needs a parrot to complete the ensemble.

NEW BEGINNINGS

2010-07-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

Good news everybody! In case you missed it on your local news outlets, Peggy Sue delivered 13 piglets the other day. All are healthy and doing well. Life begins anew down on the farm.

FUN, FUN FUN TILL HER DADDY TOOK THE T-BIRD AWAY

2010-07-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

There is no shortage of interesting cars in Michigan, especially in the resort areas such as this. Take the above example as a case in point. For those old enough to remember, The Thunderbird was one of those cars you dreamed about owning one day. Movie stars were often seen driving them as were all the other "cool" people. This one was immaculate inside and out;a real classic. Perhaps some young kids will pass by and dream of owning her one day.

GROOVIN' ON A SUNNY AFTERNOON

2010-07-13T00:01:00.001-04:00

On a hot summer day families like to do a lot of different things. Many like to go down to the beach and chill out in the water. Lots more like to go to a park and just kind of hang out. This family was just sitting around, reading, staying cool and enjoying a sunny afternoon. Parks are really nice places to take the family and not be bothered by city life if only for a short while.

AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE

2010-07-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Golf is a wonderful game. It has been described as a beautiful walk in nature, ruined. I am amazed by people who think you are supposed to hit the little ball in the fairway. Why, I ask? All the beauty is in the forest. At least that is where I seem to spend most of my time while participating in this sport. After a particularly bad shot sent miles into the woods, my caddie, a mere wisp of a fellow, said not to worry that he could find the ball. I looked at him incredulously and replied he could have my golf shoes if he could find the ball. Darned if the little fellow didn't find the ball. It's O.K., he'll grow into them.

DEAR ME

2010-07-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

Deer season is a really big deal in this part of Michigan. The schools close on the first day of the the season. I'm not a hunter myself. So when I came across these two deer the other day, I had to inquire why they were so thin. "To present less of a target," they replied. I can see right thru that logic.

NOT TIGER WOODS, JUST THE WOODS

2010-07-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

I can't think of a single thing to add to this. Found in the woods, of all places.

SKY KING AND QUEEN

2010-07-07T00:01:00.001-04:00

This is a shot of Luther Kurtz and Angela Bishop. This brother and sister team are tandem skydiving. Last Tuesday thru Wednesday, they leaped 105 times becoming the world record holders for the most tandem skydives in a single day. They did this in order to raise funds for The Top of Michigan Trails Council. This organization maintains bike trails and recreational paths throughout Northern Michigan. This is a photo of their first jump.

STAMPED OUT

2010-07-06T07:41:00.001-04:00

I haven't seen any new additions for our MailBox series, till now. If there was ever a mailbox that is self-descriptive, it's this one. I'm surprised there aren't more like it. Then again, with the cutbacks to the Postal Service, there may be a lot more in the future. F.Y.I. Blogger seems to have it in for me today, first it published my post 7 hours late and now it won't allow comments to be posted to the site. It really is a conspiracy.

A VERY PATRIOTIC FISH

2010-07-04T06:36:00.001-04:00

Let freedom ring! A happy 4th to all.

NARCISSUS

2010-07-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

You are so good looking. I love you so much. I can't believe it, you are incredible. We will hatch beautiful eggs together. Fly away with me. It's THEME DAY! Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

PRIDE OF COVENTRY

2010-06-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's an old Jaguar. As I've commented on many of your blogs, I consider this more sculpture and art than automobile. Just gorgeous to behold. Take it in!

YOU CAN'T EAT JUST ONE

2010-06-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's Strawberry season! Hard to resist these little nuggets of pure perfection. This was shot at a U-Pick-em. He and many of his closest friends found their way into our basket. Some actually managed to survive the car ride home. Yum!

TOTEM POLE VAULT

2010-06-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

What stuck me about this house wasn't the totem pole in the front yard. No! It was simply the scale. The totem pole is so big and the house is so small. The pole is as beautiful in person as it appears to be. I especially like the seagull on top. One of these days I'll try to find out the meaning of the symbols.

CHOP-O-MATIC

2010-06-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

You know, some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed. A Full Moon, a clear sky, and you think I could get a descent shot without a tripod. But no, a giant bug has to fly by just as I snap my one opportunity, and ruins the shot. I'll tell you! I must be under a black cloud. This ever happen to you?

GOLDILOCKS

2010-06-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

This little guy stopped by to say hello. He came splendidly regaled in his sunday finest. He had a bite to eat, said thank you, and was off. The American Goldfinch never overstays his welcome.

WOOD THAT YOU COULD

2010-06-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'll bet many of you have never seen this before;a car with wooden spoke wheels. These were on a very old, very well preserved Model"T" Ford. They sure don't make them like that anymore.

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

2010-06-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

Surprise! Surprise! They have murals in Michigan. I found this one, and two others that will be shown at a later date, on the basement wall of an excavated building. The economy prevented the developers from proceeding with their plans. So, some artist, vacationing from Fort Lauderdale no doubt, made use of the space. This one has a strange feel to it. Certainly not palm trees and flamingos that you are used to seeing here. At any rate, murals are alive and well in Harbor Springs.

IMPOSSIBLE TO CAGE

2010-06-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

It has been said, eat lots of corn and you'll grow big and tall. Did your mother ever tell you that? Nor mine! This fellow's mother sure did, though. So it must be true. They grow 'em big in the Midwest. Those Aztecs were really on to something.

BURN NOTICE

2010-06-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

Another addition to our WIND VANE SERIES. This one has to be my favorite to date. It captures a sight we don't see much of any more. It's sad, too. These flying Bar-B-Q guys used to be everywhere. Now, not so much. This will be the last post for a little bit. The Yugo is packed, the dogs are ready, so the Magical Mystery Tour is about to begin. I hope you'll come along as we explore the soft underbelly of the Midwest. Rumor has it, there are a lot of Floridians there. I'll be passing thru Detroit, maybe I can find a replacement for the Yugo! Stay tuned.

THE MAJORITY OF ONE

2010-06-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

We have concluded, based on much research, that Ft. Lauderdale is the home base for all muralists in the country;maybe the world. This one is located in a stairwell of a parking garage. The garage itself is home to this beautiful mural shown below. This is a very small place with room for only 5-6 cars. My hat is off to whomever commissioned these works. They are seen by very few people on any given day, with the exception of today, of course. When I shot these photos, I was the only person viewing them and the only car in the lot. I felt very privileged.

WONDER HOW THEY DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

2010-06-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

Some house aren't very pretty. That doesn't mean, however, they aren't very secure. Take this little number for instance. Nothing special, maybe a tad seedy, but you may be able to store the contents of Fort Knox inside and still sleep soundly. I bet they don't have may solicitors, either.

FRESH LOX

2010-06-05T21:56:00.003-04:00

This is a little bridge in downtown Petoskey, Michigan. The people you see are fishing for salmon that pass by there on their way up stream. You know why they are headed up there, and no, it's not to rent a movie for saturday night. This is my way of saying, I will be heading up to the Northern reaches of the Wolverine state next week. So this will be my last bridge photo till I can find some with a midwest accent. I will be posting for the next few days prior to leaving. So, I hope you will join Louis and some other fine people showing all manner of bridges.Sunday Bridges

THE PARALLAX SCULPTURE

2010-06-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Every time I think I know what this looks like, I change my mind. Maybe that is the point of it. If you have an opinion as to what it looks like, wait 5 minutes and look again. If your opinion hasn't changed, let me know.

BASE LINE

2010-06-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

On tuesday of last week, I showed you a mural of Jaco Pastorius. Well, the other side of the building has another mural devoted to him. I like this one. By clicking the image, you will be able to see it better. This side of the wall is not visible from the street. It faces into a new park named after Jaco. Last weeks post is visible by clicking here.

NIP, TUCK

2010-06-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

This mural is located next to my dentist's office. I never noticed it before. This can partially be explained since I am usually running from said office. Regardless, it is very colorful and adorns the front of a cosmetic surgeon's office.'Nuff said!

THEME DAY - FUNNY SIGNS

2010-06-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sign on a friend's desk. He always give his best.Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

WATERCOLOR

2010-05-29T22:23:00.005-04:00

What appears to be a quiet area and a little used bridge is anything but. This bridge is in the busiest part of the city and taken in the early morning. It looks as though it could be in Italy. There are lots of other bridges from all over the world even Italy. Go take a look.Sunday Bridges