RED PASSION FLOWER

This is another example of the colorful foliage we have in the winter. This is the first bloom of the season on my Red Passion Flower vine. It is a very large bloom with intense color. It will continue to bloom all winter and spring. The biological name is Passiflora Coccinea. The "Passion" refers to the passion of Jesus. You can read more about it here if you like. Page down to the ETYMOLOGY AND NAMES section.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY-WATER TOWER

These used to be a very common site in our city. They were used to pressurize our water system. With the advent of better, more reliable pumps, they are rapidly disappearing. Most have been demolished. Many a college student would climb to the top with a can of spray paint and announce to the world his university or latest love interest. You may learn more about WATER TOWERS by clicking here. You may visit other SKYWATCH FRIDAY sites by going here.

MEDALLION

While photographing in the downtown area, I came across this medallion embedded in the side walk. Thought it was interesting. I wonder if other cities, such as Amsterdam and Venice, do the same? What about any city on the water?  This also begs the question if dumping would be allowed if it did not drain into the waterway? You may click the image for a closer look.

FLOWERING ORCHID TREE

Our winter months are not as dreary as those to our north. We really don't have a dormant season. There is always something in bloom. This is a flowering Orchid Tree. It adds a lot of color this time of the year. You can learn more about this tree by clicking here. 

MAILBOX

Here is another example individuality. The owner of this home decided to do something a little different. His mailbox is a small barn that adds a bit of whimsy to the front of his property. The thing I find most unusual is the pedestal it is affixed to. Have any strange mailboxes in your neighborhood? Will be gone for a couple of days. Enjoy your week.

HOME SECURITY

Here is another example of what people put in their yards. These statues are guarding the front entrance to this house. I asked a friend about the symbolism. He said that they were used as "protection" against evil spirits and bad luck in the Orient. However, I thought lions were only in Africa while tigers would be more appropriate. Maybe someone out there can clear up this confusion. They are very beautiful what ever their origin. 

HELIPAD

A helipad in cities is becoming more common. This one sits atop a parking garage in the center of downtown. It is only a short walk to most city and county offices as well as many office buildings.

TRAFFIC JAM

Our streets are full of cars and congestion. One way to circumvent this is to go by boat. A lot of people do this. The result is a water traffic jam "Ft. Lauderdale" style. How to get around now? Keep watching!

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

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THE BLUE BIKE PHENOMENON

Several years ago, an old bike painted blue showed up in our city;then another, and another and so on. They were showing up on street corners, bike racks and other sundry places. Everybody began talking about "THE BLUE BIKES." "What's it all about?" "Where's the next one going to be." They became an art icon. The one pictured above sits atop the entrance to a bar. You don't see as many as you once did. But when you do, it always elicits a smile. You can learn the history of THE BLUE BIKE HERE. Eventually, the artist published a Manifesto which you can read here.

DESERTED BEACH

This section of the beach is usually packed with people. Our temperatures plunged this morning. While I shot this, it was 42 degrees F. While most of you would consider that to be a heat wave, let me assure you it, it is still cold. Tomorrow it will be even colder. No sun block will be sold today but a beautiful day for photography!

STATUARY

There are many things people personalize their yards with. You will find many on this site. Some are the standard things you can purchase at your local home center. Others are true works of major or minor art. All say something about the person who put it there. This one for instance. He is either descended from a buccaneer or really does not want any solicitors. I am sure it is not in working order. You have, however, been forewarned. 

SUN-SENTINEL BUILDING

This is the top of the Sun-Sentinel Building. It is home to our local newspaper. While doing some shots of architecture, I noticed these two men. I don't have any idea as to why they were there but thought it made an interesting shot. It has more effect if you click the picture to make it larger. Sorry for being "postless" yesterday, the site would not let me upload. Anyone else have this problem?

Neighborhoods

Most cities start out as small towns that overtime grow to what they are today. We are no exception. The original settlement expands and becomes two distinct areas. They grow and each becomes distinct and we then call them neighborhoods.

Sailboat Bend was the site of the original military Fort Lauderdale (yes, there actually was one built during the 1800's). In the same area, there is evidence dating to 1450 B.C. of the Tequesta Indian settlements-and you thought we were a modern day phenomenon. Today, the neighborhood is comprised of many ethnic backgrounds and is flourishing. If you would like to know more about Sailboat Bend, you may do so here.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

While waiting for the Moon to rise last Saturday, The Goodyear Blimp came into my field of vision. This image was the result. Go and check out more SKYWATCH Posts. You can, also, learn more about the blimp by going here.

Unusual Homes

Our city has many unusual homes. This one has a railroad car and a boat. While I am sure there is a story to go along with it, I have yet to find out what it is. There are no railroad tracks, so I imagine it had to "trucked" in. Perhaps it came by barge.

PINEAPPLE

You will find many homes in South Florida incorporating these somewhere in front of their property. Pineapples are a symbol of "hospitality." They come in all shapes and sizes. You will probable see them here again. Some are very ornate, others very simple. If you would like to learn more about Pineapples as symbol, just click here.

11th Avenue Bridge

Our city has a network of canals, rivers, and waterways that have to be crossed by cars and people. The solution is a series of drawbridges. Some are large and beautiful. This one is small and quaint. It is, probably, the oldest one and the last of a vanishing breed.  

Bob's News

Most cities have a place where you can buy out of town newspapers. This is ours. You can purchase newspapers from around the world and magazines you never knew existed. The subject matter is as varied as the people you see. It's always interesting to stop at Bob's.

FULL MOON

Here is the Full Moon rising over the ocean. It was too cloudy to get a shot of  it on the horizon. Very disappointing but such is life. Next time! (click image to enlarge)

SCULPTURE

There are many things that can be done to beautify your neighborhood and city. Here are the remains of a tree. The large stump provided the raw material for an artist with inspiration. The result is a beautiful image of a Manatee that will last for years.

TAXI

This is one way to get around the city. You can go from point to point or just take a ride to see the sights. It is a great way to "sea" the city!

Venice

This is the "new" FORT LAUDERDALE DAILY PHOTO. We hope you like it and will come back often. We are very proud of our city and hope to share it with you:one photo at a time. We are called "The Venice of America." This is why. We are, however, so much more. We hope you will visit often as we share our little slice of the planet with you.