PEDICAB

One of the more scenic ways to get around the downtown area. You can go slow, take in the sites, and even smell the roses. Seems to be a good way to spend Theme Day.

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CHRISTMAS CACTUS

This is a picture of a bloom on our Christmas Cactus. Nothing out of the ordinary you say. What is strange, however, our Cactus bloomed at Christmas and is blooming again for Easter. I have nothing to attribute this to. It has never done this before. Anyone out there have any strange plant observations to report? 

PADDLE GIRL

This is a lazy way to spend a day, paddling around one of the many canals in our city.  It goes by many different names;Board Paddling, Standup Paddle Surfboarding, etc. The important thing is to take a pretty girl, put her on the water and, bingo, instant Daily Photo.  

LOVE STORY

Hurricane Andrew came ashore 19 years ago this August about 30 miles south of us. It was one of three Category 5 hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S. during the 20th century. It caused much devastation and many deaths. People's lives were changed forever. The photo you see above is another unexpected consequence of Andrew. His name is Carlton. He showed up in our neighborhood during the storm. No one knows where he came from. Speculation has it a circus fleeing the storm threw him out. We will never know.  He has been roaming our streets ever since. He would show up in our yard anticipating a cracker or a handful of sunflower seeds that we would willing give him. He seemed quite content. But something was lacking. He needed someone to share his neighborhood with. Enter Antigone. A White Peacock. Carlton would no longer be alone. He could show her where the best food was, the best drinking water, and the best tree limbs for sleeping. Life seemed good:the circle was complete. Unfortunately, this Love Story does not have a happy ending. Carlton passed away last week. While he was not a treasured family pet, he was loved and he shall be missed. He was one of the only good things to come out of Hurricane Andrew.

MURAL

This mural resides on the side of a rather ordinary building. It is large and starts at ground level which is somewhat unique.  The artist goes by the name of Vose. He has several murals around town. Sorry about the shadow from the palm tree, the Sun was not very cooperative that day. Click the picture to enhance the viewing experience.

MAVERICK & GOOSE

Many people are aware of our world-wide reputation as a marine center and hub for all things nautical. Most of the larger yachts and super-yachts put in here for repairs and service. Fewer are aware that we play a very large role in private aviation. The above plane, as an example, could be available for sale or charter. How much, you might ask? Well if you are like me and have to ask, we can't afford it.

SKATEBOARD

This is one for the truly lazy in the crowd:A motorized skateboard. Nuf said!

SUNDAY MORNING

If it's Sunday, it must be another shot of a church. The neighborhood where I grew up in the Midwest, had one on every corner:sometimes more. They are more spread out today.

THIS IS NOT ROME

While there is no attempt to depict this statue as ancient, it certainly does look old. It is impressive looking even though it is part of an upscale Chinese restaurant chain. The home office offers little insight as to his origin or name. We affectionately refer to him as, "Egg Roll." 

STS - 119 DISCOVERY

Last Sunday evening was spectacular. Not a cloud in the sky, a great opportunity to watch a rare evening Shuttle launch. This photo was taken in front of our house, 180 miles from the launch site. Space Shuttle Discovery blasted into space on a two week mission to the International Space Station. The next launch is scheduled for May 12. It will be going to repair The Hubble Telescope. You may view other SKYWATCH FRIDAY participants here.

MAILBOX - FIN

This will be our last mailbox photo for awhile. They have been well received and will reappear from time to time. The people at this house apparently are dog lovers. The little guy running around their yard was very similar in appearance to the mailbox. They must really like the him or maybe it's a warning that he had better shape up.

MAILBOX - PARTIE CINQ

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Here we have someone who loves cars. Three old tire rims form the base to hold the mailbox. On top of the box itself, sits two spark-plugs and a distributor cap. I don't believe he gets his mail (posts) any faster but it can't hurt to try. You may have to click the image to see it all. The Sun was not cooperating that day.

MAILBOX - PARTIE QUATRE

Here is our Manatee mailbox of a few weeks ago. He (or she) is suitably regaled in all their St. Patrick Day finery. The setting is very Spring like. Hope your day is as nice as ours. So tip a pint to St. Pat and catch other MY WORLD TUESDAY participants here.

MAILBOX - PARTIE TROIS

This is the third installment of our "unusual mailbox" series. In fact most of this week will be devoted to that theme. I hope you enjoy this bit of whimsey. This is, I believe, a Large Mouth Bass. Grouper? At the very least, it is a fish with a large mouth. 

SUNDAY MORNING

Happened upon this vista while shooting something else. I thought it was symbolic, not unlike last Sunday's contribution.

GALT OCEAN MILE

This is one of the main streets in our city. It runs along the Ocean and is filled with tall condominiums. When we first moved here, there was one small hotel at the end of the street where the tall towers are in the center of the photo. Everything to the left was sand and sea grass. Change and progress? I'm dating myself but this entire city has grown in less than my lifetime. What does the future hold?

SKYWATCH FRIDAY-MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE

This little guy was firmly attached to the pole. He certainly gave the impression that he was in charge. The Master of All for SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

FASHIONABLE

This is the last photo from  the Art Show. The sea shell provides the backdrop for this season's line of new footwear;all in ceramics. 

3 MORE FROM THE LAS OLAS ART FESTIVAL

This guy was just waiting on the corner for his lunch to stroll by. His head kept going up and down. Both he and the bull that follows were metal and very expensive.

If you get a little tired, you can always try a little Red Bull to keep you going. To take him home you will need $50,000 U.S. and a very large car. So much for the myth of the starving artist.

I believe this is a painting of a very fashionable French Poodle. 

LIONS AND TIGERS AND ...

This is an example of one artist's work at the Las Olas Art Festival. These animals are all made from sisal. They are more beautiful in person than a photo. I thought the likenesses were incredible. Don't get too close, as the sign says, "Don't pet." View other contributions to MY WORLD TUESDAY here. 

LAS OLAS ART FESTIVAL

It seems like every weekend during the winter there is an art festival somewhere in our city. This one is one of the biggest. The weather was great;we are having our driest winter ever. Lots of people, artists, and dogs all enjoyed the weekend. More shots from the Festival in the coming days.

SUNDAY MORNING

I always liked the entrance to this church. There is something very symbolic about the small doors and it's location beneath the cross. 

O' CANADA

During our winter months, there is a large migration that takes place. We live in a semi-tropical area, blessed with beautiful days and nights. Our neighbors to the north, fly, drive, or sail to our area to partake in it. Everywhere you go, you can hear French being spoken or that distinctly Canadian version of English. The Maple Leaf  is proudly flown next to Old Glory all over town. 

SKYWATCH FRIDAY-BEACH

This is not a piece of art. It is one of the new beach showers that looks like a piece of art. Given the setting, it's a nice addition to SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

AKU AKU

While this may look like something you would see on Easter Island, it is not. Just another shot of a statue some one has in their yard. 

COMING OR GOING?

This is a store on our main shopping street, Las Olas. By clicking the image, you will be able to get a better view. They seem to be catering to the entire family. What is hard to tell from this photo, are they coming or going? Given the state of the economy, my vote is for the latter. A shame, looks like it could be an interesting place.

CROQUET

Here is an activity that most of us played as children. Do any of us know what the rules were? I know we hit the ball through some wire objects. Then, if we landed next to another ball, we placed our foot on our ball and used a mallet to send the opponent's ball two yards over. These folks are playing on a field dedicated to the sport of Croquet. They look the part, they dress the part, who knew? They probably know the rules as well. Just another snippet for MY WORLD TUESDAY.

MARLIN

This beautiful creature once swam in our local waters. He is currently residing on the side of a building that once housed a taxidermist. Anglers' that were fortunate enough to land fish like this, had them mounted more often that not. Today, most responsible fishermen practice "catch and release." If he or she wants a remembrance, they simply give the weight and length to the taxidermist, and he provides a facsimile of the original.  So, the fish is still swimming and not hanging on the side of a building. A much better solution for both fish and fisherman!

CASTLES IN THE SAND

Who among us has not made these? You simple take that cheap plastic bucket mom or gram gave you, fill it with sand, and turn it upside down. Fantastico!  Repeat, add a stick or straw, maybe a shell or two, and Bam! Instant city, not to mention a quiet afternoon for the aforementioned mom and gram.