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.

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!

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.

NO HOLDING BACK

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.

AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE

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.

LET'S GO TO THE HOP...

Have you ever really stared at a frog? And one good look at this fellow speaks as to why not to. One thing is for sure, what ever he is staring at is making him green with envy.

THEME DAY - STATUES

Well it's time once again for THEME DAY. But, that is secondary to the really big event of the day;THE KENTUCKY DERBY. So, I thought I would combine the two. The fellow pictured above has dreams about running in the big race. Unfortunately, he is a horse of a different color. He will have to be satisfied with smelling the roses instead of running for them. Why not gallop over and check out the other participants and their take on May's theme.Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

IT WAS AROUND MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF...

I was taking a stroll the other day, seeing as I have to move my new knee and all, when out of nowhere, a tiny little girl emerged from the bushes. You can see how tiny she is compared to the flower pot in the background. She offered me an apple at, what I considered, too high a price. She persisted, and after much back and forth, we could not reach an acceptable price:She simply wanted more than I was willing to pay. I bid her ado and began walking away. I stopped and turned back apologizing for not getting her name. "Eve," she replied. Do you have any idea how fast you can run with a new knee?

SIX PACK ABS

I've passed by this location hundreds of times and never saw this statue before. I don't think it magically appeared one day. I, also, find it hard to believe I overlooked him for so long. Well, Poseidon is here now. Athens can rest comfortably, he is taking the winter in warmer climes and will be returning in the Spring. Seems he was just heading out to get some ouzo. If he would just lose the trident he would look like any other tourist.

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

I don't really know what to say about this statue. The owner must not have been happy gazing upon the sculptor's work and felt the need to embellish it. And that, he did. I cleaned up the image a tad to allow viewing by all age groups. I had to use Photoshop since I was unable to find a fig leaf. I don't suppose any of you have something similar in your backyards? I thought not.

THE DETROIT LIONS

While walking around downtown the other day, I came across these lions arguing. Seems they were about to play basketball but they each wanted to play with their respective basketballs. The were hissing and snarling at each other;and the language the were using. Finally, I had enough. "Have some 'pride' I screamed." "They'll be her shortly," they retorted.

MR. CLEAN

Just another of those very strange dogs of Michigan. I don't have access to my house for a couple of days, so back into the archives I go. This particular guy was just finishing sprucing up his house when I asked if I could take his picture. He said he wouldn't mind but he looked a little 'ruff' at the moment.

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR TOM

I have always been fascinated by cemeteries. No, I am not obsessed with death or the dead. Rather, I find great beauty in the myriad of statues most cemeteries seem to have. The above example does not fit into that category. This, if you can believe it, sits atop someone's final resting place. A lover of aviation? Maybe. A modern metaphor? Why not!

I'M GREEN WITH ENVY

After a long car ride and a sedentary summer, it helps to get out and stretch a little bit. I think it is a wonderful, healthy thing to do. Not for me, you understand. I would rather take photos of people exercising than actually do it myself. The person above, for instance. It is a sweltering 90 degrees and he is the 'picture' of health;albeit a rather stiff picture.

KNOCK, KNOCK

I came across this statue on someone's door step. I thought it was rather interesting. I don't believe it once belonged to a tobacconist;too large for that. This area has a large population of Native Americans' belonging to the Odawa Tribe. I have no idea what he is holding in his hand. Any politically correct suggestions would be welcome.

LET FREEDOM RING

Let none of us forget the price that was paid that we might enjoy this day and every day!

GEORGE, HAVE YOU SEEN THE CAT?

It came from the ground and pointed upward towards the heavens. It's meaning, hidden. It's purpose, unknown. The background, a perfect setting for SKYWATCH FRIDAY.

... AND I THINK I LIKE IT

In the immortal words of The Pointer Sisters, "I've got a new attitude." That is what this statue reminds me of. It is titled The L'il Blader. The artist was able to capture just the right amount of spunk and attitude in this piece. It resides in a small but beautiful park in the city. It also happens to be the same park my daughter was married in. In fact, the statue reminds me of her. What I found most interesting about this piece is the girl is wearing roller blades not ice skates. Art historians should have no trouble dating this work as circa 1995.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY-EFFORTLESS FLIGHT

Have you ever been to a beach and watched the Pelicans? They fly so effortlessly. Gliding more so than flying. Very little flapping of their wings;more jet than prop. This statue at the beach captures their essence beautifully. They may look stationary but they are headed right for SKYWATCH FRIDAY.