the men's room

Ed Smith Stadium.  Orioles vs the Yankees in the spring training season closer.

My brother-in-law Jim, got comp tickets behind home plate from an old high school friend of his who is now a pitching 'trainer' for the Baltimore Orioles.  A sold out game which brought the be-loved Baltimore fans all the way from Maryland.  Their rivalry and love for all that is New York was very apparent. One young Maryland man (washing up in the men's room) showed his particular admiration for a popular Yankees star by wearing his uniform - #13 Alex Rodriguez.

"Tin Can" Alley

The cities of Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice, as a group, have always been noted nationwide as "Tin Can" Alley.  And, while Sarasota still hosts their annual Airstream "round-up" at the fairgrounds, when we were young, my sister and I would often visit the 'round-up' as a cultural / lifestyle event. Thankfully, it's still going on - and been goin' on since way before I was born.

Well, I was out and about yesterday with a magazine writer on a story up in Bradenton, and upon seeing this classic trailer, and in such immaculate condition, he insisted that we pull over for a closer look.  I never knew people had such an extensive knowledge - and, such an obsessed fascination with trailers. Apparently he did, and this one was special.

Spartan Trailers started out as an airplane manufacturer, and it's owner J. Paul Getty, turned the company into a luxury trailer manufacturing enterprise - where-in Spartan would become the so-called "Cadillac" of all trailers.

The rear view of this 1946 Spartan "Manor".

been wantin' to go fishing (and be on the water)

And I really miss it.

Recently, when the Balaban's were here, I made a distinct effort to get my fishing canoe out on the bay - a beautiful "Old Town" canoe that the entire family contributed to for my 60th.  But, that day with all the effort, my little outboard ran rough - and it ended up, as another typical frustrating adventure.

Yesterday, I used the internet to find some options - to re-think the whole concept - and to convince myself that being on the water fishing, was more than just a state-of-mind.

So, with many thanks to so many 'informative' websites,  I found this little beauty ....

show & tell

My lovely wife Sandra on a rare dinner date.  Sharing her new listing?  Or, just show and tell?

One for the road

Arriving at Sammy's camp in Okeechobee.  Goin' campin' - after opening that damn barbed-wire fence.

Sarasota's newest golf course

Our family visiting today, the newest, latest and scary - Bat Cave Golf Club.   A total of eighteen holes.  Remember to bring a club - (or a putter).  And a reminder, It's all very well maintained.

a memorial

From home - a memorial gathering for my ever loving 'sis' - Caren.

Rental Depot

For the upcoming memorial at our house, I had to go out and find some rental items - tables, chairs, silverware, dishes and wine glasses.

Rental Depot's display is more focused on weddings. They have very little in the way of a memorial set-up - like, long red velvet curtains, mood lighting and large candles. But, at least they gave me their sympathies and I gave them a credit card and some humor.

performing animals

"Fred" - a Budweiser Clydesdale.

And "Chaser" - a karaoke singing Labradoodle who loves Patsy Cline.