Ted and his "Goldie"

"Flat Track" racing is a wild and crazy sport, and was even crazier and wilder back in the early 50's. High powered single cylinder 500cc motorcycles running on dirt oval tracks, racing against each other, all running in the dirt and mud counterclockwise - and, all hell bent.

Well today I met Ted Erickson - a true old time "flat tracker" of that golden era.  In his teens and in his later career, Ted often competed for those small stakes, racing in the "outlaw" circuits of southern Texas, western Pennslyvania and in his own home state of rural Virginia.

Today he still gets out and about, but barely.  Now retired at 80 something and still smoking, Ted now enjoys gettin' around on his "Rascal" motorized scooter.  Over the past several years, he finally finished restoring his old favorite - his winning BSA 500cc Gold Star - and a favorite of all those early 'trackers' back when.  "We all called them 'Goldies' back then - and she still is".

that first camera

In 1966 at the age of sixteen, I bought a used Nikon S Rangefinder from Norton's Camera on lower Main.  I was working part-time, after school, at a photo studio - darkroom assistant for a dollar an hour.  The Nikon S was the first Nikon camera officially imported to the U. S. and was a big hit with the photojournalists at the time. It sported a 50mm Carl Zeiss-Sonnar f 1.5 lens. And, it was fast for it's day.

Used - I probably paid around a hundred for it. But, it kept me busy and got me through those tough years of high school. Recently, while reorganizing my current darkroom, I came across this old friend. Funny how I somehow managed to keep this.

the daily newspaper

After three years of struggling with the local Sarasota Herald Tribune (regrettably dumped them two days ago), I re-subscribed to the New York Times.  It brought back that needed quirky smile.

personalities of different gardeners

An article in the recent paper using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator on determining a gardener's personality.

1) Those who give little thought on plant placement - those that would normally pile their plates high with food they possibly can't consume.

2) Neat freaks; who wash and vacuum their cars weekly - who confront plants violently, cutting troublesome shrubs to the ground or "trim-up" palms - as in butchered.

3) Those that have a chip on their shoulder - who don't appreciate plants at all, in fact, they resent them and their demands.

4) And, the antisocial personality (that being me) - those who need to be outside and who need to get dirty, and whose chosen primary colors are either green or brown.

The list goes on .....

the next generation of Southern Rock

My days of hanging out with musicians has long been over.  Wouldn't even recognize most of today's performers. But I did attend a music benefit yesterday for an old acquaintance, a musician and good guy.

Between bands, I was intrigued by a young mother and child with their restless behaviour. And without even realizing it, the next band started up real loud, right behind me.  Holding her son the best she could, that boy was headed straight for his dad - the one behind the screaming mic and the loud guitar.

Meet Declan Oakley, the latest grandson of the long departed Berry Oakley of the Allman Bros. Band. Obviously he's on the road to become that third generation southern rock musician.

rental apartments

As long as I can remember, this place has never changed. Located about one block north of Ringling College of Art, on Old Bradenton Road, this complex has always been creepy and while driving by, always catches my attention.

Over the years it's been rumored to have witnessed several shootings and at least one abduction. And, the word on the street is that the building is owned by the old man, "Mr. Diffely".  The on-looking neighbors that I've talked with, just continue to shake their heads.