Denny's

At 2:00 am, Sarasota never ever looked so good.

the great outdoors

For the past four days we've had over 8 inches of rain and today, it finally broke.  Was raring to get the canoe back out on the water, but the tides were wrong and the water had been turned, a deep blood colored red.

So instead I turned my attention back to the motorbike.  In a little over a week, I'll be heading out for a road trip.  Spent this morning just going over the bike - looking for any unknown surprises - and from the rear wheel, found several broken spokes and a few loose ones.  So, this afternoon, I moseyed over to the motorcycle shop to inquire about parts and labor.  Hap's Cycle has been around since the late '40's and it's always that big adventure to wander through their shop.  Collecting dust in today's find, two unique motorbikes.  And, both beautiful.  Makes me want to be outdoors.


An original 1956 Bonneville

And, a unique 1952 Whizzer

club scene

Rarely go out anymore, but on the rare occasion, I do.  Awhile back I read in the paper about a national act to play locally, in a local club.  The hook for me was the harmonica player - an old white 'cat' in his seventies.

Showed up early for that seat at the bar.  Within twenty minutes there were people standing in front of me, blocking the view.  I remember when I was young, when the club got packed, we would all just sit on the floor - stage front.  I guess now we're all to old for that nonsense.

Well this brings up a post from an old friend, older than I, from a heated comment on his blog, complaining about his recent club experience.  As a photographer, he was shooting away, non-stop, but got hell from the band.  Told to "Fuck Off."

Awhile back I had a similar experience.  Two young, and up-and-coming musicians were warming up, but with my iPhone camera, I got to close - and I felt their wrath.  I apologized.  I guess that's what is expected today.  Both were good, real good and cute - and both, that new hot and up-and-coming musician.

Myakka State Park

My old friend Myakka.  The Park was beautiful today after such heavy summer rains - plenty of green vistas and high water.  Not to many people out and about for a Sunday.  High water - and no water.

recycling (rag to bone)

I've been trying to get rid of an old lawn mower, one that died last year for lack of attention. Even once, tried to rebuild the carburetor but messed it up even more. Could never get it to run smoothly - or run at all.

I asked several lawn maintenance people, who would take it, and they all told me - leave it by the street on garbage night. So last night I pushed it out and left it next to the recycling bins.  This morning as I went out for the paper, it was gone, and left in it's place - an odd looking globe-shaped table.

Apparently this is very common. People nightly, roaming the neighborhoods - scouring the pick-up routes. When their truck bed is over-filled, they replace their items of lessor value at the same location.

Reminding me of my early years in England, when the "rag & bone man" would make his rounds on a late Friday afternoon.

early September, late afternoon skies

Pretty Polly

I've got a new pet - "Pretty Polly".  She arrived in a cardboard box with a set of instructions, a perch and 3 flat shaped batteries.

For the past year or so, I haven't been sleeping well. Some late nights - I'm up - just watching infomercials for hours, intrigued by them all. Well at $14.99, this offer seemed kinda special.  "Polly" is life sized, turns her head and wiggles her tail and all with a true (but slightly mechanical) sound of a real "budgie".  She greets you with her friendly chirp automatically when you are up close - then finally falls asleep when the lights are out.

So now, I have my buddy Knuckles under my desk - and Pretty Polly on top, all keeping me company here in the office.

Siesta Beach reunion

Last week, some of my childhood friends showed up in town. The Brodheads came home for a family wedding.  I was invited to Siesta Beach to celebrate, where we shared a Chinese take-out, atop a customized Brodhead made 'paddleboard'.  I hadn't been to the beach in years.  Some good family remembrances.

DeSoto County

Today - a bike ride, along those rural back-roads throughout DeSoto County.  It's close to home and always more than interesting - with the landscape and the architecture.  Stopped along the side of the road for a smoke and these boys pulled up behind me, just to adjust the flags on their 'muddin' Jeep.

"Can I take some photos?"
 "What'cha need em' for?"
"Oh ....just for personal use."

 (now, trying to tone down this last line) 
 "Better not see those on damn Facebook, or I'll kick your ass!"