the rains and summer heat ...

have finally put an end to our outdoor dining table.  Now, sitting outside in the summer evenings, it's a little too buggy anyway.

But, in it's better days, it certainly became that stand-up table for those past Thanksgiving's.

A grandmother takes her grandson to McDonald's

I ask the cute grandma sitting next to me, "What's he eating"?  And Noah replies, "It's a "dip-cone".

Neve picks her favorite

Yesterday my daughter Becca, texted me some photos from their recent family hotel stay where a Women's National Bodybuilding Competition just happened to be 'headlining'.  My 7 year-old grand-daughter Neve, up-close and personal, chose her favorite female competitor - # 248.

When Neve was asked why, she commented, "cause, I liked her red outfit."

tired and happy

After running in the park, he's now home laying in my office, relaxed and content.

to close to call

Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club update ...

When eyesight or basic measurement cannot be used for accurate distance from the "jack" to the bowls, a special precise measuring tape is required to determine scored points.

from my chair on the deck and cigarrette in hand

a July morning.

1st day of my official try-out

They said I had a "good, natural delivery" and loved the fact that I came dressed in khaki's, even though "white's" are preferred.  But, at least they encouraged me to become a member and play for the local team.  Next practice, this coming Wednesday morning - 9:00 am sharp.

It probably helped that I teamed up with the club's president on my first day of pick-up games - and luckily Daniel showed me some of his subtle, wily tricks.  We won our first "ends", 6 - 3.

The nationals will be played here in a few short years  - when Sarasota will be hosting the national, 2016 U. S. Open Lawn Bowling Championship.

eating out

Luisa and her mysterious friend.

handing over the keys

Yesterday my wife and I sat across from each other, at a downtown law office - for a "closing" - and sold a property that had been in family for nearly forty years. Happy and sad as Sandy signed some papers and I, handed over the keys.

our new "paper boy"

So, for over a week, I wasn’t gettin' the New York Times delivered to the driveway. The local Herald I was getting, but not the Times. So I had to make a call-in to subscriptions to try and straighten it out. Apparently on our route now, we have a new newspaper delivery kid.

Today I got a letter from “James" included inside the wrapped paper.   

"This is a message from your Herald Tribune Paper Boy!  I want to become your friend & give you the absolute best service you can get. If you ever have any problems, or delivery requests …. You can contact me if you ever need anything. I won’t argue with you, I’ll get you what you need ASAP.”

At the bottom of the letter , “I have a YOUTUBE channel called - Paper Insomnia - check it out & subscribe!"

His most popular, personally made video;    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eedh6sbt4r0

Futebol do Brasil (football in Brazil)

When I was living in Rio de Janeiro, a friend invited me to attend the city's soccer championship play-off game, being played at the notorious and largest sports stadium in the world - Rio's, Estadio do Maracana.  He reminded me, "not to bring anything, remove any jewelry - and if you bring a camera, hide it!".  Well, it definitely was the wildest sporting event I've ever attended.  Amongst the screaming fans - there were Samba drums beating, burning fires, constant loud booms and armed fights with massive crowds moving in a panicked mass. And all, being watched from above by the well-armed police units, patrolling along a roadway, running atop the perimeter of the stadium's enormous roof line.

(photo) Halftime, standing with Botafogo supporters during the 'Rio Copa' - between Botafogo, the underdog, and Flamengo, Rio's most celebrated team.  Botafogo won 2 - 1 and became the city's newest champion with celebrations lasting (as things do in Brazil) - forever.
(Estadio do Maracana, 1989).

coming up on it's twelve birthday

My trusty Ford truck glowing in the 'Madison Avenue' light.

And celebrating, with it's own "four on the floor and a fifth under the seat".