Kaya's first car

I believe we all remember our first ride.  Most of us even gave her a name.

Kaya Overholtzer recently purchased her very first car after putting aside her life's allowance, and working for over a year after school as a "car-hop", at Tropical Treats, serving burgers, fries and ice cream to a dedicated crowd of "eat-in-your-car" enthusiasts.  With the help of her parents, Kaya just brought home a 1998 Pontiac Firebird, the car of her dreams with 206,000 miles on it, and thankfully for her father, a fine mechanic who also provided that long-haul vehicle trailer.

Only now, because of her age at fifteen, she is yet, unable to drive. Come late October, she'll have her Learner's Permit, and by June, she will be on that road, on her own. But, Kaya already knows how to drive - she learned on go-carts and for years, helped her dad move vehicles around the yard while he attended to his "garage" customers.

Today, I must say that I'm very proud to now have a granddaughter who will soon be old enough to drive - and hopefully with my next visit, she will give me a spin in her new deep-blue Firebird - when all three of us can roll throughout those rural hills of western Pennsylvania.  And, Kaya has already given her a name - Indigo - "Indy" for short.

(photo; courtesy of her mom)

postcard Sarasota

For many years my sister once collected vintage postcards of Sarasota scenes - mostly those that were quirky and odd - and certainly, Sarasota was noted for them.  Today, the only thing quirky, and visually interesting are the numerous construction cranes appearing across the Sarasota skyline.

Yesterday, late afternoon, friends of a friend invited us to dinner at Marina Jack's.  Hadn't been there in at least 15 years.  Between the long lines jockeying for valet parking and the concierge buses continuously dropping off dining patrons, I almost lost sight of where I was.  I had to re-figure exactly, where at one time, they used to hang-up the numerous caught tarpon, or those huge catches of summer mackerel, that once help boast Sarasota as that popular small town fishing destination.

my first MRI's

(if not interested in notes, see photos below)

After my first physical therapy session on my injured knee this morning, I was scheduled for two MRI's this afternoon at the Imaging Center - being referred this past Monday by my new Neurologist, Dr. Donald Negroski.

All metal objects were to be removed from my body and my shoes were taken off, my knees were raised - while gently, I was covered with a warm white sheet. Intravenous needles were inserted, fluids injected, ear muffs placed and a head alignment guard fitted.  A large plunger bulb was given to my right hand under the sheet for that emergency call alarm, if needed.  My eyes were wide shut - and reluctant to keep them open.

"Imaging" sounds;  first - as if being beneath the water-line on a large ship, hearing that distant engine room rumble with a muffled propeller, slowly moving across the Atlantic.  Then suddenly pounding, shaking from a large construction pile-driver.  And next from a machine-gunner - with that, rat-a-tat-tat.  After forty-five minutes, finally a continuous, smooth, white noise as if I had passed on, laying in a cylindrical metallic coffin, traveling through infinity.  Eyes shut - still not looking out.


The Siemens 3T Magnetom Trio, performing several different brain scans (with & without contrast) - scanning visualized grey & white matter, as well as anatomy.

   

(Many thanks to all the staff, particularly Tamara, my technologist, who turned out to be a fine photographer and personal guide).

Photo Clubs

Tossed and turned all night, couldn't sleep.  So early this morning I went out to Denny's for breakfast.  Sitting directly in front of me, across the counter from my breakfast plate, I noticed this notice - and it caught my eye.  Never knew that there was a local "photo club", let alone, that they met once a week at Denny's.

Every Wednesday evening, from 5:00 to 7:00, apparently a group of about twenty meet to discuss their photographic insights and interests - with each sharing their own personal photos. My server told me that they were a "real friendly bunch".  Well, today is Wednesday, and tonight might be fun to attend as that "mystery" guest.

Last week's club discussion from a member's photo submission, titled, "moon".

(Later) So, I did return at 6:00 pm - and approached the group, while casually introducing myself.  At first, a little anxiety on their faces, but soon I warmed them up - telling them all, that I thought their group get-together was great. Their ages ranged from a young, pretty 17 year old girl - to my immediate favorite - an 87 year old retired, crotchety, Stanley Sterling from Newburgh, New York.

While MaryAnne led the meeting, she quickly explained to me that they were all strickly amateurs - which I understood.  Those that wanted to submit photos for the evening's judging threw in a couple of bucks towards a pay-out later.  What was so interesting, was that the management allowed the "club" to take their selections, all mounted on a board, around to all the individual seated diners, letting each choose their first, second and third favorites.  Amazingly, the customers all took it in stride, seemingly enjoying it - and the judging process, all very democratic.


MaryAnne, asking a customer for his favorite picks from this week's topic - "eyes".

My new acquaintance, 87 year old Stanley (and not wanting his face shown) with his portrait of his son, Eric from 1951.  When I asked him what his favorite photographic subject was, he immediately replied, "nudes".

All in all, the Sarasota Photo Club, a very sweet group - and, they invited me back.

So, I went to a neurologist today ....

Been having some problems lately.  The doctor, a real sweet middle-aged guy, was very personable, caring and apologetic - and I needed that.  We went through a lot of simple testing - and he laughed, made me laugh.

First, I only failed on seven, out of the "easy" twenty questions concerning dementia (they were actually quite difficult). Most questions dealt with numbers and short term memory.  Something, thankfully, that I can now report back to my wife, who always keeps that, reminding me thing going.

And, he checked my balance while walking across the exam room floor - all good for motorcycle ridin'.

But, he wants two different MRI's taken concerning, "cluster" headaches, aneurysm's and memory loss, just to be sure.  And, some blood work for vitamin B-12 deficiency, whatever that's worth.  All happening later this week.

Now, I'm looking forward to my next visit - and again, seeing my new buddy and my new  "professional" friend.

Sandra's night out

It was her birthday - and every year a group of women gather together over at Libby's - and all just happen to share the same birthday.  Sandy & I both arrived early, so we could set out later for dinner.

The interior was a little dark and odd.  Had a hard time seeing, finding anybody.

Sandy was happy all day, with friends & family sending her constant well wishes - and her, continuously replying.

After awhile, texting can become tiresome, so Sandy found a spot just to stretch out on.

Well, I always prefer the curb - where I can set down my drink, smoke and be outside.

old High School / new Art Museum

Hard to believe that my old high school building (SHS), is being transformed into the new and contemporary - Sarasota Museum of Art (SMOA).  Forty-seven years ago, in 1968 when I graduated, there were over 2000 students enrolled - with sports being the most dominant school activity.  And, from what I remember there were never more than twenty of us, upstairs in that 3rd floor art room, day-dreaming and staring out those broad windows - planning our future escape.


The old Sarasota High School building being refurbished into the new Sarasota Museum of Art.

on the backside, an old locker room entrance

  

It rained, and it rained ....