the new Surgery Center at SMH

My wife had a very bad fall while showering this afternoon. Called the EMT's - and soon, she was on her way to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

If anybody, who has ever had to wait in the ER for an update, radiology, scans etc - you know there's not much to do but, pace and wait.  So, I did what I was born to do - walk around and take pictures.

The new Surgery Center courtyard in the afternoon light.  And thankfully, my 'Donna' Sandra will be OK.

finally saw the caretaker and pulled in

After a life-time of driving by the old Crocker graveyard, 187? - 1901 (for years overgrown and fenced-in near a busy intersection) I found “Whetzel” weed-wacking around the tombstones. At first the old man was a little crotchety, but soon I had him warmed him up with my mention of early pioneer names and my attention to the few remaining, tall long-leaf pines.

Today it is known as St. John’s Chapel Cemetery and, it does have a kinda’ creepy pioneer history. But on this stormy grey day, I was more drawn to the newly built mausoleum. The local Lovingood family goes way back, so I had to ask, “I’ve been lookin’ for a cemetery plot for myself – so, how did this mausoleum come about?”  Whetzel jumped right in, “The family donated $50,000 for the plot - and built that.” A slight pause, then Whetzel, with a slightly lifted eye, “I heard that it cost them $150,000 with all the marble and that.”

Surely out of my price range – and another odd tale to add to this past neglected, nearly abandoned graveyard.  But lately, it’s got a new shine.  And, the grounds are getting that new trim.  Engraved on a large marker standing nearby, “In Memory of Unknown Friends Resting Here.”

people and pets

Ran into this character yesterday in an odd place - the Jaguar dealership's bathroom.  He really didn't want his face shown but, didn't mind me photographing his dog which he named "Smores".  Noticed his notebook - so I took the shot.  I'm sure he thought it was quirky, cute & funny.  I guess you could call it somewhat "funny" - or just odd.

the sound of young voices once again

Dustin & Neve arrived last night and - they were up early this morning, playing and pretending - while I read the morning paper.  I'd missed these voices that we once had at home - that time that once seem to last forever.  But this morning, while thumbing the paper, it became that long-lost forgotten music.  Now it was their time to play.

a short architectural walking tour

Spent the afternoon with Brooklyn-based photographer, Chris Mottalini and Janet Minker, board member of the Sarasota Architectural Foundation.  With about ten interested others, we viewed a select few of Sarasota's School of Architecture's contributions to Sarasota's unique "modern" era.

All very sweet and appreciative, our hosts smilingly shared their thoughts about this historic "modern" and contemporary architecture so important to our area.  But, I'm a people person, so .....


The Umbrella House (Paul Rudolph, 1953).  Nearly thirty feet high of jalousie windows, that I so fondly remember - the same windows used for cross-ventilation in most homes when I was growing up.

Chris Mottalini, photographer (his new book, After You Left, They Took It Apart, 2013) standing  outside the contemporary, Don Chapell House, 2000.

The interior of the Harkavy House (Paul Rudolph, 1957)

Photographer, Chris Mottalini speaking with homeowner Florence Putterman (Carl Abbott House, 1986).

Sarasota High School Addition, under refurbishment (Paul Rudolph, 1960).  A high school that I barely graduated from in 1968.

Baltimore Orioles 15 - Philadelphia Phillies 4

Orioles at bat ....

The young great starter, Miguel 'Angel' Gonzalez throwing in the "bull-pen" - while his good pal, Cuban speaking and designated hitter (Henry) Urrutia, hangs out.  Pitching in the fifth inning, Gonzalez got nailed hard by a line-drive, and sorely limping, left the mound, headed for the "club house".

All the while "Liam", scrambling for foul balls, was looking for just that one autograph.

spring time

Knuckles sunning himself on a fine Spring day.