Soy Cuba! (I am Cuba)

We had a date, my niece Keelie and I, at a small cafe downtown.  Renesito ('little Rene' from Santiago, Cuba) had relocated to Sarasota and was playing locally. So we went. Had some tapas, but enjoyed the after-sweets more. Keelie ordered the Tres Leche, and I ordered the Guava Cream Cheese cheese cake.

the annual camp out

Okeechobee, Florida;

Once a year - and always in February - our motorcycle "gang" rides over to Lake Okeechobee for a weekend camp out. But this year we came up a little short on membership, and now we're down to just the four of us.

Fuzzy - the local boy, who catches and cooks our big Saturday evening meal. And catches us all up on all the politics.

Pete - our leader, who gives out fine tech support, good stories - and cooks up our Sunday 'cowboy' breakfast.

Geoff - the rambler, who knows just about every motorcycle rider that ever was. And remembers them all.

Then there's me - the one whose's always in charge of the fire and somewhat responsible for keeping up with all the roaming wildlife.

We all shoot. Some drink and smoke, some chew, some don't. But we have stories - and we all laugh.



Pete's new "dream" bike that he has always wanted and now has. Photographed on a bright moon-lit night.  His newly purchased - 2008 BMW 1200 GSA.

5:30 am - getting the morning fire re-started.

some of the typical roaming wildlife. Always friendly and accommodating.

good to be home

Ever since I was little fella, I've always loved new construction. As Sarasota grows, the city just keeps gettin' higher and higher. And some buildings appear wrapped, almost as if it they were a part of an ongoing, Christo installation.

one more time

The exhibition Florida Portraits (Sarasota County Historical Resources) was finally re-installed tonight, at the newly renovated downtown, Terrace Building. This collection of portraits was from my sister's estate (her portfolio of my work) on permanent loan, to the Sarasota County's historical archives.

Exhibition statement written by my sweet daughter, Rebecca Mary-Lou.

Mark, the exhibit's installer, with Heidi Connor, Sarasota's county archivist, alongside Michael, Mark's assistant.  After 5 hours, all of us a little bedraggled after hanging all 41 portraits, with their accompanying side captions.

(post script); There's always a little humor. Apparently, when the County Administrators came into the building the following morning, the printed captions had all fallen off the walls, onto the floor. Whoever had printed the heavy-stock labels, obviously didn't use enough adhesive for the backing - at least, that's what I understood from my morning conversation with Miss Heidi.

roadside attractions

Riding through Texas, there is so much along the roadside. These two came about in the same afternoon.

Approaching Balmorhea, from Alpine, Texas, along a beautiful stretch of cattle country, I had to flip a u-turn after glimpsing this roadside tribute. Driving by at first, the horse appeared real, the scenario staged. It was only when I stopped, got out, and read the comments written along the fence line, did I understand the significance.

Roadside tribute; posted & written by - Melody Perez.

"A Memorial Tribute to all the Slaughter Bound Horses, Burros and Mules that have been hauled down this highway on "their last ride".  

James H. Evans - photographer

About 10 years ago, I rode through this same area while on a long motorcycle journey, and by chance, saw a photographer, who was struggling with something, somewhat set-up alongside the road. Curious I pulled over. While trying to attach a large format camera, it was his bulky tripod that was giving him problems. Luckily, he was using the same tripod that I had been using for years, for my own 'field' camera.  Just then, he happen to mention a new book he recently had published, so we set-up a time later to meet. A beautiful, grand book - and I believe, he possibly being the best photographer working in Texas that day. Late that afternoon, James had signed it, and with a slight grin, wrote, "To the one who taught me everything I know". 

This road trip, I had hoped to stop by his new studio unannounced, and remind him of that encounter - just to say hello. But, he must have been out shooting his newest book.

James Evans Studio, Marathon, Texas

border crossing

We headed down through the Big Bend area to see if we couldn't reach the river, the Rio Grande.

(February 1st) - 88 degrees at midday and relative humidity at about 9 %. Wind out of the southwest, gusting 50 to 60 miles an hour. With the wind, I could barely open the truck door, and on several occasions, found myself scrambling through the cactus, chasing after a blown away hat.


the Mexican border in sight

the Rio Grande's canyon walls

And finally arriving hours later, on the bank of the Rio Grande. Knuckles and I could have easily swum across, but on the Mexican side, the canyon walls were over a thousand feet high. And, not the easiest access into Mexico.

Terlingua, Texas

A quirky so-called "ghost town" - in the Big Bend area of southern Texas, with an unusually un-friendly, friendly cast of characters.


the town's welcoming sign

porch view from center of town

the town's popular entertainment theater

the Perry Mason Mansion (hotel)

abandoned trailer & truck on the outskirts of town

posted flier for the La Kiva Bar

The La Kiva Bar parking lot - where a popular local character, and the bar's owner, Glenn Felts, was found beaten to death, nearly two years ago, to the day.

related 'youtube' video; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dvx-iOAJBU