Mr Kroll comes for a visit

From his whirlwind Miami tour, a new book release, lecture and exhibit, an old buddy of mine comes for a 5 day visit to re-aquaint an old friendship. But there's a catch.

 

 

Arriving by Greyhound with a new book in hand - Eric Kroll, photographer.

 

 

 

And, according to his forwarded bus ticket, he's carrying 75lbs of luggage.

 

 

 

Minutes after, Eric checking and retrieving new messages. Eric always hungry, as we stopped by the nearby, JR's Packinghouse (roadhouse cafe).

 

 

 

Following day, Eric collecting balls of Spanish moss in the backyard.

 

Black History Month,

Our visit with my old friend Jetson Grimes, touring 'Jet's' one-room Greater Newtown Historical Gallery. 

Eric and Frank with some exhibit thoughts.

 

 

'Jet' sharing his story of how he helped organize the early, local Brickhouse "showgirls". Intrigued, Eric always photographing, always collecting.

 

 

Eric sharing his own "black history".

 

On our tour, visiting early examples of local, notable architectural homes. Eric, not shy, standing in the very front of the privately-owned "Umbrella House". (Paul Rudolph, 1953)

 

Eric, aisle for aisle, looking for fresh squeezed Publix orange juice.

 

With many meals over the ensuing 5 days (this particular one, at the Dutch Valley Family Restaurant), Eric called it, "the worst food (meal) that I had ever, ever eaten."  Our mutual heartburn was bad.

 

 

Today, with his latest publication in hand, Eric packed it up, returning home to Arizona. Luggage included a portfolio of prints, books, a laptop and his own personal collection of mis-matched socks.  I'll miss him.

Eric Kroll, The New York Years, 1971 to 1994.

 

 

sidewalks

Two of my buddies found while walking downtown Sarasota.

Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee.  (artwork, Holland King)

 

 

 

John Chamberlain as John the artist.  (artwork, Luther Rosebard)

 

 

finally put my feet up ........

and booked my ticket.  Ringside, front row center, Circus Sarasota.

First kill of the new year

Lately, with the recent cold weather, they've been thick and plenty, but medium sized ...... 

 

 

Losses of the past year

2022 - Some were personal.

 

Rebecca Wild Baxter (1946 - 2022)

Great friend, close comrade for nearly 40 years.

 

 

 

Knuckles (2009 - 2022)

Constant companion, a lover for 13 (years).

 

2002 Triumph Bonneville (2002 - 2022)?

My motor-bike kicked-out from underneath me two days ago, as we both slid on our sides across a slippery, busy intersection. Riding for over 50 years, now might be time to hang-up that jacket.

 

 

 

Edson Arantes do Nacimento (1940 - 2022)  "Pelé" of Brazilian Futebol.

In early 2021, the State of Rio de Janeiro voted to rename Maracanã Stadium after their Brazilian national soccer star, Pelé, 'O Rei' (the king).  For many years, being one of the largest stadiums in the world, and a star in it's own game, Maracanã Stadium would seat over 150,000 fans per match.  

In 1989, I covered the heated 'Copa Rio' at Maracanã, soon to be renamed after the ever great, Pelé.  For the Brazilian people, "To play like Pelé is to play like God."

 

 

 

Sandy's tree trimming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

'Lost Sierra'

Johnsville - Plumas County, Sierra Nevada's, northern California. 

Population 21 (2010 census).  Elevation 5,205 ft.  Founded in 1849 as a gold mining camp.

 

Heading up

 Eureka Peak, up above Johnsville (elevation 7,447 ft).

Center of town.

 

Johnsville's historic "longboard" ski bowl.   https://plumasskiclub.org/web/index.php

 

 

Matt's dog named "BB".  A unique breed, a McNab, known for working cattle & for their fierce loyalty.

The chicken book

 

Lola & Bella prepping for our fancy vegan, Thanksgiving supper.

 

 

 

homemade Harvest pie.  Good, all so good.