Even the Best Laid Plans...

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Sarasota, Florida and I have to admit in my haste to get out the door for the three hour drive, I forgot my camera. Not to worry, Alex had a small spare camera that he carries to take quick shots and I was able to use it to get highlights of the area.

But, even the best laid plans can sometimes have a flaw... the adapter to download them is at another location. So you wonderful travel fans will have to wait a day to allow me to download and add them to the blog.

Adding to the level of anticipation, I have posted an aerial shot of the city above and stuck in this "under construction" sign!

And who says I don't have a sense of humor?!

A Day in the Life...

Today is Thanksgiving, a national day when Americans are supposed to stop and give thanks. It is usually a day when families gather from all over the country for a large meal of turkey and sometimes tense togetherness. I started my cooking last night so while waiting as the turkey bakes, I decided to give you a glimpse of the lead up to the big day. As usual click each photo for a better view.

Alex has taken the week off and we are enjoying the unhurried feel of each day. Over the weekend we spent some time trying to decide what to do. But, Sunny-Girl who has now become an important part of the family, was a consideration. While she slept we pondered where to go and what to do.

We decided on St Augustine but then Sunny-Girl woke up, gave Alex the "puppy look", and we decided to change our focus and enjoy why you live in Florida... and planned to go to the beach!

Sunny-Girl is a miniature Dachshund and it was a little cold but we wanted her to enjoy her first outing near the water, so packaging was a concern. First we tried a carry bag. She fit but had a look that said "You have got to be kidding!"

Next came our final solution. It was perfect! She could see, sit or stand with a little warmth, while we still had some control. We laughed and laughed at the look of that little head peaking out of the bag.

And so, we were ready to go. But, we were pleasantly surprised that it was warmer than we had anticipated and all our preparation was unnecessary as we watched Sunny-Girl run off down the beach. We spent our time taking pictures of the sail boats off in the distance...

and following Sunny-Girl down the beach. She might be a dog but every now and then she knows how to direct her owners to enjoy a good thing when it presents itself!

An Almost Black and White Night

Alex and I realized we had been working much too hard of late and decided to take out the cameras and just have fun at one of our old haunts: the downtown landing. It may not have been a good time for people watching because there was a good deal of construction going on nearby, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves for some nightlight shots.

This is the time of year you love to be in Florida (ask me again in July and you might get a different answer) because it is November, there is not a hint of snow anywhere, you can still wear shorts, and Fall seems like a forgotten cousin you are happy to welcome. As always, click on each photo for a better view. The bridge above is a well known downtown landmark and I love this shot because there is something about the angle that makes the bridge kind of curve out at you.

This is well traveled territory for us as we visit here often. And, despite the fact we had taken some of the shots before, I decided to do something a little different and show things in black and white... well almost.

These lights caught my eye and the sense for the eye is very different from a color shot. Somehow there is a feeling of loneliness that is hard to explain.

I have taken shots of this sculpture before, but this time really focused on it's features and was surprised at the result.

I like the black and white appearance and also the way the street lights add perspective.

I found it really interesting how something I was used to seeing in color takes on new meaning in black and white. Here is a front view. The lack of color allows you to really "see" the texture designs in the piece.

And finally, this shot came by accident. The glare of the lights behind the piece gives the impression that it is actually moving! What do you think?