What a wild spring it has been, and just look at the stunning clouds that spring storms bring.
Category Archives: Photography
Around Radford
Saturday dawned with a list of errands that needed running, and despite the expectation of rain, I decided to ride the bike. It should surprise no one that I also made sure to find time to shoot some of the local scene.
I wish I could give you a little back story about this courtyard and the wall that surrounds it, but I have no history. The plan is to go to Facebook and see if some of the Radford locals can help me out. Many is the time that I have tried to capture a photo to reflect the wall’s uniqueness, and many times I have deleted those images. Not today!
It was quite overcast, but clouds always make for intriguing images.
The post processing here reflects the historic trestle over the New River, and a monochrome image will be posted on Monochromia sometime in the next few weeks.
In order to get these images, I had to stop the bike and walk over the bridge. Thankfully, this fencing only briefly obscures the view.
Some friends have purchased, and while still running the business, are renovating this 50 yr old Pizza House.
A quick stop at a friend’s home yielded these Rhododendron images. Such a gorgeous bud and bloom!
Every item on the To Do List was checked off, and I enjoyed a cool, slightly drizzly ride.
Satisfaction indeed!
Symbiotic
I’ve always been told that Peonies and Ants have a symbiotic relationship, but a little research revealed that not all believe this to be true.
What say you, my gardening friends?
We’re Still Waiting …
I was walking through the dining room one day last week, and was struck by the morning sun streaming through the window, and the shadows that were created.
I’m also struck by the fact that while women achieved the Right to Vote via the 19th Amendment in 1920, we are still not protected by the Constitution. We’re still waiting …
ERA: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
Surprise!
Illness visited my house last week, and because of that, I was not paying attention to the weather report.
Okay, let’s be honest, I never pay attention to the weather report.
Needless to say, I was surprised when I opened the curtains Saturday morning to see snow on the ground.
We’ve all seen Daffodils push up through the snow, but I’m pretty sure my Redbud Tree had not seen the white stuff before.
Between spring snow and upcoming travel, my bike will remain quietly on the carport for another week. Sigh …
Monochromia Struttin’
If you haven’t visited yet, you are missing out on some incredible Black & White Photography by some very talented photographers.
Be sure to visit Monochromia soon.
Another image from a morning walk on Siesta Beach
To see this handsome fellow in color, visit this post on Life on the Bike
Art & Whimsy
On our last full day of fun in Sarasota, we were able to take another long walk on the beach,
followed by opportunities to explore some of the downtown architecture, Farmer’s Market, restaurants, and street activity.
We also visited the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, where “part of the mission is to collect and preserve work of artistic and whimsical importance. Our collection is bright and colorful. The artwork will lift your spirits and, hopefully, inspire creative expression”. It was a bright, sunny day, and these images do not do justice to the colorful, metal works.
Take my word for it, our spirits were definitely lifted!
Before I knew it, the time had come to fly home. What an incredible 3 days! I’m grateful to have friends who value this tradition as much as I do!
Thanks for coming along with me on the adventure!
Monochromia Sea Star
My contribution to Monochromia this week
I’d never seen a live Starfish before. What a neat find during a morning walk on Siesta Beach.
A little Starfish research offered the following info:
Starfish come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, but they all resemble a star. They have spines covering their upper surface and a soft underside. Starfish are not actually fish. They do not have gills, scales, or fins. They have tiny tube feet to help them move along.
Gulf Coast Florida History: Spanish Point
After enjoying the water and wildlife of Lido Beach, we toured historic Spanish Point.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Spanish Point is an “old Florida oasis”. Many people think of Florida as Disney, Orlando, and beach front condominiums, but a walk through Spanish Point reveals what Florida was like before it became a tourist/ retirement destination.
There are four main elements to the overall story of Spanish Point: Prehistory, Pioneer, Palmer and Plants, and we enjoyed a walking tour through all of those elements. An archaeological record exists on the site from approximately 5,000 years of Florida prehistory.
I loved learning about Bertha Honore Palmer. “The Chicago socialite and widow of Potter Palmer came to Sarasota to establish a winter estate. She purchased thousands of acres for cattle ranching, citrus groves, and real estate development. She named her 350-acre estate “Osprey Point” and preserved the pioneer buildings and connected them with lavish formal gardens and lawns.
She also had vision, and she used her influence to elevate the status of women. She was quoted as saying that “women have no desire to be helpless and dependent. Having full use of their faculties, they rejoice in using them”.
photo credit HistoricSpanishPoint.org
Bertha Honoree Palmer also said “Freedom and justice for all are infinitely more to be desired than a pedestal for a few”. What a progressive woman!
The Guptill house, built in 1901 and originally rented to winter boarders, is now furnished to reflect the Florida pioneer era.
Mary’s Chapel was built in 1901 in memory of a young woman who died while staying at the winter resort. Mary’s parents provided the funding for the Chapel, and it’s six stained glass windows.
Those six stained glass windows were salvaged when the Chapel was reconstructed in 1986.
This Gumbo Limbo tree is known as the “tourist tree” because the bark is red and peeling like a sunburn.
Visitors to Spanish Point can “explore 30 historical, environmental, and archaeological acres at this irreplaceable outdoor museum on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey, Florida”. I urge you to visit if you are in the Sarasota area.
After all the walking and exploring, it was time for a cold beer, and where better to have one than in a Tiki Hut.
Mother Nature and the local birding wildlife offered a beautiful end of the day show!
Nest Post: Siesta Beach and the Museum of Art & Whimsy
Springtime in Florida
For the past 3 years, I’ve had the good fortune to travel to Florida in March. The snow and cold temperatures are left behind, and I am greeted by springtime on the gulf coast. Tons of color, cooling breezes, gorgeous horizons, and dear friends. The trip is never long enough, but 3 full days offers a welcome break from the routine.
I’m even getting comfortable with flying. Yes, as odd as it seems, the woman who rides a motorcycle has a tendency to be a bit nervous on a plane.
The first day in Florida found us enjoying delicious food at Columbia Restaurant, followed by a bit of shopping and walking.
The next morning, after coffee, yogurt, and fresh fruit by the pool (aka hot tub), we were walking Lido Beach.
The camera was rarely out of my hand!!
And thank goodness for that!
This little guy was hunkered down in a footprint.
And this guy seemed to be saying “what are you looking at?”
After a couple hours of walking, it was time to find lunch and to explore some local history.
Next Post: Spanish Point
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 