Tampa Daily Photo

Christmas Eve: Only a Pekingese was stirring

2011-12-24T21:27:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T22:45:00.002-05:00

Halloween's Cowboy Lukie

2011-11-02T16:06:00.002-04:00

It's A Bar: Barefeet Welcome

2010-10-13T16:48:00.004-04:00

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 13 - Paradise Found: Autumn in Tampa

2010-10-08T20:06:00.017-04:00

Fall weather has really arrived in Tampa and along the Gulf Coast. When I took this picture it was 78 degrees, 47% humidity, a light, almost cloudless sky and no wind. It is so nice our air conditioning, which runs about 300 days a year, is off. It was a delightful evening to walk along the channel on Davis Islands and watch the sunset and lights come up on the boats and buildings of Harbour Island and downtown office towers. If you look close in the left center you'll see the blue roof of the Sail Pavilion on the Riverwalk of the Tampa Convention Center. THE place to sit, cool off with a drink, enjoy the pet friendly atmosphere right on the water, have something to eat and watch the sunset in the western sky.

Visit Skywatch Friday to see the beauty and wonders of the world's most magnificent skies. It's always an amazing show and all brought to you by Skywatchers from all over the planet.

Roland Manteiga: Conscience of the community

2010-10-07T19:01:00.007-04:00

Roland Manteiga (1920–1998) was the owner and publisher of La Gaceta newspaper in Tampa's Ybor City. A trilingual tab paper, it is still a weekly must read by everyone who's anyone...or wants to know all that's happening in Tampa and Hillsborough County. To learn more about the statue and the colorful and exciting life and times of Manteiga, click HERE.

Knight and Shining Vacuum Cleaner

2010-10-06T17:36:00.004-04:00

Honestly, could there be a stranger, more eclectic collection of "stuff" for sale? Really?

Patriotism and the Windmill

2010-10-05T16:41:00.001-04:00

Flintstones' Car: Fred, Wilma and Pebbles Ride In Style

2010-10-03T18:38:00.009-04:00

Last September I posted the hilarious M & Ms Peanut chocolate car (left). Check it out HERE to see what the imagination, automotive painting skills and design talent can create on four very shiny wheels.

Non-political Blue Dog

2010-10-02T13:33:00.002-04:00

Our Pekingese, Dr. Porter, has a basket-full of chew-toys. After his "spa" visit yesterday, for an overdue bath and grooming, he got to pick out a new toy. One of his favorites at home, "worm dog," is a smallish pink dog. All on his own he wandered the aisles and chose a new toy, Blue Dog, to chomp in his mouth and carry out from the store. He was so proud. He's the man! (WARNING: DO NOT try to take this toy from his mouth. NOTE: Pekingese have teeth like piranha.)

Hanging Around Gaspar's Cigar

2010-10-01T18:56:00.004-04:00

This pirate-looking cutthroat hangs from the flag pole in front of Gaspar's Cigar Shop on South Westshore Blvd. (Note that he is actually under lock and key so forget about adding him to your mannequin collection back home.) Gaspar's was voted "Best Cigar Shop" in 2008 & 2009 and offers fine premium cigars in an all-hours smoking environment. Visit Gaspar's HERE to see what a great Tampa cigar shop looks like.

Can You Refinish My Car?

2010-09-30T21:35:00.003-04:00

La Victoria: Beer, Martinis and Dominoes

2010-09-29T16:34:00.003-04:00

Now Serving Pelican Sandwiches?

2010-09-28T15:02:00.006-04:00

It appears as though the diner clutching his huge c=sandwich and cold drink has just realized he's about to bite into the meat of a fine feathered Florida waterbird. This mural is on the side of Coco's Sandwich Shop on South 22nd Avenue in Tampa's Palmetto Beach neighborhood. They serve a lot of Cuban sandwiches, maybe a fried alligator or two, but no pelicans yet. (I wonder what pelican tastes like?)

Len Prince: Changing Identities - Photographs of Jessie Mann

2010-09-26T23:20:00.012-04:00

This evening was the Wrap Party for the exhibition Changing Identities: The Len Prince Photographs of Jessie Mann. The event, hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Friends of Photography, featured the photographer in a very casual one-on-one discussion of his art, his model and muse, Jessie Mann (the daughter of photographer Sally Mann), and an enlightening Q & A with Len about his techniques and working relationship with Jessie. It was all terribly interesting and a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the artist. The print shown above, my favorite in the show, features Jessie in a pose that strongly resembles the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in front of her mirror. It's an exceptional image and a very powerful example of Len's body of work with Jessie Mann.

Here is the Museum of Fine Arts' description of the exhibition: "Len Prince is celebrated for glamorous portraits of Hollywood stars and sleek advertisements for Cartier and Estée Lauder. In 2001 he met a self-possessed young woman, Jessie Mann, who had practically grown up in front of the camera. Sally Mann’s nude photographs of her children, including Jessie, created great controversy, igniting debate over child exploitation, censorship, and the nature of art.

"By the end of Prince’s first session photographing the adult Jessie, she had become his muse. What followed was a five-year collaboration exploring archetype, transformation, and identity. These have become some of Prince’s most accomplished and respected photographs.

"Prince and Mann make compelling images that reference paintings, famous photographs, historical figures, and mythology. They have been inspired by Ingres’ sumptuous Grand Odalisque, May Ray’s solarized image of Lee Miller, and Robert Mapplethorpe’s self- portrait in leather chaps, among other images. While these photographs can be disturbing and stark, they are often beautiful and fascinating. Theatrical and seductive, these unforgettable images explore the relationship between viewer, subject, and artist by examining personae and their meaning, as well as the very nature of the self." - Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, FL

Drip, Drip Drip Goes the Air Conditioning Drain

2010-09-25T23:05:00.002-04:00

Dueling Leotards and Hair Gel

2010-09-24T17:42:00.002-04:00

Mighty Sturdy Electric Standup Vehicle and Environmentally Friendly, Too.

2010-09-23T13:45:00.005-04:00

This secuity officer in Ybor City is ridng a T3 Series electric standup vehicle (ESV) from T3 Motion of Costa Mesa, CA. It's pretty cool and the lights were even flashing like on a police squad car. And, it's might sturdy!!

This from their corporate website: "The T3 Series is a zero-gas-emission, clean-energy innovation that is simple, intuitive and economical to operate. With significant breakthroughs in its proprietary power management and propulsion system, this performer delivers high "mpg" equivalent, long battery run time, short recharge time, and plug 'n play battery modules.

It is highly stable with a low center of gravity, offers wide visibility for the driver elevated on an 9-inch platform, strikes a commanding presence, can access restricted spaces including elevators and narrow corridors, handles curbs easily, and is highly agile with a zero-degree turning radius. And it's very quiet.

The T3 Series is designed to enhance patrols to save driver energy and increase response times. Lockable, onboard storage is easily accessible. For maximum flexibility, two swappable battery packs mean virtually no downtime. And, with dramatically fewer parts than gasoline-powered vehicles, the T3 Series is high on reliability and low on maintenance. Not to mention an operating cost of around 10 cents per day.

The T3 Series is truly the next generation in green personal transportation solutions."

Hairless, Armless but Great Anatomy

2010-09-22T15:16:00.002-04:00

SS American Victory Ship

2010-09-19T18:54:00.007-04:00

The SS American Victory is docked just behind the Florida Aquarium in Tampa’s Channel District. I posted a photo that more clearly shows the length and size of the ship HERE. She was built in Los Angeles and delivered to the U.S. War Shipping Administration on May 24, 1945. She was named after American University in Washington, DC, to honor the school’s contributions to war training and weapons research during both World War I and World War II. Regular tours of the ship are available and it is quite an adventure as you explore a good portion of the ship and learn of its history. Very well worth it! For more info about the SS American Victory click HERE.

Go-Fast Boats Partying at Sunset

2010-09-18T19:15:00.017-04:00

The docks of the Tampa Waterside Marriott Hotel on Garrison Chanel were packed with "go-fast" boats gathered for a "fun run" by the West Coast Powerboat Club of Florida. Headquartered near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, the go-fast boat owners and guests were partying up a storm in Tampa with music, food, drink and lots of good looking people. A blast!!

The boats ranged from sport and multi-use center consoles to luxurious performance cruisers plus the a bevy of sleek, colorful Go-Fast boats that such as Spectre, Donzi and Cigarettes.

The homes, apartments and condominiums of Harbour Island are across the channel and have a great view of the incredible watercraft and all the fun. The weather, too, was perfect.

SKYWATCH Friday, Season, 4 Episode 10

2010-09-17T18:10:00.012-04:00

Tampa's late summer sky in all its glory.

Visit Skywatch Friday to see the beauty and wonders of the world's most magnificent skies. It's always an amazing show and all brought to you by Skywatchers from all over the planet.

And God Created Adam (and Pabst?)

2010-09-16T15:01:00.008-04:00

No Time for Simple Pleasures

2010-02-23T12:55:00.004-05:00

Ah, the simple pleasures. To just kick back and enjoy a fine cigar and superb glass of wine as I explore and capture the people, places and things that are Tampa. It's the good life and terrific city.

I've been absent for several days as an important change have developed that will alter my life and daily routine for many months. It's an extremely positive and even exciting change - a new and challenging opportunity in my career that will take me away from Tampa each day at least through the summer and perhaps into the fall.

I am really looking forward to this unique and unexpected adventure which lies ahead.

I will try to visit your sites and comment as I can, but I won't be able to post with any regularity. I will be buried in new responsibilities and am not sure what the weeks and months ahead will mean to my time. I already miss the fun and great pleasure Tampa Daily Photo and Tampa Florida Photo have given me...and the friendships that I have with you and my loyal Followers.

I will miss you and look forward to the days ahead. When I can, I will return.

Space Shuttle Landing? Not!

2010-02-18T21:52:00.001-05:00

It's warm in Florida

2010-02-17T16:44:00.002-05:00

It's not terribly warm right now in the Tampa Bay area but compared to many parts of the USA it's sweltering. Walks on the beach have become a bit nippy, but I haven't shoveled any snow. It's even warm enough that Ann Taylor mannequins are now going topless. Not a sweater, earmuff or wool scarf in sight.

Two trees

2010-02-16T19:47:00.001-05:00

No Dogs on Beach

2010-02-15T23:59:00.003-05:00

Offshore racing at Rick's on the River

2010-02-14T22:33:00.002-05:00

I found this mural of offshore race boats on the wall at Rick's On the River.

Gotta see Godspell at the Jaeb Theater

2010-02-13T23:08:00.004-05:00

We were thrilled to be given tickets for the musical Godspell performed in the the Robert and Lorena Jaeb Theater at Tampa's Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The Straz is the largest perfroming arts center south of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and tonight it was a full house. All four theaters were packed with audiences to see a wide range of musical theater - Wicked is playing in the largest space, Morsani Hall, Swan Lake by the Moscow Festival Ballet, Stepping with Step Afrika! and the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico fill the other theaters - and Godspell, first performed in 1971, is in my favorite performance space at the Straz, the wonderful and intimate Jaeb Theater. Our seats, with great thanks to Courtney, a wonderful friend of the family - were right at the stage; there were no better in the house. The musical continues through May 16. I highly recommend it. It was a terrific evening and an early Valentine's date night.

Although it was in the low 40s when we left at 9:30, the night was crisp, clear and invigorating. We stepped down to the riverfront and the gorgeous fountains to take some photos of the lights and colorful reflections. I would have lingered but Mrs. Tampa DP was freezing to death. Next time, when it warms a bit, I'll take some nighttime photos of the nearby and brand new Tampa Museum of Art.

A Simple Dock Construction

2010-02-12T23:30:00.002-05:00

Equipment filled the narrow canal behind some beautiful waterfront homes as an owner had a private, multi-level, floating dock built. No simple task but from the looks of the results so far, this should last through all but the worst hurricane.

Snow shoveling not necessary: Beach Park at sunset

2010-02-11T18:49:00.005-05:00

Ambulance by chopper: Air Methods to the rescue

2010-02-10T20:08:00.004-05:00

If you spend any time at all on Harbour Island, Davis Islands or along Bayshore Boulevard near downtown, you will see a helicopter either taking straight off from the landing pad on the waterfront at Tampa General Hospital, or one coming in over the water to a careful landing. A patient in need of critical emergency care is always at stake. Tampa General is the area’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and one of just four burn centers in Florida. The Air Methods Corporation that operates this helo is the largest provider of air medical emergency transport services and systems in the US. They claim to transport almost 100,000 each year who all require intensive medical treatment from from either an accident scene or or general care hospitals to one such as Tampa general which provides highly skilled trauma care. Air Methods operates 300 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft at 249 bases in 42 states. Wow. They are quite a company and one which provide life-saving services. Literally.

Too big for the frame

2010-02-09T23:37:00.002-05:00

345 Bayshore Boulevard is a condominium tower right at the bridges to Davis Islands.

Just two wooden pilings

2010-02-08T18:52:00.001-05:00

MONOCHROME Weekend Vol. 2 Issue 24

2010-02-07T22:49:00.006-05:00

If you sometimes think the world looks better in black and white, and every shade of gray, go see some of the most interesting people and places HERE at Monochrome Maniacs!

It's made possible each week by Aileni.

NEW Tampa Museum of Art Opens

2010-02-06T23:59:00.000-05:00

The new 66,000 square foot Tampa Museum of Art, on the left, opened today with a public grand opening opening ceremony and about 2,000 guests. It is a spectacular building designed by architect Stanley Saitowitz from San Francisco, CA. On the right is the soon to open Glazer Children's Museum. Both front the just completed Curtis Hixon Park on the Hillsborough River. My daughter, Kris, who is an accomplished photographer, took the photo.

SKYWATCH Friday Season 4 Episode 30

2010-02-05T23:28:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite scenes: the minarets of the University of Tampa shot from across the Hillsborough River as the sun begins to set.

Visit Skywatch Friday to see the beauty and wonders of the world's most magnificent skies. It's always an amazing show and all brought to you by Skywatchers from all over the planet.

Sail Pavilion on the waterfront at the Tampa Convention Center

2010-02-04T19:01:00.010-05:00

The Sail Pavilion is in the bottom center with a blue roof. What a terrific place to stop, relax, kick back and enjoy life in Tampa. It a wonderful place when you're downtown and is easy and close by wherever you might be. It's the perfect hang-or if your attending a convention at the Tampa Convention Center or visiting the Tampa Bay History Center. If you're a guest at the Waterside Marriott, Embassy Suites or Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel, this is the escape you will really appreciate. If you're a walker, jogger, boater, bike rider or just exploring Tampa's Riverwalk, you'll find this is the place to stop and take a break. You're right on the water and can really enjoy the sunset view or watch boats docking...yours preferably at the public docks 10 yards from your seat at Sail. They serve a variety of beverages including cold beer, soft drink or healthy beverages.

After making your way around Tampa’s Riverwalk you will delight in finding Sail Pavilion. Pus, if you own a Pekingese, or some other brand, it is very dog friendly. They have water dishes and complimentary dog bones. Your hound will think it's his/her place. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 4:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.,and Sunday 11:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.

WATERY Wednesday #73

2010-02-03T19:14:00.006-05:00

I posted a shot of this ship, the Lucky Lady II, once before. It is docked in front of the Shoppes at Knights Point on Harbour Island.

Click HER E to see other wet and Watery Wednesday images from around the world.

Snug at the Dock: Hunter Sailboat and Ocean Yacht

2010-02-02T20:52:00.003-05:00

Which would you choose? The delightful and fine handling Hunter sailboat or the exceptional Ocean Sportfishing and Cruising Yacht that sits beside her?

The Little Woman Atop Her Mighty (strong) Steed: Botero's Rape of Europa

2010-02-01T20:51:00.006-05:00

While visiting the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts last Sunday, we got to get up close and personal to three monumental bronze sculptures created by Fernando Botero. These huge sculptures are part of the exhibition, The Baroque World of Fernando Botero. Botero, born in Columbia in 1932, created "The Rape of Europa" in 1999. That's one fine looking little woman atop that steed. Right? She and her animal weigh approximately 2,500 pounds!

Her is what USA Today Magazine wrote about Botero in August 2008: Botero converted his painterly ideas into "bronze and marble sculpture, which have become a seminal element in his oeuvre. His monumental bronzes are seen by perplexed strollers along the Champs Elysées in Paris, in front of the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, and along Park Avenue in New York. The large figures transform their surroundings into a world of fantasy, as seen in Venice where his bronzes adorn the squares along the Grand Canal, or when his sensuous nudes are mirrored in the reflecting pools in front of the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague.

The Piti is a fantastic place to see Botero's work. The last time I was there I enjoyed a Bristish car show lined up on the sidewalk out front. (Our son studied architercture there and actually lived in the buiding directly across from the Piti. A favorite coffee shop is right there, the Bar Piti. (Oh what a great city!!)

The subjects of his sculpture - The Baroque World of Fernando Botero - includes a selection of recent sculptures never before shown in North America. They "draw from ancient Greek mythology,' points out Miranda Lash, curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the New Orleans Museum of Art....Zeus reappears again in 'Rape of Europa' (1999) as Europa's comically placid and portly steed. The soon-to-be ravished Europa sits proudly on the back of the bull, seductively in control, an attitude assumed by many of the women in Botero's sculptures. ..."

A Latin American painter, sculptor, and draftsman, Botero depicts the "comedy of human life—moving or ironic, baroque in expression, sometimes with a mocking observation, and sometimes with a deep, elementary emotion. He has created a world of his own with a particular blend of violence and beauty."

The current show in St. Petersburg is the first retrospective of his work in North America since 1974. Included are 100 paintings, sculptures, and drawings selected from the artist’s private collection. Many works have never been exhibited in public. (The exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. John Sillevis from the Gemeentemuseum, The Hague, curated the exhibition. ) This show at the MFA runs through April 4th.

Botero's works are collected by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, The Hermitage Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Hirshhorn and others.

Giving me the finger?

2010-01-31T16:18:00.007-05:00

We spent Saturday afternoon and evening at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg with the Friends of Photography, a small group of folks with a passion for photography. While there we had the pleasure to explore three really huge bronze sculptures that are part of the exhibition, The Baroque World of Fernando Botero. Botero, born in Columbia in 1932, created The Hand in 1985. The position of the middle finger is particular revealing and pointed and must have some meaning for the artist that I could not uncover. It weighs approximately 2,500 pounds!

Botero explains his use of these "large people", as they are often called by critics, or obese figures and forms thus: "An artist is attracted to certain kinds of form without knowing why. You adopt a position intuitively; only later do you attempt to rationalize or even justify it."
You would instantly recognize his paintings and sculptures as they feature unusually large, tremendous, XXX-plus sized women and even some men. Big. Rotund. As in three seats on a commercial jetliner.

A Latin American painter, sculptor, and draftsman, Botero depicts the "comedy of human life—moving or ironic, baroque in expression, sometimes with a mocking observation, and sometimes with a deep, elementary emotion. He has created a world of his own with a particular blend of violence and beauty." In 2005, Botero produced a series over 80 paintings and drawings which depicted the prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The current show in St. Petersburg is the first retrospective of his work in North America since 1974. Included are 100 paintings, sculptures, and drawings selected from the artist’s private collection. Many works have never been exhibited in public. (The exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. John Sillevis from the Gemeentemuseum, The Hague, curated the exhibition. ) This show at the MFA runs through April 4th.

Botero's works are collected by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, The Hermitage Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Hirshhorn and others.

She's a Big Gal: Fernando Botero's "Woman Smoking a Cigarette"

2010-01-30T21:01:00.005-05:00

We crossed Tampa Bay to spend an afternoon and evening at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg with the Friends of Photography. This small but special group of men and women of all ages brings a passion to their interest in the history of photography, photographers and the medium since its very beginnings in the 19th century. We gathered just before the closing of an exhibit called the Legends of Photography. Many familiar and famous names were represented on the walls. Afterward we gathered at a fine restaurant to continue our great discussion. The group includes some collectors, several well-known photographers, those just started to explore photography, spouses, friends and young couples. I was really looking forward to going because of the unprecedented exhibition at the museum, The Baroque World of Fernando Botero. (It runs through April 4.)

A Latin American painter, sculptor, and draftsman , Botero depicts the "comedy of human life—moving or ironic, baroque in expression, sometimes with a mocking observation, and sometimes with a deep, elementary emotion. He has created a world of his own with a particular blend of violence and beauty." This is the first retrospective of his work in North America since 1974. Included are 100 paintings, sculptures, and drawings selected from the artist’s private collection. Many works have never been exhibited in public. (The exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. John Sillevis from the Gemeentemuseum, The Hague, curated the exhibition. )

On the grounds of the museum, located on Beach Drive facing the Vinoy Basin, are three of Botero's largest and best known sculptures. This greatly oversized bronze figure, created in 1987, is called Women Smoking a Cigarette. She is magnificent as are all of his sculptures. Smoking Woman weighs approximately 2,500 pounds!! You've just got to love her. I'll post one or two more in the days ahead.

Gasparilla Event Parking: A Bargain Price

2010-01-29T19:49:00.002-05:00

There isn't anywhere south of the interstate and Kennedy Boulevard that isn't trying to make a buck from offering parking. These small Cracker-style houses are downtown, right by the Channelside District and the St. Pete Times Forum. $5.00 is pretty good and will be within a few blocks of the giant party that takes place downtown after the Gasparilla parade and go on almost all night.

Gasparilla Wreath #3: Doors of Hyde Park

2010-01-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

Snoopy Flies Over Tampa for Gasparilla

2010-01-27T23:59:00.000-05:00

Gasparilla Wreath #2: Doors of Hyde Park

2010-01-26T23:59:00.000-05:00

Gasparilla Pirate Cupcakes

2010-01-25T23:59:00.002-05:00

Even children's cupcake molds get in the spirit of Gasparilla. These, from Williams-Sonoma, will be a hit at a children's party.

Krewes aren't all pirates

2010-01-24T23:59:00.005-05:00

Ferocious Pirate: Gasparilla Children's Parade

2010-01-23T23:59:00.003-05:00

NOTE Friends: I have been without Internet, television and telephone (via Verizon FIOS) since last Saturday morning. After TWO in-home visits by service reps - Brian Tackitt, a Fiber Network Field Technician - and our Peke did not bite him - is my new best friend), one brand new router (two days to deliver), 2 1/2 hours on my Blackberry cell with repair, I am BACK and could not be happier!!!!!! I feel like a big part of my life stopped at a fiber-optic cable buried in my front lawn. Past that cable that is supposedly connected (!) to my home, we had NO service.

Last Saturday was Tampa's Gasparilla Children's Parade and it was so much fun watching all the parade goers, vendors and vehicle traffic lost in the streets of South Tampa and Hyde Park.

This scary, pint-size pirate took part in the children's parade. Check out his cutlass.

Gasparilla Wreath #1: Doors of Hyde Park

2010-01-22T14:56:00.007-05:00

The 2010 Gasparilla Children's Parade and Piratechnic Extravaganza is tomorrow. In keeping with the pirate theme, many homes in Tampa are festooned with Gasparilla wreaths and black flags with the skull and crossbones. This coconut head swashbuckler is on a door in Hyde Park, ground zero for tomorrow's parade and next Saturday's main event, the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade that begins on Bayshore Boulevard and continues into downtown. A total of 131 units, including 70 floats and 51 krewes, will take part tomorrow and they estimate as many as 250,000 kids - big and small - will enjoy the day. Next Saturday's main parade could attract 350,000-400,000 spectators.

My kind of winter weather

2010-01-21T22:24:00.005-05:00

73 degrees, light clouds and a brisk breeze. Could January and Tampa's winter weather get any nicer than this?

WATERY Wednesday #71

2010-01-20T19:40:00.006-05:00

Click HER E to go see other wet and Watery Wednesday images from around the world.

Sunset from Harbour Island Bridge

2010-01-19T22:26:00.002-05:00

Sunset from Gandy Bridge

2010-01-18T22:30:00.002-05:00

Monochrome Weekend - Vol. 2, Issue 21: You dropped a Krugerrand?

2010-01-17T16:38:00.008-05:00

Water Sprites: Bern's Park

2010-01-16T18:20:00.009-05:00

This is the statuary and fountain ready to be unveiled at the new Bern's Park on South Howard Avenue. The park is located south of Kennedy Boulevard and two blocks from Bayshore Boulevard and is named in honor of Bern Laxer, famed restaurateur and founder of Tampa's world renowned Bern's Steak House.

A report from Bay News 9 on Bright House said this about the park:

"More than half a century after Bern Laxer opened his steak house, the city is preparing to unveil Bern's Park. The park will bear the name of Laxer, who died in 2004, ... The park has been in the works since 2003, and has been spearheaded by planner Laurie Potier-Brown. The first phase of the project is set to be completed in a couple of weeks."

"It does entail these beautiful walkways that will be lined in brick, and the fountain, which will be two-tiered," Potier-Brown said. The fountain will be the first in Tampa to use reclaimed water."We're placing eight benches surrounding the fountain, so people can enjoy the fountain at night," she said. "There will be lights on the sculpture and the water will be flowing."David Laxer said his father would have approved of the park."He's the type of person that would really enjoy that park a lot," he said. "Life sometimes gets a little bit too fast, and you need to just sit back and enjoy it."

Theme Day: BEST OF 2009 - Skywatch Friday Season 4, Episode 27

2010-01-15T20:18:00.010-05:00

Today is Theme Day when we get to choose our best photo of 2009.

I took this photo for Monochrome Weekend of Tampa's Ballast Point Pier. It was a breathtakingly beautiful day, bright and warm. Giant puffy clouds filled the blue sky and climbed forever. The sea gulls were swooping in to try and score some fisherman's bait or a fish left on the pier. I also took this scene in color but I felt the black and white captured it best.

To see the Best Photos of 2009 from around the City Daily Photo world,
click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Visit Skywatch Friday to see the beauty and wonders of the world's most magnificent skies...even the cold wintry ones that can be so gray and mysterious. It's always an amazing show and all brought to you by Skywatchers from all over the planet.

Want to dance? Towers at play

2010-01-14T22:15:00.002-05:00

Beach grasses don't mind the chill

2010-01-13T18:47:00.003-05:00

Cypress Point Park was cool and breezy in the late afternoon but there were folks walking on the sand and waiting for the sunset.

COLD Car Wash

2010-01-12T20:35:00.003-05:00

I know many parts of the country don't have car washes like we do here in Tampa. I think it's the warmer climates that support the large wash/wax/detail operations. With the muck, snow, ice and slush on your roads your cars can get mighty ugly about now. Our latest "deep freeze" here on Florida's sunny Gulf Coast hasn't kept drivers from wanting a bright clean car. The washes are still operating and doing a brisk business. Notice that the the attendants are well insulated against the cold - a very unusual sight for Tampa.

Is This An Odd-Shaped Elephant?

2010-01-11T19:37:00.005-05:00

This isn't some new public art project or an elephant carcass someone is trying to hide. Of course not. Everyone in this part of Florida knows that when freezing temperatures are forecast you go through your linen closet and get every old sheet, blanket and towel - oh, and tarps, too - to encase your delicate, tropical landscaping. The covering is supposed to go to the ground to keep the warmth in and around the plants. These are (or were) palms, crotons and liriope.

Heater? For sale?

2010-01-10T17:07:00.003-05:00

This man was standing at an intersection on South Dale Mabry Highway at about 2:00. He's right in front of a very large Home Depot store. I don't know if he's selling this heater (balanced on an old chair), or trying to find kerosene or something to make it work. The container looks like one used for gas for lawnmowers, so I am baffled as to exactly what he's doing. Except freezing in our cold weather. When the temperatures drop here, mankind starts acting a bit weird.

Pirate Flags Are Flying

2010-01-09T22:40:00.004-05:00

When pirate flags and elaborate feather-bedecked wreaths begin to appear on homes in South Tampa neighborhoods you know that the city's annual Gasparilla pirate invasion and parade are growing near. This year the huge celebration is January 30th. A parade that's more kid friendly is the January 23rd.

Skywatch Friday - Season 4 Episode 26: It's not blue anymore

2010-01-08T15:47:00.009-05:00

Isn't this a snow sky? It sure looks like one to me and with the temp dropping into the 20s here in the morning I think six layers of coats and sweaters may be the uniform if we venture out. I've shot this cityscape of Tampa before and even posted a shot yesterday of our downtown to show-off Tampa's brilliant, even sparkling clear blue sky. Well, this is a scene taken today from a little further out on the channel from Davis Islands. No shade of blue can be seen. It's a cold, gray and foreboding picture.

Visit Skywatch Friday to see the beauty and wonders of the world's most magnificent skies...even the cold wintry ones that can be so alutrirng and myterious. It's always an amazing show and all brought to you by Skywatchers from all over the planet.

Tampa's Bright Blue Winter Sky

2010-01-07T15:17:00.002-05:00

I know it seems whiny to all of you living in most parts of the country but Tampa's (and Florida's) long run of freezing temperatures is most unusual. (So much for "global warming.") I don't think any of you up north are shedding any tears for us...they'd freeze. LOL. I just took this shot from the side of Tampa General Hospital located on Davis Islands. Two fishermen were crossing in front of me in a small skiff and were bundled for the cold. Today's high of 58 is a momentary break in a week or more of below normal temperatures. Saturday is forecast to be a high of 49 and an icy low of 29. Of course, the sky will be brilliant blue, not a hint of clouds. The air is so clear, crisp, clean and invigorating it's an amazing scene. And wonderful to breath in. The beaches would be outstanding right now but a bit chilly. I bet there are plenty of our Canadian friends sunning themselves right this very moment, Mojito in hand, sunblock on their noses.

WATERY Wednesday #69: A wintry evening sky

2010-01-06T19:50:00.005-05:00

This pond on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, located directly across the street from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers headquarters and training center, always surprises me for its quiet beauty, Florida waterbirds and alligators.

Click HER E to see wonderfully creative, very wet and Watery Wednesday images from around the world.

Ludwig van Beethoven

2010-01-05T16:41:00.004-05:00

I did not post yesterday. It was the first time I was unable to use my computer to get online and it all happened unexpectedly. I have made slight references to some major work we discovered had to be done to our 80 year-old "historic" home. Tell-tale signs that something was occurring to the structure old the old, wood-frame house became very apparent in early November. Following meetings and inspections with contractors and an engineer, it was determined that immediate repair had to begin that has involved what amounts to one half of our exterior walls. Of course that led to interior walls and ceilings...and electrical. Yesterday, the incoming Verizon Fios line was disconnected. Not knowingly, carpenters shut down our telephone, television and Internet. (Good thing we have BlackBerry and cell phones although trying to reach emergency repair for Verizon via the Internet is a frustrating experience.) Suffice it to say, they came at 8:00 am this morning and moved our inside Verizon service box and rewired it. I am up online again and the TV is back on.

The photo I posted is of a corner of our living room with new wall board, plaster, wood trim, and a charming bust of a sour-puss Beethoven that my son (an architect living in Georgia), who was here from Christmas through New Year's, placed on our mantle last night so that it would be safe from workmen demolishing walls, etc., etc.

I have exhaustively recorded the construction work that has now reached 5 weeks. After today, I will not post another of our "Money Pit" project. I promise!

Monochrome Weekend - Vol. 2, Issue 19: Welcome into the Heavenly World

2010-01-03T21:42:00.016-05:00

This headstone is in Tampa's oldest cemetery, Oaklawn. The deceased appears from the barely-legible carving to have lived from 1854 to 1888. The part I like is the hands shaking. Apparently, every headstone symbol has meaning. According to the website Cemeteries and Cemetery Symbols, "A handshake symbol on a tombstone usually signifies a welcome into the heavenly world. Sometimes you may see this as a symbol of matrimony on the grave marker of a married couple. If it’s a marriage symbol you may notice that one cuff will look masculine and the other, feminine."

If you love to see your world in black and white go visit some of the most interesting people and places HERE at Monochrome Maniacs!

It's made possible each week by Aileni.

Every Order Counts!

2010-01-02T22:45:00.004-05:00

A small section of a huge, warehouse-size mural on the Amazon Hose and Rubber building located on 50th Street in East Tampa. This mural, all crated as if it's a series of comic strip sections, is extremely well executed and each section relates to the company's business and customers.

Theme Day - CHANGE: Raw Ingredients

2010-01-01T16:02:00.016-05:00

This fine bottle of bubbly and meal is in celebration of the new year, a new decade and my wedding anniversary. Plus, it also clearly demonstrates real CHANGE, as in our City Daily Photo Theme for January 1, 2010. Taken from the cookbook Giada's Kitchen - New Italian Favorites, this inventive and entertaining (and gorgeous) chef, Giada De Laurentiis features page after page of the best regional food on earth...Italian! This meal was accompanied by glasses of Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne, a brilliant combination if I do say so. Starting from fresh raw ingredients, including a half pound of shrimp (yummm!), everything was changed as if by magic into an entree Giada calls Linguine Shrimp and Lemon Oil. The main course and oh-so-delicious salad were made by my very own Head Chef, the exquisite Mrs. Tampa DP in celebration of the new year and 28 years of marriage. Every morsel of this meal, and every drop of champagne, was magnifique!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in the City Daily Photo January 1, 2010 Theme Day.

Best of Tampa Sunsets in 2009: Ablaze with Fiery Color

2009-12-31T14:18:00.006-05:00

This sunset over Old Tampa Bay was taken from Beach Park on September 30th.

Happy New Year!

Best of 2009: Tampa Police and their Narrow Getaway

2009-12-30T19:59:00.005-05:00

This black and white image, taken on October 11th in downtown Tampa of a small linear park sandwiched between the Tampa Police headquarters and their parking garage, was the most commented upon of my Tampa Daily Photo posts of 2009.

Tampa Police patrol our waters

2009-12-29T18:06:00.009-05:00

The Tampa Police Department has a Marine Unit which is responsible for law enforcement and rescue activities on the waterways in and around the City of Tampa. According to the city's website for Tampa Police, HERE, the unit also assists the United States Coast Guard with Homeland Security and the United States Customs Service with illegal narcotics interdiction. Our city is almost surrounded by fresh and salt water and presents a number of challenges to law enforcement. Great changes in the depth of the water, tides and currents and, of course our weather. (It was 44-degrees this morning with a blinding blue sky and a high of only 62.) Tampa Bay is approximately 398 square miles of water and the Hillsborough River bisects the city and empties into the bay. Adding to our size and geography, we can boast of having the eighth largest seaport in the United States.

The Marine Unit is made up of five boats and two personal watercraft, the largest and fastest being a 32 foot Donzi ZF with twin outboard engines providing 500 horsepower. The Donzi is a serious boat for patrolling the water. The Marine Unit also has this 26-foot Boston Whaler, which was docked today at the Marjorie Yacht Basin near the Tampa Fire Rescue boat, a 28-foot Goldline, a 19-foot rigid hull inflatable and a 21-foot Carolina Skiff.

NOTE: My son gave me a new Nikon D80 camera body for Christmas. (He's a generous young fellow!!) I took a couple of days to try, try to gain some familiarity with its digital operation and features. I am excited that the Nikkor lenses that I have had for 30-40 years DO work with this new body. (I have not shot film through my F2 or other misc. Nikons in close to ten years.) It's great they fit and they feel like old friends as I mounted them to the D80 to go out shooting today. BUT, they are not auto in any way so this first effort is not to my crisp standards. I'm learning and will get better.

Carnival Departs Tampa

2009-12-28T16:18:00.004-05:00

MONOCHROME Weekend: Vol. 2, Issue 18: Myrtle Hill

2009-12-27T15:46:00.005-05:00

Myrtle Hill Cemetery, North 50th Street, Tampa.

If you love to see your world in black and white go visit some of the most interesting people and places HERE at Monochrome Maniacs!

It's made possible each week by Aileni.

Leave the tree up all year?

2009-12-26T22:16:00.003-05:00

Dr. Porter, the sweet Pekingese who graces our home with his royal presence, has found that curling up under the Christmas tree is to his liking. He has apparently decided to make this his new home. Permanently. Don't even think of packing away his ornaments, soft, comfortable tree skirt and removing the tree altogether. I think he's serious.

A Shocking Story: Our Savior Was Born This Day

2009-12-25T12:11:00.002-05:00

Even the Tavern gets MERRY!

2009-12-24T15:08:00.004-05:00

Even the bars and taverns are crowded and packed with revelers celebrating the season. But, not me. It's all about those I care most about. I'm just so thankful for my family, friends, home and loved ones preparing this evening for the heavenly and unselfish joy of Christmas morn.

Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Tradition: Gifts for THE cook in our home

2009-12-23T23:09:00.003-05:00

It's a long-time tradition that every Christmas I prance (!) through the Williams Sonoma store in Hyde Park Village and find things to please and delight Mrs. Tampa DP, the finest and most imaginative cook I know. Whether it's a meal in 15 minutes or an elaborate - get out several cookbooks - French or Italian feast for the eyes and stomach, she cannot be beat.

I may only get her a new oven mitt (what else could she possibly need or have space for?), but no store has a better selection or is more welcoming at the holidays. Gifts for the Cook are always wrapped in their special paper and small cookie cutter. It makes me smile and always makes my loved-one happy.

Christmas Dog Gifts? Yep!

2009-12-22T21:16:00.002-05:00

Cold Wind Blowing

2009-12-21T15:15:00.004-05:00

MONOCHROME Weekend - Vol. 2, Issue 17: The Florida Aquarium

2009-12-20T17:24:00.018-05:00

The Florida Aquarium, which opened in 1995, is an educational journey through Florida's water ecology while being fun and entertaining. Lots of exhibits, well-stocked gift shop and restaurants all combine to make this a must visit for adults and children. It's located in Tampa's Channelside District and is right on the water and near the cruise docks. (Plenty of parking is available.) A favorite of the young wet-and-wild set is Explore a Shore where kids can play on a pirate ship while staying active and cool while getting soaked ...on warmer days. Moms, dads and grandparents can enjoy my favorite, the Caribbean Cantina, a site-down, full-service bar and grill. You can sit back and still keep an eye on playful minnows. Café Ray is a cafeteria-style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating options. Visitors to the aquarium follow the flow of water from rain, through the underground aquifer, down rivers and streams, to our bays and beaches, and then on into the Gulf of Mexico! The huge, half-million gallon coral tank is breathtaking and there are opportunities to interact with some of Florida's animals in touch tanks. The brave can even dive in with the sharks - seriously! And for those of you who want to get away and explore the waters and bays around the aquarium, there are Eco-Tours aboard a 64-foot catamaran! This is a great attraction for visitors and natives alike. Visit the Florida Aquarium website HERE.

If you love to see your world in black and white go visit some of the most interesting people and places HERE at Mo nochrome Maniacs! It's made possible each week by Aileni.

No Snow in Forecast

2009-12-19T18:28:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow it is forecast to be a low of 41 and a high of 60... that is COLD for Tampa but a sauna compared to everyone up the eastern seaboard of the US. My hometown of Washington, DC is getting a blizzard-like snowfall and New England is in the winter storm's path. Great folks such as the always warm-hearted Jacob at Ocala Daily Photo and that forever-coed Lois at Tallahassee Daily Photo, may see the temps drop into the 30s or even the 20s in Florida's panhandle and up near our border with Georgia. But, we are still basking in sunshine. (Even though Mrs. Tampa DP has three layers on and thinks it' s freezing outside.) Our little Pekingese needs to borrow a woolly jacket from Gucci at Lori's place in Western New York at Skoog Farm Journal (Dr. Porter just barked, "Help Gucci, I need a warm winter jacket and earmuffs!!")

Stay warm and safe everyone.

Butter Shortbread and Afternoon Tea

2009-12-18T21:10:00.005-05:00

Christmas must be a week away. I can already taste the Butter Shortbread...and a Venti-size cup of Starbucks Verona.

Lights and Siren: Big Red International Fire Truck Responds

2009-12-17T17:21:00.009-05:00

This is a 1950s-era International R-185 fire truck. I wish I could have gotten the actual date but I think it's somewhere in the '53-'55 range. (Any firemen out there remember this piece of firefighting equipment??) It's sitting in the driveway of a home just off Howard Avenue in South Tampa. The "METAL INDUSTRIES FIRE DEPT. NO. 1" looks well-loved and well-cared for. I tried to find some information on the company and the truck's history but without success. It must be real love and a passion for fire trucks that drives a person to park one in their driveway. And, unlike a Corvette, Mercedes SL or even a small Ferrari Dino, you're not going to worry that your spouse is out cruising the beach or bars in it.

WATERY WEDNESDAY #66: Move the pilings?

2009-12-16T19:18:00.004-05:00

This scene of Tampa's downtown business district is one that is easy to capture from several different vantage points. The heights and designs of the office buildings, the many colors, the bridge and balustrades of Bayshore Boulevard, all combine to create an interesting "portrait" of the city. Many shooting spots, such as this one from the tarpon dock where the Jose Gaspar pirate ship is moored, offer a nice reflection of the buildings and catch the skyline in the water, day and night. But, I've never deliberately including anything in the foreground to "mess it up." These pilings are part of the docks and can easily be cropped in the camera or in the computer...

Click HER E to see wonderfully creative, very wet and Watery Wednesday images from around the world.

Drying the pants

2009-12-15T18:35:00.003-05:00

Mighty Big Ship: M.V. Trogir - Jadroplov Ltd., Split, Croatia

2009-12-14T18:20:00.007-05:00

We are surrounded every day by Florida's natural beauty that draws millions of tourists who come from all over the world to our city and state to see and enjoy things that many of us, sadly, ignore or take for granted. We also tend to overlook the many industries such as cargo shipping that bring so much revenue to our area. Cargo ships and three passenger cruise lines regularly dock here and bring people and products in and out of our port. This ship, the M.V. Trogir, is owned by Jadroplov Ltd., of Split,

Croatia

, and sails under the Croatian flag. Built in 2001, it is the newest in their fleet of six ships - four bulk carriers and two container ships. At 433 feet in length, the ship, which has four large cranes on deck for loading and off-loading. It’s big and formidable looking. Jadroplov, an international maritime transport company, was founded in 1947 and has been a joint stocked owned company since 1993. Jadroplov’s fleet represents the largest container ships in the Croatian merchant fleet.

Surrounded as we are by lakes, bays, rivers and the Gulf, many of us are guilty of not taking notice of the water as we drive along the Bayshore, cross bridges and causeways, and climb into office towers that have magnificent views. We should do better. Pay more attention. (Maybe even take notice of the giant ships that visit our port. They're not taking passengers on romantic and exciting cruises to exotic ports of call, but that are really interesting.)

MONOCHROME Weekend: Vol. 2, Issue 16 / Weekend REFLECTIONS #12 - White as driven snow and basking in Florida sunshine

2009-12-13T17:59:00.020-05:00

The bright blue sky,powdery white clouds and the 80-degree weather made for an awesome day. It IS the middle of December, right? No way a sleigh and reindeer can navigate this summer-like paradise but I'm sure there's a way. Perhaps they need a handsome new boat?

If you love to see your world in black and white go visit some of the most interesting people and places HERE at Monochrome Maniacs! It's made possible each week by Aileni.

Check out other great WEEKEND REFLECTIONS HERE. James is making this possible through his blog, Newtown Daily Photo. You must see his Creepy Clown reflection today ...strange for sure and great in black and white.

It Was An Open House: Rebecca Sexton Larson - Studio Artist Extraordinaire

2009-12-12T20:37:00.017-05:00

My photos are of copyrighted work (c) 2009 Rebecca Sexton Larson

Nothing is more fun than to be invited to the home of friends for a party. Especially as we get closer to the holidays the get-togethers are even more fun and filled with anticipation of the people you'll see and meet, friends new and old, and the great conversations that will ensue. Tonight delivered on every level. A terrific couple and super friends issued an Open House invitation.

Our drive to their house was filled with neighborhood displays of lights and fanciful Christmas characters of every size and construction. No real snow but everything else imaginable. From wooden cut-out sleighs and reindeer to huge inflatable snowmen, the journey there and back was almost half the fun. Tonight was a party but promised so much more. Matt Larson and Rebecca Sexton Larson are two incredibly talented and accomplished individuals. AND, they are married! Happily.

They opened their studio and home to exhibit and offer their work for sale. They featured dozens of small works that would make great gifts so a couple came home with us that we could not pass up. Matt and Becky are two extremely gracious hosts. Their art fills every room and is on the floors, walls and on every surface. It was arranged in frames under their dazzling white Christmas tree and overflowed to Becky's enchanted studio in their back yard. The evening could not have been more perfect as the weather was amazing and guests enjoyed the illuminated deck and yard.

The photo above is an example of just one of the many alternative photographic processes Becky has employed during her career. She has used straight photography and pinhole cameras and in this instance she made a series of extraordinary tintypes, in a variety of sizes and then encased each in a gorgeous, hand-made lidded box. Becky even sews images together in some of her artwork.

My photos are of copyrighted work (c) 2009 Rebecca Sexton Larson

Here is a short excerpt from Becky's career bio: "Rebecca Sexton Larson is a Tampa based studio artist working with alternative photographic processes. In 1998, Rebecca was awarded her first Florida Individual Artist Fellowship from the State of Florida and in 2002; she was awarded her second Florida Fellowship. And this year she received her third Florida Fellowship. Other major awards include an award from University of the Arts in Philadelphia to lecture and exhibit, an Artist Enhancement Grant from the State of Florida, and in 2005 she was commissioned to be the City of Tampa’s Photographer Laureate. Sexton Larson's photographs are in numerous major collections throughout the country, including: Polaroid, Progressive Corporate Art, Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), Polk Museum of Art, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick Law Firm, Trenam Kemker Law Firm and the Tampa Museum of Art (to name a few). Currently Sexton Larson’s work is featured in the book, Pinhole Photography: Rediscovering a Historic Technique by Eric Renner."

Visit Becky and her work online at BoxPhotos HERE. To see Matt Larson's photography from tonight's party go to Tampa Florida Photo HERE and visit his work online at ToyCameraPlay

Becky and Matt are talented and genuinely awesome artists AND people. We looked forward to tonight's open house and it delivered in every way possible.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - Season 4 Episode 22

2009-12-11T15:50:00.007-05:00

The sky over our beautiful city is still solid gray and wintry-looking. Although it's not cold at all (I hate looking at that national weather map and seeing how cold other parts of the country are today), it does look though as if it'll snow at any minute. Notice that every slip has a boat snugly tied up and covered against the "nasty" winter day. Even a scene like this one with the water, yachts and the homes and buildings on Harbour Island has a dreary, sullen look without the glorious, blazing sunshine.

My shot looks a lot like Lori's at Skoog Farm but minus all the barns, fencing, crunchy ice and snow and 20 below zero temperatures. Oh, and the farm doesn't have any palm trees. (Our weather is just a tad different, right? Right?) I'm not complaining one bit but I do miss the blue skies and bright sunshine that's more typical of Tampa, even in the winter.

Visit Skywatch Friday to see the beauty and wonders of the world's most magnificent skies. It's always an amazing show and all brought to you by Skywatchers from all over the planet.

It's NOT Snowing Here

2009-12-10T20:08:00.004-05:00

It only looks like it'll snow any moment. Compared to much of the US of A, Tampa has it really, really good right now. No icy temperatures, snow plows, salt on the roads, frozen tree limbs or lake effect snow. NO. Nothing but a little chilly weather (for us) and sea gulls hanging out on the dock looking for a handout. I may be a thousand plus miles away my friends, but I am thinking of you and your early winter weather. Be safe. Stay warm!! (Think of Florida beaches, palm trees and sand in your toes.)

Watery Wednesday #65: Tiptoeing through the oysters - Little Blue Heron

2009-12-09T19:36:00.013-05:00

I found another of my heron friends hunting for an afternoon snack. I wished him a lot of luck.

Click HER E to see other wet and Watery Wednesday images from around the
world.

Tampa's Getting Ready for Christmas

2009-12-08T18:25:00.005-05:00

I especially liked this house all decorated for Christmas because of the lighting on their palm trees. No snow on the ground, but lots of bright, white lights to guide the sleigh.

Tampa Cityscape across the Hillsborough River

2009-12-07T16:16:00.005-05:00

MONOCHROME Weekly: All Aboard at Tampa Union Station

2009-12-06T18:31:00.013-05:00

If you love to see our world in magnificent black and white, be sure and visit some of the most interesting people and places in the world HERE at Monochrome Maniacs! It's made possible each week by Aileni.

STOP

2009-12-05T17:09:00.003-05:00

As I took this shot from the top of the parking garage near Saks Fifth Avenue at Westshore Plaza, a car exited the drive in the right lane and didn't even slow down, much less stop. And I was thinking, How could someone not come to a complete stop here?

SkyWatch FRIDAY - Season 4 Episode 21: Daily Eats, A SoHo Favorite

2009-12-04T16:32:00.005-05:00

It has poured rain all day with only brief intervals designed to allow a moment for a small dog to navigate deep puddles out-of-doors without drowning! NO sunshine at all, which is a real rarity for Tampa. It looks like it might snow at any minute. It's 57 degrees so I may break out a wool sweater, parka and gloves - they are hidden away somewhere. Where? So that said, my SkyWatch is rather wintry and gray.

Daily Eats is a very popular "diner" on Tampa's South Howard Avenue in the SoHo dining and entertainment district of South Tampa. It is almost packed and for good reason. Scrumptious food, breakfast to dinner, with an incredibly delicious Koba beef burger and OMG chocolate milk shakes. Mouth watering breakfast, too. Check it out HERE.

Visit Skywatch Friday to see the beauty and wonders of the world's most magnificent skies. (And even some other sullen gray scenes like Tampa's.) It's always an amazing show though and all brought to you by Skywatchers from all over the planet.