This and That, Mostly That

Went to the flea Market last weekend.  A provocative and alluring Madame LaFarge, here, was holding down a booth of oils and such.  

Spotted this one.  Yes, under this old mature grey veneer is a 16 year old giggling kid.  To my chagrin.  Now tell me.  Where else in your list of blogs can you get this kind of stuff?  Well, yes, Bodine-DILLIGAF.  But not too many others!

Apparently down here it is not the least bit acceptable to wear white socks under sandals not only before Easter, but EVER.  So says my daughter.

I recently admitted that re-reading novels is not usually my thing.  Far too many other good reads to get to than paying for the same real estate twice, so to speak.  This book was the only exception.  Read this one twice.  As scary as The Exorcist.  And, don't forget, I'm a giggly 14 year old, so of course I like to get scared.

Saw this stag horn fern at the flea market, too.  Didn't ask for the price, but it would have been more than I care to pay for anything at a flea market.

My favorite pastime at the market is to people watch.  There are signs all over about no dogs allowed.  Where did this guy hide Fifi? Uh not sure I want to know.

Norah getting tickled by a cheap plastic talking parrot.

Spotted this in an antique shop down here:  a postcard with Highland Park, Galesburg, IL on the front.  Where is/was Highland Park?  Lake Bracken?

This is a Whizzer bicycle I saw at a classic car dealership in Clearwater.

I came upon this at an antique/retro store on Central Avenue.  My parents had one when we were kids.  It was pretty cool.  Wonder what happened to it.  I should go back and get this baby.

ADDENDUM:  Went back this past weekend and it was gone.  Rule number 1.  always take your camera, and rule number 2. don't overthink the small stuff.

Mirrors to a kid are great fun and fascinating.  To an old guy they become annoying and useless; objects to be avoided and scorned.  

I was driving by this cemetery and noticed the wind-swept dancing helium balloon.  I decided to investigate.  I shouldn't have.  It was a party balloon to commemorate the anniversary of a young man's death.  Joe Marr died at 21 on March 1st 2006.  The basketball shaped headstone had on it "On My Way to NBA".  The scene was complete with cigarette and empty can of Natural Ice beer.  As much happiness and joy as there is in this world, there is equal sadness and heartbreak.

There is a poor man's macro photography for those who can't afford expensive lenses.  Take the lens you have off, turn it around and instead of a telephoto you now have a macro.  I tried it and took this picture of a rusty screw on some guttering here at Shawshank.