Tennessee stacked stone

This is a portion of our neighbor's house, which is constructed of Tennessee stacked stone, of which he is rightly, very proud.

Model A Ford - polarized

Many years ago, as a young man, I had several occasions to drive a Model A. Great fun!

Miracle house

A few weeks ago, Per Stromsjo of Stockholm by Pixels Daily Photo, challenged me to find a house in Ocala painted in the Swedish colors of blue and yellow. While I was unable to locate such a house, I did find a horse barn in Swedish colors.

Still, I was dissatisfied. Then, the other morning while riding my bike alongside Lois Anne as she engaged in her usual 4-mile run, I came across a very beautiful and modern home painted a pale yellow. For some reason I thought of Per Stromsjo and as that thought entered my head the sky morphed into the Swedish flag.

I almost fell off my bike! Quickly I grabbed my camera and took the shot, which was a good thing as shortly thereafter the flag faded away to leave only a brilliant blue sky!

It was a miracle!

Creme de la Creme crashed

Located in a small strip center, Creme de la Creme was one of several antique shops selling a variety of antiques. It had been at this location at least since we've lived in Ocala. Creme de la Creme is no doubt another casualty of the faltering economy. The shop is now officially closed. We had always planned to stop there, but never got around to it. How often is opportunity lost due to failure to act?

For the birds

Four miles from our home is a piece of the Cross Florida Greenway: a six-mile paved loop through several different types of terrain. Someone decided to provide a home and food for the local birds by hanging a small bird house, a bell-shaped chunk of feed and a wind chime from a small tree - to keep the birds happy.

I've never seen a bird near this tree, however. But as they say, it's the thought that counts.

Mannequin risque

I know, I know, you could find this kind of thing in any city, not just Ocala. But, hey, I found it in Ocala! At Dillards Department Store. And while it may be a bit unusual, it certainly gets one's attention.

That's Dillards Deparment Store on Hwy 200. A new, upscale emporium. They'll happily relieve you of your money in exchange for quality goods.

One way to leave town

If you need to leave Ocala, there are several ways to do it. You can drive, take a bus, a plane, or a train. If you opt for a train, this is the way out of town.

Glass bottom boats at Silver Springs

It is the end of the day, and the glass bottom boats, iconic emblems of Silver Springs Park, have been put to bed to rest for the morrow.

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille

Harry's is located kitty-corner from the Town Square and is a popular eating and drinking place. This photo was taken a couple of months ago, just before the beginning of the Lenten season.

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is an upscale restaurant located in downtown Ocala, directly across from the town square. It features fondue meals, and as you can see billiards are available upstairs. We have not eaten there as yet because their prices are "pricey," but it has a reputation for excellent food.

Another restored house in the historic district

Countryside Presbyterian Church

Ocala has many churches of various denominations. Countryside Presbyterian is located on Highway 200 in a rapidly-developing area.

It's a jungle in there!

Some of the properties in the "historic" district near downtown Ocala have not been restored. This is one of them.

Ocala City Hall

While our city hall doesn't match the gorgeous old ornate buildings one can find in Europe, we think it is a fairly attractive structure.

St. Mary's Baptist Church

First of all, I'm having a very difficult time accessing City Daily Photo, and an even harder time accessing the portal, and if I am able to get on the portal, I cannot bring up most of the blogs. I understand others are having the same problem. So, if I do not comment as usual, it's not that I've forgotten, but rather that I'm unable to get to your blog to do so.

I've left a message in the forum, but nothing seems to have changed over the past few days.

The church in the photo is something of an anomaly to me. It is one of a couple hundred Baptist churches in our area, but I didn't think Baptists recognized "saints," and especially the Virgin Mary.

Very interesting!

Sculpture at the Appleton Museum

I do not know what this sculpture represents, but two of them guard the steps leading to the entrance of the Appleton Museum in Ocala. Perhaps a CDP blogger will be able to provide the answer.

Law office for sale

Since we've lived in Ocala this beautiful home on the east side of town has housed a law office. Now the lawyers are gone and the property is up for sale.

Tagged!

We got tagged yesterday - thrice! But, we're passing it along only once. Meanwhile, figuring you were tired of Ocala, we're posting a shot of a certain favorite city which many of you will recognize right off. (It's been Photoshopped a bit to protect the innocent!)

Two of the tags were for Ocala Daily Photo: one by Christopher Raun Leth @ Christopher's Photos and the other by Nanak @ Mataram-Lombok Daily Photo. The third tag came for The Villages Daily Photo by Joo of Urban Stories.

Thank you all for the honor bestowed up us!

The rules are simple: Tag and link back to the person who tagged you. List six (un) important things that make you happy. Tag six bloggers and let them know they're "it". We all feel this blogging community to be one of inclusion and friendship.

Six of the many things that make me happy are:

Being with Lois Anne
Seeing my children and grandchildren succeed
A Nikon around my neck
Visiting new places, meeting new people
Paris - in all its glory
The freedom of retirement


My six tagged bloggers are:

Mitch at Daily Minneapolis Photograph
Knoxville Girl at Knoxville Daily Photo
Halcyon at Jackson Daily Photo
Cieldequimper at Versailles Daily Photo
Buenos Aires Perception
Hilda at My Manilla

Seminole trading post and village at Silver Springs Park

One hundred and fifty years ago or so, the Seminole Indians lived in these parts. Along the Fort King River, they built villages and trading posts, such as what you see here. These are replicas of course, which you can view as you glide down the river in one of the boats from Silver Springs park.

Geraniums in focus

Cody's Original Roadhouse

Several years ago, Cody's Original Roadhouse replaced Carmichael's, an established and popular restaurant on Silver Springs Boulevard. Cody's was a different breed of cat but it appeared to be doing well until the building caught fire and the restaurant ended up a total loss.

This past year, Cody's has been reincarnated on Highway 200, closer to the heartbeat of the city. It is a roughshod place, perhaps even a redneck place, but lots of fun. Pails of free peanuts grace the tables and the bar and you toss the shells on the floor. The food is good and there's a lot of it.

The biggest problem is that it's become the place to go and thus is often quite crowded.

Their fajitas and quesadillas are excellent!

Constructing a new federal courthouse

A new federal courthouse has been under construction for some time in Ocala. These workmen are actually several stories high and appear to be getting some instruction from their superiors.

Waiting for a train

It was a warm afternoon at the Ocala train/bus station. This young man was waiting for the next train - to help with baggage, I believe. I asked him if I could take his picture and he said, "Sure! Will I be on the cover of a magazine?" I explained that wouldn't happen, but he might be on the Internet. He thought that was a great idea.

A fading moon

The top photo shows almost a full moon. It is a bit hazy because of smoke in the air from all the fires currently burning in Central Florida.

In the second photo, a dark cloud begins to move across the face of the moon.

As you can see, in the third photo the cloud is quickly enshrouding the entire moon - in fact, within a few minutes you could not see the moon at all. It was gone, leaving only an inky black sky.

Ocala's main post office

The carriers at Ocala's main post office are filling their trucks and preparing to roll out to deliver the mail - about 9 a.m.

A small farm house

You'll find this beautiful home amidst the rolling hills just south of Ocala. It appears to be some kind of farm - horses, perhaps.

Dancing at Silver Springs Park

Every fall, Octoberfest is celebrated at Silver Springs Park. A number of attendees dress in the costumes of their homelands; a band plays the right kind of music; and
there's lots of beer and lots of fun. We took this photo of these two kids dancing up a storm last October.

The last run is over for the day at Silver Springs

There are several river boats plying the Silver River at Silver Springs Park on the east side of Ocala. This one is coming home at the end of the day as the tourists head for the parking lot.

White horse for sale

When we moved to Ocala, we noticed Gallery Square right away. A very good looking building on Silver Springs boulevard, it was used as an art gallery, an exhibition hall and for other special events.

Alas, the economic turmoil has taken its toll and Gallery Square has closed. The owners are selling off some of their art collection and this white horse was located out front of the building, perhaps to attract an interested buyer.

I know it doesn't measure up to the sculptural excellence of Europe, but hey, it ain't bad for Florida!

Rolling south on I-75

The truck is rolling south on I-75 toward Tampa or the Turnpike, the latter of which would take him to Orlando. I'd expect the truck is traveling at between 70-75 miles per hour. The sign signifies the second exit for Ocala on I-75 heading north.

I played with this a bit in Photoshop, using the polarizer.

Murphy's Oyster Bar

Murphy's Oyster Bar is something of an anomaly in Ocala. It looks like the kind of place that should be on the beach, not in Central Florida. We've not patronized the place as yet, so have no idea what it's really like.

Has interesting colors, though.