Waiting to fly through the air...

This is a trapeze sort of contraption into which little kids are strapped and then allowed to bounce to astounding heights, do flips, and generally have a great time in relative safety.

Wall by Monet

Bagelicious ...

...our favorite deli and bagel shop.

The Harem - Circle Square Ranch

Wine glasses at the Olive Garden

Please embiggen the picture for a better view...

Water plant & turtle - Sholom Park

Teapot rally around the Square

These folks call themselves Tea Party Patriots. I talked with the gentleman getting out of the SUV and he said he believed President Obama is a socialist, a Muslim, that he wasn't born in this country and has done nothing whatsoever to benefit the U.S. since he became president. Therefore, "Obama must go."

My attempt to initiate a rational discussion was unsuccessful.

Reflections on chocolate confections

Art Deco Architect's Studio - downtown Ocala

Ocala Wine - downtown

Religion on the road

Perfumania - surrounded!

Mother and Child Reunion

One of the nicer homes in the Historic District

Waiting

She looked around and then climbed up to this perch as if waiting for someone to come and pick her up.

She also saw me taking her picture and called out, "Did you take my picture?" And naturally, I said, "I'd never do that!"

Strip mall - early evening

Handicapped parking only!

One cannot help but wonder why there is a handicapped parking spot here when there's no need for anyone to park anywhere in this lot for any reason...and nobody does!

Rent-a-cop explains mall rules to baffled customer...

Capt. Lou Schroeder

On one very nice morning recently, I hied myself to the Preserve at Spruce Creek Golf Club. The gentleman working in the pro shop told me I'd be playing with a Lou Schroeder. Lo, and behold, Lou Schroeder was standing at the counter so we exchanged introductions and went off to start our round. Mr. Schroeder suggested I put my bags on his golf cart which was parked close by. As I did so, I saw a large sign in front of his golf cart which read: Reserved for Club Champion.

Uh, oh! I knew I was in trouble. Club champion? OMG!

But, Lou turned out to be a very fine person and we had a great time on the course. I won't mention my score for it was less than impressive, but he ended the round just two over par! That is phenomenal by any standard!

Lou is known as Captain Schroeder for he has owned a marine services business in the Palm Beach area for many years and one of his services includes yacht sitting. He is now more or less retired and living in the Ocala area.

Perhaps we'll run into each other again some time. If that happens I'm gonna take notes!

The Lime Cabinet - downtown Ocala

Tres Chic and the Muse Cafe

Tres Chic, an elegant gift shop, and Muse, an elegant cafe, have taken over what used to be the Veranda in the historic district. We had a chance to dine with friends at the Muse cafe and were delighted with the ambiance, the service and the food.

The women in our party were equally enchanted with the offerings of Tres Chic.

You will notice that there is a feline greeter, who was especially friendly and demanded that I scratch her behind the ears which I did quite willingly.

Downtown reflections

Lois Anne took this reflection shot in downtown Ocala. I thought it came out rather well!

Bunny ears at JC Penney's

All the employees at JC Penney's were decked our with bunny ears. They looked really silly. I think many of them were embarrassed. But, hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.

I took the top picture first. He posed nicely. The second gentleman asked me to take his picture, too. So I did.

Heh, heh, Happy Easter!

Porsche

Yes, 'tis a Porsche. And if you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it. :-) What you see in the background is the Winding Oaks Farm from which beautiful race horses are bred.

The Easter Bunny at the Paddock Mall

Woman and child, waiting ...

Women and children, waiting ... for

the Easter Bunny!!

At a stop sign, the conversation continues...

The Bakery Cafe

Here are two views of the Bakery Cafe, located in the Historic District near downtown Ocala. We have yet to patronize the place, but plan to do so in the near future. However, those who have satisfied their palates here claim the fixin's are good enough to eat!

Retail Therapy

I'm not sure what "Retail Therapy" means. I checked with people in retail, however, and they explained it's more expensive than Wholesale Therapy. Wholesale Therapy has to do with groups. A group of people meets with a sales force, is given a spiel and then gets what they want at wholesale prices. Retail is always pricier than wholesale 'cause it's one on one: One sales clerk to one customer.

Hey, I'm just the messenger!

And I could be wrong! Retail Therapy might just have to do with Home Decor, Kitchen, Gifts, Jewelry, Bridal and Baby.

"School's out, now what are we gonna do?"

Gause & Son Jewelers

Gause & Son Jewelers got its start in Ocala in 1950. Today, it is a highly-respected business with locations in the old downtown area and in the Paddock Mall. This photo is of the downtown store.

More information is on their website here.