Wishing You a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Clouds of Olden Days

O clouds above Ocala

Like olden days of yore

Days of balls and galas

O Lord, they were a bore.

The clouds, though, took my fancy

For they were white and pretty

And because there was no dancing

I penned this little ditty.

Cha, cha, cha!

The Trilogy Boathouse

The Trilogy boathouse is where you can rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy some time on the small lake. It's always nice to be out on the water and right now the weather is about perfect for such an excursion.

Gibbs Mural - Deland, Florida

This mural, located in downtown Deland, Florida, features Gibbs Store for Men. Gibbs has been around a long time and today sells men's upscale clothing, tuxedos, etc., as well as a variety of collectible items. I'm not certain, but I believe the people shown in the mural are Gus Gibbs and his wife.

FAO Schwarz Speedster

This cute little red speedster (a perfect Christmas gift, I would think, for a young man or woman) originated at FAO Schwartz, the famous New York toy store. FAO Schwarz closed in 2015, to the consternation of millions of people around the world, but it has come back with a large Internet presence and also sells its products through other stores, such as HomeGoods here in Ocala, and during this holiday season, at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City.

Amelia Island B&B

If perchance, the holiday celebrations wear you out this year, you might want to plan a "get-away" at this beautiful B&B on Amelia Island, Florida.  I can't remember the name of the place, but I do recall something about several famous political types who stayed there in the "good old days."

Or maybe that was another B&B on Amelia Island.

What?  Do you expect me to remember everything?   :)

As you can see, the building has been well-kept and is in great shape.

Whatever you do, enjoy every day, no matter the season.  You don't need a reason!

Happy Holidays!

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm taking a break.  Well, today I'm taking a break from my break because I had all these (and many more) holiday photos that I wanted to share and also because I wanted to wish each and every one of my blogging friends a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.

We're looking forward to a nice Christmas here in Ocala except it is forecast to be a little warm - about 80 degrees Fahrenheit!  There will be no snow in Ocala!

Christmas Tree - Heathbrook Shopping Center

Please note that I'll be taking a break. Best wishes and Happy Holidays to all my blogging friends!

Verdant Forest...

...along one of the Trilogy trails.

Videographer

In retrospect, I should have asked this woman what she was planning to videotape. She's facing Lake Sumter in Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages. Nothing was happening on the lake that I could see. Perhaps she was setting up for a wedding party or for some kind of special entertainment on the Boardwalk, but none of that was evident. She thus remains a mystery. Forever.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

There was an arts and craft show at the Tack House at the Trilogy Resort this morning. It was open to the public and offered many wonderful items for sale which I'll show in another post.

We were on our way out when I ran into this guy, all dressed up as Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. When I asked him what he was doing he explained he was on his way to Highway 27 (which runs right by the Trilogy Resort) where he planned to stand on the side of the road to catch people's attention and direct them to the arts and crafts show.

A dangerous task, I thought, as I thanked him and went on my way.

Golf Cart Gift

Sometimes life surprises you. Someone I know very well was recently gifted a new golf cart by his wife. His golfer buddy called the wife of the golf cart recipient a "saint." I think he was right.

The City Daily Photo theme for December 1 is "Gift."  You may check out interpretations of this theme HERE.

Publix Supermarket

On the right is the fish, meat and dairy aisle at our local Publix Supermarket. It was a slow day - not many people shopping.

Two Photos - One Sunset...

...from the Oak House, Trilogy, Ocala, [Note: The photos will embiggen with a click.]

What a friend we have in Jesus...

It always amazes me how people can hold totally contradictory views at the same time. Notice the Confederate flag, a symbol of slavery and the animals, probably a reference to the NRA and its perverted interpretation of the 2nd Amendment. The Jesus of the Gospels would be a friend of neither but would bitterly denounce both the slavery flag and the guns of the NRA.

Rare fall colors

Photos taken today, November 27.

Blowin' in the Wind

Anhinga Drying Off

The Bald Tree

The Very Large Shrimp

If you've had your fill of turkey, how's about a little shrimp?

La Cuisine

La Cuisine is an authentic French restaurant in downtown Ocala. It opened several years ago, and has established itself as the place to go if you want real French food. The owners/operators are from France so they know what they're doing. We have eaten here on a couple of occasions and found it to be delightful, if a little pricey.

Ulta

Ulta - the store that provides comestics to meet a woman's needs. Recently, however, Ulta has added a section for men. It's an interesting store.

Don't Sleep Through the Revolution!

Rainy Day at Last

It's been a long time since we've had a rainy day. So when this one came along, we were happy.

Faux Flamingos in a Pile

The story goes like this: A flock of faux flamingos was soaring over Ocala on a Sunday afternoon. One of the NRA's local mental midgets woke up from an alcohol-induced slumber, looked out the window and saw what he thought were Russian jets (a little pink, but close enough), so he grabbed his AK-47 (used only for hunting, of course) and blasted the flamingos out of the sky. When they fell, they landed in a pile.

This is the pile.

Parking Lot Hog

Some people hog the highways and drive as if there's no one else on the road.  Others hog parking lots and park their vehicles as if no one else needs a parking space. 

This photo illustrates the latter.  It appears this person has hogged a total of EIGHT OR NINE parking spaces on a very busy day at Lowe's.

The Oak House at Ocala Trilogy Preserve Resort

These shots were taken on different days at different times.  The first photo shows the entrance to the Oak House from the parking lot, and the last photo is the entrance to the Golf Club

Some might say the Oak House is the "heart" of the Trilogy resort here in Ocala.  It contains a huge "living room" with fireplace and multiple seating arrangements; the Eagles Nest which offers a large-screen TV, gaming tables, a pool table, and a golf pro shop; a gym with every piece of body-building equipment you could imagine; a spa; a restaurant and bar; a mail room; and a concierge who is available at all times to assist in meeting your needs.  

Murphy

I think Murphy is one of those dogs trained to know when a person is going to have a diabetic attack.  Our niece has one and the dog has saved her life a number of times.  Or he could be some other type of service dog.

The Abominable Snowman Discovered!!!

Two Boats Afloat (with reflections) - Amelia Island

Mall Santa

It's not even the middle of November, but Santa is busy visiting shopping malls all over the world. This allows him to get an idea of the gifts the elves must put together by Christmas Eve, and also provides an opportunity for kids to tell Santa their hearts desire and get their pictures "taken with Santa." Santa watched me take this photo, and smiled big-time. Good Santa!

Posing as Pumpkins

If you thought these were real pumpkins, you were wrong. (You also need to get your eyes checked!) No, these are actors. Their only roles are to pose as pumpkins. They've tried to get other roles in the movies and on TV shows, but they've had no luck.

So, every fall they come out about Thanksgiving time and pose as pumpkins.  Unfortunately, as I've told them, they probably won't ever win an Oscar because they're acting is so wooden.

Avon Calling!