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.