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.