"Wink!"

Texas Longhorns on Florida's Short Grass

The Fit Pod - Trilogy Preserve

This "Fit Pod" was recently completed to allow Trilogy residents the possibility of getting "fit" to a whole new level.  It provides a number of exercise options, including a variety of bars, steps, wall climbing, and a small hill climb.  Surrounding the Fit Pod is a special track created from material which will allow runners a safer and softer running experience.

And to top if off, so to speak, are several canvas covers which offer protection from the sun, pooping birds and falling bugs! 

The machine that changed the world

When computers first made their appearance in our commercial establishments, I was one of the old fuddy-duddies who said they'd never work. How could a computer figure out the price of a product faster and more accurately than a human person with a high school education?

As you know, I was really wrong. I was very wrong. I was totally wrong. It wasn't long before schools and business offices and professional institutions began to use computers. And computers got better, faster, more accurate.

One of the last professions to adopt computers was the medical profession. Just a few years ago when you went to the doctor for your annual physical, he/she would check you over closely, ask you various questions and make notations in your file which sat on a little desk or in his/her lap. You'd get kneaded and prodded and poked and rubbed and when it was over you'd go to the front desk and pay your bill.

Nowadays, when you get to the doctor's office, the nurse comes in, turns on the computer which is hanging from the wall or the ceiling, and while inputing your information, asks you a few questions, takes your blood pressure and temperature.

If you have any new complaints the computer lights up and starts clanging and banging and the nurse starts typing madly. Nah, I just made that last part up. But when the nurse is done you are told the doc will be right in. These people should be politicians the way they lie.

After an hour or two the doc rushes in the door, says "Sorry, I'm so late," and  sits down in front of the computer, checking what the nurse inputted, and then says, "Any questions?  OK, you're looking good. See you next year."

You walk out the door and go home. Two weeks later a bill arrives in the mail, somehow ejected by a computer into a mail slot where it is then picked up by a postal service employee and sent via a computer modified vehicle to your house.

"Hey Underlings....?"

Cleopatra is not so patiently waiting for her subjects (underlings) to run her a warm bath. But I have a feeling she will not jump into the water if that happens.

Silver Springs State Park - The Village

The first photo above provides a better view of the museum, classrooms, etc., all of which are used extensively by educational institutions in the area.

The photos following show some of the buildings that comprised this 19th century village.  The first is a home, the second is a blacksmith shop, the third, which I originally thought was a school, seems to be a church what with the cross on top, and the last, "Cracker Cow Camp," I'm not sure about.

Some of these are originals, others have been created recently.  But they do offer an interesting look at how people lived in this part of Florida a couple hundred years ago.

Silver Springs State Park

Once upon a time in Ocala, Florida, there was a Silver Springs Amusement Park (next to a large water park) which involved glass bottom boats, a petting zoo, jeep rides into the woods with various animal encounters, other boat trips down offshoots of the Silver River where you would see an old Indian encampment, a military fort, the set for a TV show, and much more. Several large bears were kept in another enclosure. There were a couple gift shops, and a large ride next to the Silver River that would spin you around until reaching the top some 30-40 feet above the ground. And during the winter, you could attend concerts by some of the best entertainers in the world.

This amusement park gradually fell apart, beginning with the construction of the Disney attractions to the southeast in Orlando.  It couldn't compete.

At this same time, just down the road, was the Silver River State Park. This park offered trails into the hinterlands, a trail down to the Silver River, canoes and kayaks, biking trails, cabins for rent, spaces for RVs, picnic areas and a museum along with several old buildings, either restored or recreated to resemble life in the area in the late 1800s.

Not long ago, the two parks came together when the State of Florida bought the old amusement park. Together, they are now known as the Silver Springs State Park. There are small tandem trucks to carry people from one area to the other. 

The old Silver River State Park has not changed much and we visited it the other day. We walked down to the river (a little over 1/2 mile each way) and needless to say, took a lot of photographs. When you drive into the park, you'll notice just north of the parking lot is a group of buildings which contains a museum, class rooms, storage areas, etc. That's what you see in the first photograph above. The second photograph is a shot of the middle of the area, and the third shot is an artsy photo (by Lois Anne) of a large live oak tree, which shows how big those branches are. In the distance you can make out some older buildings and we'll be showing more of that encampment in the days ahead.

Study of Light & Shadow

Jacob's Ladder?

Not Jacob's ladder. I photographed this young lady at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. As I recall she was looking for a particular product for a customer. When she looked around and saw me, it appeared she was angry, but then broke into a big smile and said she wished I had let her put on her makeup before I took her picture!

Advertising Gas Pump

This is a gas pump located at one of our local stations. Some moron in marketing got the bright idea that customers would love to watch the news and ads for various products while pumping gas.  And the customers, of course, are a "captive" audience...it's perfect. 

Not all of the gas stations in Ocala do this, but it's becoming more popular so I expect to see additional stations adopting the idea as time goes by. 

For a guy who mutes every ad that shows up on my television, this drives me crazy!

Muscle Car

Z.O.R.T. Zombie Outbreak Response Team

This vehicle is from out-of-state. Although I wasn't able to interview the driver, it appears we have had a Zombie outbreak here in Ocala. But I'm not worried. If the people who own this truck see this post, I'd suggest they head to Washington, D.C., where dead people walking is a common sight!

A Contextual Textual Conversation

This slice-of-life was taken at the Gainesville, Florida airport.  The young man appears to be leaving on a jet plane as he has gone through security and is in the arrival/departure lounge.  The young lady, with whom I'd guess he is familiar, is in the area reserved for those who are awaiting someone's arrival or watching someone's departure. 

These two could not hear each other through the window, so voila! they were saved by technology and could "converse" through their smart phones.  It worked pretty well from what I could tell.

The Beginning of a Forest

I understand that some of my blogging friends have had a hard time posting comments on this blog.  The problem has been resolved, I believe.  If anyone has difficulty posting comments or with anything else related to this blog, please let me know ASAP.  Thanks much!

The View From the Boat House at the Trilogy Resort