Independence Day

 

Hope you're soaring into a safe and fun holiday! Spotted this beautiful bald eagle in flight near Ft. Myers recently. Happy 4th of July...and God bless America!

Stations of the Cross

Every Good Friday, just after sunrise, the Church of the Redeemer and the Sarasota Ministerial Association host the Stations of the Cross pilgrimage down the middle of Main Street.  It's quite a sight to see.  This year, the Church of the Redeemer's youth minister, Rev. David Bumsted, carried the cross the entire route as hundreds of Sarasotans followed and paused for prayer at 14 stations as they remembered and reflected on Jesus' journey to the cross.  When the SDP Editor-in-Chief was doling out this assignment, I actually volunteered (despite the early hour) since I've always wanted to attend.  Unfortunately, I could only make it to two stations before I had to dash off to work.  Next year, I think I'll carve out time for the whole pilgrimage.  Happy Easter!

Memorial Day

Freedom isn't free. On this Memorial Day, I'm remembering all our men and women who sacrificed their lives.  The more I see of the world, the more grateful I am.  I took this photo last night at the Vietnam Memorial in Ft. Myers.  I was really struggling with the intense glare of the backlights.  But, I like how the final product turned out when I used the sepia effect. (Oddly enough, shortly after I took this, one of the lights illuminating the memorial suddenly went out -- which pretty much left me in the dark for my photo opp.) Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Veterans' Day

Today is dedicated to those Americans who served and are currently serving in the military.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice to protect our freedoms and liberate so many from tyranny.  This photo is of the Iwo Jima monument at the Veterans' Memorial in Cape Coral, about 80 minutes south of Sarasota. The memorial area is rather nice and features many statues and plaques dedicated to veterans.   When I was there yesterday at sunset quite a few people were coming and going, which was really nice to see.  On the topic of Veterans' Day, I'm reading a book called 'Unbroken' about an American who was expected to be the first person to run a 4 minute mile when World War II started and he was drafted into the Army Air Corps as a bombardier and his plane crashed into the ocean.   It's a true story and was written by the same author who penned 'Seabiscuit'.  So far, it's a page turner -- very inspiring!

'Tis the Season...?

The SDP Editor-in-Chief made an executive decision to halt the North Carolina fall photos for...Christmas!  I was rather surprised to hear Christmas music playing in Best Buy yesterday.  Then, I saw this: a lit Christmas tree atop a strip mall in Sarasota -- on November 4th.  My neighbor also put up Christmas lights over the weekend and had them lit last night.  This might be the earliest Christmas ever.  I love Christmas.  But, come on...let's enjoy Thanksgiving first.

Happy Halloween

Hands down, without question, this is the best Halloween window display I've ever seen.  I spotted it at a shop called the Brass Exchange in downtown Blowing Rock, North Carolina last week and made a point to return in the evening with my tripod.   Every person walking by commented that it was a terrific display -- very creative.   Happy Halloween!

Independence Day

Happy Birthday, America! While many Americans are enjoying barbecues, hotdogs, ballgames and the beach, others are reflecting on the meaning of this day and why colonists separated from the tyranny of England's King George to establish a sovereign nation protecting individual freedoms. I spotted this proud patriot, Elizabeth, hanging bunting on her home for the holiday. God bless and protect America!

Memorial Day

When I stopped by the Sarasota National Cemetery this past Friday evening, one other person was there --- a woman solemnly paying her respects.  I really like the human element in this shot.   This is what Memorial Day is about.   The SDP editorial staff considered using sepia or black and white on this photo, but decided the photo stands on its own in its original form.  Remember to thank a veteran today for their service.

Washington's Birthday

My Junior Editor and I spent quite a bit of time researching Presidents' Day -- and learned some very interesting information. (I remember as a youngster honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's individual birthdays in school, so I wondered what prompted the change to "Presidents' Day".)  First, I cannot tell a lie, this is a bit confusing.  But, the bottom line is this:  there is no federal "Presidents' Day".  The official federal name is "Washington's Birthday".  The birth of George Washington, the first president of the United States, has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1885.  In 1971, the federal observance was shifted to the third Monday in February.  It was not named Presidents' Day, instead it remained Washington's Birthday.  The intent of the date change was to continue to honor the life and legacy of Washington, while providing a long weekend for federal employees.  Subsequently, some states and localities have created their own name for the holiday, with some opting for Presidents' Day.  Some states, like the State of Florida, opt not to recognize it.  All state offices here are open today.  To see the federal holiday calendar, with an explanation about George Washington's Birthday, visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Now, with that somewhat confusing history lesson behind us, let's discuss today's photo. Several weeks ago, I encountered this adorable tin roof barn in rural Sarasota County.  I figured, with that wonderful colonial flag, I'd hold this photo until Independence Day...until I remembered George Washington's Birthday.  And...voila!  God bless America.  Thank you Washington!

MLK Day

This bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. is located at MLK Park in Sarasota. Inscribed below is a quote from the civil rights leader which reads, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  If you happen to be in the Sarasota area, there's a celebration of MLK's life at the park noon - 6 p.m. today.  

Happy Thanksgiving

It's officially Thanksgiving when Pilgrim Manatee arrives on DeSoto Road! I hope you're enjoying a relaxing day and pause a moment to reflect upon all your blessings. I've already logged a 5K walk this morning --- gosh, I'm so thankful just to be able to do that! There's so much to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with family, friends, food (preferably turkey...NOT manatee), football, parades --- and a nap. Happy Thanksgiving!

Independence Day

The SDP staff is back...and just in time to celebrate the nation's 235th birthday! (Insert noisemaker sound here.) While many people will be enjoying parades, picnics and fireworks throughout the U.S. today, Uncle Sam Manatee will be keeping an eye on this mailbox (in festive attire) until mail delivery resumes tomorrow.

Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day, I extend a sincere thank you to all the U.S. military personnel who served their country and those currently serving in the armed forces. A special thanks to Chuck in Ft. Myers who served in Europe during World War II as a photographer, taking still photos and motion pictures. Unfortunately, we're losing more and more of the 'Greatest Generation'. One estimate from several years ago, indicated that 1,000 American veterans are dying every day, most of them WW II vets.

I took this photo when I first visited the new Sarasota National Cemetery a couple of months ago, well before all the American flags were in place for the holiday. The cemetery has been open for two years, and is located on 295 acres in rural Sarasota County. With so much land, it's expected to meet the needs of military veterans for the next 50 years. And, that, perhaps is what makes this cemetery so much different than the other national cemeteries I've visited. It's quite empty...now. I can't help but wonder what it will look like 5, 10, 20 years down the road. Take a moment and thank a veteran for their service.

Presidents' Day

It's Presidents' Day here in the U.S., and for most people, that means the banks are closed, the post office is closed and government offices are also closed in observance of all American presidents who have ever held office.  When it comes to this holiday, I still think of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose individual birthdays were commemorated throughout the nation when I was in grade school.  But, I thought I'd show a different president today:  Thomas Jefferson.  He served as the third American president after being the first Secretary of State and the primary drafter of the Declaration of Independence.  This bust is located in the Gallery of Patriots within Gillespie Park, which was donated by the Sarasota Hispanic-American Civic Association in the late 1970's.   You'll find busts of Washington and Lincoln there as well.