Pub, Grub & Nativity

Ya gotta love a pub with a nativity scene!  This is Lynche's Pub on St. Armands Circle.  Shopping might be a a little more relaxed after a stop here for some Christmas cheer. 

Go Green

This ornament was spotted on someone's tree in Sarasota. Coincidentally, college football bowl selections were announced last night.  #7 Michigan State University will head to the Sunshine State for the Capital One Bowl right down the road in Orlando on New Year's Day to take on Alabama.  The Spartan nation and love for Sparty extends around the globe including right here at SDP.   It's anticipated the entire SDP staff will be given the day off to partake in the Spartan festivities.  Go Green!  

Editor's Note:  Due to forgetful SDP staff leaving a key piece of computer equipment  80 miles away, this photo was taken with a primitive cell phone.  Darn.  The Quality Control Division of SDP is launching a full investigation into matter.  Meanwhile, efforts are underway to minimize the impact on the CDP community.  

Griswold House?

Sparky Griswold, are you in there???  'Christmas Vacation' is one of my holiday favorites along with 'A Christmas Carol' and 'It's a Wonderful Life'.  I love the scene when Sparky Griswold, who is desperately trying to have the ultimate Norman Rockwell Christmas with his family, lights up the exterior lights on his house.  Aah, the fun, frivolity and laughs ensue!  With that in mind, I look forward to seeing this house in Sarasota every year.  There's so much to take in:  gingerbread men, reindeer, toy soldiers, candy canes --- and, of course, Santa.  I live about a half-mile away and I think I can almost see the glow lighting up the evening sky.  I love their enthusiasm and over the top Christmas spirit.

Abominably Adorable

When I first drove by this display I wasn't sure what it was.  Then, when I looked closer, it quickly became one of my favorite Christmas displays so far this year.  It's the Abominable Snowman  stuck in a tree snarling with a cute pooch standing guard below.  Homeowner Mike was assembling other decorations when I was there.  He says by the time he's done he'll put up about 15,000 lights.  This one display is great.  How cute is that Abominable Snowman?!

What's in the Box?

I give a gold star to the festive folks who wrapped this present in front of their condo.  They were particularly creative because unwrapped.....

...it looks like this:  an aesthetically challenged utility box.   The cheery Christmas makeover is perfect!  Although, I wonder what the Florida Power and Light crew would think if they had to unwrap their box to get into it.

Christmas Catwalk

Is it me or does this look like a Christmas catwalk?  I can almost see Santa and Mrs. Claus sashaying down the walkway draped in this season's North Pole haute couture. This festive display is lighting up  the neighborhood just minutes from home.  Oh, it's going to be a holly jolly SDP season!

Theme Day: Time

This clock has been located at Five Points in downtown Sarasota for a very, very long time.  So, for today's theme day, I thought it would be fun at dusk to use a slower shutter speed to give the illusion of the sports car zipping by while time is standing still.   City Daily Photo bloggers from around the world are participating in today's theme day.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants