Theme Day - Stylish

It's Theme Day in the City Daily Photo world!  This month's theme, courtesy of Grace at Perth Daily Photo, is stylish.  I had a photo in mind at the end of last week, then everything changed when the Tampa Bay Lightning, our National Hockey League team, won game 7 of their conference playoff series last Friday night to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.  I think the SDP Editor in Chief  could be heard all the way in Tampa yelping, 'Stop the presses!', just so we could accommodate the most current example of stylish.  Everything with the Lightning logo is very stylish right now in the Tampa Bay area.  How stylish?  This was the fourth sporting goods store I went to before I could find some Lightning garb.  The other places were picked over and sold out.  The Lightning players are speedy and fun to watch on the ice…and I'm looking forward to a good series against the Chicago Blackhawks, which starts in Tampa this Wednesday.  It's June and we're playing hockey in Florida -- how great is that?!  It will be tough, but I think the Stanley Cup is coming back to Tampa.  Go Bolts!  To see other stylish photos from CDP participants click here.

Prepping for Isaac

Most people seem to be taking the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac seriously. Hurricane supplies were running low at many stores, like this Target, where the water shelves were pretty bare. I was there yesterday afternoon to pick up dish detergent (can't have dirty dishes during a storm!), but realized I needed spare batteries for my large flashlight. I ended up at Home Depot, where was the scene was the same: slim pickins. The storm veered to the west a little last night which is good news for Florida but we still are expecting winds in excess of 75 mph, 8-10 inches of rain, flooding and possible tornados. I expect to be called into work during the storm today...at least into tomorrow. Keep Florida in your thoughts and prayers.

Perched Poinsettias

No other flower says 'Christmas' like the poinsettia.  These are perched in the lobby of city hall.   Those things that look like floating ice cubes in the background are part of a permanent art display ---  kinda cool, especially next to the poinsettias.   It seems like a wintery scene up north.   By the way, it's warming up quite nicely here.  High of 70 today.  But, another cold front is heading this way next week.  In the meantime, here's something to daydream about.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

My mother will start to worry...Beautiful, what's your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor....Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry...Beautiful, please don't hurry
Well maybe just a half a drink more...Put some music on while I pour

No fireplace roaring or toddies being poured when I snapped this pic (with my phone).  When I pulled out of the garage, the temperature in my car registered a pleasant 63 degrees.  Within minutes of driving down the road, it plummeted to 39 -- that's unusually cold for Sarasota this time of year.  I like the chilly weather for Christmas shopping but....let's bump it up a bit. 

Captain Frosty

Frosty looks so happy captaining this boat along the bayfront.   I spotted him last night with my cell phone  -- **(sigh)** -- at Marina Jack.  The annual boat parade is this Saturday.    People decorate their boats with lights and cruise Sarasota Bay playing Christmas music.  It's lot of fun.  So far this week, the overnight lows have been in the high 30s.  If those temps stay for the weekend, it certainly will look and feel like Christmas.  

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.