Vines and Vignette's Flower

Here is another image created Saturday June 5 at Vines and Vignettes. Who can tell me what kind of flower this is?

Walking the Beach After a Storm

You haven't really experienced some good shopping until you've walked the beach after a storm. It's amazing the things you will find. I've gotten some sunglasses, flatware, and a bondage Barbie - all for just the taking. You might even find a nice shoe which is the inspiration for this image.

Lightning Over Sydney Harbour

The past couple of days have been brutally hot which has inspired me to post this image. It was taken during a heat induced lightning storm over Sydney Harbour, Australia. While I'm sure you are all ready to sing my praises as the greatest photographer that ever lived, I must admit that I did not shoot this. It was taken by an Aussie Cousin so I've kept it in the family. I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Fourth of July

Today we celebrate our independence from the British Empire, unfortunately they have struck back in the form of BP. On a happier note, we attended a fireworks display a couple of blocks away on Arcadia Avenue. Those folks know how to throw a block party, the fireworks were fabulous accompanied by Ozzy himself (well at least a recording). Mark is already working on stepping ours up for next year. As I looked around, it occurred to me why Bridgeport is such a wonderful place. It is full of neighborhoods with real people, down to earth people, who care for each other. The smiles on the faces of children as they enjoyed the event, the adults who all accept each other for who we are, that is what Bridgeport is all about.

I used to live in one of those towns to the West(port) of us that got overrun by the nouveau-riche Long Gislanders (attracted in part by Martha Stewart) who think that money buys them class . Thanks Martha - you screwed up the town, then moved to Bedford Hills. Perhaps in your next book you can include a "Screw-Us Over Souffle". Ann Landers once said: "Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life". No offense to my friends from Westport, but Bridgeport has you beat in every way. Bridgeport has CLASS!

Well now, enough of my pontificating. This image was created on July 3rd at the Pierce Avenue Block Party. Hope you enjoy it. God bless Bridgeport and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Pierce Avenue Block Party

Tonight we had our annual July 4th block party coordinated by Mark Vollenweider, the mayor of our neighborhood. I moved here in April and I can tell you that this is a wonderful place to live. The neighbors are great and they're all real people. Bridgeport is a wonderful city, it has so much to offer. All you need to do is open your mind and you'll love it too.

Insects Can Be Fun or Makin' Honey

Today I thought we'd examine the world of insects. Once again, the importance of always having a camera ready should be a priority.

The image of the bees having fun was created on my back patio in 1987 at the spur of the moment when someone shouted "OMG, look what's happening on your table!"

In the same vein, the dragonfly was also shot at the spur of the moment on another friends patio.

Both images would have been much better if I had used macro lens, but that's the breaks.

Barnum Museum After the Tornado

It was a lovely afternoon with great fluffy clouds in the sky. I was traveling through downtown Bridgeport which had been hit by a tornado last week. Today's image is of the Barnum Museum. Note the damaged windows on the lower level. The plywood covering them is painted with the famous words of P.T himself, "The show must go on". Please visit the Barnum Museum web site to make a donation for their repair efforts.