Anniston, Alabama

For me, this is a sad picture. This is the old downtown area of Anniston, Alabama, a small town about 2 hours straight west of Atlanta. Not all of Anniston looks like this dead downtown. In fact, not two blocks away is a broad tree lined boulevard with a wonderful old hotel that if I ever come through again and get to stay, I will certainly book. However, it is a shame what the malls have done to these old downtowns if there is not the will to fight the change. Not 10 or 15 minutes away there were 30 or 40 cars off an expressway exit having breakfast. Imagine the downtown if those cars and passengers were able to come to this small downtown to stop for a bite to eat. Change is hard, especially when it is not fought properly. Good luck, Anniston.

Ringo's Coming to Chicago

Ringo and his All-Star Band are coming to the Chicago Theatre this fall. Of course, I am a huge fan but never saw the Beatles. Cheryl and I did see Sir Paul last year and we had a great time. I'm thinking we need to go!!! Tickets are pricey as you can image....but it's Sir Ringo!!!

One more shot

This shot was taken a year ago yesterday and I can't wait to get another like it in 2024. Oh well, some things get better when you have to wait. Over way to quick but I was glad I got to share the eclipse with members of my immediate and extended family.

Last year's highlight of the year

It was a year ago today that that I got one of the highlights of my life. I got to see an amazing solar eclipse with around 30 members of family, friends and co-workers. What a thrill. Please, please, please don't let the 2024 eclipse pass you by. Amazingly, the path brings it to southern Illinois again, in April (which brings more changes of rain, unfortunately). We also have learned not to try to drive home after the eclipse. Just stay overnight. In any case, I really enjoyed the experience and a great memory.

Graumen's Chinese Theatre

This would probably be an excellent place to see the movie "Crazy Rich Asians". Obviously, quite the tourist trap.

A classic tourist shot

Never got a picture of the Hollywood sign from up close but my last trip to LA got me to the Walk of Fame after visiting the city for 20 years and not making the effort and a walk to the backside of Grauman's Chinese Theatre gets a nice view of the Hollywood sign. Yes, millions of tourists have this shot and now I have it to.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

After 20 years of traveling to LA, I finally made it to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wow, was it hot. I can guarantee I was the only one walking around in a suit. Not much shade at mid-day. Was it worth the wait? Eh, I don't know. It was interesting. Might be fun with a bunch of people seeing who their favorite actors are. I got a lot of response from the family with a shot of Chicagoan, John Cusack's star.

I am not sure I would want a star on this walk way. You have spilled coffee and soda. Gum. Lots of gunk. I suppose I would have to hire a star cleaner to keep my name clean. Hey, maybe that's a business idea? Reach out to the stars to contract to keep their names clean. Great idea, no?

Atlanta Braves--Pole-to-Pole

The Atlanta Braves SunTrust Park s the 14th stadium in my pole-to-pole series. Just opened last year and the Braves are doing well, leading their division by a couple of games in a tight race. I am not a  fan of this stadium as you have no chance to stand behind the batter, even in the upper decks, without buying an expensive ticket. The bottom bowl is shielded off by suites so you walk behind the suite entrances to get to the other side of the field. The same design is followed in the upper decks as well. I think Yankee Stadium has that setup as well. Otherwise, the field is perfectly fine with lots of food options and activities for the kiddies that Major League Baseball hopes will work to bring families in to the ballpark.

Beatles For Sale

The Beatles were for sale everywhere at the Fest for Beatles Fans at the Chicago Hyatt Regency this past weekend. Got to see every type of Beatles merchandise possible and I even listened to a lecture by Geoff Emerick, the 20 year old (at that time) assistant engineer who helped make their recorded sound working with Sir George Martin. Geoff eventually became their producer and also produced Bad Finger and other major acts in his long career. Great fun listening to all the stories from the 60's. 

La Jolla Bookstore

Found a wonderful bookstore, DG Willis, in La Jolla while wandering around looking for a place to eat earlier this year. Actually, La Jolla has 3 bookstores in the downtown area so very impressive. Great selection at this store and lots of character in the display of the books.

Chicago on Approach

Wonderful city to fly over.

Here’s a peek at what’s coming.....

                                    
I don't know why I do this but in mid-summer every year I seem to find a winter shot to remind myself what is coming and as a reminder to enjoy whatever summer we have left. So, get out and work but remember to enjoy our nice, hot weather.

Only at the Bristol Renaissance Faire

The guests at the Bristol Renaissance Faire are far more interesting than anything being put on by the venue. These two are letting their inner pirate out.

Guest Post

We have a new photographer in the family. This is Lili Petty's shot of a jumping Cardinal on our deck with her new Nikon D3400. Nice shot, Lili!!!

Polo Shot

Polo is a great sport to shoot as a fan. You can get pretty close to the action and the expressions of the players and movement of the horses are easy to capture. Pretty amazing you can hit the ball with that much speed and power while moving on a horse.

Flying ball at the Oak Brook Polo Club

Two players fight for the mid-air ball at a recent Oak Brook Polo Club match.