Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects the Great Smoky Mountains National

Park in North Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park 469 miles

away in Virginia.  The parkway was begun in 1935, completed

in 1983 and has a maximum speed limit of 45 mph.  This

picture was taken near Craggy Gardens, about 30 minutes

from Asheville. http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/index.php

Rustic Carport

This carport has a natural look with its posts fashioned from tree trunks.

Interestingly, the natural look does not extend to the roof material

although the floor is very natural...

Embracing Trees

These two trees appear to be embracing but further study

shows that the wider trunk is supporting the thinner, gangly one.

These trees are in the front yard of an organization caled Open Arms,

a pregnancy counseling service in Hendersonville, NC.

One could also interpret this as the older matron giving

support to the younger wild woman - much like

the place of the strong mother in Jamaican society.

Or, you could take it in another direction and consider

it  a rendition of Apollo and Daphne in

Metamorphoses by Ovid.....

Nah!

Wag Pet Boutique

Downtown Hendersonville has many shops for all tastes and needs.

Wag is a very unique store for dogs and other pets in western

North Carolina.  http://wagpetboutique.com/

One of the models for Wag showing

the latest fashion for St Patrick's day.

Gulfport, Florida

Gulfport is a suburb of St Petersburg, Florida located on Boca Ciega

Bay which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway on the west coast of Florida.

With slightly less than 13, 000 inhabitants ( 12,740 as of 2004 ), it

feels like a small coastal town with a pier, dance hall and a main street

complete with shops, restaurants and bars.  It is also home to

some quaint houses/cottages and numerous community activities.

The sort of town that would appeal to someone who is tired of

"big city" life.  Check it out here http://gulfportflorida.us/

Poui Tree

A poui tree in full bloom in St. Petersburg, Florida; also comes

in yellow and white.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabebuia

Bird of Paradise

While growing up in Jamaica I was always captivated by this beautiful

flower although I do NOT see its resemblance to a bird.  This plant

grows in the front yard of my mother in St Petersburg, Florida.

For more info see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg106

South Beach Miami

An interesting parking garage in South Beach, Miami.