Moon over Reedy Falls Park

This picture was taken at Reedy Falls Park on a bright, clear
day. Oh yes, the moon is directly over the front right corner
of the brick masonry tower.... See my previous post for more
information on this popular attraction in downtown Greenville, SC.

Outdoor Bar in Charleston

Charleston is famous for its residential gardens that are infused
with tropical plants. There are also a few outdoor restaurants
and bars in the downtown area. This one even has the feel of a
Mediterranean space with palms and the paved areas....

Old Man Tree in Charleston, SC

On a recent trip to Charleston I saw this tree which appeared
to be suffering with its own version of disambiguation. The
strange growth travelled from its trunk to the roots onto
the street and sidewalk.

Campbell Covered Bridge

Canpbell Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered
bridge in South Carolina and was constructed in 1909. No longer
open to vehicular traffic it is a favourite with the pedestrian
variety. On a recent Sunday several gawkers were present
including several photographers.

Greenville, South Carolina

I recently relocated to Greenville, South Carolina to escape the
frigid winter tempearatures of the midwest. This shot was taken
under Liberty Bridge, the signature suspension bridge in Reedy Falls Park
in downtown Greenville. This bridge is a popular attraction for both
residents and tourists and the subject of many photos. See more
photos of the bridge and the park at this link
http://www.greenvillesouth.com/bridge1.htm

The Alley Bar

A year or two ago the Lincoln City Council outlawed smoking in
public establishments - including bars. Many bar owners figured
that if the smokers could not light up at their establishments they
would go out of business. However, owners (and their architects)
have been very creative in designing outdoor smoking areas that meet
the law as regards to percentage of open exterior wall, air exchanges, etc.
One enterprising bar owner even provided a bus complete with tables
and chairs in the parking lot to accomodate the smokers. The Alley has
a very nice oudoor deck/verandah that provides a nice ambient area for
their patrons - smokers and non-smokers.

Farmers Market

The Lincoln farmers Market runs from mid-May thru mid-October and is always
a big hit with people of all ages. Usually I make the rounds of the various merchants,
buy some muffins and retreat to the dock of The Mill to drink my coffee and eat the muffins
as I observe the passage of humanity on parade. The Market is especially busy when the
University of Nebraska Cornhuskers have a home game.


One of the stalls at the Market. Gourds and garlic; garlic is
someting that I use frequently but gourds....???

Musicians are always present at the Market - the Classical and the offbeat.

Gas Station Reincarnation

A former gas station was remodeled into a restaurant with an interesting
design. The yellow portion was the garage bay , the right corner was the
office area and the left area was added for the new kitchen. The interior
is finished with bright colors - very well done. 9 South Chargrill is located
at South and 9th Streets - check it out, mon.

Gimme Some Kinda Sign

A billboard that will make you think twice about the environment.


A sign that makes you realize that although you live in a metropolitan
area the "country" is not too far away.

Crescent Moon Coffee

Crescent Moon Coffee shop is located in the centre building with
the blue awning and like The Mill is situated in the Haymarket area
of Lincoln. The seating area is small but it has a large outdoor patio/
courtyard that is the staging ground for their many jazz concerts. A
very nice place to kick back on a lazy summer evening.

The Mill

The Mill is "the " original coffee shop in Lincoln, NE and is
a favourite hangout for business folks, students, artists
and others. Their selection of coffee and tea is extensive
and they also sell munchies. Check out their website at
www.millcoffee.com This place is always busy - especially
on Saturday mornings while the Farmers Market
is in business. The "dock" on the west side is very popular to
observe the passing parade of people in the Haymarket.

When I was a "yute" in Jamaica my coffee was always
taken English style with lots of cream and sugar. Since I
have been living in the US I only drink it black. I think that
the flavour is much better and I am totally americanized in
this aspect of culture!

Coffee Shop

Lincoln has a proliferation of coffee shops and thankfully most
of them are locally owned. Cultiva sells only fair trade coffee.
Most of the coffee shops have an outdoor seating area -
necessary for the smokers.

Nature's Fury

Recent stormy weather in the midwest has taken a toll on trees
and power poles.


A power pole was snapped in two like a
mere toothpick...

Barcelona, Espana

A few years ago I visited Barcelona with my wife. I was amazed
at the art and architecture in this beautiful city. This planter
was in front of a government building - look at the detail in
this "utilitarian" object. My camera was not able to capture
everything that my eye was seeing...

New with the Old

This overpass spans the southern edge of the Haymarket area
as it traverses multiple railroad tracks. The old structure was a
favourite nesting area for pigeons and their droppings. The new
bridge will discourage this use by the birds.


A view of some old buildings adjacent to the overpass. The new
bridge will incorporate more parking in this area - something
that is a premium in the Haymarket.

Haymarket Historic District

The Burkholder Project, home to artists studios and apartments.
The Haymarket District has several art studios that schedule
art shows every first friday of the month. Ann Burkholder,
who owns this building, is an excellent artist who depicts great scenes
of the Nebraska countryside.


A close-up of art on the entry porch of the
Burkholder Project.

Alley Walks - Part 2

\
Alley with pedestrian walkway to a parking
garage. The stone veneer on the adjacent building
provides a reflection that fools the eye...


Parking garage circular ramp, dumpsters,
transformers, etc



This office/apartment is accessed from the
alley but except for the entry and garage
everything is below grade. Yes, it's the home
of an architect.

Alley Walks in Lincoln, NE

Whereas streets are broad and clean, alleys are
narrow and contain all those things that are usually
kept from the public eye. Garbage, utility connections
and deliveries. This alley has an intricate stair that
is truly a work of art and worthy of the "front" of
the building.


Lincoln's own "bridge of sighs."

Lincoln, Nebraska

The Nebraska State Capitol was designed by
Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue and built between
1922 and 1932. It is home to the only unicameral
legislature in the USA. The building is on the
National Register of Historic Places and features
interior and exterior artwork representing the
state of Nebraska.

Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, NE

Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, Nebraska was a trash dump
in a former life but is now a beautiful park that is private
and quiet because it is sunken below two busy streets.



Detail of the gazebo roof showing the State Capitol and
First Plymouth Congregational to the left.

Asheville, NC - A Final Look

Asheville is located in extreme western North Carolina
and the Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through the city.
This picture was taken from Craggy Point, about a 30 minute
drive from downtown Asheville.

More from Asheville, NC

Creative signage for a coffee shop!




A Spanish Tapas bar/restaurant in Asheville, NC.

Travels in Asheville, NC

The Flatiron Building in Asheville, NC - notice the "flat iron"
sculpture to the left. Asheville has a very interesting and
vibrant downtown with a large assortment of restaurants and
shops.

Inland Sea Redux

Street side view of the house from the previous post. The
client wanted a design that was "contemporary." This lake
has residences with styles from spanish revival to woodsy cabin.

Inland Sea

Not a tropical setting but this is how it's done in "Central America";

lots of glass to gaze upon the lake. Great in the summer but dread in the winter...

wild imaginings

I'm From

I'm from lazy saturday mornings
I'm from bright blue skies
I'm from white christmas - at the beach

I'm from curried goat and rice
I'm from plantains, yams and breadfruit
I'm from tamarind balls, grater cocoanut and marzipan

I'm from doodles on the church bulletin

I'm from sandals without socks
I'm from cut-off shorts without a belt
I'm from combless hair

I'm from islands
I'm from prairies
I'm from town

I'm from soon come