Shadow Shot Sunday - Bikes and more

Steve and Rich early on

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is back - and we have been on the look for shadowy art, and most of the time we need not look to hard on our hunt.

The tools of the painters

Last Sunday Patti and I attended the Pierre Lallement Festival of Bikes in downtown Ansonia, in its second year.

Besides vendors along the Main Street, there were bicyclists riding up steep hills from New Haven who arrived with a police escort to the finish line - see Patti's blog post with video. A fun time for riders and spectator alike. 

Joel and Rich continue

Valley Arts Council members were painting a mural prior to the arrival of the bikes. In the second, colors were mediums were mixed in a variety of shades. I think outdoor wood stains were mixed with outdoor paint for durability.

Lallement was a Frenchman who lived in Ansonia for a time where he received a patent for the pedal bicycle in 1865. He did not get rich for his discovery, a fate that often befalls the inventor whose invention would be very common after their lifetimes.

Although there are no natural shadows in this view (but check the mural), the picture was taken 2 hours later as the artists continued. The weather was brilliant until the rain that appeared later in the afternoon and the mural taken down, with work to continue. A great day full of action, art and shadow!

Tina's WW - Birthday candles

It is hard to believe that Allegra was once six, but the scanned print from 1995 tells the story quite well. We just have to count the candles as the flames flicker...see Tina's WW

Tina's Pic Story - F is for Ford

Tina hosts the fun weekly meme Pic Story in which we provide photos for the weekly theme she provides, which today is the letter 'F'

For me, a fine F subject is my last vehicle, a full-size 1998 Ford E-150 van to transport myself and my wheelchair, it was a functional way to get around. Delivered 25 May 1998, and last driven by myself on 27 March 2010. It was very big (5200 lb, 2360 kg) and thirsty - although petrol in the US is inexpensive by the standards of most every other country...Inside and out, the F is all over. Perhaps the fuzzy bears in the console can add more of the letter to consider...

Ruby Tuesday - Patrol Car

2011 Ford Police Interceptor

1957 Chevrolet Delray

Ruby Tuesday 2 is back, and a number of reds could be expected at a Memorial Day parade - and the two town Shelton and Derby parade last Monday is no exception. We see the red in the American flags, brick structures and in the awning of Altamari's Little Italy.

I am focusing on the police cars im the parade. A restored replica of Shelton's 1957 Chevrolet with its simple ruby light - contrasted to a current (and ubiquitous) Ford Police Interceptor from Derby with its blinding computer controlled flashing ruby (and blue) lights. Way different style and technology seems obvious. What will not change in any era is the arresting ruby red (couldn't resist :) ...see more at RT2

Whimsical Windows - City Hall

Toby's fun meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors is back, and today's entry is the Ansonia City Hall. 

The views were taken this morning as a bicycle festival was to start - as we awaited the phalanx of bicyclists who were riding in from New Haven, I rolled down Main Street to capture one of my favorite buildings which is City Hall. This is the original building facade, Opened in 1905, it looks substantial - yet almost graceful in its period lines...The door is inset far enough that an edit showcasing the door itself was too dark as it is inset far and coated in a dark stain.

 So a closer view of the granite archway was included instead. 

It is a great building although the wheelchair access was unavailable until the second addition (with elevator) was completed in 1997- now I can visit the beautiful interior too...