Whimsical Windows - Houdini at the opera

The master illusionist looks on. Acrylic by Greg Karas

Toby's fun weekly meme, Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors, is back. We look for portals of whimsy and/or otherwise in our travels...today, I return to the old Sterling Opera House in nearby Derby, where the sidewalk level windows are now full of portraits of artists who graced the stage from 1889-1945. This window has the image of the magician and stunt performer with the stage name Harry Houdini, the dapper artist wearing a pair of handcuffs. 

At sidewalk level, there is so much glare that it nearly obscures the performer (although in character he was an illusionist too :)

The artist is Greg Karas of Ansonia, and Patti wrote of this in her newspaper blog - the old and someday to be restored entertainment venue offers a cool exhibit to the lucky patrons who happen to be strolling by...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Independence Day Doings

The preliminary task is setting the table with paper, plastic and condiments

Cam cooks burgers ant bratwurst over charcoal

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is back, and we persevere in our shadowy quest. Today reverts back three days to 4 July, to celebrate our day of Independence in the US for the 236th time. Fireworks displays are common, and we saw these in downtown Derby the night before. Naturally with many people off work on this holiday, families dining together outdoors is very common as well - with a side order of sun and shadow...

Dinner is being served

Friends and family share in the shadow and shade

The charcoal flame has an orange glow, the humidity and high clouds not enough to douse the shadowy effects. Family and friend celebrate living in a free land together...see shadows from free people all over at the fun SSS2!

Tina's WW - Happy Birthday, Humphrey

One year, a cat named Sir Humphrey celebrated his birthday with cake and cat food. I think that the humans at least had a great time, the celebrant less so...see Tina's WW!

Tina's Pic Story - Old

Tina's Pic Story reappears, and we add the picture to complement Tina's chosen theme, which today is Old...This view is old to our eyes in 2012. Yet the subject, my father, is not at all and rather young as he is photographed in the middle of the crowd. The place is unknown (Steubenville?), the time perhaps in the mid-late 1930s given ths sign that says NLRB. As to what defines 'old' vs. 'not old' may depend on our own point of view...

Ruby Tuesday 2 - Stars, Stripes on Display

Ruby Tuesday 2 reappears and we in the US are getting ready to celebrate Independence Day this Wednesday 4 July. The flag is all over, even on this car, a 1972 Oldsmobile 4-4-2. The car is nice, the flag special. Ruby reds are always in style, and some even deserve a salute...