Saturday, September 29, 2007

Real American Roadhouse

This was taken in a steakhouse called Logan's Roadhouse. The two previous photos were also taken here. Each table has a (regular sized) bucket of peanuts on it, and it's considered proper etiquette, to simply toss the shells onto the floor. The jukebox is much more colorful than it appears in this photo, the flash wiped them out. If interested in reading more, you can visit their webpage, by going to www.logansroadhouse.com

Friday, September 28, 2007

Blue Moon

As I saw this lovely neon sign,
I wondered how it would photograph,
and I spent the evening with a melancholy (blue) tune playing in my mind.
Blue moon,
You saw me standing alone,
Without a dream in my heart,
Without a love of my own.
Blue moon,
You knew just what Iwas there for.
You heard me saying a pray for
Someone I really could care for.
- - - - - - - -
Maybe the moon is made out of blue cheese.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Big peanuts?...

...or, little bucket?

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Basket of flowers


A scene at Botanica, Wichita's Botanical Gardens.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Riverwalk - Colored Totems

I call these the colored totems. This is about half of them and all totaled they encircle an intersection at Amidon and McLean Boulevard. They are alight each evening in a different color, or set of colors. I've seen red, white and blue, a time or two. On this evening they are lavendar and pink. It's a treat to pass through this intersection and see the color for the evening. They are tranquil, not flashy, nor fading - just steadilly lit, and not too bright. This is a nice interesection to be stopped by a red light, just to enjoy the view. During the daytime, they are plain and colorless. leaving one to wonder "what color will they be tonight?"

They are located at the end of an ongoing riverwalk project, the city adds to, now and then, In the years to come, it will be a nicer than it already is. Wichitans and visitors can stroll or bike along the paved river bank paths, enjoying sights and businesses, along the way.

Near this stretch of river is; Old Cowtown, Botanica, The Wichita Art Museum, Mid-America All Indian Center, Keeper of the Plains Plaza, Exploration Place... and more.

Before Wichita came to be, this area had no lights, except for that of the sun, moon, stars and campfires, -- no businesses, no traffic or city sounds. Back then, this stretch of river was home to a village of Ouichita Indians. It was here, where they lived, hunted, and grew crops. They built mound shaped huts made from tree branches and brush (not teepees). This is a special section of the river, as it's where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers merge into one.

Wichita is the English version of Ouichita, and thus the name of this fair city.

Getting back to the colored totems, I especially like when they are the color of tomato soup made with milk. Anyone know the name of that color?

Monday, September 24, 2007

Rocket slide


This was always big fun for kids at Riverside Park, they could climb up inside it to various levels and at about the second level they could slide down. The slide has been removed and the entries closed off. It's been left in place for memories sake, but no longer do kids get to climb inside and slide down. Although, there is new park equipment beside this old rocket and there are slides there. They just aren't rocket slides. I'm curious to know - does (or has) your city ever had a slide like this one? I don't know who designed it, but am wondering if this is unique to Wichita, or if it was installed at other parks in other cities?

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Back Porch Guys


This was also taken at the Barbecue Cook Off campgrounds. I liked the string of pig lights, and if you enlarge the picture you'll see the "Buck a Bone" sign. These guys were enjoying the evening with a harmonica, guitar - and song/s. They could be heard by nearby campsites, and was a nice addition to the "campground" atmosphere.