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

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.

Big peanuts?...

...or, little bucket?

Basket of flowers

A scene at Botanica, Wichita's Botanical Gardens.

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?

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?

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.

A Buck a Bone

This is a shot taken at a Barbecue Cook Off Competition. There were quite a few participants - all cooking up their prize winning entries. This shot shows a booth with lots of different sauces. I requested beef brisket "Hotter than Hell" and thought I was going to need to call the Fire Department, to put the fire out on my tongue. It was good - and it was HOT! Tickets were sold for $1 each, and for "A Buck a Bone" (one ticket) generous portions were served. Some even offered free grub. As I walked amid this small encampment of modern day travel trailers, smokers, campfires, and barbecue aroma - I couldn't help envisioning the scene as it would of possibly looked 100 years ago, with covered wagons, campfires, horses, and cowboys. I guess it was the moon, and stars of the night sky that set the stage for a little nostalgia.

Dogi Pot

Took a walk the other evening, in a park I'd been to before, and noticed something new. Not a bad idea, and possibly a great way to meet people. (winking at Jayne)

Cool cat

Another scene from the downtown streetscape collection. A cat that's caught two birds for dinner, or for fun? And, also laying on the ground were some discarded cigarette butts, to which the kids thought would make a fun photo.

Downtown lighting

This photo shows the style of planters and lighting along the sidewalks of downtown Wichita.

Drive Thru?

While this is a classic addition to the 1950's decor of this place,

it's not the recommended way to "drive through" at a fast food restuarant.

Through a window, looking in...

This photo is a double view, a view of the jeep outside at the drive-in window, and a view of the customer inside dining on fish. (not the fish from the previous photo!)

Something's fishy...

If I was that dragonfly, I think I'd be a bit nervous - afraid of becoming a snack for the fish.

Ain't she sweet...

This girl was happilly posed by the boy with the frog, near the entrance of the Zoo. Tomorrow, I'll show you what the kids in the background were looking at.

Catching frogs

This statue is seen by the fish pond at the Sedgwick County Zoo entrance. Before joining CDPB, I didn't realize Wichita had so many nice works of public art. This one brings to mind days gone by, when going barefoot and catching frogs, was fun. I remember catching crawdads, tarantulas, frogs, lightening bugs, june bugs, roly polys, and butterflies. What did you catch?

Paddle boats

Some of the young paddleboaters went straight for the fountain and had fun getting wet. The more mature paddleboaters steered clear of the fountain, and stayed dry.

All aboard!!

These two cute kids are all set to see where they have been, as opposed to seeing where they are going. What does their body language say to you? To me it looks as if they are tuckered out from playing, patiently waiting for the train to fill up, and anticipating their backward journey through the park.

Pony rules

This sign makes the rules clear (I could not ride!). It must be the answers to the most frequently asked - pony ride questions. I know it answered all of mine. Do you see Bo's pony friend in the background, and the train ride to the left? I was allowed to ride the train - and did.

Pony named "Bo"

This is the pony picked out by the little girl, to ride. She wanted a "white one". His name is Bo. We were told, he's the largest of the small ponies to pick from, and the most gentle. She picked a good one. The ponies at this park are well cared for, they have a barn to shelter them from bad weather, a pasture to spend time in when not "working". They have plenty of, food, water, shade, and lots of happy children to ride them. The little girl who rode Bo, is beside me and she'd like for me to tell you... "the ponies can't run". (Of course they can run, but not while being led at the pace of the mechanical lead)