The birds

The other evening, I came across a scene that looked like it was right out of the old Alfred Hitchcok movie titled "The Birds". I have no idea what kind of birds these are, but they are quite noisy. The trees were covered with them, so was an area of the parking lot, and the telephone wires! It was a site to see, and this photo doesn't do it justice, but my camera (or I) aren't very good at taking low light - distant shots. If you enlarge the pic you will see how the trees are practically outlined by birds. This is not seen all over Wichita, I've mostly noticed it out west of the city. This was taken at Lowe's Home Improvement store's parking lot. Customers getting in and out of their cars - looked at the large amount of noisy and active birds in awe. A worker there, told me that these birds roost in the area each evening, and when the sun comes up the next morning, they leave. Tomorrow, I'll show you what they leave behind.

Full Moon

Tonight, as I left the house at about 8:15pm, I noticed the moon, perfectly round and brilliantly bright, against the black sky. This photo goes well with Halloween, a holiday celebrated on October 31st. Full moons are often seen in Halloween decorations - usually with a witch or bats flying in front of them. Wichita's little ghosts and goblins are going to have lots of natural light to guide their way as they go "trick or treating" soon.

Note: This is a color photo - that only had two colors in it; black and white.

Global caress

When I saw this statue of a child hugging earth,

I paused to appreciate what it represents to me, a love of earth and all it entails.

I'm curious to know - what kind of title would you give this statue?

Wind

I was trying to capture the wind in this photo.
It was nice to see this ornamental grass swaying in the cool breeze on a sunny October day.

The rules

This sign states the rules and information for visitors to the Keeper of the Plains Plaza.

I feel kind of guilty posting about a ring of fire, when parts of California are burning.

The fires in the Keeper's Ring of Fire are controlled. Surrounded by water, and monitored by the worker who turns them on, and off.

My sympathy to those in California, and any others who have been traumatically affected by an uncontrolled fire.

Tropical path

This shady "tropical" path is in the Sedgwick County Zoo, near the Orangutang and Chimpanzee exhibits. It's a nice area to walk through - and quite a contrast to the Kansas Prairie shown in the previous two photos. It's nice to be able to experience the change of scenery provided by the Zoo. It's like going to far away places, in just a short drive.

See the cow?

Here's another photo, this one was taken on our way back to Wichita.

It shows a Kansas pasture, pond, and a cow.

Countryside

This is a roadside scene - taken from a moving vehicle while leaving Wichita. Most of Kansas is a flat state, full of agriculture. The main crop is wheat, but there are others, too. Along the way, we passed various fields of: sunflowers, soybeans, maize, cotton, alfalfa, wheat, and more. We saw cattle pastures, and nice ranch homes. Fields are divided by fencing and tree rows. When seen from the air - Kansas resembles a patchwork quilt.

Reflection at Art Museum

I like this reflection photo. It was taken in the upstairs lobby of the Wichita Art Museum, what a highly polished floor they have! Besides the various forms of art on display at this great museum - it also offers hands on creative activities for children, where they can cut, paste, color, make chalk impressions, do puppet shows, read books, and more. If you are interested in Art and Art Museums, and would like to know more about the Wichita Art Museum, click on the link. It takes you to their history page, and from there, you can click on WAM Home to go to their home page. http://wichitaartmuseum.org/wamInfo.html By the way - I'm back, and would like to express a special "thank you" to my blogging assistant for keeping daily photos posted in my absence.

No right turn

Downtown Wichita has some One-Way streets, some going; south, north, east and west. I'm guessing this to be the reason for this "no right turn" sign, if a car turned right at this intersection, they would probably be driving towards oncoming traffic.

Crime doesn't pay

Wichita is not without crime - and this is a photo of the jail.

Inmates won't be escaping through those little windows.

Before this fairly new building was built - jail cells were located in an upper floor of the Sedgwick County Courthouse (blue building). Inmates are, sometimes, held in jail while awaiting their court dates, for trial and sentencing.

Standing tall

Wichita skyscrapers are not tall, in comparison to other major US cities.

This building appears to be about 13 stories high.

Parking garage

Previously this month, you may of seen this walkway posted. This is a shot of the same walk way - and, shows the parking garage that it's attached to. The angle only shows the walkway crossing over one street, but it turns and crosses a second street at the intersection, as well. Guess that makes it a "double crosser".

Pocket Park table

This shot was taken in a downtown Wichita "pocket park", and shows a round table for the downtowners to sit and rest, while viewing and enjoying the park, or their lunch - or both. Also in the background of the picture is the lunch counter statue, which I've posted about in a past entry.

A note to each of you:

I will be away from the computer this week, and have someone else posting my daily photos. If I seem a little different, or quiet - that will be why.

Downtown

Another picture taken in downtown Wichita.

Fire hydrant

Most of Wichita's fire hydrants look like this one.

This shot was taken in downtown Wichita.

Face of a tree

Someone saw the opportunity to carve a face in this tree.

I think it adds character, it's decent, and non offensive.

I've heard the term: defacing public property,

What would this be called, "facing" public property?

All I know is - I was facing, the face, that defaced this tree , as I snapped the photo.

Keeper's door

This is a photo, of the base, of the Keeper of the Plain's statue, seen in this blog's header.
The tall Indian Brave stands atop this man made boulder, and keeps watch over Wichita.
While the statue stands tall and proud, someone, behind this door keeps watch over the statue and plaza area.

Maroon velvet

A movie theater photo, taken as the big curtain rose slowly in its scalloped pattern.

The lights were about to dim and the show was about to begin.

Tonight's movie was Kingdom, starring Jamie Foxx.

What's your favorite, all time, big screen movie?

Mine was - A Star is Born, starring Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristoferson.

Second favorite, was Good Will Hunting, starring Matt Damon and Ben Afleck.

Stop sign

This is a standard American Stop Sign, if interested, you can read about it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_sign

wikipedia states:

"Stop sign used in English-speaking countries, as well as in the European Union"

A question for DCPBloggers who have a primary language other than English -

Do your stop signs look like this?

What is your language, and how do you say Stop?

With the help of an online translater I've come up with these translations of "stop".

French - arrêter

German - anhalten

Portugese - parar

Russian - остановитесь

Spanish - parar

Walking over traffic

This walkway turns a corner and crosses a second street. When I see it, I recall the days when shoppers would walk from the parking garage, that was connected by this walkway, to Macy's Department Store.

A Flower

Time

A nice old clock in downtown Wichita.

River edge

I like this scene of calm waters and man made river edging. In the background is one of two bridges that leads across the rivers to the Keeper of the Plains.

Pedicure?

If you saw yesterday's photo, then you've now seen the Troll from head to toe!

This guy needs a pedicure!

As you can see, he's not going to come out of his hiding place and gobble anyone up.

Troll

This photo was taken, by the river, not far from the Keeper of the Plains Plaza. From my understanding, this grate along the bike/walking path was over an unsightly drainage area that would of been costly to clean up and renovate. Instead, the city came up with an idea to add character to it, for a fraction of the cost. Those who look closely beneath this drainage grate, will find -- a Troll. It's a great addition to the area, giving something for young and old, to know about, look for, and find. October and halloween, seems like a good month to post this somewhat creepy, yet fun, and whimsical character.

Wooden grave marker

This is how graves were often marked during the covered wagon, and cowboy days. It reads "unknown", instead of a name. This grave marker is located beside an old covered wagon that had fallen under indian attack. It can be seen when entering Old Cowtown. It's, of course, just for depiction of the wild west era - not a real grave. I thought this photo would go well with yesterday's theme of cemetaries and tombstones.

October 1st, Theme day - Cemetary or Tombstones

Taken in a Wichita Cemetary.

Business Buildings

These are a couple of business buildings in downtown Wichita.

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)

Follow the yellow brick road...

This is really a Yellow Brick Path (not a road), in a Wichita park. I thought by following it, I would at least see a scarecrow, cowardly lion, and tin man, but all there was to see was the yellow brick path, grass, bushes and trees. I recall in the past, there was a tree stump carving of a tornado, but it's no longer there. This is in a nice park - one that has a lake, paddle boats, children's train ride, pony rides, playground equipment, picnic tables and charcoal grills. The little girl in the photo is headed for the pony ride. She wants to ride the white pony, a pony named "Bo".