Baby Wichitan

It's a whole new world, just waiting to be discovered by this little explorer.

Mother and child

Taken at a hospital - labor and delivery waiting room. This statue was attached to a counter top, and is titled "After Four". Looks like a tired mother, up with her brand new baby.

Theme Day - Air Capital of the World

This month's theme is "Post a picture of anything that your city is well-known for".

Wichita has long been known as The Air Capital of the World. This city is home to; Boeing Company, Cessna Aircraft Company, Bombardier Aerospace Learjet Inc., and Hawker Beechcraft, to name a few. The photo was taken at a performance by the blueangels performance the McConnell Air Force annual Air Show (in July of 2007).

Check out the February 1, 2008 posts on these CDP blogs, to see what their city is well-known for:Portland (OR), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Memphis (Tennessee), USA - Manila, Philippines - San Diego (CA), USA - Anderson (SC), USA - New York City (NY), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - San Francisco (CA), USA - Mumbai (Maharashtra), India - Mainz, Germany - Weston (FL), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Turin, Italy - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Bicheno, Australia - Durban, South Africa - Joplin (MO), USA - Nashville (TN), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Brussels, Belgium - Chicago (IL), USA - Montpellier, France - Seattle (WA), USA - Mazatlan, Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Sesimbra, Portugal - Toulouse, France - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Susanville (CA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Helsinki, Finland - Pilisvörösvár, Hungary - Lisbon, Portugal - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Trujillo, Peru - Dunedin (FL), USA - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - London, UK - Baziège, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Mumbai, India - Naples (FL), USA - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Setúbal, Portugal - Stayton (OR), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Sofia, Bulgaria - Arradon, France - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Athens, Greece - Austin (TX), USA - Singapore, Singapore - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Jackson (MS), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Budapest, Hungary - Rotterdam, Netherlands - St Malo, France - Chandler (AZ), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Cleveland (OH), USA - Nottingham, UK - Kansas City (MO), USA - The Hague, Netherlands - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Wrocław, Poland - Chateaubriant, France - Cheltenham, UK - Moscow, Russia - Monrovia (CA), USA - Saigon, Vietnam - Toruń, Poland - Grenoble, France - Lisbon, Portugal - New Orleans (LA), USA - Sydney, Australia - Boston (MA), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Montréal (QC), Canada - Wichita (KS), USA - Radonvilliers, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Christchurch, New Zealand - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Wailea (HI), USA - Aliso Viejo (CA), USA - St Francis, South Africa - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Seattle (WA), USA - Pasadena (CA), USA - Vienna, Austria - Orlando (FL), USA - Torun, Poland - Delta (CO), USA - Santa Fe (NM), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Paris, France - Stavanger, Norway - Niamey, Niger - Le Guilvinec, France - Bogor, Indonesia - Saarbrücken, Germany - Auckland, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand - Budapest, Hungary - Juneau (AK), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Glasgow, Scotland - Chicago (IL), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Adelaide (SA), Australia - Sydney, Australia - Riga, Latvia - Subang Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Terrell (TX), USA - Terrell (TX), USA

Snow covered rooftops

This was taken from a fourth floor window, looking out over a lower floor rooftop, and on to a nearby neighborhood. Wichita is coated with the cold white fluff again, it was a beautiful winter wonderland. Not a lot of fun to drive in, but lovely to see. I would of loved to have taken my camera out on the town, but had somewhere important to be.

Blowing snowfall

Yesterday started out with snow falling, and wind blowing - visability was low. Towards afternoon, the sun came out and took over. The winds calmed, and visability cleared. The temperature remained cold, but it was a much nicer afternoon, and ending to a day that started out looking like a good day to stay home.

Boathouse

The Wichita Boathouse is one of the Wichita's attractions, featuring the permanent display of the Jayhawk, an International America's Cup Class yacht, and other exhibits. To see the Yacht, or read more, click here: boathouse (this photo was taken in August, thus the still green trees)

Jack's Hamburgers

When I took this photo, I noticed the Hamburger Stand was closed for remodeling. Good timing, since it's located very close to the Minisa Bridge that's also closed for remodeling. From what I read - this is another long lasting place of business - established in 1951. Hamburgers can be ordered with - mustard, mayonaise, ketchup, onions, tomato, pickles, lettuce, jalapeno peppers, cheese, bacon... and more.

Tell me - what do you like on your hamburgers.

My order is usually - cheese, mayonaise, onion and tomato - and sometimes bacon.

Soda fountain

A photo of a straw dispenser, taken at the Old Mill Tasty Shop. While most businesses have modernized over time, this old fashioned cafe and ice cream parlor - has remained pretty much unchanged since 1932. It has wooden booths, and tables with parlor chairs. There's huge old wooden ice box, and the ice cream counter is made of marble. It has old black and white tile on the floors, and a high molded ceiling. There's a large mirror behind the soda fountain, and historical old photos of Wichita on the walls. One of my favorites on their menu is the Chicken Salad (w/cashews) Sandwich.

Lampost

These lamposts line the river walk.

Rooftops

A view of some unique rooftops. One reminds me of a crown, it's another church. Another has a large set of reddish orange neon letters that spell out COMMODORE - it's an apartment building. I like the puff of smoke, but I don't think it's really smoke, I think it's more of the affect seen when inside air meets with frigid outside air. It's more like a puff of fog, than smoke.

Cathedral

Located at the intersection of Broadway and Central is a beautiful old cathedral. I've always admired the architecture of this church, and especially the pretty towers that top it. The largest of the towers is mostly hidden by the angle of this photo.

Ice cold

The other day, as sunlight was streaming into the kitchen, I had some photography fun with light, shadows, and Coca-Cola. The small round bottle was a Christmas edition. The other is a regular year round 2-liter version. And, the glass in the middle was the ice cold refreshing Coca-Cola I was about to drink.

Speaking of ice cold - Wichita got coated with a thin layer of ice. It made for some slippery driving conditions. Most of the main roads were treated with salt or sand, and clear. But, some of the side roads and driveways were like ice rinks. It's times like this, that I'm glad I live in the flat lands of Kansas. I'd rather slide over into a curb, than off the side of a mountain.

It was hard to walk on, and hard to drive on - traffic crept slowly, as people were going to and from work. Kansas gets all kinds of weather, from hot to cold, wet to dry, windy to calm, cloudy to sunny - a smorgasborg of weather conditions. I accept them all, but favor warm sunshine with cool gentle breezes.

What's your favorite weather?

Tripodal

Tripodal Artist: James Rosati (1912-1988)

Created: 1970-72 Media: Cor-ten steel

This sculpture is located at Century II Convention Center and can be seen from Douglas Street.
I enjoy looking at the the round convention center with the blue roof, more than the abstract sculpture. This photo is best viewed by clicking to enlarge.

Snow bunny?

What animal left these tracks in the newfallen snow? I'm guessing it was a cute little cottontail rabbit. What's your guess? If you enlarge this photo, you can see the snow glistens with tiny shiny sparkles. It's very pretty - so pure and clean.

Colorful Benches

These colorful benches, line the entrance to Exploration Place.

Time flies

A fellow blogger, mentioned in an email that the clock tower that use to grace the top of this old building, may of been converted into the monument on the south lawn of this building. Here's a photo with the monument. I believe the four statues on each side, represent our military forces - Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. And, the one on top, I'm only guessing - has to do with justice, or liberty. This was a "drive by shooting" (with my camera!) - I'm glad the statues didn't shoot back. I was disappointed in seeing I didn't quite get the top details of the building and statue, but considering it was a drive by, I'm pleased with it. I was multi-tasking, and focusing more on the traffic and stoplight, than the camera.

If you'd like to see an old photo that shows this building with the clock tower - click here http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wpl_wpl1975.jpg and enlarge the photo.

I'm back after taking a closer look at the old photo from the above link. I see the clock tower on top of the building, and the monument on the lawn. So, now, I'm wondering - what became of the clock topper of this great old building. Why was it of been removed, and where did it go? Maybe time really does fly - and it flew away!

Update, and my thanks to the commenter that posted the following information:
The clock tower was struck by lighting in the 1950's and was taken down. The monument was actually built in 1912-1913. It is to honor the Union's civil war dead. It is called the Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument. The 4 statues represent the 4 branches of the Union army; Artillery, Cavalry, Infantry, and Navy.

Old Sedgwick County Courthouse

A neat old building, that's stood the test of time (so far).

In looking up some history on this building, I find it originally had a tall clock tower on it.

Not sure when it was removed, or why.

McWind

The flags in front of this McDonald's shows how windy it was the other day.

Then we had a few days of calm clear sky and sunshine.

Yesterday, we had ice and snow.

Kansas has quite an assortment of weather conditions.

They say - "If you don't like the weather in Kansas, just wait a little bit, and it will change".

Through the looking glass

As I was drinking the last of the Pepsi from my glass, this was the view that I'm calling "through the looking glass. Do you see, what I saw? Someone else was drinking, too. Cheers!

Minisa Park

This recreation shelter is located in Minisa Park, near the river and Minisa bridge. This building is used for reunions, baby showers, birthday parties, and various other get togethers. Picture the inside having a ceiling that follows the contour of the roof, and you can imagine what a neat ceiling it is.

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"Moonshadow" sent this link for the park building...
http://www.wichitagov.org/CityOffices/Park/FeesReservationsAndRentals/EnclosedShelters/Minisa.htm

It has shots of the inside of the building, in case any of you would like to see. (Thanks Moonshadow!)

Mead Island

Back to Minisa Bridge - the one with the Buffalo and Indians - this is the view to the south of it.

I've always liked the island and trees, in the middle of this stretch of river.

I just heard on our local news, Minisa Bridge will close this Tuesday for restoration work to begin. It is planned to reopen in October. Glad I got the pictures when I did.

I find on a map of this area, that the proper name for this shot is Mead Island.

Sails on Douglas bridge (in the distance)

This photo, pulled from my archive, shows the decorative sails on Douglas Bridge

(the same ones seen in yesterday's photo).

Enlarge - to better view this sparkling river scene.

I think this was taken in October, of last year.

There are actually, two bridges in this photo, Douglas Bridge being furthest away.

Sillouette

I like the way this photo turned out. The sun was going down, and I tried to caputure the sky, but got an added bonus of a church steeple, and the decorative sails on the Douglas bridge in downtown Wichita. I like the way the sky fades from blue to gold with the setting sun.

Zooming in

Here's a closer look at part of the school building in yesterday's post.

North High School

North High School glowed in the sunset, as I was taking photos of Minisa Bridge.

Notice the carthalite on the school, too?

Tomorrow, I'll show a close up of the tower to the right.

It was pretty out, but it was very (VERY) cold out.

Close up

I've been familiar with this bridge for years - driving past it (over it) many times. But, because of this blog - and seeing the bridge through the lense of my camera - I'm appreciating the workmanship and artistry of it, more than ever.

"Carthalite incorporates particles of sand, crushed rock and/or crushed glass into cement with mineral pigments." taken from this linked article.....

LJWorld.com / Wichita’s Carthalite garners national recognition

Buffalo

This is a close up of one of the concrete sections of the Minisa Bridge.

Each of these concrete sections are decorated the same.

I wonder why it's called Minisa bridge - instead of Buffalo Bridge.

Pretty dirty snow

This was seen while looking over the bridge railing. I liked the way the dirt cast it's soft shades of brown over the white snow. I am guessing the dirt was hauled in - in preparation for the upcoming bridge work.

Minisa Bridge

This is what's seen at the ends (on each side) of the Minisa bridge featured in yesterday's photo. These bridge ends are set in an angled position and are seen by all who cross the river via this unique bridge. Imagine this photo at the end of yesterdays stretch of bridge, and you'll get the idea of what it looks like.

Carthalite bridge

This is not the best photo, but it is of a well known and well liked bridge in Wichita. It is decorated with Indians and Buffalo in colored concrete. Tomorrow, and maybe even the next day I'll post more photos of this bridge. Maybe by enlarging this photo, you can see the Buffalo. This bridge is on 13th street near North High. I believe it's scheduled for repairs and I'm hoping they manage to preserve its beauty and stature.

Let's go shopping!

While out taking pictures of the buildings in yesterday's photo, I caught sight of this sign.

I think it was put up by a hardware store, nearby.

I liked the carefree way it was designed and painted, looks like the painter almost ran out of room - but the main point comes across loud and clear - 75% OFF! It's time to go buy next years decorations, wrapping paper, and ribbon.

Neat buildings

These buildings are located, east of downtown Wichita, at the intersection of Hillside and Douglas. Both are unique and pretty in their designs. Dockum was originally a drug store. Over time, other businesses have come and gone from the old building. Across the street is the Crown Uptown Dinner Theater offering a variety of song, dance, modeling, and theatrical shows. All live.

If this link works - it will take you to an article about the carthalite trim on the Dockum building and others areas in Wichita. carthalite

I'm curious to know - does your city have buildings with carthalite? According to the article it seems to be pretty uncommon.

X marks the spot!

As I stepped out of my house, one day, and looked up at the sky, this is what I saw. It was straight above, apparently two jets had recently flown over - going in opposite directions, and leaving an X behind.

Theme Day - Best photo of 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone - It's time to shed our 2007 cacoon, and fly into 2008! I don't know about "best" photo - but this was the one I was most pleased with. It was so nice of the butterlfy to pose. I'm anxious to see your best photos.

There are currently 118 blogs participating in this theme day:Paris, France - London, England - Hyde, UK - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Grenoble, France - Stockholm, Sweden - Riga, Latvia - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Manila, Philippines - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Weston (FL), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - New Orleans (LA), USA - Wichita (KS), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - San Francisco (CA), USA - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Greenville (SC), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Mainz, Germany - Melbourne, Australia - Portland (OR), USA - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Toulouse, France - Naples (FL), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Brussels, Belgium - Stayton (OR), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Toruń, Poland - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - Budapest, Hungary - Baziège, France - Nashville (TN), USA - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Chicago (IL), USA - Prescott (AZ), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Nottingham, UK - Moscow, Russia - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Evry, France - Trujillo, Peru - Arlington (VA), USA - Denpasar, Indonesia - American Fork (UT), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Coral Gables (FL), USA - Montpellier, France - Joplin (MO), USA - Pilisvörösvár, Hungary - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Boston (MA), USA - Torun, Poland - New York City (NY), USA - Dunedin (FL), USA - Quincy (MA), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Chateaubriant, France - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Jackson (MS), USA - Wailea (HI), USA - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Budapest, Hungary - Austin (TX), USA - Montréal (QC), Canada - Cypress (TX), USA - Bicheno, Australia - Wrocław, Poland - Brookville (OH), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - Cheltenham, UK - Wellington, New Zealand - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Mumbai (Maharashtra), India - London, UK - Haninge, Sweden - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Arradon, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Orlando (FL), USA - Mumbai, India - Terrell (TX), USA - Bogor, Indonesia - Delta (CO), USA - Radonvilliers, France - Saigon, Vietnam - San Diego (CA), USA - Adelaide (SA), Australia - Belgrade, Serbia - Auckland, New Zealand - Seguin (TX), USA - Inverness (IL), USA - Oslo, Norway - Singapore, Singapore - Las Vegas (NV), USA - New York City (NY), USA - Anderson (SC), USA - Torino, Italy - Susanville (CA), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Memphis (Tennessee), USA

Spinning light

The light was shining brightly through the window, and just for fun and experimenting, I played around with this diamond and the camera. This is also my first time to try and upload a short movie, hope it spins as intended - and that you all enjoy it. Here's looking forward to a bright and shiny new year!

Train Museum

Here's a different view of yesterday's photo. In it, you can see a Locomotive Steam Engine that is a new addition to the Great Plains Transportation Museum. The museum itself is located in the smaller part of the red brick building. From the second floor, there is a door that leads out to the trains on display. If you like trains, and museums - here's a link to this museum's site. GreatPlainsTransportationMuseum I know the tunnel (under bridge) looked a bit creepy in yesterday's photo, but it really was a safe place to walk. Thanks for your concern though. My reason for walking through it was kind of like the chicken's reason for crossing the road - "to get to the other side".

Douglas Street

Taken while walking under the train track bridge on East Douglas St, in Downtown Wichita.

View from the top

As youth peers over the edge for a view from the top, age has a protective grasp.

Wisdom, protection, and curiosity between the two.

Parking garage

Except in cases of severe weather conditions,

it's exciting to park on top of the parking garage.

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you why.

(This is the parking garage for Gander Mountain)

Snow drift

This is what I saw when opening the garage door the other day. It was lovely, and happened on a good day, as I had nowhere to go - no place to be. I stayed home and enjoyed the snow, did some shoveling, then came inside and warmed up. Notice where the snow piled up against the door. This shows how the wind blew the snow into piles (snowdrifts) in some areas, and there's hardly any depth at all, in others.

There he is!

Listening to the child's request, and kindly reminding her to do as her parents tell her to do. He also told her "I'll see you, but you won't see me". Tonight's the night, when many children around the world will try to stay awake, in hopes of seeing Santa Claus placing their present under the tree.

Snowflakes

Do you see Santa?

Ice cold Pepsi

Woops....

Well, don't look at me - I didn't do it!

Young Immigrant

I don't recall seeing a sign by this statue, and so I'm calling it a young immigrant. It looks like this young man is new to America, and has everything he owns in the bag. Why has he left his homeland, and where will his hopes and dreams take him?

Kansas State Flag

If you'd like to read about the history and symbolism on the Kansas State Flag, click here:
Flag_of_Kansas

Narrow building

This building has always caught my attention, because of it's pretty color, and odd shape. See how narrow it is on the left side? The other side is wider. There are railroad tracks directly behind the building. I'm guessing (and only guessing) the tracks were there first! I often wonder what the original purpose of this building was, and what other businesses have used it. It's located at Broadway and 21st. From the signs in the windows, it looks like it's up for sale.

Walking the Dog

... Or, is the dog walking the human?

Photo taken in the fall, near Oak Park.

At night

Yesterday's post of this building was taken in the fall, during daytime.

This one was taken during the Christmas season, at night.

It stands out nicely with the green lighting.

Live, work, and play

Luxury apartments, Health club, Swimming pool, Putting range, Conference rooms, Business offices, Retail shops, Restaurants, and more. A place to live, work, and play - all in one downtown building. In this photo the building appears to lean, but in actuality - the camera was leaning. I wanted to show this building today, so that tomorrow I can show how it looks like, at night, during the Christmas season. There use to be a restaurant on one of the top floors , and from the windows you could see some really nice views of where the two Arkansas Rivers (the large and the small) merge into one. Not sure what's up there now, but from the same windows - it must be a lovely view of The Keeper of the Plains, as well as other directions around the city.

Presents

Another shot of decorations - taken at Botanica.