Signs are Everywhere

Fall is in the air. This is only the first week of October and already December temps are in the air. There are other signs as well. While at the lake yesterday, looking across to the other side, the tops of the trees were showing some yellows. On the trail the wild cherry trees were already dropping cherries and the birds were going nuts (so to speak). This first real taste of Great Lakes weather won't last. Already, the weathermen are talking about 80s returning by mid week, but the cat has snuggled down in her comforter a little deeper than most afternoon nights and  the heavy knit sweaters are at arms reach, just being on the safe side.

It is the time of year that I really have come to love more than spring although they both are weighted pretty much the same on my scale of seasons. Spring just happens! Subtleties before it pops out and announces that it has arrived. But, fall--that takes preparation and getting ready for winter. Watching the animals get ready for winter is awesome. Squirrels stashing nuts, birds packing seeds and nuts and berries, migrating birds overhead as they do their annual migration to warmer spots in South America and Central America. Just a walk in the park is never boring.

Plus, I'll let you in on  a little secret. I can't take the heat like I once could so the cooler temps makes being out more enjoyable  overall.

Due to the
LBJ I-635 redo from the High 5 to I-35E (a 11-mile stretch)



 

Wild Cherries

Here are a few images that  need little comment. Enjoy.

Big Tex Hits 60!

Big Tex

A 60-year old man in size 72 boots wearing a 75 gallon hat and standing 52 feet tall with a few more wrinkles and slighly more grey hair, took his place at Fair Park today at the annual ceremony at 11 am when on the Monday before the fair opens, he is hoisted into place and immediately proclaims,"Howdy". Friday,at 10am, the 126th Texas State Fair begins its annual run. I had wanted to be there for todays "howdy"  but had a doctor's appointment at 11.It was a little after 12:30 when I got there. For about two hours, I walked around the lagoon looking at the Chinese Lanterns Display. There is a fence around the entire Lagoon area and the guy putting up the last section of the fence said that there was going to be a $10.00 fee to enter, which is above the regular ticket price.
The display is breath-taking and the Dino's on display look so real. It will be a popular exhibit, I'm sure. The workers were building the main stage in between The African-American Museum and the Music Hall complex. I know, I said last weekend that it was my last trip until after the fair and  here I am back at Fair Park again! Well, it's the bee hive of activity, construction, vendors testing equipment,rides being tested. The smell of taffy in the air! People visiting Fair Park's active museums in the complex. It's just the most festive atmosphere. Kind of like a behind the scene type of atmosphere, but also the get-out-of-the-way atmosphere that goes on as workers lay tiles,build sets and stages with just days before completion. I've missed that hustle-bustle atmosphere. My camera just shoots image after image. I'm not shooting my stock images that sell but I'm having tons of fun! The last two days I've shot more fun images from horse-drawn carriages,antique rail cars moving to a museum to Big Tex's head and hands on a skid waiting to be assembled for this years state fair. I've even managed to have a dish of Rocky Road ice cream a couple of times!

Ladies--you think you have beautiful nails. Check out my nails!!

Beautiful Nails

 

Moving on the Rails (2 of 2)

The third consist arriving at Irving. It passed the Mockingbird yard at approximately 13:45 this afternoon.

Moving on the Rails (1 of 2 post)

The tank cars were used for support in the move and are not part of the museum collection.

The Last Car

Here are a few images of the old rail cars moving to a museum as they passed between the Medical District and the Wye at Irving where they are spending at least one night.

The City Lights of US East Coast at Night

These images to me are the most amazing use of the international space station.

   The images are in the public domain but credit goes to NASA and the crew of the International Space Station. Please give them credit if you copy this image. If you want the full credit you can go to NASA's web page.  

Timing Is Everything and ..........

On Sunday's last trip to Fair Park before the State Fair, the Chinese Lantern Festival had created some very tall Lotus Blooms. The thought did cross my mind as to how they would be used. Today, a sky crane helicopter lifted them from the staging lot near Gate 5 to the Lagoon where they were placed. Now only did I miss the lift, I missed seeing them in the large lagoon where the big swan paddle boats can be rented. It's just one of those things......you cover what you can and sometimes it works out and some times it does not.
The train move has occupied some time. The Chihuly glass exhibit has been at the Arboretum for nearly five months and it leaves the first week of November and the pumpkin display opens this Saturday for it's annual run. On top of that---the Perot Museum of Science and Nature opens in it's new building in downtown much earlier than first announced. The new 5-acre deck park opens too! There is a lot of stuff happening! The old adage that it never rains but what it pours seems to be holding true.

Waiting to move to Frisco

Most likely, the big boy will be the last to leave Fair Park
 

With just the things mentioned here would  add another $100 just for parking and admissions. Gas and food would be extra, of course. The cost of an enjoyable hobby today is an expensive undertaking, though not complaining. So for now, since timing is everything and I came up short today.....here are a couple more shots from this past Sundays shoot.

 

Part 2: Cirque du Soliel Post

The Red Carpet Way Inside

The side of the VIP tunnel you didn't see.

The End.