PLAY BALL!

 

It's opening weekend of the baseball season in the U.S. When I was young, I was interested in all kinds of sports, like most American boys. Over time, I have become bored with most of it, particularly our version of football, which I despise for its gratuitous violence and crass spectacle. There is still a soft spot, though, for baseball. I spent a bunch of my youth in the cheap seats in Yankee Stadium (two versions back). Thursday was opening day for our beloved Cardinals, who squeezed out a come-from-behind 9 - 7 victory over Tampa Bay.

We are going to try to get to the No Kings rally today with my rollator, camera and help from Mrs. C. 

           

SPRING, REALLY?

 

Fake ruins in Tower Grove Park, a 19th Century Romantic fantasy. No flowers around here yet, maybe because St. Louis can't figure out what season it is. When I shot this yesterday afternoon, the temperature was 94 F / 34.4 C. This morning as I write this, it is 40 F / 4.4 C. Not normal.                          

BUDS

 

Another early sign of the season. I have to confess that this is from the archives. The arthritis at the bottom of my spine has gotten a lot worse and I'm not walking well. There is a pain management procedure scheduled for April 9 that has helped in the past, but until then it will be either old stuff or whatever I can shoot from my car (sitting is okay).                     

DAFFODILS IN FOREST PARK

 

First signs on a gray day. The trees are confused. Our temperatures have been zooming up and down, summer hot one day and need a coat on the next. It has not been as extreme as some  parts of the country but many plants don’t know which way to go.                    

FIRST BUDS IN DRIZZLE

 

Long, tedious drive home yesterday from Kansas City, with an awful lot of construction on I 70. So, I thought I'd post something spring-like from Forest Park.                      

LIVE FREE OR DIE

I think the motto dates to our revolutionary war, and is also seen on the license plates of the State of New Hampshire. If the guns and bullets aren't enough, the place also sells cigars. And if you don't have the courage to go in and check out the wares, there is a liquor store immediately to the left.

 

Found in Shawnee, Kansas, in suburban Kansas City where we are staying. Home today.         

 

STL DPB'S 19TH ANNIVERSARY

 

Today is St. Louis Daily Photo's 19th anniversary, having first appeared on March 22, 2007. 6,831 posts to date. Hooda thunk. Most of the pictures are from St. Louis, but there are others from Tibet to Patagonia. So how much longer?