Friday, June 28, 2013

A Busy Beach Day

On June 26, 2013 Atlantic City hosted the 11th annual Air Show.  It was estimated 400,000 people watched the show from the beach and boardwalk.  This year's show did not include any military acts and was strictly performed by civilian performers.  Without a doubt they did an excellent show with their dips, dives and calculated maneuvers.  Both the airshow and beach activity were fun to watch and take photos of.



The brightness of the sun often made it difficult to see what you were going to capture in your photo.




There could have been hundreds of planes but these children were having the greatest time in what appeared to be a wading pool.  Actually the tide was coming in and this was the perfect location for safe water, buckets and shovels.




The smile face balloon made it easier to find home base.




Looks like someone has been to the tropics.



The water temperature was somewhat chilly but the waves and sand were refreshing to all ages.



 

 This young man did not make it to China but you have to give him credit for trying.  He was a really nice guy.




Dad had just as much fun creating his son as a mermaid, not once but twice, since the little guy moved and Dad had to repeat the tap, tap, tap of the sand.




Meet Sunbonnet Lady.  I named her after "The Sunbonnet Babies"  primer elementary reading book.




The security officers did a wonderful job riding their all terrain vehicles.




Children can find a way to make the best of things even if means scratching the beach sand with your fingers.  Lovely child.



The lifeguards were on alert at all times.





Beverages could be purchased on the beach.  These waitresses had to do a lot of  walking through sand and more sand, but then maybe walking does help.




Before this little toddler was put in the playpen she was covered in wet sand, and she didn't mind one bit.




And so my post comes to an "end" that is until next time.  Thanks for looking!!!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

2013 World Championships of Sand Sculpting

A plastic pail, moist sand, and imagination can create the castles of your dreams.  It was very evident on the Atlantic City beach sand art is not always for the very young, since the 2013 World Championships of Sand Sculpting returned to Atlantic City to showcase the work of 27 international artists.  There were castles, celebrities and a variety of sculptures that were created by using a special texture of sand that can be densely packed.  When these photos were taken the magnificent works were still in progress, and it was very rewarding watching the artists intensely at work.




The lovely mermaid welcomed visitors to the free exhibits.





The Atlantic City competition marked the third time this event has been held in the U.S, since it began in the 1980's.





Each artist had information regarding their homeland and personal information displayed by their work.






Sand sculpting began on the beaches of Atlantic City many years ago.  It was common to see people on the boardwalk throw coins to beach goers creating their art.





This is biblical Eve.  When finished she held an apple that could have tempted many.









This entry was entitled "Don't smoke, Save Life," it featured a four faced man surrounded by a tobacco haze.







Working with paintbrushes, toothpicks, spray bottles, and other various items were instrumental in the creations, but it took complete dedication by the artists to create their works of art.





The winner of the $2,500. was Karen Fralich, of Ontario, Canada, for "Amazon's Pet", a sculpture of an armored woman and her dragon.





Neptune welcomes all to visit the beach and enjoy the sand, salt water and sunshine.





Once the works are finished they are sprayed with a 1/16th-inch coating of biodegradable mix of Elmer's glue and water to help them weather the elements.  The sculptures will remain on display until nature intervenes.


Friday, June 7, 2013

Stepping Out In Style

What's in fashion?  There appears to be a trend that past fashionable clothing  will make a come back.  Perhaps that is why I really don't want to get rid of my closets full of clothes.  I'm one of those people that as soon as I give something away I wonder why I did that.  There was a time when my employment encouraged keeping up with styles of the day, now I'm very comfortable in the relaxed styles of the day.  I couldn't resist sharing some fashions basically in footwear.  Now for reality, I will stay with my sneaks and crocs.



 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
 

I have a friend who likes, "Bling" things.  Well these shoes are made for walking or are they?  Remember if the shoe fits wear it.  I think you'll want to go shopping to keep up with footwear fashion after seeing the newest trend for aching feet.

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Enjoyable Smithville

Historic Smithville welcomes the May Fest each year.  It is a two day affair often   referred to as a select craft show.  This year a dear friend invited me to accompany her and her sister.  Although the sky was overcast, dry weather did prevail on Saturday, but rain on Sunday did not make it an outdoor day.  I limited my purchases to a Jersey Devil mug and a Jersey Devil  refrigerator magnet.  Sadly the shoppe where I made my purchases had all merchandise fifty percent off since it is going out of business.  In the last few years Smithville has regained popularity for its restaurants, shoppes and pleasant atmosphere. It is rather sad to see such a shoppe with unique merchandise no longer be available.


 

The sign is located along Route 9 and it is indication of a well maintained business.



A well carved bear was for sale and he was very appropriate greeting many people to the show.  As we exited the area we saw he had been sold for $175.00.




I wonder if these little characters found a home, perhaps with the welcoming arms of a grateful child.




Brushes were definitely in motion as two face painters did an excellent job creating whatever art you wanted to become.  This was not just for the young as many adults displayed the art too.




The watermelon dishware was bright and colorful.  Perhaps at another time I would have had difficulty passing by.

 


 It certainly took a lot of time and patience to create these colorful items.  The creator was working on her projects as we observed.




The twisting and twining of nature's branches and twigs makes a delightful display.


Round and round we go!  How hard it is to make the right choice, should it be the rabbit, horse, ostrich, or perhaps the lion.  Whatever the choice the waving of hands, and bright smiles make it a fun adventure.



The dealer was asking $1200.00 for the license plate craft.  She indicated it was made by her father a number of years ago.




Cloe was being held by gentle hands.  She was a rescue dog who gets a lot of attention.




Johnnie attracted attention where ever he was.  He enjoyed a petting hand and a treat from his owner.

This fellow has done an excellent job in teaching his owner to use his favorite wagon when traveling.

 

 

When you are counting calories you must learn to say " NO" to such a tempting dish.  I was very proud because this time I said, "No!"


It was not just another day at Smithville because there is always something of interest such as the sand castle welcoming visitors to the restaurant.  Always something tasty to choose from.  They also serve a wonderful brunch on Sundays.

Thank you for letting me share my day with you.