More From The Stro's Wednesday Nite Cruise-In

Yesterday I posted some shots from a classic car cruise-in I attended a few nights ago. Today I thought I'd focus on some of the non-car things I spotted at the event, including the lively guy in the above photo. He was sitting in the passenger's seat of one of the cars. I wonder if he qualifies the driver to use the carpool lane?

Another car had three dogs in it, including the one at right (see the other dogs), who was curled up in the driver's seat.

My Flickr photoset of the event has more photos of both the car and non-car varieties, so be sure to give it a visit. I'm still in the process of uploading photos, so they'll be a lot more there over the coming days.

Spinning Kickbox

Okay, I have two theories about this sign outside Stayton Fitness on 2nd Ave. The first one is 'spinning kickbox' is a class designed around the premise that one must spin constantly while kickboxing. The very thought of that makes me so dizzy I want to... um, think about something else.

My other theory is they have spinning boxes, and the classes teach you various ways to kick them. I hope they're sturdy spinning boxes.

Either way, it sounds interesting.

I suppose it's possible these are, in fact, two separate classes. If that's the case, maybe I'll develop my two theories into actual classes and sell them to various gyms and fitness centers and make loads of money. I'll be rich, rich I tell you!

Do What With The What, Exactly?

This sign I spotted at Neitling Park has me a bit perplexed. What is that thing the person on the sign is holding, and what does it do? And why is it pointing at that dog's back end?

I don't know, but I do have a few theories. 1) The end has a mirror on it so the person will be warned when the dog is about to do his duty. 2) It's some sort of, um, plug to prevent the dog from spoiling the grass. 3) it doesn't really do anything, and the makers of the sign were just really, really confused. If so, they aren't the only ones.

In any case, it certainly doesn't seem to involve the litter bags available right below the sign.

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Guest photographer Moe sent me this funny photo of him sporting a green beard for St. Patrick's Day, and I just had to post it. Now that is getting into the spirit of the holiday. :)

Photo is copyright © Moe. All rights reserved. Do not copy or reproduce in any way without permission of photographer.

Where To Go To Pick Up Chicks

I saw the above the other day, and it made me giggle. So if any single person out there is wondering where to go to pick up chicks, here's your answer -- Wilco Farm Stores on 1st Avenue in Stayton, Oregon.

You're welcome. ;)

Tractor Seat Collection

Guest photographer Moe sent along this interesting photo of a tractor seat collection. Yes, you read that right. Here's Moe's description:

Went to the Doerfler estate sale outside Sublimity on Thursday 02-21. Asked to see the collection of tractor seats. The old fellow at the house collected things, knives, bear traps, and tractor seats. It was interesting to see other people's collections. Anyway here is a pic of some of the tractor seats.

Thanks, Moe, for showing us something most of us probably don't see every day. :)

Photo is copyright © Moe. All rights reserved. Do not copy or reproduce in any way without permission of photographer.

Fax Copies

This neon sign hangs in the window at Postal Connections on Shaff Rd. So, apparently they only fax copies but not original documents ('cause that would be fax originals), and then when those copies get faxed, the result is copies of copies, so those are fax copies copies, and so on.

Which is why I like email... less complicated.

Incidentally, you may be thinking I've deliberately misunderstood the sign. You may be right.

Hey, Can I Get A Little Help?!

I'm beginning to notice a disturbing trend. A few days ago, I documented a certain Frosty the Snowman sleeping on the job. And just yesterday I found Santa Claus stuck in a chimney! This holiday season is just fraught with difficulties.

And Santa was doing so well, too. Over the weekend he looked fit and serious, ready for his big trip. But now... well, look at him. He's stuck in a chimney, for goodness sake. And Frosty's sitting back there, laughing at him. As if he has any room to talk, slouch that he is.

Since Frosty wouldn't help, I did try to get ol' Santa un-stuck. But he wouldn't hear of it. Said he couldn't accept help from a lady (he's so old fashioned). I told him while I am female I'm no lady, but he just wouldn't have it.

Anyway, after Christmas Mrs. Claus better put Santa on a diet. It's one thing to be fat and jolly, it's another to have to spend Christmas stuck in a chimney.

Too Much Eggnog

Exactly one year ago today I posted a photo of Frosty the Snowman face down in the dirt. Last year's finding was disturbing, but I was willing to give ol' Frosty the benefit of the doubt. It could have been an isolated incident.

That doesn't appear to be the case, unfortunately. I found Frosty in exactly the same spot as I did a year ago, once again lying (or possibly laying) prone in the dirt. The only difference is he's face up this time. That is an improvement, but the overall trend is disturbing.

I've come up with a possible explanation for this strange behavior. It may be a case of his having peaked so many years ago with his famous song and having narrated the Rudolph special. Since then, he now feels all his good years were behind him, leaving him nothing left but to adorn people's yards and drink eggnog.

It's one possibility. I was unable speak to get Frosty's side of the story, as he was unresponsive when I tried to rouse him. I'll keep you updated should I uncover any further information.

Stop City Of Stayton

This sign struck me as odd. When read as a whole, it clearly says, "Stop City of Stayton." Stop them from doing what? It doesn't say.

Stranger still, I think it was actually placed there by the city itself. Is the city engaging in some sort of compulsive behavior? Did it put out this sign as a cry for help? I just don't know.

Someone should get to the bottom of the pressing matter. I would volunteer, but seeing as how it took me over four months to actually get around to posting this photo after I took it, I'm probably not the best candidate.

The Strangest TV I Ever Did See

Although, now that I think about it, it does have about the same entertainment value. ;)

This must be a utility box of some sort, but I've never seen one like it before. But then again, I don't pay a lot of attention to those things. It was in an area where they're building a bunch of new homes off of Santiam St.

Fix Me Wash Me

I'm no mechanic, but this truck seems to be missing something. And apparently someone else thought so, too, because they wrote 'fix me wash me' in the dust on the door.

Just Like A Pill... Well, Kinda

There's a pharmacy in town which uses the VW Beetle above (I think) to deliver medications to folks around town. It's really rather creative -- a VW Beetle, otherwise known as a Bug, with a bunch of pill bugs painted on it. It gets one's attention.

A Distortion Of The Past

This mirror resides in the parking lot of the somewhat retro-oriented A&W restaurant on Washington St. It creates some nifty distortions... the guy in the photo looks like a giant compared to the children on either side of him. It makes me giggle.

Radioactive Fish

A Tale of Two Radioactive Fish in Love

I had no idea this big fella was hanging over my head when I was downtown yesterday until I stopped and really looked at the sign. A pink and yellow fish. Who knew?

The sign is above a Chinese restaurant on 1st Ave. I like the radioactive look. The fish has definite style. It's not afraid to swim upstream, to find its own path in life.

Lest you think it's one of a kind, there is another pink and yellow fish on the other end of the sign. But, alas, they're separated by an ocean of words... "Daily Buffet"... "Chinese and American Food"... maybe someday they'll finally reach each other and they'll live forever in a sea of love.

Yes, someday they'll be each other's catch of the day. Currently, though, they're anchored in place, left only to gaze at each other, while the rest of us go about our lives, unable fathom the turmoil these two fish are in.

Good luck, pink and yellow fish. Good luck.

2007 Independence Day Parade

It was a hot one here in Stayton on the 4th... a reader board on 1st Ave. said it was 91 during the parade. But it was worth it.

One of the co-grand marshals, Brunk Conley, was a student-teacher of mine when I was 9th grade, and teaches at the high school when he's not off in the middle east. Hats off to both grand marshals and anyone else who have or are serving in our military.

For more photos from the parade, please visit the Flickr photoset I've created. It has giant frogs, smoking airplanes, Marines, cute children, a guy stuck upside-down in a washing machine, and much more.

The Happy Flamingo

This cute fella lives on the front outside wall of a small building on 3rd Ave. I can't remember what the building houses (that would require me to pay attention), but I know it doesn't have anything to do with flamingos.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the City Daily Photo monthly theme day. It will have you seeing red... in a good way.

Tin Man

When the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz retired, he realized he needed a job to make ends meet. Thus, he worked part-time as a lamp post. It was an easy job. Really, his heart just wasn't in it.

:)

This lamp post resides on Fern Ridge Rd. Who knew Stayton had a celebrity in its midst?

Fish

I spotted this carved fish alongside the road, and it inspired a poem:

A Fish Made Of Wood
By Celine Chamberlin

A fish made of wood
Wouldn't taste very good
Nor would it go down well

A fish made of wood
Doesn't swim as it should
At least, not that I can tell

A fish such as this
Is quite hard to miss
And its carving is quite nice

So I'd be remiss
If I didn't mention this fish
Just don't eat it with some rice

Notice I didn't say it was a good poem.

Just A Boy And His Pumpkins

I spotted this artwork on the side of a small portable (I think) building on 4th Ave. I don't know what it is or was used for... perhaps a pumpkin patch. Dunno.

If you'll notice, the boy has his hands behind his back. What is he hiding? Does he have some pumpkin seeds he's just waiting to pop in his mouth and spit at unsuspecting passers by? Is he hiding a potential lack of hands due to insufficient drawing skills on the part of the artist? Oh, the possibilities.

Cow & Bird

One of the creatures on this weather vane is living and the other isn't. Can you guess which one? ;)

The weather vane is on top of a very nifty building called the Red Barn, which happens to be red and also a barn. I've tried to take pictures of said very nifty building, but I'm afraid they all suck. But I'll keep trying.

I took this within a few minutes of the European starling photo I posted a few days ago, and I think the little bird on the vane is also a starling.

Sam the Snowberry Man

Friends, it's time to use your imagination. The snowberries above remind me of a head, complete with hair, eyes, etc. Do you see it?

The snow on top is the hair, the top two berries are the eyes, and the bottom berry completes the rest of the face. See it yet?

Okay, maybe I'm insane. But aren't they cute little snowy snowberries, what with the snow on top and all?

The Lonely Muffler

I spotted the above lonely, abandoned muffler a few blocks away from where I came across Frosty the Snowman passed out in the dirt... on the very same day, no less. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

Perhaps Frosty and his pals went for a joyride in someone's car and this poor muffler is all that's left. Or maybe he ripped out of someone's car as a prank. If so, somewhere there is an overly loud car in need of a muffler. Or possibly Frosty wasn't involved at all. Hey, we shouldn't assume.

There was also a bit of garbage strewn about near the muffler. It could be a sign of late night partying... or a messy muffler thief. Hmmm. I guess we'll never know what really happened.

But Frosty better watch his snowy back, 'cause I'm watching him. ;)

Technorati tags: stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog

Passed Out Frosty

LATE BREAKING UPDATE: Today's post is number 200, and I didn't notice until the day was half over. I'm such a dork. Anyway, on with the post...

Yesterday I promised to show you what Frosty the Snowman does in his off time. Well, I have photographic evidence he has a life beyond that of guarding Christmas tree lots.

Now, let's not assume anything. He could be passed out with his carrot nose stuck in the dirt beneath him for a very good reason. And just because there's an empty whipped cream container next to him doesn't necessarily mean he was hitting the eggnog a bit too hard, so just get that idea out of your head right now. He could have been... um, making holiday pies to give to needy families, and he just dropped from exhaustion.

I do wonder, however, why there's a second snowman nearby who looks exactly like him. Could it be Frosty has a double to take over when he's out of commission?

Tomorrow's photo is of something I found a few blocks away from where I found the above. I'm not saying it's related, but one never knows. Check back tomorrow and draw your own conclusions.

Technorati tags: stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog

Big, Round, & Yellow

This giant yellow donut, which sits just off of 1st Ave. in Stayton, advertises a local donut shop called Starlight Donuts. No, the donuts for sale in the shop are not yellow like their sign. Although, come to think of it... I'm sure some do have lemon filling. But, still, not quite the same thing.

Now I'm hungry for a donut. Or two or three. I hear a maple bar calling my name...

Technorati tags: stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog

Donkey on da hood

One of the things that makes life interesting is the random things which come our way, and the donkey hood ornament above definitely fits into the random category. There's just something wonderfully whimsical about having a donkey on your vehicle for all the world to see.

I found it for sale online (note: I have no affiliation with the company linked, I just found it via a Google search), and apparently the eyes light up, too. Gotta love that. If my vehicle (a scooter) had a hood, I think it would have a donkey on it in fairly short order. I guess I'll just have to stick with my "girls kick @ss" bumper sticker instead. :)

Technorati tags: stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog

Why it's called a duck

I was going to feature a different duck photo today, but I decided to go with this one, instead. I may post the other one tomorrow. Dunno.

The one above was taken at the duck pond I featured yesterday. I hadn't realized how often ducks either, well, duck either their heads or the upper half of their bodies underwater. They can do the ducking thing very, very quickly, so I ended up taking several photos of duck bodies with their necks leading into the water. That wasn't really my intention.

My favorites, tough, are of their cute little behinds sticking up, like the one above. They also had a nifty syncronized swimming maneuver going on like in the thumbnail at right (click on it to see the larger version).

They're fascinating little creatures. Do you think the people who live in the little neighborhood where the duck pond is would mind if I just started sitting on the bank with my camera and tripod every single day? More importantly, would the ducks mind? I could dress up like Big Bird, like I did in grade school for a play.

I doubt the costume would still fit, though.

Technorati tags: stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog

How now fake cow

It's not every day one drives by a house and sees a giant fake cow in a yard. It might be made of paper mache, but I'm not sure. I couldn't remember having seen it before, but then it came to me -- it was used in the 4th of July parade this year. And now it's sitting in someone's backyard.

Here's a photo of this fetching creature from the parade, all dolled up in a lovely hat with flowers.

It's good to know the big girl found a home after her day of glory. It mooooooved me to see it. In fact, I was udderly delighted, and that's no bull. She looks rather cuddly, don't you think?

Sorry. When it comes to puns, I tend to milk them for all they're worth.

Technorati tags: stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog

Tennis, anyone?

So there I was, taking photos on a small bridge on 2nd Ave. in Stayton, when I looked down and saw a little yellow tennis ball floating down the creek. It turned out to be my favorite photo I took that day. In fact, I felt kind of special that I was the only one there to see him (yes, I've decided the tennis ball is male) go by. Then again, I am easily amused.

I don't know where the little guy came from, or where he ended up, but he made me smile. I hope he does the same for you.

Technorati tags: stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog

The happiest tree

The other day on my walk through Wilderness Park in Stayton brought me across the above -- a cut log with a smiley face (complete with its tongue sticking out) spray painted on it. It was hiding on a side path not far from the main walking area.

Normally I'm not a fan of defacing things, but this I loved. It was unexpected little surprise brought a smile to my face and it wasn't hurting anything, so it's all good in my book. I give the artist an A+ for style and creativity.

Technorati tags: wilderness park / pioneer park / stayton / willamette valley / oregon / daily photo / photoblog