Friday, 17 April 2020

PANDEMIC IN SPRINGTIME 5 - PANADERIA LILLYS


Unlike most American cities, we don't have a big Latino population but of course there is some. Its commercial center is Cherokee Street, where the businesses are mixed with an eclectic bunch of restaurants (Hispanic and not), bars, art galleries, night clubs and clothing stores. This is where you come if you want genuine pan Mexicana, a pair of hand tooled botas de vaquero or an old-fashioned dulceria

No one knows how many of these businesses will survive the pandemic. Several restaurants sell take away food at the door but is it enough to get by? I fear that a number of bars, breweries and galleries won't make it. Check back in the fall.             

Thursday, 16 April 2020

PANDEMIC IN SPRINGTIME 4 - STAY AT HOME


A billboard along the short stretch where I 44 and 55 run together just south of downtown. Anyone who reads this, with very few exceptions, is not at home. Does it influence anyone or just try to contribute to a public attitude?

I can't help but notice that the colors are those of our hockey team. They are the defending champions and so wildly popular. It may have something to do with the marketing psychology of the sign.           

Wednesday, 15 April 2020

THURSDAY ARCH SERIES


A spare image, appropriate to the times. This was taken eleven days ago. The trees have rapidly filled out since then.       

Tuesday, 14 April 2020

PANDEMIC IN SPRINGTIME 3 - ESSENTIAL BUSINESS


Is there a more essential business in St. Louis these days, other than, perhaps the Washington University and St. Louis University Medical Centers? Yes, this is the headquarters of Budweiser, or sort of, since it was sucked up by a Brazilian-Belgian conglomerate. It chases you everywhere in the world (except, I think, the Czech Republic). The brand was on the first advertising sign we saw when our little group got off the plane in Tibet years ago. https://flic.kr/p/71dTXFhttps://flic.kr/p/71dTXF . I guarantee you this place is still open for business.            

Monday, 13 April 2020

PANDEMIC IN SPRINGTIME 2


Part of Forest Park's system of water channels and lakes. You can rent a little paddleboat  to idle away an afternoon, but not right now. The water and sky, with the just-budding trees, reflect the mood of the day.           
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