Just wandering around

After my doctors appointment today I decided to figure out how to get to my doctor's office without having to get on the expressway.   I just knew there was a way and I was kind of hoping I'd run into a photo gem along the way.

My road cut across a major road (that I knew) and then turned into a dead end.  The dead end was a sleepy little neighborhood.  I was immediately rewarded with this log mailbox keeper.  I can add it to my mailbox collection.

Across the street from the mailbox was a gorgeous tree, but I'd have to walk into the peoples backyard to photograph it.  I drove around to the front of the house to see if I could knock on their door.  Nope.  I didn't want to give up, but I didn't want to trespass.   I decided to come back.

I found this old basketball hoop inches from the roadway.  Clearly the kids who played basketball, played in the road.  I think it's been awhile since anyone played.

I met a woman who was pulling out of her driveway and I told her I was taking pictures of the hoop.  She asked why.  I told her because I thought it was interesting.  She sort of huffed, rolled her eyes and drove off.  Some folks really don't understand.  That's OK :)

Then I wandered back to the house with the great tree.  I decided to stop and take a picture of the roadway.  While I was standing in the middle of the road a man riding a bike came toward me.  I said hello and asked him about the house with the tree.  I explained that the tree was so beautiful next to the barn and I'd like to take a picture of it, but it didn't look like anyone was home.

He suggested that he join me in trespassing because he was a neighbor and no one would question him.  Sounded good to me!  So we wandered in just a little ways, as I wasn't brave enough to get real close. We talked for a few minutes and I learned that he was a tree guy from Connecticut but moved back to Jacksonville recently.  Guess I know who's mailbox I photographed!

Then we discussed this tree.  This gorgeous tree with all of the Spanish moss on it, next to the old barn, next to the frostbitten plant.  I wish I could have wandered all around this place as there were a dozen more shots I would have loved to have taken.  The tree guy and I walked back to the road and we noticed a car turning around in the drive next door.  She pulled up next to us and sighed as she rolled down the window.

"Am I anywhere near the Mayo Clinic?" she asked.

Tree guy didn't know how to direct her, but I did.  I told her I'd do a little better and I'd drive her to the highway because it was a little tricky to get there.  I thanked the tree guy, hopped in my car and got the woman on her way to Mayo.

I guess I realize now why I detoured and stayed on that little back road for as long as I did.  I was waiting to help that woman get to Mayo.  Well, that and get my shot :)

Have a great day!
Kristin