Moving Pictures

One of those little things I forget living in South Florida for 35 years is cold and spring time. Ok - that's two things but they went hand in hand. When going the Tyler Rose Museum it's best to go when there are roses in bloom When I first stepped out into the garden I realized I was just a bit early. I was very thankful that several of the well trimmed and manicured rose bushes had anticipated my early arrival in the season and popped out a few flowers for me to enjoy. It certainly was peaceful being the only visitor most of the day. There were only a few grounds keepers around. Even the grass was not quite ready to grow. I think I shot every single rose in bloom and a few other spring blossoms as well. In my effort to do everything in this area of Texas I drove ninety miles. It seemed like that may have been a mistake. On the way out the door I just happened to notice there was a tiny museum with what looked like Las Vegas show girls. The roses were free but the...

I don't want any excuses about this place being hard to find. You know. Like the ones I was making before I found it. Nor that it's probably not worth seeing. If that's your attitude then drop and give me 20. The Road to Victory Military Museum is not just a collection but a passion. We were fortunate to meet the owners on our visit. They are located just past the legs of the Stuart water tower and there is plenty of parking right outside the door. I will admit the collection is housed in a small building but that will hopefully change. They have a collection of restored military vehicles currently being kept in private garages. A few very well used ones are on display outside the museum. But moving takes money. Something this museum could use more of. But that takes visitors and sponsors. I was never in World War I or II or actually in the military at all but I do appreciate the ones who served and not just on the 4th of July. I have visited war museums around the...

It may look small from the outside but it's full of history on the inside. I have passed by the Stuart Heritage Museum a hundred times over the years. Either I'm at the wrong time, in too big a hurry, or with the wrong person. I finally timed my visit downtown to coincide with the museum's operating hours and went inside. First surprise, it's a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. I've been in a lot of small town museums and there is not a lot to write about. This one covers the entire history of the town. In Florida that usually means a hundred years or so. Second surprise, we got a very detailed tour from a very knowledgeable staff member. About an hours worth.  Stuart was primarily a port town and then a railroad stop. This would have been around the time my grandfather was sailing the coast. I remember him telling me stories of picking up bananas in Panama but did he also grab a load of pineapples in Florida? I'll probably never know bu...