And They're Off!

This weekend there are numerous events in Hartford to support bicycle riding,

including a 100 mile race yesterday, beginning in Bushnell Park.

Parking Meters

This summer the old parking meters were replaced by the most modern and sophisticated versions.

The problem is that our drivers are not all the most modern and sophisticated versions.

The Genius of Connecticut

In 1878 the sculptor Randolph Rogers crafted an 18 foot tall, 3.5 ton bronze angel to stand atop the Connecticut State Capitol.  Her popular name is the Genius of Connecticut.

The hurricane of 1938 damaged the statue so she was removed and stored.  During World War II she was donated to the war effort to make ammunition.  The plaster cast to make Genius was painted bronze in the 1980s and placed in the Capitol's north lobby.

Later, a laser copy was made in bronze and was placed under the Capitol's dome.

Some people want her put on top of the Capitol again.
The rest of us have other things to worry about.

Autumn is on the Way

The days are getting shorter and cooler.  The blankets have come out of the closet.

Autumn is on the way.

Driving on a pretty street in South Windsor, I came across a field of pumpkins.

In a month, they will be at every house in New England,
waiting to greet trick-or-treaters.

State Library and Courthouse

Another night photograph.  The building houses the State Library.

The Connecticut Supreme Court holds its sessions in a room at the front right.

Albany Avenue

Let's get back to Hartford.  We will visit Albany Avenue, the main street of the
predominantly African American part of the city.

A mural on the side of a convenience store honors

63-year old Johnny Armstrong, who was murdered by his roommate in 2012.

Charles wears an "I'm a Winner" shirt.  He tells me that every day is good.

There has been a big investment in social services for this low income area in the past decade.
This big community health center is next to a huge new YMCA building.

And, this little girl was delighted that her jump scared away a flock of pigeons.

Essex Peabody Museum

Salem, Massachusetts, was a leading seafaring city in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Essex Peabody Museum has fabulous exhibitions featuring American and

Chinese export furniture, ceramics and maritime artwork and artifacts.