The Social

New London, CT  2016

Yet another bar recently opened in downtown New London.  This one boasts 50 craft beers on tap, craft cocktails, and handcrafted food.  Apparently New London didn't have enough bars.  

John's

Mystic, CT

There are a number of "Irish" pubs in Mystic and the surrounding towns here in southeast Connecticut.  I'm proud to say that I have a significant Irish heritage and I have been known to down a pint or two at some of these fine establishments, even here at John's.  I do find it a little disconcerting that according the the sign above the door, which you might not be able to read in this photo, John's was established in 1967,  making it 14 years younger than I am.  For some reason I think all Irish pubs should be hundreds of years old or at least older than 60 years!  Despite being a mere 47 years old, John's did have a nice reflection and for this reason,  I'll be sharing this with other much more outstanding reflections from around the world at Weekend Reflections.  Have a nice weekend and thanks for reading.

Happy St Patrick's Day

Mystic, CT

I think there should be a law banning St Patrick's Day from falling on a Monday.  This place is all ready to celebrate.

The Model Builder

Red Hook Bait and Tackle, Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY

The model builder here is actually a part of a lamp.  I don't recall if the lamp actually worked or not, but  I was impressed by the workmanship in the carving of the lamp's base here.  He has quite an expressive look on his face as he builds his model.   I would not put this lamp in my living room, but it didn't seem out of place at all amongst the taxidermy and other objects displayed at the Red Hook Bait and Tackle Shop.  

Mermaid

Red Hook Bait and Tackle, Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY 

Besides all the taxidermy on display, there were many figurines, statues, nautical items, and other "works of art" just about where ever anyone looks here.  I have photographed many other figureheads at Mystic Seaport,  but none quite like this mermaid.  I would like to think that she actually did adorn the bow of a sailing vessel, and was rescued from the scrap heap to serve as the unofficial hostess of the Red Hook Bait and Tackle Shop.  In reality, she's probably a very nice reproduction.  

More Trophies

Red Hook Bait and Tackel Shop, Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY

The Red Hook Bait and Tackle Shop is a pretty interesting place.  They have quite a collection of taxidermy on display and offered endless subjects to photograph.  After learning how to use the manual settings on our cameras, we spent about an hour shooting in the bar, which had not opened for business yet, so we had the place to ourselves.

Trophies

Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY 

The Red Hook Bait and Tackle Shop offered endless photo opportunities on which to practice our new manual shooting skills.  These are just some of the "trophies" on display.