Brass Bowl

This weekend the Brass Bowl took a stroll to the Bakas Equestrian Center, where they were holding a Bluegrass fundraiser.  You know you are getting into horse country when you start seeing this sort of thing, in the middle of a subdivision.

I was in a que of moving vehicles and wasn’t able to get the test of the plaque.

The Bakas Equestrian Center is home for Hillsborough County’s Horse’s for Handicap program.  This is a nationally recognized program that has been featured on CNN and national horse publications.  You can read more about it at the Bakas website.

This little sculpture is located directly in front of the barn of the Center.  There is a plaque that accomplanies the sculpture, a picture of which follows the sculpture image.

The music was playing and folks were having a good time when we finally eased into our seats in the arena.

This is Bits of Grass, comprised of Jerry Walker (left), Austin Wilder (center) and Jimmey White, (right and behind the mike – my apologies Jimmy!).  These guys played som every fine bluegrass and are accomplished musicians.

After enjoying some music, our attention turned to food.  We went with the sausage loaded with grilled green peppers and onions, and it was everything we thought it would be.  It was so good I didn’t pause to take a picture.  Sorry.

Another set of performers there were the Strawberry Express Cloggers.  I was pleasantly surprised by their show.  All of the performers, from the littlest to the most seasoned showed skill and enthusiasm for their craft.

During our walk around the Center, we saw many birdhouses. evidently made by the children who come to Bakas to ride.  You can see the fun they had in how the birdhouses are painted.

It was a marvelous way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  We hope to come back for the Holiday Party and have more fun, and support this outstanding program.

One of the most photographed buildings in Tampa is the Sacred Heart Church on the corner of Florida Ave and Twiggs St. Built in 1904 and dedicated on Jan 15, 1905, this granite and white marble structure is an example of Georgia marble cruciform design. Built during Jesuit auspices (1888-2005), the Romanesque architecture building served as the Jesuit missionary center for central and southern Florida, along with its significant roles in the development and growth of Tampa. The Church has over 70 stained glass windows, manufactured in the late 1800′s,  by Franz Mayer Co of Munich  Germany (still in business). The 17 verticals are the major works here, each using a Renaissance “single perspective” vantage point designed to lead the eye to a horizon line by way of a centered prominent visual component.

click on picture to see a 1280 x 960 image

This is the second structure on this site.In 1859 a frame church was built, with two additional wings built in 1883. Beginning in February 2010, the parish will begin celebrating 150 years in Tampa.