Sunset at Grand Beach, Michigan

Catching a sunset while on vacation is a real treat.

A last minute foray to the beach at Grand Beach, New Buffalo, MI provided us with an interesting sunset view over Lake Michigan. The weather had been cloudy, chilly and windy all day but the clouds opened up enough near dusk that I was able to photograph one of the most interesting sunset images of our trip.

sunset over lake michigan
The sun sets over the horizon, casting a beautiful orange hue over the sky and water. The waves rush to the shore, providing a calming background noise. The sand is cool and soft, providing a comfortable seat to watch Mother Nature perform her magic. The sunset is a perfect way to end a day at Grand Beach.

The elements all worked together to create this breathtaking sunset photograph. The high winds during the day created moderate waves washing up on the beach that provided a wet sand “mirror” reflecting the colors in the sky. The half buried driftwood added a bit of foreground interest – looking a bit like a miniature mountain range on the beach. The sky, itself, was – well, it was just beautiful.

Of course, all of this splendor was not of my making. It was all provided by the artist known as Mother Nature – I was just there to observe and, hopefully, catch something to share with you.

Purchase:

Prints are available: CLICK HERE

Fried Bologna Sammy in Myrtle Beach

If you like fried bologna you’ve got to try the sandwich at Duffy’s B&G.

On our most recent trip to Myrtle Beach we visited one of our “must” places on the first night – Duffy’s Bar and Grill at The Bowery, 9th Ave and the Boardwalk. While Duffy’s is known for having outstanding burgers (that’ll be another story), I found solace and a great sammy in “Tammy’s Grilled Bologna Sandwich.”

Fried Bologna Sandwich at Duffy's and The Bowery
Fried Bologna Sandwich at Duffy’s and The Bowery
Duffy's Bar and Grill at the Bowery
Duffy’s Bar and Grill at the Bowery

I suppose it’s a recipe created by Tammy – or it may be a menu item named after a customer or a celebrity (I’ll have to ask next time). They (back in the kitchen) take a thick chunk of bologna and grill it, as they say, to perfection. Then it is flash fried for a delectable crispness and serve it up on lightly toasted white bread slathered with mayo with lettuce and tomato. The kitchen staff must take pride in their work because it truly is a work of art. That’s why I included this photo in my “Food As Art” Collection in my online gallery. Oh, yeah, I washed that sammy down with a couple Bowery Beers, their own brew, that’s not far off from a “Bud” – but tastes a good bit better.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel from the 14th Street Pier
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel from the 14th Street Pier

So, if you get the munchies when visiting Myrtle Beach the Bowery’s version of a classic Bar and Grill is Duffy’s. It’s easy to find – a few blocks south of the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and half way down the block from the Boardwalk. It actually fronts on the “empty” space that, years ago, was the Myrtle Beach Pavilion, where the lights went out in 2006.

Yes, believe it or not, this “Food as Art” image is available in my on-line gallery. Click the links below to see more.

Link: Fried Bologna Sammy in Myrtle Beach

Link: Myrtle Beach Oceanfront from the 17th Street Pier

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine Art America

And that’s no baloney! Right?

I Never Met a Potato I Didn’t Like

My guilty pleasure is a bucket of fries on the boardwalk.

Yes, I’ll admit it. However, there are a lot worse foods to be in love with than a potato. French fries are not only American, but worldwide. Who does not like French fries? I have tried listening to stories of people who do not like French fries. I did not find anyone. Right?

A Bucket of Fries on the Boardwalk – just for you!

Very short story: Standing knee-deep in the Atlantic Ocean, our daughter, who loved to surf even as a three year old, demanded we get some French Fries. My son and I looked at her in disbelief. “Right now? There’s no way”, I told her. No one else was around; we were so far down the beach it was almost deserted, but still… they were French Fries .”Let’s go Daddy! Come on!” she pleaded. And then the smell hit us – freshly cooked French Fries only a few hundred yards away. Just imagine being there and having that olfactory awakening.

Here’s just another thought about lusting after some hot French Fries…

Remember, French Fries do not judge YOU – so you should not be one to judge them. Right?

Jigsaw Puzzle of French Fries Not Judging You
A Bucket of Boardwalk-style French Fries as a Jigsaw Puzzle.

Our French Fries photographs are food-grade (just kidding) and printed on archival photographic paper. You might consider framing – it’s durable, protects the image from scratches and moisture, and gives a rich, professional look to the prints. Mat and frame choices can be made to suit that perfect spot in your home or office.

Links to these two images for wall art (prints, framed or on canvas) and for home decor items. How’ about a throw pillow or a coffee mug? Or maybe even a beach towel?

Boardwalk French Fries Throw Pillow

Link: French Fries on the Boards Print

Link: Fries Do Not Judge You Print

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Ocean City Gallery at Pictorem (w/ Free Shipping)

I remember a quote by Dolly Parton (if I’ve got it correct): PotatopotatopotatoI never met a spud I didn’t like.” I see nothing wrong with that. How about you? In moderation, of course. Yeah, right!

If you have a place at the beach.

Relax in your vacation unit and enjoy how you have chosen to decorate it. Our wall art prints and home decor items add a touch of color, style and life to dull walls (or cover up unsightly marks). Home decor items such as pillows, mugs or towels will help you surprise guests at your place or simply add a personal touch of glamour to your favorite place.

In Summary

I will admit, I am addicted to potatoes. I will eat them as French fries, as potato wedges, as potato chips , as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes or you name it – I love them. Especially French Fries on the Boardwalk. In Ocean City, MD that means either Thrasher’s French Fries or Boardwalk Fries. Yum.