Today was damp, overcast and there was quite a breeze blowin' ... this was the beginning of Hurricane Rita's outer effects being felt.   Later that evening, the rain and squalls passed through B'ham.  I was staying at the Warrior River Motel that night, and was ready to jump into the closet (yes, the rooms have actual closets) at the first mention of a tornado warning.

As I said above, there was a stiff wind as Tim and I were walking around outside.  The middle sign panel was hanging only by its top mooring, and was banging against the frame.  I kept a weary eye to this sign just in case that baby took a dive for us. 

I wish I'd been around with the camcorder to capture this sign falling.  Then just for grins, I would've overdubbed some bowling sound effects, climaxing with a strike as the sign shattered on the walkway below.
 

I think I amuse too easily....

Hey, it was a big deal when this alley first opened in the late '50s.

A 48-lane bowling venue was nothing to sneeze at, even in Birmingham.
 

This is perhaps my favorite of the pictures I took here.  The circular pattern of the walkway along with the multiple circle roof of the awning is the cherry on this sundae.

This just oozes "space-age leisure", doesn't it? 

Unless there were invisible forcefields separating each of the 48 LANES and  protecting the family next to you from that two pack a day habit of yours, I fail to see how "smoke-free lanes" could be achieved.  It's as easy as partitioning off a "non-pee'ing" section in a swimming pool.

Back to "The End"
 

Page updated 06/15/2006 -- 935 PM EDT