A rainy and miserable day so I did what I could with the camera. At least we missed the tornados (I understand they were here last week). Lots of really economically depressed areas here in northern LA. I’m usually comfortable hopping out of the van anywhere to take pictures but there have been a couple places that gave me pause. My shiny white van makes me look like I might have money I suppose but my grunge-wear is hopefully a give-away that I ain’t got nuthin. I usually have big muddy footprints on me from playing with the dogs. And I usually wear my oldest jeans and t-shirts on this trips.

I’ve started the backtrack towards home though I’m taking a different route. Another whole week to go. I’m pretty wiped out from the intensity of this schedule and try to imagine what next year’s two six-week trips will feel like. That’s gonna be some gas bill on the credit card. On average, I go through a tank and a half per day, at about $50 per tank, that’s… I’m afraid to do the math.

On with the photos!

The day started with copying Milks’ Roto-Sphere index cards. Note each card contains the date shipped, the company they went to, and some “specs” information. I’ll sort all of these by location when I get home. Right now, they are sorted by sign shop name.

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Lots of sign photos for ya. You can’t drive around Bossier City without wondering which signs Milks created or inspired. Here’s an example of what must’ve been a fun animated neon piece (the plastic box sign surely was added later):

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This one is also from Bossier City. It’s on top of a new made-to-look-kinda-old Mexican restaurant (Posado’s, a chain). I believe this “sign topper” is old and repurposed – probably found in a junkyard or taken from a building about to be demolished. I have seen a number of these cylindrical things with neon rings around town and asked Milks if they had a name (he doesn’t think they did).

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Here’s another example from Bossier City on top of a recycled-many-times-over-looking sign:

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And another one on a rusty/crusty sign in Shreveport that has vertical stripes:

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Speaking of stripes, here’s another oldie (the “Pin Stripe”) with a funky building in Shreveport:

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Here’s an abandoned sign from Shreveport. Its shape qualifies it as “googie”. There! I used the word that makes my skin crawl but in this case its accurate. the word “googie” is used way too loosely for just about anything. I also cringe at the word “retro” which is used to mean old when it really means fake old. They are both fun words and I think people just want to use them. Can we just be simple or stuffy and say “vintage”, “old”, or “mid-century”? Enough with my pet peeve!

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And for some non-signs… Shreveport has some nice Art Deco buildings although they are not in great shape. Here’s the Salvation Army building:

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and an anonymous gutted building across the street:

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Also from Shreveport, this must’ve been a gas station at one point. Great hand painted signage for “Era’s Turkey Leg”:

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And now for some possibly big news: I may have acquired a new dog. While I was in Logansport, LA, I spotted this obviously lost and bewildered dog on the main street (which isn’t much since Logansport is not a big town). I saw her almost get hit twice. Luckily, she was friendly and came right up to me. I asked around and no one seemed to recognize her. It was pouring rain and she was drenched and shivering. So. I popped her in the van, much to the objections of my dogs, and pondered what to do. I could turn her into a shelter or I could keep driving. Knowing what most rural shelters are like (concrete floors and usually full with long-term residents), I decided to bring her along on our journey. She seemed sweet with dogs and people and, worst case, I have a friend upstate with a shelter that is always looking for small dogs with good temperaments. But I just might end up keeping her. She’s obviously an Australian Cattle Dog — the stocky, short-legged type with a docked tail. She reminds me of a little bear cub. She’s super kissy and just lays there in the back of the van. When they other dogs bark at people and motorcycles, she just lays watches (course that could change). I can’t quite place her age — something I’m usually very good at. She seems puppy-like with her big paws and general dumbness. But she has some muscle and sense about her. Must be young at least and maybe still growing some. She’s already clinging to me with adoration after less than 12 hours. My troops seem to be adjusting quickly since she’s so mellow. I’m calling her U-Turn for now (“you-you” and “u-ie” for short).