Thank you for your kindness.

Arose early this morning to take C & R, arrived the night before from Ithaca, NY, to the Atlantic City airport. They will be spending a week at Cocoa Beach, which sounds delightful at this time of year (actually, a week at the beach sounds pretty good at any time of year).

Since I was so close to the ocean, I didn't want to miss the chance to see an ocean sunrise. So after dropping them off I drove the extra few miles to AC, and hit the boardwalk.

There were very few people up and about at that hour. The Steel Pier sits deserted, waiting for next summer.

As do the benches.

Sandy paths to the beach beckon.

When the sun does appear, you might think that you are standing at the edge of the world, alone with nature.

Unless you turn around, and take a picture of the other side of the boardwalk.

What a contrast!

I walk inside the casinos to warm up, and because I love to look at the machines and the glitz.

And I found the most amazing slot machine!

I kind of wish I had played the Van Gogh, but I had already put my money into the Three Stooges machine, where I had (amazingly) won $119 - and if I win I stop playing. (It's the only way to keep the money.)

The outer wall of Resorts Casino features handprints of celebrities from 20-30 years ago.

I had breakfast at Johnny Rockets, where the jukebox in the booth tempts diners with many great songs.

One of the songs the little jukebox offers is (of course) Under the Boardwalk, by the Drifters, ranked #487 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Which makes me wonder, when I'm back outside, what is under the boardwalk?

Yuck - perhaps some sections look better.

Better to look up than down, and admire the sun now fully illuminating this chilly day. Thank you for your kindness, Brother Sun.