Friday, December 19, 2008

Iced In

Today was to be the last day of school before Christmas break, but alas! We had an ice storm here in central Indiana. Schools were closed, stores were closed, our county transit system was at a stand-still. Things are melting off now, but it's still not fit for man nor beast out there. Break began a day early!
JE

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Reason for the Season!



I added this piece to my vast collection of Nativities. I bought it as a piece of white ceramic, and did the finish. It is different than any other I have. It just adds a special touch of Christmas to my living room.

JE

Monday, December 8, 2008

Oh Christmas Tree!

Here's a few of my favorite ornaments on the "family tree."




Saturday, November 29, 2008

Ornaments Galore!

There were lions,and tigers, and bears, Oh my, and ballerinas, and nutcrackers, and santas, and shoes, and fans, and angels, and sheep, and cows, and horses, and about every imaginable ornament you could possibly think of. Wow! I love Hobby Lobby at Christmas time. (Or any other time for that matter.)
JE

Friday, November 28, 2008

Christmas Chaos


Today, "black Friday" my friend and fellow shopping buddy, Curley, and I went to a nearby city shopping. The traffic was beastly, the stores were crowded, and even MacDonald's was super busy. But, the one thing I noticed was that people, for the most part, were kind, friendly, and patient. That was pleasant. It made shopping more fun.
Curley had to stop in at Sam's Club, and I tagged along with her. I loved this tree. Fore some reason it caught my eye. I found out, that if you have the tree already, you can buy all the bows and ornaments in one package for $34.99. Now that's a bargain!
Peace!
JE

Sunday, November 23, 2008

And then I added this!

And when I got that done, I had to add some more. This tree is all silver and chrystal.

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!


I know it's early, but I was looking for something to do, and decided to get a jumpstart on my Christmas decorating. This is something I came up with over my dining room/kitchen door.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Even More Fall Beauty

I thought this treetop and beautiful blue sky shot truly depicted what Indiana in the fall is really all about.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

More Fall Beauty

This is what I see out my office window when I am at
my second job. I know before long the leaves will fall
and so will snow. But for now; beautiful!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Fall in Indiana

This is a view of the beautiful Salimonie River just below the dam. Why do people from here drive to Southern Indiana for fall color when they have it right here in their own back yard?

Thursday, October 16, 2008

A Walk in the Forest

I went for a nostalgic walk in a State Forest the other day. It was beautiful and brought back a lot of very fond memories of days gone by. The air was cool and crisp and fall was definitely in the air.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Fall is Falling



It seems like fall is coming later this year. Here it is October 4 already, and this is the only tree in my neighborhood that is showing any signs of color. I am venturing out into the country side later on today to see what is happening. But in any case, fall is on its way. The temps tell me that.

JE

Saturday, September 6, 2008

I'm Ready!

This solid oak cradle was made by my wife's dad when Professor was born. It was well used by both of our children, Kiddo, my grandson, and now Miss Peanut, my new granddaughter. I am eager for her to come visit me. I'm ready!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Happy Holiday!

Have a Great Day, everyone!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Night Sky

A patch of moonlight. I have to get the tripod out if I want to capture a good shot. My first attempt.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Last Post of "Big Sky" Country

I am now "back home again in Indiana" so this is my last posting of the "big sky" country of Montana. Did I tell you how hauntingly beautiful it is out there? It has to be the last frontier in our continential United States. Don't tell anybody, though. We wouldn't want it ruined!

Friday, July 25, 2008

More Montana Wildlife


I caught this mule deer just as it got ready to scale the fence into the sagebrush. He was just curious enough to turn around and look at me.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Smile!


Yes, I know! We have cows in Indiana, but we don't usually see them free-ranged and grazing along the roadside. In fact, we had to stop and let this gal cross the road.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Just Curious


This beautiful lady came right up to the fence when we stopped to take pictures. The rest of the herd just kept grazing. Probably thinking, "tourists!"

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

On Vacation

I am on vacation to Montana right now. I know this blog is supposed to be about Indiana, but I thought you might enjoy seeing some pics from my trip, so I will be posting some from my daughter's computer here in "Big Sky Country."




The building on the left is Kester School. It is a one room school, grades K-8. The building on the right is the "teacherage" and a garage. (The school had a water leak, thus the toilets sitting outside right now.) This school is 26 miles out into the county, 11 miles from the nearest ranch, but is really quite modern with satellite service, each child has a laptop, and besides, there is a herd of cattle right behind to keep the teacher company. Prof thought I should take this school for a year! I think NOT! (They hired someone the day before I arrived.)

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

The Other Side of the Sidewalk

An old park bench and an old birdhouse sit in this flowerbed.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Another Garden Spot

Coralbells and Missouri primroses fill this flowerbed. Note the cardinal perched on the bush.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Another of God's Creations

This lonely Tiger Lily came up in admidst a bunch of hostas. Proof once again that God is good...all the time.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Part of my Perrinial Gardens

Moombeam Coriopis and Russian Sage. The hollow spot is where the neighbor's cat likes to lay and sun himself.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Flower Garden in a Pot!

This is an attempt to have all my flower garden in one spot. No birds in the house, just for decoration.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Another Old Red Barn

I "just happened" to have my new digital camera along on my transit bus route this morning. I couldn't resist this beautiful old barn. Actually the entire farm is beautiful.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Local Historical Landmark

At Paradise Spring treaty ground, in October, 1826, Potawatomi and Miami tribes signed treaties with the United States ceding lands north of the Wabash River. Ther treaties included provisions for land for a canal and the Michigan Road. The cabins seen here housed military personnel and government officials. Today, there is a walking path through the treaty grounds, and down along the Wabash River. It's a pleasant place to walk, or to just sit and dream.


Sunday, June 15, 2008

Up Close and Beautiful!

Here's that shot of the Chinese Dogwood I promised. A very unique bloom.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Chinese Dogwood

This Chinese Dogwood is in my front yard. It is in full bloom now, after all the other dogwood species are done blooming. Tomorrow a closeup. Beautiful!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Keeping Warm

I have a new digital camera! Since it's raining and not fit outside, this is just a random shot of my "wood" stove. Note the coal skuttle. It's an antique that belonged to my grandfather.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Another Old Barn

This old red barn is about a half-mile from my homeplace. It still shines in the afternoon sun.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

The White Barn

This is an old beautiful farm just north of my hometown. The old white hip-roof barn and the huge brick farmhouse are in pristine condition. A young couple with two small boys live there. What a place to grow up!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Barns

I have a love of old barns, so for the next however many posts, you will see some of my favorites.(I am having computer problems, so it might be a while.)

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

This old mill is located on the Eel River. It is an actual working roller mill where flour is still made. It was built in the 1800's, was active until the 1950's. It has been refurbished and is open to the public. It's another landmark our community is extremely proud of.



Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Another Spring Bloom

The Spirea bush is beside my front porch. It was beautiful this year.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Spring Blossoms in Indiana (Finally)

After a lot of rain and cold weather, my "Weigela" finally bloomed!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Home on the (Indiana) Range

Yes, we have buffalo roaming on a small farm just south of town. This day they were close to the road where I could see them.

A View From Inside the Bridge

Looking from one end of the bridge to the other, it's hard to imagine two horse and buggies meeting in here. Let alone two cars, but I have done it!

Friday, May 30, 2008

A Flashback in Time

This old covered bridge, circa late1800's, spans the Eel River in my hometown. There is a new modern, concrete bridge just east of this one, but this is still driveable. It sustained an arsonist-set fire in the 1980's, but the citizens of the community rallied, had many fund-raisers, and with matched funds from the state, rebuilt it, and updated it with a sprinkler system. We are extremely proud of this landmark. We even have a "Covered Bridge Festival" each September.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Where the Action Is

The Student Union at Manchester College is where the action is on campus. It has just been remodeled and added onto. Beautiful new facility.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Little Church in the Vale

This little country church near my hometown is a very active United Methodist Church. It is located on a quiet, county road. Coming towards it from the south, the road is a bower of trees with this church straight ahead. The road curves to the right about where I was standing when I took the picture.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Memorial Day Tribute

"America, America, God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood,

From sea to shining sea."

Lest We Forget

This old cemetery is the quietest of places. Truly the Spirit of the Lord is in this place.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

One-Room School

One of the few old schools still standing in my county. It's possible that my great-grandpa went to school here.

Good Old Alma Mater for Some

My mother, my daughter, and my daughter-in-law all graduated from here. I attended, but unfortunately gave it up before I finished. Sure didn't look like this when I went there.

Our Painted Lady

This old 1897 Victorian was once ours. We raised our children there. I even planted that tree!

Where I Worship II

A view of the ceiling under the domed entrance of my church.

Where I Worship

This is where I worship. It was originally built over 150 years ago, and we added on in 2006. It is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people all serving the Spirit of the Lord.

Guardians of the City

This "funky" mastodon is one of 102 around the city of Ft. Wayne. It was part of a Community Arts Project in 2004-2005. Several of them still "roam" the streets!