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!
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
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.)
And when I got that done, I had to add some more. This tree is all silver and chrystal.
I thought this treetop and beautiful blue sky shot truly depicted what Indiana in the fall is really all about.
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?
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.
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
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!
A patch of moonlight. I have to get the tripod out if I want to capture a good shot. My first attempt..jpg)
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!
Coralbells and Missouri primroses fill this flowerbed. Note the cardinal perched on the bush.
This lonely Tiger Lily came up in admidst a bunch of hostas. Proof once again that God is good...all the time.
Moombeam Coriopis and Russian Sage. The hollow spot is where the neighbor's cat likes to lay and sun himself.
This is an attempt to have all my flower garden in one spot. No birds in the house, just for decoration.
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.
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.
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!
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.
This old red barn is about a half-mile from my homeplace. It still shines in the afternoon sun.
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!
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.)
After a lot of rain and cold weather, my "Weigela" finally bloomed!
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.
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!
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.
The Student Union at Manchester College is where the action is on campus. It has just been remodeled and added onto. Beautiful new facility.
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.
"America, America, God shed His grace on thee, 
This old cemetery is the quietest of places. Truly the Spirit of the Lord is in this place.
One of the few old schools still standing in my county. It's possible that my great-grandpa went to school here.
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.
This old 1897 Victorian was once ours. We raised our children there. I even planted that tree!
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.
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!
