Good Fences

I found this example of fences and barns on my way home from the Band Competition last weekend. 

I am really so sorry about not visiting. Seems like I am always apologizing, but life always seems to get in the way of my blogging fun. I will get around to visit when I can. Thanks for your understanding.

Linking to Good Fences

Rubbish Tuesday #25

Memorial Stadium is a football stadium located in Champaign, Illinois, on the campus of the University of Illinois. The stadium is dedicated as a memorial to the Univeristy of Illinois students who died in World War I. Their names are engraved on the nearly 200 pillars surrounding the stadium's facade. 

The stadium is primarily used as the home of the Univeristy's football team.  It was completed in 1923 and the first game played in a partially completed stadium was the Chicago-Illinois game on November 3, 1923, and the Fighting Illini were born.

This statue of Harold Edward "Red" Grange, nicknamed "The Galloping Ghost". Red was a college and professional halfback for the University of Illinois footbal team, the Chicago Bears, and for a short-lived New York Yankees football team. In 2008, he was named the best college football player of all time by ESPN.

Although it is mainly used for football, this past weekend it was used to host the 2014 University of Illinois Band Championships, which is why I happened to be there this weekend. Missy Punk's high school band was in the competition. this is a shot I took Saturday. I finally found some beautiful fall trees. Here is where I will deviate from my normal "old stuff" post. 

Punk's band got several awards, such as best performance, and a couple others that I can't remember.  

The Marching Band receiving the highest score in combined classes 1A, 2A, and 3A received the Illinois Marching Band Championships Governor's Grand Champion Trophy. 

Guess who the Grand Champions were? Yep, Punk's amazing band. 

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Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join in the fun.

My idea was to have a place to post 'old things'. Anything old

and/or deteriorating such as, but not limited to, old houses, barns, outbuildings, old cars, rusty things, antiques, interesting junk, or it can be something in pristine condition, but just old. 

 

1. Link to a post featuring photos of something old.

2. Link back to Rubbish by Roan in your post.

3. As time allows, visit other participants and comment on their posts.

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A Welcome Cowboy

It seems like I'm always complaining about my work hours. I suppose that could be because I'm working more and having less play time. Since I took a week off, I'm now in the middle of playing catch up. My inbox is piled so high it's almost touching the hutch over my desk. I'm slowly chiseling my way through. Guess I'll be going in early again today. Seems one must always pay to play. 

I'm excited to show you this gem I found while driving down a newly explored country road. Why am I excited? Because we don't find many entrance gates around here.

Linking to Good Fences

Rubbish Tuesday #24

I'm b-a-a-ck. I didn't turn the computer on while my visitors were here, so will try to  make the rounds and catch up soon.

Sonny Boy and Handsome lad have come and gone. It was a wonderful visit. We didn't get to do anything exciting, but we did spend a couple of days with Punky Doodle and the Punks. We also went to Springfield to the Lincoln Museum and house.

One of the Punks played a tune (sort of) on his vintage
Hohner Squeezebox.

This is the State Capitol building dome. We didn't have time for a tour. Hopefully next time. The building opened in 1868.

These are a couple of dresses, I assume were worn by Mrs. Lincoln, but I didn't have time to read the plaques. Sonny and Handsome practically ran through this exhibit.

After seeing Gone With the Wind for the first time, I remember wishing I could wear gowns like these. Now all I think is how uncomfortable they must have been.


Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join in the fun.

My idea was to have a place to post 'old things'. Anything old

and/or deteriorating such as, but not limited to, old houses, barns, outbuildings, old cars, rusty things, antiques, interesting junk, or it can be something in pristine condition, but just old. 

 

1. Link to a post featuring photos of something old.

2. Link back to Rubbish by Roan in your post.

3. As time allows, visit other participants and comment on their posts.

Rubbish Tuesday #23

Ye Olde Firetruck

Which is still in use when needed.

Sonny Boy and Handsome Lad are her, so I will be visiting with them instead of commenting. I hope y'all understand. Have a wonderful week!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join in the fun.

My idea was to have a place to post 'old things'. Anything old

and/or deteriorating such as, but not limited to, old houses, barns, outbuildings, old cars, rusty things, antiques, interesting junk, or it can be something in pristine condition, but just old. 

1. Link to a post featuring photos of something old.

2. Link back to Rubbish by Roan in your post.

3. As time allows, visit other participants and comment on their posts.

Another Red-winged Blackbird

A cold red-winged blackbird.

Linking to the Bird D'pot

It's a Sheep Critter

I feel much better after my rant yesterday! Thanks for listening. I'm not grumbling today. Well maybe just a little grumble since I'm not a big fan of housework. I will be dancing with Mrs. Mop most of the day today, in preparation for the arrival of Sonny Boy and Handsome Lad. They will be here tomorrow.  Yay!

Happy Saturday!!!

Linking to Saturday's Critters

Willy Nilly Five

A little Willy Nilly Five this morning. Or this could be titled Willy Nilly Five Grumbles!

1. I'm wondering why bloggers don't hide their blogs where they no longer post.  Unless I'm a regular visitor, I have trouble figuring out which blog is active and which has been abandoned. Something to think about.

2. I am about ready to call our cable provider and cancel service. The internet is still stuttering and my telephone service...well may as well not have it. When someone calls, I can hear them, but they can't hear me. I called earlier in the week to complain, yet again, and I was informed a tech couldn't come out until next Friday. Not this Friday, NEXT Friday. And I just saw a commercial talking about their wonderful service. I'm thinking it is false advertising. Either they have no employees or they have a whole lot of problems, like mine.

3. The maintenance man ran his lawnmower into the front corner of my car, which means I had to make a claim against my employer for damages. Never a good thing in my opinion, but it was too ugly to let go. Note the grass spewed everywhere. This has been the way of it for the past several weeks. I guess I should have complained before he got this close.

4. Winter is just around the corner. The low tonight will be in the 30s. Must bring my plants inside. And they looked so nice on the front porch all summer. Grumble, grumble, grumble!

5. Okay, so I'll end my post on an up note. Cox's Body Shop did an awesome job repairing my car. They told me when it would be ready and it actually was! Now how many times does that happen? It was also sparkly clean. Now that's great customer service. I will be recommending them any chance I get.

Linking to Willy Nilly Friday Five

Red, Squirrel, and a Fence

We don't have many gorgeous fall colors around here. Most trees go from green to a dingy yellow color and then to brown. 

But occasionally there is a touch of red, which is my favorite fall color. I don't think this is a tree, more like some vine but I didn't jump over the fence to find out.

There's a squirrel in front of this fence. He was running away from me, but stopped to scratch an itch.

Sunset over the corn. Add a fence and it's a fine rural scene.

Linking to Good Fences

A Wren and a Hodge Podge

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday


And now on to some Hodge Podge

1. Are the leaves turning color where you live? Have they begun to fall? Will you have to rake when it's all said and done? Is that a chore you love or loathe?

The leaves are starting to fall here, but I love the red leaves and we don't have very many of those around here. I have a tree in the back that is the last to get leaves in the spring, but first to lose them. It is half empty now. We don't rake leaves. Hubs bags them with the mower. Lots easier for us old folks.

2. When did you last shake like a leaf?

A few months ago when a drunk tried to shoulder his way into our house. My teeth were chattering and I was shaking like a leaf. He was fined and put on 12 months probation, plus he had to pay restitution for the damage to our doors. It doesn't feel like enough to make up for the scare, but I guess it isn't a hanging offense.

3. After 20 seasons with the NY Yankees, Derek Jeter played his last official game Sunday afternoon. Jeter has been described even by opponents as a 'class act', both on and off the field. The NFL is back in action this month too, with several players in that sport also making headlines. What are your thoughts on athletes as role models? Should a professional athlete be expected to act as role model or is that going beyond their job description? What responsibility do the organizations these athletes work for have when it comes to dealing with off the field behavior? Discuss.

I'm always hearing celebrities say they are not role models, but it is my opinion they are whether they like it or not. Especially in sports. Young people look up to athletes and want to be like them. They follow their every move and action. So, yes, they should act like a role model whether they like it or not. They should be held to a higher standard—famous not infamous.

4. What season of the year is toughest for you in terms of your health? Why?

Summer. I like to walk to work for the exercise, but in the summer I get too hot and sweaty. Right now is perfect walking weather.

5. The top six healthy food trends of 2014 according to Eating Well are-

clean eating (more veg, less meat, less sodium, limit alcohol and processed foods)
trash fish (you know those fish that get caught in fishermen nets and are thrown back? It seems chefs are finding creative ways to make them more appetizing)
cauliflower (this year's IT vegetable)
kaniwa (essentially baby quinoa, so like quinoa only smaller)
fermentation (think pickling except with twists on flavor we're not accustomed to)
community supported food (farms operating with community support/membership). 

Okay-so how many of the hot healthy food trends for 2014 have you experienced, encountered, enjoyed? Any you've tried and said ewwww? Any on the list you'd liketo try before year's end?

I'm not a seafood lover. I like shrimp, but that's about it so I'll pass on the trash fish. Love cauliflower and have been experimenting with making it in other ways other than steaming. Not sure what kaniwa is, but doubt our local small town USA grocer does either. We have lots of pickles JD has canned himself. Bread and butter is my favorite. We try to practice clean eating, but sometimes get sidetracked. 

6. In seven words or less, bid September adieu.

Goodbye. I will miss your great weather.

7. What's something on your October calendar that makes you happy just thinking about it?

Sonny Boy and Handsome Lad are coming for a visit during Handsome Lad's fall break, so you won't see me on here much that week! 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Last Friday night the oldest Punk had her first date for Homecoming. She didn't wait for him to ask her, she asked him with a piece of candy wrapped up in a note and tucked in his clarinet case. The note said something about how it would be sweet if he would be her homecoming date. He tucked an acceptance note in her clarinet case. I don't know what it said. I wish I could post their picture, but sadly Punky Doodle won't allow it, but I can post a picture of her wrist corsage.

Missy Punk is the one in the periwinkle dress. She looked beautiful. I can't believe she is a young lady already. I still think of her as this...

....little girl helping her grandma make cupcakes.

Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Rubbish Tuesday #22

Fairview Drive-In first opened in 1953. In 1992 the screen was demolished by a wndstorm, but it was rescreened and remodeled in 2002 and remains open. 

It is open April through September. Speakers hanging from the windows are a thing of the past. The sound comes through car radios. This is the sign where the movie titles would be displayed if it were still open. It is now closed for the season.

This is the view from the highway.

This is the view from a side road. Wouldn't want to trespass.

And this is where all that wonderful popcorn is popped and served. The concession stand. 

Posting a barn over on Stuff and Nonsense, my other blog, for Amy's Barn Link-up.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join in the fun.

My idea was to have a place to post 'old things'. Anything old

and/or deteriorating such as, but not limited to, old houses, barns, outbuildings, old cars, rusty things, antiques, interesting junk, or it can be something in pristine condition, but just old. 

1. Link to a post featuring photos of something old.

2. Link back to Rubbish by Roan in your post.

3. As time allows, visit other participants and comment on their posts.

the Bird D'pot

Red Tailed-hawk

 Flying high up in the sky. I'm always on the lookout for hawks while driving the back roads. Last weekend, I found this one. He would fly and land on an electric pole, but when I got close, he would take off again. This is the best I could do. 

And then there was this one....

During a Friday very late evening ramble, I saw this red tailed-hawk flying overhead. I stopped, but he saw me and took off down a dirt road, landing on this electric pole. Of course the sun was setting in the western sky so all I could get was a silhouette. As I got closer he took off across a field where only a 4 wheeler could go. 


Linking to the Bird D'pot


The Camera Club assignment for October is Odd/Quirky. Guess whose idea that was? Yep, mine! 

So I found this oddity back in the spring. I went back a couple weeks ago and took another shot. Which is your preference? The one from spring or summer?

Happy Sunday!

Happy Friday!

Fergus

This is the first thing I see when I get home from work.

Happy Friday!

Phyllis D. Cow

Phyllis D. Cow is a resident of Lincoln Log Cabin Historical Site

This is Punky Doodle trying to coax Ms. Cow out of her house. 

As we moved on, Ms. Cow came out and followed us along the fence...



...to this section of fence. Where she stopped and started shaking her head up and down in a scary kind of way. We thought perhaps she was telling us she needed milked. 

A couple of days later, she posted a pic of her new baby. You can see the sweet babe HERE.

This coming weekend is the Fall Frolic. I think I might try to stop in and visit her new babe. Wonder what kind of gift one gives a calf?


Linking to Good Fences

Fall

The sunflowers are no longer yellow, but the birds still like them. This male goldfinch is no longer a bright pretty yellow. Sure sign of fall.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday



Now on to some Hodge Podge...

1. It's fall. Y'all. My favorite season of the year! What's something you love to do this time of year that makes you feel it's officially fall? And unrelated to that, do you ever say-'y'all'?

I remember having weiner roasts in the fall. Dad would build a fire and cut sticks to hang the hot dogs and marshmallows on. When we first moved south, we used to use Y'all just for fun. Needless to say, it wasn't long until it was used daily. You Guys was no more.

2. When did you last have a falling out with someone? Has it been resolved?

I haven't had a falling out with anyone that I can think of, but someone seems to have had a falling out with me. I only live 1/2 mile from work, so I often walk. Once an older cousin of mine stopped by the house and since my car was home decided I was not answering the door for them. I tried to explain, but I don't think they believe me.

3. A song you love with the word 'fall' in it's title?

A Summer Song by Chad and Jeremy


This song makes me sad. Reminds me of the guy I was madly in love with in high school. Do we ever forget that first fella?


4. What's something you've recently let 'fall by the wayside?'

My mind...can't think of anything.

5. When did you last attend an event, read a book, watch a movie, try a new recipe, or visit a shop-town-tourist attraction that fell short of your expectations? In what way?

I tried reading And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini but couldn't make myself continue after 3 chapters. Everyone else seems to like it, but I just couldn't get interested.

6. Describe a time you said or thought, 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Recently. Last weekend I was dancing with Mrs. Mop (cleaning) and started singing a tune. Fergus looked at me and took off like a bear was after him. I went to see what was wrong with him and found him cowering in his crate. I posted this on Facebook and my daughter's response..."Now I know where I get my singing voice." To which my sister-in-law responded, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." 

7. Was today better than yesterday? Why or why not?

Since it is early, I'm hoping the answer is yes. Lots of work yesterday. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

A Jury trial starts today, so probably won't be able to comment much. I hate it when I can't get around to return comments, but sometimes I just can't. :(


Linking to Wednesday Hodgepodge

Rubbish Tuesday #21

The weather was gorgeous, too nice to stay inside, so I grabbed the keys and took off on a ramble through the back roads. Hints of fall colors are popping up all over.

A bit of red brightens this old, abandoned garage.

Goldenrod and weeds, a sure sign of fall, surround this wood duck house

The soybeans are turning a beautiful shade of yellow.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join in the fun.

My idea was to have a place to post 'old things'. Anything old

and/or deteriorating such as, but not limited to, old houses, barns, outbuildings, old cars, rusty things, antiques, interesting junk, or it can be something in pristine condition, but just old. 

1. Link to a post featuring photos of something old.

2. Link back to Rubbish by Roan in your post.

3. As time allows, visit other participants and comment on their posts.

In Shadows

Linking to Shadow Shot Sunday

Critter Time

Locust Borer

Linking to Saturday's Critters


Visit my other blog for a macro Today's Flowers 
 Stuff and Nonsense

Reflections and a little Willy Nilly

Summer is fading fast so thought I would try to revive it with this reflection. We were driving down an old cow-path type of road and came upon a ford. The water was pretty high but JD stopped anyway so I could get this pic.


Linking to Weekend Reflections

On to some Willy Nilly...

1. Those of you who are and have been city dwellers all your life may only think of a ford as a car, as in Ford Mustang.  But here in middle-of-nowhere, a ford is also a road that crosses a creek but has no bridge. There is usually a layer of concrete or rock which has been added so cars/trucks won't get stuck in the mud. 

dictionary.com definition of ford.

noun - a place where a river or other body of water is shallow enough to be   crossed.
verb - to cross (a river, stream, etc.) at a ford.

2. Speaking of fords made me think of another ford which wasn't far from where I grew up. When I was a freshman I accepted a "Would you sit by me at the movies?" kind of date. He was a nice guy, but not for me. So we remained friends and classmates throughout high school. A year or so after high school, he was taking a girl home from a date and went down a road with a ford. Sadly, it had been raining buckets and the water was very high and the current strong. The car was washed down the creek. They got out of the car and the guy tried to get to the shore by the shortest route, but he couldn't swim and the water was too strong for him. Had he taken the longer route to dry land, he could have waded out. If only...

3. On the up side, it is Friday and JD has the day off. I'm hoping for a Friday night date.

4. Sonny Boy and Handsome Lad are coming for a visit in early October! Yay!

5. Camera Club was Wednesday night. My pic tied for 1st place.  Here's a little reminder of my contribution for "motion". 

Linking to Nilly Friday Five

Happy Friday! 

A Fence, a Tongue, and a Ride

Still posting pics from Punky Doodle and the Punks visit last Sunday. I've posted lots of fences from Lincoln Log Cabin Historical Site before, so these fences will be no surprise to anyone who visits. 

I liked the yellow field of goldenrod in the background. 

The online camera club has given the next assignment—shadows. So, of course, I'm looking for shadows everywhere. This isn't good enough to submit, but again, liked the fence and gate.

The littlest Punk is about as busy as Fergus, so they get along fine. Mom Punk and the rest of the Punks went inside the gift shop while I waited outside with Fergus. I think the little Punk wore him out. He sat quietly with that uncontrollable tongue hanging out of his mouth, waiting patiently for his friend to return.

After a while, the patience was wearing thing. Here he is focused on the door.

Here is what #3 Punk came out with for his souvenier. A tiny covered wagon.


Linking to Good Fences