Bluff Area Daily

Photo Art Friday - Cairo, Illinois

2012-02-10T19:36:00.000-06:00

Last April, my 3 aunts & I drove over to Cairo, IL to see the old mansions in the old section of the city.
I was SHOCKED!
The city has been practically burned to the ground by arsonists
& we were told that we were lucky to have gotten out of town by dark!
Cairo, IL was a beautiful city at one time w/ bricked downtown streets
& elegant wrought iron archways & lamp-posts,
but the condition the city is in now is jaw-dropping.
These buildings are just a fraction of the destruction we saw that day...
such a shame!

Photo Art Friday

Friday's Fences & Sky Watch Friday

2012-02-10T06:44:00.002-06:00

Great sky day back in December at my parent's farm...

Friday's Fences

Sky Watch Friday

It's snowing in southeast Missouri as I'm posting right now...

only the 3rd tiny bit of snow this winter,

but they're forecasting a winter storm moving in on Monday.

I've been blessed when it comes to my health...

I rarely ever get sick,

but I'm just getting over an almost 3 week battle w/ sinus problems,

& now, I think I'm getting sick again w/ some kind of stomach problem...

(hence this morning's post, I'm never up this early)...

all during the most mild winter we've had in decades in southeast Missouri!

How is that possible? =0

Rural Journal - This or That Thursday - Weekly Top Shot - Wild & Wonderful Wednesday

2012-02-08T18:24:00.001-06:00

The making of paths takes a lot of time, plus continuous driving over the same route...
Good thing we have 4 wheelers to run back & forth across the property at my parent's farm!
Just look at all that green, green grass...
so pretty in the middle of colorless winter months! =)
All shots taken July 4th 2011 - It was the middle of summer & HOT!

Rural Thursday This or That Thursday

Weekly Top Shot Wild & Wonderful Wednesday

Barn Charm ♥71♥

2012-02-06T17:40:00.000-06:00

These 3 barns are located near Dillard Mill State Historic Site

on Dillard Mill Road in Davisville, Missouri.

If you're ever in central Missouri,

Dillard Mill is definitely worth a look-see! =)

The Creative Exchange & Mosaic Monday - Japanese Garden

2012-02-05T20:02:00.003-06:00

Missouri Botanical Garden - October 2010

Mosaic Monday The Creative Exchange

Sunset Sunday - Foggy Sunrise

2012-02-05T11:44:00.000-06:00

I had to stop & get a few shots of this foggy sunrise on my way to work one morning

back in October 2011.
Sunset Sunday

Scenic Sunday - Mound City National Cemetery

2012-02-04T21:22:00.001-06:00

My 3 aunts & I found this cemetery while trying to

find our way around a flooded situation last spring

in April in Illinois.
I didn't like flooded southern Illinois... it wasn't fun or pretty! =)

Camera Critters - Thirsty

2012-02-03T18:15:00.001-06:00

My mom's beautiful horse, Charrita, taking a drink from the front pond at my parent's farm

Photo Art Friday - Surprise

2012-02-02T18:07:00.000-06:00

I hope this old place warrants enough of a 'surprise' that it's accepted on

Photo Art Friday

Mouse Over to see original

The Creative Exchange & Weekly Top Shot

2012-01-31T23:22:00.000-06:00

We spotted this old place located near Farmington, Missouri

back in October on a trip w/ my 3 aunts...

I'd love to know the story & you know there's one there to be told!

The Creative Exchange Weekly Top Shot

I still don't have my voice back completely,

but I was able to go back to work today...

My ribs are still hurting from all the coughing, though,

so I'm anxious for that pain to 'get gone'! =)

Barn Charm ♥70♥

2012-01-30T18:20:00.001-06:00

Old Hwy 60 West

July 4th 2011
mouse over to see original

Welcome to this week's Barn Charm!
I apologize for not visiting this past week,
but I've been sick w/ sinus problems &
haven't been to work since last Thursday...
It hasn't been pretty around my house,
but I hope everyone is doing well...
Have fun & go visit some barns! =)

Introducing the new

Rural Thursday Blog Hop

Scenic Sunday

2012-01-29T00:27:00.000-06:00

It has been a very mild winter here in southeast Missouri,
so I'm not going to complain about that,
but it's time to see some color & some flowers! =)
Missouri Botanic Gardens

this or that thursday & Weekly Top Shot

2012-01-25T21:12:00.001-06:00

Charming lil rock church

near Alley Spring in Eminence, Missouri

Weekly Top Shot

The Creative Exchange - Barn Doors

2012-01-24T21:20:00.000-06:00

Sure would like to get my hands on those barn doors...
they could be salvaged for a sliding bathroom door.
October 15th 2011

Barn Charm ♥69♥

2012-01-23T18:00:00.000-06:00

I edited this one (one of my header pics) shortly after shooting & uploading
it to my computer back in July,

so I can't remember which texture I used...

can't even remember exactly where we found this old barn,
but it was here in southeast Missouri... somewhere.
My aunts & I wander these parts quite a bit during spring, summer, & fall.

Lots & lots of new bloggers are joining Barn Charm
& I just want to WELCOME everyone!
Barn Charm is really growing!

Scenic Sunday - You Are My Sunshine!

2012-01-21T22:19:00.000-06:00

Camera Critters - Farm Frosty

2012-01-20T18:54:00.001-06:00

My brother, Brian, over at Terrell Texas Daily Photo,

has a kitty named Frosty, too,

but this one lives on my parent's farm here in Southeast Missouri! =)

This one is very very very elusive... she doesn't like anyone but mom & dad! =0

*mouse over to see original*

Big Rose's 2

2012-01-20T00:36:00.002-06:00

Do you see where Old Old Hwy 60 West

used to run through the trees?

Looking east toward the motel, which is just out of eye shot on the right above...

below is looking west toward Rose's house.

above is looking into the carport...

below is looking in her front door,

but I don't see how a kitchen, living room, & even just one bedroom fit in there

& she had 2 sons.

I'm standing in the middle of what used to be Old Old Hwy 60

looking at Rose's house...

Do you see how dangerously close the highway was to her house?

I say 'Old Old Hwy 60' because there's been 2 built since this one,

one of which, Old Hwy 60, is about 50 feet to the left in the 1st pic.

I appreciate the wedding sites & if you think of anymore,

let me know.

Big Rose's

2012-01-18T23:58:00.000-06:00

It looks more like duplex apartments to me,

but dad is sure it was an ooold roadside motel from the 60's & 70's.

My oldest brother was friends w/ Rose's 2 sons,

but we can't remember their names.

There was a garage at each end...

above is the front facing old Hwy 60 West.

Above & below shows the back side.

Not a window in the place.

Or door for that matter.

Mom went with me to shoot this old place

& said this one bathroom was most likely shared by both tenants.

I had a lot of fun editing these pics... possibilities are limitless! =)

I'll post shots of Rose's house tomorrow

& how dangerously close the highway was to these structures.

The Creative Exchange

My daughter, Kesley's, boyfriend, Kevin's, sister Katie-Jane,

(boy, that's a mouthful & a heck of a lot of commas)

asked me to shoot her wedding in July!

My daughter showed her my blog & she likes what she saw!

Now, I'm nervous as all get out,

cuz it's my 1st wedding,

but I'm also very excited!

If you have any advice or ideas, etc,

please let me know...

Do you know of any wedding blogs,

so that I can get some ideas on placement/positions, etc.

Barn Charm ♥68♥

2012-01-16T18:00:00.002-06:00

This smaller barn sits on the same property behind the big red barn

near Greenville, Missouri

*It's 62 degrees outside right now & it's the middle of January*

Scenic Sunday

2012-01-15T12:02:00.000-06:00

Can you see the birds flying all over at the top of the 1st pic?

I zoomed in & got the 2nd pic,

but it's hard shootin birds in flight!

I gave up on the larger sized pics, they was just too big.

Alley Spring

October 16th 2011

Camera Critters

2012-01-13T18:23:00.001-06:00

"Sugar" - Very sweet horse!

"Charrita" - Temperamental Queen 'B'

Mom's farm animals

Thanksgiving 2011

mouse over to see original

He's FINALLY paying for MURDER - At least for ONE

2012-01-13T13:03:00.001-06:00

Peruvian judges on Friday January 13th sentenced Dutch national Joran van der Sloot, 24, to 28 years in prison and ordered him to pay $74,500 in reparations to family for the killing of 21-year-old Peruvian woman, Stephany Flores in 2010. The judges said they took his confession into account, but still gave him a sentence two years short of the 30-year maximum! Jimenez claimed that his client was under special stress the day the 2010 murder occurred, which marked five years after Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway went missing in Aruba.

Railroad Sunset

2012-01-12T17:41:00.000-06:00

Old Hwy 67 Bridge over Railroad Tracks at Hendrickson, Missouri

Same sunset north about a mile or so at the junction of 67 & O Hwy

October 2011

I've had a big screen monitor for quite sometime now
& haven't taken advantage of it... hence the enlarged pics! =)

this or that thursday - skyline drive

2012-01-11T19:37:00.001-06:00

mouse over to see original - very faded

I sure wish I had this high vantage point when the sun sets every evening,
especially for the sunset we had THIS evening,
but this is located in Van Buren, Missouri about 45 miles west of me.
Current River runs through the center of town (population about 800)
& needless to say it's a major tourist spot in this area!
They even have an airport... see the runway at the top of the 2nd & 3rd shots?
*October 8th 2011*

this or that thursday

They're forecasting SNOW tonight after midnight & before noon tomorrow...
All week, NOAA had been showing 20% chance tonight & no snow tomorrow,
but late this afternoon it changed to 40% tonight & 60% tomorrow,
so we'll see what happens.
We're on the southern end of the line for a Winter Weather Advisory.

The Creative Exchange - Post Card Abandoned

2012-01-10T20:13:00.000-06:00

I don't know who started these 'Post Card' textures

& I know the image doesn't go on the back like above,

but I actually like experimenting with them... they're fun!

Shot near Ellsinore, Missouri July 4th 2011

mouse over both to see originals

Barn Charm ♥67♥

2012-01-09T18:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome to another week of Barn Charm!

Texture on the 1st image is Kim Klassen's Annabelle -

Shot December 18th 2011 near Piedmont, Missouri

& texture on the 2nd image is Kim Klassen's Cracker Jack -

Shot March 19th 2011 near Lake Wappapello, Missouri

I have a folder of over 200 barns ready to be posted,

some still left over from 2010! =0

So, this winter I'm going to work on clearing those out!

Fiery Sunset

2012-01-08T20:29:00.001-06:00

The view here in southeast Missouri last night.
The big black blob on the right is the water tower down the street from my house...
plus a few power lines.

Bluff View, Missouri - Flood Damage

2012-01-07T21:31:00.000-06:00

I'm entering this 3rd pic in Madge's Weekly Top Shot...

Thanks for the invitation, Madge! =)

Weekly Top Shot

To see just how flooded this valley has been,
click H E R E!
Incredibly deep flood levels, to be sure!

In the flood shots, you can see the name 'Sherman'...
but someone blacked the name out in these recent shots.

The five piles of brush you see in the last image
is debris washed up from the river during the floods
& will be burned, but there was much much more than that...

I'll post more shots later...

These photos do not show anywhere near the extent of the flood damage to this location!

To get an idea of just how high these bluffs are,
look at the boat in the water below the 2011 spray painted marks!
It's 100 feet deep at least!
December 18th 2011
Bluff View, Missouri

Scenic Sunday

Camera Critters - Mary & Joseph

2012-01-06T18:01:00.000-06:00

Protection for mom's sheep from coyotes & wolves...

Mary is the taller, bigger one & Joseph is the smaller, fuzzy one!

Look at that face, sooo fuzzy! LoL!

Thanksgiving 2011

A new baby sheep has been born at the farm,
but I haven't been out to get any pics, yet...
maybe this weekend I will. =)

Friday's Fences

2012-01-05T23:01:00.001-06:00

If you look closely (I mean really really closely),
you can see the truck on the left side of the top pic.
This truck has been completely hidden for years...
literally for years!
The owner has recently given this piece of property
located next door to where I work, to his son...
who has been thoroughly cleaning every fence line,
& practically every square inch of the place...
There's still a few old trailers, sheds & silos,
but it turned cold, so I'm sure they'll resume when it warms up.

Friday's Fences

The Creative Exchange & this or that thursday - High Moon

2012-01-03T22:45:00.000-06:00

I save my moon & sunset shots for when I have a black background on my blog...

May 17th 2011

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

Barn Charm ♥66♥

2012-01-02T17:38:00.001-06:00

I can't remember how I edited this pic,

but it kinda looks like a painting.

Somewhere in Southeast Missourah

September 3rd 2011

This post marks 1000 for Bluff Area Daily...
in business since April 1st 2008!
Happy New Year
& here's to 1000 more! =)

mouse over to see original

Mingo Sunset

2012-01-01T19:51:00.001-06:00

Puxico, Missouri

Halloween 2010

New Year's Eve Moon

2011-12-31T22:09:00.001-06:00

Out with 2011...

Welcome 2012! =)

August 2nd 2011

Happy New Year

God Bless!!!

Lake Wappapello Sunset

2011-12-30T18:16:00.003-06:00

April 26th 2011

Sky Watch Friday - Hwy 67 North Sunset

2011-12-29T21:12:00.000-06:00

Experimenting w/ filters & different settings for sunsets...

this one turned out pixelated,

but I love the colors! =)

67 North & O Hwy between Hendrickson & York Village, Mo

October 14th 2011

Sky Watch Friday

this or that thursday - setting sun on broseley

2011-12-28T18:14:00.001-06:00

I like posting sunsets on a dark background

& I like decorating for New Year's w/ a dark background, too,

(which also includes neon colors)

so this week will be lots & lots of sunsets! =)

Hwy 51 Broseley, Missouri
September 29th 2011

Sunset Bonfire at the Farm

2011-12-27T17:57:00.000-06:00

Mom & I had a nice fire goin' that night burnin' brush!

December 3rd 2011

Barn Charm ♥65♥

2011-12-26T18:24:00.002-06:00

Hwy 143 near Sam A Baker State Park
December 18th 2011

Happy New Year To All You Barn Charmers Out There
& Thank You Very Much For Participating Each Week...
Here's To Another Year!!! =)

UPDATE: We awoke to snow on the ground this morning in Southeast Missourah! =)

UPDATE #2: The snow was already gone before noon
& it's 50 degrees! Yesss! =)

Let It Snow in Black & White - Merry Christmas! =)

2011-12-25T01:01:00.001-06:00

God Bless You All & May 2012 Bring You Every Happiness!

Camera Critters - Wild Boar at Bluff View

2011-12-24T12:07:00.001-06:00

I took a drive last weekend to see how the clean up
(from the spring floods) was going at Bluff View near Piedmont, Missouri.
I'll show more pics later, but the clean up is looking great!
These guys kind of startled me when I spotted them
across the river & I couldn't tell what they were at first.
There was 7 of them & they'd run into the brush for a few minutes,
then back to the beach again...
that last shot is zoomed in all the way & blurry,
but I had to show it...
See the one black boar that's pregnant?

Put a Fence in Front of It - Friday's Fences

2011-12-22T19:59:00.000-06:00

Mom's Hay Barn
May 5th 2011

Not exactly an ideal scene this close to Christmas,
but I don't have any good snow shots! =)

If you have some fences to show
swing by Friday's Fences!
If you don't,
get out & get to shootin'...
but remember to put a fence in front of it! =)

Barn Charm ♥64♥

2011-12-19T17:28:00.002-06:00

Quick post tonight... I have a leaky toilet & my uncle is on his way over to fix it, right now...

Took a country drive yesterday & spotted this old barn near Piedmont, Missouri...

I've posted this same one before,
but not decked out in Christmas wreaths! =)

I love it when people decorate their barns,
it shows how much they love them!

I see quite a few Barn Charm posts already this evening

& I sincerely appreciate every single one,

esp this close to Christmas!

God Bless & I Hope You All Have A Wonderful, Happy & Merry Christmas!!!

Scenic Sunday - Current River

2011-12-18T10:00:00.002-06:00

Current River at Clubhouse Road west of Ellsinore, Missouri
October 8th 2011

Friday's Fences

2011-12-15T18:32:00.000-06:00

O Hwy north of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

October 14th 2011

Friday's Fences

Barn Charm ♥63♥

2011-12-12T17:57:00.000-06:00

I have no idea where this barn is located,
but it's somewhere here in Southeast Missouri.
March 19th 2011

Mom's Barn Collage

2011-12-11T21:24:00.000-06:00

This is the final 6 for mom's collage,

but I've been searching for a frame & can't find one...

Still working on it, though!

I want that top center one to be the biggest in the frame,

so, it's gonna have to be custom framed or individually framed!

Christmas Tree Bokeh

2011-12-10T10:21:00.001-06:00

I have been trying & trying & trying

to get some good Christmas tree bokeh

& it just isn't turning out good.

I got more serious about it last night

& was able to get these.

I like the twinkly/star light effect on the last two.

They're too dark, though.

I'll keep trying!

The Bonnie 5 is where I got directions.

Still working on mom's collage
& isn't going to be anything like the collage I posted,
totally different, much nicer... in my opinion, anyway! LoL! =)

this or that thursday - old 67

2011-12-07T19:53:00.001-06:00

Old Hwy 67 just south of Black River Bridge

North of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

October 14th 2011

The Creative Exchange - One Of Many

2011-12-06T18:53:00.001-06:00

One of many, seriously, MANY horseshoes

mom has displayed all over the farm!

I haven't been to the store, yet,

to see if what I have in my head is even possible,

but I'll definitely post whatever I come up with for mom's present.

Thanks again to everyone for all of your wonderful ideas!

Barn Charm 62

2011-12-05T17:34:00.001-06:00

Near Ellsinore, Missouri
July 4th 2011

I haven't made any decisions, yet,
but I sincerely appreciate everyone's help on the barn collage
for mom for Christmas,
& although I love the idea, canvas is just too expensive for me, right now...
maybe next Christmas on that idea! =0
Definitely some wonderful & helpful ideas that I will be checking out!
Thanks again! =)

Just a reminder...
The Florin Street Band
Christmas song "My Favorite Time of Year"
(the video at the top of my blog)
is available for purchase as of today on Amazon.

Barn Charm

Help Needed w/ Christmas Present for MoM!

2011-12-04T16:12:00.001-06:00

My mom told me yesterday that she would like to have

a collage of my barn pics made for her for Christmas,

so I've been going thru them all day today

& these are the ones I've picked out... so far!

I think it's ok, but I'm not sold on it
& I'm not as creative as a lot of my blogs friends out there.

What do you think

& how do you think I can make this beautiful?

What can I have it printed on?

I would like to have it printed larger than just an 8X10 picture frame...

she wants to have it framed & hung on the wall
& I want to have it printed w/ a 'Lustre Finish'.

Help! =)

Camera Critters - Alley Flutterby

2011-12-02T20:08:00.001-06:00

Captured at Alley Spring - Summer 2011
mouse over

Photo Art Friday & Friday's Fences - Starry Sky

2011-12-01T17:59:00.001-06:00

I know this isn't done correctly,

but ya gotta start somewhere

when experimenting... right?! =)

this or that thursday - weymeyer landing

2011-11-30T21:31:00.001-06:00

End of M Hwy on Current River

near Van Buren, Missouri

October 8th 2011

The Creative Exchange - Downtown Railroad Bridge

2011-11-29T21:04:00.001-06:00

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

November 14th 2011

Barn Charm ♥61♥

2011-11-28T17:45:00.001-06:00

November 18th 2011

It started raining & spitting snow this morning,
which was in the forecast for today,
but they said nothing about the amount we're actually getting!
It's been snowing big flakes for a couple hours
& it's accumulating!
It was 65 degrees Saturday & I had the windows open
while I put up my Christmas tree,
now, it's 28 & snowing.
Very unusual, actually unheard of,
for November in Southeast Missouri...
I'm in shock, I just can't believe it!!!

Barn Charm

Scenic Sunday - Bluff View Flood 2011

2011-11-26T16:41:00.001-06:00

Bluff View near Piedmont, Missouri

Please click H E R E to see what this place is suppose to look like...
I was standing very near where the water line is in the 2nd shot
to take the pics seen in the link... very deep water!

Spring 2011 - The flood here was really really bad

& I've yet to get back there to see the clean up!

Friday's Fences & Camera Critters - Thanksgiving at Stout Farms

2011-11-24T20:35:00.001-06:00

I got to the farm & noticed all the animals were in the front pasture,
so I had to get some shots.
1st - Sugar had a good roll in the grass & dirt
2nd - She had a real good full-body shake
3rd - She was curious as to why the paparazzi was recording her every move!

Then, Shawnee, mom's Australian Shepard, copied Sugar
& had a good roll in the grass, herself!

The sheep were there the whole time thinking I was going to feed them,

then nibbled on my britches when I didn't give it to them.

That's when my nephew, Landon, arrived w/ his mommy (my sister, Jessica) & daddy.

He was catchin some zzz's in the car gettin ready for that big turkey he was about to dig into!

Our MAGNIFICENT turkey

& I'm tellin you what... It was sooo good, I think mom killed us!!! heheheee =)

Shortly after our Thanksgiving Day meal,

Landon decided he was gonna get some laundry done...

then stopped for a sec to give mommy a great big hug!

and what's a family get together without dancing?

These are really blurry, but I didn't have time to change settings on my camera,

I just had to start shooting, cuz I wasn't gonna miss that! =)

The sun started goin down, so mom had to get the animals fed...

3 horses - Charrita, Taffy & Sugar

2 donkeys - Mary & Joseph

18 sheep, which are named, too, but too many to list

1 dog - Shawnee

1 cat - Frosty

Dad's windmill

It was a great Thanksgiving day at Stout Farms!

Friday's Fences

this or that thursday - chilton creek

2011-11-23T17:58:00.001-06:00

End of M Hwy on Current River
in Van Buren, Missouri
October 8th 2011

this or that thursday

Happy Thanksgiving & God bless you all!!! =)

The Creative Exchange - Post Card Moon

2011-11-22T18:28:00.001-06:00

Mouse over to see original

I wanted to see what it would look like to put

a huge moon in this shot, so...

It's funky/freaky & I shoulda posted it for Halloween! LoL! =)

May 7th 2011

(I 'shot' him a while back)

Barn Charm ♥60♥

2011-11-21T17:31:00.001-06:00

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

October 11th 2011

Barn Charm

Water Tower at Sunset

2011-11-20T19:16:00.001-06:00

January 28th 2011

Camera Critters - Texas Longhorn

2011-11-19T01:12:00.001-06:00

Near Van Buren, Missouri

Check out that Longhorn!

He has 4 horse friends in his field

& they all seem to get along great!

They're so shiny! =)

Put a Fence in Front of It - Friday's Fences

2011-11-17T21:09:00.001-06:00

November 14th 2011

I finally crossed the tracks & shot the front of the depot.
This will be the last of the series until they do more work
& I sure hope they plan on it, because this place needs
new windows & doors to match the rest of the 'new'!

If you have some fences to show
swing by Friday's Fences!
If you don't,
get out & get to shootin'...
but remember to put a fence in front of it!

mouse over the train

this or that thursday - poplar bluff train station

2011-11-16T20:22:00.001-06:00

"It always seems impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela

These were taken October 13th 2011-
I know a lot of the shots I've shown in this series are very similar,
but there isn't many different places I can shoot,
plus I have to take these pics during my lunch hour,
so I don't have a lot of time...
I'm just happy to be able to document the renovations. =)

Poplar Bluff, Missouri Historic Depot

2011-11-15T23:58:00.001-06:00

I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.

George Burns

mouse over 1st two images to see originals

More progress images on the Poplar Bluff, Missouri Train Station.
These were taken June 16th 2011.
Hopefully, I can get back downtown soon & get a shot of the stairway
in the 1st image & I'm also hoping to find an old photo of that same stairway,
because they were a pretty big deal in the station's heyday! =)

Barn Charm ♥59♥

2011-11-14T17:20:00.001-06:00

So, I got a lil creative w/ this one & added a map texture.

mouse over all 3 to see the originals

I added a 'Post Card' texture to this one,

but much lighter than the image a few weeks ago.

September 3rd 2011 - near Dudley & Puxico, Missouri.

Barn Charm

The Creative Exchange - Poplar Bluff Train Station

2011-11-13T21:25:00.001-06:00

mouse over both to see originals

Both of these photos were taken May 20th 2011

& I've taken several more since then
to document the restoration of this building.
In September 2008, I rode the train from here to
Dallas, Texas to visit my brother.
There was a sign on the building then that said restoration
would start the following spring, but it didn't start until this past spring.
Also the location of this year's Haunted House,
but I didn't make it for that... too bad.

Scenic Sunday - Alley Spring

2011-11-13T02:13:00.001-06:00

mouse over

October 16th 2011

Camera Critters

2011-11-12T02:26:00.001-06:00

May 30th 2011

Put a Fence in Front of It - Friday's Fences

2011-11-10T18:44:00.001-06:00

Farmington, Missouri area

October 15th 2011

Happy 11/11/11

If you have some fences to show

swing by Friday's Fences!

If you don't,

get out & get to shootin'...

but remember to

Put a Fence in Front of It! =)

this or that thursday - akers ferry

2011-11-09T19:30:00.000-06:00

A couple Sundays ago,

some of you may remember the story of the weekend

I got the speeding ticket near Winona, Missouri. =(

After that mess and after I checked out Welch Spring,

I took a ride on the Akers Ferry in Shannon County!

It was only $4!

Sorry about that 1st shot being so blown out, but I wasn't thinking...

I was too excited ~~and a bit worried~~ to be on a ferry!

I'd never been on one before and

didn't even think to take pics before I got on it...

See the captain in the blue shirt below?

He was nice, but I'd forgot ~~neglected~~ to ask if I could

get out of my car to take some pics while we crossed

and when I did finally think about it, I just started shootin',

not thinking about the settings on my camera! =0

I did think to ask him how deep the river is

and he said about 4 feet, so that's not bad,

however, there's a killer current...

hence the name Current River!

And notoriously COLD!!!

I didn't even attempt to edit this last pic...

I'm not big on windshield shots,

but I'm showing it because of everyone on the other side...

apparently they spend their Sunday afternoons

sitting there drinking beer while watching people cross on the ferry!

What a hoot!

I'll go back in the Spring & get some pics of the lil mom & pop store

up the hill behind me that the captain runs w/ his wife

when he's not navigating the Akers Ferry...

It's really cute.

They also rent canoes & tubes, too, I think.

Barn Charm ♥58♥

2011-11-07T17:31:00.001-06:00

Happy Barn Charm Tuesday!
I really like this old barn and how it sits so far off the road,
not to mention the crop and all that green!
Hwy W north of Poplar Bluff, Missouri
October 2nd 2011.

Scenic Sunday - Welch Spring

2011-11-06T10:40:00.000-06:00

Welch Hospital - Homesteaded by Thomas Welch in 1855.

An Illinois doctor, C.H. Diehl, purchased the property in 1913 for $800.

Dr. Diehl believed that the spring water had healing properties

and that cool, pollen free air coming from the adjacent cave

would be beneficial for people with asthma, emphysema and tuberculosis,

also known as "consumption."

Do Not Enter This Cave

To do so when gray bats are present is a violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act,

punishable by fines of up to $20,000 for each violation.

The gray bat, a highly beneficial endangered species that spends the summer here,

is intolerant of disturbance, esp when flightless newborn young are present.

Baby bats may be dropped to their deaths by panicked parents if disturbance occurs during this period,

or may simply be abandoned.

Located about 2 miles north of Akers, Missouri
on Hwy K and a mile down a gravel road,
then about half a mile hike down a beautiful well beaten path
that runs alongside Current River.
All images taken October 16th 2011

Camera Critters
mouse over 1st & 3rd pics to see originals

Camera Critters - With Or Without The Road

2011-11-05T14:17:00.000-05:00

I just couldn't decide which one I liked better...

the road in the shot above kinda throws me for a loop,

but it didn't look right when I cropped it out, either.

Which one do you like best?

The black & white below brings out the 'country' feel

of the image a bit more...

Maybe I'll blow up one or the other

& give it to my mom for Christmas?! =)

Near Winona, Missouri
July 16th 2011

Photo Art Friday - Hunting Cabin

2011-11-03T18:25:00.000-05:00

Can you believe that hunters are still using this old place

for their 'hunting cabin'?

As of 3 winters ago they were, anyway...
I don't think I'd step foot on the porch,
much less inside! =0
March 20th 2011
mouse over

Photo Art Friday

this or that thursday - hwy 106 & k

2011-11-02T22:50:00.004-05:00

Hwy 106 near Alley Spring in Shannon Country Missouri

October 16th 2011

Hwy K with Current River at Akers, Missouri behind me.

I just crossed the river on a ferry...

I've never been on a ferry before! =0

(stay tuned for those pics)

If you're ever passing through south central Missouri,

namely Shannon County,

you really must travel Hwy 19 and 106...

(they're both like riding a roller coaster!)

You won't be disappointed,

especially in the Fall!

The Creative Exchange - Abandoned on Hwy K

2011-11-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

I found this old abandoned house on Hwy K southwest of Akers, Missouri in Texas County
on one of my country drives October 16th 2011

I can't pass up an old abandoned house...
I can't help but shoot it! =)

Barn Charm ☻57☺ - Halloween at Devil's Barn

2011-10-31T18:20:00.001-05:00

I figured since this is Halloween night

that I'd feature the barn near

Devil's Well

in Shannon County - Southeast Missouri...

A favorite barn of mine...

These shots were taken October 16th 2011

when I went back to see the barn & this area

decked out in Autumn colors...

however, I missed the peak season

by maybe one weekend.

Dern-B-Naggit!

But, I did manage to bring back a souvenir...

A nice lil speeding ticket! *gasp* =0
NOT COOL!

I don't know why,

but I got black soot on my hands when I opened this door

as if the barn had been burned at some point... ?

Check out that stone foundation! =)

This is my daughter, Kesley,
when we 1st visited this summer back in July.
We both got creepy feelings when we visited then,
but I was fine when I was there by myself
a couple weeks ago...
It was just all in our heads! LoL! =)

Happy Halloween to all!!!

Scenic Sunday - Big Spring

2011-10-30T01:24:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what the story is w/ this old cabin,

but it's located near the spring...

isn't that tree beautiful! =)

Big Spring near Van Buren, Missouri...
isn't that water beautiful! =)

Looking out of the cave at the spring...

mouse over to see original

St Louis Cardinals!

2011-10-28T22:24:00.002-05:00

ST LOUIS CARDINALS WIN THE 2011 WORLD SERIES! CONGRATULATIONS CARDINALS!!! WHO SAYS MISSOURI DOESN'T ROCK!!!

Put a Fence in Front of It - Friday's Fences

2011-10-27T22:50:00.004-05:00

I just can't decide if I like this or not...

I'm not really even sure what these 'Post Card' textures

are suppose to actually look like.

What do you think?

I need some constructive criticism here! =)

If you have some fences to show

swing by Friday's Fences!

If you don't,

get out & get to shootin'...

but remember to

Put a Fence in Front of It! =)

this or that thursday - autumn countryside

2011-10-26T18:26:00.001-05:00

Farmington, Missouri area

October 15th 2011

The Creative Exchange

2011-10-26T00:01:00.003-05:00

Old grain bin
Located near Rombauer, Missouri

(pronounced Rumbar)
mouse over last image

Barn Charm ♥56♥

2011-10-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

Texaco Star sign
Orton effect

Coca-Cola sign
with Coca-Cola texture

Two different barns on the same road near Farmington, Missouri...
both sporting Green Acres on the front,
so I'm guessing they're owned by the same farmer...
and don't you know Green Acres is the place to be! =)

Scenic Sunday - Alley Spring

2011-10-22T18:13:00.000-05:00

Earlier this summer, my aunt Valerie & I took a drive

up to Alley Spring to see how much damage there was

from the floods this past spring...

Thankfully, not much!

They had the place cleaned up very nice, as usual!

This is a one room schoolhouse on the property

near the Alley Spring Mill

called Story Creek Schoolhouse.

I absolutely love the history of these old places!

According to the chalkboard inside,

this old schoolhouse was built in 1897

& was actually used from 1897 to 1957! =0

It was moved from its original location

just north of Eminence, Missouri

about 15 minutes from Alley Spring in 1971.

This class photo was taken October 21st 1903...

108 years and one day ago!!! =)

Incredible!

I took these pics of display pics from inside Alley Spring.

The other two photos were dated, but I can't remember when.

Someone has gotten creative & wrote part of the lyrics to

George Strait's 'Check Yes Or No'

on one of the desk chalkboards...

Alley Spring is one of my favorite place here in Southeast Missouri...
I love it there & will continue to visit & photograph it for years to come!

Camera Critters - Pet Cow

2011-10-21T17:51:00.000-05:00

This big gal starting running toward us as soon as we stopped

to get a shot of the barn...

she just looks sooo sweet & those ears just kill me! LoL!

I bet she's a pet...! =)

Put a Fence in Front of It - Friday's Fences

2011-10-20T19:38:00.001-05:00

I couldn't decide which one I liked better,

so you get both shots! =)

If you have some fences to show

swing by

Friday's Fences!

If you don't,

get out & get to shootin'...

but remember to

Put a Fence in Front of It! =)

this or that thursday - Foggy Morning

2011-10-19T23:16:00.001-05:00

Dream as if you'll live forever... Live as if you'll die today - James Dean

About 7:30am last Saturday morning
on Black River north of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
The smoke you see in the distance is coming from one of the buildings at the rock quarry.

The Creative Exchange - Fall Colors

2011-10-18T23:44:00.001-05:00

mouse over last two images to see originals

More fall colors...

All taken this month

Barn Charm ♥55♥

2011-10-17T20:06:00.004-05:00

mouse over to see original

I'm so sorry I'm late posting tonight...

I found this beauty off Old Iron Bridge Road in Poplar Bluff, Missouri
October 13th 2011

Scenic Sunday - Alley Spring

2011-10-16T11:14:00.002-05:00

I found more 2010 Autumn photos... Alley Spring - Shannon County - South Central Missouri.
October 23 2010
I think I waited a week too long last year to get the best Autumn shots,
so I'm headed there today as soon as I post this...
I'll also be visiting Devil's Well & Barn... & wherever else I can see beautiful Autumn colors,
so stay tuned! =)

mouse over to see original

Photo Art Friday - Forced To Move

2011-10-13T23:24:00.001-05:00

I'm not real good at 'texturing'... knowing which texture to add to each photo...

but I love playing around at it!

There's new Hwy 60, old Hwy 60 & then there's Old Hwy 60... 3 highway 60s!

When MODOT started building the newest one, they purchased the home & property pictured above,

effectively making the family move & now years later, the house is still standing

& the new highway is nowhere near this property.

How does that happen?

My parent's had to sell over 5 acres of their land for the new highway, which splits their property

& left 5 acres on the north side & 25 acres on the south side.

Just doesn't seem right...
There's 'MODOT SUCKS' signs in Van Buren just west of the farm where evidently,
someone didn't get as much for their land as they thought they deserved, & while I don't agree with these postings, I kind of understand where they're coming from... the situation sucks...
It's years later & I'm still complaining & it wasn't even my property,
but we all had a lot of fun out there riding horses, 4 wheelers & 4 wheel drives... making midnight runs to Blue Hole, 410 & 412, access to numerous swimming & fishing holes, etc... I for one miss it...
but it's nothing compared to being forced to move out of your home,
then seeing that home rot years later where they told you a highway would be...

I rarely ever have this much to say, but I've really been thinking about this subject a lot lately
& just had to get it off my chest, I guess!

UPDATE: Jan left a comment saying that she likes to hear about the stories where the land owners hold out and won't sell... The thing is that if the land owner holds out too long, they can actually TAKE the property & not pay a dime for it... My dad almost found that out the hard way!
Horrible!

original

Photo Art Friday

Autumn Variety

2011-10-12T18:32:00.001-05:00

This tree is in a field a couple doors down from where I work & I've taken pics of it before,

but this was the best, so far... October 11th 2011

Maybe a hodge-podge of Autumn scenery,

but I didn't want to post one here & one there like last year & have some left over.

W Hwy near Hilliard Railroad tracks & bridge.
October 2nd 2011

I want to see all the Autumn colors I can possibly see this year...
I don't like all the telephone poles & lines, but AWESOME SKY DAY! =)
October 11th 2011

Mom says the green clumps in these two tree photos is mistletoe...

can you see it all?
October 2nd 2011

I found these two shots from November 2010 in another folder from yesterday's pics...

I love the color... that burnt orange is so beautiful!