Uncle Butch

My Uncle Butch is slowly slipping away. He's been battling health problems for a few years now. Facing each obstacle with my Aunt Elaine at his side. Making new friends with each doctor appointment (Butch never met a stranger). Finding humor even when the rest of us would find it in short supply. He had a great summer. Found joy in mowing his lawn with his new riding lawn mower. Teasing the squirrels. Watching the hummingbirds fight at the feeder. I visited in August & took these photos of him reading at the kitchen table. Another small pleasure in his life. Memories to keep.

wire & chain

Don & I headed to the ranch last weekend for deer season. Beautiful weather. While the guys were out hunting I stayed close to the house. I wasn't sure there were any new photos to take at the ranch but I took more anyway. Some of these are similar to ones I've taken in the past but I found some new angles too. These photos were taken with my point & shoot camera (many shots with the macro setting). Then I added some filters from Lightroom.

this is water

Youtube has so many entertaining videos. But there are some gems with a profound message. This is one of them. It is worth watching to the end. This is a condensed version of a speech given to the 2005 Kenyon graduating class by David Foster Wallace. Mr. Wallace committed suicide in 2008 after years of depression. But what a speech to leave behind . . .

road side

I was out to see Dad again on Monday & made another trip to the farm. I took a few photos on my way home while still on the gravel road. Looks like Gene is finished with corn harvest. The landscape is spectacular & I couldn't resist tweaking the photos.

textures

I've been trying to learn Photoshop for years. It is an amazing photo enhancement program. I've know about textures that you can use on photos. You can even find lots of free ones online. I finally realized though that I can make my own textures with my camera. The last time I was at the farm I took some photos of the textures I found on the sheds. And then I combined one of them with a previous photo I had taken of the barn. The possibilities are endless.

Angus

I've been working on a new small project that required a visit to the farm. It also required a visit to the cow lot so while there I took photos of the Angus cattle who were busy chewing their cud. They are an inquisitive animal but easy to startle & scare off too. I love cows, especially Holsteins, which I grew up with along with Angus. I was definitely the center of attention while there . . .

landmark

Whenever I visit Dad the route I use takes me by this old elevator in the middle of town. Just a few blocks from where he lives.  A small elevator by today's standards but still an interesting building. I've been meaning to photograph it for awhile. So the last time I drove by it I took the time to take a few pictures.