Cedar Rock

We visited Austin & Yizhi during the Memorial Day weekend. On Sunday we toured a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home near Quasqueton, Iowa. The couple that owned the home gave it to the state of Iowa after they passed away. The best room in the house was the living room with two walls of windows that looked out onto a wooded area. The kitchen was cozy. The only bathroom tiny. And the bedrooms had minimal storage.  Still, it was worth the visit.

the old red barn

Just down the road & around the bend from the ranch is an old farmstead with a red barn.

a weekend at the ranch

 I went to the ranch this past weekend with Don. His last weekend of spring turkey hunting. He has already brought home two turkeys, but he takes every opportunity to hunt.  It's a 3+ hour long drive to the ranch & we can ride for hours with not a lot of conversation. I tried to elicit some conversation from him by asking what he liked best about hunting. His response after a long pause? "I dunno." 

 I only brought along my little camera, since "I'm not blogging anymore" & decided to take short video clips over the weekend. Don was oblivious to what I was doing. Just assumed part of the time that I was taking a picture. But it captures a bit of what our weekends are like.

clothespins . . . again

I spoke to my Aunt Elaine on the phone today. She's had so much going on in her life lately. Spending more time in hospitals than at home. She inspires me with her patience & love. She remarked that she still looks at my blog every day. So I decided she needed some new stuff to look at. I took these photos last month out at the farm. I was with Dad & we took a moment so I could photograph him for next year's calendar. The theme is "work". An idea from Elaine.  Jean had some clothes on the line & I couldn't resist.

finally, fences

Finally, I am finishing my blog with photos from a favorite place, the ranch. I've been considering this for a few weeks & it feels time to do this. (I've learned to listen to my inner voice.) I want to thank everyone who has stopped by. I think there are interesting things to photograph all around us in our day to day lives. Maybe I'll have inspired you to photograph those things for yourself. And have fun with it!

Austin's turkey

We had great hunting weather on Saturday (despite the bad weather elsewhere). Yizhi went out hunting with Austin, wearing some camouflage that we borrowed from Don's cousin, Ward. On his second trip out hunting, Austin came back with a jake. They picked it clean then gutted it. Austin is planning a turkey party this weekend. Don did not get a turkey. Yet.

in the mood

Don's aunt & uncle, Mardene & Delane, visited us at the ranch Friday night for supper. Mardene brought dessert, strawberry shortcake. She also checked out that old accordion that we hauled back to the ranch just so I could hear her play it. She forgot to bring any sheet music, but she played this Glenn Miller piece from memory. She did tell me this accordion was for women. If it had been a man's accordion Mardene said she wouldn't have been able to pick it up. I'd not thought there were different sizes. I don't think it's been played for years but it sounded pretty good! Thanks, Mardene!