Ye Old Drug Store

Ye Olde Drug Store, Williams, Iowa

To read more about this building visit my other Blog... http://mymindswindmills.blogspot.com/
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Iowa Country Church

Country church Rose Grove, Iowa


Abandoned outhouse...
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Signs

My wife and I went to Des Moines yesterday to deliver my entries for the Iowa State Fair Photo Competition. While we were in Des Moines we visited the Des Moines Arts Festival. On the way back to Waterloo we meandered across country visiting (and photographing) the farm I grew up on until I was 10, the little (really little) town of Williams, the town of Alden, Iowa and Iowa Falls, Iowa. So, I have 100s of photos to pick a photo of the day from. There was one consistent however, signs... here are 4 that stood out...

I didn't see their permit...

A sign of the times? This was posted on the outside wall of a parking ramp.


Ok - I know the sign refers to the weight of a truck 'cause they don't want to ruin their parking lot - but, it did strike me as an odd placement for a restaurant that has a buffett...


My favorite...
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Celtic Music

We went to our oldest son John's last night as they were having a "house concert" where they had invited a Celtic Musician to perform in their home. I'm not clear on the wheres, whens and whys...but it was a neat experience. He performed for about 2 hours - had everyone singing along - and mingled. He even stayed with them overnight before continuing on his journey... Here is a link to his website: http://www.marcgunn.com/.
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Portrait

I've got my 40th High School Class Reunion coming up next week (I know I don't look that old) and I will be taking "portrait style" photographs of those who attend. I've been playing around with 2 different backgrounds, the black and white checkered, and all black. I don't really want to switch back and forth, so I need to decide which one to use - so I thought I'd ask y'all. Which one do you like? I kinda like the BW Checkered - I graduated in 1969 it the checkered just seems to fit that era. Thoughts?

My wife took the top 2 photos - perhaps a budding photographer?

I did this one...
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Bird Story

I was walking around our church yard and it was filled with activity (of the bird variety) and since I don't speak " Bird" I can only imagine what was going on. They were either having a parade, or some sort of discussion (argument).

I believe argument because the bird on the left was yapping and giving the other bird a hard time (do birds yap?)


A physical altercation ensued...


...causing the rest to scatter...

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Raindrops Keep Fall'n On My Head

Yet another storm passes through. I used the rain running down the window as a filter - for 2 reasons: (1) it makes a neat effect, and (2) it was raining cats and dogs and I would have gotten soaked, not to mention digital cameras don't like water!!!
(Click on the photo to see the best effect).

Orange Flower

When I went to work yesterday these orange flowers just screamed at me, "Take our picture." So I did...


A close up of the pestals in the orange flower...
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Purple Flower

Noticed this flower in my back yard...
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Pottery

Pottery store in downtown Cedar Falls, Iowa.
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Chasing the Sun

After a week of cloudy and rainy weather - the sun came out and I decided to chase it. I caught up to at a bend in the Cedar River in Cedar Falls.

The sun is setting...

It goes down a bit farther...

As it leaves the sky it does leave a gorgeous view. A perfect end to the work week.

(Click on a photo to view a larger image).

A Night Out

Balls, balls, balls. We went to the church softball game last night (we lost) and as always I had my camera in hand.

Glove on the fence.

After the game we went downtown Cedar Falls and I took a few (actually a lot) of photos.

While I was taking pictures my wife visited her favorite yarn shop. When I was done I went to find her and discovered several happy knitters. I don't if they were happy from their knitting or the almost empty bottle of wine?

(Click on a photo to view a large image).

Love My Macro Lens

Close...


Closer...


Closest...
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Raindrops on Pink

Since it seems to continue to be wet and cloudy outside I thought I would just continue with the raindrop theme of yesterday. Here are more raindrops - on pink...
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Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head

It always seems to be raining this month - here is a close up of a rain drop...
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Clover (For Monday)

I could have sworn I did a post for Monday - evidently not since I don't see one... I continued the safari in the yard and here is a close up of a clover...
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James' Self Portrait

James by James

We had a family gathering to celebrate June Birthdays. James (our 11 year old Grandson) had one of his art pieces displayed, a self-portrait he made in school. I can't say he looks like this - but, I find his intereptation with colors and bits of paper amazing.
Art by James - photo of art by Grandpa Robert
(Click on the photo to view a larger image).

Guard Frog

I seem to see a lot of frogs standing guard duty in people's gardens. I think if a frog wants to work there is work to be had... This house must be a plumbers house as this frog has 6 plungers ready to go to work... (or perhaps they are faux balloons?) I prefer to think they are plungers at the ready...
(Click on the photo to view a larger image).

Where Do Ducks Go When The Cross the Road?

I was walking the other night (with my camera in hand) when these 3 ducks decided to cross the road.


Traffic stopped to let them complete their journey. Then I wondered, "Where are they walking to?" So I followed...



This is where the ducks go when they cross the road (at least these 3).
(Click on a photo to view a larger image).

Yard Art

A new use for old beat up french horns - yard art...
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Mirror Mirror On The Wall

We went to a gathering last night and as I was standing around visiting I noticed this gorgeous (and unique) mirror on the wall.
(Click on the photo to view a larger image).

Someone's Tired

Someone is tired...




There is nothing as comforting as a mother's shoulder...
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Rose

Our choir director was given some roses after the service yesterday - since I seem to always have my camera handy I took this photo of the arrangement.
(Click on the photo to view a larger image).

Big Woods Lake

We just discoverd a lake in the area - Big Woods Lake in Cedar Falls. We never knew it was there. It was gorgeous, and quiet with a few fisherpeople... M-m-m-m-m-m - I wonder - do Eagles hang out here?
(Click on the photo to view a larger image).

Nap Time

I believe there are 4 baby Robins in this nest. They're warm and cozy and satisfied.
(Click on the photo to view a larger image).

The Outstanding Prize Award

Last December I entered the above photo in the 2009 Yamanashi Japan Sister State Photo Exhibition and Contest. The entries were displayed in a joint exhibition held during the 8th annual Yamanashi Citizens' Festival of Art and Culture.

There were 91 photographs entered from the State of Iowa, 17 from Chung Cheong Buk in South Korea, 16 from Saone-et-Loire in France and 12 from Minas Gerais in Brazil.

My photo, "Harvest Time" was awarded the Outstanding Prize and they sent the above pictured medal along with the certificate. It made my day...