Category Archives: Ruins

And You Left Me There Cryin’ Wonderin’ What I Did Wrong

Today is Jason’s birthday. Happy birthday Jason!


June 14

I hope your birthday is as amazing as you want it to be!

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Time to clean up the backlog. These images are from September that never quite fit into any previous posts. Some are alternates for THE WEEKLYPHOTO CHALLENGE. Another is a photo I took of Ron for last year’s Computer Mine Holiday Card.


And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

Railroad Bridge near Jefferson

Railroad Bridge near Jefferson

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

And You Left Me There Cryin' Wonderin' What I Did Wrong

Ames, Iowa

Boone Scenic & Valley Railroad

Boone Scenic & Valley Railroad

Boone Scenic & Valley Railroad

Boone Scenic & Valley Railroad

Boone Scenic & Valley Railroad

Ron - 2022

Maybe you are wondering about the George A. Wyman sign. Don’t worry, I’ll feed you baby birds. From the Wiki:

Wyman used his 1902 California machine for his crossing of the United States. The California had a 200 cc (12 cu in), 1.5 hp (1.1 kW) four-stroke engine attached to an ordinary diamond-frame bicycle. Wyman’s machine was equipped with 28 x 1.5 in. tires, wooden rims, a leading-link front suspension fork, a Garford spring saddle, a Duck Brake Company front roller brake, and a 1902-patent Atherton rear coaster brake. A leather belt-drive with a spring-loaded idler pulley directly connected the engine output shaft to the rear wheel.Using a standard steel bicycle frame, the California weighed approximately 70–80 pounds (32–36 kg) without rider, and was capable of approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) using the 30-octane gasoline of the day, with a range of 75 to 100 miles (121 to 161 km). Throttle control was not yet perfected, and engine revolutions were mainly controlled by means of a spark timing mechanism. The wick-type carburetor was crude, consisting of a metal box with internal baffles stuffed with cotton batting. With no float chamber, the rider had to open the gasoline tap periodically to admit fuel into the carburetor.

For such a long trip, Wyman carried a remarkably small amount of gear. A set of warm clothing, money, water bottle, cans for spare oil and gasoline, a Kodak Vest Pocket camera, a cyclometer, various bicycle tools and spare parts, and a long-barreled .38 Smith & Wesson revolver constituted his total luggage.

Wyman departed from Lotta’s Fountain at the corner of Market and Kearny streets in San Francisco at 2:30 P.M on May 16, 1903.[4] He had previously agreed to keep a diary of his journey for later publication in The Motorcycle magazine, a periodical of the time. The first part of his trip took him across the Sierra Nevada, through the Nevada desert into Wyoming, then on through Nebraska to Illinois.

As the dirt trails and wagon tracks of the day were often impassable, Wyman rode the railroad tracks for over half of his journey. During the first part of his trip, he frequently slept in railroad company housing or at rooming houses located in division settlements (small municipalities founded by the railroad). His motorbike suffered several breakdowns along the way, requiring him to make improvised repairs until he could get to a larger town to obtain new parts. As he neared Aurora, Illinois, his engine’s crankshaft snapped, and after pedaling his way to Chicago, Wyman was forced to wait there five days for a new crank to arrive by railway express.

After leaving Illinois, Wyman traversed the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before entering New York state. Outside of Albany his engine lost all power, and he was required to pedal his heavy motorbike the remaining 150 miles (240 km) to New York City using a cycle path reserved for licensed cyclists.

On July 6, 1903, Wyman arrived in New York City, completing his transcontinental crossing and becoming the first person to cross the North American continent aboard a motor vehicle. His journey took a total of 51 days to cover some 3,800 miles (6,100 km). Afterwards, Wyman’s motorbike was placed on display at the New York Motorcycle Club while Wyman recovered from his grueling journey. While in New York, Wyman was present for the inauguration of the very first nationwide motorcycle organization, the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM)[14] at the Kings County Wheelmens’ Club in Brooklyn; it was reported at the time that his hands were still in bandages from the trip. Wyman later returned to San Francisco by train. His California motorbike was put on display in San Francisco at Golden Gate Park for a special exhibition commemorating the trip.

This is actually something Jesse and I have talked about doing as well. Not on a motorcycle, but driving across the country. We’ve never done anything about it, but maybe will someday.

Here is more information on the route he took:



From: https://wymanmemorialproject.blogspot.com/

It is hard to read, but the towns we care about in the Cyclone State are:

Council Bluffs
Woodbine
Denison
Ogden
Boone
Ames
Marhalltown
Tama Reservation
Cedar Rapids
Clinton

He stayed the night in Ogden. I hope he ate at Zeno’s when he was in Marshalltown!*

*That is a joke, don’t email me telling me that Zeno’s didn’t exist back then, because I will only reply back that Zeno’s has always will always exist.

Henry & Jefferson County Aux. – Vol. 2

Time for another collection of images from my road trip to harvest the town signs of Henry and Jefferson County I took with Teresa. The majority of these pictures were taken in Mount Pleasant. We met up with Doug and Jodie for lunch in Mount Pleasant. Afterwards, Doug went back to work and Jodie gave us a tour of Mount Pleasant. This was the highlight of the trip.


Henry County - Winfield

Henry County - New London
New London

Henry County - New London

Henry County - New London

Henry County - New London

Henry County - New London

Henry County - New London

Henry County - New London

Henry County - New London

Henry County - Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

Henry County - Mount Pleasant

The statue of Belle Babb Mansfield is located on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan. That school recently went out of business. Like a couple weeks ago. Which is a shame, because of the rich history of Iowa Wesleyan. It was founded in 1842. The only college in Iowa older than Iowa Wesleyan is Loras College in Dubuque. It is older than the University of Iowa by 5 years. Iowa State University by 16 years. Northern Iowa by 34 years. Drake by 39 years.

Iowa Wesleyan was Iowa’s first co-educational institution. The oldest west of the Mississippi River. Its campus houses the summer of of Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln. Notable alumni include Belle Babb Mansfield, Davey Lopes, Dana Holgorsen, James Van Allen and Peggy Whitson.

The school will forfeit on its loan and the campus will become property of the United States Department of Agriculture.

With its closing, Clarke University in Dubuque becomes the 2nd oldest college in Iowa.

WPC – WEEK 400 – RUINS

RUINS! One of my favorite themes and one of my favorite things to photograph. But was it a popular theme or did it leave many streaks in RUINS? This is the 400th THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE post since rebooting THE RANDOM WEEKLY PHOTO EXPERIMENT. (504th all-time) I hope it was popular. But you will have to keep scrolling to find out.

As of 12:01 PM on Monday, May 8, this was the current list of ACTIVE streaks (ignore the numbers in parentheses):
1-Suzie Brannen – 1 week
2-Becky Parmelee – 1 week
3-Jen Ensley-Gorshe – 2 weeks
4-Sabas Hernandez – 2 weeks
5-Sara Lockner – 2 weeks
6-Mike Vest – 2 weeks
7-Alexis Baugher – 5 weeks (2)
8-Jesse Howard – 5 weeks
9-Mindi Terrell – 12 weeks (3)
10-Monica Jennings – 17 weeks
11-Brandon Kahler – 37 weeks
12-Linda Bennett – 41 weeks
13-Sarah Toot – 42 weeks
14-Angie DeWaard – 46 weeks
15-Dawn Krause – 50 weeks
16-Kim Barker – 56 weeks
17-Joe Duff – 57 weeks
18-Logan Kahler – 59 weeks (2)
19-Teresa Kahler – 68 weeks (2)
20-Carla Stensland – 68 weeks (2)
21-Micky Augustin – 70 weeks
22-Andy Sharp – 71 weeks
23-Bill Wentworth – 72 weeks
24-Cathie Morton – 76 weeks
25-Elizabeth Nordeen – 77 weeks (2)
26-Shannon Bardole-Foley – 79 weeks
27-Kio Dettman – 81 weeks (2)

Heading into today, this is what the Submission Map looks like:



But you didn’t come here to listen to me talk all tommyrot about participation rates or streaks. You came to see the submissions and what streaks continued and what streaks flamed out:


WEEK 400 - RUINS - TERESA KAHLER
Teresa Kahler (Iowa) – 69 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - TERESA KAHLER
Teresa Kahler (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ANDY SHARP
Andy Sharp (Iowa) – 72 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ANDY SHARP
Andy Sharp (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ANDY SHARP
Andy Sharp (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ALEXIS BAUGHER
Alexis Baugher (Nevada,Iowa) – 6 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ALEXIS BAUGHER
Alexis Baugher (Nevada, Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ALEXIS BAUGHER
Alexis Baugher (Swaledale, Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - BILL WENTWORTH
Bill Wentworth (Nebraska) – 73 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ANGIE DEWAARD
Angie DeWaard (Iowa) – 47 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - CARLA STENSLAND
Carla Stensland (Iowa) – 69 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - CARLA STENSLAND
Carla Stensland (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - TAMARA PETERSON
Tamara Peterson (Iowa) – 1 week

WEEK 400 - RUINS - ELIZABETH NORDEEN
Elizabeth Nordeen (Iowa) – 78 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - CHRISTOPHER D. BENNETT
Christopher D. Bennett (Ames, Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - NATHANIAL BROWN
Nathanial Brown (Bagley, Iowa) – 1 week

WEEK 400 - RUINS - MICKY AUGUSTIN
Micky Augustin (Iowa_ – 71 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - SARAH TOOT
Sarah Toot (Las Vegas, Nevada) – 43 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - KIO DETTMAN
Kio Dettman (Iowa) – 82 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - KIO DETTMAN
Kio Dettman (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - LINDA BENNETT
Linda Bennett (Kansas) – 42 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - DAWN KRAUSE
Dawn Krause (Iowa) – 52 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - DAWN KRAUSE
Dawn Krause (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - KIM BARKER
Kim Barker (Iowa) – 57 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - LOGAN KAHLER
Logan Kahler (Iowa) – 60 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - SHANNON BARDOLE-FOLEY
Shannon Bardole-Foley (Iowa) – 80 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - JOE DUFF
Joe Duff (Texas) – 58 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - MINDI TERRELL
Mindi Terrell (Iowa) – 13 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - MINDI TERRELL
Mindi Terrell (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - SABAS HERNANDEZ
Sabas Hernandez (Cleveland, Ohio) – 3 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - CATHIE MORTON
Cathie Morton (Norwalk, Iowa) – 77 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - BRANDON KAHLER
Brandon Kahler (Iowa) – 38 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - BRANDON KAHLER
Brandon Kahler (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - MONICA JENNINGS
Monica Jennings (Iowa) – 18 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - MONICA JENNINGS
Monica Jennings (Iowa)

WEEK 400 - RUINS - MIKE VEST
Mike Vest (Iowa) – 3 weeks

WEEK 400 - RUINS - JESSE HOWARD
Jesse Howard (Iowa) – 6 weeks

26 participants. Not a very popular theme. But not bad either. Hopefully one of the upcoming things gets the creative juices flowing for more people.

There were no new states added this week, but if you noticed, if you let me know where your picture was taken I will add that to your submission. The town. I’ll add the town. Not, “my Aunt Hildea’s place”. But I will add the town of Aunt Hildeas’s place exists in. I think that makes it a little more interesting. Than 20 submissions from Iowa. I will NOT assume towns though, like I assume states. I mean I’m pretty sure I know where most of these pictures were taken, but I won’t assume Kio’s pictures were taken in Boone.

Also, if you aren’t in a town, a county would do. For example, I assume Shannon’s picture is taken in rural Warren County. But she also might argue it is taken in Summerset, Iowa. Though.

There were submissions this week taken in the following places:

+ Iowa
+ Kansas
+ Nebraska
+ Nevada
+ Ohio
+ Texas

Here is the current calendar year list for states:

+ Arizona
+ Arkansas
+ California
+ Colorado
+ Florida
+ Georgia
+ Illinois
+ Iowa
+ Kansas
+ Nebraska
+ New Jersey
+ New York
+ Nevada
+ Michigan
+ Minnesota
+ Missouri
+ North Dakota
+ Ohio
+ Oklahoma
+ Pennsylvania
+ South Dakota
+ Texas
+ Utah
+ Washington D.C.
+ Wisconsin
+ Wyoming

25 states and 1 district! That is pretty impressive! Over halfway there!

The Outside of the United States map is currently:

+ British Virgin Islands
+ Mexico
+ Nassau Bahamas
+ Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

I took my picture about 15 miles from my front door, so I continue to not contribute.

There were no major milestones reached this week, but many streaks lie in ruins now. Suzie and Becky couldn’t build on their submissions last week. Jen and Sara’s streaks ended at 2.

But enough dwelling on the past. Time to look to the future. We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives. And remember my friend, future events such as these will affect you in the future! This week’s theme:


WEEK 400 - HAPPY
HAPPY

HAPPY! What a great theme for Year 10 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE!

But what in the Dave Rauker is a HAPPY photo? Simply put, it is a picture of somebody that is HAPPY or a picture of something that makes you HAPPY. HAPPY is, well it is a feeling for pleasure or contentment. In case you aren’t sure you know what it means to be HAPPY.

While considering possible subjects for your HAPPY image, mediated on the following quote and I have no doubt you will create a fascinating image:

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.
-Oscar Wilde

I look forward to seeing your interpretation.

RULES

The picture has to be taken between 12:01 PM today and 11 AM next Monday. This isn’t a curate your photos project. This is a get your butt off the couch (unless you are taking your picture from the couch) and take pictures challenge. There is a limit of 3 submissions per participant. To be considered the photographer, you have to be the one that takes the picture. Don’t be stealing the work of other artists. You can submit pictures for other photographers that took pictures with your camera or phone, but give credit where credit is due.

You can send your images to either bennett@photography139.com OR you may text them to my Pixel 5.

That is it. Thems the rules!

That is all I got, so if the good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise, we will all be sharing your idea of HAPPY in this place that I hope spreads a bit of happiness in this world next Monday.

The Windy City: Day 1A

I’m going to cover my recent work trip to Chicago in a different format than I covered my work trip to Las Vegas. I’m going to mix the camera images with the cell phone pictures. I’m also going to try to tell the story mostly through the pictures. Rather than telling the story and then sharing the pictures. I’m also not going to include the food pictures. I’m going to put all my Chicago food pictures together in one big Sunday food adventure entry.

Here are the first collection of images from my Day 1 of my work trip to Chicago:


Chicago, Illinois
I was dreading parking in the Gray Lot, but I got stuck there again. But now I’ve been there a couple of times I’m starting to dig it. Especially when I get paid by the hour.

Chicago, Illinois
Even though I parked approximately 15 miles from the terminal, I got to my gate in plenty of time.

Chicago, Illinois
I’m roughly 6 foot 4. Tony is pushing 6 foot 8. Putting us next to each other in one of the world’s smallest planes is the height of cruelty. The type of thing you would see in a museum dedicated to torture.

Chicago, Illinois
The hotel.

Chicago, Illinois
This time we didn’t have to wait 3 hours to get into our room. We dropped off our stuff and looked for food, but that meal will be covered later.

Chicago, Illinois
The hotel was straight across the street from the river and a half block from the Chicago Theater. A good location.

Chicago, Illinois
I never ate here, but reminded me that my favorite restaurant on my trip to NYC was Empanada Mamas.

Chicago, Illinois
A dispensary. I’m not into marijuana cause I have elements of a control freak, but seeing one reminded me how backwards thinking Iowa has become.

Chicago, Illinois
True words.

Chicago, Illinois
At Naima’s age, she might benefit, but she is such a dang picky eater, I’m not spending that much money for her not to eat it.

Chicago, Illinois
Wake and bake.

Chicago, Illinois
I do love the names of marijuana products.

Chicago, Illinois
Day 1 was the day before International Pot Smokers Holiday.

Chicago, Illinois
That is over 50% off!

Chicago, Illinois
Just looking up and trying not to run into somebody on the street. Full disclosure, I don’t care if run into somebody on the street.

Chicago, Illinois
I love street art so much!

Chicago, Illinois
Art in the hotel. The hotel was much nicer than the one we stayed at in Miami Beach, but less interesting. So a wash.

Chicago, Illinois
Taxi up close.

Chicago, Illinois
“Staytion”. Lame.

Chicago, Illinois
I don’t know if Kim hates me but I always get a “view” of a parking garage. Lowell’s view was so much better.

Chicago, Illinois
Wasn’t as loud as expected.

Chicago, Illinois
For people who don’t know how elevators work. Much better elevators than in Las Vegas though.

Chicago, Illinois
While waiting for Kim to get done, so we could go get supper, Lowell, Tony, and I went for a walkabout. That is a lot of commas, probably not used properly.

Chicago, Illinois
I miss this guy.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Two more collections of images from just Day 1 of this trip are in the hopper. I hope you like Chicago!

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This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is RUINS:


WEEK 400 - RUINS
RUINS

RUINS! What a great theme for Year 10 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE!

But what in the Ron Harris is a RUINS image? Simply put, it is a picture of something that is in the state of physical destruction or disintegration. Something that is in bad shape.

RUINS has been a theme a few times before. Take a look back at some previous submissions for inspiration:


WEEK 30 - RUINS - BILL WENTWORTH
Bill Wentworth – Week 30

WEEK 103 - RUINS - DAWN KRAUSE 1
Dawn Krause – Week 103

WEEK 121 - RUINS - CARLA STENSLAND
Carla Stensland – Week 121

WEEK 211 - RUINS - JEN ENSLEY-GORSHE
Jen Ensley Gorshe – Week 211

WEEK 362 - WEEKENDS - CHRISTOPHER D. BENNETT
Christopher D. Bennett – Week 362

Happy photo harvesting!

WPC – WEEK 399 – SCHOOL

SCHOOL! It isn’t much fun, but it is the best shot at social mobility, so it has to exist. But did SCHOOL get people excited enough to take a picture and submit it? You’ll have to keep scrolling to find out!

As of 12:01 PM on Monday, May 1, this was the current list of ACTIVE streaks (ignore the numbers in parentheses):

1-Nathanial Brown – 1 week
2-Jen Ensley-Gorshe – 1 week
3-Sabas Hernandez – 1 week
4-Sara Lockner – 1 week
5-Willy McAlpine – 1 week
6-Mike Parmelee – 1 week
7-Mike Vest – 1 week
8-Alexis Baugher – 4 weeks (3)
9-Scott Degeneffe – 4 weeks (2)
10-Jesse Howard – 4 weeks (2)
11-Mindi Terrell – 10 weeks (3)
12-Monica Jennings – 16 weeks (2)
13-Tamara Peterson – 26 weeks
14-Brandon Kahler – 35 weeks (3)
15-Linda Bennett – 40 weeks (2)
16-Sarah Toot – 41 weeks (2)
17-Angie DeWaard – 44 weeks (2)
18-Dawn Krause – 49 weeks (2)
19-Kim Barker – 55 weeks
20-Joe Duff – 56 weeks
21-Logan Kahler – 58 weeks
22-Teresa Kahler – 67 weeks (2)
23-Carla Stensland – 67 weeks (3)
24-Micky Augustin – 69 weeks
25-Andy Sharp – 70 weeks
26-Bill Wentworth – 71 weeks
27-Cathie Morton – 75 weeks
28-Elizabeth Nordeen – 76 weeks
29-Shannon Bardole-Foley – 78 weeks
30-Kio Dettman – 80 weeks (2)

But you didn’t come here to listen to me talk all tommyrot about participation rates or streaks. You came to see the submissions and what streaks continued and what streaks flamed out:


WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - ANGIE DEWAARD
Angie DeWaard (Iowa) – 45 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - KIM BARKER
Kim Barker (Iowa) – 56 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - ELIZABETH NORDEEN
Elizabeth Nordeen (Iowa) – 77 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - ELIZABETH NORDEEN
Elizabeth Nordeen (Iowa)

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - MICKY AUGUSTIN
Micky Augustin (Iowa) – 70 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - CARLA STENSLAND
Carla Stensland (Iowa) – 68 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - CARLA STENSLAND
Carla Stensland (Iowa)

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - KIO DETTMAN
Kio Dettman (Iowa) – 81 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - KIO DETTMAN
Kio Dettman (Iowa)

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - LINDA BENNETT
Linda Bennett (Kansas) – 41 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - ALEXIS BAUGHER
Alexis Baugher (Iowa) – 5 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - ALEXIS BAUGHER
Alexis Baugher (Iowa)

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP -
Sarah Toot (Nevada) – 42 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - BILL WENTWORTH
Bill Wentworth (Nebraska) – 72 weeks

WEEK 398 - ROAD TRIP - CHRISTOPHER D. BENNETT
Christopher D. Bennett (Iowa)

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - MINDI TERRELL
Mindi Terrell (Iowa) – 11 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - MINDI TERRELL
Mindi Terrell (Iowa)

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - MINDI TERRELL
Mindi Terrell (Iowa)

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - LOGAN KAHLER
Logan Kahler (Iowa) – 59 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - LOGAN KAHLER
Logan Kahler (Iowa)

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - TERESA KAHLER
Teresa Kahler (Iowa) 68 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - TERESA KAHLER
Teresa Kahler (Iowa)

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - BECKY PARMELEE
Becky Parmelee (Arkansas) – 1 week

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - SARA LOCKNER
Sara Lockner (Iowa) – 2 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - SABAS HERNANDEZ
Sabas Hernandez (Ohio) – 2 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - JEN ENSLEY-GORSHE
Jen Ensley-Gorshe (New York) – 2 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - JOE DUFF
Joe Duff (Texas) – 57 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - SUZIE BRANNEN
Suzie Brannen (Iowa) – 1 week

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - JESSE HOWARD
Jesse Howard (Iowa) – 5 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - BRANDON KAHLER
Brandon Kahler (Iowa) – 36 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - CATHIE MORTON
Cathie Morton (Iowa) – 76 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - MONICA JENNINGS
Monica Jennings (Iowa) – 17 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - ANDY SHARP
Andy Sharp (Iowa) – 71 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - SHANNON BARDOLE-FOLEY
Shannon Bardole-Foley (Iowa) – 79 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - DAWN KRAUSE
Dawn Krause (Iowa) – 50 weeks

WEEK 399 - SCHOOL - MIKE VEST
Mike Vest (Iowa) – 2 weeks

28 participants! That is a pretty good week! A slight dip from last week, but still definitely a good week!
There were submissions this week taken in the following places:

+ Arkansas
+ Iowa
+ Kansas
+ Nebraska
+ Nevada
+ New York
+ Ohio
+ Texas

Thanks to Sabas’ work trip to Ohio, we were able to add a new state to the map! We actually now have more than half the states and districts. 26 out of 51! I have no belief that that I will get submissions from all 50 states, but I’m curious to see how close we get.

Here is the current calendar year list for states:

+ Arizona
+ Arkansas
+ California
+ Colorado
+ Florida
+ Georgia
+ Illinois
+ Iowa
+ Kansas
+ Nebraska
+ New Jersey
+ New York
+ Nevada
+ Michigan
+ Minnesota
+ Missouri
+ North Dakota
+ Ohio
+ Oklahoma
+ Pennsylvania
+ South Dakota
+ Texas
+ Utah
+ Washington D.C.
+ Wisconsin
+ Wyoming

25 states and 1 district! That is pretty impressive! Over halfway there!

The Outside of the United States map is currently:

+ British Virgin Islands
+ Mexico
+ Nassau Bahamas
+ Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

I took my picture about 15 miles from my front door, so I continue to not contribute.

There were no major milestones this week, but there was a veritable bloodbath of streaks. Nathanial, Willy, and Mike couldn’t build on their contribution last week. Scott’s streak is over at 4. Most tragically, Tamara’s 26 week streak is over.

But enough dwelling on the past. Time to look to the future. We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives. And remember my friend, future events such as these will affect you in the future! This week’s theme:


WEEK 400 - RUINS
RUINS

RUINS! What a great theme for Year 10 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE!

But what in the Ron Harris is a RUINS image? Simply put, it is a picture of something that is in the state of physical destruction or disintegration. Something that is in bad shape.

While considering possible subjects for your RUINS image, mediated on the following quote and I have no doubt you will create a fascinating image:

We moralize among ruins.
-Benjamin Disreali

I look forward to seeing your interpretation.

RULES

The picture has to be taken between 12:01 PM today and 11 AM next Monday. This isn’t a curate your photos project. This is a get your butt off the couch (unless you are taking your picture from the couch) and take pictures challenge. There is a limit of 3 submissions per participant. To be considered the photographer, you have to be the one that takes the picture. Don’t be stealing the work of other artists. You can submit pictures for other photographers that took pictures with your camera or phone, but give credit where credit is due.

You can send your images to either bennett@photography139.com OR you may text them to my Pixel 5.

That is it. Thems the rules!

That is all I got, so if the good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise, we will all be sharing your idea of RUINS in this place that will one day lay in digital destruction next Monday.

Muscatine County Aux. – Vol. 2

Time to share another collection of images from my road trip to Muscatine County to harvest their town signs back in July of last year. Most of these are taken in Wilton. Wilton, Iowa. Home of many of my worst road trip failures. I’m talking about you Wilton Candy Kitchen and the fact that you are never open. However, if I make it bake to Wilton again, it will be all about Arty’s.


Muscatine County  - Atalissa
Atalissa

Muscatine County  - Atalissa
I think this place is closed, but I’m not sure.

Muscatine County  - Moscow
Moscow

Muscatine County  - Moscow

Muscatine County  - Moscow

Muscatine County  - Wilton
Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton
If this thing ends up missing from Wilton, I know nothing about it…

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton
But it would look great in my front yard.

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton
I have questions…

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton
I would definitely ignore this sign.

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

Muscatine County  - Wilton

There are still so many pictures from Muscatine County to share. Such a great county with great watermelons.

Wapello County Aux. – Vol. 3

Time to share the final collection of pictures I took while harvesting the town signs of Wapello County. Almost all of these are in Eldon. Eldon is a town that is most famous for being the home of the home that makes the backdrop for the most famous American painting to ever be painted. American Gothic. I’ve seen this painting once, at the Des Moines Art Center. It is amazing how tiny it is. It is only 2’5″ x 2’1″. But its impact on American culture can not be measured.

Here are some pictures:


Wapello County - Eldon
Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Eldon

Wapello County - Bladensburg

The next time we hit the open road to look at auxiliary images from THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, we will visit Muscatine County.

So You’d Think I Was Smart

Hitting up the backlog again. This is a collection of images I took in April of 2022 that never found their way into a previous “An Artist’s Notebook”. There are pictures of the old Bennett Mine safe, a couple self-portraits, and pictures for the old Kate Shelley Museum in Moingona to name most of them.


So You'd Think I Was Smart

So You'd Think I Was Smart

So You'd Think I Was Smart

So You'd Think I Was Smart

So You'd Think I Was Smart

So You'd Think I Was Smart

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

Kate Shelley Museum

I assume everybody know the story of Kate Shelley and I’m sure I’ve told it before, so I won’t go into it again. Maybe tell it again at some point in the future. Still have plenty of backlog to keep me occupied for the perceivable future.

Junk Jaunt

Back in October I went on a Junk Jaunt with Carla and Teresa. I didn’t buy much, a few stickers here and there, but I did have a great time and saw many interesting things.

Here are some pictures from the day:


Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Junking Jaunt - 2022

Hopefully we will be able to go on one of these again next year!

+++++++

This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is SILENCE:


WEEK 385 - SILENCE
SILENCE

SILENCE! What a great theme for Year 10 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE.

But what exactly is a SILENCE image? I mean you can make the case that all pictures are in SILENCE, but for this theme I urge you to really search out a place of SILENCE and capture your image there, while not breaking the SILENCE.

Happy photo harvesting!