From Illinois

Click to enlarge photos.

We went for a drive over in Illinois--this barn was one of my treasured finds. Though I really don't think I could find it again. There is just something about it that I really, really like. And I wish I could find it again. I would love to see it in the snow. I would also like to know if this was a cattle farm at one time; if you look at the weather vane you will see that it has a cow on top of it.

I don't think it was this barn, not even sure it was this day, but I think it was...I was out taking a picture and Roger told me to watch out for the dog. It was a huge Great Dane...and he would have gotten in the car with us. So far in my adventures I have only had friendly meetings with dogs. Last winter, I was out and didn't even think the house I was near was lived in. I was not paying attention and suddenly realized I had a dog at my side at which time I started talking to him only to have two or three more surround me and all were wanting to be petted.

Oh, this reminds me of one day at work a few years ago. For some reason I had to leave early. I went to get in my truck and there is this strange dog there...I spoke to it and went on. Soon as I opened my door, up in the truck he hopped! I went over to the other side to get him out....he jumped back behind the seats. (We had an extended cap with the little jump seats behind the seat.) I had to go get help to be able to get him out and keep him out till I could get in and leave. I always swear I am going to start carrying dog treats with me. One of our Fed Ex men carries treats with him for the dogs he meets on his rounds. I used to always carry some in the car when I worked cause I always took something to the dog out there...I had known him from a pup and always liked to spoil him a little.

SWF again!

It is that time again and I get to participate this time....if you want to join the fun go HERE. I always find so much of interest by visiting the people that join. It isn't a contest, it is just for fun. And beauty! Even if you don't want to join, visit a few of the links just to see what it is all about.

Can you see me now?

A few days ago, last Friday to be exact, on the way home from somewhere else we took a back road. The road ran between two cornfields, and along the edge of the road was some clover and other weeds and grass of course. There were all kinds of these butterflies, but this was the best I could do at capturing them.

Even the grasshoppers did not want to cooperate...they would try to stay on the back side of weeds and grass to hide from me. I finally managed this shot and the first thought that ran through my head was can you see me now--a little license with the the commercial for Verizon cell phone service that says 'can you hear me now?'

On the homefront, I got my music and photos loaded to the laptop....also got a cheap desk at Walmart. It is just a couple inches too tall, but I can live with it or I will add something to sit on in a few days.