Prairie Churches

I had the opportunity a while ago to make a long drive into the prairie.   I knew this little church, in the middle of no-where, was out there.  And, I was hoping I would be able to get to it before it was dark.

I was fortunate.  The sun was just 20 minutes from setting when I got there.

I was able to walk around and do a few photos with the light just about perfect.

This church has been there for over 100 years.  People still worship there.  But, there aren't many parishioners.   I suppose one day, it will disappear.

But for now, it stands as a testament to the hardy souls who settled here and made a living in a harsh world.

Well done.

This cemetery is not far from the church.

It marks the graves of the earliest settlers in this area.  I don't know if anyone ever stops here anymore.  But, I did.

I can't even Find a Bed for Myself

I decided to escape and find a bed where it would be nice and quiet.

I had to share....again!   At least she doesn't snore.  But, she sheds a lot more!

Stone Cubes

Last week, I picked up a set of 4 stone cubes.  They can be used, in lieu of ice cubes, to cool your drink.  Just keep them in the freezer.

They don't melt.  And, consequently, they should not water down your drink

I am not a fan.  I don't think they work very well, actually.

But, they do look kind of cool!

It's been a Brutal Month

So, I thought I would try to get some religion.

 Maybe I over did it.

On second thought, maybe not.

Last Fall: Time to Burn

Last fall I decided to pick up a new lens for my camera.   I believe these were the first images I took with it.

I was burning some leaves and brush along the river.

I rather liked the images.

Meet Cody from Rowan Lake Lodge

Rowan Lake Lodge is a fly in lodge that specializes in trophy fishing in Nestor Falls, Ontario.

That sounds so fun!

Wrapping up the Sportsman's Show

I guess I had a little detour and lost my place.   Good thing I found my way back!

The gentleman above was walking around in this complete fur outfit.  It has to be horribly warm.  But, he was posing for photos, for a fee that went to disabled vets.   I was more than happy to contribute.

I think it was some sort of Sasquatch costume.   But, I can't be sure.  It was pretty cool, though!

Happy Father's Day, Dad

Thank you for being a kind and loving father. 

I always knew you were trying to do your best to raise us.  And, some of it even stuck. 

Thank you

The Riderless Horse

There isn't much to say about this.  It signifies the loss of the rider.

I first saw it at President Kennedy's funeral.  I was pretty young.  But, I remembered this well.

A Woman Vet from WWII

This woman was one of two WWII women veterans marching.

I never got her name.  But her family was there and have my contact information.   I wanted to give them this photo. 
She was intensely proud of her service.   And, she should be.

It was lovely meeting you.

And thank you.

Freedom Fighters from Cambodia

It was an honor to see the Khmer Veterans marching in the Memorial Day parade.

They gave up everything in their fight for freedom.

I suspect many people have forgotten their contribution and sacrifice.  We should never forget those who fight beside us.

Fort Snelling: A Participant

Meet Bettie Lou

When I first saw her, she was walking very slowly toward the parade route.  It was a long walk.  She was alone.   After I did a few more photos, I saw her sitting on a bench away from the crowd.   So, I asked if I could take her photograph.  She smiled and said, "Goodness, yes!"

I asked if she was OK.  She said she can't walk far.  She said that she usually goes to a different cemetery on Memorial Day....where her parents are buried.  But, this was her first time at Fort Snelling on Memorial Day.

I asked her why she was here today.

She started to cry and said that she had buried her husband here two months ago.

The second photo was taken just a few seconds after that.

Later I caught up to her as I was walking to my car.  And, I asked her again if she needed any help.   She thanked me and said she was fine.

She is a strong, proud, and classy woman.  It was my sincere pleasure to meet her.

Thank you Betty Lou for your graciousness and your strength. You are an example for us all.

Fort Snelling: Wounded Vets

 About 10 people were in the group that carried this banner.

 It was a great honor to meet and visit with them before the parade.

Fort Snelling: Labor Day: The Revolutionary War

I didn't expect to see these uniforms.

But, they were pretty cool.

Well done.