Merry Christmas Everyone

 Not feeling much in the mood this year.   It's been a while.  Still, it is Christmas.

Loved the Hat

 A gentleman I saw at one of the last car shows in my neighboring town.  I loved the hat!

Meet Chet!

The Minneapolis Institute of Art: Botticelli Exhibit.

 Meet The Crouching Aphrodite.

I was able to take my granddaughter to the MIA recently to see the Botticelli exhibit.  She is a budding artist.   It was fun to see her look at artwork that was anywhere from 2000-400 years old.  

This is estimated to be from the 2nd century.  This piece was formerly in the Villa Medici and was restored in the 1500's by adding the head, arms, legs and left foot.  

I am amazed at how the records were kept and that the piece still exists!

The THING

Meet Amy!

 Amy is the proud owner of the 1973 Volkswagon, The THING!

I must admit, I like it!

 

 

A 1935 Delivery Sedan

Meet James and his 1935 delivery sedan.

 

 

James is a happy and relaxed guy and quite pleased with the car.  It is amazing.  Nice hat, too!

Time for a Little Corn

 It is hard to believe how long corn has been along and how many lives it has saved.

And, who can blame him. 

That's some good stuff, right there.

A Little Music in the Country

 Meet Steve!

He and his mandolin and guitar playing friend form a duo in high demand in their neck of the woods.  I haven't heard them playing and singing for a long time.  It was a lovely way to spend an hour or more, with a good beer, some warm sun, and some great music.

Thanks Steve!

Nothing like a fun time at the fair

 

 

 Even when one looks like he's lost is last friend and is in jail!

 

Took the Grandkids to the State Fair

 And,

 introduced them to bacon seeds.

 

 

Music on a Sunny Day

 

I had a chance to escape a while ago with friends and found a lovely outside bar.  It was nice to listen to some smooth vocals.  It is a tough gig being a solo act.   On the other hand, you don't have to put up with the mess of other people's schedules.

She did a great job.  And I learned about fretboard decals that really dress up a guitar neck!  They can really dress up the guitar neck without the cost of mother-of-pearl inlay work!

Chihuly Glass in the Desert

 

A Lovely Waitress in the Desert!

 On my travels, I happened upon a nice quiet restaurant.  It was a bit early for lunch so the place was very deserted.   

She had a lovely smile and had a great recommendation for food!

THANK YOU!

Happy 90th Birthday Mom

You are looking great for being 90!  As I was thinking back over the years, I realized I never should have tied you up to the clothesline pole in the backyard and let the neighbor kids pile sticks around you and play "burn her at the stake".  I think there are a few other things I owe you an apology for!

But you are tough, I will give you that!

 

 

A Late Evening Stroll: Enjoying the night

 Just two people I cross paths with on an evening stoll

 

 

Happy July 4th 2022

I know I say it often, but may we not lose the freedoms so many have fought and died for.  Once we lose them, we don't get them back. 

 

On the 78th Anniversary of D-Day

 I was there in 2018, on the 74th anniversary.   These images were taken at the original drop zone of D-Day, but in 2018.  It was an incredible honor to be there.

 Parachute drop of over 900 US soldiers at Sainte-Mere Eglilse.

Memorial to US soldiers at Omaha Beach.

US paratroopers after landing in the original drop zone.

 The memorial at the US Cemetery at Omaha Beach.

To the greatest generation that ever lived.  

Memorial Day: 2022

Images taken on the 74th Anniversary of D-Day.   The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.
 

 

 Never forget.

 

 

Balloon Festival Cont.

 

Meet Rubin!

I thought he had a great knowing and grandfather-like smile and beard.  But, I going out on limb here.  I don't know if he has grandkids!  

He has asked whether I would be willing to do photos of him at his place of business.   And of course, I was.  I am sorry we weren't able to get that scheduled. Maybe we can when I am back that direction next Dec!

Thanks Rubin!

Balloon Festival Continued

 Meet Sarah!

I thought she had a lovely smile.  She was at the balloon festival helping with crowd control, etc.   It's always nice to have someone around helping out!

Nice smile, too!

Thanks Sarah!

 

 

Balloon Festival Participants: The Little Devil!

 Now, that is a captivating smile.  For some reason I am envisioning the Song of the Siren's and being drawn in!!

Please meet Elizabeth.   

 Thanks Elizabeth. It was lovely chatting with you!

More Balloon Festival Participants

 Meet Jeanne and Dee!

If memory serves me correctly (which is not entirely a certainty) these are the mothers of Alisha and Ashley!   I spotted them walking together and managed to talk them all into letting me take their photos.

Thanks Jeanne and Dee!

Balloon Festival Participants.

Meet Alisha and Ashley!

They were having a lovely time wandering around and chatting when I interrupted them and asked to take their photo.   As you can see, they were more than happy to smile for the camera!

Another Balloon Festival Participant.

Meet Kari! 

I thought she had a lovely smile.  And she was most gracious to let me take her photograph.  

Thanks Kari!

Balloon Festival: Face painting Fairy for the Kids!

 Meet Christina!

She was having a wonderful time painting the faces of a long line of little kids.  Her customers were as cute as could be both before, and after, she finished.   As usual in this blog, almost no pics of little kids.  

Thanks Christina!

The US Army was well Represented!

Meet Cody

And meet Britt!

My thanks to both of you.  Wonderful smiles!

The Balloon Festival: Three Friends

I didn't get their names.  But, I thought they looked lovely together!  

Thanks for letting me take the photo, ladies!

Balloon Festival Participants!

 

Meet Rebecca and Miriam!

What a couple of cuties!   A lovely smile Rebecca!  

When Filling Balloons, You Need Strong Help

 During the balloon festival, I was able to watch various balloons be unpacked, rolled out, fans started and then the burners fired to create more hot air.

This all requires help.  Below are photos of helpers holding the balloon open for air and heat. 

 

The final product....nearly ready!