reading .....reading....



photos taken at Newsland, Central Ave in ABQ by Elaine A. Russell

So -- you know that the other day my daughter and I went to Newsland --- a fabulous shop on Central Ave across from UNM. They have tons of cool magazines, books, periodicals, postcards, newspapers... etc.... even some funky jewelry and ice cold Coke. What more does a person need ? Well... maybe if they had coffee... but I digress.
It is a fabulous place.. and I am thoroughly addicted to their massive selection of stuff. See more at http://www.newsland.com/

I have been on a reading kick. Which is awesome... but I really do have other things I should be doing right now.... ah well. You have to go where the inspiration takes you.
And lately, it has taken me some wonderful places.

There are a few blogs that I read every day....or at least -- -every day that they post.
I am inspired by their candor, their view on the world, their creativity and their prose.

I was recently loaned a book... "Range of Motion" by Elizabeth Berg. I have never read any of her stuff.. and this was delightful. Gritty, sappy, romantic..tender... descriptive..inspiring...I read it all last night. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.


You can find more about Elizabeth Berg here: http://www.elizabeth-berg.net/




stev-o

photo by Elaine A. Russell

Sometimes you need signs. Like the other day when I was roaming about downtown near UNM. I found this fabulous graffiti on the sidewalk "Stev-O... follow the arrows."

Woudn't it be great if the powers that be gave us such explicit directions to follow thru life ?
Course, I realize that having such clear direction might take some of the adventure out of it all.. but there are days when I wish I had the "owner's manual" or signs on the sidewalk to help out ....

whew !

photo by Elaine A. Russell


I left the house around 9am.. and got home around 9pm. Some days are like that.
Lots of errands today....but it was a good day overall.

I got my SmartCar checked, lubed, etc. That was pretty cool. Talked to one of the employees about the possibility of me writing an article on my trip cross country in the SmartCar... which would be awesome. Got the car cleaned.. mostly... from the dog hair on my trip :) http://www.smartcenteralbuquerque.com/

Had lunch with the hubby at El Patio (green chili and chicken stuffed sopapillas)... really, really good food. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60933-d386951-Reviews-El_Patio_De_Albuquerque-Albuquerque_New_Mexico.html

Talked with the folks at Masks Y Mas who are printing some photos for me... such great people. http://www.masksymas.net/
Awesome selection of stuff.. and you have got to see the new artwork by Brandon Maldonado in their gallery !!!

Went to a psychic !! and got a reading.... ewwwwwwwww... more on that some other time.

Got a small fresh squeezed orange juice to revive me, and some warm tortillas to take home ...from the Frontier Restaurant .....YUM. http://www.frontierrestaurant.com/

Visited this art place... fantastic... you gotta see ! http://www.vsartsnm.org/

Got postcards to pass around town of the next art show I am participating in .... the "9x9x9 Show" to be held at the Factory on 5th on September 9th. See postcard below ! I am very excited about the show. I got to see a sneak preview of some of my friend Leau Phillip's pieces.... She is awesome. See her link in my "blogs I like" section to the right. .. and this blog on the show itself.... http://number9number9number9.blogspot.com/




Visited a couple friends for a little bit.... and got puppy kisses from their baby :)

Got some awesome food from Yasmine's Cafe for my daughter who was dying for some hummus and gyros.... http://www.yelp.com/biz/yasmines-cafe-albuquerque ... and (of course) the Baklava is to die for.

Then home .. paid bills, etc... and now... well.... here we are.

More fun, exciting, breathtaking news... tomorrow .. he he.

winning... in more ways that one



photos by Elaine A. Russell, Viejitos Car Club


Had a great day today.
It started off by sleeping in (always a good start to my day)....

We stopped to get $$ at the nearby gas station.. and while there.. I managed to have a great conversation with some local car refurbishers and aficionados. They run the local chapter of the Viejitos Car Club --http://www.myspace.com/viejitos_new_mexico) ... and have some incredible looking vehicles. Talk about primo. They were on their way to a local car show... but go out frequently to LA and such for major car shows.

Then.... Kristin and I went to Newsland ...an extremely cool shop on Central Ave that has tons of magazines, books, newspapers from all over the globe... neat postcards... some funky jewelry... and more. We perused tons of periodicals before making our final selections.... some art magazines and a fab anthology of works called Natural Bridge. It is a "collection of stories, essays, poems, translations and such from the Department of English, University of Missouri."
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Newsland.Bookstore.505-242-0694

Next stop.... Winnings Coffee Co down near UNM http://www.winningcoffeeco.com/
It is a great place to sit back, have a good cup of coffee.. read the paper and people watch. Between us, we had coffee... chai, pomegranate juice and ice water... an almond scone, a very good muffin, soup of the day (green chili and Chicken Posole) with a side salad & vinaigrette dressing, and sourdough toast. Feckin awesome. They rotate their art fairly frequently in Winnings, and currently the artwork is by Nick Sedillos. Interesting stuff... very Juxtapose magazine.

We then went into the Pink Rhino boutique (also off of Yale http://albuquerque.about.com/od/neighborhoods/ss/UniversityArea_5.htm)... and I got a great old skirt for only $12. The owner was really nice... and is thinking about moving back to LA... her old stomping grounds. She has an awesome selection of used, vintage, hipster, funky clothing.. shoes, purses, etc.

Then we ran around the neighborhood taking photos.... we were about to hang out and wait for our turn to visit the psychic ( Mendy Lou -- you can see her ads in the Alibi )... when there was this torrential downpour. And I do mean... flooding the streets in spots. We got soaked. But it was fun.

Next stop was Buffalo Exchange (http://albuquerque.citysearch.com/profile/6931783/albuquerque_nm/buffalo_exchange.html). Kristin has been looking for fun affordable clothing for school.. and this was an excellent stop. I got a couple shirts, and she got some very cool shirts and shorts. The folks that work there are really really nice. I spent a bit of time waiting while Kristin tried on clothing... and was able to talk for a bit with some of the girls there. ... one of whom had some really sweet tattoos.

By then, I was a little hungry again.. and we stopped at La Provence... but it was really really busy. Instead... we opted to go to BlackBird Buvette (http://blackbirdbuvette.com/).. and it was a good choice. We split an appetizer of bruschetta, and an appetizer of fruit quesadillas. I had a glass of crisp white wine.. and Kristin had ice water. We listened to the DJ mix some oldies--made fresh.. and checked out some awesome art on the walls... sales of which go to the Duke City Derby. Check it out folks.... http://www.dukecityderby.com/

So -- great day in the Duke City... lots to see and do. These are the kind of days I love here in ABQ.

home



photos by Elaine A. Russell, taken in Cuervo NM


So... I've been back in ABQ for a week now today. In the whole scheme of things.. I haven't gotten much done in the way of work.. and I do need to get crackin' on some some stuff... but that isn't what is important right now (I have 3 art shows coming up in September !!!)

I've become so much more comfortable in my skin these past few weeks. And I am very happy.
It is about time...

I've been thinking alot about the concept of "home." I've always believed that home is not a specific place, so much as a feeling... a comfortable-ness. A belonging-ness. I've thought for a long time that because my kids were (mostly) raised here in ABQ... that this place would be home for me. But I have never really felt comfortable. Sure.. there are some really, really nice aspects to living here in the Duke City... and I have some awesome friends...but I am thinking that perhaps it is time to be thinking about moving on. Finding a place that feels more like home to me.

The photos for today's blog... I took at Cuervo,NM --- one of my fav places to go and take photos. I purposely made the photos less saturated with color, more sepia, more dreamy. It helps convey how I feel about the place. Kinda dusty -- as if waking from a dream of the old west.

the evolution of a photograph



photos by Elaine A. Russell


I've been thinking alot about photography in general. There is the tendency to think that anyone with a camera can be a professional photographer. And while I think that everyone has a unique point of view that can be expressed in photographs.. and while I think that today's digital wonders certainly make it more accessible for people to take stunning photos... I don't think that everyone on this planet is innately a professional photographer.

I've been selling my photographs since 1986. I don't think that I am a proficient photographer. I am constantly learning... tweaking....perfecting my craft. It's not even close to where I want to be yet. And I think that is OK. It's a process. I think the minute that a photographer becomes satisfied with their work... then they are done. The minute you think.. well .. that one couldn't be any better.. you're through.

I do think that to be a good photographer.. there are certain things that you have to be skilled at. It has to be a fairly good photograph to begin with. Interesting. Technically good. But it also has to have a feeling. An emotion that needs conveyed. A perspective that is uniquely yours.

The photo set above kinda tells what I mean. The first shot is the original.. shot near Bushland, Texas. Technically good.. clear.. in focus....the subject is the main focus of the shot.. no distractions. The lighting, aperture, exposure and such are correct for the daylight travel shot that it was.

The second shot... is the original tweaked with saturation to bring out the colors, and a "glow" filter to make it look all dreamy. This is a shot that I would suspect that daydreams are made of.
The 3rd shot is possibly my favorite of the 3. I have used a unique process/ filters to make it look a little old.. a little worn... a little bedraggled so to speak. A little darker.. a little edgier.

The possibilities are only limited by your unique vision and what you want to convey to those who see it.


steer



--photos by Elaine A. Russell


I've been thinking alot how we (*I) need to take control of our lives. How we actually are the directors and pioneers of this time we have. Yes, circumstances and obligations and such play a heavy hand... but ultimately... we are in the driver seat.
It is up to us if we are going to make something of ourselves, or hold onto excuses as to why we couldn't fulfill our dreams.

Traveling thru the Midwest, there are visual reminders of the pioneer days. Times when people pulled up their bootstraps so to speak... and did it or died trying.

To my friends "C&C" ... a photo homage to the wild west.

money and other necessary evils




photos by Elaine A. Russell

Some vital statistics....

I traveled about 2150 miles... each way... due to little side trips.
That makes a total of 4300 miles just in traveling.
I did about 450 miles each day -- some more, some less.

I drove thru extreme heat ( usually in the upper 90's ) and humidity. I drove in bad rain, tornado weather/ watch... winds of up to 80mph... sleet and hail. I went thru hills, mountains, plains and plateaus.
City and country driving... mostly interstate.

I averaged 53-55 miles per gallon... with the air conditioning on full blast most of the time.
This means, that is cost me about $110 to travel cross country one way.... for gas.

Hotels were interesting. Most were very nice that I looked at or stayed at. Prices varied from about $50 - $90 a night for one person with a pet. The interesting part is that the really nice hotels didn't really cost that much more than the average hotels. It really seemed to be more of a factor in where these hotels were... ie: in a city... close to convenience centers, etc.

As much as I don't like Walmart.. it saved my butt more than once. When you are traveling.. it is hard to find places that you can get photos printed up at. Had I had a camera that worked properly, this would not have been an issue cuz I could have simply loaded my photos from the camera onto my laptop.

Food. Food is another thing that varies greatly from place to place. Personally, I think this is part of the adventure. Just about anywhere you go, there will be fast food places. Even in Coudersport, population about 2,000... there is a McDonald's. However, for not much more money, you can seek out local venues that are soooooooooo much better. The catch is.. traveling with a pet. Most places won't let you bring your critter inside... which means, leaving them locked in the car, or making a picnic somewhere in the grass. I vote picnic.

You will always need to be drinking more water than you are. Forget soda, forget coffee. Water.
Always drink caffeine in moderation. Heat stroke and dehydration can really kill you.

Rest areas are your friend. But be safe. Lock our vehicle. Don't leave valuables showing in plain sight. Keep track of your money/ wallet at all times.

Talk to people ! This is fun... and you learn alot. Just don't give out alot of personal information... or put yourself in danger. For the most part... people are really nice.. and more than willing to chat.
When you are happy, go ahead and compliment people. You wouldn't believe how very much this is appreciated. Some people get nothing but crap from travelers.... and they will go a long way when they know you are appreciate what they are doing.

You always need less than you packed. Really. I packed one pair of jeans, 2 skirts, about 6 shirts, underthings, a pair of socks, swimsuit and one pair of shoes. I should have taken a hat. What I didn't need to have packed was the bag of stuff to work on (crafts/journals, etc). It took up valuable space.. and it's not like I didn't have things to do. I did pack 2 big scarves that were awesome and did double duty as cover-ups, nightware, etc. I also took a quilt. This was invaluable for picnics, as well as covering all the stuff in the car to deter thieves.. when it was parked. I took a first aid kit, a jar of change, a knife (my son's recommended weapon of choice) and fishing gear. I bought a 2009 version of road maps for the entire US. Just when you think you won't need it; you will.

Enjoy yourself. If you drive like a crazy person, and don't stop for any of the kitchy quirky stuff.. what's the point ? Sure you will get to your final destination quicker... but you will be a stressed out, burned out, anger ball.

I ended up spending about 10 days "on the road" and 21 days with my family. I have spent more time in the past on these trips, and I have spent less. This one was about right. In a perfect world... I could have done with a 2-3 day vacation -- in one spot -- all by myself --to reflect and get my stuff together-- meditate and chill.... but that didn't really happen this time.

I really enjoy traveling. I have always known this.. and I assume that it's my gypsy blood or something. But I really love the lifestyle. I also really enjoy doing this blog, and taking photos. These are lessons I already knew.. but it was re-affirmed for me. I think that I will always want a home to come back too...but I need to travel more. It feeds my soul.

I value your comments -- so keep 'em coming !

all roads lead to home




photos by Elaine A. Russell

...at least when you are on I-40. My niece was amazed when I visited her in Landisville, PA because my directions from her house to ABQ all fit on one page. This is because (in part at least) because you are on I-40 for over 500 miles. Kinda like the song by the Proclaimers ...






So -- my first stops were at the Cherokee Trading Posts in Oklahoma. There were 3 of them in a row.. somewhere in the middle of Oklahoma. Typical kitchy travel stuff. ... with tons of authentic and really nice stuff in the mix. I saw porcelain dolls, native flutes, moccasins, leather travel bags, taxidermy rattler snakes, tons of jewelry.....wow. Near the massive gift shops were always a restaurant (which I didn't go to) and a park which sported real live buffalo. Such beautiful creatures ! Sabrina even laid down next to the biggest one of them all (course, separated by a fence)... but it was amazing.
This was my major stop for the day.. and Brina and I took our time looking thru everything.

An early lunch was spent at a Braum's. I think this is a midwest type of chain... famous for it's burgers and old fashioned ice cream. They have a deal where you can get a bag full of burgers for only 5 bucks. I remember a few years ago when Michael went with me on this trip. He ate 2 bags of burgers... and washed them down with thick milkshakes.
(and then slept for a couple of hours )

Oklahoma scenery is full of farm land, fields, and the reddest dirt I have ever seen in my life. It is almost like watching super Technicolor tv when you see the bright green of the grass next to the bright red of the dirt. I even saw a couple ponds that could fool you into thinking they were pools of blood.

Texas. Ah Texas. You'd think there were be one ranch close to I-40 with Longhorn cattle.. but no. I think the people of Texas should make this a tourist stop. I for one, would like to see a Longhorn close up. Brina and I stopped for a drink somewhere close to Amarillo. We laid down in grass of a McDonald's and tried to cool off. I felt like the air conditioning wasn't working.. but in retrospect.. I think that it's just that it was 95 degrees outside... and I couldn't get cool enough.

Around 3-4pm, we hit the border to New Mexico. Almost immediately, the topography changes from totally flat .. to starting to get hilly and with arroyos. We saw 3 trains go by when we were near Cuervo, NM (one of my fav places)-- I just love trains. We stopped for gas in Santa Rosa, and a pit stop at a very skanky place that I will not mention. We also saw a herd of what looked like gazelles ! feasting on the grasslands fresh with rain.

We encountered traffic congestion to the west of the Sandias... there is alot of construction going on, couple with a fender bender... made life a little complicated. If you've never seen the Sandia Mountains.. I would consider it a must. They are the most awesome jutting monoliths of mountains... full of pine trees and deer.

By 7:30 I was home. I had been craving ice cream since Texas.. so the whole family went out to Coldstone for a treat !

movin' right along




photos by Elaine A. Russell


So -- yesterday's travels took me from Rolla, Mo to El Reno, Oklahoma.
I started off with a really good breakfast from the hotel. French toast, orange juice and coffee. I haven't had french toast in years... and it was really good. I also grabbed a piece of sausage for Sabrina, who licked it up pretty quickly :)
The first stop of the day was at the Heartland Antique Mall in Lebanon, MO. I always stop there.. it is just full of so many cool things. This time, I picked up a couple of state quarters that my dad is missing, a couple really old hammers, a couple vintage Japanese bowls, and a carved piece of carnelian stone that looks like a locust bug.. made into a bead. I love this kind of stuff.
I also stopped at the Cheese Outlet and got some churro nuggets (told you they were addictive).
Brina and I stopped for lunch at a McDonald's along the route. They had a gazebo in the lot (for smokers) but it was the only shady spot... so we grabbed it to eat our lunch in. We ended up talking to a local young guy. He's had a rough life. Divorced parents, older brothers who are in trouble with the law... a car that's literally falling apart. He is trying to make it. Trying to work two part time jobs, trying to stay clean and out of trouble... I'm sure this is a pretty normal story for alot of people. I think it proves how many people are really trying hard.. in spite of the economy and all kinds of struggles.
The rest of the afternoon was a blur of gas/pit stops.
Stopped at a Starbucks in Tulsa Ok, and talked to a nice couple on their first date :)
Stopped for the night at a Motel 6 in El Reno OK. It is right next to a Taco Bell (taco salad for supper !) and right down from a Walgreens.. so I could get my photos onto cd.
The car is doing really well... but somewhere along the way I lost the door cover to my gas tank nozzle. Not a big deal.. just odd. Not sure if it fell off, or what.
One more day of traveling to go !



back in the groove

Greenup, Indiana


Dinner and 'Foot High Pie' at the Blue Sky Cafe


World's Largest Rocking Chair at the Fanning Outpost near Cuba, Mo
--all photos by Elaine A. Russell


Oh hey now. So... two early nights, and lots of rest... and I am feeling much better. Course, nightly soaks in cool water to combat the intermittent fever certainly helps.

When last we left off... I was in Greenfield, Indiana.... staying at a really really nice hotel. I got up in the am at 8:30, and enjoyed the complimentary orange juice and coffee (was just not up to cereal or yogurt). Sabrina and I traveled on down the road, and stopped at a state rest stop. We spent several nice minutes talking to Taya the pit bull mix and her owner... a younger gal from Oakland California. She says she was a real wild child, and used to ride the railroads after she ran away from home years ago. She had great dreads in her hair, some fab piercings and beautiful tattoos. She is now a very happy woman, who is making jewelry and was currently traveling to Pittsburgh in her VW vanagon. She showed me one of her jewelry pieces, a fabulous necklace comprised of animal bones, and vintage train bits.

The next stop was in Greenup, Indiana.. a historic town full of antique shops and a train memorabilia museum. Brina and I grabbed an early lunch from the local Dairy Queen, and had a picnic lunch in the park. We then went around town and looked in a bunch of the antique shops. ...and got a couple goodies.

Next stop, St. Elmo .. specifically, the Driftstone Pueblo. The Pueblo boasts a huge log cabin type structure, pond, and some new metal horse sculptures to go with the large tee pee and HUGE buffalo in the front. Inside, it is jam packed with all kinds of jewelry, native wooden flutes, swords, knives, pottery, books, beads, rocks and minerals.. and typical kitchy travel stuff. It was really nice to look at all the cool stuff, as well as get in the air conditioning... as it was in the 90's all day.

An early supper was spent at the "Blue Springs Cafe"... which boasts home cooking and 'Foot High Pie'. Sabrina and I camped out on the home-style front porch and enjoyed our supper of liver, potatoes, beans, iced tea... and fresh blackberry pie. http://www.foothipies.com/ . Teh food was excellent.. and so was the service. Such a nice place...

Just for grins... we then stopped at the "Largest Rocking Chair in the World"... located near Cuba Missouri. when we stopped, the train was going thru, and it was awesome. The place features this HUGE rocking chair (and a civil war cannon).... and next to it is a great little place called the Fanning Trading Post. It is like stepping into another world. A world full of country charm, antlers, hunting and fishing gear, general store type stuff, decor, home-made venison jerky, an archery and taxidermy center, and a bar that features locally produced wine. I sat and talked with the owner for a bit.. and he shared some of the sweet white wine ( yes, I bought a bottle.. it was really really good). He bribed Sabrina with some of the venison jerky... and she rewarded him with a kiss. We ended up buying the coolest fishing pole ever... my dad will be so jealous :)

For the night, we settled in at the Drury Inn at Rolla, Missouri. It was a bit expensive ($85)...but it was very nice. Wireless internet, coupons for the Steak and Shake restaurant next door, complimentary breakfast, pool, etc.
what a great great day.

spa night





photos by Elaine A. Russell

Yesterday's travels took me from Cambridge, Ohio to Greenfield, Indiana. Again, it was a day. A day full of bad allergies. I have come to the conclusion that I probably had a bit of heat stroke from the morning at the Lancaster Farmer's Market.. based on the symptoms, and past experience with heat stroke. With the Lupus, it makes me much more susceptible to the sun and heat. Anyway, what that meant.. was that I didn't get anywhere near where I should have gotten in a day's worth of driving.
I really did enjoy alot of the scenery that I saw today... lots of trees, lots of hawks, lots of green hills... lots of rain. At one point, the rain was coming down in heavy heavy sheets. Traffic almost came to a complete stop.. and some vehicles were hydroplaning on the road. Then there was fog and mist.
I made the decision to stop for the day at 3pm....when I drove into Greenfield. It is a sizable city... and I was able to get some medicine, some fresh clothing, an ice pack, food, and my photos onto CD at a superWalmart.
I was also fortunate to find a super awesome hotel... the Quality Inn. I got a deluxe suite (for a reasonable price) with a king size bed, fluffy down pillow top mattress, marble topped nightstands.. .. and you should have seen the bathroom. Wow. So... I indulged in a spa-like retreat.. soaking in a cold bath to combat my fever and such. Took the meds... enjoyed the food....and the luxurious bed.
Sometimes there really is something to be said about the restorative powers of healthy food and lots of rest.

roadtrip !



photos by Elaine A. Russell... taken at the Lancaster Farmer's Market

webshot of Shamoken dam

First, I apologize for not posting yesterday. I got up early (6am) and had breakfast with the family. After visiting for awhile, my niece and my brother in law's new wife and I went to the Lancaster Farmer's Market. This is a huge thing that happens every Tuesday. On one side of the grounds, it is all antiques, flea market type stuff and more. You wouldn't believe all the cool stuff I saw ( and even bought a couple things !). On the other side of the grounds are all kinds of fresh vegetables, fruit, crafts and even a music group or two. In spite of it being unbearably hot and humid.. it was awesome.
Then I was on the road again. Having gotten some fresh fruit and food, I was ready to travel.. but was having a bad allergy problem still. Between my eye swelling shut, sneezing my fool head off.. and sweltering in the heat... the drive became a nightmare. Couple with tons of rain, mist, fog and even hail.... the road became hazardous as well.
The road was unfamiliar to me too. I was mostly on I-76.. which is a toll interstate throughout the bottom of PA. It was a great road.. but expensive ($13 toll fees). I was a bit confused as well... traveling in parts of PA, and in parts of Virginia all in the same day. As it turns out, I was on the right roads... it just felt awkward at times.
A bonus... was that I got to go thru a series of tunnels. They were huge.. and went thru various peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. Incredible. I also went all around Shamoken Dam (huge)... lots of pretty Amish countryside.. and lots of fertile farm land.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamokin_Dam,_Pennsylvania
I stopped early for the night at a Super 8 in Cambridge Ohio. The management (Ms. Fry) and crew were very nice, the room was really nice, and in spite of not having internet (it was down due to the storms)... was great. I got dinner from a nearby KFC, and enjoyed a relaxing night in the room.

you can't get there from here

photo by Elaine A. Russell

Funny-- I can travel cross country and not get lost.. but just try to get out of PA.
I left around noon today from Potter County, heading towards Landisville Pa where my niece lives. It is real close to Harrisburg, and I have never been there. I got my directions off of Mapquest.com, and for once.. they did me wrong. You'd think that being a native of Pa, this would not be a problem. However, this was a problem because most of the places in PA.. I have not been to.
When I as a kid, my parents rarely traveled. We would go shopping once a year around Christmastime in Olean.. just over the PA border into NY... but that was about it.
So -- I was pretty much clueless today when traveling all over the back country roads. I managed to turn what should have been a 4hr trip... to a 6hr trip.
On the plus side.. I saw lots of pretty countryside, some Amish farms, some pretty quilts hanging on the line, cows, hills, and scenic views.
I finally made it to my niece's house in time to take a shower before supper. .. which was shrimp scampi and broccoli. It was delicious.
Now I am settled in for the night, and watching vintage "Wild Wild West" shows on dvd with the family.
More to come...

endings are just beginnings



photos by Elaine A. Russell

Endings are beginnings, and beginnings are endings.... or so the axiom goes. I am not sure who said that.. but I have been thinking about it today.
Today we are going fishing with the hopes of getting a nice trout for supper. I also hope to get to Fezz's 1950's Diner (http://debbyjacks.com/menus/fezzsdiner.html) just outside of town to take some photos. And of course, get some fern photos if I can. It is really overcast again.. so it may not be possible.
Update to come later ~~


UPDATE: well --- we made it to the Diner, but as soon as I got there and started to take a photo.. the power went out. A huge thunderstorm with a tornado watch went thru with 80 mph winds. I got a cup of coffee.. but couldn't get anything else (as the power was out). Torrential rains came down. So --- no fishing.
I came back to town, and FINALLY found my husband's aunt.. I have been to her house several times, and thought I was just missing her. Turns out.. she has been in the hospital for a year, and another 16 months in an assisted living place. When I found her, we both had tears in our eyes. She is in her late 80s.. not sure exactly how old she is. She was working on a puzzle. Her mind is good, but her body is not co-operating. After our visit, I went and picked her a bouquet of sweet peas nearby, and took them back to her for her room.
By then, the storm had mostly passed. I decided that I would try to go to the woods anyway.. and hopefully get a shot or two of ferns. I went all the way past Cherry Springs and the great lookout.. and then down some side dirt roads deep into the heart of the Susquehanna Woods. Got some great photos.. and some awesome mist.
Coming down out of the woods, I stopped at my brother in law's house. I got to visit him and his new wife, his mother (who just had surgery) and is finally retiring from her full time job at the age of 76. I got out my ever-present fishing pole from my car and went fishing on their property. Didn't catch anything.. but the trout were certainly teasing me by jumping up out of the water and shaking their tails at me. My brother in law showed me a snake skin that he found near his basement door this am.. over 3 feet long. Said he didn't know where the snake was, but he was ready to shoot it if he had to. Ya gotta know Bill... .I can certainly see him shooting a snake in his basement.
Also got to visit with my nephew, his girlfriend and one of their daughters. She is adorable.
After that ... I drove into town and stopped quickly at Othmer's Pond. This is one of my favorite places. I remember when I was in high school I used to clean the main home there. There was a second home on the property years ago... the caretaker's house.. but it has since been torn down. As you probably guessed from it's name... there is a huge pond there. It is gorgeous, and not horribly deep in most parts. There is a little island near the middle of the pond. For years.. it was the place where everyone would go to skinny dip in the summer, and ice skate in the winter. It was once a doctor's elite home... but has passed thru several owners since.. and I have no idea who owns it now.. but it looks like it is now a high end retreat place. http://othmerpondestate.com/
Then.. back to my parent's house. It is late.. and I still have some laundry to do if I am going to head out tomorrow. There is supposed to be a county-wide power outage tomorrow. I probably won't be able to get my photos burned to cd from today.. but perhaps I will be able to get them done further on down the road somewhere.