It's President's Weekend!

What would President's Day be without some...


Presidential Wisdom?


It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.
--George Washington

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."   
--Abraham Lincoln


The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will be not bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas--a trial of spiritual resolve:  the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish, and the ideals to which we are dedicated.
--Ronald Reagan

Are we up to the struggle?







* * *
Winter's blowing back in this weekend.  The wind started blowing hard yesterday and brought COLD with it.  Snow and high winds are due here tomorrow, and more snow on Monday morning. 


I had planned this weekend to head up north to photograph the snow and ice on Lake Michigan's shore line, but spring came in and melted off the snow this week.  


I'm working on Plan B.  It's President's weekend so something fun will have to pop into my head to do one day this weekend!


What are YOU up to?

Owl's Nest & "Back Road Beauty" Snow Scenes

I finally got the chance to shoot one of my most favorite barns in the whole area...and I just couldn't wait to show you.


Now isn't "The Owl's Nest" a beauty!?  The date is 1912.  This barn is very well maintained and the pride shows in the fact that they keep fresh paint on her and kept the old-style lettering.  

This beautiful old barn is thing of true HISTORY, worth preserving, that's for sure--and almost ready for a 100th birthday next year.  I do hope it is celebrated, because it's wonderful.

(I wish it were mine, too.  I know, I 'm not supposed to envy, but this one, oooohhh!  Click on any photo for a larger view!)


I love the name of it, I love the details:  its red and  green color scheme, crisp white trim, and those twin green gables!  Not to mention its little pal, the corn crib.

While I was out that morning, I stopped at the orchard to buy some new popcorn for popping this winter,  and here's what I saw on the road heading home:  a big road grader, plowing big piles of snow.  I thought some of you might enjoy seeing this, although I wonder if he thought I was weird photographing him!

And for good measure, I thought I'd show you this barn with an unusual roof line, that I shot from the car window on a cold, cold, cold morning that was below zero.  I'm loving that the lightning rods are still hanging in up there, standing tall, although it looks like one might be missing.

This is what I see as I leave our area and head to the mall for my six mile walks several days a week, or when we head to school, or basketball games, church, or just about anywhere.  


I truly think the scenery out is as fine as could be--especially on the dirt roads!

A Spring-like Respite

 

 Respite:  An interval of relief.



Ahh...so what's not to like about today?


Balmier breezes are blowing in and the mercury on the old farmhouse thermometer is almost at FIFTY! 


Now that might not sound great to you, but for having ZERO registered on there just one week ago, well, it feels like spring has arrived.

The grocery store had bundled tulips 3/$10 so I splurged (I really wanted three bunches but talked myself out of it and just nabbed one) and brought some bright sunshine home to live with me while it lasts.


The house is dirty, and the snow outside is melting, so I've decided today turn off that furnace and to throw open the windows and let this old house breathe in some fresh air!  I'm going to sweep and mop.  

And...

When I walked to the mailbox, in addition to the sounds of birds singing above my head in the old silver maple tree,  there was another bright and springlike surprise awaiting me there! 

Victoria, I think I'll have a little time alone with you later after I mop up all that mud the dogs have brought in!  

You will wait for me, right Victoria?