My best friend of 38 years. May he rest in peace after his earthly toils. I am so thankful and blessed by his friendship. He will be sorely missed.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, August 3, 2015
St. Louis: The Old State Courthouse
We made the time to visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. I had never been but my wife had spent some of her childhood in the state of Missouri and had some memories of past visits.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Starting the St. Louis Arch Tour Day
Itsy-Bit was anxious to begin the day tour of the St. Louis Arch.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Itsy Bits Photogenic Pose
The Old State Courthouse was well-maintained and reflected well against the modern glass buildings. Getting tickets for a paddle-boat ride or a tour of the Arch is accomplished currently in the Old State Courthouse while the waterfront National Park area is under renewal construction.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 The Old State Courthouse
The interior of the Courthouse is majestic with cool, limestone floor blocks and soaring columns to the capital dome. There were lots of opportunities to view historical displays in different wings of the building.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Old State Courthouse Interior
A view of the old staircases in the Courthouse wing.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Old State Courthouse Staircase
A mural in the Courthouse depicts the Intercontinental railroad and buffalo, two factors influential in the westward expansion of the United States through St. Louis, the gateway to the West.
Original Photo: Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Old State Courthouse Mural
And mural detail of train and buffalo.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Courthouse Mural Detail 01
And mural detail of buffalo.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Courthouse Mural Detail 02
The Courthouse had a buffalo skull on display.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Buffalo Skull Display
My youngest child, Itsy Bit, was surprised to see a full-size Conestoga wagon, an old-fashioned version of our Honda Odyssey, that brought families ad their belongings westward from the big cities.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Conestoga Wagon Display
A mural reproduction depicts the Golden Land of milk and honey with a view to riches untold in the Western mining fields.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Immigrants Guide to the Golden Land
And miner detail.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Golden Land Mural Detail 01
Some more detail of the gold miners.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Golden Land Mural Detail 02
And more detail of the gold miners.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Golden Land Mural Detail 03
And a final view of the gold miners in detail.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Golden Land Mural Detail 04
Today's blog entry reminds me of the previous blurb I did on Precious Dust: The True Saga of the Western Gold Rushes by Paula Mitchell Marks(1994).
Sunday, August 2, 2015
What Cheer Flea Market: Fun in Iowa
While visiting the in-laws in Missouri, we took a long weekend to experience the What Cheer Flea Market in What Cheer, Iowa (Thu, Jul 31 - Sun, Aug 2). Dad had been saying for a few years that I should make the effort to get out and see the show! This was a main event in our family visit. We even had to drive through Ottumwa, Iowa where Radar O'Reilly on MASH 4077 had the family farm.
We set up on Thursday complete with camp tents for sleeping over and had two sites with tables to sell. We were glad the family had some items they could place on our table to sell! This was a first for us! I have to admit I was interested more in the buy-side on this trip and being with family for a few days while we shopped. Also, we didn't have much room left in the van to haul stuff across the United States to sell at the fair or then haul back.
The Flea Market is held in the middle of a cornfield at a country fairground. We had excellent weather. The hospitality and organization was good. The rest rooms and showers were fairly clean and were a welcome respite considering the humidity. I personally found the best time for a shower was 3 a.m. since it was quiet, no lines, with plenty of hot water!
Each morning broke clear and sunny with a plentiful array of vendors ready for business with antique and vintage finds.
The fairgrounds are surrounded by cornfields, soybeans, and farm roads.
One of the vendors displayed a marvelous camper remodeled in bold, mid-century colors and an attractive sales display tent alongside. I have to award them Best-of-Show with a level of class to which we should all aspire. Just lovely!
We set up on Thursday complete with camp tents for sleeping over and had two sites with tables to sell. We were glad the family had some items they could place on our table to sell! This was a first for us! I have to admit I was interested more in the buy-side on this trip and being with family for a few days while we shopped. Also, we didn't have much room left in the van to haul stuff across the United States to sell at the fair or then haul back.
The Flea Market is held in the middle of a cornfield at a country fairground. We had excellent weather. The hospitality and organization was good. The rest rooms and showers were fairly clean and were a welcome respite considering the humidity. I personally found the best time for a shower was 3 a.m. since it was quiet, no lines, with plenty of hot water!
Each morning broke clear and sunny with a plentiful array of vendors ready for business with antique and vintage finds.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 What Cheer Flea Market
The fairgrounds are surrounded by cornfields, soybeans, and farm roads.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 What Cheer Borders
One of the vendors displayed a marvelous camper remodeled in bold, mid-century colors and an attractive sales display tent alongside. I have to award them Best-of-Show with a level of class to which we should all aspire. Just lovely!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 What Cheer Best of Show Display
After getting over my camper lust, I found enough vintage smalls to fill three boxes which we could fit into the van on the return home. Some 1950-60's Yankee and Red Sox baseball cards, some vintage postcards, antique lithograph Santas, some gorgeous Bavarian china items suitable for artistic still life paintings, and three sets of Kissing Cousin curios. I also got some A&W root beer steins of different sizes, four English woodworking planes, some old books, an old miniature piccolo banjo needing some slight repair and refinish, and a vintage children's hand cymbal set. My Mom used to collect those when we were younger.
I was able to find three framed items that I thought were distinctive. The first was a curiously signed and labeled painting in the style of Vincent Van Gogh. It is signed "M. Madden 1986". It is hand-inscribed on the reverse:
V. Van Gogh "Arlie (sic: Arles) Old Mill".
Painted by M.M. van Gogh-GGS-CA (1986)
Further, it is stamped three times with address labels for:
Martin Madden Construction Consultant
Lord International Inc.
Delta Lord University
Cairo, Egypt
Ismalia, A.R.E
Pasadena, California
Original Photo: Copyright James E. Martin 2015 - M. Madden 1986 Van Gogh
The second oil painting was signed "Hulbert after Ziegler". A lovely, wistful image of two individuals gazing off into the distance while enjoying a sunny, breezy day on a hilltop. This rendition is characteristic of the color and style of Eustace Paul Ziegler (1881 -1969) depicting rugged Alaskan individuals in frontier scenery. At this early stage of my research into the painting, this original painting does not yet appear to be an explicit copy of any Zeigler painting or portion thereof. Its compelling image may be original. I wish I knew more about Hulbert.
Original Photo: Copyright James E. Martin 2015 - Hulbert after Ziegler
The third item was a turn-of-the-century lithograph suitable for a dining room that I will label "Still Life of Farm Fruit". My wife found this item and called me back to ask my opinion. It was affordably priced, we have bought others similar to it, and I especially liked it at this time because it informs the graphic depiction of a cantalope with longitudinal rinds which could inspire my potential revisiting of Baskets of Summer Peaches and Cantalope.
Original Photo: Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Still Life of Farm Fruit
We had impending threats of thunderstorms as Sunday approached. For the most part, the storms went by us on both sides from Northeast to Southwest. But we were able to finish Sunday business and break camp before it started raining in mid-afternoon. A great weekend with lots of fun, some memorable finds, and visiting with family!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 What Cheer Incoming Storm at Close
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Gifford Pinchot State Park: Revisited
We traveled to the Midwest to visit my wife's parents in Missouri. We stopped in Gifford Pinchot State Park in Pennsylvania again on the way out, having visited for the first time in 2012. We arrived after dark and had about one hour to set up tents before thunderstorms and rain were predicted.
We got it set up quickly even in the dark, with the second white tent offering steep deflecting sides over the rain fly. I just barely had time to tie and peg everything down before ravishing wind and rain hit us. Mommy and Itsy Bit were inside arranging cots and sleeping bags. I got soaked while finishing last tie downs! Itsy Bit was quite upset at the rain and thunder and lightening. But we got through the night in quite good order. There was very little rain on the tent floor next morning. Cots and sleeping bags were dry! Hurrah! Our first real test of the new storm configuration. We were very pleased with the results.
We got it set up quickly even in the dark, with the second white tent offering steep deflecting sides over the rain fly. I just barely had time to tie and peg everything down before ravishing wind and rain hit us. Mommy and Itsy Bit were inside arranging cots and sleeping bags. I got soaked while finishing last tie downs! Itsy Bit was quite upset at the rain and thunder and lightening. But we got through the night in quite good order. There was very little rain on the tent floor next morning. Cots and sleeping bags were dry! Hurrah! Our first real test of the new storm configuration. We were very pleased with the results.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Dry after the Storm Torrent
The calm after the storm the next morning was quite peaceful. The fog lifted off as the morning ensued for a beautiful day.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot State Park Early Morning
There were not many folks at the Pinchot State Park this visit. We had a well-drained, beautiful site at the right hand corner of the swim beach. There were some early morning swimmers but I was able to get an undisturbed view of the beach before they arrived.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot SP Swim Beach at Dawn
I looked forward to seeing the herons again after our last visit and true to form, they patrolled the environs routinely.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Heron Patrol at Dawn
Later in the day, it felt as if we had the swim beach to ourselves. It was a beautiful day, the water temperature was delicious, and the clean, sandy bottom was soothing. It was very relaxing after the storm-filled night.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot SP Swim Beach
Out littlest, Itsy Bit, was well-equipped to enjoy the depths of the swim beach!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Itsy Bit's Goggle Face
A popsicle-shaped floatie was a gift to Itsy Bit from a family friend. This picture was sent via smartphone to the gifter to inform of its use across the national vistas.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 A Popsicle Floatie
Life in camp was very relaxing. Campfire at night and in the morning. One must use local wood and not import any from another state. Swimwear and towels drying on the line. Notice the dog relaxing at tent-side.
We learned after the fact that pets were not welcome in the sites close to the water front. We surmised perhaps due to potential water contamination from pet doo-doo. We even had the chance to meet a college intern measuring water contamination after storm runoff. So they conduct routine water quality and temperature measurements.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot Camp Life
It makes sense and we had not considered the issue until traveling with a new pet this trip. Once aware, we kept her in her kennel and walked her in approved areas.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Dog Stuff
The site had excellent gravel and drainage. Although it made pegging the tent down a bit more difficult, it wasn't impossible with the steel pegs.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Drying Out after the Storm
I marveled at the abstract nature of the shore-side water plants. There were slight ripples from the water insects and fish that I tried to capture on film.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Abstract Water Plants
Parking for up to two cars was available at each site right proximal to the tent setup. We had a beautiful view of the lake at Site 114. It may well be the best site available. We felt so lucky.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot State Park Site 114 Beachside
After a long day of resting and swim activity, the sun quietly drew back over the distant hills.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Gifford Pinchot SP Sunset
After a swim-filled day and a full tummy after camp dinner, Itsy Bit was quick to sack out at the evening campfire.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Itsy Bit Sacks Out at Campfire
And the last light at the camp site before turning in.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Last Light - Day is Done
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Summer Fruit: Juicy Peaches and Cantalope by the Basket
I have taken some time off from work for the summer and have been anxious to paint again. Was able to set aside some time in Maine while visiting friends at camp during the July 4th festivities. To me, this is reminiscent of Renoir and Cezanne.
I have received some comments and feedback about the painting from family members. For the first time, my dear wife put a price on a painting and said I should sell it for thus-and-such dollar amount. A short time later she even raised her price expectations. My youngest daughter, Itsy Bit, wanted to see another cantalope basket faded and shaded in the background like the model I had arranged. My mother-in-law wasn't immediately sure what the cantalope was and had to be informed of the matter. I realized that the cantalope selected did not have the longitudinal rind lines that some folks may be familiar with and that those could be added for clarity.
My wife asked if I would change the painting but I replied I would rather paint another one anew if I were to add or change anything. In any case, this one makes me happy each time I look at it.
I have numerous other ideas to work on for the memories and feelings of summer-time. One step at a time. This is the Daily Walk.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Summer Peaches and Cantalope by the Basket
I have received some comments and feedback about the painting from family members. For the first time, my dear wife put a price on a painting and said I should sell it for thus-and-such dollar amount. A short time later she even raised her price expectations. My youngest daughter, Itsy Bit, wanted to see another cantalope basket faded and shaded in the background like the model I had arranged. My mother-in-law wasn't immediately sure what the cantalope was and had to be informed of the matter. I realized that the cantalope selected did not have the longitudinal rind lines that some folks may be familiar with and that those could be added for clarity.
My wife asked if I would change the painting but I replied I would rather paint another one anew if I were to add or change anything. In any case, this one makes me happy each time I look at it.
I have numerous other ideas to work on for the memories and feelings of summer-time. One step at a time. This is the Daily Walk.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
On July Fourth: In Maine
We were once again fortunate to spend some time with friends at the camp in Maine this year. The lake was cool, quiet, and peaceful. The weather superb. The fellowship was Grade A Number One!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Day is Done in Maine Camp
Our youngest, Itsy Bit, believes herself to be the world's best fisherwoman. This year at eight years old, she learned to bait the hook herself with the struggling, resistant, and slippery nightcrawlers. And also, remove the kibbers from the hook once caught and drop them in a pail of water. Once she collects a dozen, she releases back into the water and catches them again.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Itsy Bit Fishing for Kibbers
Vacations are for relaxing. My lovely wife illustrates well that putting up one's feet, setting up in the partial shade and sun with a good magazine, soft breezes, and quiet are the perfect algorithm for a nap. I think that is an iced "Not Your Father's Root Beer" in hand!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Totally Relaxed in Maine
And what would the Fourth of July be without a bit of evening noise? Each year, it seems we try to outdo ourselves just a little bit more over the prior year! I love the color and lithography on the fireworks packages!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Preparing for Evening Fireworks 01
This year, we had so many fireworks that I called out a tribute and blessing to many parties just prior to each launch:
God Bless the Lakes and Ponds!
God Bless the Town of Sangerville!
God Bless the State of Maine!
God Bless the US House of Representatives!
God Bless the US Senate!
God Bless the US Supreme Court!
God Bless the President of the United States!
Etc! Etc! Etc!
We cast many blessings upon the waters...I kid you not! We heard a few chuckles from other camps across the water!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Preparing for Evening Fireworks 02
And here is my friend, the Irish Patriarch of Festivity, the local Artist-in-Residence. Thanks for all your hospitality and inspiration, Bob!
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Irish Patriarch and Artist-in-Residence
Usually, the last thing we do before we drive away each year after our visit is get a picture of the gang. This is a thirty-eight year tradition! Hard to believe. Here is this year's rendition of the Fourth of July gang. The memories are precious.....
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Fourth of July Gang
Monday, June 22, 2015
Walking for Car Repairs: The Pine Barrens
I had decided to retain my old car this summer as a secondary vehicle despite its high mileage and get some repairs and updates accomplished. It's been a long and winding road over the weeks to accomplish the feat. Along the way, we were down too many vehicles with too many appointments and I had to walk from here-to-there to get my wife's vehicle. Along the way, I traversed these shady pine barrens and thought them lovely in the summer heat.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pine Barrens 01
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pine Barrens 02
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pine Barrens 03
I like the chiascuro potential and the depth of field.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Getting Ready for Summer: Yard Work
I have been personally discouraged about the extent to which the property and yard work has gotten away from me. I have a list of, oh, so many, projects...inside and out. But I have been able to complete just a few tasks to move things in the right direction. Once upon a time, when I was younger.....I was so good at the adage of "A Place for Everything.....and Everything in its Place"!
Tidying the corner mulched bed by the playhouse.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 The More Tidy Corner
Building raised beds for the vegetable garden to make better use of limited space and add some visual effect. The earthworms love the warm raised beds and really keep the soil turned over during the growing season. Leaf mulch is used in the aisle paths over a weed cloth.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Vegetable Raised Beds
Populating the flower boxes at the house and playhouse.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Flowers at the Playhouse
Repairing and updating the outdoor balance beam cover for my youngest gymnast, Itsy Bit. There are lots of handstands, roundoffs, and walkovers going on in the yard as well.
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Updated Balance Beam Cover
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Pillar of Pots
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Mom's Flower Girl
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Water Fountain on the Patio
Copyright James E. Martin 2015 Fourth of July
So, Idle Acres has made some progress this early summer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)