Happy Halloween....

...my a$$! Once in a while you see a little black cat that just looks MAD at the World; this was such a critter. The second it saw me and my d*** Nikon, it shot me an angry dirty look with broiling green eyes and stomped off in the other direction, under a gate and into the foliage. It was precious.

A Sculpture....

..on the grounds of the St. Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, MO. for Scenic Sunday. The thoughtful comments of visitors encouraged me to investigate further: it's made of stainless steel, it was commissioned by the Museum in 2004. The artist is Roxy Paine; it's called Placebo. I took the photo since the sun was shining brightly on the metal--the effect was lost in the photo, mostly. (Nikon-operator error, likely). The work is not, generally, my "type" of favorite art, but it prompted discussion.

A Grass Spider...

...a big one. Somewhere in the northwest quadrant of the photo. They are another of the funnel weavers, so they just sit tight and wait for meals to crawl across their web. Then, BAM! So they don't harm humans and mainly they are on outdoor variety. They are well camouflaged in their intended habitat.

Outside the Cafe in Hermann...

...socializing with a very well behaved and smiling Pit Bull and his young owners. A portrait for Camera Critters.

Corrugated Skies...

above Central Illinois a week or so ago; a lovely display for SkyWatch Friday ! It's a bit confusing, but they seem to be cirrocumulus clouds, a herald of fair weather (and we had some nice weather that weekend!)

One of the Little Cabins...

...to rent at the Steamboat Junction. We walked up a hill to a broad, sweeping ridge above the camp ground.
You could see the surrounding hills and stars at night.

OK, Something Artsey From the Farm....

...well, it used to be a farm. The Steamboat Junction B & B and Campground, near Bluffton MO was our home away from home! Aside from darling cabin houses that resembled "doll" farmhouses, several aging out buildings with weathered wood, the cleanest "port-a-potty" I've ever seen (ditto: the cute little shower cabin), the proprietrix vends on array of trail snacks and drinks to through-bikers on the Katy Trail. But how did the door handle get warped like that?

Late Afternoon...late October...

...a bit sombre. Winter is coming. Ruby Tuesday in the Fall.

So Many Photos...

...still in Hermann, MO. Perfect for My World Tuesday.

You've seen them in the Movies...

...rustic, old-fashioned covered sidewalks. Hermann had several streets with this attractive feature. Gives the feel of the 19th Century. And, frames the interesting human scenery so well. Click on the image: there is the most adorable elderly couple, holding hands and strolling along on a Sunday afternoon (holding each other up?) I jest. They appeared quite touching and sweet. That's why I snapped the picture. Others call this "stealing their souls". They jest, too.

Another House for Sale...What else is new??

...Hermann is built among hills, so there are plenty of interesting terraced yards and unusual spaces.

Windows and Doors: Oblique...

...Hermann, MO is brimming with photo-ops. See, they even have the antique stone threshholds. The town is very well "kept-up", in general. New paint jobs abound, as did the tourists on OktoberFest Weekend--a happy crowd, to-ing and fro-ing among the wineries.

It's for Sale, too...

...Hermann was full of "windows and doors" and wonderful old brick houses, shops and industrial buildings.

Standing Boulder...

...alongside the Katy Trail. The explanation is that this big stone is a portion of an ancient bluff which failed to erode away. The levels of severe flooding on the Missouri River are marked upon the stone.

Sanctuary...

...the controversial and sinister novel by William Faulkner that I read last summer. This place reminded me of a latter-day "Goodwin place"; I could envision the thug "Popeye" emerging from a thicket with a shot gun to shoo us all away. (we were respectfully on "our" side of the no trespassing fence...still). Of course, this is Missouri, not Mississippi; and the "junk yard guard dog" was a happy, tail wagging black lab.

Missouri Sunset

...worthy of Skywatch Friday, in my opinion. This was taken just North of the Missouri River near Hermann. The farmers still in the fields, while cool air settled--a lovely impressionist hazy-foggy look.

Along the Katy Trail....

...an evocative, moody river-bottom wasteland used by a local entrepreneur as a junk yard for old cars and trucks. Uncle R's trained eye scanned the field; he estimated that several thousand dollars in spare parts were within view. This looks like an opportunity for Ebay use. And, naturally, crazy old ladies with Nikon's....

A Local Attraction....

Hermannhof Winery in the Evening..  (that link lists some of the recipes from the B & B) beautiful 19th Century stone houses on the hillside, near sunset. We had a glass of local wine the before we left, but
did not stay in town. Our purpose was to ride some miles on the Katy Trail; Hermann was a very enticing
temptation--Blogsy and Aunty Les decided to explore the town on foot Sunday while Hubs' and Uncle R rode the trail.

So, Let's Visit Hermann, MO...

...a pretty, hilly town on the Missouri River about 100 and some miles west of St. Louis; a spacious and well-maintained historic district allows many people to stroll the streets. We accidentally timed our visit with the town's Oktoberfest wine celebration. Lots of B & B's and restaurants, as well as the wineries; my favorite was the photo-ops of gracious old buildings.

Favorite Time of Year For a Cat...

Camera Critters

...we senior citizens like to put the Flannel Sheets on the bed, come autumn; keeps our toesies comfy. Scotchie, our younger cat loves to snuggle in soft fluffy comfort for her morning nap, after the exhausting work of sauntering down to her breakfast dish, eating, then hauling herself back up the steps. Sigh...

The First Part of Our Get-Away....

...we breezed thru St. Louis, MO, spending a wonderful few hours at the St. Louis Art Museum. This is a view of the watery reflections on bridge on the grounds of the 1904 St. Louis Fair; near the Museum. More about the Art later...just right for Watery Wednesday

A Successful Photo Hunt Concluded....

...over the past few days, over a hundred self-proclaimed great shots were collected; mostly these came from the area of Hermann, MO, along the Missouri River. Above, an ancient Texaco Station on the original Route 66 Hwy. just outside Dwight, IL on the way home. More to come....and perfect for a Ruby Tuesday!

Meet The Visiting Professor...

...while I go rummage around in Missouri for a couple of days, Our Blonde Guy, all gown up, has consented to "Blog-Sit", if he has time in his frantic schedule. I'm on a short quest for Fall Color and Small Town Americana. And New Material!

Minding My Own Business for a Change...

...here's a shot of our Autumn garden. This year, the chicken-wire fence kept out most of the bunnies, the green beans were on a trellis and are still producing abundantly; Hubs' has some cold-frames which will soon be covered in fabric to protect fall producers. Last January we had the last of 2009's carrot crop.  ....and yes, I know the lawn needs mowing.

The New Side-Door Frame...

...and he is still working hard. I'm out of date, too. They have the roof on by now; today the insulation was blown in, windows and doors are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. The Gardener says she will ask her daughters to pick out the interior paint colors when time comes.

More Progress....

...they have the wind barrier applied to the outside; truth be told, they are working hard to complete the roofing of the entire back of the house by now. So far the weather has been lovely (and dry). How long will it last? So the idea is to "button it up".

Back at Our House....

...thru the kitchen window (I did not open it or go outside) the other night, I found this little rascal looking for sunflower seeds among the husks left by the birds. Sorry for the reflection; I prefer to smell like Shalimar, not Skunk. But I enjoy watching the antics of these weird little critters; the babies are adorable. Camera Critters.

First Look...

...at the rough interior. Some of you will someday enjoy The Gardener's Delicious-Yet-Healthful Cuisine in this very room, once it is completed. There will be space for the Highchair Brigade, as well as the long dining table. Imagine the possibilities!

The New Room Takes Shape....

...next door. They hired a small, but expert team of hand-on carpenters--the same ones who performed a similar addition to the home on our north side, last year. Our Ph.D. friend is doing as much as he can to help, since he likes to work with wood and tools.....oh, and he's retired now. ; - )

Hubsy Visits the Community Garden at Wagner Farm..

...giving me a chance to include one more rusty hulk of antique farm equipment from the display.

Autumnal Abstract in Rust...

...ever since I happened to meet that photographer, (Colin Winterbottom of DC) when we were in PA. I keep my eyes open for corrosion patterns. He had a macro lens, that makes a big difference; I like the colors of rust.

Rusted Tractor Seat with Yellow Flower...

...why? Why not! Perfect for Mellow Yellow Monday .

Windows and Doors Abound on the Farm...

...this was a pretty good one, minus the SUV out front. But, face it, north Chicago-land suburbs provide good homes for SUV's; they're everywhere--it's how they roll.

Poultry Pics...

...Hubsy also wants geese or ducks; it's said they love to snack on his least favorite garden pest, the garden slug. Yeah, the Wagner Farm has some fine poultry on display. AND: there will be more construction photos from the project next door; coming soon.

I Can Read His Mind...

...Hubsy want Chickens! I don't plan to be "processing" any Chickens for Chicken Dinners, but he wants the critters for eggs; that part I understand. He's taking mental notes on the construction of a Chicken House.
I had forgotten the characteristic smell of "Chicken House".