Random STufF from DonnaB

There are three sisters reared here in our community that are compiling a pictorial history of our town. They shared their stories and photos this afternoon with a slide show and narratives of the pictures. They also had photos of the old school buildings and students. My dad was in some of the pictures I had never seen. My father-in-law was interviewed by the sisters several years back and they gave us the audio tape. We haven’t listened to it yet because Ed’s brother has it right now, but I am anxious to see what he had to say. There were also pictures of Ed in grade school that I had not seen either and one sister said she would email copies to me. I didn’t think I would be in the least bit entertained, but now I’m glad I attended. I suppose that’s one of those things about being older, you decide you want to know how things were “way back when”!

Although I remembered some of the names mentioned and had heard a little of the history told, I wasn’t around to live any of it. I suppose in another couple of decades I could be the one telling the history of our town now. At one time, this wide spot in the road was booming with blacksmith shops, lumber yards, cotton gins, a school, the train depot, several grocery stores as well as a drugstore not to mention several other types of businesses including a bank. There were doctors in town and also a dentist who had his office/home right here on the property where our home is now.

Today? We have a post office. How much history will there be to tell?

This calf is a cross between a Chiangus (Chianina and Angus) and a Limousin Cow. We’ve never owned an Angus let alone a Chiangus until last fall. Angus was the breed of cattle on the ranch my grandparents lived and worked back when I was a child. I remember the breed being mean. In fact, Mamaw was chased from one of the pastures by a bull and never forgot it. We were always told to stay away from the cattle and we did! She made believers out of us relaying her tale of Papaw saving her by using the pitchfork to slow the old bull down. Fortunately, the ranch land was big enough there were many places to go and ride the horses or play on the tow sack swing or head off to the pear orchard without ever having to see any of the beasts on most days.

That place was a big part of my childhood and I still have fond memories of it. It’s also where my mom and her siblings grew up and I’m sure it will always feel like home to them even though the house is no longer standing. We passed out that way not too long ago and it doesn’t look the same as when Papaw was taking care of it. In a way, I’m glad he’s not around to see the overgrown fence rows and the decaying barns. The family that owned the land way back then are long gone too. I’m not sure who owns the property now, but it must be someone that doesn’t care and that makes me sad. At one time, it was a beautiful place or was it the fact my precious Mamaw lived there? Perhaps that’s the reason it was so special to me!

Reckon we would get any business?

Caroluk says: “You can do what you like, but horse and carriage must be recognizable in the final image.”

Floating, slowly sinking in the calm water never to dress the tree again… yet still beautiful in its fading glory… effectively captured to live forever on this virtual canvas.

You didn’t know I could be so serious, didja? This is my favorite photo taken with my tiny Canon so far. Although small in size, it’s a powerful camera and I’m enjoying learning more of its capabilities.

Another beautiful day for hunting reflections and fall colors. I’m enjoying this fall more than any I can ever remember before. I believe it could have something to do with 2005 and 2006 being dry with very few “reflecting pools” available out here in the boonies. I was also busy watering and feeding cattle during that time too and wasn’t looking very hard for photo opportunities. I am happy to say once again that 2007 is still a good year!

We celebrated Aunt Mary’s 80th birthday today although the actual date is a few days away. We all had a great time and so did she!

Happy, Happy Birthday….. and many, many more!

I’ve had my camera for almost two years now and I’m still learning what all those buttons are for. When I leave the house every day, I take it or the point and shoot. Of course the tiny Canon does the work for me and so will the DSLR. However, I’m taking better photos since I’ve decided to actually learn what those buttons will do for me and not use the auto features. You know, if I could just make a little money with this obsession of photographing cats, I would be tickled pink! On second thought, then it would be labeled as a job and I might not enjoy it near as much!