300 Years

I had a thought today...I have over 11,000 photos in digital format (doesn't include any of my film pictures)..so doing one photo day a day for 365 days I could already post one a day for thirty years. And, since I'm doing one a day now - one just can't shoot one picture - I shoot maybe 10 or 11 (sometimes more) a day, so, if I'm posting 1 day, and taking 11 a day I still would be good for an additional 300 years (posting one a day out of the 11 a day I take). Makes my head hurt - I'd better post one here...














Stained Glass...

0 at Noon

It's supposed to warm up during the day - this was the temperature at noon today - up from a chilly -12 below.
(Click on the photo if you want to see a larger image.)

Knitted Purse

I've had several inquiries about my Yarn Pictures - asking if my wife bought any yarn while I was wondering around Crazy Girls taking pictures. The answer is a resounding YES...

Her skill amazes me and fascinates me at the same time. In my eyes she bought a bunch of colored string hanging from a wall and in 2 days this purse appeared and she is now working on a matching tam (I think that's a hat). She knits while she talks (or talks while she knits), watches television and knits (or knits while watching television) - even knits during the homily at church (yes, the priest knows). She's been knitting so long it's second nature...she's a Crazy Girl!!

Again - New Math

This evening as my wife and I were coming back from working out we stopped at a grocery store to pick up some bread. We observed the following sign attached to a candy display: SALE 2 for a $1. The only problem is that they were clearly marked as selling for .48 cents a piece.

How is $1 on sale?

A New Year

My wife and I have joined a health club sponsored by Covenant Hospital in Waterloo. A most reasonable rate - we qualified for the senior discount -ugh... The goal is to become healthier, lighter and thinner.

Last night was the first night. My body fat was - let's just say the Navy wouldn't like it (it exceeds 22%). The trainer set up a regimen that includes 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes on a variety of machines which I'm sure had their beginnings during the Midevil torture times.

So, along with doing a Photo a day for 365 days I am also committing to 3 times a week at the health club. Wish me well and send encouragement!!

Frozen Pipes

Finding a plumber on a day when it was 34 below zero proved difficult. The first plumber we called said - "no way, we're too busy un-freezing pipes." The 2nd place we called said - "We're going out of town, back next week. Good luck" (Seems they missed a good money making opportunity) We then called the Roto Rooter guy and he said he could make it.

He showed up about 5:45 PM and got right to work. Turns out our pipes were frozen. He "rooted" then used a hair dryer and hot water to finish the job. While he was putting everything back together he broke one of the pipes on the garbage disposal. He was apologetic and ran right out to buy a replacement part - no charge. I was so impressed with his work ethic and friendly demeanor (and the fact it was close to 8 at night) I tipped him. (Out of my character). Water runs now and today we'll shop for some insulation. Of course it probably won't be 34 below zero for another 50 years - but, hey, we'll be ready!!

Yuck...

I don't know if it is the 34 degree BELOW Zero weather, or that something has become lodged in our kitchen drain, but I woke up at 5:45 AM to a plugged kitchen drain. Finding a plumber today won't happen because they're all unfreezing pipes around town (it's 34 degrees BELOW Zero). I have plunged repeatedly to no avail. Next step is to buy some drain unplugging stuff and wait...

Check Your Credit Report

I had an article published in the Cedar Valley Business Monthly. If you click on the title of the post it should direct you to the article. If the link is broken leave a comment and I'll post a copy of the article.

Photo Club

Paddle Boat Reflected in the Mississippi















Louisiana Swamp as depicted at the Dubuque River Museum.

I went to a Photo Club Meeting today in Cedar Rapids (Waterloo can't seem to put one together) and entered the above 2 photos in this months competition - the topic was "Reflections". I didn't win or place, but received some votes. The photos that won were excellent photos. I will continue to compete...

Snorkeling in Iowa

Snorkeling in Iowa... (I think alcohol was involved).

A friend sent me this and I laughed so hard I wanted to share. (I don't think this is him - can't tell from the angle).

Beauty of New Snow

We received 4" of new snow last night and it is beautiful outside. Never mind all of the aggravation that goes with a new snow (shoveling, plowing, slipping, sliding, falling down) - it is gorgeous.

As I was taking my wife to work this morning we came across a SUV who had obviously been traveling too fast for the road conditions - hung up on a snow bank. I had my camera with me, but there was no opportunity to pull over and snap a photo. It seems, however, that the majority of vehicles in the ditch and "hung up" on snow banks are SUVs and trucks. I believe it is because the driver's have a false sense of security. They know they have 4 x 4 traction and can "plow" through the snow but seem to forget the stopping part... 4 x 4 or not, vehicles do not stop on a dime on ice. That's my 2 cents worth...(ok maybe a dime.). (Click on the photo to view a larger image.)

Lousy Janitor

I work in a small credit union. When I am asked what I do at the Credit Union I am fond of saying that I am the CEO/CFO and Janitor. It describes the fact that in a small business, you have to do a variety of jobs ranging from financial decisions to taking out the garbage (something I'm sure the CEO of GM does not do.)

At any rate, every time my youngest daughter visits she points out the spider web and dead lady bug in the window and tells me I'm a lousy janitor. I like to tease - so I leave the web and its prey - reminds me that I'm a lousy janitor.

Scissors Take A Ride

This morning was an icy morning - as evidenced by a picture in a prior post. Before we left the house this morning for church I grabbed a pair of scissors from the kitchen (to open the bag of salt) and proceeded to the garage. I opened the bag and sat the scissors on the trunk of my car. I proceeded to cover the driveway in salt. When I finished, back into the house I went.

This evening, a good 12 hours and 15 miles since this morning, we went to pick up my mother-in-law and sister-in-law for a trip to a steak house. When we arrived at their house we needed to put something into the trunk, so I popped the trunk - and, off came a pair of scissors. The same pair of scissors I used to open the bag of salt in the morning. They had been on my trunk from our house to the church, from the church to visit a friend in the hospital, from the hospital to our house and then to pick up folks for supper. It's a wonder that with all the slipping, sliding, bumping and jumping that they didn't fall off- sure glad they didn't fall off and stab a pedestrian. And, best of all - I don't have to buy a new pair!!!

Project 365

I am embarking on a Project 365 - where I will take and upload a new photo every day in 2009. My Project 365 Blog is at: ttp://rallenhillproject365.blogspot.com.

One of my resolutions for 2009 is to pay closer attention to this blog and make many more posts (lucky you).

This photo is the first sunrise of 2009 over Waterloo, Iowa. I couldn't sleep and woke up at 5:00 AM on New Years day - so, since the rest of the house was still asleep (ok, not the house, the people in the house) I decided to go out and about and take some pictures.

Here is another:















I saw this reflection while I was driving, and since there was little to no traffic I stopped and took the picture.

Have a good 2009 filled with joy and happiness.

Ironing Board Pedestrian Accident

I do not know what possessed me to join the masses shopping today - but I ventured out. It was probably the $20 Best Buy Rewards Bonus I received in the mail - they give me $20 I give them $80 - m-m-m-, how does that work?

At any rate, as I was walking past a Bed Bath and Beyond store a woman came out of the door (at a high rate of speed), not looking left, or right, just barged onto the sidewalk. BAM - I got nailed with a glancing blow from her just purchased ironing board. Since we were both walking there was no need to exchange driver's licenses or insurance information - and she was apologetic. I was not injured - so good on so many fronts, can you see the headline if I had been injured, "Pedestrian Ironing Board Accident sends One to the ER", or "The Police are still looking for the lady reposnsible for the hit and run with an ironing board..."

Ok - that's silly - but it did strike me (no pun indended) as humorous when it happened... But, hey, Shoppers - be careful out there...!!

On The Side

My wife and I attended a company christmas party this week and she ordered a dinner salad with the dressing on the side.

Now, I would think most people understand that "on the side" means, "in a little container sitting next to the salad", however, when her salad arrived the dressing was on the salad - albeit on the side of the salad...

The Grout Museum

We spent several hours today at the Grout Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. Where they have just completed a new wing, the Five Sullivan Brothers Veteran's Museum. It honors the sacrifice of a Waterloo family, the Sullivans, who lost their 5 sons when their ship the USS Juneau was sunk by a Japanese Submarine.

While the the museum name and some displays honor their specific service and sacrifice, it goes beyond their sacrifice and honors veterans (Iowans) lost in every conflict starting with the civil war. It is an amazing addition and will take several trips to take it all in.

We took 4 of our 6 grandchildren and they had a good time learning, crawling on a WWII Tank (replica), coloring, making something with beads, and asking alot of questions. One of them asked, Grandpa, did you serve in a War?"

The short answer is "No", however I was at a loss of words to explain the effect the Vietnam War on on me. I had dropped out of college after one semester to earn some money to go back to school. I went back and was well into my my second semester when I received a letter that began, "Greetings...". I had received a draft notice for the U. S. Army. I joined the Navy instead and ended up spending 30 years. During that time I did not serve in a combat area. I've had a few "dicey" moments shipboard, and in an airploane or two, but was never in combat. There were a couple of times in the 1970's when it felt like combat when I was serving as a recruiter in Minnesota - the Federal Building was bombed (where my office was located)...but, that all passed.

In gratitude for those who have served, for hose who are serving, and in sorrow for those who have lost their lives.

Keep Closed

A lot of words just to say - Keep the lid closed...

Nothing Sacred

Good Grief- is there nothing sacred anymore? Do I really have to hear on the radio and watch on the television about hemorrhoids, erections that last more than 4 hours, and gynecological surgery? What's wrong with keeping some of our lives private?

Aunt Helen

Aunt Helen and Aunt Dorothy

One of my favorite Aunts passed away this week and we had the burial and funeral service today. I enjoyed connecting once again with family and am sad that we only seem to get together when someone passes.

My Aunt Helen was a fastidious individual. Everything had a place and had to be in it's place. She had no clutter (except perhaps the chicken coop on the farm which has at least 70 years of "stuff" in it), at any rate, she was prim and proper. We did the service at the cemetery first today, and at the end of the service the funeral director said, "Excuse me folks, but I need to sleep at nights, and I just noticed that we have Helen backwards with her head toward the feet of George (her husband who passed 18 years ago), can I please get some help to turn her around?"

It was fitting - fastidious to the end. She always payed attention to the details. The world will not be the same without her.

Wordle

I found this website today called Wordle where you can create a customized word cloud using words of your choice or by linking to your website and letting wordle choose words used on your site. Wordle also allows you to choose from different layouts, fonts, and color schemes to fit your own particular style. There are lots of folks trying out this "toy" so why not give it a try yourself!

Newer Math

Here's an update to an earlier post, The New Math.

My wife stopped at a fast food restaurant to order a drink. The bill was $3.00. She gave the young lady a $20.00 bill. The girl gave her $32 in change. My wife pointed out that she had been given the wrong change and the girl rudely replied, "No I didn't...please move along you're blocking the traffic." Boy, that new math will put you out of business before too long...

New Topographics

I imagine everyone has struggled with finding a purpose in one's life. I do know that when I take my last breath on my last day, I want to know that I've made a difference, and that I am leaving something behind (besides my dust).

I've always felt like a kid and I have never known what it is I want to do when I grow up. I've been successful at several careers, Navy, writing, publishing, printing, web design and banking. Sometimes I worry that I am a Jack of all trades and Master of none. At any rate, I recently renewed a passion for photography.

My interest in photography dates back to the 1960s. I was in a dark room with a professional photographer who was developing a recent crime scene photograph. It was a picture taken at a murder/suicide. I watched him work in the darkroom - develop the film - prepare the trays with developer, stopper and water - load the negative in the enlarger - focus and snap. He put the paper in the developer tray and the scene slowly came to life - a woman laying on the floor in a pool of blood with her hand reaching out for a Bible. It was sad - teary sad - but, at the same time magical. There's no other way to describe watching a blank piece of paper floating in a liquid and having it come to life. It was mystical, and I was hooked. Over the years I have dabbled in photography, taking pictures and developing them. I've even sold several over the years.

With the recent digital advances two of my passions combine - computers and photography. I have a creative eye for a photograph - but, sometimes it needs a boost with photoshop.

I've recently been asking myself, what type of photographer? What kinds of photographs should I take? There are a lot of choices, landscapes, animals, kids, portraits, flowers, bugs, stuff, Art, etc. You get the idea...

I have recently discovered Topographics which is a movement which purpose is to document the erosion and disappearance of urban and rural America. A lot of the barns I photogrph in the rural areas of Iowa and Minnesota are falling down - years of neglect, perhaps a side effect of the mega farm, or maybe they're just old.

I believe I am going to concentrate on taking photographs which document man's negative footprint on the environment. And who knows, maybe I'll take a picture of a bug or even do a portrait along the way.

It's In The Stars

The Seven Sisters
Originally uploaded by mattie_shoes

A local educational institution scheduled a "star" class where participants would learn about the different constellations in the night sky. A phone call came in one afternoon asking if they could offer the class earlier in the day, as an evening class wouldn't work. The caller didn't seem to understand that it had to be dark to see the stars in the evening sky. Perhaps another class would be appropriate -

From the Mouths of Babes

Our church was celebrating the Installation of our Priest. The Bishop came to visit and participate in the ceremony. While the Bishop was giving his Homily, one of our congregation's two-year olds was making a fuss and was taken out by her mother. They were gone about 5 minutes, and when they came back in the little one announced, for all to hear, "I pooped!"

The Bishop broke a smile and complimented her on her accomplishment and continued right on with his Homily - while the rest of of us tried not to explode with laughter. Kids are great!!

Water, Water, Water

Water, water... Iowa has been inundated with rain, resulting in floods. The picture is of the credit union where I work. The flood waters came within 2" of coming into the credit union. I had to evacuate the credit union to my 2nd disaster location (my home). We ran the credit union from my home office for a couple of days. We managed to get back into the building today, and back to a normal state.

Roosevelt

My wife and I recently attended a Five Sullivan Brothers Recognition for Military Commitment Banquet where we were shown a Grout Film in honor of the "Greatest Generation", the WWII era.

Sitting at our table was a WWII veteran. He name was Roosevelt (pictured above) and he served as a medic in the Army during WWII and was, I'd say, 80+ years old. He is an African-American gentleman, small of stature and bent over at the waist. He entertained us with stories. The 1st story he told happened 10 years ago when a gang member talked his way into Roosevelt's house, for the purpose of mudering him as a gang ritual. The guy (according to Roosevelt) was 7' tall and at least 300+ pounds. He told Rooselvelt to lie on the floor. To which Roosevelt replied, "No - I won't make it easy for you to kill me."

At that Roosevelt picked up an end table and started beating the crap out of the intruder. He got in several good blows before the intruder stabbed him. The knife was sticking out of Roosevelt's side and the young man said, "There...you're dead."

"Nope," said Roosevelt, I'll see you in court.

Roosevelt endured a lot of surgery and did in deed see the youg man in court.

Roosevelt's second story was current. It seems he was in the Chacago Ohara airport when a young "con man" grasped his hand (a gesture used to steal people's rings). Roosevelt, now in his 80s looked the young man in the eyes and said, "If you don't let go of my hand - one of us is going to see Jesus in about a minute and it ain't going to be me." The guy retreated...

Moral of the story - don't mess with the Greatest Generation...or at least Roosevelt...

Fish Sculpure

A lot of snow in Iowa... some cope by having fun in the snow...

But, don't get too close...

Full Service Gas Station

We are visiting my youngest daughter in New Prague, Minnesota - and after arriving I needed to put gas in the car. My daugherer steered us to a "Full Service" station. No kidding, FULL SERVICE. We pulled in and a nice young man came out to the car, asked what we needed, took my credit card to swipe it in the pump and he filled the tank. This is a service I thought had long disappeared, but in a small town in Minnesota, it is alive and well. If you're ever in New Prague stop by by the BP Gas Station on Main Street. Did it cost extra? Nope - the price was the same as advertised at the Shell and Holiday stations.

Loved it - I got to sit in the car and stay warm. Rumor has it that they'll also wash your window if it needs it.

Evolution of Windpower in Iowa as pointed out by my Cousin Tom

OLD - The windmill on my fathers farm near williams, Iowa

These pictures represent the evolution of windpower in Iowa. The single windmill still stands as an ICON of a fading era. The new Wind farms are the new generation.

NEW - MidAmerican Energy Wind Farm (Across the road from my gransfather's farm)

Aunts

Yesterday we went to Webster City to visit family. My cousin Tom came back from California to visit his mother, my aunt. I hadn't visited her in a while, but as soon as I walked in her house pleasant memories came rushing back. My Aunt Helen had the "best" junk drawer in the world. You know, that drawer, usually found in the kitchen, that has all sorts of 'stuff" in it, all kinds of batteries, nails, screws, and just good old plain "stuff". I fought off the urge to go into her kitchen and look for her current "junk drawer" - but, I imagine she has one. The picture above is an oil painting my aunt made of my cousin - it was during her "oil period". It has always been in the living room, or sitting room, and it just wouldn't be her house without it.

Pictured below (L-R) are my Aunt Helen and my Aunt Dorothy. I spent a good amount of time growing up in their homes. They were fun times -

No Trespassing

This brings up a question - what about BEFORE 9:00 PM, can we trespass?

Construction Worker Bounty

My wife and I traveled to Kansas City, Missouri today to attend a Seminar for Credit Unions. Just as we passed into Missouri from Iowa we saw the "dreaded orange cones" announcing road construction. There were the typical signs, "Slow Down", "Speed Limit 55 MPH", and "Fines Double in Construction Zones".

One sign however caught my eye, as I have never seen it before. It read, "Slow Down - $10,000 fine, AND you lose your license if you hit a construction worker."

Sounds like a bounty on highway workers..., and, what happens if the worker has reached the end of his rope and throws himself in front of a vehicle? Who pays the fine? Is it shared?

No Bull

We went to the Minnesota State Fair with my Step-Son, Daughter-In-Law, Wife, 2 daughters, 2 son-in-laws, and 4 of our 6 Grandkids. The Fair was great (I'll say better than the Iowa State Fair). We had a good time, visited the exhibits, ate the food, people watched and had a great time overall. I fullfilled my mission of getting a Yard Stick from every Fair I attend (Don't ask). We missed all of the storms - and missed the running of the bulls.

A day before we attended a bull had escaped and was charging hotdog stands, people, and was getting ready to charge a little girl, - when, he noticed a fire hydrant. He took off full speed (all 1200 lbs of him) and charged the hydrant. He hit the soft spot on his head and died instantly - no kidding (or should I say no bull) - seriously - he killed himself. There was a picture in the paper of him being hauled away. I was disappointed that there wasn't a chalk outline on the ground in the shape of a bull. I think they missed a chance for some good humor!!

Pink Lemonade

We went out for an evening meal with our son Stephen and his wife Cheri whom we were visiting in Iowa City and ate at an outdoor restaurant. The waitress asked what I wanted to drink and I replied lemonade, regular. She disappeared and about a minute later she tapped me on the shoulder and said, "All we have is Pink Lemonade, is that ok?" I said sure - a few minutes later she delivered the Pink Lemondae - in a red glass. Who could tell what color it was? Oh well...

Fanny Alarm

I went to visit my mother last week in the nursing home - her 92nd birthday. She has been falling alot lately so the staff of the nursing home put her on a "fanny alarm" - when she stands up a nasty "beep beep beep" goes off. Kind of like the sound of a big truck backing up. This noise alerts the staff that she's now mobile and they should watch for her.

I was relating this story to my youngest daughter who is a nurse in a hospital and she related that her unit got to test some, "new fanny alarms". Side note: I call them "fanny alarms, but they are called Tab Alarms."

One of the alarms played supercalifragilisticexpialidosous - which no one liked because everyone ended up with the song in their head. Another alarm utilized the recorded voice of a loved one. When the patient would get up, the alarm would say, "Dad, this is Stephanie, please sit down."

The fisrt time it was used "Dad" turned around quick to see his daughter (the voice) and fell right on his butt. So much for modern technology. The standard annoying beep won the day.

Iowa Falls, Iowa

Sometimes it's easier to post photos than to write - today is one of those days.
Visit my photos on Google http://picasaweb.google.com/rallenhill.

My Waterloo Days Parade

Grand Central

I'm playing around with Grand central where one number can be used to call me and all of my phones will ring. I added a call button here to my website. Give it a try. I don't know if I'll be able to answer, but leave me a voice mail if I don't...

I've given this a try and since I received no calls - i'll cancel the number. It sounds like a good idea, but since it's a long distance number - I'll pass.

Memorial Day 2007 Waterloo, Iowa

Farmers Market

I think they should have changed the sign to "Farmer" Market...
Perhaps everyone else was in the fields...