Looks like some stress relief was in order on State Street, between Liechty Homes and The Woodhouse. I noticed this Saturday night as I came into town and found two lanes coned off and a police car directing traffic through the remaining lane. Looks like there’s a new addition to the summer construction season “to do” list.
This wagon was an unexpected find last weekend, and one of my favorite rainy day photos. Actually, considering I had a very short window of time in which to operate, I had a very profitable day from a photo hobbyist standpoint!
Speaking of “on the wagon”, I have been abstaining from drinking pop for eight months now. I sleep better, and I know it’s better for me. I’ve had an appetite spike since ditching caffeinated fizzy stuff, so I have to be careful of that. Headaches have diminished, though, and my wife is happy. But drinking water is so boring!
I may have already mentioned that I had ambitions of drone flight after work last Friday, but the constant sprinkles put a stop to that notion. That’s okay…I got one of the best photos of spring so far, and I didn’t even get any ticks on me! Yet.
I hope this puts the tune “Remarkable Cows” in your head – why should I have all the fun? I took a little time to roam with my cameras on Friday, thinking I might get some drone time, but the rain dampened those expectations. It also came down on these cows, some of whom showed that just because you’re big and slow doesn’t mean you’re stupid. They found shelter on the porch of a dilapidated house in their pasture.
I don’t blame ’em – it’s no fun getting soaked when all you’re trying to do is get the weekend off to a decent start. Unlike me, they have no waterproof gear. So, mama took the kiddos to the porch for some respite.
It’s rather pragmatic, but I don’t know why I found it so amusing. So amusing, in fact, that I didn’t notice that the chimney of the house had tipped over. I only spotted that later when looking at the photos.
I don’t know why I found these cows so amusing. I guess since I’m a city/mountain kid. In any case, good for them. We should all spend more time hanging out on the front porch.
Everything except my lawn appears to be turning green! I can’t wait for the trees to be full as well. It’s been a long winter, and I’d love to leave it in the rearview mirror. How about you?
While there have been some holidays, Friday was the first day I took off this year as far as I can recall. Been a busy spring. I headed out with my gear for a day of roaming, even though this is not a fantastic time for photography. Everything is brown, no matter how nice the weather is outside. But I did manage to find some color here and there.
The wind was ridiculous – there’s no way I was putting a drone in the air. Of course, as soon as I rolled in to Bismarck the wind quit entirely. I just had to laugh. I didn’t come home empty-handed, even though I fought the wind at every turn. Gradually I’ll roll out the pictures I brought home.
On a very white, overcast day recently I decided to pay a visit to an old friend, a house that I’ve liked to check in on frequently that isn’t too far from my property. I took the opportunity to explore a few new angles, as I had some drone batteries I needed to run down to 50%.
Since it’s already April, the bleak winter scenes are losing some of their appeal, but I was totally into it back when I flew to these shots. Sometimes in the winter you get days where the air is just heavy – it’s like the entire outdoors is one giant soundproof room. I love days like that. They remind me of growing up in the Rockies where the mountains and their thick blanket of snow seem to absorb all the sound. It’s so serene.
Of course, there was nothing serene about my propeller noise, but I did manage to enjoy the day anyway. Coming home with some nice pictures to play with in Photoshop didn’t hurt, either!
Now I hope we can get to some green photos as quickly as possible. With the snow gone, we’re left with brown grass and leafless trees. This is why I prefer autumn in North Dakota to the spring; the weather is about the same, but in the fall we have green whereas in spring we’re stuck with brown. Regardless, I look forward to the turning of the season. It can’t happen quickly enough!
Well, actually this photo has more color than it should if I want it to convey my frustration with this continued wintery weather. I should be riding motorcycles to work and doing all kinds of other fun Spring things, and I’m craving some green vegetation as well. Now I hear there’s a chance for another winter storm next weekend…well, that’s just fantastic.
Well, you know what? In that case, let’s make it a MONSTER. I’m talking Spring 1997. If we have to put up with this kind of meteorological nonsense, then let’s go all-in. I want ten feet of snow, delivered sideways. In fact, I dare Mother Nature (whom I don’t believe in) to hit me with your best shot. Yeah, that’s right…a Pat Benatar reference. Bring it.
(UPDATE): There will be no winter storm in the Bismarck-Mandan area. How do I know? Simple…I stretched the main belt in my snowblower last weekend, and had to spend a ridiculous amount to get new belts (one replacement, one spare) shipped here before the upcoming weekend and predicted storm. As soon as I did that, the forecast models began nudging the area of heaviest snow southward. If I just run out and by a sled we’ll be totally in the clear. Maybe I should set up a GoFundMe…?
I love when I spot something like this. The Stars and Stripes. Old Glory. The colors. I’m proud of my country, and I love seeing patriotism on display wherever I go. I think it’s something we take for granted here in North Dakota. Thankfully I don’t live in a place where people claim the flag stands for anything other than the greatest country on earth.
Conditions were just right when I passed this old prairie church, giving me a cool (literally) look around the place. While I didn’t catch any of that wonderful sunrise or sunset light that typically flatters an old abandoned prairie place, I did get color of a different sort. One can arrange to go inside this old church, but I was just passing through and didn’t have the time. Maybe on another journey…
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