Jerico

A new cat from the Humane Society now happily resides in my daughter's house. Jerico replaces a cat they lost through cancer. Granddaughter Olivia is delighted since she has been agitating for another animal since Brandy died. Looks like a good choice to me!!

Another Day at the Races

Saturday & Sunday Meme: Camera Critters-"A Horse, A Horse, My Kingdom for a Horse!"

The wonderful farm museum on Washington Island, Wisconsin has small animals only, (rabbits, chickens, goats) which makes it easier for the volunteers to care for the property. Islandic horses are part of the island, but at the museum the best one can ride is this cute little critter!

The Tower

A favorite pastime for residents and tourists alike is climbing "the tower" which is a wooden structure that rises steeply into the air. Don't have statistics on its height, but it's a looong way up. The small photos give you an idea of the number of steps and, of course, the wonderful view after you finally reach the top. Along the way there are benches on several platforms for climbers to rest, and I took full advantage of them!

The Water Yoke

When the immigrants first settled on Washington Island, Wisconsin, they got their water from the Lake, either Lake Michigan or Green Bay. In order to transport the precious liquid, they devised this clever yoke; however, it was one of the women's tasks to haul it up from the lake!! Later they added a barrel and funnel to catch rainwater. See here.

ABC WEDNESDAY-"F"-Farm Museum Animals

There are just a few small FARM animals at the FARM Museum on Washington Island, primarily I suppose because it's easier for the volunteers to take care of rabbits, chickens and goats rather than larger animals that would require more attention and time. As it is, the volunteers do a wonderful job with this small musesum. Granddaughter Olivia had a wonderful time feeding the animals.

What a week this has been; won't go into all the details, but my internet service is still not up to snuff. The new modem I received today is defective so I'm using the ethernet cable 'til I get a new one. Sigh!

The Farm Museum

Founded for the public enjoyment and education about farm life on the Island, 3 acres and 6 original buildings include pioneer log cabin, blacksmith shop and sawmill, field machinery, hand tools and photo exhibits. During the summer season volunteers conduct demonstrations and children's programs.

The red container with an aluminum funnel is a rain barrel used to collect the precious liquid, the upper middle photo is part of the blacksmith shop and the single blade plow is on the right. It was raining sporadically during our visit so I didn't take notes and cannot identify the three items on the lower left. Any guesses?

Norweigan Stavekirke (Stave Church)

Because of the immigrant history of the Island, a facsimile of a Stave Church was built and is being maintained by the Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. It is situated in a park-like plot of land, surrounded by flowers and paths perfect for prayer and reflection.

A stave church is a medieval wooden structure with a post and beam construction related to timber framing. The wall frames are filled with vertical planks. The load-bearing posts (stafr in Old Norse) have lent their name to the building technique.
All of the few surviving stave churches except one are found in Norway, but related church types were once common all over northwestern Europe.

Our Herpetologist

Fear of snakes? Nah, not our resident herpetologist, granddaughter Olivia! We visited the Art and Nature Center that is located in an old schoolhouse, which is family friendly with hands on exhibits. It's great that she is not afraid to handle snakes and now wants to catch and keep some in a small aquarium...just as her Uncle Karl did when he was a boy. Must be genetic!

Rare Icelandic Horses

We are vacationing on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin with our grandkids. Whenever we stay, my husband and granddaughter take a trail ride on the rare Icelandic horses at Field Wood Farm.

Most of the people who settled on the island were Scandinavian immigrants, especially Icelanders. Today, Washington Island is one of the oldest Icelandic communities in the United States and among the largest outside of Iceland itself.

For a fascinating history of the Island, check this site.

Two Alums and a Future Star!

While vacationing in Wisconsin we stayed with relatives in Green Bay, and, of course, had to visit the Packer Stadium. My grandson Dominique who is a staunch Vikings supporter had the opportunity to meet two Packer alums. All three were good sports about having their photos taken together. Can you name the two former Packer players??

PS. We're vacationing on an island in Wisconsin with our grandkids, but unfortunately get a very poor internet signal. I'll be back whenever I can!

Camera Critters-Saturday and Sunday Meme

I frequent local cafes more than I should and need to break this expensive habit. Often however, I meet interesting people there and more frequently than not, I get to meet many beautiful canines. When the weather is not too hot or cold, dogs often wait patiently in an automobile for their owners to return. I need to smile because usually the dog sits in the driver's seat. Our dog, Maggi, is always in the driver's seat, whether or not we're in a car!

To see more Camera Critters from around the world on Saturday and Sunday, click here.

Hollyhocks

Old-fashioned hollyhocks are a gift from heaven.

A Burst of Yellow

At the recent Highland Art Festival, which is in my neighborhood, my eye caught both the pottery and the sunflowers. The artist displayed some lovely pieces and arranged them nicely with the burst of yellow flowers. Didn't buy anything, tho.

Today my darlin' husband, two terrific grandkids, Maggi our dog and I are on our way to an area I adore and where I was born: Door County, Wisconsin. First a stop in Green Bay to re-introduce the children to "The Shrine", Packer Stadium, a brief visit with relatives and after a family reunion on Friday, we'll drive up the Peninsula and take the ferry to Washington Island for a week of eating, sleeping, and reading. After Paris and Santa Fe, New Mexico, Door County is my favorite spot!!

ABC Wednesday-"D"

How original is this? "D" for dog...it may be a pedestrian choice for an ABC photo, but how can you resist this face?


To see more ABC entries, you can log on by by clicking here.

100 Strangers -#14

Meet Martin Berg, the owner of the Bones Car (see yesterday's post as well), who is a photographer as well as a free spirit. He told me that it took him two years to collect enough bones to create his car, which is poetry in motion. A whimsical nature is need to produce modern art such as this. Below his portrait I've added another photo of a full-frontal view of Martin's creation.

The Bone Car

I saw this car on the street once before, but Saturday I got lucky. It was parked at a local coffee shop, and I had an interesting chat with the owner of this "artwork in motion." Come back tomorrow to meet the artist!!

So long, Sparky! Camera Critters Saturday and Sunday

Sparky V, the "biggest ham" in a long line of sea lions to entertain families at Como Park Zoo, died Monday. He was 31. Sparky V holds a special place in Como's celebrity-animal roster, having performed from 1981 to 2001. Sparky V retired when vision problems made it too hard for him to see his trainer's signals. Sparky V was the oldest sea lion ever at Como and the second-oldest in the nation. The average lifespan for a sea lion is 15-25 years. RIP Sparky!
(Information from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, August 5, 2009). I took this photo of the painting of Sparky at Como Zoo in 2006.


To see more Camera Critters from around the world on Saturday and Sunday, click here.

An Audience

The number of people observing indicates the popularity of the paddock, my favorite place at the race track.

Lights, CAMERA, Action-ABC Wednesday "C"

All kinds of activities occur in the Paddock at Canterbury Park. As I was waiting to see the horses and jockeys with my single lens Canon CAMERA at the ready, I observed this professional CAMERA MAN snapping the action. What I wouldn't give for the equipment he is using!

ABC Wednesday is a meme initiated by Denise Nesbit. Check out her blog here.

To see more entries, you can log on by by clicking here.

A Horse of a Different Colour

Before the races, the Paddock is a pleasant area with benches and a landscape that includes an abundance of flowers. Interesting horse, isn't it?

Getting Ready!

The entire process of getting ready for a race is quite fascinating. I can't imagine why there are so many handlers for each horse. I suppose it's because each race follows closely behind the one preceding it...usually about 30-35 minutes. Many hands make quick work!

Frisky! Camera Critters Saturday and Sunday Meme

When we go to the races we visit the paddock to see the horses as they are prepared for each race. They're walked by their trainers, and then we see the jockeys in their colours as they ride out to the track and the post. This horse was very frisky and gave the trainers a very difficult time! A beauty, tho!


To see more Camera Critters from around the world on Saturday and Sunday, click here.