Hey Bulldog - Whaddaya Say?

Mack the bulldog stands watch on the hood of a truck which bares his name. The highway truck is parked in a long term storage area used by city or county road maintenance workers. Noticeable on this mini statue are pit marks from the many road miles but overall he is in good shape. If you stand close to Mack you may hear him say, "Some kind of happiness is measured out in miles. What makes you think you’re something special when you smile?" Know that.

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Groundhog Babies Have Their Day in the Sun

Groundhog babies make their way out of an enclosure to warm themselves today. While it appears that four groundhogs are peeking out, there were actually five or six fuzz balls near the opening. I don't know where mama was, but she was probably nearby searching for food for her young ones, just ahead of Mother's Day. Know that.

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Boyce Motometer Styling For 100 Years

Model A cars turn up quite often around here for some reason. Recently a restored A parked for display at a local festival. This hood ornament comprised of a Boyce Motometer made in Long Island City, New York. The device measures the radiator vapor temperature via a liquid that rises vertically in a tube. Since the engine was not on, the temperature did not register. The patent for the motometer was granted in 1912 making the concept a hundred years old. This one was made by the Motometer G&E Company. In the design around the face parameter you can see the stylized G and E. A variation to the standard watch shape motometer is the inclusion of the wings atop the radiator cap. In the Roaring 1920s automobile designers took styling seriously. Know that.

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Months Ahead of the 2012 Harvest

An empty corn crib stands ready for another harvest in just about 5 months. Heck, the corn just was planted around 42N. For now the structure serves as a vine climb. Know that.

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Cold Stare from Green Eyes

Occassionally several elements of photo composition, lighting and cooperation from the model come together. This was the case while in Amana, Iowa to photograph Maifest this past weekend. A bit removed from legions of visitors who absorbed the German heritage Spring celebration, this cat relaxed on a home's front yard. Situated between dandelions, creeping charlie and a few blades of grass, the feral-looking cat's intense green eyes complimented its surroundings with a message of "I'm tracking you." Apparently even the lure of brats, music and beer just blocks away was not enough to deter green-eyes from watching a strange passersby. Know that.

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Many Faces of Amana's Maifest 2012

Maifest in the Amana Colonies is one of a series of annual celebrations with themes of season, German, Amana, agrarian, and family. This past weekend's three day celebration in Main Amana featured traditional May pole dancers, German polka music and of course lots of food and beer. Saturday's exceptional summer-like weather brought many people out early to see the sights, hear the music and chow on brats and locally brewed Millstream Beer.  

If you didn't have a chance to experience Maifest, be sure to visit Amana for these celebrations: Oktoberfest Sept 28-30, Tannenbaum Forest Nov 23-December 16, Prelude to Christmas Nov 30-Dec 2 or Winterfest Jan 26th. Know that.

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Op's Tractor Barn Museum

This barn, now a museum was closed the day that I went by near West Amana, Iowa. Looks like a great place for further photo opps. Know that.

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