UNI vs Iowa State Women's Basketball, Nov 20, 2008

Here are a couple pictures from the basketball game the other night.

Let me say that those who know me know that I am no huge fan of basketball. Actually I don't care for basketball too much.
My sister took Elizabeth to the game as it was girls night out while I went to an art show reception for Gary Kelly's Paris and the French Riviera. (my other blog.) I met up with them at close to half time. This was the second time that I've been in the McLeod center. The first time was May of 2006 for high school graduation.

We are slightly over matched.
Not to worry as it's a young team and
they will all learn from the experience.

State unity is shown with the cheer squads.

Half time already. No marching bands as in football.
We saw some great pyramid building.

I can't even see the ball.

Another score for UNI.

T.C. mingles with the fans.

Some are loved and some wipe up sweat.

Red bird alert.

Win or lose it was very nice.

"Good game."

It was fun to people watch. Perhaps I'd see another game someday. Till then...

Take care and take pictures of all the family happenings at Thanksgiving.
-Kim

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, Grand Opening

Our state museum to honor all Iowa Veterans opened today. I am sorry to say that I didn't make it to the parade or the ribbon cutting. I arrived at 3:00 to volunteer in what ever way needed.

The Lone Sailor looks great against the colors.

Civil War meets todays sailors.

The Navy band sounded beautiful in the atrium.

Here is the picture that I was talking about in the first post about the museum.

The last time I saw so many uniforms was when I toured the Pentagon.

I really like how the story of the home front is told from several eras. Do you think we would have won without the support from home?


Reenacters from several states answered the call to come recognize
the veterans and help tell the story.

The little prairie girls are checking out the photos that soldiers carried with them to war.

The gift shop was open. I liked the Lone Sailor pin that I bought.

Top of the hour...BOOM!

The Lone Sailor has company tonight.


The staff at the Grout worked very hard to get everything ship shape for today.

The feel of the museum is pride, honor, sacrifice, unity and wonderment. It was very moving to see our veterans take it all in and hear their comments. Even I, a volunteer of two hours, was thanked for being there! I told them that the thanks belongs all to them.

I encourage you to run over and take a tour. It really is well done.

Thank a veteran and take pictures,
Kim

Troop 55 - Eagle Scout Number 98

I am very proud to announce that we are celebrating Christopher's advancement to the rank of Eagle Scout. Can it be that it has already been 10 years since he was a first grade Tiger Cub? He joins his brother, Ben, who is Eagle Scout number 89.

His Eagle Scout service project was the planning and leading 40 people the construction of a wood chip path to a playground at Cedar Heights Elementary.

Take care and take pictures of all the happenings all the time.
-Kim

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15th because that is the grand opening of the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum at the Grout Museum in Waterloo. (There will be a parade too 10:00)

I had a chance to go for a sneak peak yesterday with a Cub Scout Pack and was excited and proud that this museum is here in our own area.

The Lone Sailor statue greets visitors. Designed by Stanley Bleifeld, the original stands in Washington D.C. at the Navy Memorial. He represents all sailors past, present and future. There are 12 statues around the country all standing next to water. We are only inland site. (If you ever get to Washington D. C. take a moment to visit the memorial. The bronze reliefs surrounding the Plaza are really cool to see!)

Inside: Learn about Iowa's veterans from the Civil War to the present.
Including Iowa boys sent to the Phillipines in the late 1800's. Learned something new.

Trench warfare in World War I, the war to end all wars.

Up periscope.

The home front is explored through packing crates of cans in 30 seconds.
We told him that the lid would have to fit on the crate. Lid?

Checking out the theatre and viewing the stories of our Iowa Veterans.

Liberation is at hand! They were told to get down from the tank. I don't know why- the huge picture mural behind them shows about a dozen soldiers sitting on top of a tank.

Exploring a coding machine.

There is a Navy feel through out the museum.
The battleship grey and the steel stairs had the feeling of a battle ship.

Upstairs this statue of the 5 Sullivan Brothers greets us.

Evaluations are filled out at the end.
We only had time to touch on a few things.
Leaving plenty to come back and explore and learn.

If you don't already know the story of the Sullivan Brothers, I encourage you to do a some research. Kelly Sullivan Loughren, the granddaughter and grandniece lives and teaches right here in Cedar Falls! Check out Kelly on YouTube.

Take care and take pictures,
Kim

Park Farm Winery

Sunday, October 19th, 2008

My coworker, Ann, and I were talking about fall leaf gazing trips the other day. She mentioned the Park Farm Winery that is located in her old neck of the woods. I asked my friend, Mary, if she wanted to go with me to find it. It was a gorgeous day for a drive as we set out.

We see the distinctive barn and knew we were in the right place.

Looking north we gaze at the vineyard.

Feelings of Tuscany come to mind as we take a closer look at the grapes.
The leaves are about at peak.

They are open for tasting...and buying.

Mary opens the beautiful doors.

The tasting room is a busy place.

Mary looked at the pictures.
I didn't have the chance. Next time.

Looking out the west windows at the scene from Italy....I mean Iowa.

Displayed like art are some of the offerings of Park Farm.

The barrel room seems pretty full.

We tasted whites and reds and chose a couple to bring home.

I always stop for pictures of fungi.


Relaxing the afternoon away. People brought their own picnic snacks.
The band was setting up. It was very peaceful and soothing.

Almost the best time of day for pictures.
See what a slight turn of the camera does for lighting?



Mary show good composition in these last two frames.The contrasts of the landscape, the motion of lines, lighting and texture
is what makes these pictures stand out.
Thanks Mary for taking these. I am proud to say that
I didn't jerk to a stop while saying..."Mary get the shot!"

Each season has plenty of opportunity for great pictures.
Get out there and take some,
-Kim