out of groceries

 

Just like this weathered sign on the closed store, the farming community of Wilson has seen better times.

 

Wilson, Texas

FM 400 and 211

6.10.2017

deja vu

 

The church Nuestra Senora de los Dolores in Manzano, founded 1824, has a scattering of graves in the churchyard including these twin iron angels.  The Salt Missions Trail makes an interesting day trip.

 

Manzano, New Mexico

kiva

 

At the Coronado Historic Site you could almost imagine Indian life centuries ago -- until you looked at the horizon and saw construction of the casino's new hotel! (and no, they never proved this was Coronado's winter home.

 



 

Bernalillo, New Mexico



 

 

A while back when I was  on FM 40, there was this "free" house.  I guess there were no takers because the message has changed.

 

Some research lead me to Reclaim the Plains and upcoming art show at the Tornado Gallery featuring only materials from this 1942 Lubbock County home.

 

FM 40

Lubbock County, Texas

 



miracle touch

 

Alley Art:  What other graphic besides this image by Michelangelo from the Sistine Chapel  would you expect at Miracle Touch Hail Dent Repair?

 

Alley behind 335 Buddy Holly Avenue

Lubbock, Texas

tractor parade

 

The biggest thing happening in Hale Center today was the South Plains Antique Tractor show at the Hale County Farm Museum.  Twelve antique tractors formed an impromptu parade along the I-27 access road.  Sadly I was the only bystander.

 

Hale Center, Texas

and they're all named debra

 

I have been in a photographic slump lately - maybe burned out or just no enthusiasm.  And then this afternoon this scene in a vacant storefront sparked my interest.

 

Downtown Slaton

Slaton, Texas

4.23.2017

While in Laurel, a suburb of Baltimore, we inquired at the hotel for seafood and were referred to "Bottom of the Bay."  Being a naïve Texan, I asked if it were on the water.  After laughing the desk clerk replied "no".  GPS guided us to this location.

It was not at all what we expected -- but a 3-in-1 opportunity - fine dining, lounge and liquor store.  After discussion, and it still being daylight, we said why not and parked in front of the dining room door.  Before we exited the car, the citizen standing by the dumpster informed us "they's closed but you can get take out in the liquor store."  We declined and sought other locales while wondering what "bottom of the bay" referred to.  Class members later told us the place had really good crabcakes but they usually got take out.

Laurel, Maryland
3.7.2017

baling wire

 

Before duct tape, baling wire was the "go to" for fixing' stuff -- like holdin' down the truck hood.

Exterior of the same 1940s International pickup.

 

Crosbyton, Texas

3.4.2017

gear shift

 

When going to an event like "Junk in the Trunk" it's not surprising to see a junked truck out front.  This 1940s International pickup will never be driven again -- but it makes great yard art.

 

Crosbyton, Texas

3.4.2017

city power & light

 

Today the community of Crosbyton, population less than 2,000, is surrounded by wind turbines and the municipal power company is out of business.  Nice jaunt today for "Junk in the Truck."

 

Crosbyton, Texas

parking lot abstract

 

The red wheel on this vintage pickup caught my eye.  In high school I drove a similar-colored pickup -- it wasn't vintage though, just a used '59 Chevy Fleetside with yellow wheels.  It had "four on the floor" but no horsepower.  We got it up to 78 mph once coming off the overpass.

 

Lubbock, Texas

spring iris

 

You might think this is the ubiquitous spring iris photo.  Think again.  This is the end result of the first steps to reach a desired goal.  I have long admired the digital photographic art of Roxi Hardegree and wished to do something similar.  To get this far, I had to learn how to use the camera on my new tablet.  Then I had to upload the  Snapseed app (with more apps to follow) and then play with its applications.  I know there is an easier way to get the photo from the tablet to the blog but until I know how, this was a four-step endeavor!

 

My Backyard

x marks the spot

 

A handy way to remember where you parked your pickup is to put it under the red X.  This building, currently serving as a garage, probably had a multitude of lives from gas station to cafe to whatever Red-X is.  A google search only raised questions because the place probably didn't sell smoke shop vapors nor testosterone steroids!

 

Floydada, Texas

2.19.2017

picket fence in front of red building

 

Wolfforth, Texas



frontier jail

 

While in Motley County, I did not do anything to be put in jail.  (Did you know Motley County is one of thirty prohibition or entirely dry counties in the State of Texas?)  I wouldn't have been incarcerated here anyway; this jail was erect in 1891 and was in service until 1984.  Cells were on the top floor with the jailer's living quarters on the lower level.  There was a handy trap door if needed for a hanging.  If you go to Matador, may be you'll be lucky enough for a day pass to tour the jail. (I had to peer through the first floor windows)

 

Matador, Motley County, Texas

2.19.2017

This 2-story jail was erected in 1891, the year Motley County was organized, after County Judge H. H. Campbell and commissioners Dan Browning, A. B. Cooper, J. J. John and W. E. Power awarded a construction contract to local builders J. F. Aiken and J. T. Cornett. Cells were on the top floor of the structure and jailer's living quarters on the lower level. The first courthouse, also built in 1891, later burned, but this jail remains as a symbol of Motley County's frontier heritage.
Built in 1891 and in service until 1984, this sandstone citadel marks the time when the Ol' West transitioned from lawlessness to order Motley County is one of thirty ^[4] prohibition, or entirely dry, counties in the state of Texas.

spot cash

 

Don't plan on buying your groceries at the Spot Cash - not only is it closed, it's only a shell of itself.  The grocery store served downtown Matador, according to newspaper ads, from the 1950s to the 1970s (they even gave Green Stamps).  But surely these elegant brick buildings housed other concerns during the heyday of the ranch town.  The owners proudly claimed the storefronts with their initials--their names probably lost to forgotten history.

 

Matador, Texas

2.19.2017

eternal view

 

For many, the road only leads in -- not out.

 

Roaring Springs Cemetery

Roaring Springs, Texas

stop sign

 

Wish I would have had time to stop in this pizza place for a Schlitz!  Looked like fun.

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

1.31.2017

chain chain chain

 

Did you realize that Aretha Franklin sang "chain" 19 times in the refrain of "Chain of Fool"?  That song went through my head when I shot this and then then I looked up the lyrics!  Caption and trivia in one post!

 

Lubock County Museum

Shallowater, Texas