2016 Dribbles Away

"A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into."  Ansel Adams

Winter has finally made it to NW Iowa and it came with a bang.  First was the super freeze with temps in the minus 20's....that coming after we wondered if the lakes would ever freeze.  They did!  But before that I was blessed with seeing a dozen trumpeter swans spend a day on our lake, which is the first time I've seen them "wild".  Then the snow and cold came and they vanished.

This year has been filled with experiences with trips to Zion NP, Bryce NP and a short visit to Arches NP, all in the great state of Utah.  I spent a good deal of time in Sabino Canyon near Tucson and more time among the crags of the Granite Dells near Prescott, AZ.  The summer was full with photography around the lakes in NW Iowa and my keeping my space at Summerwind Gallery filled for the summer.  Met a lot of fantastic people, started spending Friday afternoons with my good friend, Mike Houge (mikehouge.typepad.com)  having coffee and cookies at the local McD's and talking a lot of photography.  I never had the time for regularly scheduled coffee outings when I farmed as there was always livestock to entertain me and fill my days.  Retirement is great and I recommend it highly.  I think Mike is tiring of my asking when he's going to retire, but I can wait.

This blog image was taken during a snow flurry at the Lakeside Laboratory facility near where I live. "Lakeside Lab is owned by the state of Iowa and operated through the Board of Regents. Its mission is twofold: 1) to provide science classes and research opportunities for university students, and 2) to offer Outreach Programs and provide services through the state universities."   It's a place for special times...snowfall,sunsets, clouds backgrounds, etc.  The stone structures were constructed in the '30's by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and it's a shame that the CCC isn't alive today as it was such a source of income for a lot of men and families during the depression.  Many of stone structures in state and national parks are the results of the CCC, as well as roads, trails, reforestation, etc.  If you get a chance you should Google and find out what a success it was for our country.

It is my wish that you all have a happy and prosperous new year, that our country thrives and flourishes, that wishes are met and prayers are answered, that our men and women of the armed services are protected and come home, that our veterans needs are finally met, and, most importantly, that we love one another.  God bless you all.

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Summer Wind Gallery, Arnolds Park, Iowa http://www.summerwindgallery.com

Comments

[Mike Houge]

Nicely composed Dan, and I can feel the cold. Love those December clouds also :-)

[Daniel Ruf]

Thanks, Mike. Of course with the removal of the tree it will be a change.