Firenze Friday Sky Watch ...

Here is a shot of the Cathedral's bell tower in Florence's Piazza della Signoria.  I have so many photographs from my trip to Italy.  I'm still going through them.  Have a great weekend, my fellow Watchers of the Sky.  At Sky Watch Friday you never know what you will find.

Home Sweet Bonassola Sky Watch ...

After a two week stay in a lovely Italian villa I had walked past this scene several times per day.  Sometimes I was strolling to lunch or dinner.  Sometimes I was rushing to catch the train for a side trip.  And more than once it was strictly for gelato, always a chocolate coconut combination.  

With each passing, the kayaks were never in the same order.  And the sky was always one huge moving picture.  The villa had spectacular views of the Mediterranean from the two verandas we spent all sunsets but a few.  The sky played an important role in my trip ... exactly like it does in every day of my life.

I was by myself this late cloudy afternoon and a day away from leaving for home.  I sat on the beach and waited and I loved the way the boats were fanned out.  A thin layer of clouds came over and I got the shot I had been waiting for.

Check out Sky Watch Friday ... you will find another's story, another's photograph, and someone else who wants to let you into their world.  

Sky Watch Friday ...

It's been a while since I have posted a photograph of the old Homestead.  I really love the sky action in this one I took last week.

We leave for our two week trip to Italy in a few days.  I like the huge contrast between where I live and the places I travel.  Hopefully, with the ability to post, next week's shot could be of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or David.  Whatever it is, there will be a a fantastic sky in it, I promise.

See Sky Watch Friday, where someone else wants to stay in touch and make you a part of their vacation.

Beatle Bailey Big Stone Sky Watch ...

We saw The Twins lose to The Mariner's yesterday but Target Field has the best hot dogs ever.  On the  scenic drive home we made our way to Big Stone Lake to hook up with Jolene and pick up the family nail gun.  A guy named Beatle Bailey sculpted this incredible Walleye which sit's atop the deck where we chowed down on a great dinner at SoDak Resort.  

All is well on The Prairie ... the corn is dead but we are moving on.  At Sky Watch Friday there is a sky that caused a photographer to think of you.  Check it out ... who doesn't love the Sky ?

Red Barns Sky Watch Friday ...

There's just something about a Red Barn.  The ones dearest to my heart are built years ago, that someone has just lovingly lapped on a fresh coat or two.  While many go for the browner shades, I will come to a dead stop in a Highway ditch for a closer look at a glowing classic Red Barn such as this.  I wasn't even looking at it's complimentary cloud backdrop.

This is the shade of both the nail polish and lipstick my Mother wore when I was a child.  It's the shade of Christmas.  It's the shade of my old Dining Room in Houston/West University.  It's the shade of my Geraniums.  And yes, here on The Prairie, it's the shade of my very own Barn.

Check out Sky Watch Friday ... today someone else cared to send you their very best.

Big Storm Cloud But Still No Rain ...

Here on The Prairie we don't do well without moisture.  As a child I remember my parents making calls out to my Great Grandfather's farm, continually asking the question, "Did you get any rain"?  My Uncle Don and his wife Josephine held this very valuable land at the time.  I'm sure they didn't have crop insurance.  And irrigation systems hadn't come into style.  


Now I understand the mechanics of being the World's Bread Basket ... it isn't going to happen this year.  Check out Sky Watch Friday to see what your Peeps are saying about their Sky.  

Sky Watch Friday ...

Yesterday I followed this cloud for a while as I was making my way home from Henry, SD.  The Lorinda Cemetery is five miles or so from the farm my mother and her 4 siblings were born on.  I really should make a road trip out there with her when she returns from my Brother's place in Pierre.  They are fishing for Walleye and Salmon on the Missouri River  ...  a sure sign of summer on The Prairie.  Here, East River, we are feeding the pheasants, watering the sun flowers and praying for a nice steady rain for the gorgeous corn fields we're surrounded by.  
At Sky Watch Friday you can check out another sky, another story, and another's prayers.  

Mount Rushmore Sky Watch Friday ...

We took a road trip this week out to the Black Hills with Mom, my Step Son, Brad, and his kids, Ian and Liliya, who live in Houston.  We visited Chief Crazy Horse's monument, rode the 1880 Train through Custer State Park, took the trail along Roughlock Falls, drove through Spearfish Canyon, and when you have a Geologist in the family you always visit the rock shops. But the true highlight of a trip to the Hills is always Mount Rushmore, the work of Gutzon Borglum, a Danish/American Sculptor, and his son, Lincoln.  Construction of this mighty granite memorial to presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln began in 1927 and was completed in 1941.  There are monumental skies from all around the world at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com.  

Sky Watch Friday ...

A shot of the bluffs from the boat, Nebraska side of the Missouri River, Yankton, SD. 

Appreciate what's going on above ... visit Sky Watch Friday for another's view.

Growing Sunflowers Part Two ...

This weekend I transplanted my sprouted Sunflower seedlings.  I've had about 30 of them growing all together in one large pot.  They are the tallest greens just between the St. Francis and the metal rose.  I've put 6 or so in here and will let them all go for a while, then thin them out to the strongest 3.  More than that in this pot with everything else would be too crowded.  The stalks grow pretty thick.  I have Verbena, Aster and a Daisy along with them.

The Sunflowers will take a while to stabilize ... they don't really like being transplanted and will droop a bit in the heat of the sun.  Water them lightly every other day the first week.  I've put a very mild dose of Miracle Grow on all of mine.

Let me know how yours are doing, OK ?  Love from The Prairie.  xoxo.

Following Clouds ...

When I am following clouds and I find a view like this, I will always stop.  I love the pattern of the brand new foliage the corn brings to the photograph.  I also love the texture of the many shades of green in the grass and trees ... I love the browns and exactly where they are placed.  And the sky ???  I love it's power.

Check out Sky Watch Friday and see what someone else on the other side of the World found for you.  And follow your clouds while you follow your dreams. 

Accepting Sky Watch Friday ...

Wednesday afternoon the southern sky did this.  Mom and I drove into it while the turbulence before me took on the appearance of a certain turbulence inside me.  I am quite all right with the issue ...  acceptance is the key.  I see that in the very corners of my Photograph as well as in my Heart.  


At Sky Watch Friday there are other Hearts and Photographs.  Take them in.  Put yours out there.  And have a nice weekend.  Love from The Prairie.

Sky Watch Friday ...

When you visit me on The Prairie I'll take your photograph by the Pheasant located on Highway 212 in Tinkertown, South Dakota.  We'll be on our way to The Double R in Henry for a fantastic dinner.  


We are in Spearfish for a long weekend with the Wentzell's.  It's rainy and we may see a snowflake or two million.  Not to worry ... we are hunkered down for the maiden voyage of their double slide out Timberline Riverside with a Maid.  There are five cell phones in the house, 5 computers, one Kindle Fire, an Eden Pure, a great stereo system and a cherry cheesecake.  The only thing missing is HDTV.  I think we'll live. 


Check out the rough life of another Sky Watch Friday friend who thought of you with every click this week.  PS ... I'm the Maid.

Forever Yours, Dick ...

My Uncle Dick, a retired United States Air Force Colonel, was buried here at Mount Hope Cemetery on Monday.  When I read in his Obituary that the Honor Guard from Elsworth Air Force Base would participate in his graveside service I knew it was important to us as a Family.  What I didn't know was just how important my Uncle Dick was to the USA.


My cousins, Kathy and Doug, decided on circle seating which included Dick's coffin and family friend, Pastor Steve.  Kathy opened with a story of her Father skipping out on his farm chores to sit out on The Prairie, and how he decided to be a Bus Driver after a Greyhound went by.  We went on to sing, share stories, laugh, and cry.  My Mother said that one could not ask Dick the time of day without hearing how his watch was made.  I spoke of our shared love of Photography and his sense of class in everything he did, including the measurement of the trunks of all of our cars and the suitcases that had to fit inside after road trips to Dayton, Ohio had come to an end.  Ron mentioned the model planes displayed in his office that he had made of each of the 54 planes he had flown during World War II.


Kathy read a letter written to my Grandmother by Dick's Commanding Major General when it appeared Dick would complete rigid training and win his wings.  He wrote that it took an "inherent something" to fly for the Air Force, and that in addition to precision, "daring and coolness" would be a major factor in the success of the entire war effort.  Dick went on to fly dangerous missions over Europe.  He flew the President of South Korea to President Kennedy's funeral, and took President Nixon somewhere he couldn't talk about.  When we grilled him as both children and adults on the Air Force's UFO files he would smile, say he didn't know a thing, then cast a grin that said he did.


When we arrived at Mount Hope the Honor Guard was positioned for their detail, a precision march and pall bearing sequence, to the back of the herse where upon opening the door, the Corporal Lead Guard said "He is ours now".  After bringing him to the open gravesite, the six men performed the flag fold and a three volley rifle salute.  A lone bugler played the perfect Taps and the flag was then presented to Kathy by the Lead Guard who said, "On behalf of the President of The United States and a grateful nation I wish to present you with this flag in appreciation for your Father's service".  I've heard this statement many times but it seemed I was hearing it for the first time.


War is out there.  Too many reasons prompt power hungry nations and greedy people to fight.  As today's War takes on a smoke screen posture of dying down, other issues gain momentum that will likely lead to destruction and death.  I know I would feel much safer if my Uncle Dick was still in the air.  May he rest in peace, Forever Ours.

Growing Sunflowers ...

For some fantastic reason I am a World's reference for growing Sunflowers. Many people do internet searches on the topic and land here. I take this job seriously. Here we go again ...

Last Thursday evening I spread three packets of seeds out on this "Luxurious Dinner Napkin" ~ an inside joke between my Husband and I. One brand of these handy naps actually says this on the package and for the past 30 years when we're out of them, whoever puts them on the grocery list writes it out exactly like that : )

These particular Sunflower Seeds are the Mammoth Gray type, also referred to as Hellanthus Annus. A few fun facts: We're talking about the genus of plants comprising 52 species in the Asterascae family, all of which are native to North America. Some species, Helianthus Annuus, the Sunflower, and Helianthus Tuberosus, the Jerusalem artichoke, are cultivated in Europe and other parts of the world as food crops and ornamental plants. It's good to know these things. Thank you, Wickipedia.

After spreading them out and covering them up within the napkin I gently sprayed them with pretty warm water and put them on an indoor shelf that gets direct sunlight from a southern exposure for about 4 hours per day. I sprayed them again both Friday and last night. They will be ready to plant in another few days or so ... you will know when it's time. I'm going to plant mine in tall black pots outside, except for a few, which will go in a pot on my Sun Porch. I usually plant 5 seedlings in my pots which are 12" by 12" square. Once planted in a very sunny spot you will care for them like most outdoor potted plants in Summer ... water before they totally dry out with Miracle Bloom sprinkled lightly around the top of the soil, give them a nice light shower occasionally, talk to them, tell them you love them. They will grow from 7 to 9 feet in pots and 9 to 12 feet in the ground.

Please let me know if I can answer specific questions. I love my Job. And watch for more photographs and updates. Love from The Prairie ...

Rejoice, It's Sky Watch Friday ...

It's a rare day on The Prairie when the wind doesn't blow in some fashion. On calm days I look for water. Our amazing clouds reflect so beautifully.

So when I parked off of Highway 212 this week and walked back up towards what is now a small lake due to heavy flooding last Spring, I was mesmerized by these two trees. All I can see is two Ladies dancing ... their arms are also their legs and they even have little heads. I love them. They are rejoicing, totally.

Sky Watch Friday ... from my world to yours.

Sunny Side Sky Watch Friday ...

Big Windmill and little Moon ... I came away from what remained of that Homestead with a question. If I were still in Houston what would I be passionate about photographing ? Here on The Prairie I tend to worry a bit that I will run out of Sunrises and Sunsets, run out of Flowers and Fields, and eventually run out of everything that's cool to look at.

From the highway it appears to be just a weather beaten House and a rickety Windmill. It wasn't safe to walk into, yet it seemed to be wide open. There was no glass in the old window frames so I was able to lean into the pastel colored walls and feel the love.

Her stove was still standing in the soft yellow kitchen. The living room was a vibrant turquoise blue. The bedroom was a soft pink. She painted the rooms while he was in the field.
I began to see it through her eyes, beyond it's present state, which was also quite beautiful.
Wherever she is now, I love her.

I'm not going to worry ever again that I won't continue to find beauty in everything I see. Now go find another story at SKY WATCH FRIDAY.

Sky Watch Friday ...

Grace Luthern Church's neon cross is lit from behind by the moon this Holy Week. It's a simple but very beautiful landmark just a few blocks from the house I grew up in. I looked up then and I look up now ... nothing has really changed.

Yes, it's about the Bunny and it's also about the chocolate and the eggs, but for Christians the weekend marks the anniversary of Christ dying on the cross and rising again. And Sky Watch Friday will keep you looking up.

Something Else Sky Watch Friday ...

Willow Trees with very few leaves but lots of pollen ...

Somewhere else, someone else put the brakes on for something else at Sky Watch Friday. Check it out and keep your eyes peeled : ) With love from The Prairie.

Sky Watch Friday ...

I love where I live. The hints of green this time of year are an unexpected pleasure. The birds are coming home and the Farmers are in the field. And I am right where I am supposed to be.

See where another's photo takes you at Sky Watch Friday.

Oh Lord Sky Watch Friday ...

The restored Church at Joy Ranch.

We belong to Trinity Episcopal Church here in Watertown, South Dakota. That's Catholic Lite ... 1/3 less guilt ; ) yet we can't seem to attract the numbers necessary to keep afloat. There are approximately 20 of us who attend services regularly and span ages 5 to nearly 95. Our Nest Egg is almost gone. Oh, Lord !!!

Check out Sky Watch Friday and say a little prayer for our Church. Thanks. xoxo.

Sapiential Sky Watch Friday ...

Wisdom is where you find it. Today it rides a magnificent ball of fire. Follow that Planet to Sky Watch Friday, where you will see other worthy interpretations.

A Fighting February Sky Watch Friday ...

We had a gorgeous Sky all day yesterday. While I relate many of my photographs to songs coming from my satellite radio, I followed these clouds to the tune of an argument going on between two friends in my car.

Skies happen for a reason. For me, the mere sight of what's happening above us is meant to draw us away from ourselves and our struggles. I clung to my sky, and my Nikon, for the best reason I knew of ... it's never going to look this way again. And it's just for you, with love from The Prairie.

There are skies. There are people. There are arguments and there is harmony. It's all there at Sky Watch Friday. And we are watching it for you all the way around the World.

Mister MoJo Rising ...

I'm good at stumbling upon cool stuff. I'm always looking for cool stuff. But I couldn't have found this. It just was ... all because I took the time to pull off of Interstate 29 and head east on a country road.

I was following a bank of clouds that looked like the Ocean. Then I found a cemetery, a mysterious house, and a beautifully wild field of harvested corn.

But this ... all I did was brave the wind and point my camera towards the Sun. And Jim Morrison was wailing on about his L.A. Woman.

At http://www.skyley.blogspot.com you will find a visual litany of our world's skies. Some from one corner and some from another. All have people behind them with good MoJo.

Spreading The Love Sky Watch Friday ...

I love my trees. At the northwest corner they come together to protrude out into the rich black snow covered soil. I stopped for this -7 degrees photograph just as the sun was about to go down beyond them. The things I do for love ... and other people around the World are doing them too at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com

Dinosaur's Door Sky Watch Friday ...

It's been wicked cold here on The Prairie. I've been taking photos of things that look the part. This little building was once a Sinclair gas station here in town. The Dinosaur was phased out in 1969 when Atlantic Richfield bought Sinclair ... big mistake. Who "dumps" a Dinosaur ? It was -8 degrees when I snapped the Dinosaur and his door:

It may be cold skies here on The Prairie, but at Sky Watch Friday you'll find warm ones too. We're here to remind you to look up. And while you're doing so, don't miss what's in the trees.

Sky Watch Friday ...

The Earth and Sky meet with the mere hint of a break between the two. The shelter belt is still, yet there is life ... Pheasants, Rabbits, and perhaps a few Blue Jays who didn't care to venture South.

Many of my favorite photographs say it best by saying nothing at all. I leave it up to you to find it's beauty and meaning.

See what your World is saying, or not, at Sky Watch Friday.

Sky Watch For Yann ...

Many of you know the work of Yann Arthus Bertrand in the Earth From Above Series. I own the book of 366 Days. It sits open at the table on my sun porch where I turn the page each day, considering the photographs and their location. It's my way of traveling to exotic lands.

I took this photograph of the rising sun through a thin sheet of ice outside the window of my east facing back door. Fortunately I have another back door, this one allowing access to the setting sun from my porch. I keep a close watch on these ever changing ice patterns and the colors in the sky as they splay out behind them.

You have many different friends around the world who are clamoring for your attention in many different ways at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com It's our way of helping you to keep your eye on the sky.