Almost Always

Always is a word that is usually best left unsaid, but in this case, almost always accurately describes how often the daily pictures at NASA's Astronomy Picture of Day are good. I know I've posted about it before, but the images are that special.

Check out the image from yesterday of two galaxies colliding.

Pretty and Amazing.

Seeing Rings and Moons

The mosquitoes were thick, but the weather cooled a bit for Friday's telescope viewing at Moraine Valley. After several cancelled attempts last year and earlier this year, Sandra and I finally attended a viewing in May. Very much like last Friday's, the skies were clear to spot Venus and Saturn.

Saturn, in particular, is a treat through the telescope, as I saw not only the rings but also several of the planet's moon. It's one thing to hear about something, to see a photograph, but to view an image focused by a handmade telescope, that's incredible.

The next viewing is August...wait and see. Weather is always a factor.

For more info, check Moraine's Nature Study web page.

Sometimes Overlooked

I spend about an hour each way on public transportation heading to and from work. A car is quicker, but that brings its own issues. Besides there is something to being part of humanity which a ride on the train and bus offers that traveling isolated in a car cannot.

Sometimes it's the smallest of things, like how the current 8:10 bus driver seems to keep the trip on schedule when others can't, like how he greets everyone, particularly the older women whom he welcomes with a "Hello, young lady". They smile as they head to an open seat. I smile, being part of the moment.

Back to Wisconsin: Shake Rag Alley

Finally getting back to the March Wisconsin trip...

In the heart of Mineral Point, Shake Rag Alley was our last destination in town. An eclectic center for visual, performance, and literary arts, Shake Rag is not only a home for many educational programs and workshops for children and adults, but it is literally home to many of the artists who teach.



Ellery House

Visitors are allowed to walk parts of the grounds. The architecture is a blend of old and newer buildings which are designed to fit blend seamlessly together.



Nestling


Brick

The area is very peaceful. I could see why artists would want to come to this place.



And Wood


Reminders of the Past and Present


Through Trees to Water

Even wildlife seemed to enjoy the area as Sandra and I saw several birds. Yes in March!



Looking


March Bluejay


Just Down the Creek


More Birds

When and Then

It must have rained in the morning, some time before the skies cleared to a bright sun. As I sat, looking out the train window, a breeze shook the branches of mature trees. Showers fell. Big ol' drops rushed from the greeness of leaves to the ground--showers some time after the rain in a bright early morning sun.

Stopping By

It's been a while since I've posted (now over two months). The pressures of work and not feeling like I had much to say coupled to create the break. One of things that I noticed was the blog was becoming more of photo gallery and less of an comprehensive dive into some really good aspects of life. In other words, I felt that I was already starting to write less back in April.

Though I now feeling more recharged. I have several photos to post from the trip to New Glarus. Sandra and I were also in southern Illinois in early June, so I intend to blog about that trip too. Perhaps I'll even be more focused on writing about the really great things that happen.

And yes, life can be good even if it's a little quiet.