Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Outgoing




So, what am I up to? Working, reading, taking photos, dancing, and too much time on the internet. I liked the look of my outgoing mail today so I scanned it for you. Two of the letters are to my son who is away at a camp on wheels--today I think he is in Idaho. The letters will find him in Jasper! What a great place that is. One of the most beautiful parks in the world in my book.
More news to follow.

Monday, July 11, 2011

It's My Birthday and I'll Cry if I Want to.

Chicago Confidential

I'm taking the day off work to play in town in honor of my hemi-centennial. Can't decide quite how old I feel. Depends on the moment. The book is more vintage than I am though.

Here is a quote from Chicago Confidential, by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer, c. 1950:
"The actual circumscribed Loop was once hailed as the diadem in Chicago's golden crown. But it became the stone in her gallbladder."

I think I'll go check out the stone and see how bad it really is in 2011. Cheers.

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Layers of Limestone

Limestone Layers

Seen on the shore of Lake Michigan. Unfortunately, they are beautifying the lake and removing some of the old stone clutter. It will indeed look nicer but somehow I'd prefer the lake less tamed.

For Shutterday: Stone

Friday, July 08, 2011

July 4, 2011

Works for Me

I have to get some chores done but I thought I'd just post one or two pictures from my July 4th celebration. There are many more to come, as we had a lovely but too brief trip to New England for my cousin's wedding. So this is just a teaser and to let you know I'm still here.

Starry night

Green and Red

Friday, June 17, 2011

From the Archives

Azaleas

Amazing what photos I've never bothered to post. Here are a few that caught my eye.

Foggy Day on the Lake

Friday, June 10, 2011

5 years, 1132 Posts

Niagara, April 1964
Niagara Falls, 1964

I guess I've been keeping busy. Today was the 5th anniversary of this blog. 1100 plus posts isn't too shabby even if I post less frequently than in the past.
Today I spent several hours scanning old family photos. These are of my in-laws' family so there are no personal memories attached. I don't have my old family photos in my keeping since both my parents are alive but I have become the archivist for my husband's family. I see it also as keeping my sons' legacy for them. Truthfully, I'm the only one in the family with the will to do it anyhow.

Looking Down
(unknown location and person somewhere in Australia)

The unspoken rule is that I rigorously maintain the privacy of that side of the family but I though it would be cool to share a couple of vintage travel shots. These are from Australia and Niagara Falls. The man looking down the edge of the waterfall is an unknown acquaintance. I've posted on Flickr to see if I can find out what fall this is. 2010 safety rules doubtless would not permit one to stand on the edge of this fall and look over. How life changes!

War Memorial
American War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
Memorial is inscribed with the following words:
In grateful remembrance of the vital help given by the United States of America during the war in the Pacific 1941-1945.
Unveiled by
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
February 16, 1954

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Vintage Book Covers

Damon Runyon

Are going to be outgoing postcards. Sizing them accurately down to 4x6 turns out to be a little tricky but I think I'm getting the hang of it. My first efforts seemed to crop off some of the edges even though the pre-printing image looked fine. I'm wondering if I ought to try reading the books too.
Damon Runyon is going out to the Missive Maven. Maven definitely has a fun blog about letter writing and related themes. I hope I don't creep her out with Damon--some of the cover faces are a bit sinister if you ask me. Perhaps it is a bit better than sending The Loved One to a complete stranger--does it have a hint of stalker about it?

The Loved One

I'll keep on blog hopping as time permits.