• About

I Never Unpack

~ Traveling the country, gathering its lessons, learning its secrets

I Never Unpack

Monthly Archives: November 2014

A Triumph…Each and Every Morning

28 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

photo101, photography

There is triumph in each and every sunrise…

IMG_1451

a triumph over the dark night

IMG_1791

the promise of a new beginning

the opportunity to live more of life!

the opportunity to live more of life!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Edge…Being In Two Places at Once

26 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

photo101

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans the Missouri River, joining Omaha, Nebraska with Council Bluffs, Iowa. If I straddle the line in the middle of the bridge, I am on the edges of two states at the same time.

DSCN3089

The deck of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge across the Missouri River.

In this picture of a bridge pillar, I used the edge of the ladder to straighten the picture. It helps give extra dimension to the shot.

In this picture of a bridge pillar, I used the edge of the ladder to straighten the picture. It helps give extra dimension to the shot.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Glass…Casting Jewels

25 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

photo101

I love the way the blue glass casts jewels against the pure white background in this setting.DSCN4022The shot I took when I zoomed in is, I think, even more dramatic. This challenge, though I was stumped at first, was a lot of fun and really made me stretch!DSCN4023

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

I Am Thankful for Pumpkin Fudge… and a Whole Lot More

24 Monday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography, Sweet Treats

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

photography, Sweet Treats, Travel

It is Thanksgiving time…time to reflect on all the things we have for which to be thankful. For Jim and I, it is family. Our children and their families are the most treasured gift we have, and we are so thankful they are ours.

Traveling is one of our other most treasured gifts, and because those five children chose to live in five different states, we have lots of reasons (and excuses) to be on the road… a lot.

Our five children, over twenty-five years ago, on a trip to Bent's Fort in Colorado.

Our five children, more than twenty-five years ago, on a trip to Bent’s Fort in Colorado…and a Cabbage Patch doll, too!

So, this Thanksgiving I thought I would focus on the things for which we are grateful to the north, east, south and west, in the spring, summer, autumn and winter. Here are some of the things I came up with, though I have so many photos it was hard to choose my favorites.

To the north, east, south and west

We took a cruise to Alaska, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here is Point Retreat Lighthouse, seen as we cruised up the Inside Passage.
We took a cruise to Alaska, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here is Point Retreat Lighthouse, seen as we cruised up the Inside Passage.
We both love history, so Philadelphia is a perfect place for us to visit. This picture was taken as we strolled down Elfreth's Alley, America's oldest continuously inhabited street.
We both love history, so Philadelphia is a perfect place for us to visit. This picture was taken as we strolled down Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited street.
We have been to the Gulf of Mexico several times. We love walking along the beach.
We have been to the Gulf of Mexico several times. We love walking along the beach.
We love to travel west to take in the magnificent Rocky Mountains. This picture was taken in Utah, as we traveled north of Salt Lake City.
We love to travel west to take in the magnificent Rocky Mountains. This picture was taken in Utah, as we traveled north of Salt Lake City.

It doesn’t matter what season it is, we love them all! Now that we are retired from teaching, we can take trips in autumn, winter, and spring. too!

I have always wanted to see the cherry blossoms in the spring in Washington, D.C. They were truly worth the trip.
I have always wanted to see the cherry blossoms in the spring in Washington, D.C. They were truly worth the trip.
This cherry tree was close to the Native American Museum.
This cherry tree was close to the Native American Museum.
We are both from Michigan, and we have a son who currently lives there. We also have a daughter in Minnesota, so the ferry across Lake Michigan is an option when we want to see them both on the same trip. In this picture, we are leaving the port at Ludington, MI.
We are both from Michigan, and we have a son who currently lives there. We also have a daughter in Minnesota, so the ferry across Lake Michigan is an option when we want to see them both on the same trip. In this picture, we are leaving the port at Ludington, MI.
We love the colors of autumn. We have traveled to many different places to see autumn colors, but the colors at Meramec Springs, within twenty miles from our home, are some of the best in the country.
We love the colors of autumn. We have traveled to many different places to see autumn colors, but the colors at Meramec Springs, within twenty miles from our home, are some of the best in the country.
The ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are absolutely stunning. We just happened across them by chance, and were so happy to have found them.
The ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are absolutely stunning. We just happened across them by chance, and were so happy to have found them.
Bayfield, WI is the home of the ice caves. It was so much fun to walk out on frozen Lake Superior to take a picture of this picturesque town. Jim says it reminds him of a Currier and Ives print. He mentioned that to our kids and they had no idea what he was talking about...we are really getting old!
Bayfield, WI is the home of the ice caves. It was so much fun to walk out on frozen Lake Superior to take a picture of this picturesque town. Jim says it reminds him of a Currier and Ives print. He mentioned that to our kids and they had no idea what he was talking about…we are really getting old!

Pumpkin Fudge

We discovered Pumpkin Fudge on our recent trip to visit our daughter in Arkansas. It is delicious! I knew I had to find a recipe to make some myself with the pie pumpkins we picked at the pumpkin patch near her home. This is the recipe for the fudge I made, slightly adapted from a recipe I found at https://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/143188/spiced-pumpkin-fudge/.

Pumpkin Fudge

Pumpkin Fudge

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1-5 oz. can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree’*
  • 2 tsp. pumpkin spice
  • 2 cups white chocolate morsels (12 oz. pkg.)
  • 1-7 oz. jar marshmallow creme’
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Bring the sugars, the evaporated milk, pumpkin puree’ and spice to a rolling boil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.

Stir constantly for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer (235-240 degrees F).

Stir in the white chocolate morsels, marshmallow creme’, vanilla extract, and nuts (if using). You will need to stir vigorously for two to three minutes making sure all the morsels and the marshmallow creme’ are melted.

Pour mixture int a foil lined 9×13 pan. Let stand for 2 hours. Cover tightly and refrigerate.

* I use pumpkin puree’ that I have made from pie pumpkins, but you may use any commercially canned pumpkin, as well.

Enjoy!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

My Treasure…and a Memory from My Childhood

24 Monday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Family, Photography

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Family, photo101, photography

DSCN4015

My father served as a Navy Seabee in Ireland during World War II. He did not speak much about his experiences in the war, but he was so proud of this sugar bowl and creamer he brought home with him for my mother. It is made of the very thinnest china, called belleek. It has been mine since I got married, and I treasure it dearly. I am only surprised, and grateful, that it has traveled across an ocean with my father, and across several states as my own family has moved over the years.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Landscape…on an Island in Utah

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

photo101

Looking onto Antelope Island from the  Great Salt Lake.

Looking onto Antelope Island from the
Great Salt Lake.

Looking across the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island.

Looking across the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island.

One of the most beautiful places I have ever been is Antelope Island State Park situated in the Great Salt Lake. Until last summer, I had never heard of it, but on a recent trip to Utah we noticed it on our map and decided to check it out. It is nothing short of spectacular, incredible, magnificent…my pictures can certainly not do it proper justice.

It is reached by a causeway that all by itself offers great views, many reasons to stop along the way, and a great number of shorebirds to see.

The Antelope Island State Park Causeway

The Antelope Island State Park Causeway

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

A Swarm…of Migrating Pelicans

20 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

photo101

Not so long ago I caught this “swarm” of white pelicans at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, Missouri. Riverlands sits near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

White Pelicans at Lincoln Shields. part of Riverlands National Bird Sancturary.

White Pelicans at Lincoln Shields. a part of Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

These pelicans were in Ellis Bay at Riverlands.

These pelicans were in Ellis Bay at Riverlands.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

That One Moment

19 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

photo101

That one moment when you want to catch the hawk before it flies off…and you capture it just as it is spreading its wings!

MO (2)

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Architecture…and Three Courthouses

18 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

photo101

Rolla is a small town in south central Missouri. It is also the county seat of Phelps County. Over the years, the county government has occupied three different buildings. We are fortunate that all three buildings are still standing and still in use by the people of Phelps County. They are all located across the street from one another.

The three buildings have definite differences in architecture based on the eras in which they were constructed.

The first Phelps County Courthouse was the John A. Dillon House, built of hand-hewn logs in 1857. Today it houses the Phelps County Museum

The John A. Dillon House

The John A. Dillon House

Here you can see a close-up of the xonstruction of the Dillon House.

Here you can see a close-up of the construction of the Dillon House.

The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse was built in 1859, and was used for county business from 1860-1994. It was built of sand-mud brick, the first brick to be made in Rolla. The Old Courthouse was built at the cost of $7,975.00, of which $2000.00 was denied the builder due to a claim of poor workmanship.

During the years of the Civil War, the Old Courthouse was used as a hospital, and at one time, as a storage building for horse’s hay.

The cupola on the Old Courthouse.

The cupola on the Old Courthouse.

Earthquake rods were built into the sides of the Old Courthouse.

Earthquake rods were built into the sides of the Old Courthouse.

The courthouse in use today was built in 1994 with a distinctly modern architectural style.

The Phelps County Courthouse

The Phelps County Courthouse

Three eras, three distinctly different courthouse architectural styles, one county seat. I am glad we have chosen to preserve all three of them!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

A Pop of color…After the Snow

17 Monday Nov 2014

Posted by slvrhawk2014 in Photography

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

photo101

I saw this barn on our drive into St. Louis today, and thought it was perfect for my post today. It is truly a burst of color in this otherwise white and brown landscape.

I did some research to learn why barns are painted red. European settlers brought this tradition to America when they arrived here many years ago. Linseed oil was applied to barns to seal and protect the wood of the barn. These farmers found that if they added ferrous sulphate, commonly known as rust, to the oil, it caused the oil to take on a red color. They also believed that it gave protection against certain fungi and molds, which, if unchecked, allowed the wood to deteriorate sooner. So there you go, a pop of color and a bit of information!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts
Blogging U.

Archives

  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • May 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014

Categories

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • I Never Unpack
    • Join 226 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • I Never Unpack
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: