We’ll be back to Whidbey Island again in May to visit family. Looking forward to seeing Deception Pass as well.
photography
Memorial Day 2024
On May 5, 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, the head of an organization of Union veterans, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), declared
Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Many consider this the first “Memorial Day”.
Dayton, Ohio is home to an awesome museum and memorial park
Honoring American volunteers “Flying Tigers” during WWII
Today many cities and towns across the country observe the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, an official U.S. Federal Holiday formally established in 1971. This holiday is the time to stop and think about what the day is for, and why it is the time to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Some views captured in the yard today
The chives have bloomed!
Thought the peony was gone, but no!
Hummingbird silhouette looks on
Another rose on the way
Rose has an unknown loiterer, it seems
A stroll around your piece of nature always reveals the wonders of Earth.
Large, wonderous and impressive Pileated Woodpeckers
Here are a couple of videos we took and some facts about these eye catching forest birds. Pileated Woodpeckers are crow-sized birds (16 – 19 inches long) with a flame-red crest on top of their head. Their wingspan can be up to 30 inches.
The Pileated Woodpecker’s primary food is carpenter ants, along with other ants, woodboring beetle larvae, termites, and other insects such as flies, spruce budworm, caterpillars, cockroaches, and grasshoppers.
Pileated Woodpeckers stay with the same mate for life. Pairs claim forest territories up to 150 acres or larger. They loudly drum on trees with their beaks all year long to announce the boundaries of their territories.
Brownstown Indiana Ewing Depot Restoration
In 2013 Brownstown Township in Jackson County Indiana funded a wonderful project to relocate and restore a portion of the original Ewing Depot. The structure was moved by truck and trailer to a newly prepared site on Front Street near the high school.
Moving the building, photo courtesy Brownstown Township website
The finished project
The building was not open the day we drove by. The depot is in great condition. There is a RR traffic signal installed as part of the display. More information and photos are available at the Brownstown Township website.
Seymour Indiana welcome sign and CSX caboose
Intricate sign public art
This dramatic Seymour Welcome sign is located on US 50 just west of I-65. Made of metal on a concrete base, it includes symbols of Seymour’s history. A locomotive, plane propeller, corn, guitar, crown, bell tower and grain bins are just a few of the items on the welcome sign that was completed in 2014.
A bit west of the sign on US 50 is a somewhat faded yellow caboose. Marked with the Chessie System logo and name, it is parked next to an abandoned grain elevator. Seymour has a long and colorful history with railroads, so this caboose is a fitting display for the town.
Another Bison-tennial bison spotted in Freetown, Indiana
We were enjoying a day trip to southern Indiana on a very warm May day. We’d been to a covered bridge, done some shopping, bird watching and just taking in the sights. The next sight we observed was another one of those Bison-tennial statues from Indiana’s 2016 celebration. celebration.
Freetown’s bison statue
One of the panels on bison’s flank
Another panel showing history of Freetown
We did find ourselves on a detour of our main route and noted the sign announcing that we had arrived in the unincorporated community of Freetown in Jackson County Indiana. We have seen several of these statues as we have traveled all over the state. Each one is different, due to the paint and design of same.
Indianapolis Southwestway Park offers mountain bike and horse trails
Southwestway Park is a 587-acre park in the southwest part of Indy, outside the I-465 loop on Mann Road. There is a long trail system that includes hiking, mountain biking, running and horseback riding. There are baseball diamonds, soccer fields and other recreational sports available here, along with the Winding River Golf Course.
Yes, horses allowed
Beautiful trails
Trail Head information board with trail maps
Discover White River Rewards Pass is a delightful program that allows you to explore 37 different parks along White River in central Indiana. Southwestway Park is one of 37 Indy parks belonging to the Rewards Pass. The Discover White River Pass offers exclusive real-world rewards like stickers, shirts, and on-water experiences by visiting dozens of parks and attractions.
Columbus Indiana’s award winning Mill Race Park
Columbus Indiana’s Mill Race Park is located on a flood plain on the west side of downtown. The award winning design takes that in account, for example, the restrooms are made to allow the annual flooding to flow through the glass block buildings with no damage.
Inside showing bridge trusses
One of my favorite parts of the park is the beautiful relocated covered bridge. Originally built in 1840 over the White River, it was rebuilt in 1995 at Mill Race Park. It remains the only Long Truss Structure in the state.
Greenwood’s On-Stage Live Cabaret rocks with Elvis and Tina Turner
We were pleased to find a new to us venue for the performing arts in central Indiana. The On-Stage Live Cabaret reopened this past March after having suffered from a COVID forced shutdown. The first show we could attend was The King and Queen of Rock n’ Roll, tributes to Elvis and Tina Turner.
Early Elvis
Early Tina
True to Cabaret style seating, you can pick your table, either for 2 or 4 people. It was nice to be able to pick where you want to sit, and see how many tables are already sold. Arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain, grab a beverage (beer, wine, soda or water) and snack, and get ready for the show!
Mid Elvis
Recognizable hair!
Elvis (Kyle Kenny) has three sets, each representing different times in the King’s career. Likewise, Tina (Q) also traces her career with song and fashion. These two entertainers put their hearts and souls into their performances. We were clapping, tapping our feet and grinning ear to ear with appreciation of the talent we were seeing.
70’s Elvis and Tina
We were completely satisfied with our attendance at this Cabaret. We enjoyed the seating, the comfortable atmosphere and the friendly staff. Sher actually said that “This is the place I’ve been looking for. Go, enjoy a drink, enjoy a show and have a relaxed time.”
Sher and Elvis
Maj and Tina
A Tribute To The King & Queen Of Rock ‘n Roll will be on stage next weekend May 3 – 4. Check the Cabaret website here for ticketing and other information. Also be sure to check the schedule for the rest of 2024. Lots of great shows coming! Make sure you take advantage of this wonderful entertainment facility. You won’t be disappointed!
Roadtirement 