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
Some views captured in the yard today
retirement activity
Turkey vultures get a bad rap
Some people are afraid of them, most state how ugly they are, many shudder when they think of what turkey vultures eat. Turkey vultures are, regardless of their reputation, wonderful birds that play a very important role in the ecosystem. They consume any dead animal carcasses they find, thus removing any rotting carcasses.
Warming up or drying out
What some think about the Turkey Vulture
Turkey vultures tend to roost at night in large groups. Their body temperatures lower overnight, and the next morning these large birds often spread their wings wide and hold them spread out. This behavior allows them to raise their temperatures. This behavior also is thought to dry wings.
Some more fun facts about Turkey Vultures
- They can soar for hours at a time, rarely flapping wings
- They clean up the carcasses of dead animals, keeping diseases down
- Wing spans reach up to six feet
- They stick their heads in carcasses, so no head feathers
- Buzzard is not the correct name for turkey vultures
- They DO NOT kill dogs, cats, or children
And finally, a group of Turkey Vultures roosting is called a “committee”. When they are soaring in the air on thermals they are a “kettle” and when eating they are a “wake”.
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.
Driving on a curvy road in southern Indiana
The on board map tipped us off to a series of curves coming our way north of Freetown, Jackson County.
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.
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!
Columbus Indiana historic Crump Theater
The Crump Theater began its long history in 1871 as a two story building named Keith’s Arcade. The Crump name came into the scene when John S. Crump purchased the building in 1889 and turned it into a large modern theater.
Crump marquee
Ticket booth
The next big event took place in 1920 after a massive remodeling job that basically gutted the building and started from scratch. This work started at the stage and went to the 3rd Street sidewalk. The next work was another massive remodel in 1941 that resulted in the art deco exterior and interior styles you see today.
Crump History
Fund raising event
After several years of disuse, the Crump is currently in the midst of an active “Save The Crump” campaign including fund raising and live concerts on stage. This fine old facility is hopefully back on tract for a resurgence of activity.
Front entrance, ticket booth
As a footnote, it should be noted that stories of ghosts and other “paranormal” activities have been part of the Crump story for decades. Several investigations have taken place in the Crump. One ghost, known as “The Lady In Black”, is reported to make regular appearances on the same stairway.
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