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50th Anniversary Celebration - June, 5 2026

2026-06-05T02:00:00-05:00

June 5, 2026: Janet and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary on Lake Michigan, just a 3 hour drive from Indy. We invited our kids to join us and it was great that they were able to all take time off from their busy work lives. Three nights starting Thursday, June 4th.

On the drive up, we stopped at Grissom Air Museum. We enjoyed all the history of the many space and aircraft on display, but for some reason, Jane seemed to really, really enjoy it.

We also had time to take in Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles, Michigan after lunch. I loved the garden railway!

We reserved an Airbnb on the eastern shore close to Bridgman, Michigan. And once we all got there, we didn't leave for 3 days. The view was terrific from the front porch. And the walks along the beach were very enjoyable. Plenty of sand smoothed rocks to collect. Tessa and Charles had offered to provide our lunch time meals for both Friday and Saturday. As usual they were exquisite. It's always fun to watch them both do their thing in the kitchen.

Over the course of our stay, the weather was very changeable. We started out having blue skies then a couple of thunder storms rolled through. Then the sun came out again.

All in all, it was a very special and relaxing time.

20260604 Grissom Air Museum; 12:50 min

20260604 Fernwood Botanical Garden Railway; 3:20 min

20260605 Lake Michigan; 5:32 min

Photos

Oldenburg Road Trip - May 2026

2026-05-13T17:00:00-05:00

May 13, 2026: We made an Oldenburg road trip with Don & Julie for and Ancestry search. This was a fun little day trip to southeast Indiana with good friends and great weather.

Photos

20260513 Oldenburg; 32:58 min

Virginia's Scanned Family Photos

2026-04-06T10:00:00-05:00

Aptil 6, 2026: Janet's mother, Virginia sent us a thumb drive of all the family photos that she, along with the help of Sarah, had had scanned for posterity. Close to 20,000 photos!

So here they are!

Virginia's Photos

Charles/Tessa Spring Break 2026

2026-03-17T17:00:00-05:00

March 17, 2026: Charles and Tessa drove to Alabama over Spring Break.

20260317 Cloudland Canyon State Park Georgia; 1:05:55 min

20260318 DeSoto State Park Alabama; 2:28:42 min

20260319 Little River Canyon National Preserve Alabama; 1:02:14 min

20260320 Glen Falls Trail Lookout Mountain; 56:27 min

Charles/Tessa Hawaii 2025

2025-11-24T17:00:00-05:00

November 24, 2025: Charles and Tessa went to Hawaii over Thanksgiving. Part vacation - part Conference.

Walk along the Beach - November 24, 2025; Maui 22:13 min

Waihe'e Ridge Trail - November 25, 2025; Maui 1:49:18 min

Ho'olawa Valley Hike - November 26, 2025; Maui 38:39 min

Hoapili Trail Hike - November 27, 2025; Maui 1:31:58 min

More Hikes - November 29, 2025; Hana, Maui 2:15:05 min

Pipiwai Trail - November 30, 2025; Haleakala National Park, Maui 2:04:23 min

London 2025

2025-10-15T17:00:00-05:00

October 14, 2025: We traveled to London, England for 9 days with daughter, Jane. She had never been to England before, so this was a good opportunity for her to organize the things she wanted to see and do. I think she did a wonderful job. I believe she spent close to a year thinking about this trip, which is half the fun. She chose the time of year to coincide with her schedule at work as well as planned time off in-between her continuing education studies.

Of course, we hadn't planned on a Government Shutdown when first started considering this trip, so that gave us some concern, but it turned out not to be a major problem. Luckily we were able to get on an earlier flight to Philadelphia so we were able to make our connecting flight to Heathrow. We flew out on October 14th and got to London just before noon on the 15th. London time is 5 hours earlier that Indianapolis.

She and Janet booked a nice two bedroom Airbnb close to Russell Square and Euston Station as our home base and I thought it was very nice all things considered. We had Apartment A on the ground floor plus the lower level where the bedrooms and bathroom were located.

October 15, 2025: We took the Piccadilly line to Russell Square and walked a short distance to our Airbnb located at 5 Burton Street to drop off our luggage and head out for a bite to eat. Lunch was at Mable's Tavern. Fish & Chips and a Pint. Great! We headed back to homebase to crash for bit. Then we went grocery shopping in the evening at Brunswick Center.

Cartwright Gardens, London 6:33 min

5 Burton Street, London 10:25 min

Airbnb created and modeled in Revit

October 16, 2025: Our first full day in London. We stopped at a Pret (soon to become a mainstay of our food opportunities) for a Coffee and a delicious Bacon and Egg sandwich. Jane had booked a tour of the Tower of London including a short tour given by one of the Beefeaters. That was great fun! A+! We then had time to roam around the rest of the grounds and buildings. Of course we also saw the Crown Jewels, but no pictures were allowed in that high security area.

Tower of London, Beefeater Tour 33:55 min

Tower of London on our own 10:15 min

We stopped at Pret again for lunch. Hey, they have good food! Then we got on a bus to make our way to St. Paul's Cathedral. It really is a magnificent building with great history.

St. Paul's Cathedral 18:40 min

October 17, 2025: Jane and I spent the day at Greenwich, London. But getting there was half the fun. We took the tube to Westminster, then took a narrated boat tour down the Thames River.

Thames River cruise to Greenwich 35:39 min

Jane booked us for a tour of the Painted Gallery in Greenwich. She just doesn't let up.

Painted Gallery 38:28 min

It was time for a little recreation. Bowling! Jane won.

Bowling 5:04 min

Next up was the Queen's House and a walk uphill to the Royal Observatory.

Queen's House and the Royal Observatory 6:32 min

We were lucky enough to be at the right place and the right time for a Docent talk on the Harrison Sea Clocks. If you don't know anything about those inventions, take a listen and learn.

Harrison Sea Clocks talk 30:02 min

October 18, 2025: On Saturday, Janet had us going to Portobello Road for their Saturday market. If you like shopping, this is the place.

Portobello Road street market 18:19 min

On the way back, we decided to stop at St. James Park, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. There really is a lot to see in London.

St James Park, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square 15:35 min

October 19, 2025: On Sunday, Jane had planned another daytrip outside of London. She booked a trip to Dover Castle, the White Cliffs and Canterbury Cathedral. Janet opted to stay behind.

Dover Castle - Part 1 20:38 min

Dover Castle - Part 2 32:03 min

Dover Castle - Part 3 5:25 min

Dover Castle - Storytime 9:33 min

We got back on the bus for a short 5 minute ride to the White Cliffs of Dover. It was a little windy and a little wet.

White Cliffs of Dover 12:30 min

Our final stop of the day before heading back to London was Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral.

Canterbury Cathedral Part 1 8:41 min

Canterbury Cathedral Part 2 26:39 min

Monday was raining, so that made for a perfect day to visit the British Museum and Covent Garden.

British Museum 16:19 min

Covent Garden / Pollock's Toyshop 3:44 min

On Tuesday, Jane wanted to see the London Natural History Museum. But we decided to get in a nice walk first through Hyde Park. We met Janet at the Victoria & Albert Museum for lunch and to see a little of what that museum had to offer.

Marble Arch & Hyde Park 6:32 min

Natural History Museum 26:11 min

Victoria & Albert Museum 9:23 min

Wednesday was our last full day in London. Jane booked us on the Mail Rail at the fairly new London Postal museum. Great fun! I had the afternoon to myself as Janet and Jane went shopping. I chose to spend it in Regents Park.

Mail Rail at the London Postal Museum 20:43 min

London Postal Museum exhibits 10:24 min

Night Mail by W H Auden(1936) 3:14 min

Regents Park 17:04 min

Here are all of my photos.

Chris' Photos

Here are all of Jane's photos.

Jane's Photos

This is a collection of all of Jane's little movie clips that she made in England plus some selfies. Best viewed on a phone.

Jane's Movie Clips 17:46 min

Ancestry

2025-10-11T17:00:00-05:00

October 10, 2025: This is a compilation of my ancestry as best I can determine. This is based on research of past documentation including Findagrave.com website.

Images

Chris' Ancestry

Brandt Farm Celebration at Hollyhock Hill

2025-09-21T00:00:00-05:00

September 21, 2025: Brandt Farm celebrated our family farm in Indianapolis this year. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Hollyhock Hill Restaurant on the north side of Indianapolis, where we talked about the farm and family happenings and had great fun.

September 21, 2025 Brandt Farm Hollyhock Hill Photos

Northeast Indiana Trip

2025-09-18T00:00:00-05:00

September 18, 2025: We took a short two day trip to northeast Indiana with our good friends, Don and Julie. Weather was perfect the entire time.

As I was growing up and with my Mother's family connections, this was always an area we would visit often, especially during the summertime. My Mother was born and raised in Angola, Indiana and lived on Gale St. Her father, mother, step-mother, grandparents, great-grandparents and more are interred in this area.

I mentioned to Don about remembering the local AM radio station WOWO in that area of the state, and since his Mom had lived in Ft. Wayne, she told him about WOWO standing for "Weenies Only Wiggle Once!" Which I had never heard! Made for a good laugh.

We and our friends had spoken earlier in the summer about the possibility of making a visit to the Auburn Cord Dusenberg Car Museum in Auburn, Indiana and decided to make it happen. That museum did not disappoint. It is truly a world class car museum, particularly focused on the early history of the automobile industry and the grand styling of several early 20th century car companies.

But before Auburn, we decided to check out a somewhat newer Ouabache State Park east of Bluffton, IN. I had never driven through this part of the State. It was an adventure and a pleasure. Ouabache is not an easy place to get to, roads-under-construction and such, but once there, we enjoyed seeing the Bison (not the same as Buffalo), Lake Kunkel and the Fire Tower. Julie was the only one of our group brave and steady enough on her feet to make the climb and take a few photos from the top. There wasn't much room up there, and she couldn't believe there was actually some guy up there sitting on the small tower floor, working on his laptop. "Kinda creepy," she thought.

Ouabache State Park Visit 09/18/2025 2:07 min

We drove past the original "Fort" in Ft. Wayne and found a very nice block long pedestrian street area called "The Landing," where we discovered a very nice Mexican restaurant named Mercado for our lunch. Then it was on to the highlight of the day: the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Car museum. Even though there were three buildings available to explore for a price, we opted for the main museum building only, which was the original Cord Company building. And it was more than enough. Just a wonderful experience - "Nicotine Stain" and all. This was the name that Julie had given to one of the many beautiful classic car paint colors displayed on a board. But for some reason the original Car Company Marketing department thought "Cigarette Cream" might be more a appropriate and appealing color name.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Car museum Orientation Film 18:50 min

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Car museum 09/18/2025 8:32 min

We spent more time in the museum than originally planned, so we opted to start heading to our night's final destination - Potowami Inn in Pokagan State Park on the north shore of Lake James. But first, Julie wanted to stop at the Eckhart Public Library she knew about in Auburn and it was well worth seeing. I guess it was a Mr. Eckhart that was the visionary who wanted something more than another Carnegie Library for Auburn and he got it - a beautiful historic building with a somewhat lesser than stellar more recent addition. Julie also wanted to make a stop at the Sechler's Pickle factory in Ft. Wayne, but I nixed that idea.

My grandparents once owned a cottage on the east end of Lake James, the "Pill Box," and also another on the south side of the Lake, "Green Gable." Both of these have long since been resold and rebuilt into more year-round proper houses of a more costly, substantial and imposing nature. We had booked a couple of the "Historic Rooms" at the Inn for our night's accommodations and they were perfectly fine and totally adequate.

Potowatomi Inn and Pokagon State Park 09/18/2025 2:21 min

Friday, the 19th, we visited the Tobogan Run inside the park before venturing on to try and visit my ancestors gravesites. First stop, Jordan Cemetery, to try and find the headstone of my Great Great Grandfather, John Neal Creel. We did find it and a few pictures were taken!

Next stop was the famous Powers Church to see that beautiful historic church and search for the gravesite of my Great Great Great Grandfather, Calvin Powers. Amazingly, we found two Calvin Powers tombstones, but I think we were able to pin down my Great Great Great Grandfather's as the one with a reference to Lorenzo Creel on the back side as being the correct one. Lorenzo was my Great Grandfather's (Thomas Jefferson Creel's) brother and died while serving in the Indian territory of Nevada. And according to "www.findagrave.com" he is buried in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Powers Church & Cemetery Visit 09/19/2025 7:29 min

We then spent a few minutes in Metz, Indiana. This was where my Great Grandmother Edna Browning Wood Creel was born and raised. Next stop, Circle Hill Cemetery in Angola. I have many relatives buried there, but Circle Hill is a big cemetery and we couldn't locate their gravesites. When we got back home, I called the Cemetery and a very nice lady, Cindy, was able to give me the Section and Lot number of their location, which I will have to save for a future visit.

Last stop, was to see the summer home of Gene Stratton Porter on Sylvan Lake, famous Indiana author. This is an Indiana Historic site located at 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City. We didn't think we had enough time for the one hour tour, but we were able to walk around the grounds and peak in the windows.

September 2025 Northeast Indiana Trip Photos

Brandt Farm Workday Visit

2025-06-29T00:00:00-05:00

June 29, 2025: Mary & I went to the farm to take care of a few house issues and check on a few things. The corn looked really good.

I made a photo inventory of the farm house and barn interiors just for future reference.

June 29, 2025 Farm Visit and September 26, 2025

September 26, 2025: Mary & I went to the farm to take care of a few more house issues. I scraped the kitchen ceiling to remove a lot of the textured finish that was coming off the drywall ceiling. We verified that the bathtub shower fixture had been replaced and appeared to be working properly. The tub still needs a good cleaning, but we saved that for another day.

Steve and Brent stopped by the say hi. Hopefully, we will be seeing them again sometime in November.

The corn is 2 to 3 weeks away from being ready to harvest. The fields looked beautiful. Happy birthday, Joyce!

I got up in the wood mezzanine in the barn to photo survey the junk up there. We really need to clear that out at some point.

Drone video of farm 09/26/2025 1:33 min

2025 Copenhagen

2025-05-20T00:00:00-05:00

May 20, 2025: Janet & I took a 9 day trip to Copenhagen, Denmark with college classmates and good friends -Don & Julie

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Denmark Depart for Denmark

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Copenhagen Arrive in the lively Danish capital of Copenhagen, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM

Overnight: Copenhagen Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Thursday - Copenhagen Walking Tour, Tivoli Gardens This morning, embark on a walking tour of Copenhagen. Begin at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum and stroll to the National Museum of Denmark, the country's largest cultural history museum. Continue to the Church of Our Lady, housing the famous statue of Christ by Bertel Thorvaldsen. From there, proceed to the Round Tower, Europe's oldest functioning observatory, and Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family and the site of the changing of the guard. Conclude the tour at King's New Square, near the colorful 17th century harbor district of Nyhavn. In the afternoon, explore Tivoli Gardens, a world-famous theme park located in the heart of Copenhagen. As you enter this whimsical wonderland, you'll be greeted by beautifully manicured gardens, charming architecture, and a lively atmosphere

Walking Tour 05/22/2025 (2:00 min)

On our walk back to the hotel, we stopped at the Black Diamond Library, a wonderful building!

Black Diamond 05/22/2025 (3:13 min)

Tivoli Gardens05/22/2025 (12:52 min)

Tivoli Gardens Rockin' the Boat 05/22/2025 (3:26 min)

Overnight: Copenhagen Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Explore Hillerød & Helsingør Begin the day with a drive north to the picturesque town of Hillerød. On arrival, visit Frederiksborg Castle, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. The castle houses the Museum of National History which showcases a rich, centuries old collection of Danish artwork. Take a stroll through the beautiful Baroque garden with its flowing fountains and vibrant flowers. Next, continue to the coastal town of Helsingør. Here, explore Værftets Madmarked a vibrant food market that offers a delightful culinary experience and view Kronborg Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as Elsinore in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Conclude the tour of Helsingør with a visit to the Maritime Museum of Denmark, where you can view a rich collection of exhibits that cover Danish maritime history from ancient times to the present day. Later, return to your hotel

Quadrille Dance at Frederiksborg Castle 05/23/2025 (3:13 min)

Overnight: Copenhagen Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Copenhagen or Optional Møns Klint and Forest Tower Today is free to explore Copenhagen at your own pace. Perhaps, participate in the optional Møns Klint and Forest Tower. Begin the day with a drive to Camp Adventure. Upon arrival, ascend the impressive Forest Tower, a spiraling structure that rises 145 feet above the ground. As you make your way up via a gently sloping ramp that winds its way through the treetops, you will see the forest change around you until you reach the highest point above the treetops of South Zealand. Take in the stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see, on a clear day you might even see Sweden! Afterward, continue along Præstø Fjord, home to some of the first settlements in Denmark, to the small village of Kalvehave. Then, travel across the Bridge of Queen Alexandrine which will take you on to the island of Møn, one of Denmark's most idyllic islands. Arrive in the town of Stege and have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, head to Møns Klint, one of Denmark's most spectacular natural landmarks. These towering white chalk cliffs, rising over 393 feet above the turquoise waters of the Baltic Sea, provide and awe-inspiring landscape. Free time to see the cliffs from above or descend the wooden staircase (497 steps) to the beach, where you can walk along the base of the cliffs before heading to Copenhagen

Optional: Forest Tower & Mons Klint Overnight: Copenhagen Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Crossing the Øresund Bridge to Sweden, Malmö & Lund Tour Your day of exploration begins with a scenic drive across the impressive five-mile long Öresund Bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden. The first stop is Malmö, a vibrant city known for its innovative architecture. Visit Malmöhus Castle a medieval fortress, now home to several museums showcasing art, history, and natural science. Head to Lilla Torg, a quaint square in the heart of Gamla Staden (Old Town), lined with half-timbered houses, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. Perhaps, sample traditional dishes such as Swedish meatballs with lingonberries, and gravlax accompanied by a glass of Swedish beer or aquavit. Continue to Lund, one of Sweden's oldest cities. View the majestic Lund Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture dating back to the 12th century known for its astronomical clock. Proceed to Lund University, one of Scandinavia's oldest and most prestigious universities, and Kulturen a large open-air museum. Return to Copenhagen in late afternoon

Of course, the highlight was Janet, Jacob and Sarah getting stuck in the elevator at Malmöhus Castle.

Stuck in the Elevator Newspaper Article transcribed into English by Jacob (our tour director)

Stuck in Elevator 05/25/2025 (3:08 min)

Overnight: Copenhagen Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Copenhagen or Optional Roskilde Tour with Viking Ship Museum Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Roskilde Tour with Viking Ship Museum. Embark on a tour of the historic town of Roskilde and learn about the country's royal heritage and seafaring legacy. Begin with a visit to Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 12th century. This Gothic masterpiece serves as the final resting place for 40 kings and queens, including some of Denmark's most influential historical figures. Admire the intricate brickwork and the majestic interior, which includes the Chapel of the Magi with its beautiful frescoes and impressive altarpiece. Next, head to the nearby Viking Ship Museum, offering a glimpse into Denmark's Viking heritage. View a collection of five well-preserved Viking ships which date back to the 11th century and provide insights into shipbuilding techniques, trade, and warfare. Arrive at your hotel in late afternoon Optional: Roskilde Tour with Viking Ship Museum

Roskilde Viking Ship Museum 05/26/2025 (3:26 min)

Overnight: Copenhagen Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Copenhagen or Optional Christiansborg Palace & Nyhavn Canal Cruise On your last day at leisure in Copenhagen, join the optional Christiansborg Palace & Nyvahn Canal Cruise. Begin with a visit to the opulent Royal Reception rooms in Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office. It is here, where state functions and royal banquets are held. Proceed to the Great Hall, home to the Queen's tapestries, which depict 1,000 years of Danish history. Next, head to the picturesque Nyhavn harbor for a relaxing canal cruise. Nyhavn with its colorful 17th and 18th century townhouses, and vibrant atmosphere, is one of Copenhagen's most iconic sights. Explore the city's beauty from a unique perspective, gliding through the picturesque canals, passing by iconic landmarks like the striking Copenhagen Opera House, and the historic Christianshavn district with its charming houseboats. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager

Optional: Christiansborg Palace & Nyvahn Canal Cruise Overnight: Copenhagen Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Nyhavn Canal Cruise - Part 1 05/27/2025 (2:55 min)

Nyhavn Canal Cruise - Part 2 05/27/2025 (2:33 min)

Nyhavn Canal Cruise - Part 3 05/27/2025 (1:59 min)

DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart Denmark Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast

May 2025 Copenhagen Trip Photos by Chris

May 2025 Copenhagen Trip Photos by Janet

2025 Brandt Farm

2025-04-27T00:00:00-05:00

April 27, 2025: Mary, Will & I went up to the farm on a beautiful spring day for a much needed work day

The corn was planted this past week.

We saw what the raccoons had done on the inside of the house and we did our best to clean up the damage.

Will got the security cameras working again.

Photos

2025 Easter

2025-04-20T00:00:00-05:00

April 20, 2025: Janet & I hosted Easter this year and it was a real joy.

We have some really good cooks in this family, because the dinner was delicious.

Thank you, everyone!

And the weather cooperated, too. It turned out to being a beautiful Spring day.

Photos

Miscellaneous pics include the trimming of our front pine tree on Thursday before Easter and a pair geese checking out the roof of our house. I think I know what they were up to.

Easter video (i-phone movie) 04/20/2025 (1:05 min)

2025 Spain

2025-03-10T00:00:00-05:00

March 10, 2025: Janet & I took a trip to Spain to visit both some new and old sites. Particularly, Madrid and Toledo and Barcelona.

8 Day Madrid & Barcelona by Rail (Monday Departure, New York)

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Spain

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Madrid, capital of Spain, and home to the Spanish Royal family. Transfer independently to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Madrid

DAY 3, Wednesday - Meals: Breakfast Half Day Madrid Highlights (AM). Take a walking tour of the historic city center of Madrid. Stroll around Plaza de la Villa, the famous Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Oriente. From here, board a bus and head to the magnificent Puerta de Toledo. See the oldest bridge in Madrid and drive next to the Manzanares River, from where you will have great views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Pass by Mayor Street, Puerta del Sol square and the Las Cortes quarter on your way to Paseo del Prado. Admire the architecture of old Madrid arriving into Las Letras Quarter and continue to Cibeles Fountain. Do not miss Puerta de Alcalá, the most famous of the five ancient gates into the city. The last sights you will see on the tour are the Santiago Bernabéu stadium through Paseo de la Castellana street and Colon square

Madrid City Tour (i-phone movie) 03/12/2025 (5:51 min)

mercado de san miguel 03/12/2025 (0:45 min)

Bells of Almudena Cathedral 03/12/2025 (1:58 min)

Royal Palace in Madrid Changing of the Guard 03/12/2025 (2:40 min)

Overnight: Madrid

DAY 4, Thursday - Meals: Breakfast Half Day Toledo from Madrid (AM) Visit Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece. Stroll amid the courtyard cloisters and royal coats of arms at the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery. Conclude the tour with views of the Cathedral of Toledo. Then, you will have free time to explore Toledo on your own before returning to Madrid

Toledo, Spain walking tour 03/13/2025 (4:50 min)(i-phone generated)

Cathedral of Toledo El Transparente 03/13/2025 (1:50 min)

Damasquinos Artesanales Toledo 03/13/2025 (1:50 min)

Novotel Commercial Shoot 03/13/2025 (13:47 min)

Overnight: Madrid

DAY 5, Friday - Meals: Breakfast High-Speed Train to Barcelona This morning, transfer on your own to the train station and board the high-speed train to Barcelona, the capital of Spain's Catalonia region. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 6, Saturday - Meals: Breakfast Full Day in Barcelona Half Day Panoramic Barcelona (AM). Embark on a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and visit the impressive Cathedral of Barcelona. Afterward, continue the walking tour through the oldest part of the city and learn about its historic significance. Stroll down the narrow streets of the El Born neighborhood, and view Santa Maria del Mar Church. Then, board the bus for a panoramic tour through the city. See the Olympic Port, the beach and the fisherman's quarter, called Barceloneta. Head to Montjuïc Mountain, home to the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. Ride the cable car up the hill, for spectacular views over Barcelona. At the MNAC viewpoint, admire panoramic views of the city. Conclude the tour with a drive through Passeig de Gracia to see some of the most emblematic Gaudi buildings such as Casa Batlló and la Pedrera

Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 7, Sunday - Meals: Breakfast Full Day in Barcelona Sagrada Familia with Fast Track & Park Guell (AM). Take a guided tour of Park Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city's largest urban parks, a colorful and playful Gaudi creation. On arrival, admire the multi-colored mosaic dragon and learn about the park's history. Continue on to visit the iconic symbol of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece; a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Marvel at the astonishing interior, rich in symbolism inspired on natural wonders.

Of course, Janet and I had visited this 51 years ago in 1974. There were no crowds back then and no roof either.

Park Guell and Sagrada Familia (iPhone movie) 03/16/2025 (7:09 min)

Sagrada Familia movie clips 03/16/2025 (6:00 min)

Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 8, Monday - Meals: Breakfast Transfer to the airport and fly back home. Only took use 12 hours from takeoff to landing in Indianapolis, because we were able to just make an earlier (5 hours earlier!) flight to Indy. Sometimes the stars align.

March 2025 Spain Photos by Chris

March 2025 Spain Photos by Janet

Aunt Kay photos

2025-02-03T00:00:00-05:00

February 3, 2025: My Aunt Kay sent a copy of an old photo she had of herself and her Grandmother, Edna Brown Creel (Nanny). Nanny is reading a story to Kay. I wonder who might have been the photographer.

Photos

Thanksgiving 2024 in Bloomington

2024-11-28T00:00:00-05:00

November 28, 2024: We celebrated Thanksgiving in Bloomington this year. Charles and Tessa hosted. Jane caught a nasty cold a day or two before, so she opted out of trying to join us. The group pictures that I took came out a bit fuzzy so Charles was able to sharpen one of the best pics up a bit using Google photos. It's the last one that pops up, which is a copy of the second one.

We also all got to sing Happy Birthday to Tessa since this was her actual birthday! I think we put a candle in one of the desserts. Still, a nice little celebration. Because all birthdays are special!

Photos

Janet's Slides in Blue Binder

2024-10-28T00:00:00-05:00

October 28, 2024: Janet found some more of her slides and negatives in a Blue Binder in the basement, so I'm taking the opportunity to scan and post what she found.

Janet's scanned slides

Janet's scanned negatives

2024 Scotland

2024-09-18T00:00:00-05:00

September 18, 2024: We flew with PolyArk classmate, Don & Julie to to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, we met up with another PolyArk classmate, Karl and Barbara to begin our Gate 1 - 10 Day Classic Scotland Tour and 50th PolyArk Anniversary.

DAY 1, Tuesday arrive Wednesday - Depart for Scotland

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Edinburgh Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM

Royal Botanic Garden 09/19/2024 (3:20 min)

Overnight: Edinburgh Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Friday - Edinburgh City Tour This morning join a local guide for a city tour of historic Edinburgh. The route will take you past the Scottish Parliament, the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, Georgian New Town and Princes Street. Also included is a visit to Edinburgh Castle where you can see the Crown Room, St. Margaret's Chapel, and much more! The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing Optional: Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing (PM)

Edinburgh City Tour 09/20/2024 (2:00 min)

Bagpiper 09/20/2024 (0:53 min)

Proper Scottish Wedding Street Walk 09/20/2024 (1:54 min)

Overnight: Edinburgh Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in Edinburgh

Spend a day at leisure in the Scottish capital. Shop for traditional handicrafts and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this elegant city, known for its arts and military festivals. Catch one of the many museums or, join the optional morning tour to the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Learn about life aboard this elegant ship which has seen so many historic occasions. Continue to Holyrood Palace, official residence of the royal family in Scotland; see the State Apartments, Throne Room and priceless collection of tapestries and paintings Optional: Half Day Royal Yacht Britannia & Holyrood Palace (AM)

Overnight: Edinburgh Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Sunday - St. Andrews, Glamis Castle, Aviemore

Sightseeing begins in the town of St. Andrews, renowned for its famous golf course and the University where Prince William studied. Continue to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the Queen-Mother; visit this well-preserved ancient Scottish castle with its literary connections to Shakespeare's Macbeth. Despite local legends of mysterious monsters and ghosts, the castle is still home to the Lyon family. Next, scenic views await you as you travel farther north into the Scottish Highlands and through the mountainous Cairngorms National Park. Arrive in the winter sports resort of Aviemore in time for dinner.

St. Andrews 09/22/2024 (2:40 min)

Glamis Castle 09/22/2024 Carr-Bridge 09/23/2024 (1:30 min)

Overnight: Aviemore Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Monday - Carrbridge, Culloden Battlefield, Whisky Distillery & Tasting

Heading north from Aviemore you start the day with a photo stop in Carrbridge, a small Highland village which takes its name from the 18th century packhorse bridge which spans the local river. Continue to the site of the famous Culloden Battlefield near Inverness where the Jacobite forces faced the British army in 1746. This final battle marked the decisive collapse of the Jacobite uprisings and the beginning of the integration of the Highlands into the United Kingdom. A Visitor Center has been established to help preserve the battlefield and educate visitors about the battle through films and exhibitions. Next, tour a whisky distillery (Singleton) and enjoy a tasting or two before returning to Aviemore. The rest of the day is at leisure. For Sept departures, visit to a whisky distillery will be replaced with a custom whisky warehouse experience.

Overnight: Aviemore Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Tuesday - Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Fort William

Today, drive to the most notorious site in all of Scotland, Loch Ness. There will be time to take pictures and try to spot the elusive Nessie in the largest lake in Scotland. The tour continues its exploration of the Highlands up into the Isle of Skye, passing Eilean Donan Castle and crossing Skye Bridge. Drive through the lush countryside to the Clan Donald Museum of the Isles before returning to the mainland. Arrive in Fort William for dinner and overnight.

Shortbread - Tessa 09/24/2024 (3:56 min)

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum - Isle of Skye 09/24/2024 (2:34 min)

Armadale - Isle of Skye...from the sky, by Oscar 09/24/2024 (2:12 min)

Stirling Castle Tapestry Weavers 09/26/2024 (7:11 min)

Eilean Donan Castle and the Commando Memorial 09/24/2024 (1:36 min)

Commando Memorial aerial by Oscar 09/24/2024 (1:00 min)

Isles of Glencoe 09/24/2024 (1:37 min)

Overnight: Fort William Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday - Loch Lomond, Glasgow City Tour Continue towards Loch Lomond and cruise on the lake, taking in the views of the surrounding Trossachs National Park. This afternoon, arrive in vibrant Glasgow, where you will take a tour of the city sights. Spend your evening at leisure.

Glencoe Valley 09/25/2024 (2:48 min)

Loch Lomand boat ride 09/25/2024 (4:00 min)

Loch Lomond cruise via Oscar 09/25/2024 (1:00 min)

Loch Lomond cruise combined via Oscar 09/25/2024 (5:16 min)

Glasgow City Tour 09/25/2024 (2:35 min)

Glasgow Cathedral 09/25/2024 (2:36 min)

Overnight: Glasgow Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Thursday - Stirling Castle

Begin the day with a visit to Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. Then view the impressive "Kelpies", the world's largest equine sculptures and Scotland's latest iconic landmark rising majestically over the Forth & Clyde Canal. Return to Glasgow in the late afternoon. Tonight during dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager, David Seagrave.

Kelpies 09/26/2024 (1:07 min)

Stirling Castle Tour by Don 09/26/2024 (5:20 min)

Stirling Castle Lute Maker 09/26/2024 (1:23 min)

Stirling Castle Unicorn Tapestries 09/26/2024 (7:49 min)

Stirling Castle Broidster 09/26/2024 (8:17 min)

Stirling Castle Lute Player 09/26/2024 (1:00 min)

Stirling Castle Tapestry Weavers 09/26/2024 (7:11 min)

Glasgow time-lapsed walking tour by Oscar 09/26/2024 (1:26 min)

Overnight: Glasgow Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Friday - Extra Free Day. Took the train to Paisley to see the sites of this historic small town just outside of Glasgow.

Overnight: Glasgow Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Saturday - Depart Scotland. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Take Away Breakfast in order to catch a very early flight to Amsterdam then JFK.

September 2024 Scotland Photos by Chris

September 2024 Scotland Photos by Janet

September 2024 Scotland Photos by Don

September 2024 Scotland Photos by Julie

September 2024 Scotland Photos by Karl

Oscar was one of the tour participants I met, who had brought all sorts of camera gizmos including a drone, an Insta360 camera and mini DJI camera on a gimble. He kindly shared many of his videos with me. I pulled a few of his photos from his videos, just so you can take time to look at them.

September 2024 Scotland Photos by Oscar

Jane's Birthday Celebration in Bloomington

2024-09-08T00:00:00-05:00

September 8, 2024: We drove to Charles' and Tessa's house in Bloomington to celebrate Jane's upcoming Birthday in a few days. We got to see the many upgrades to the main house and patio area, while also spending a little time in the ADU. Charles and Tessa were making and providing lunch and the aromas coming from the kitchen area were simply mouth watering.

We also got a tour of all the changes in the main house, which are just about finished.

Thanks for hosting, you two. Great weather, too.

Photos

The following is a small video recap of the party along with some drone footage.

Videos 09/08/2024 (6:33 min)

John & Sarah Bon Voyage Party

2024-09-02T00:00:00-05:00

September 2, 2024: John and Sarah had a very nice Bon Voyage Party in Mystic, CT as they are getting ready to travel to Croatia to get married!

Photos

Brandt Farm Memorial Trees Planting Celebration

2024-08-24T00:00:00-05:00

August 24, 2024: My Niece, Mary, organized a very nice lunch at Brandt Farm to celebrate the planting of three apple trees in remembrance of her Mom (my Sister), Joyce; as well as a tree for Calista and a tree for Joyce Eastburn.

She also invited several dear friends of her Mother's who still live in the area. For once, the weather was perfect, if not a bit hot; but, it was still very tolerable.

Steven, Gina, Natasha, Brody, Alex, and Lydia were also able to join us. Brent, unfornately, had a conflict, but all his efforts were greatly appreciated.

Photos

The following is an unedited compilation of all of the drone videos that Charles was able to record.

Drone Videos 4/26/2024 (19:24 min)

Phyllis Don Jeffery Old Family Photos

2024-08-07T00:00:00-05:00

August 7, 2024: My Cousin Julie was kind enough to send me a bunch of old family photos that she had and that her Mother and Father had kept. I volunteered to digitize and post on this website, if she could get them to me. Consequently, I was happy to receive a couple of packages in the mail. My Aunt Phiddy (Phyllis) and Uncle Jeff (Don K.) were always favorites of mine and I always remember having such good times and a lot fun, whenever we saw them.

Several of these photos are of our common ancestors, so that makes them even more special. Some of these photos were really, really tiny so the resolution may still not be the best. Also, if any information was on the back of the photos, I tried to scan that as well. But, I was happy to see a few more pictures of Donald Wood Creel, Gramps, my Grandfather. And some are duplicates of what have already been posted in other heirloom directories. But most are one of a kind. Such wonderful treasures!

Jeffery Family Photos

2024 Mystic, CT Trip

2024-07-23T00:00:00-05:00

April 23, 2024: Janet wanted to make a short trip to visit with her Mother, Virginia, in Mystic so that is what we did.

We got to see Virginia's wonderful garden, which she tends every day. We also got to see John at work on the boat his father started building in the early 2000's. I'd say it looks beautiful and is getting close to being finished. Maybe next Spring it will actually see the water, right John?

We also went over to George's house to see his many pieces of homemade art sculpture. George truly is an artist.

And we even made time to walk over to the neighboring Packard Inn for a late lunch/ early dinner with Virgina and give her an little surprise birthday celebration, just a bit early.

Photos

Below are some links to a few short video clips. These can also be found on YouTube.

Sitting outside (0:51 min)

Sitting outside (0:29 min)

Acela Train crossing the Mystic River Swing Bridge (0:23 min)

Town Bridge opening for boat traffic (2:18 min)

Garden ruminations (0:33 min)

White Binder Eastburn Farm History

2024-07-02T00:00:00-05:00

July 2, 2024: This is a copy of a White Binder that my sister, Joyce had been compiling on Eastburn Farm history.

Eastburn Farm History Pages

July 5, 2024: This is a copy of the Eastburn Farm Deeds and Plats White Binder. Again, something that my sister, Joyce, had put together while preparing the Hoosier Homestead Award application.

Eastburn Farm Deeds and Plats Binder Pages

July 9, 2024: This is a copy of the Hoosier Homestead Award White Binder, that my sister, Joyce, had put together while preparing the Hoosier Homestead Award application.

Hoosier Homestead Award White Binder Pages

2024 Amsterdam - Hamburg Trip

2024-04-24T00:00:00-05:00

April 24, 2024: It's been 6 years since Janet and I have gone on a trip of any length and longer than that since we've traveled outside the USA. Two knee replacements, thumb reconstruction, broken wrist, Covid and Breast Cancer will slow a person down. But Janet felt like it might be a good time, health wise, to venture out again. We opted to do this trip on our own as kind of a shake down to see how we would hold up. And I'm grateful to say, I think that overall, given our age, we did pretty well.

It's been 50 years since we were last in Amsterdam. And that time it was only for a few short hours. There was also something I've been wanting to truly experience in Hamburg, Germany in person. That being Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model train layout in the world. It was started by two brothers in the early 2000's and is now the #1 attraction in Germany. So we thought maybe we could combine the two. So that's what Janet started planning. Spring seemed to be an ideal time, especially in order to see the flowers in the Netherlands. They so beautiful.

We opted for trip/health insurance and I'm glad to say we didn't need it. Though we did both get Covid at some point on the trip. Seemed like a mild cold to me, but Janet tested when we got home and she tested positive and so did I. Hopefully, our imune systems will be able to handle the virus. So far, so good.

We learned that we would be in Amsterdam for King's Day (didn't know what that was) and it turned out being an amazing experience. Absolutely the biggest party I've ever seen. Everyone seemed to have a very good time in a responsible manner.

We were also in Hamburg over another major public holiday, May Day (May 1st) or Labour Day or International Workers' Day. It was just the opposite of King's Day, because the streets were pretty empty. Everyone seemed to just disappear and enjoy the day off on their own time.

All in all, I'd say this trip was a success and gave us hope for future undertakings. And we lucked out on the weather which was very pleasant for the most part.

Below are the videos (just getting started on this process), these can also be found on YouTube.

iPhone movie Trip overview 4/26/2024 (1:06 min)

Walking around Amsterdam 4/26/2024 (2:24 min)

Mouse Mansion Amsterdam 4/26/2024 (4:13 min)

Keukenhof Gardens 4/27/2024 (1:54 min)

King Day in Amsterdam - Part 0 - 4/27/2024 (3:10 min)

King Day in Amsterdam - Part 1 - 4/27/2024 (5:40 min)

King Day in Amsterdam - Part 2 - 4/27/2024 (4:52 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 1 Italy- 4/29/2024 (1:25 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 2 Italy & Venice - 4/29/2024 (3:36 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 3 Switzerland - 4/29/2024 (1:41 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 4 Italy - 4/29/2024 (5:15 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 5 Italy - 4/29/2024 (4:53 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 6 Italy - 4/29/2024 (4:36 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 7 Italy - 4/29/2024 (2:48 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 8 Italy - 4/29/2024 (4:22 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 8b Italy - 4/29/2024 (4:02 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 9 Monoco - 4/29/2024 (5:20 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 9b Monoco - 4/29/2024 (3:45 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 9c Monoco - 4/29/2024 (4:07 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 10 Provence - 4/29/2024 (5:02 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 11 Stadium, Awards, Work & Rest - 4/29/2024 (2:13 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 12 Rio De Janeiro - 4/29/2024 (3:46 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 12b Rio De Janeiro - 4/29/2024 (2:27 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 12c Rio De Janeiro - 4/29/2024 (4:54 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 13 Patagonia & Antartica - 4/29/2024 (4:41 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 13b Patagonia & Antartica - 4/29/2024 (3:00 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 14 Command & Control - 4/29/2024 (2:31 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 15 Austria & Switzerland - 4/29/2024 (4:59 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 15b Switzerland & Bavaria - 4/29/2024 (3:47 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 16 Knuffingen Airport - 4/29/2024 (6:32 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 16b Knuffingen Airport - 4/29/2024 (5:27 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 17 Central Germany & Hamburg - 4/29/2024 (2:32 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 17b Central Germany & Hamburg - 4/29/2024 (4:18 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 18 Scandinavia - 4/29/2024 (2:47 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 18b Scandinavia - 4/29/2024 (2:36 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 19 America - 4/29/2024 (3:11 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 19b America - 4/29/2024 (2:15 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 19c America - 4/29/2024 (2:20 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 20 Knuffingen - 4/29/2024 (6:07 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Hamburg, Germany - Part 20b Knuffingen - 4/29/2024 (2:08 min)

Hamburg Harbor Boat Tour - Hamburg, Germany - 4/30/2024 (5:45 min)

Hamburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Hamburg, Germany - 4/30/2024 (2:58 min)

Hamburg Walking Tour - Hamburg, Germany - 5/1/2024 (2:39 min)

Amsterdam Walking Tour - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Vertical 5/2/2024 (5:04 min)

Amsterdam Walking Tour - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Horizontal 5/2/2024 (2:41 min)

Miniatur Wunderland - Trains in the Floor (1:15 min)

Calista Creel Geneology and Cal Kisty

2024-04-20T00:00:00-05:00

April 20, 2024

My Mother had done a bit of Genealogy research. Here are her notes and the Family Tree items that she had compiled.

Genealogy Research and Family Tree

The following is an interesting compilation of things that had been stored in a plastic bin labeled Calista E Creel Cal Kisty. Kisty was the name that Aunty Phiddy, her sister, always called my Mother. Of special note, is a small medical journel that my Great Grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Creel had kept of his trip to London in 1889.

Cal Kisty Items

The following is his 1889 London journal in one PDF file.

[Thomas Jefferson Creel London Medical Journal 1889] (http://cbrandt.com/0_Calista_E_Creel_Cal_Kisty/Thomas_Jefferson_Creel_London_Medical_Journal_1889)

Calista Creel Brandt Memoir 1995 and more Creel photos

2024-04-19T00:00:00-05:00

April 19, 2024: This is my mother's story, as she wrote during 1995. Scanned in April 2024. I've also included many miscellaneous scanned old Creel photos as well as a few more of my Father.

Pages and Photos

I also transcribed this document to make it a little more legible and is now a much smaller file. PDF format.

Calista Creel Brandt Memoir

These were framed family photos that my Sister, Joyce, had inherited from my folks. There are also several Certificates and such. I removed the frames for scanning purposes.

Framed Family Photos and Certificats

My Mother had done a bit of Genealogy research. Here are her notes and the Family Tree items that she had compiled.

Genealogy Research and Family Tree

Cal Kisty Items

The following is his 1889 London journal in one PDF file.

TJ Creel London Medical Journal 1889

Here are some photos of my Great Grandmother - Edna Browning Wood Creel. She was married to Thomas Jefferson Creel. Here, also, are some of her miscellaneuos letters, etc.

Photos and Letters

Here are photos of my Grandmother - Sarah Hortense Holmes Creel. She was married to Donald Wood Creel. You'll also find some of her miscellaneous letters. There's one photo of an elderly couple (he is wearing a hat), that I have no information on (nothing on the back). Also, you'll find a photo of Mary Elizabeth Freeman's Great Grand Parents on her father's side. Also a few of her high school certificates.

Photos and Letters

White Binder of Eastburn Creel miscellaneous photocopies of Photos, Letters and Mt Gilboa Church. Some of this photos may also be in the previous post.

Eastburn Creel Photocopies and Letters

An Autograph Album was something Edna did when she was a child in Metz, Indiana. Then when Edna was up in years, she started keeping a 5-Year Diary while living in Angola, Indiana.

Album and Diary individual pages

The small Autograph Album can be downloaded as one PDF file here:

Edna's Autograph Album

The 5-Year Diary from 1938 to 1941 can be downloaded as one PDF file here:

Edna's 5-Year Diary

Joyce had save a green photo album from my mother with the date of 1980. Here are scans of the few photos within.

1980 Green Album photos

Totality Eclipse in Indianapolis

2024-04-08T00:00:00-05:00

April 8, 2024: John and Sarah traveled to Indianapolis to see the total solar eclipse and luckily, for once, the weather cooperated. It was the first sunny day we've seen in quite awhile ... before or after. Looking forward to seeng everyone in 2044. The next day, we drove to Bloomington to check out the new garage and ADU with Charles and Tessa, along with the major house remodel.

Photos

A Story of One Life By Charles E Brandt

2024-04-07T00:00:00-05:00

April 7, 2024: This is my father's story, as he wrote in 1996. Scanned in April 2024.

Pages

I transcribed the document to make it a little more legible and is now a much smaller file. PDF format.

A Story of One Life by Charles E Brandt

Added my mother's college paper written in 1942. Scanned in April 2024.

Pages

I transcribed this paper to make it a little more legible and is now a much smaller file. PDF format.

Some Thoughts on Marriage by Calista Creel

Here are a few of my Father's family photos taken in 1999. It was a special occasion to have my Father's brothers and sisters gathered together.

Photos

Easter 2024

2024-03-31T00:00:00-05:00

March 31, 2024: It was nice to able to host Easter dinner for our family at our house this year. It's been awhile. I'm very thankful that Janet felt up to the task and that she is feeling stronger day-by-day. It was a pitch-in, but she still made the main dinner and dessert. I helped out where I could.

I know the tour of Janet's studio after the dinner was a big hit.

Photos

AES Line clearing along Raymond

2024-03-30T00:00:00-05:00

March 30, 2030: We were notified earlier in the month that our electric utility, AES, was planning on a major line clearing, tree cutting, job along our southern property line, Raymond St. And they weren't kidding. I think Wright Tree Service had 3 crews out on Saturday to finish cutting down the 80 year old caltalpa trees that lined Raymond St. It was fun to see how they did it. Very well planned and orchestrated.

Photos

Movie Clip 1 Movie Clip 2 Movie Clip 3 Movie Clip 4 Movie Clip 5 Movie Clip 6 Movie Clip 7 Movie Clip 8 Movie Clip 9

The Powers Family, 1654-1937

2024-03-27T00:00:00-05:00

March 27, 2024: This is a digitized copy of the Powers Family, 1654-1937 binder that my mother had purchased and gave to me back in 1984. I made a field trip in 1999 after my mother's passing and I've included some pictures from that outing as well. There is quite a lot of very well documented family history here from my mother's side of the family. Each page is a high resolution JPG. There is also a PDF file of the entire binder, that can be downloaded.

Individual Pages and Photos

The Powers Family, 1965-1937

This is the entire binder in one very large (525MB) PDF file. This will take a while to download and open.

June 19, 2024: My sister, Joyce had a binder of things she had been collecting or gotten from my mother after her death that had to do with updating or supplimating the Powers Family book. She might have gotten this information after my father's death, because the binder was dated 2008. Everything in that binder has been scanned and can be viewed in the following reference.

White Binder Individual Pages and Photos

Calista Elizabeth Creel 8th Grade Diploma 1935

2024-03-24T00:00:00-05:00

March 24, 2024: This is my mother's 8th Grade Diploma. My sister, Joyce, had kept. Again, I don't know why.

Photos

Charles Edward Brandt Baptism Certificate

2024-03-23T00:00:00-05:00

March 23, 2024: This is my father's Baptism Certificate. My sister, Joyce, had kept. I don't know why.

Photos

The Dunciad 1890

2024-03-22T00:00:00-05:00

March 22, 2024: This is an Angola, Indiana Newspaper from 1890

Pages

Joyce Creel Senior Cooking / Cookbook 1913

2024-03-15T00:00:00-05:00

March 15, 2024: My sister, Joyce, had inherited Great Aunt Joyce's Senior college cook book from my mother some time ago. Since my sister's passing in December 2023, her daughter, Mary, inherited it. And she let me borrow it, so that I might digitize and share with the rest of the family. It is quite the family keepsake and heirloom, that I didn't even know existed. Each page is a high resolution JPG. There is also a PDF file of the entire book, that can be downloaded.

Photos

Joyce Creel Cookbook 1913

This is the entire cookbook in one very large (593KB) PDF file. This will take a while to download and open.

Benton County and Indiana Maps

2024-03-11T00:00:00-05:00

March 11, 2024: Very large format old maps.

Benton County Indiana Map 1917 This is a large format scan (30mB) jpg file. It will take a little while to download and open.

Colton Map of Indiana 1860 This is a large format scan (73mB) jpg file. It will take a little while to download and open.

Creel Wood Powers Payne Photo Album

2024-03-10T00:00:00-05:00

March 10, 2024: Very old Creel Wood Powers Payne Photo Album. Circa late 1800's? Anybody else know, please let me know.

Also included here are some old Creel and Wood family photos that my sister, Joyce, had kept. Some real family treasures.

Album Page Photos

Poster Scans

Creel Wood Powers Payne Photo Album This is the entire Photo Album in one very large (92mB) PDF file. This will take a while to download and open.

Benton County farm maps and such. Maps and Photos

[Benton County Indiana Map 1917] (http://cbrandt.com/0_Large_Scans/0_Benton_County_Indiana_Map_1917.jpg) This is a large format scan (30mB) jpg file. It will take a little while to download and open.

[Colton Map of Indiana 1860] (http://cbrandt.com/0_Large_Scans/0_Colton_Map_of_Indiana_1860.jpg) This is a large format scan (73mB) jpg file. It will take a little while to download and open.

Joyce's Family Ancestry Research

2024-03-08T00:00:00-05:00

Pages

Scanned Photos 2023

2023-12-21T00:00:00-05:00

December 21, 2023: These were scans made from old photos, mostly from our days in the Collage of Architecture & Planning at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Mid 70's.

Photos

Scanned Negatives 2023

2023-12-20T00:00:00-05:00

December 20, 2023: These were scans made from old negatives, mostly from our days in the Collage of Architecture & Planning at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Mid 70's.

Photos

Scanned Slides 2023

2023-12-20T00:00:00-05:00

December 19, 2023: These were scans made from old slides, Eastburn Farm family gatherings

Photos

Thanksgiving in Bloomington 2023

2023-11-23T00:00:00-05:00

November 23, 2023: What a beautiful day to travel to Bloomington to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at Charles and Tessa's house.

And this year Will and Stephanie along with Ben, 6th grade, and Lilly, 3rd grade, were able to join us, so that made for a very special celebration. They were also able to bring my sister Joyce and Mary along with them, so Mary wouldn't have to worry about hitting another deer with her car like she has in the past.

Melissa brought Miriam, 2nd grade, and we all got to meet Jeff and Melissa's new daughter, Bristol, which just added to the joy of the occasion. Unfortunately we missed seeing Jeff this Thanksgving holiday, as commercial piloting duties called.

Tessa's good friend Ann was also able to join in the festivities. But really, she's more like family, too.

We got to inspect the new ADU (Accessary Dwelling Unit) and two car garage project that is very close to wrapping up as the Punch List is being worked on and final work items are being checked off. Just needs some window treatments, shower curtain, closet shelving, furniture, towels and linen, pots and pans, forks and knives and they'll be ready to move in and spend the night.

I've included a Halloween photo of our Pointadore, Purl, because she really, really wanted to come with us to Bloomington, and she was sadly disappointed. Of course, her tail began wagging again as soon as we got back home. Dogs attitudes are the best. By the way, she won Best Halloween costume, as her costume was a skunk, like Pepe-Le-Pew. Voting was done by the staff at Five-Points.

Photos

Here's a very short video clip of the Deck Dollys:

Video of the Deck Dollys

And finally in remembrance of Tessa's Mom, as performed by Julie:

Ode to Patricia

This was performed live at Patricia's Celebration of Life earlier this fall.

Vincinnes & New Harmony 2023

2023-08-31T00:00:00-05:00

August 31, 2023: George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and New Harmony, IN: We took a little two day road trip with good friends, Don and Julie, to visit a few sites in southwest Indiana and southeast Illinois. Weather was perfect, sunny and in the mid seventies. Friday, we drove to Garden of the Gods in Illinois for a short 45 minute walk.

Photos

Here is a short video of inside the memorial. This video has been made Public on YouTube.

Video of Memorial

Epic Campus Tour 2021

2021-10-30T00:00:00-05:00

October 30, 2021: EPIC CAMPUS TOUR: As part of Sam and Katie's Wedding Weekend, we were able to go see where Sam works at Epic in Madison, WI. Sam had arranged for one of his buddies, Ben, to be our tour guide. He provided a wonderful 2 hour narrated walking tour of the grounds and buildings, of which we were told, only scratched the surface. Frankie and Keaton, some of Sam's relations, were also able to join in the fun. The weather was ideal as well as the beautiful Fall foliage. The only downside was that Janet overdid her left knee so she paid the price later that same day, ending up having to miss the wedding. Her Doc is sure to get a call on Monday. Anyway, thanks so much to Sam for making the arrangements and Ben for leading such a wonderful tour!

Photos

Sam and Katie's Wedding and Reception - Oct. 30,2021

2021-10-30T00:00:00-05:00

October 30, 2021: SAM and KATIE'S WEDDING & RECEPTION: Our good friend's Dennis and Kayla's Son, Sam, was married to his lovely Bride, Katie, on a beautiful fall afternoon in Madison, WI. Unfortunately,Janet wasn't able to attend, due to a very very sore left knee. Never-the-less, I got to see their wedding and attend their reception. What a beautiful venue and wedding! I could tell they had put a great deal of thought and planning into the event. So well organized! I also got to meet 15 mo. old Leo, Anne and Ari's son, for the first time. How special was that?

Photos

Shades State Park 2021

2021-10-22T00:00:00-05:00

October 22, 2021: SHADES STATE PARK: We took a little Friday morning road trip to visit Shades State Park, as well as the double-arch covered bridge spanning Sugar Creek. Weather was rainy and 50 degrees. Purl didn't care for it at all. We'll have to go back when the weather is better.

Photos

Don & Julie's House

2021-09-30T00:00:00-05:00

DON AND JULIE'S HOUSE DURING CONSTRUCTION AND FINISH: Our good friends, Don and Julie, decided that it would be a great idea to build a new house during the pandemic. Actually, this was just the way things worked out, because the actual planning of this took place well before the pandemic started. They wanted to downsize a bit, but it turned out to be not by much. Still have the potential for four bedrooms. They have 3 full bathrooms. Solar panels should mean 0 electric bills in a fully electric home. They are also just a few hundred feet from the Monon Trial, which is great.

Picture Link

Lear Speed

2021-09-28T00:00:00-05:00

September 28, 2021: SPORTS CAR CLUB OF AMERICA NATIONALS AT THE 500. Dennis and Kayla came for a short visit. Kayla's cousin, Boyd and his two sons, Luke and Levi, were in Indianapolis to race in the Sports Car Club of America's National event at the Indianapolis 500. I believe I heard there were a total of over 1500 entrants in different classifications and races over the course of the week. We were able to meet the Lear families in one of the garages, where they had two race cars entered in the American Sedan GT2 division. Tuesday was a glorious sunny day of qualifications.

On Wednesday, Dennis and I got to play a round of golf at Pleasant Run which was great fun.

Photos

* Qualifying on the track - 20,867 KB*

* Coming in due to a Red Flag - 65,500 KB*

Interior Repair and Remodel

2021-09-05T00:00:00-05:00

September 05, 2021: INTERIOR REPAIR AND REMODEL. We had to repair an area of floor in our sunroom space. So while we were at, Janet decided it was time to move some furniture around the first flor of our home. And as part of that process, Janet H. took possession of the Balwin. It deserves to be played, so we were glad it has found a new home.

Photos

* Chopin Fantasie Impromptu - 2:24 min.*

* Venetian Boat Song #1 - 2:51 min.*

* Time to go - 48,444 KB*

Brandt Farm Fall visit

2021-09-04T00:00:00-05:00

September 04, 2021: BRANDT FARM. We had to small get together at the farm. Unfortunately both Jane and Will were sick that day, so they could not attend.

Photos

Brandt Construction 50th Anniversary

2021-09-02T00:00:00-05:00

September 02, 2021: BRANDT CONSTRUCTION 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY. Janet and I were invited to help celebrate the special occasion. And I got to see my cousins, Dave and Ralph.

Photos

Howe 50th Class Reunion

2021-08-21T00:00:00-05:00

August 21, 2021: HOWE 50TH CLASS REUNION

Photos

School 77 Class Reunion

2021-08-20T00:00:00-05:00

August 20, 2021: SCHOOL 77 CLASS REUNION: As part of my High School 50th Class Reunion, a few of my grade school classmates wanted to celebrate in a separate get-together. I enjoyed seeing everyone, especially Mr. Ezell, my 8th grade teacher!

Photos

Steve and Andy visit

2021-07-31T00:00:00-05:00

July 31, 2021: Steve and Andy were able to stop by for a short visit. They were in town for Steve's 50th High School Reunion that had been postponed from last year. It was sure great to see them again.

Photos

Exterior Upgrades including Back Patio Repair

2021-03-30T00:00:00-05:00

March 28, 2021: EXTERIOR UPGRADES. We had several exterior projects we wanted to tackle. Starting with painting the trim on the 2010 back addition and utility barn. Then start on the the back patio rebuild. This meant removing three-fourths of the existing concrete pad. Also rebuild the back exterior stairs. And cleaning out the storage space below the existing 2-car garage. Lots to do.

Photos

Louisville Day trip 2021

2021-03-30T00:00:00-05:00

March 30, 2021: LOUISVILLE DAY TRIP: Janet and I drove to Louisville for one of our very few pandemic (post vaccine) outings, with the plan of visiting an Art Museum of Paper Clothing Fashions. This turned out to be a total bust, as the museum was closed on the particular day of our visit for no apparent reason. But we were able to stop at the Falls of the Ohio State Park and visit see several sites in Louisville, so the trip was still an enjoyable sunny outing.

Photos

Campfire Cookout 2020

2020-11-18T00:00:00-05:00

November 18, 2020: CNO Campfire 2020. Due to the pandemic and no vaccine yet, we got together with our friends for a campfire cookout. But with carryout pizza.

Photos

Family Gatherings

2020-09-13T00:00:00-05:00

September 13, 2020: PANDEMIC Family Gatherings: Ever since the Pandemic started in March 2020, getting together with Family has been somewhat difficult. Especially before the vaccines became readily available in early 2021. We decided that using our front and screened porches was a viable option as long as the weather cooperated. This has worked, as none of us have been diagnosed with the virus. (Knock on wood) We also tried a zoom call at Christmas. In 2021, post vaccines, we've been able to get together on a more normal basis, in home. We even went to Newfields to see the Van Gogh exhibit, however we still wore our masks.

Photos

Purl

2020-07-25T00:00:00-05:00

July 25, 2020: PANDEMIC Purl! Janet wanted a new dog. This was not a spur of the moment thought. She had been thinking about it for some time, so as part of the planning I installed a new doggy door in a screen door off our living room and had a new fence installed around an area south of the house in April. Purl was a resue dog. We were told she and her 7 brothers and sisters were born in Louisiana around May 21, 2020 and had been abandoned. The litter was 3 weeks old and in serious need of help when a Rescue service transported them to Kentucky, then onto Ft. Wayne. They were nursed back to health by another Rescue and put up for adoption when they were 8 weeks old. Janet and I went to Ft. Wayne and picked out Purl, who was the sassiest of the bunch. I think she was the pick of the litter, so to speak. After about 15 monthes she weighs close to 40 pounds. She loves chewing her toys and opening mail (but only if I it to her). Chasing squirrels, going for walks, keeping a lookout, opening presents, sleeping on the couch, attending Playschool on Thursdays are also great fun.

Photos

* Purl in her pen - 99,081 KB*

* Round and Round She Goes - 22,939 KB*

* Purl and the Cicada - 181,148 KB*

* Purl and Sophie (Not good) - 72,581 KB*

* Purl and her toys - 99,141 KB*

* Purl opening a present - 112,108 KB*

* Purl in her yard - 46,939 KB*

* Purl and a stuffed toy #1 - 59,228 KB*

* Purl and a stuffed toy #2 - 66,896 KB*

* Purl and a stuffed toy #3 - 96,682 KB*

* Purl and a stuffed toy #4 - 123,042 KB*

* Purl and a stuffed toy #5 - 97,986 KB*

* Purl and a stuffed toy #6 - 66,837 KB*

* Purl vocalizing - 1.25 min*

This next little video is more of the same. However, after viewing, I realized that our Living Room windows really needed cleaning. So I spent the rest of the morning taking care of that chore. I believe a squirrel in a tree outside was what set Purl in a tizzy.

* Purl vocalizing - 1.27 min*

Walks with Arthur

2020-07-18T00:00:00-05:00

July 18, 2020: PANDEMIC Walks: Arthur loves walking and/or hiking. And as part of his daily regimen, on occasion, he's asked me to tag along. Especially during 2020 and 2021. He'd figure out different walks of around 3 miles each in and around Indy, and we would generally position our cars at each end so as not to have to double back. Parks have been a favorite, as well as Fall Creek parkway. These walks are obviously a great form of mild excercise and kept us both socially distanced, especially before the Covid vaccines were readily available.

Photos

BNO Zoom Calls

2020-03-29T00:00:00-05:00

March 30, 2020: PANDEMIC BNO Zoom Calls: Towards the beginning of the Pandemic, we all realized that our way of lives had indeed changed. We were basically all trapped in our homes and only ventured out for basic groceries and necessities. So Arthur started organizing Zoom calls with something he had gotten from his family called a Portal. It allowed us to stay in touch with our friends on a limited basis via the Internet over the course of the year. Not that we had a great deal to talk about, since none of us were doing anything, but it was the thought that counted and it was great to see everyone's faces. And, maybe, helped keep us sane as the Pandemic unfolded.

Photos

Thanksgiving & Tessa's Birthday

2019-11-28T00:00:00-05:00

November 28, 2019: THANKSGIVING 2019 & Tessa's Birthday. Charles and Tessa hosted our Thanksgiving dinner and family gathering this year. It also happened to be Tessa's birthday, which was fun to celebrate. Melissa, Mariam and Jeff were also able to join us.n

Photos

Here is a short video of some of the festivities. This video is unlisted on YouTube.

Thanksgiving 2019 (7:14 min)

Indiana State Bee Convention

2019-10-24T00:00:00-05:00

October 24, 2019: Don, Julie, Janet and I traveled to southern Indiana and French Lick to attend the State Bee Convention.

Photos

Family Gathering at the Farm

2019-10-12T00:00:00-05:00

October 12, 2019: My sister, Joyce, and I hosted all our families for a Fall Get-Together and luncheon at the farm in Benton County. Luckily, we had a beautiful sunny Fall Saturday, even though the weather was quite chilly and windy. It's been 22 years since our Mother's passing and 11 years for our Father's. But their memories fondly live on.

Group photos

CanonPowershot photos

iPhone photos

MavicPro photos

Family Day at the Farm (8:11 min).

Joyce had put together a very nice photo album of all the major farm get-togethers over the years, which she had kept up at the farm. So here is a digital copy of that album for everyone's enjoyment.

Farm Photo Album Overview

Scanned Album photos

Here are some old silent home movies taken from 1949 to 1952 by Joyce Eastburn and my father. This video is unlisted on YouTube.

1949-1952 Old Home Movies (62:21 min).

And finally here is the narrated (2003) version of Eastburn and Brandt home movies taken from 1953-1954 by Joyce Eastburn and my father. This video is unlisted on YouTube.

Narrated 1953-1954 Old Home Movies (28:52 min).

BNO Bourbon Trail 2019

2019-08-06T00:00:00-05:00

August 6 thru August 9, 2019: We made a Boys trip to the southern Indiana/Louisville area to taste several delicious spirits. Especially Bourbons!

Bourbon Trail photos

Janet's birthday celebration

2019-08-05T00:00:00-05:00

August 5, 2019: Janet was able to celebrate her birthday (over the course of several days) with family and friends. A good time was had by one and all.

Janet's birthday photos

Royal Melbourne - Site of the 2019 President's Cup to be contested in December

2019-07-30T00:00:00-05:00

July 30, 2019: Charles and Tessa traveled to Australia for vacation and conference in July. As part of their trip, I asked if they wouldn't mind stopping at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club and pick up a score card. Which they were able to do!

Royal Melbourne Photos

Critters

2019-07-18T00:00:00-05:00

July 18, 2019: Critters that I've trapped and relocated to parts elsewhere over the course of the year. Okay, so I didn't relocate the turtle or the deer.

Critters Photos

722 W. 6th St.

2019-01-16T14:24:00-05:00

January 15, 2019: Field Survey of house in Bloomington, IN

722 W 6th St. Bloomington Canon Photos

722 W. 6th St. (8:23 min).

Jingle Rails

2019-01-12T14:15:00-05:00

January 9, 2019: We visited the Eiteljorg Museum to see the Jingle Rails holiday exhibit.

Jingle Rails Photos

Jingle Rails (14:40 min).

Winterthur & Mystic 2018

2018-10-25T10:55:00-05:00

Oct 2018 - Winterthur & Mystic: Janet and I drove to the Wilmington, DE area for a very special occasion. Janet's first embroidered casket was part of a special exhibit at Winterthur -- museum of decorative arts.

Oct 17th, Wednesday, Day 1: Visited Gettysburg & then drove to Wilmington, DE
Day 1 - Gettysburg Canon Photos
Day 1 - Gettysburg GoPro Photos
Day 1 - Gettysburg iPhone Photos
Day 1 & 2 - Winterthur GoPro Photos

Oct 18th, Thursday, Day 2: Visited Winterthur with friends and had a nice dinner with embroidery group.
Day 2 - Winterthur Canon Photos
Day 2 - Winterthur GoPro Photos
Day 2 - Winterthur iPhone Photos

Oct 19th, Friday, Day 3: Visited Valley Forge, PA and went to a reception dinner at Winterthur.
Day 3 - Valley Forge Canon Photos
Day 3 - Valley Forge GoPro Photos
Day 3 - Valley Forge iPhone Photos
Day 3 - Winterthur GoPro Photos

Oct 20th, Saturday, Day 4: Visited Longwood Gardens.
Day 4 - Longwood Gardens Canon Photos
Day 4 - Longwood Gardens GoPro Photos
Day 4 - Longwood Gardens iPhone Photos

Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens (5:31 min).
Walks at Longwood Gardens (4:51 min).

Oct 21st, Sunday, Day 5: Drove to Mystic, CT to visit with family.

Oct 22nd, Monday, Day 6: Spent the day in Mystic and attended Claudia's Going-Away to Mexico party.
Day 6 - Mystic Canon Photos
Day 6 - Mystic GoPro Photos
Day 6 - Mystic iPhone Photos

John, working on his father's boat (5:33 min).
John's work on the docks (5:48 min).

Oct 23rd, Tuesday, Day 7: Drove to Deerfield, MA to visit Catherine and Harry.
Day 7 - Deerfield Canon Photos
Day 7 - Deerfield GoPro Photos
Day 7 - Deerfield iPhone Photos
Day 7 - Deerfield MavicPro Photos

Catherine's new house (4:32 min).

Harry's handiwork on creating a great utility shed (3:59 min).

New Mexico - Sept 2018

2018-09-16T05:20:00-05:00

Sept 8th-15th: From Missions to Monuments, Museums, Fort Marcy and even Meow Wolf .... mmmm, mmmm, good! .... it is truly the Land of Enchantment (New Mexico slogan)!! Janet and I spent a wonderful week in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area along with our daughter, Jane, who was able to schedule some time off from her work at the State. And I don't ever remember having such a great stretch of weather. Mornings started out cool and crisp, enough to need a sweater, but the skies were always clear and the sun soon warmed things up. Oh, ... and zero humidity. Only downside was the occasional nose bleed caused by the dry air. Even the locals were commenting on the nice stretch of weather they were experiencing.

The history of this area is quite remarkable. Of course this was home to some of the earliest known inhabitants of our country. Santa Fe also is home to the oldest house in the country, as well as the oldest church and oldest government building all constructed during the 1600's.

After flying to Albuquerque, we rented a car and had an uneventful drive to Santa Fe up I-25. Once settled in to our hotel, we only had time to make a quick walking loop walking of the main plaza area. As it happened Fiesta de Santa Fe was just wrapping up from a ten day extravaganza, so we got to experience some of the music, dancing and crowds.

Day 1 Photos

Short walk to the Plaza (3:18 min)

Sunday, Day 2: We drove east to Pecos National Historical Park. There, we saw the remains of one of the earliest Spanish mission churches. Pueblo Indian ruins and Kivas were also close by. Jane and I got to go inside a covered Kiva, which was really a unique experience.

We, then, drove back west of Santa Fe to visit Bandelier National Monument. Jane and I hiked some of the Indian ruins in the main valley area.

Day 2 Photos

Bandelier National Monument (7:18 min)

Monday, Day 3: We spent the day in Santa Fe and found plenty of things to see and do. I started out with an early morning walk to the Santa Fe National Veterans Cemetery, which was fairly close to our hotel (I learned it is one of only fourteen in the Country). At sun rise it was a very reverential space. We all went back to main city area to see several high points. San Miguel Church -- oldest Church, the oldest House next door, Loretto Church with the miracle staircase, the main Plaza area without the crowds, and St. Francis de Assisi Cathedral. After lunch, we drove to Museum Hill to visit the Folk Art Museum. The warehouse size Alexander Girard collection of Folk Art items was a must see for Janet. I wonder where he kept all that stuff while he was still alive.

Day 3 Photos

Santa Fe Churches and Museums (7:11 min)

Tuesday, Day 4: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANE!! We drove to the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and completed a short hike in that area. Amazing and magical scenery! Wish we could have done more. Then it was back to Santa Fe. I wanted to see the Railyard district (a ten year old redevelopment area) and they were having another market day. Great grilled peppers! I finally got to see one of their Railrunners in action, which is a commuter train service between Santa Fe and Albuquerque and points west. We took Jane to La Fonda for her birthday lunch celebration. Jane and I checked out the poolside hot tub back at the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 4 Photos

Tent Rocks National Monument (4:35 min)

Wednesday, Day 5: We made another rode trip north towards Taos. Probably the biggest unexpected nice surprise of the whole trip was discovering Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. This Monument was created in March of 2013 by President Obama, but I believe it had to have been a State of New Mexico recreation area or park before that. Well worth the visit and hardly any visitors! Then it was on to the Earthships community northwest of Taos founded by Michael Reynolds ... sustainable biotecture. This community is entirely off-grid, but they are growing fruits and vegetables and have flush toilets. The we had to stop at the Rio Grande Gorge bridge to take in the vistas and walk to the middle. We visited Taos Pueblo and finally made a stop at the Millicent Roger's Museum before heading back to Santa Fe.

Day 5 Photos

Visit to an Earthship (8:31 min)

Earthship Video Presentation (6:42 min)

Link to a 2014 documentary about the Earthship Biotecture Academy (25:44 min)

Link to a 75 minute documentary on building an Earthship in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico (1:15:22 min)

Link to a 2017 documentary about the Earthship Simple Survival Walk-Through (5:45 min)

Link to a 2011 Build Your Own Hand Pump documentary (20:58 min)

Link to a 2017 Waybee Earthship Walk-thru (16:50 min)

Walking on the Rio Grande SR 64 Bridge (5:04 min)

Visit to the Indian Pueblo in Taos (5:31 min)

Thursday, Day 6: After our Taos day trip, we wanted a non-stress low key day, so spent the morning at the art galleries on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Jane and I discovered Fort Marcy park on our way back to the hotel. The view of city and surrounding mountains from the top of the fort site is spectacular.

Day 6 Photos

Santa Fe Railyard District & Canyon Road Art Galleries (3:44 min)

Friday, Day 7: First thing in the early morning, I had to walk back to Fort Marcy park to watch the sun rise and enjoy the peace and serenity. Then we all drove back to Museum Hill to see the Botanic Gardens. Jane had wanted to see Meow Wolf (which I'd never even heard of), and that experience turned out to be another gem. I would say it is basically a super fun, Fun House for adults created by the makers of Game of Thrones and well worth the $25/person admission price. They installed it in an old bowling alley. It is a for profit enterprise after all and doing quite nicely for its investors. I heard they plan on expanding to other cities and why not?

Fort Marcy Park (1:28 min)

Meow Wolf (6:10 min)

Here's a short documentary I found on YouTube about the creation of Meow Wolf (8:36 min)

Day 7 Photos

Dave Brandt 80th Birthday Celebration

2018-05-06T05:42:00-05:00

May 4th, 2018: Dave and Pat hosted a wonderful 80th Birthday Party for Dave at Brandt Construction.

Photos

CID/NRMA Spring Layout Tour

2018-04-13T00:26:00-05:00

April 7, 2018 CID/NMRA Spring Layout Tour: I was able to visit five incredible model train layouts in the Indianapolis area as part of a Spring Layout Tour.

1. CID/NRMA Spring Layout Tour: Red Mountain Northern Railroad
Red Mountain Northern Railroad (8:27 min.)

2. CID/NRMA Spring Layout Tour: B&O Decatur Sub-Division
B&O Decatur Sub Railroad (6:38 min.)

3. CID/NRMA Spring Layout Tour: Atchison Topeka Santa Fe Railroad
Atchison Topeka Santa Fe Railroad (9:44 min.)

4. CID/NRMA Spring Layout Tour: Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad
Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad (17:10 min.)

5. CID/NRMA Spring Layout Tour: Monon - The Hoosier Line
Monon (The Hoosier Line) (4:16 min.)

Charles - Tucson

2018-04-04T17:31:00-05:00

Charles & Tessa visited Tom & Jackie in Tucson over spring break.

Tucson 1 (3:10 min.)
Tucson 2 (5:57 min.)
Tucson 3 (2:56 min.)

Winter Lights at Newfields

2017-12-20T13:52:00-05:00

December 19th, 2017: We went to see the new seasonal art installation at the Indianapolis Museum of Arts, called "Winter Lights." We were impressed and enjoyed the presentation.

Dec 19th: GoPro Photos

Winter Lights - Clip 1 2:46 min.
Winter Lights - Clip 2 6:02 min.

Eastburn Farm - Oct 26, 2017

2017-10-28T04:58:00-05:00

October 26, 2017 - Eastburn Farm visit.

Fly-over video 5:59 min.

Mystic, CT and New England 2017

2017-09-17T14:54:00-05:00

Sept 6th to Sept 17th, 2017: Janet and I drove to Mystic, CT for Noah and Tammy's wedding. Then stayed on in the area for several meet-ups that included the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the fabulous Franklin and South Manchester train layout. Total mileage: 2,230 miles.

Pictures and videos to follow.

Sept 7th: Canon Photos
Sept 7th: GoPro Photos
Sept 8th: Canon Photos including Seaport visit
Sept 8th: MavicPro Photos
Sept 8th: GoPro Photos including Seaport visit and Rehearsal Dinner
Sept 8th: iPhone Photos Seaport panoramas
Ivan, Sam & John using the camera video 3:38 min.

Sept 9th: Noah & Tammy Wedding and Reception - Canon
Sept 9th: Noah & Tammy Wedding and Reception Aerial Views
Sept 9th: Noah & Tammy Wedding and Reception - GoPro
Sept 9th: Noah & Tammy Wedding and Reception - iPhone
Wedding Reception video from above 5:14 min.

Sept 10th: Visit to Claudia' Home - Canon
Sept 10th: Mystic & Stonington from above - DJI
Sept 10th: Visit to Claudia' Home - GoPro
Sept 10th: Some have to go home - iPhone
Claudia's Home Aerial video 2:42 min.

Sept 11th: Visit to Sarah's Studio and Jane's Birthday - Canon
Sept 11th: Suzy's and George's Homes from above - DJI
Sept 11th: Sarah's Studio Panoramic - iPhone

We said our Good-Bye's in Mystic and set out on the second half of our trip in the New England area. Next stop: Boston. As it happened our first stop, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum was closed; so, Janet suggested we drive on and visit the Adams National Historical Park in Braintree.

Sept 12th: Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Adams National Historical Park - Canon

Janet had a good day. She was given the opportunity by her teacher, Tricia, to show the embroidered casket she had completed after 4 years work to the Textile Department at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. They all seemed very appreciative of her efforts. Then we were taken behind the scenes to see some of their collection in storage -- all pieces made from 1650 to 1700!

Sept 13th: MFA Boston Presentation and Afternoon Reception - Canon
Sept 13th: Lexington, MA - DJI
Sept 13th: Afternoon Reception - GoPro
Sept 13th: Embroidered Casket presentation to MFA Boston 38:23 min.
Sept 13th: Arilyn - Harpist at the Reception 9:09 min.

Sept 14th: Downtown Boston along the Freedom Trail - Canon
Sept 14th: Downtown Boston along the Freedom Trail - iPhone

Sept 15th: Salem, MA and the Peabody Essex Museum - Canon
Sept 15th: Salem, MA and the Peabody Essex Museum - iPhone

Sept 16th: Peabody, MA - Franklin & South Manchester R.R. Open House - Canon
Sept 16th: Peabody, MA - Franklin & South Manchester R.R. Open House - GoPro
Sept 16th: Peabody, MA - Franklin & South Manchester R.R. Open House - iPhone
Sept 13th: Franklin & South Manchester R.R. Overview 9:13 min.

California 2017

2017-08-18T10:05:00-05:00

AUGUST 2017 TRIP TO THE SIERRAS: We traveled with good friends Don and Julie from August 5th (Janet's Birthday) thru August 16th, visiting several of our great National Parks including Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon in California. We were most fortunate to be able to visit Yosemite Valley between bouts of forest fires as the smoke tended to settle in the valley and greatly obscure the magnificent views. But the threat of fires haven't stopped people from pouring into the parks. I'm pretty confident that attendance records are being shattered.

Day 1: iPhone Photos

Day 2: Canon Photos
Day 2: GoPro Photos
Day 2: iPhone Photos
Day 2: Janet's iPhone Photos
Day 2: Yosemite Valley video 8:23 min.

Day 3: Canon Photos
Day 3: GoPro Photos
Day 3: iPhone Photos
Day 3: Janet's iPhone Photos
Day 3: Yosemite Valley video 8:08 min.

Day 4: Canon Photos
Day 4: GoPro Photos
Day 4: iPhone Photos
Day 4: Janet's iPhone Photos

Day 5: Canon Photos
Day 5: GoPro Photos
Day 5: iPhone Photos
Day 5: Janet's iPhone Photos
Day 5: Bodie State Historical Park video 21:25 min.

Day 6: Canon Photos
Day 6: iPhone Photos
Day 6: Janet's iPhone Photos

Day 7: Canon Photos
Day 7: GoPro Photos
Day 7: iPhone Photos
Day 7: Janet's iPhone Photos
Day 7: Sequoia National Park video 7:59 min.
Day 7: Tarantula video 2:18 min.

Day 8: Canon Photos
Day 8: GoPro Photos
Day 8: iPhone Photos

Day 9: Canon Photos
Day 9: GoPro Photos
Day 9: iPhone Photos
Day 9: Janet's iPhone Photos
Day 9: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 6:27 min.

Day 10: Canon Photos
Day 10: GoPro Photos
Day 10: iPhone Photos
Day 10: Janet's iPhone Photos

On our travels back to San Fransisco, Janet recommended that we stop in Woodside, California to see the Filoli Estate and Gardens. What a pleasant surprise! A true gem and well worth the visit.

Day 11: Canon Photos
Day 11: GoPro Photos
Day 11: iPhone Photos
Day 11: Janet's iPhone Photos

BNO - Red River Gorge 2017

2017-07-19T00:17:00-05:00

Ron, Jim, Arthur and I traveled to the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky to celebrate the 4th of July and spend a couple of days playing cards and hiking around. I think a good time was had by one and all.

BNO 2017 Red River Gorge Arthur's Photos
BNO 2017 Red River Gorge Canon Photos
BNO 2017 Red River Gorge GoPro Photos
BNO Red River Gorge "Making Fire - Not Fireworks!" July 4, 2017 3:34 min.
BNO Red River Gorge "A Walk in the Woods" July 5, 2017 5:26 min.

Colorado 2017

2017-06-30T04:47:00-05:00

June 19th to June 30th, 2017: Eleven days total. Drove to Colorado. First, took a stroll through downtown cultural area of Denver. Visited the Colorado Railroad Museum on the west side of Denver. Then headed for the mountains and point west. Rode 6 1/2 trains (more on that later). Took in two National Parks plus one National Monument. Visited the Number 1 Colorado attraction. Even got back home a day ahead of schedule. I'm worn out just thinking about it and everything we got accomplished.

Driving to Colorado - Janet's Photos
Driving to Colorado Photos

Day 1: Denver; Railroad Museum; Georgetown Loop Railroad Canon Pics
Day 1: Denver; Railroad Museum; Georgetown Loop Railroad GoPro Pics
Day 1: Denver; Railroad Museum; Georgetown Loop Railroad iPhone Pics
Day 1: Denver; Railroad Museum; Georgetown Loop Railroad Janet iPhone Pics
Day 1: Cultural Area; Downtown Denver, Colorado 3:44 min.
Day 1: Colorado Railroad Museum; Denver, Colorado 4:57 min.
Day 1: Georgetown Loop Railroad - Part 1; Silver Plume, Colorado 4:30 min.
Day 1: Lebanon Mine Tour; Silver Plume, Colorado 7:23 min.
Day 1: Georgetown Loop Railroad - Part 2; Georgetown, Colorado 6:48 min.

Day 2: Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad; Garden of the Gods Canon Pics
Day 2: Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad; Garden of the Gods GoPro Pics
Day 2: Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad; Garden of the Gods iPhone Pics
Day 2: Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad; Garden of the Gods Janet's iPhone Pics
Day 2: Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad - Leadville, Colorado - Part 1 5:42 min.
Day 2: Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad - Leadville, Colorado - Part 2 6:34 min.
Day 2: Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad - Return to Leadville, Colorado - Part 3 5:37 min.
Day 2: Garden of the Gods; Manitou Springs, Colorado 4:52 min.

Day 3: Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Royal Gorge Route Canon Pics
Day 3: Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Royal Gorge Route GoPro Pics
Day 3: Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Royal Gorge Route iPhone Pics
Day 3: Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Royal Gorge Route Janet's iPhone Pics
Day 3: Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway; Manitou Springs, Colorado - Part 1 6:22 min.
Day 3: Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway; Manitou Springs, Colorado - Part 2 6:02 min.
Day 3: Royal Gorge Route Railroad; Cañon City, Colorado - Part 1 5:41 min.
Day 3: Royal Gorge Route Railroad; Cañon City, Colorado - Part 2 6:58 min.

Day 4: On the road to Durango including the Royal Gorge Bridge and Chimney Rock National Monument Canon Pics
Day 4: On the road to Durango including the Royal Gorge Bridge and Chimney Rock National Monument GoPro Pics
Day 4: On the road to Durango including the Royal Gorge Bridge and Chimney Rock National Monument iPhone Pics
Day 4: On the road to Durango including the Royal Gorge Bridge and Chimney Rock National Monument Janet's iPhone Pics
Day 4: Royal Gorge Bridge; on the way to Durango. 5:01 min.
Day 4: Chimney Rock National Monument - Part 1; on the way to Durango. 5:40 min.
Day 4: Chimney Rock National Monument - Part 2; on the way to Durango. 5:44 min.

Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park Canon Pics
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park GoPro Pics
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park iPhone Pics
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park Janet's iPhone Pics
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park - Part 1 4:35 min.
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park - Part 2 4:59 min.

Okay, this is the infamous 1/2 train ride that I referred to in the beginning of this narrative. It was supposed to be a relaxing train ride from Alamosa to LaVeta via the beautiful San Luis Valley and back again. But we experienced a track problem that, to say the least, could have been a lot worse. Our engineer, Donovan, was truly frightened. It had been really hot in Colorado for several days, so possibly that was a contributing if not causal factor, but a section of the track high on the side of a valley about ten miles outside of LaVeta had experienced a "Sun Kink" sometime before our day's run. This is where the 120 lb. rails move abruptly out of alignment caused by the heat and subsequent expansion of the rails. Obviously, 200-ton locomotives don't appreciate this, nor do engineers like seeing this immediately out front their cab windows. Thankfully, we were not traveling very fast at the time. Brakes were applied, but it still takes a heavy locomotive time and distance to stop. In our case, a couple of car lengths. Luckily, nothing derailed! Of course Donovan didn't want to budge another inch without the Maintenance of Way engineers saying it was OK, which took an hour at least for them to get to our train. We decided to have lunch in the dining car which was sitting over the problem area. Finally, all the passengers and crew were moved to the front open-air car in anticipation of trying to move the entire train very, very slowly over the warped trackage section, which happened. Then we rode on to our stop in LaVeta. We waited some more to see if by some miracle the track could be repaired for our scheduled return to Alamosa. After awhile, everyone realized this wasn't going to happen. So other ground transportation had be arranged. After some more time, the powers-that-be came up with a kid's school bus. Don't get me wrong, by this time we were happy to see anything that had four wheels. But this particular bus had major problems of its own and we finally limped into Alamosa about 2 hours late going about 10 miles per hour. To say the least, this overally experience was a big disappointment, but again, it could have been a whole lot worse. The numerous loose rail spikes lying around (maybe, part of the problem?? Don't know. Just sayin'), made for some great souvenirs.

Day 8: San Luis & Rio Grande Scenic Railway Canon Pics
Day 8: San Luis & Rio Grande Scenic Railway GoPro Pics
Day 8: San Luis & Rio Grande Scenic Railway Janet's iPad Pics
Day 8: San Luis & Rio Grande Scenic Railway Janet's iPhone Pics
Day 8: San Luis & Rio Grande Railway - Part 1 "High Desert" 6:26 min.
Day 8: San Luis & Rio Grande Railway - Part 2 "San Luis Valley -- Sun Kink" 6:58 min.

Day 9: Great Sand Dunes National Park Canon Pics
Day 9: Great Sand Dunes National Park GoPro Pics
Day 9: Great Sand Dunes National Park Janet's iPhone Pics
Day 9: Great Sand Dunes National Park" 3:29 min.

BMW Championship at Crooked Stick - 09/2016

2016-09-13T04:47:00-05:00

Sept. 6th & 9th - Arthur and I went to see a Practice Round on Tuesday and the 2nd round of the Tournament on Friday. Two great days of golf action.

BMW Championship Photos

Gardens & Bees

2016-08-10T10:02:00-05:00

August 10, 2016: This section is dedicated to gardens and bees. I'm in the process of completely redoing my vegetable garden at home, which has taken all summer. Due to the heat, I can only work for a short period before retreating to the AC inside.

Janet and I toured the Lilly gardens earlier this Spring and I just finished studying the Demonstration Garden at the Indiana State Fair. This was done by the Purdue Extension. I was able to pick up several good ideas that I hope to incorporate in my garden next year.

Garden and Bee Photos

Red River Gorge & Lexington 2016

2016-06-26T08:26:00-05:00

June 22nd thru 25th: Red River Gorge & Lexington, Kentucky. Janet and I traveled to Kentucky for a few days of recreation and relaxation to see some of what that state has to offer. First, we stayed within the Natural Bridge State Park at Hemlock Lodge for a couple of nights. The weather was pretty lousy for most of our time, but we still were able to take in quite a few hikes and a lot of beautiful scenery. The storms downed many trees and made some of our walks more of an adventure than we had anticipated. I think "Diversity" would be the key word of the trip. Going from hiking one day to being pampered at Lexington's 21c hotel the next. Also dining at Miguel's Pizza Thursday evening and then Dudley's in downtown Lexington for a late lunch on Friday. But both were very good in their own way.

Red River Gorge Area Photos

Lexington Area Photos

Florida Trip - Spring 2016

2016-03-29T05:15:00-05:00

We got to spend a few weeks of late winter, early spring in Naples, Florida at a house that Virginia had leased. This area is extremely beautiful and has many fond memories to me. Now-a-day, money seems to be no object, as small jets are constantly coming and going from Naples airport and multi-million dollar homes are the norm. I checked the prices of a few of the new home construction sites and the cost per square footage was in the $900 to $1000 per square foot range. Landscape contractors are plentiful and busy. I either walked or rode my bike every day. Janet tried to spend as many hours at the beach as she could tolerate.

What made this trip most special was that both Charles and Tessa were able to come by for a brief visit on their Spring break and Jane flew down for a few days as well. We all had a great visit.

03-09 Canon Photos
03-09 iPhone Photos
03-10 Canon Photos
03-10 iPhone Photos
03-11 Canon Photos
03-11 iPhone Photos
03-12 Canon Photos
03-12 iPhone Photos
03-13 Canon Photos
03-13 iPhone Photos
03-14 Canon Photos
03-14 iPhone Photos
03-15 iPhone Photos
03-16 Canon Photos
03-16 iPhone Photos
03-17 iPhone Photos
03-18 Canon Photos
03-18 iPhone Photos
03-19 Canon Photos
03-19 iPhone Photos
03-20 iPhone Photos
03-22 Canon Photos
03-22 iPhone Photos
03-23 Canon Photos
03-23 iPhone Photos
03-24 iPhone Photos
03-25 iPhone Photos
03-26 Canon Photos
03-26 iPhone Photos

Charm Club - Mather Museum, Bloomington

2016-03-06T05:33:00-05:00

March 5, 2016 Charm Club Quilt Display at the Mather Museum

Photos

CCB Slide Archives and JCB Slide Archives

2016-01-18T14:58:00-05:00

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1971 - ?)

Slidebox 1

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1971-1972) SLIDE BOX 2

Slidebox 2

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1972) SLIDE BOX 3

Slidebox 3

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1972-1973) SLIDE BOX 4

Slidebox 4

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1973) SLIDE BOX 5

Slidebox 5

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1973) SLIDE BOX 6

Slidebox 6

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1973-1974) SLIDE BOX 7

Slidebox 7 - Start of PolyArk 74

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 8

Slidebox 8 - PolyArk 74

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 9

Slidebox 9 - PolyArk 74

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 10

Slidebox 10 - PolyArk 74

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 11

Slidebox 11 - PolyArk 74

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 12

Slidebox 12 - Europe

CCB II EUROPEAN JOURNAL (1974)

European Journal 1974

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 13

Slidebox 13

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1975) SLIDE BOX 14

Slidebox 14

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1976) SLIDE BOX 15

Slidebox 15

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1977) SLIDE BOX 16

Slidebox 15

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1978) SLIDE BOX 17

Slidebox 17

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1978) SLIDE BOX 18

Slidebox 18

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1979-1980) SLIDE BOX 19

Slidebox 19

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1980-1981) SLIDE BOX 20

Slidebox 20

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1981-1982) SLIDE BOX 21

Slidebox 21

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1982-1985) SLIDE BOX 22

Slidebox 22

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1976-1990) RED BINDER

Red Binder Slides

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1957-1993) CREAM BINDER

Cream Binder Slides Miscellaneous

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1990) SEATTLE TRAIN TRIP I

Seattle Train Trip I Slides 1990

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1990) SEATTLE TRAIN TRIP II

Seattle Train Trip II Slides 1990

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (1997) EGYPT-TURKEY-ATHENS POLYARK TRIP

Egypt-Turkey-Athens PolyArk Trip Slides 1997

This looks like as good place as any to put the following photos (from a chronological standpoint). They are of a vacation Janet and I took to Philadelphia in July 1999.

Philadelphia Photos 1999

CCB II DIGITIZED SLIDES (2000) CHINA POLYARK TRIP

China PolyArk Trip Slides 2000

JCB DIGITIZED SLIDES (1972-1973) SLIDE BOX 1

Slidebox 1

JCB DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 2

Slidebox 2 - PolyArk 74

JCB DIGITIZED SLIDES (1974) SLIDE BOX 3

Slidebox 3

JCB DIGITIZED SLIDES (1972-1974) SLIDE BOX 4

Slidebox 4

JCB DIGITIZED SLIDES (1972-1977) SLIDE BOX 5

Slidebox 5

JCB DIGITIZED SLIDES (1973-1990) SLIDE BOX 6

Slidebox 6

WENDELL DIGITIZED SLIDE CAROUSEL

Wendell Slide Carousel

FISHER DIGITIZED SLIDE DESIGN CLASS (Not sure how I ended up with these, but I found them and thought I might as well go ahead and digitize them along with everything else)

Fisher Design Class Slides

Family Christmas Party 2015

2015-12-20T05:00:00-05:00

Dec 20, 2015: We were very thankful to once again be able to host a small family Christmas Party. Last year, we were forced to cancel because of Jane's mid-December emergency appendectomy surgery and very serious follow-up complications. But this year, everyone seemed healthy and well and enjoying all the season has to offer. We got be meet Will and Steph's newest member of their family --- 6 mos. old daughter, Lilly, for the first time -- what a special treat and what a little sweetheart! Everyone got to take turns holding her. Of course older brother, Ben, has been growing like a weed and very full of energy, but still on his best behavior. And exciting times await for 2016, as Mellisa and Jeff are anxiously looking forward to the birth of their first daughter sometime around the latter part of May. Tessa went to pick up her Mom, Patricia, from the airport and brought her back for a short visit. She'll return on Thursday and we always really enjoy her visits at Christmas time.

Photos

Scotland 2015

2015-10-15T12:54:00-05:00

This was our first visit to Scotland, Oct 4th thru the 14th, 2015 and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We were based in Edinburgh. The weather was fairly mild, mostly overcast days with a couple of gorgeous sunny days thrown in. The Scots were very friendly and helpful. Their mass transit system is first rate which we took advantage of on most days. No guns, no sales tax - great castles, rich history and wonderful pubs. Most days we dined out for lunch, then grabbed something ready made at M & S for low key dinners at our apartment.

Oct 5, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 5, 2015 iPhone Photos
Oct 6, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 6, 2015 iPhone Photos
Oct 7, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 7, 2015 iPhone Photos

Stirling Tapestries, Scotland 8:16 min. The original movies of this subject matter (or at least better copies) can be viewed on other YouTube posts as well.

Oct 8, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 8, 2015 iPhone Photos
Oct 9, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 9, 2015 iPhone Photos

Riverside Transport Museum -- Glasgow, Scotland 7:00 min. This also shows a time lapse construction sequence of the project that they had on display at the museum.

Oct 10, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 10, 2015 iPhone Photos
Oct 11, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 11, 2015 iPhone Photos

St. Mary's Cathedral -- Edinburgh, Scotland 4:07 min.
Scotch Whiskey Experience -- Edinburgh, Scotland 11:45 min.
Scotch Whiskey Appreciation & Tasting -- Edinburgh, Scotland 5:42 min.

Oct 12, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 12, 2015 iPhone Photos
Oct 13, 2015 Canon Photos
Oct 13, 2015 iPhone Photos

Arthur's Seat -- Edinburgh, Scotland 6:16 min.

Indiana Landmarks Center

2015-08-29T16:02:00-05:00

Janet, Jane & I went downtown to the Indiana Landmarks Center (formerly the Central Ave. Methodist Church) for a docent led tour of the facility. Re purposed in 2011, it is a true gem of the Old Northside neighborhood.

Photos

Senior PGA Golf - French Lick, IN

2015-05-23T05:01:00-05:00

May 22, 2015 - Arthur and I drove to French Lick, IN to see the Senior PGA Golf tournament at the Pete Dye Golf Course. I think this has to be the most beautiful course in the most beautiful setting in Indiana.

Photos

Dream Cars

2015-05-04T05:14:00-05:00

Sunday: May 3, 2015 - Went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art with good friends Dennis and Kayla to take in the special Dream Cars Exhibit. What a great show! Truly one of a kind rolling art and sculpture that were a feast for the eyes. I'll have to go back for more.

Photos

Spring in Indiana - April, 2015

2015-04-10T16:34:00-05:00

First opening of my beehive in early Spring.

Beekeeping 102 - Opening, inspecting and closing a hive in early spring 16:00 min.

Ron and I went to lunch at the Workingman's Friend on north Belmont and then I took him to experience a bit of the White Water Trail downtown. The White River was way up after all the rain we've had of late, but it was a beautiful spring day today and a great day for a little walk.

Janet and I were invited to attend Don & Julie's daughter's (Hannah and Chris) wedding on April 18th. It was a great celebration at the Art Center.

Photos

Florida - March 2015

2015-04-04T07:25:00-05:00

March 15th-31st; Florida: We got to spend the last half of March in Florida or at least I did. Janet had to fly home after the first week because Jane had to go back to the hospital due to continued pain and problems from her earlier surgery. Fortunately she was discharged on Good Friday; so indeed, it was a good Friday.

Photos - Canon
Photos - iPhone

Mystic, CT visit

2015-03-07T05:12:00-05:00

March 2nd thru 6th: Visit to Mystic and Stonington for a field survey and measurements of several architectural projects. I really didn't think there would be that much snow the first week of March which made the task very challenging. Still it was great to see everyone again.

38
36
632
90

Christmas 2014

2015-01-18T07:10:00-05:00

December 2014 / January 2015: This has been a pretty stressful Christmas season and I'm glad it is behind us. Jane went to the hospital on December 17th with severe stomach/bowel pain. She was diagnosed have acute appendicitis and ended up have her appendix taken out that same evening.
Five days later we were taking Jane back to the hospital and this time she wouldn't be leaving for 23 days.
She ended up having to have a bowel re-section and is in the process of a slow and painful recovery. She had many of her good friends visit her during her hospital stay, which I'm sure made it much more bearable. Janet and I finally got to celebrate her Christmas on January 15th after getting her home on the 14th. But things seem to be slowly progressing in the right direction.

The weather turned very nice this past Saturday and it was nice to know that my hive is alive. It got sunny and in the fifty's so the new bees emerged for a pre-spring test flight.

Photos

Tessa's Birthday Party

2014-12-01T13:24:00-05:00

November 30 ,2014 - Tessa's Birthday Party Celebration. She was getting over a cold from all her travels, but, non-the-less, we had a good time.

Group Photos

Melissa and Jeff wedding

2014-10-05T00:29:00-05:00

October 4, 2014: Melissa was a really radiant bride on her wedding day. Congratulations to both you and Jeff. Your parents should be very happy and proud!

10/04/2014 Wedding Day Photos (Canon & iPhone)

10/04/2014 Photos from Charles

England Trip 2014

2014-09-06T12:20:00-05:00

August 16th to September 5th 2014: Janet and I traveled to England so that she could attend a special Embroidery Class in Bath as well as celebrate a 40th Anniversary of being in London on Polyark during college. It was very special that Don and Julie could be with us for the London leg of our trip. We enjoyed visiting many of our old haunts together as well as experienced many of the new things and ways the city has changed. We all got our Oyster cards first thing, which has an embedded chip in it so you can just touch and go the entry and exit gate pads, which greatly simplified getting around by using all the different forms of mass transit this city enjoys. But we also did a lot of just walking around.

Janet and I left our friends in London and then took a train to Oxford for a few days where we could really immerse ourselves in all the history of that city. Janet wanted to see the special exhibit of embroideries at the Ashmolean Museum which is England's oldest. But probably one of our most pleasant and amazing surprises were the combined museums of Natural History and Pitts River. They were simply beyond words great! Of course we visited a few of the Colleges that were open to the public and generally just tried to soak up all the great history and architecture that city has to offer.

Bath, England and surrounds

8/17/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/17/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/18/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/18/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/19/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/19/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/20/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/20/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/21/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/21/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/22/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/22/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/23/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/23/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/24/2014 Photos (iPhone)

Here's a snippet film of a few things we saw in Bath:
Bath, England 8:06 min.

London, England and surrounds

8/24/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/24/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/24/2014 Don's Photos
8/25/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/25/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/25/2014 Don's Photos
8/26/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/26/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/26/2014 Don's Photos
8/27/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/27/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/27/2014 Don's Photos
8/28/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/28/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/28/2014 Don's Photos
8/29/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/29/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/29/2014 Don's Photos
8/30/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/30/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/30/2014 Don's Photos
8/31/2014 Photos (iPhone)
8/31/2014 Don's Photos
9/1/2014 Don's Photos

The day we chose to visit St Paul's it rained. But that didn't stop us from climbing 500+ steps to reach the Golden Gallery. No pics allowed inside the Cathedral, but I snuck a short video anyway of part of the thought provoking "Earth-Wind-Fire-Water":
St. Paul's Cathedral - London, England 6:41 min.

Next, we walked to the Tate Modern. And of course, it was still raining...
Umbrellas - London, England 4:21 min.

Here's a short film of my Portobello Road market experience:
Portobello Road - London, England 6:24 min.

Taking a ride on bus 88 and seeing the sites:
Bus 88 ride - London, England 6:27 min.

Oxford, England

8/31/2014 Photos (Canon)
8/31/2014 Photos (iPhone)
9/1/2014 Photos (Canon)
9/1/2014 Photos (iPhone)
9/2/2014 Photos (Canon)
9/2/2014 Photos (iPhone)
9/3/2014 Photos (Canon)
9/3/2014 Photos (iPhone)
9/4/2014 Photos (Canon)
9/4/2014 Photos (iPhone)

Here is a short video of the observation beehive that I discovered at the Natural History Museum -- a must see -- if you're ever in Oxford.
Observation Beehive - Oxford, England 5:19 min.

Before leaving for the States, we had one last Pub meal at the Greenman. It was located fairly close to the end of one of the Heathrow runways as you'll see.
All-Day Breakfast Take-Off - London, England 3:50 min.