Mary Louise Eklund

Tag: photos

  • Monday Marginalia – Norwegian Dawn

    In February the week of Valentine’s Day Mike and I took a cruise. With the crazy changes that hit fast and furious after mainly related to the move I didn’t get to post about it. Instead of details there will be a series of photo posts on the trip.

    This time we went on a slightly smaller and older ship the Norwegian Dawn.  Our last cruise had been on Norwegian Getaway.  Both have their strengths and weaknesses. We had a inner lower room with no window, last time a balcony.  But given we had some rough seas going out, it was good there were no windows.  It wasn’t terrible and we just slept, watched a movie, and enjoyed the morning after the storm.

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
  • What I Did Over The Holidays by MLE

    What I Did Over The Holidays by MLE

    Drive up banking in the winter - when you make the passenger get out and knock the ice off the card slide
    Drive up banking in the winter – when you make the passenger get out and knock the ice off the card slide

    Let me first start by stating the obvious – IT IS COLD OUTSIDE!  Yes it was -16F when I woke up.  No that IS the actual TEMPERATURE you don’t wanna know the wind chill – somewhere in the -30sF.  I don’t plan to go out until afternoon when we are supposed to warm up to about oF. Okay formalities taken care of I’ll start on my post now.

    Due to work I didn’t go down to see the folks (mine and his) until after Christmas.  It worked out just fine.  Aaron and Sara came down later and stayed after us as they wanted to celebrate New Year’s with their friends here.  Ahh I remember when we actually stayed up in dressy clothes and partied with others.  Now just staying up is the challenge.  Funny as I get older I get more like a baby routine keeps me from being grumpy.

    Any way here are a few photos from the trip.  Not much as I only had my phone.

    New Year in TN
    We visited my parents for a few days. Here’s Mike and my folks outside a Mexican restaurant in their town. Yes we had to show our support for the Tennessee Volunteers – all graduates of the University of Tennessee ya know. Dad is a golden grad and got his 50 years since graduation pin.
    New Year in TN
    Mom’s kitty Sylvester – I have two black cats, Mom has one, Aaron has one, and my bff Patricia has two – do you have a black kitty?
    New Year in TN
    The house shoes my parents gave Mike – yes they are slippers!
    IMG_20131230_160331_099
    That’s Greeneville Tennessee the town to where I grew up out in the county. I’m setting a novel (urban fantasy with a rural setting) centered right on the corner where that church is.
    Tennessee New Year 2014
    The view of the Smoky Mountains from my in-laws neighborhood. As you can see there was snow on the mountain but it was still nice enough in the valley to go golfing.
    Tennessee New YEar 2014
    Jellico Mountain area of Kentucky on the drive home. The roads were clear the whole way just a long drive.
    Driving in Chicago in Snow
    The snow just started as we hit downtown Chicago.
    Kenosha in Winter
    Back home to typical Wisconsin Winter views.

    Okay tomorrow and Thursday I work so hopefully I’ll get another post in the pipeline for those days – maybe about the great YWriter and a postcard from the past… or maybe swamp tour or Colonial Williamsburg… or maybe not…   Until next time!

  • 2013 In Review by Phone Photos

    2013 In Review by Phone Photos

    So part of 2014 starting off right was clearing the picture taken in 2013 from my phone.  I don’t use it often so here in no particular order is a sample of 2013 as seen by  my phone.

    Here's a bit of our craft booth we had at Harbor Market in Kenosha, WI every Saturday in September.
    Here’s a bit of our craft booth we had at Harbor Market in Kenosha, WI every Saturday in September.
    We went lamp shopping for the living room. This lamp did NOT come home with us.
    We went lamp shopping for the living room. This lamp did NOT come home with us.
    A pair of these lamps did come home with us.
    A pair of these lamps did come home with us.
    IMG_20130820_191515_400
    In the summer we grilled out a lot. Here’s a typical chicken dinner with grilled tomatoes and grilled eggplant.
    We ate out too. Here's a dessert Mike had all by himself when we were on vacation.
    We ate out too. Here’s a dessert Mike had all by himself when we were on vacation.
    We went riding around in the Mustang and found this on the side of the road in the Milwaukee area.
    We went riding around in the Mustang and found this on the side of the road in the Milwaukee area.
    Enjoyed a nice drive on a sunny day to find this historic lighthouse turned to a museum (but it was closed).
    Enjoyed a nice drive on a sunny day to find this historic lighthouse turned to a museum (but it was closed).
    Late October early November was vacation time for us... and we again toured the Everglades by airboat.
    Late October early November was vacation time for us… and we again toured the Everglades by airboat.
    Then the snow came to Wisconsin. **drat**
    Then the snow came to Wisconsin. **drat**
    Then the holidays came...
    Then the holidays came…

    And so it went to until 2014 started.

  • Cherokee National Forest – Farm

    Cherokee National Forest – Farm

    This is the final post from my visit to the Cherokee National Forest. This photos are actually not in the forest but of roads and properties just outside the forest. One is an abandoned farm that is for sale. There was proof that it was once loved with the irises and other decorative flowers still coming up in the weeds.

    Cherokee National Forest
    This view does capture images of my growing up – a country road, a barn off to the side, and mountains rising in the background.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Followed the lane on up the mountain toward the edge of the park.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Waited on a wild turkey family to cross the road. DIdn’t get the camera fast enough to get the little chicks.
    Cherokee National Forest
    This is the abandoned home we found it was for sale with the acreage.
    Cherokee National Forest
    It had been a working farm at one time.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Gate to the side yard.
    Cherokee National Forest
    The one car garage on the road – couldn’t you just see a 1930s truck parked in there.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Then it was time to head off the mountain. The view down the road toward town from the garage.

    Until next time.

  • Cherokee National Forest Flowers

    Cherokee National Forest Flowers

    Here’s a few photos of beautiful flowers in the Cherokee National Forest. Enjoy!

    Cherokee National Forest
    A Rose tells the story of an abandoned house once being a beloved home with a tended yard.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Queen Anne’s Lace – now a wildflower was brought to the new world as a garden flower. As a kid I enjoyed cutting one putting it in water with food coloring watching the bloom change colors as it took up the water.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Wild miniature daises.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Not sure what this is… locust I think very sweet smelling and on a tree.
    Cherokee National Forest
    More of this unknown…

    Next photo post – the abandoned homestead that was for sale as a Preferred Property just on edge of the National Forest.

  • Cherokee National Forest

    Cherokee National Forest

    Cherokee National Forest
    Entry sign to the park

    Last week when I was in Tennessee for the Hicks Family Reunion  I also did some research for the book that is my current project.  It is set in my home town of Greeneville and is an urban fantasy type with a rural setting.  I wanted to refresh my memory of the Cherokee National Forest where it is in Greene county.  I have an important event to set there.  After we picked up the key for the hall where the reunion was to be held Mom and I drove back through the forest.  Here are some pictures of  that drive.

    Cherokee National Forest
    Road to the National Forest. Loved the sky!
    Cherokee National Forest
    French Broad River
    Cherokee National Forest
    Black Bear Proof Trash Cans
    Cherokee National Forest
    Protected forest
    Cherokee National Forest
    Old stone drinking fountain. I remember these from my childhood trips.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Picnic area
    Cherokee National Forest
    Cobblestone bridge to picnic area from main road
    Cherokee National Forest
    Creek the cobblestone bridge went over.
    Cherokee National Forest
    Hwy 107 Houston Valley Road in Greene County TN inside the Cherokee National Forest.
    Cherokee National Forest
    As we were leaving a storm was rolling in.
    Cherokee National Forest
    The storm coming over a ridge

    There will be two more posts from this trip – mountain flowers and areas just outside the National Forest. Until Next Time!

  • It’s The Old Days Again

    It’s The Old Days Again

    You know that Mike hast to go some where on nice weekends. This time it was a reenactment over at Silver Lake in Kenosha County. Of course we got in the faithful old Mustang, put the top down and took off. When we got there we discovered a nice park not far from our house. A quaint reenactment set just before the Revolutionary War broke out. Here’s the photos from the day.

    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (2)
    This was the first thing that caught my eye. This barefoot little girl ran past us and down the back of the tents. I loved her costume! She was adorable.
    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (3)
    This was a pewter smith demonstrating how he made eating utensils. If you click and hop over to my Flickr account you can see some of the many trinkets he has made with his 100s of pewter molds.
    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (6)
    Well I assume you know what lace is but a lucet is a tool used in making cords.
    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (8)
    This tent had some beautiful handmade furniture for sale. Lovely stuff!
    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (14)
    This gentleman explained how to fire the cannon, the different types of shot used and when they were used in battle, then took the scouts through a drill enacting the process of firing.
    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (24)
    The don’t tread on me flag was flying.
    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (28)
    The storekeep in the tent in the background there had a very floral ensemble whose hat only made me think that he looked like he had been sleeping. Also I loved the lady walking by in historic garb.
    Silver Lake WI Reinactment June 2013 (1)
    Red coats took off their red wool coats and slept outside their tents on the unusally hot day.

    As always you can click on any photo to be taken over to my Flickr account. There you can see more images from the day. Until next time!

  • What’s Going On In Our Backyard

    What’s Going On In Our Backyard

    It’s a well know fact Mike likes to putter in the yard and I don’t.  I find it too much like work – I’d rather make something than sweat in the beating sun digging in dirt.  Still I love beautiful flowers, yards, and gardens.  Honestly if it weren’t for Mike I’d live in a condo an enjoy the grounds tended by others.  Since he likes it I live in a house with a yard tended by Mike.  Here’s some photos that were on my camera from our yard.

    Apple Tree Spring 3013
    As you can see the apple tree has recovered from our winter trimming. It’ll need more reshaping this winter.
    lilacs 2013 (1)
    When our lilacs bloomed they were beautiful.

    lilacs 2013 (3)

    Roses 3013 (5)
    The roses are lovely too.
    Roses 3013 (1)
    The red tipped white rose is my favorite I think.
    Roses 3013 (3)
    The red is so bright that it almost vibrates!
    Red
    I don’t know what these are called but I like them. They are hardy and bloom in the heat and cooler summers.
    Mike's University of Tennessee stepping stone
    Mike put his University of Tennessee stepping stone in the garden by the front door. Great place to display our alma mater.
  • Just A Few Laps Around The Lake

    Just A Few Laps Around The Lake

    Back on May 26th Mike and I were looking for something to do. You know he HAS to get out and DO something if it isn’t snowy on the weekend. So after seeing in the paper that there were boat races on Lake Andrea in Pleasant Prairie we were off to see what it was about.

    It was about small boats that sound like lawn mowers doing laps on a very small lake not far from our house. Really there were heats, different levels, and such. Interesting but as the sun started to set the day was getting cool we headed home. Here’s a few shots of the day.

    Boat Races Spring 2013
    We weren’t the only ones out for the day. Here come three boats on the turn…
    Boat Races Spring 2013
    As you can see they didn’t leave their opponents in the dust but rather in the mist!
    Boat Races Spring 2013
    With the races on Froggy wasn’t renting any boats that day.
    Boat Races Spring 2013
    Here’s a shot of mechanics working on some of the middle class boats.
    Boat Races Spring 2013
    There where the green flag is in the photo was the starting line. They used flags like in car racing. If a boat broke down there would be a caution flag. Winner got the checkered flag.
    Boat Races Spring 2013
    Safety crew was out in wave runners. They’d tend boats that stalled or broke down. They’d also act like tow trucks of the water.
    Boat Races Spring 2013
    Sure it was a cool day. I had the hood up on my hoodie (take that Geraldo Rivera I rehabilitated the hoodie for middle-aged moms!) but this spectator was a bit excessive
    Boat Races Spring 2013
    As you can see Mike wore a polar fleece but bundling wasn’t necessary for us.

    As always there’s more on my Flickr account – clicking on any of the images will take you there. Feel free to snoop around over there as much as you want.

    Until next time!

  • Let’s Start A NEW Thanksgiving Tradition

    Let’s Start A NEW Thanksgiving Tradition

    Thanksgiving 2012 (18)

    It’s hard to cook a 20lb turkey when you can only lift 10lbs.  Also time on my feet was limited.  I started by making the Broccoli Salad.  It’s a layered salad that marinates for twenty-four hours in the fridge.  After that my guys lived up to their promise and joined me in the kitchen.  They were a great help in all the chopping to make the stuffing (I do stuffing with apples, veggies, sausage, nuts…).  They were also the heavy pan lifters.  Mike was the official Turkey Baker of the house.  He did as well as I could.

    There was a mix up about Thanksgiving dinner time so we didn’t conflict with Aaron’s obligations at Sara’s family.  It was okay we went over for dessert at Sara’s house then came home to have our dinner.  It all worked out just fine.

    I liked having help so much that I’m going to make family preparation of the dinner a NEW family tradition.  I’m all excited for it and gung-ho for next year.  The guys don’t seem to be embracing it so much.  I can’t see why they wouldn’t love it too instead of sleeping in while I cook or watching football while I cook they get to get up and be a part of the holiday preparations!

    So here’s our day in photos:

    My start on the broccoli salad.
    My start on the broccoli salad.
    The start of a new family tradition or at least my sous chefs of 2012.
    The start of a new family tradition or at least my sous chefs of 2012.
    The meal progresses...
    The meal progresses…
    The guys goof off at the table. It's my family tradition to take pictures of holiday table before anyone eats. We have 3 generations of them. However my group no longer does good china nor do we take it seriously any more.
    The guys goof off at the table. It’s my family tradition to take pictures of holiday table before anyone eats. We have 3 generations of them. However my group no longer does good china nor do we take it seriously any more.
    The final result - a wonderfully delicious plate!
    The final result – a wonderfully delicious plate!

    Until next time! Hopefully the new tradition sticks – I’m sure they will come around to it.