Chicago : Oak Street Beach

Things aren’t always as they seem. Often times we can assume we know where something occurred, however when the truth comes out , we can be completely surprised.

If I didn’t know any better, I would assume the above photo was taken at some exotic beach location in the Caribbean or Mediterranean Ocean. With the beautiful sand , sea gulls and small fishing boat, the photo has all the trappings of such an exotic location.

However, nothing could be farther from the truth, the photo was actually taken in down town Chicago. A little known secret , Chicago has a beach. Although small , it is a beach, no less. Nestled just off the Magnificent Mile, the beach can be a refuge from a hard day’s shopping . A welcome retreat to savor before enjoying the evening night clubbing in Chicago.

As nice and beautiful as it is, one has to remember to keep an eye on the sky. The late June day we were there, a cold front blew in from Lake Michigan and the temperature suddenly dropped from 85 degrees to 58 in just a matter of minutes. Wearing only swim trunks, a tee shirt and sandals , it was indeed a long cold walk back to our hotel.

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The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Autumn Colors in Indiana

In my opinion, I feel the most perfect month in the northern hemisphere is October. It seems that everywhere I have been, the 10th month of the year yields the idea temperatures and most colorful scenery that can be imagined.

Indiana Autumn Scene

No where is this more evident than in the midwestern section, or the bread basket, of the United States. After a spring where the weather is either too hot or too cold and with snow often arriving as late as May,as well as the threat of tornadoes well into June, sometimes both could be experienced in the same day.

  A summer of intense heat follows, with either drought or heavy rains, mosquitos and deer flies , late autumn can be savored as a season of intense beauty to enjoy before the coming harsh and  bleak winter.

I often stated that if we had a miserable October, we had blown the whole year as far as the weather was concerned. As soon as the first frost would occur, normally sometime during the last week of September or the  first week of October the leaves would begin to turn a golden color.  Various hues would be seen as some tree’s leaves gradually  turned a brilliant red while many others would display a wide variety of colors from green to yellow and brown, Many different species of trees are often found in the same group or forest, so the variety would be endless.

The highways and byways are normally  jammed with traffic on the weekends as many people with cameras and camcorders in hand scurry to enjoy this last piece of beauty before the winter storms and clouds arrive.

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 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

Your comments appreciated

 

French Lick Indiana

French Lick Indiana, located in beautiful and picturesque south central
Indiana has been a favorite retreat for many years. Probably most well
known as being the home of basketball great and Boston Celtics star
,Larry Bird , French Lick has a long and varied history.

Originally a French trading post, it was built near a spring and a salt lick in
the early 1800’s. A fortified ranger post was established in 1811 and
the town was officially founded in 1857. Because of the sulphur springs
the town began being promoted as a spa town in the 1840s.

 

French Lick

Rapidly gaining notoriety, the rich and famous began visiting for the health
benefits. In the early 1920’s a casino was built which attracted the
likes of Joe Louis, Irvin Berlin and Al Capone. It is a well know fact
that John Dillinger used it for a hide out during his reign of terror.

At one time the Chicago Cubs held spring training there and Franklin
Roosevelt announced his intention to run for president during the
Governor’s Conference.

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Today, the resort still reigns as one of the most popular destinations in the
mid west. With a golf course, a railroad excursion that passes and stops
by the childhood home of Larry Bird, and many local attractions to draw
visitors, there are many activities to keep one occupied for days.

The resort itself has much to offer, the old hotel has been refurbished and
offers American Plan dining, a complete health spa, and mineral baths.
Also included in the offering a beautiful timeshare has been constructed
with facilities to match those found any where.

Anytime of year would be a good time to go as the Indiana climate offers a
variety of activities from summer golf to winter snow skiing and world famous Santa Claus Indiana.

Now you can follow me on Kindle.

Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com.

Your comments appreciated

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well

Weather:The Blizzard of 1978

The Blizzard

 

Your favorite INDIANA store

Living in Southeastern Indiana, most our winters were relatively mild. A normal winter would consist of maybe two feet of snow spread over the entire season and a couple of weeks of zero weather. The rest of the winter would be cloudy and dreary, with highs just above freezing.

Starting in 1976, we experienced three increasingly several winters, with the grand daddy of them all in 1978. The winter started out innocently enough with a fairly mild pre-Christmas period. I remember thinking that this winter would probably see little or no snow, since the previous two had been so severe. Boy was I in for a rude awakening!

Everything went well until the third week in January, which is notorious for  blizzards and bad weather. The week-end saw blizzard warnings being posted on TV and radio, however as is often the case nothing develops and not much attention is given to them. Things changed on Sunday as the first wave of snow descended upon us. Over two feet fell in a short period of time and coupled with high winds, our world was paralyzed.

I had been working for UPS for 9 years and this was the first day that nothing moved. Most of the roads had been cleared so  things were better Tuesday,  life was kind of back to normal.

Then the warnings kept coming, a major blizzard was on it’s way . The weather service was predicting several feet of snow . Most thought we couldn’t have two blizzards in a week, however as the sun sat on Wednesday it became apparent that something major was in the making.

The wind had turned to the northwest and the temperature dropped. Soon the snow was falling faster the stock market in ’29. Looking out my front window and seeing nothing but snow, it was evident we were in for the “big” one.

UPS and it’s drivers had the attitude that we could handle anything and weather couldn’t stop us. We had never had a day before this week where deliveries couldn’t be made. As a result, they were sending “feeders “to Indianapolis from Cincinnati, after the freeway had been closed. About 200 units became stranded in the snow, with some isolated for up to 2 months. Needless to say that policy was soon changed, after that, when a severe blizzard was forecast, everyone was pulled off the roads at sundown.

Nothing moved until the following Monday, needless to say the highway department didn’t have the equipment to handle all the snow. Many areas were isolated, in some locations snow was piled up as high as 20 feet .The roads would be opened and no sooner than the snow plows went through, the wind would blow them shut again. Soon every farmer with a tractor and construction worker that owned a bulldozer had been hired by the state to help clean the roads.

The local Dairy Queen housed about  200 stranded truckers and motorists. After they ran out of food, more food was air lifted in by helicopter. Most were stranded for over  a week, that’s a long time to eat brazers and hot fudge sundaes.

All in all , over 60 inches of snow fell that winter.

It didn’t let up or thaw out until the last week in March, making it over two months that many people were isolated, many without heat or electricity.

My grandpa had always talked about how bad the winter of ’06 had been.I noticed he had quit talking about ’06, so I asked him why.
He just responded, ” ’78 was worse.”

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The Drive-In Theater

Momentos From TheHomeland

For those of that are old enough to remember, there was nothing quite like a trip to the drive-in to see a favorite movie!
The
drive-in theaters have pretty much disappeared from the American
Landscape, but in their day they were quite the rage! In the northern
part of the country it was mainly a warm weather activity, however some
drive-ins had window heaters installed so if one could keep the frost
off the windshield, movies could be enjoyed in even the coldest of
weather.

There was nothing quite like enjoying a summer evening
sitting in a car, with the windows rolled down, enjoying a flick under
the stars and full moon! With a gentle breeze  flowing in the window,
there was nothing to disturb the evening except the  need to massacre
an occasional mosquito.

It was a great place to enjoy a date
with your main squeeze. One could count on the fact if the moment did
happen to get romantic, those immortal words would emit from the loud
speaker, “Jones, your chicken order is ready!” What a setting. As you
can imagine, overcoming that interruption always required a great deal
of concentration.

Probably the best part of the drive-in scene
was the Sunday night gathering  for the weekly party. Anyone who was
anyone would be there. It was well known in the area that no one went
to the drive-in on Sunday night to watch a movie. Whatever event was
happening on Sunday it was planned around the weekly ritual of going to
the drive-in! If there happened to be a little beer left from a Sunday
afternoon party, so much the better. It sure was good with the chicken.

Cars would be coming from all directions and the crowd would start gathering
just before dark and one of the main challenges would be to see how
many people could get in for free. It wasn’t uncommon for kids to be
piling out of  trunks as soon as it was dark enough to be unnoticed.
Little did we know this training became very useful for those who later
went on to Vietnam.
It wasn’t so much to avoid paying the entrance fee, it was just fun  to see what one could get away with.

It was unheard of to have  a date on Sunday night, why would you want to
do that? What, miss all the fun? It was always the perfect ending to a
week-end, soon the movie would end,  we would pack up whatever was left and head home to face another work week and look forward to the next Sunday Night at the movies.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Each generation from the beginning of our country has contributed to what our country has become. By the same token, no one is perfect. Consequently, each generation has done and will continue to perform acts that it would have been better if some other course of action was taken.
The baby boomers have contributed much and have been blamed for the decline of America. What is the true story?

Driving in Inclement Weather.

With the coming of winter and the possibility of having to drive on roads that are less than perfect many people often wonder how to drive safely and reach their destination without having a fender bender or more serious accident.

Having driven over 3 million miles on all kinds of roads, in all kinds of conditions, and at the same time never having had an accident I feel I can offer some advice.

The first and most important requirement is to have your vehicle in top operating condition with windshield wipers that don’t streak , good tires with at least half their tread remaining, reliable brakes , also remember to keep your windshield clear of ice and fog to ensure proper vision.

Give yourself plenty of time in bad weather and always have a plan, think about what you would do in any scenario that may arise, and in case some unforeseen incident should arise,always have an escape route, or plan B, in mind.

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I have found that most roads, regardless of conditions can be negotiated at about 45 miles per hour, this much speed is needed keep to a safe distance between other vehicles, it also keeps one from being “rear-ended” by fast-moving cars, and provides enough speed to negotiate any hills one may encounter.

The prime thing to remember is to not make any sudden adjustments in speed or direction. Maintain a safe distance between your self and any other vehicle that may be in your line of travel. I always drive as though I have no brakes, thus I always maintained a safety cushion between myself and anyone else, thereby giving me time to make any
adjustments  in my speed or direction.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, the first thing to do is “think”, DON’T panic. You probably have more
time than imagined, and you only have one chance to make the right decision. Thinking only takes a split second and can save your life. If your vehicle does go into a skid, ease up on the accelerator, stay off the brakes, remembering to steer in the direction your car is skidding, being careful not to over correct. Only after evaluating the situation should any brakes be applied, gently tapping works the best, if it is found there is sufficient traction to slow your vehicle, then more
pressure can be applied, making sure to never “lock” the brakes up, which only makes the situation worse.

Ever wonder why people will skid for several yards just to  hit that lone telephone pole?

It is because they are looking at it, you will always go where your eyes are looking, chart out your path and look where you want to go, and pick out a safe landing spot!

With a little caution, good judgment, and thought, one can be reasonably assured of safely reaching their destination.

 

Interesting? Follow me on Kindle.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

 

Kentucky Houseboating

Written by Gary Wonning

Some of the best vacations we took as a family when the kids were small were the simplest and least expensive.

In that list had to be the time spent on a houseboat on a Kentucky Lake. Living just a couple of hours away in southern Indiana, it was just a short ride on I-75 to Laurel or Cumberland Lake in south central Kentucky. What made it really nice was that my kids and their cousins were about the same age.

We would leave on a Saturday morning and would arrive at the lake by early afternoon, after checking out the boat, loading it with provisions, (including a few libations), it was off to parts unknown. Nice and quiet, peaceful, no phones ringing or horns blowing.  A whole week without TV or any of the other distractions of modern life.

Once the houseboat was parked, we normally didn’t move it very much. We did learn to start it and drive it a little occasionally, otherwise  flushing the toilet and having the lights on in the evening would run the battery down.

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My brother-in-law owned a bass boat, which was used all day, fishing in the early morning, and late evening and night.

 The days were spent water skiing, the bass boat motor really wasn’t powerful enough to ski behind, it worked fine for the kids, but us lard bottom adults had to sit on the side of the houseboat and let the boat pull us up from there. That fact alone helped ensure that no one ever fell off their skis, if you did your ride was over.

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Plenty of steaks and hamburger were brought along just in case the fishing turned sour. Even when fishing was at its worst, there were several meals spent enjoying the local cuisine, including trout, catfish, bass, and crappie.

There is nothing better in the world than cooking a home caught meal over an open charcoal fire. Of course the activity is enjoyed even more in the company of a good cold beer.

The kids wore life jackets constantly, in case one of the varmints fell overboard, which never happened, but in case it would have, we had time to fish them out before anything serious could take place.

Comfortable beds were provided, however it didn’t take me long to realize the best place to sleep was on top of the boat, under the stars. It was beautiful. A million stars, and a full moon if we were lucky. Being isolated like we were, there were no lights from distant cities or automobiles to spoil our view of the celestial heavens.

All too quickly, the week would end, it would be time to pack up, and head back up the freeway and dream of next year.

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments are welcome

Improve your health through essential oils

The doors were never locked

I grew up on a small dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, financially, times were hard. My dad and mom had purchased an extremely impoverished farm when I was three years old. We, along with my brother, who came along later, spent the next several years restoring it to a more productive state. The farm was so over grown with weeds that after living there for a while, dad had time to mow the weeds around the barn and lo and behold . He found a hog house no one knew was there.

The soil was totally depleted, the first year’s twelve acre corn crop yielded a whopping two hundred

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French Lick Indiana

Your favorite HOOSIER store 

Founded in 1811, French Lick was originally a French Trading Post. The town has an interesting and varied history. The name of French Lick was given to the town because of the sulfur springs which has been exploited  for its medical values.

During the gangster era of the early 20th century, it became famous as a hang out of John Dillinger noted Chicago gangster.  With the opening of the casinos, such personalities as  Joe Louis, Irving Berlin and Al Capone.

Pluto Water, a well-known laxative was bottled here There was also a bottling facility for  7 UP.

Franklin D. Roosevelt announced his intention to run for president during a National Governor’s Convention held at French Lick Springs.

During World War 2, the Chicago White Sox held spring training here as travel was restricted to an area east of the Mississippi and north of the Ohio River.

Probably the most famous resident was Larry Bird, who attended Spring’s Valley High School here in French Lick, before his college days at Indiana State in Terre Haute, and his stellar professional career with the Boston Celtics!

With the Hotel still open, a nearby golf course and stunning timeshares on the premises, French Lick today still remains a premier vacation spot for anyone wanting to get away from it all!

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The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Remembering a simpler time, a time when neighbor knew neighbor and people helped each other.I grew up in the 50’s on a small dairy farm in southeastern Indiana.

Financially, times were hard , my dad and mom had purchased an extremely impoverished farm when I was three years old. We , along with my brother , who came along later, spent the next several years restoring it to a more productive state.

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Whitewater Canal Locks, Metamora Indiana

“The Hoosier State”, home of high school basketball, corn fields and race cars!!

Pick from a large variety of memorabilia from the “Crossroads of America”.

You favorite Indiana store

The author has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments welcome

Vevay, Switzerland County ,Indiana

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of Southern Indiana lies Vevay Indiana.
A small town of 1700 residents , it was founded in 1802 by Swiss immigrants intent on cultivating grapes and producing wine.  Thus it earned the reputation of being home to the first commercially produced winery in the United States.

To commemorate it’s historic past, Vevay holds an annual celebration, The Swiss Wine Festival, normally beginning on Thursday of the last week-end in August. In earlier days the only attractions were the grape stomping contests and the wine garden, from there it has grown over the last forty years to include such activities as ferry rides on the Ohio River,amusement rides, beauty pageants, car shows,musical performances, and cheerleading competitions.

Activities also include shopping booths and fireworks over the Ohio River on Saturday night.
In 1814,when Switzerland County was established, Vevay became the county seat. From that time growth has been slow due to its location, not being near anywhere the area has retained the charm and friendliness of a small town. The kind of town where everyone knows everyone, where people speak and wave to one another, where everyone is a neighbor and a friend.

There has been a resurgence of the grape industry, making it and the growing of tobacco the two main crops in this tiny county.
The country side is dotted with small villages with colorful names such as Bear Branch, Quercus Groove, Lamb, Patriot, Farmer’s Retreat, Pleasant, China, Canaan, Mount Sterling, Aberdeen,Center Square,Long Run, and Braytown.
Equally unique are the roads with such names as Red Hog Pike, Mexico Ridge, Lost Fork, Dry Creek, Fishing Worm Ridge, Splinter Ridge,Doe Run, Tater Bug Rd, Taxidermy Rd, Patton Hollow, Half and Half Rd. , Hard Scrabble Rd, Log Lick Rd, Goose Creek Rd, Eagle Hollow Rd, and Bear Branch Rd.

This tiny corner of Indiana deserves a visit, especially in the fall when the autumn leaves are displaying their many colors, Don’t forget to stop at the Swiss Inn located in downtown Vevay and enjoy one of their signature pieces of pie!

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 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website.www.commonsensejourneys.com

Your comments appreciated

This  informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.