February 23, 2015 by kritterspaw

More Gourds

I had some lingering gourds sitting on the bench that needed to be worked so that the bench could be cleared for the next project — shelving units for my office.

So I sharpened the pencil, heated up the wood burner and got to work.

I wanted to do designs that were colorful and different. I wanted them to be fun and professional looking. I also wanted to take better photos of the finished projects. What I have learned in taking photos of them, is I have a lot to learn about studio lighting.

My photographer friend, Maureen, turned me on to LimoStudio Lighting, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F37LW8/ref=pe_385040_30332190_pe_175190_21431760_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1 . For under $40 I got a tripod and soft box lighting. Using it is another talent altogether… one that I still need to work out the kinks with, (though I am improving).

I do like the way they came out. The colors and designs are original, fun, and professional… just as I had hoped. Time to put the gourds away and move on.

February 4, 2015February 4, 2015 by kritterspaw

Neighborhood Eagles

Uncategorized
arizona, az, bald eagle, eagles, golden eagle, happy jack, northern az
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We’ve had a number of sightings of big birds in the area. At first we thought they were hawks. But after getting a couple pix of them, we discovered they are golden eagles… and bald eagles.

It seems they migrate in the winter, so it would seem that they may have found a winter home in the area. How cool is that? Be on the look out if you’re in Happy Jack, AZ.

December 3, 2014December 5, 2014 by kritterspaw

Harvey Girls

Travel
az, fred harvey, harvey girls, la posada, winslow
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Have you heard of the Harvey Girls? They are a part of our history. Back in the late 1800’s when the railroads were growing and people from the East coast were moving West, train stops were pretty rough and uninviting. Good food was literally road kill, or re-cycled stews (if you didn’t eat it, it went back in the pot). Fred Harvey had a better idea. With the railroads help, he built ‘Harvey Houses’ along the railway. Harvey Houses were at rail stops along the way offering places to stay and decent food with actual linen napkins and white tablecloths. Men proved unreliable to come to work at the Harvey Houses. They would get in brawls or liquored up. So the idea of using women (unheard of in the day) to serve the guests was born, and they were dubbed the Harvey Girls. La Posada, in Winslow, AZ, was an original Harvey House built in 1930. It sits as a train depot for the now BSF train. It has been refurbished and today operates as a first rate restaurant, hotel, and living museum. We took the opportunity partake in a unique opportunity and take a Harvey Girls tour. The Harvey Girls is a group of volunteers committed to preserving the history of La Posada, Fred Harvey, Mary Colter, and the Harvey Girls. Marie, our host, was the daughter of a Harvey Girl, and an entertaining story teller for our fascinating and informative tour. Not only did we learn more about Harvey Girls and their history than we had previously known… but also got to see a lot of the architectural details of La Posada that we would not have otherwise had the opportunity. If you’re ever in Winslow… call ahead. Make an appointment for a Harvey Girls tour… and stay for a historic tour and a fine meal.