Friday, October 31, 2008

Skywatch Friday-Halloween crescent moon


Not sure how well this will show up, but this was just as the sun was coming up.

Check out the rest of the Skywatch Friday sites here.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Next year is here

In sports, losers have a saying, "wait till next year". Tonight begins "next year" for the Dallas Mavericks.



Pictured is the Maverick logo taken from one of my jerseys. Lets hope my Maverick jersey does not end up in the same place my Cowboy jersey ended up.

Anybody watch the end of the World Series last night? I think all games should start in the 6th inning. Watching the game was tolerable.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

High Rollers

Brian and Kim somewhere between Dallas and Houston playing cards on Southwest Airlines. Kim was making the trip to Vicksburg and we tagged along.

They found the 7 of spades under Kim's foot when we landed. She said it was an accident. :-)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Widow Blakely, Vicksburg, MS

Another shot from our short trip to Vicksburg, MS. This is the Widow Blakely cannon. It was used to during the Civil War to defend Vicksburg. Today it overlooks the Mississippi River and the bridges that cross over it.

Monday, October 27, 2008

All in the family

The pink gorilla wasnt alone. Looks like we have Mama, Papa, and baby.



Sunday, October 26, 2008

Ghosts of Kaufman County Past



Last night the Kaufman County Historical Commission presented its annual Ghosts of Kaufman County Past at the Kaufman County Poor Farm.

This is a walking tour around the Poor Farm grounds with the opportunity to meet and listen to the ghosts of people who lived, or spend time, in Kaufman County during its first 100 years.

I had never been on a ghost walk before, so I really didn't know what to expect. The weather was great and the sky was clear so the setting was wonderful. No cameras were allowed.

We were escorted from the mid 1800s to the end of World War II meeting famous locals who lived between the two times.

The tour started with Warren Ferris remembering life at Kings Fort in the 1800s, Kings Fort is where the town of Kaufman sits now.

We met Captain Robert Adams Terrell and his wife, Emily Love Terrell. We were allowed to listen in as they read letters that each had written to the other during the Civil War.

We listened to Eliza Jane Stephenson-Love-Weatherford-Thompson-Massey tell us about her 4 husbands and the land she once owned that she later sold to the County to become the County Poor Farm.

Gov. Oscar B. Colquitt told us of his time in Terrell has the owner and publisher of the Terrell Times-Star newspaper and then later as his time as Texas Governor.

Bonnie Parker, while spending time in a jail in Kemp, Texas, told us that someday her and Clyde Barrow would settle down and live high on the hog. That or go out in a shootout that would look like the 4th of July. I wonder how that ended for them?

The tour ended with the end of World War II, but not before we met Thomas Sim Beedie who was a young British pilot stationed in Terrell for pilots training. He lost his life on the day the war ended in a plane crash in south Texas. He told us of the other pilots who trained in Terrell and their life over here during war time.

Our last ghost was "Rosie the Riveter" who stood for all of the woman who made sacrifices during the war and replaced the men in the factory's.

In all over 15 different characters told us stories of their life and times in Kaufman County.

It was fun to be able to walk through history. The reenactors and impressionists all were very good. The group sizes were kept small and the settings were intimate. Its something I would recommend everyone seeing next year. All proceeds will be used for historical preservation efforts in Kaufman County.

I guess it shows why I am not a writer.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Friday, October 24, 2008

Skywatch Friday-Leaving the Fly-In




The Air 1 medical helicopter takes off into the clear blue sky. I hope the Fly-in or something similar is made into an annual event. The Heritage Jubilee in the spring and the Museum/Airport open house in the fall. Great bookends to summer.

Visit all of the Skywatch Friday sites here.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The people

The best part of the Fly-In was the people. From the large turnout to the honored guest and visitors from out of town.

Above is former Terrell Mayor and student at the old BFTS Henry Madgwick talking to two of the Marine color guard. The lady with her back to the camera was a visitor from Canada. She gave everyone a good laugh when she asked the Marines what Corps they belong to.


The gentlemen standing in the above photo along with the man sitting in the front row in blue shirt and hat were all students of the school during the war. They all made the trip for the Fly-In.

I really wish I had written down names! This is Mr. Madgwick and a retired General who ordered the posting of the colors.

Active duty British officers were on hand. I think they were Leftenents. Does that sound right?


Above is Harold Payne from Caddo Mills, TX., he was a pilot on a B-17 Flaming Fortress. He didn't attend the Terrell school, but was stationed in Franlingham, England in 44-45. He had some great stories to tell. Here he is talking to members of the Marine League.

Of course our Mayor was on hand. Mayor Hal Richards gave a few opening remarks and mentioned that the idea has been floated to make the Fly-In an annual event. I think that's a great idea.

Tomorrow I will end the series, and quit boring everyone, with a Skywatch photo from the day.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

1934 Ford


This was on display at the Fly-In along with other antique cars. I thought at first that this may be a kit car, but it had historical license plates.
I had titled this a Jaguar but Snapper in the comments said it looked like a Ford. I googled images of a 34 Ford and they do have the Jaguar hood ornament. Here I thought it was a kit car.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

A few more airplanes from the Fly-In

This is the last group of airplanes on display at the Fly-In. They had demonstrations, but I was wasn't able to make it for that.


The Piper Cub pictured above.

Above is the ERCO PQ-13.

From information resting on the front tire.

It was manufactured on 8-14-1941. It was purchased by the U.S. Army Air Corps on August 19, 1941, and delivered to Wright Field Dayton, Ohio as part of the Aerial Target Test Program. The aircraft was painted as it was at Wright Field in December 1941. Of the three Ercoupes purchased by the army (one YO-55 and two PQ-13's), this is the only flying military Ercoupe left in the world today.



Not sure of the type of plane above, I just like the colors.

Monday, October 20, 2008

More aircraft from the Royal Air Force in Texas Fly-In

I believe the British pilots trained in planes similar to this one.

The plane below is a PT-19

Below is R4D, the Navy version of the DC-3.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Aircraft on display

One of the neat things to see at the Fly-In was the different types of aircraft. I should have took a notepad and a pen. I didn't get many of the types of planes.

I hate flying in the big commercial jets, but I could see myself being a pilot in one of these planes during the war.



More tomorrow.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Royal Air Force in Texas Fly-In


Where to start, we made it back from the trip and the weather in Terrell today has been absolutely wonderful for the Royal Air Force in Texas Fly-In. I made it out to the airport just before noon so I missed some of the earlier activities. Last night they had a USO type dinner and show. They said they had over 200 in attendance. Today's turnout was great. Below you can see people gathering for the posting of the colors and the welcoming address from Henry Madgwick and Terrell Mayor Hal Richards. Over the next several days I will post pictures from today's event.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Skywatch Friday-early morning full moon

We had a beautifully bright full moon this week. I caught it early in the morning after getting back from the gym.


Visit all of the Skywatch Friday sites here.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

#500


What a let down, post #500 and I am called out of town. This will have to do. I have a picture scheduled to post for Friday. I will be back in time to make it to the Fly-In on Saturday.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Real Estate is not dead.....really?


Someone likes to use humor to promote their business. Not a bad idea.

I could give a big long rant about the bailout and now the government investing in banks, but I can feel my face already getting red, so I won't.

I will say when I purchased my house, I knew what my budget was, I knew what I could afford and I knew what the payments would be every year until it was paid off. Where is my relief?




That's what I thought.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Privacy please

Yes, I take my camera everywhere. Poor pooch, cant get any privacy.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Royal Air Force in Texas Fly-In, Oct. 17th and 18th

Have I mentioned that this Friday and Saturday is the The Royal Air Force in Texas Fly-In? If you are in the Dallas Metroplex, make the trip over. Click here or the link to the right for more information.
Added to the event is a Paint-In and Art show. If you are a local artist read here how you can be a part of the Fly-In.




Thursday will be post #500!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Shipley Do-Nuts accident

It looks like someone wanted to make sure they got that last apple fritter from Shipleys in Terrell. This morning a gentleman in a van thought he was hitting the brake and instead had his foot on the gas. The result was what you see. Nobody was hurt. Brian and his Grandma were inside when I got there. He may have a post from the inside looking out later today. This is the place in town to get your sugar fix. Normally, on a Sunday morning this place is packed with people.


Saturday, October 11, 2008

Octoberfest

Entrance to the First Christian Church Octoberfest held today in Terrell. Inside they had food, fun and vendors. Out back they had a bounce house and dunking booth. I like the pumpkin on the left resting on the bench.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Skywatch Friday-sunrise

For the last few days the weather has been beautiful and the sky has been clear. This is a view looking north on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall.




Visit all of the Skywatch sites here.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

First Christian Church, Terrell, Texas

View of the entrance to the First Christian Church in Terrell.



I am not sure they will announce suspensions following the Terrell, Mabank football game fight. The Cedar Creek Pilot reports that there have been suspensions on the Mabank team but they are not announcing who has been suspended. It may be handled the same way here in Terrell. The Tigers are off this week, so we may not know the penalties until next week. Whatever the outcome, I only hope that what happened can be avoided in the future and they can all move on.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Summer's End

A week or so ago Jilly posted a series of wonderful photos showing Summer's End in Menton, France.

Here is Summer's End in Terrell, Texas.


You might remember this spot from this picture that was posted back in May.


Tomorrow, Terrell will host a visitor from the UK. BKenton left a comment on a post I made back in July about #1 BFTS pilots. He is in the Dallas area for a wedding hopefully, if all goes well, he will visit Terrell tomorrow to tour the #1 BFTS Museum and Oakland Memorial Park.
If you would like to meet Mr. Kenton email me and I can get you the specifics. Terrelldailyphoto@hotmail.com

Museum officials are currently getting ready for October 17th & 18th. That is is the RAF in Texas Fly-In weekend. Check the link to the right for details. I will probably post more the Fly-In early next week.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Rainy night


We got a little bit of rain last night. It gave me a chance to get out after dark and get a few pictures. This is Moore Ave. looking west.

No word yet of sanctions or penalties against the Terrell football program or players following the fight Friday night between Terrell and Mabank. Be sure to check the Terrell Tribune online later today for the latest update.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Always bring up the rear

Do you sometimes feel this is always your view?



Expect fall out this week from Friday nights fight, brawl, melee during the 4Th quarter of the Terrell vs. Mabank football game.

I had a long winded rant here about the game. I moved it over to the forum.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

First Monday, Canton, Texas

Friday, Michael over at Obstructed View posted a link to a story about sales at First Monday Trade Days in Canton. Since this is First Monday weekend and the weather is nice we decided to take a trip out there.

I'm not sure of the average price spent per person, but judging by the size of yesterdays crowd sales have to be picking up. Its hard to describe how large First Monday is, other than saying it's huge and you just have to go out there for yourself. There are two more Trade Day weekends before Christmas.



One of the popular items I saw was a stand that sold large foam cups with college logos on them. Texas Tech seemed to be selling faster than the other schools. Not sure if Texas Tech alums have more school spirit or if they don't care about the environment and would still by foam cups.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Lone Star High School Rodeo at Wade Arena

Every Saturday in October Wade Arena in Terrell hosts the Lone Star High School Rodeo Association rodeo. Its good family fun that starts at 10am. I went out there today, good crowd on hand and lots of competitors. The cost is only $5, and they have a full concession stand.



Last night Terrell visited Mabank in a district football game. Sorry outcome, the game was ended early after a fight broke out between both teams. You can read my initial thoughts here.

Friday, October 3, 2008