Teamwork

These two riders are working together to get this cow out of the herd and down to the pen...

Oxen

These little guys almost came home with me yesterday - they were just too cute with their little 'heart' faces....

The funny thing was, Tillie was terrified by them! I was shocked, considering how much cattle work we have done, but little cows, attached together and pulling tires, was very frightening, as far as she was concerned! Now, the draft teams with all their noisy harnesses, pulling big wagons or stone boats, she watched the other penning horses freak out at those, but never batted an eye. Baby carriages, umbrellas, golf carts darting in and around us, and the millions of other crazy things that make up a country fair didn't bother her a bit. But, in Tillie's mind, cows have a certain place - being chased around an arena - anything else is too weird. Horses can be so silly sometimes!

Highs & Lows

After the day I had yesterday, this was the best way to recover - 2nd place in the Novice Division at the team penning at the Windsor Fair!! YEEEEEE HAAAA!!!!!!!

Goodnight, Moon...

This afternoon we said "good-bye" to my horse, Moonie. She was 33 years old. She was a member of my family for 22 years...

First Day of School

Here's an image that will be repeated many times over the next week - children climbing aboard the school bus for the first time since June. (I'm sorry it's a bit blurry - I was collecting hugs & kisses instead of readying the camera!) They were not anxious to be going back to school - but they sure jumped on that bus fast enough!! And when they came home they each reported that they had had a good day, after all.

Last day of summer vacation...

Look at me on my own blog again! My older son wanted to practice using the timer on the camera. Which was just as well since I was holding the horses...and no, they're not really as close to the edge as it looks like they are, although plenty close enough. See how Tillie (big bay horse) is standing all hunched up? She didn't like being there very much! What a good girl to trust me!! What always amazes me, is that every time I ride the horses up there, they spend the first several minutes gazing around - I wonder how much they can take in and what they think of it all...

This is how the boys wanted to spend their last day of summer vacation. We hiked/rode up The Pinnacle, which is near our house. This huge ledge at the top of the mountain provides breathtaking views. We go up there a lot, especially when we have guests because it's a relatively short hike with gorgeous scenery, particularly during fall foliage.

What a bunch of turkeys!

My husband took this shot out of our kitchen window - looking into the horse pasture. He tried to get some clearer photos by going outdoors, but they were much too skittish and flew off into the trees to get away from him....

Pickerelweed

We found lots of Pickerelweed in North Pond. It is in bloom right now and very pretty!

Reflecting rays...

I loved the way the rays of sunlight were streaming through the clouds and reflecting on the surface of the pond...I took this photo on North Pond in Norway...Norway, Maine, that is... ;-)

His first bass!

Yes, they were successful! My younger son was ecstatic about catching this 16 1/2 inch Large-mouth Bass!! He had to work really hard to get that fish into the canoe and I am so proud of him! Anyone have a favorite recipe?

Cormorants

After leaving Shagg Pond, we decided to paddle North Pond in Norway (on the other side of West Paris) and see if the boys could catch some fish. We were slightly surprised to find this pair of cormorants living there. We generally only see them along the seashore. What we discovered is that North Pond is a treasure trove of wildlife - we saw lots of birds! The big question is: were the boys any more successful? Stay tuned...

Loon Family

The last 2 posts featured the birds that I was able to photograph during our camping trip. However, I suffered through a lot of teasing because everytime I pulled out the camera, the loons would disappear! And I was so determined to get a shot, but I never did before it was time to go home. It took a trip to Shagg Pond, in the neighboring town of Woodstock, yesterday, to get me the shots that I was looking for - with a baby bonus!! I have never even seen a baby loon before!! We couldn't believe it, but he was diving underwater and playing and splashing. It was so cute!! Mama loon would sing for him when he was under for too long - she would get nervous and stick her head down and look for him. I could have stayed there for hours watching them interact. Unfortunately, the fish weren't biting, so my canoe-mates were anxious to try their luck at another pond....

Mallard

That next morning, I walked out to Natanis Pond, to photograph the mist rising off the water. Imagine my delight when a female Mallard took flight and I got this shot!!

Juvenile Northern Flicker

I actually took this shot a month ago during our camping trip at Natanis Point in Northwestern Maine. There were 2 of these little guys in our campsite, hopping from tree to tree and around on the ground. They were quite talkative. I was able to get really close to one of them, while he was on the ground. By the time he decided to fly back into the brush, he was so used to me being there, that he actually bumped into me on his way by...It was pretty amazing!!

Lazy Days of Summer

Unfortunately, they're coming to an end...only one more full week of summer vacation left...

Sunflowers

This is one of the reasons why I feed my horses black-oil sunflower seeds. The seeds provide them with a healthy fat source, which helps them maintain weight, and the oil makes their coats super shiny and soft. The bonus for me is that these wonderful flowers pop up in their pastures!!

Is that my license plate?

Nope! Saturns don't rust...

Mini

A cute license plate for a cute car...

Paris Hill Baptist Church

One of the prettiest old churches that I've seen, in a beautiful location!

Happy anniversary, Honey!

Today is our 13th wedding anniversary! I spotted this license plate while walking back to our car and thought it was perfect for today's post...

I couldn't resist...

This is one of my all-time favorite bumper stickers!!

(Seen at Paris Hill Founders Day.)

What a car!

Needless to say, this is not the car that we drove to Paris Hill. We parked our Saturn way down the hill, out of sight, and walked up to the fair! ;-)

Another spectator's fancy car...

Studebaker Transtar Deluxe V8

We've left the antique car collection, but I'll be back to show you more next year!

When you make your plans to join us on Paris Hill next July, be sure to shine up your oldest, or most expensive car. You don't want to be shown up by the person parked next to you! We found this vehicle parked on the side of the road...this is a kind of pickup that I have never seen before - very unusual and striking looking!

A fellow blogger, from SF Bay Daily Photo, has provided me with more information on this great old vehicle:
The Studebaker Brothers were located in South Bend, Indiana. Studebaker was founded in 1852. Many pioneers from the east came west in Studebaker Conestoga wagons. Studebaker also supplied many of the wagons used by the Union Army in the civil war. In the early 1900s, they became one of the first automobile manufacturers. They hedged their bets by continuing to build horse-drawn vehicles and by building both gasoline and electric-powered cars. In World War I, they supplied many wagons (still horse drawn) used in that war. Most of the trucks sent by FDR to aid the Soviets in their death-struggle against the Nazis were Studebakers. Studebaker trucks were tough enough to stand the winters and very primitive road conditions in the USSR. In the USSR, the word 'Studebaker' became synonymous with 'truck.'
Thanks for the info, Louis!!

Vacationing...

Let's go back in time...imagine having this vehicle waiting for you as you disembark the train after a long journey from Boston or New York...I bet it was a pretty jolting ride up the mountainside to your destination!

This vehicle was found, covered in dust, in the back of someone's barn! What a testament to the restoration crew - they sure can take pride in their work! Apparently it should have also had a top, but they couldn't find it. Recently they received a phone call from the grandson of the owner of the barn, and they unearthed it - another project! Hopefully by next year it will be completed for us to view...


Original leather seats and a fur throw to warm your legs...

1915 Lippard-Stewart
Model: D657
Body Style: Mountain Wagon
Chassis by: Lippard-Stewart Motor Car Company of Buffalo, New York

Engine: 232 cid Continental L-head, case en bloc 4 with 30 hp

"This vehicle shuttled guests to and from "The Iron Mountain House" in Jackson, New Hampshire."

One last Packard...

Gotta save some for next year's blogposts!! ;-) 'The good lord willin' and the creek don't rise', we'll be back to see the cars again...

1932 Packard
Model: 906 Twin Six
Body Style: Convertible Sedan
Chassis by: Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan
Custom Body by: Dietrich, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan
Engine: 445.5 cid modified L-head 67" V-12 with 160 hp

Tomorrow we'll go back outside and check out a couple more unique vehicles...

A red convertible!

I do love a red convertible...

1941 Packard

Model: 1907 Custom Super-8 180

Body Style: Convertible Victoria

Chassis by: Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan

Custom Body by: Bohman & Schwartz of Pasadena, California

Engine: 356 cid L-head straight 8 with 160 hp

One of the first Packards...

What fun it must have been to pile the family in this and head off for a day in the country! Notice the picnic basket tied onto the back...
1906 Packard
Model: S or 24
Body Style: Touring
Chassis & Body by: Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan
Engine: 349.9 cid T-head 4 with 24hp

Another touch of celebrity...

Interestingly enough, here is another reference to Clark Gable. Can you just see him dashing about town in this gorgeous car? (It's actually not as yellow as it looks in this picture - it's cream colored. The indoor lighting is so hard for photo taking!)

Here is the information on the plaque:

1934 Packard

Model: 1106 Twelve

Body Style: Runabout Speedster

Chassis by: Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan

Custom Body by: LeBaron

Engine: 445.5 cid modified L-head 67" V-12 160 hp

"This LeBaron Speedster was further modified at the request of screen star, Carole Lombard, resulting in a one-of-a-kind car that she then gave as a gift to Clark Gable."

"Car of the Dome"

1934 Packard
Model: 1108 Twelve
Body Style: Sport Sedan
Chassis by: Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan
Custom Body by: Dietrich, Inc of Detroit, MichiganEngine: 445.5 cid modified L-head 67" V-12 with 160 hp

Taken from an article about the designer:
"The "Car of the Dome", a one-off 12-cylinder Packard show car built for the transportation exhibit at the 1933-34 "Century of Progress" Chicago World's Fair was a good example of a vehicle that successfully combined the styles of both designers. It started life as a Dietrich-designed style 3182 Formal Sedan mounted on a 147" wheelbase chassis updated with bumper caps and forward-extended front fenders. De Sakhnoffsky eliminated the side-mounts and extended the hood putting speed spears on the vent doors adding even more length to the already long vehicle.

The October, 1933 issue of Motor described the interior of the car in great detail:
"All body hardware is heavily gold plated and so are the steering column and instruments. Wood paneling and trim are highly polished burley Carpathian elm. Built into the back of the front seat is a cabinet extending the full width of the car. The right side is occupied by a full length dressing case with gold plated fittings. At the left is a cellarette with a drop door which becomes a glass covered table when lowered. Inside are large gold cups in racks and large gold containers for liquid refreshments. Upholstery is especially selected beige broadcloth. The exterior finish is called Sun Glow Pearl, a new finish which is gold, or brown, or pearl, depending on how the light strikes it."

Note how the front and rear doors open on the same hinges...


With the vents open...

Theme Day: Metal

Since I’ve been doing metal cars for the last couple of weeks, it was hard to think what to use for a creative photo today. Then, I came across this shot of a fancy hood ornament, with an antique car background. This is the kind of detail that they just don’t put on cars anymore. Who can tell me what kind of car this is on? This Paris Hill car collection includes one of each and every model that this car company ever made, (I believe there are 9 of them) including the car that spent 2 years in the Chicago Worlds’ Fair!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

or click your favorite city below:
Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by freefalling, Arradon, France by Alice, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Auckland, New Zealand by Baruch, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Eki Akhwan, Bandung, Indonesia by Bunyamin, Bandung, Indonesia by Harry Makertia, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Birmingham (AL), USA by VJ, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Brantford (ON), Canada by Nancy, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chesapeake (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Cincinnati, USA by Erik Laursen, City of the Blue Mountains, Australia by Richard, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Edmonton (AL), Canada by , Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Piskie, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gabriola, Canada by Snapper, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Hanoi, Vietnam by Jérôme, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jerusalem, Israel by Esther, Kansas City (MO), USA by Cate B, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lakewood (OH), USA by mouse, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Leipzig, Germany by weltbeschreiber, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Lynchburg (VA), USA by June, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Mashhad, Iran by Meead, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Menton, France by Jilly, Mesa (AZ), USA by Mesa Daily Photo, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Middletown (MD), USA by Bernie, Milwaukee (WI), USA by karl, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Scott, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Molfetta, Italy by saretta, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Kitty, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Newport News (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Palos Verdes (CA), USA by tash, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Philadelphia (PA), USA by Stephanie Craig, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Cheryl, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Sharon, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Pretoria, South Africa by Sam-Ruth, Quezon City, Philippines by ann pablo, Quincy (MA), USA by slim, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Rancho Palos Verdes (CA), USA by Sarah Adams, Riga, Latvia by Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Schenectady (NY), USA by Buck, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Zannnie, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, South Pasadena (CA), USA by Laurie, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica by David, Tempe (AZ), USA by angie, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Villigen, Switzerland by z, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by D.C. Confidential, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,