People must remember that a soldier does not pick his enemy nor the cause for which he fights. He does not pick the location nor the time of the battle. He merely goes where he is deployed and attempts to accomplish the assigned mission. All of the decisions were made by people, in Washington, most of whom have never put on a uniform nor been on the battlefield. They have no clue what life on the field of conflict is like.

To all active duty personnel and my fellow vets, those who came before, those I served with and those who have followed, thank you for your service and commitment to this Republic and it’s people.

1966

Vietnam 1967-68

Ozark Autumn 2025

Autumn in the Ozarks is a special time of year. The temperatures drop, the leaves change colors and the land prepares itself for winter. This year the colors were awesome, if not a little short lived. My wife and I took a drive over to Dogwood Canyon.

Dogwood Canyon is a 10,000 acre, non profit wildlife and nature preserve owned and operated by Bass Pro Shops. You can walk trails, rent bikes, take a tram ride and even fish, for a fee. We chose the tram ride that took us over three miles from the main building and stopped several times for photo ops and to learn more about the area. It was a great day. Here are a few images from the excursion.

They maintain a herd of Bison, including a white one, a herd of Elk and one of Longhorn cattle on the property. These animals receive the very best of treatment.

It was a great visit. If you’re ever planning a trip to Branson, Missouri, Dogwood Canyon is a must see part of your trip.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week is Remembering our veterans with songs of inspiration, thanksgiving and praise. This just might be the most inspirational video I have ever seen of this classic hymn.

Frankoma Pottery – Mid-Century Oklahoma

Aww…some Monday – CMM Preview

I know it’s a little early to post Christmas stuff, but I have begun to photograph and edit the images for my 16th annual Christmas Music Marathon! This year most of the images will come from local retail stores, flea markets and antique shops. The image above is a silk banner that I found at a rural flea market in Carr Lane, MO which is nothing more than a four-way stop with a convenience store, a boat dealer, and a flea market. It’s on the highway we use to travel to Branson, MO. For those of you new to the blog, the Christmas Music Marathon works like this. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and going through the end of the year, I will post an image or two and a song that relates to Christmas each day. There will be classic tunes, hymns, and new music that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of the Savior. Stop by anytime and view a new image and maybe find a Christmas song that is new to you.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

In keeping with the Christmas preview, here are a few examples of what you might find when you stop by during the Christmas Music Marathon. Looking forward to your visits.

Flea Market Photo

Aww…some Monday -Taking Flight

A couple of weeks ago there was a technological summit sponsored by Walmart and other businesses in the area. The focus was on flight and electric powered flight in particular. However, there was an air show that featured WWII Warbirds and it was the highlight of the event. I managed to capture a few images.

Ever wonder what it would be like to climb into a “drone” and fly it? Well, electric vertical takeoff & landing vehicles are here and you can own one. They do not require a pilot license or medical release. Still you have to obey rules and regulations regarding where you can fly these things, but they do look like serious fun.

Stay tuned for additional images at a later date.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week at 4M is “Halloween/Spooky themed songs or artists. It may be a few days early, but here we go. Have a blessed week.

Hummingbirds Have All Gone South

Aww…some Monday

I have been interested in photography for over 50 years. These are my current cameras. I have owned the big camera for eight or nine years. It is still the camera I use for all of my sports photography and special events. I have owned the small camera for about two years and it has become my “go to” travel camera for obvious reasons. They both are quite capable of capturing very sharp images. The small camera was used to photograph the recent flea market dog show and birds of a feather images, while the large camera was used to capture all of the track meets in the spring and a recent air show.

Both cameras use interchangeable lenses, which means I can change the lens to suit the situation. Because they are two different manufacturers, the lenses are not interchangeable between the cameras. I picked up the small camera on Facebook Market Place and now have six different lenses for it. It will be the camera I use at the youngest granddaughter’s wedding to shoot casual images at the reception. The real wedding photos will be done by a professional. Well, that’s a quick look at the gear I use for my favorite hobby. Have a blessed week.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week is “Whatever music moves you”. Well, a lot of different music moves me, so hang on.