High Trestle Trail Bridge

It wasn't until Labour Day that we finally got a chance to go out n to the High Trestle Trail Bridge between Madrid and Woodward. It was a beautiful evening, there were lots of people having a good time, and the bridge was truly amazing. My pictures don't really do it justice....

Rent-A-Cow

The Our Iowa Magazine "Rent-a-Cow" open house was held at Picket Fence Creamery yesterday. The event was attended by over one hundred "Renters", who came to visit their cow, not only from all over Iowa but as far afield as Missouri, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, and California! Here are some pictures of the day...

Iwo Jima, Iowa - Jeff raises the flag to start the events.

Nancy Wiebel of Our Iowa Magazine gets a kiss from Bonnie.

This is Bonnie's calf, Maxi.

One of the "renters",  Michael Bloom, came from San Diego, California to visit his cow with his daughter Emily and wife Melissa Swann-Bloom.

Aspiring cowboy Quinn Whaley from Eagle Grove, IA.

The star of the show, Bonnie!

One of the more unusual visitors at the event.

Enjoying the scenery. I wonder who these people work for?

There are more pictures here on my Flickr page.

Ghosty Toby

And just to show that the Ansco doesn't shoot only corn cribs, here's a fun double exposure I made...

More from the Ansco

Some corn cribs that we saw on our drive on Saturday. These were taken on the Ansco, on T-Max 100. I did a little Photoshopping on some of these images - straightening, dust spotting and cropping. 

This is Donna's lovely corn crib.

It's Beginning To Smell A Lot Like Christmas...

...with Prairieland Herbs' December Soap of the Month, Celebration, from Biscuit's Boutique in Des Moines. This beautiful handmade soap is scented with spruce, fir and frankincense, and is only available while stocks last.

I had great fun making this picture - there's an annotated setup shot on my Flickr page.

Say "Cheese!"

Lots of fun classes happen down at Prairieland Herbs, but probably the funnest of them all, and certainly one of the most popular, is the "Make Your Own Mozzarella Cheese" class, which is taught by Cathy Lafrenz of Miss Effie's Country Flowers and Garden Stuff. Nine students attended the class, and all were delighted with their experience, and looking forward to enjoying their own mozzarella!

Cathy introduces the basics of cheesemaking.

 Waiting for the alchemy to happen....

Maggie

We had a quick photoshoot down on the farm today, to show off Maggie's new hairdo, complete with purple highlights and dreads. The "do" was done by Laura Hess of Roxy Seven Studio in Waukee.

The natural light was really hard, so I experimented with blockers and reflectors. I'm quite happy with the result.

Pirates Ahoy!!

Great merriment was had today as it was all hands on deck for Sample Sunday! International Talk Like A Pirate Day was fun for all the crew and the lubbers who boarded us.

Aye, now there's a fine comely lassie!

American Gothic Pirate?

The Crew - Donna, Michelle,  Dawn, Lynn, Melodie, Laura, Becky, me, and Maggie

Treasure ahoy!!

Aye, maties, there be treasure a-goin' down on the prairie! To celebrate International Talk Like A Pirate Day, Prairieland Herbs, Picket Fence Creamery, Northern Prairie Chèvre, and Flowers by Donna Jean, will have a treasure hunt across their four businesses in Woodward this Sunday, 19th September. Visitors get a map at the first venue they visit, then have to find a hidden gold coin in each location. When the coins are turned in at the counter in each shop, the map is stamped for that location. At the last port of call, the maps are handed in, and are put into a draw for a "treasure chest" of goodies from all four businesses.

As well as the treasure hunt, there'll be food, music, massages, reiki, guest vendors, free samples, and loads of fun! Prairieland Herbs are also offering 12% off all goods in the shop! So, hoist the jolly roger and set sail for Woodward on Sunday!

Sample Sunday

A few shots from Sample Sunday at Prairieland Herbs:

There was hula hooping,

a tie-dye station,

and lots of other interesting goodies!