Ginkgo 2009

Ahhh, what golden splendor!

This isn't my ginkgo tree but one captured on camera by guest photographer Christine Weerts.

Antique Ford Sedan

Back in 1937, a gallon of gas cost 10 cents, and a new car averaged less than $1,000.

That's the model year of this two-tone Ford Sedan that was among the antique cars on display at the Orrville Tractor Show last weekend.

Pottery Whiz

Here's a guy who knows how to mold clay. Allen Hamm often demonstrates his art of making pottery at various festivals around Central Alabama. The tractor show at Orrville was no exception. Click on the photo for a better view of his wares in the background.

Pinwheel Quilt

Have you ever seen more colorful pinwheels? They are pieced together in this lovely quilt that was on display at the West Dallas Tractor Show. The show featured tractors and antique cars, but quilting, pottery and arts and crafts got good reviews too.

Southern Antique Iron Association

What child wouldn't love a toy tractor to drive?

The Southern Antique Iron Association brought a toy tractor display to last weekend's tractor show in Orrville. The organization is dedicated to preserving antique tractors, engines and other machinery that has historical value.

Click the photo for a larger version.

Scaling the Cliff

Just because there are no rocky cliffs in Dallas County doesn't mean our kids don't get a chance (every now and then) to try their cliff-hanging abilities! This climbing wall was among the attractions at Saturday's West Dallas Antique Tractor Show.

(Double-click the picture for a larger view.)

Tractors on Parade

Well, I'm not sure if this is a tractor or a tank, but it got a lot of cheers at Saturday's West Dallas Antique Tractor Show!

Sponsored by the Orrville Volunteer Fire Department, the show attracted a huge crowd from all over Alabama. They came to bring and see dozens of old tractors and cars, browse some 50 vendor booths, eat barbecue, roasted ears of corn and homemade ice cream.

There was music... country, bluegrass and even "Elvis," along with a rock climb for kids and a Country Kids Playground that had a slide attached to big round hay bales. The gorgeous weather as well as no Alabama or Auburn football until 6 p.m. helped round up the folks.

Just Leaves

Hurricane Ida (greatly downgraded) brought four inches of rain and a day's worth of strong breezes to our area earlier this week. Here are some of the leaves she knocked to the ground.

Thanks to guest photographer Christine Weerts for sending this colorful, autumn picture.

(Skywatch Friday) Fluff

Snowballs in the sky? It's not often that thousands of fluffy clouds like these congregate all at once!

Thanks to guest photographer Christine Weerts for sending today's Skywatch photo.

To see more skies from all over everywhere, click on www.skyley.blogspot.com.

Valley Creek at Kenan's Mill

Valley Creek rushes over the dam at Kenan's Mill, an 1860's grist mill that opens to the public during the Historic Selma Pilgrimage and Kenan's Mill Fall Festival.

(Click on the photo for a larger view.)