"Noodles and Chop Suey"

Sightseeing in Butte, America

I just love these buildings.  How much more character and heritage can one set of buildings hold?  They are located just below the historic "downtown" district of Butte, which is chock full of architecture that will make you drool.  Just down the street from these buildings is the "red light" district of Butte, where one of the longest operating brothels in America is located.  It's not operating now, but made it into the late seventies before it closed.  Butte has tons of character, that's for sure, but it may be a little rough around the edges for some.  It's one of my favorite towns, both for the conversation and the photo ops. 

"Red"

"Frosted Fall"

With the frost yesterday, everything was muted a bit and the colors were softer.  The fog made the landscape seem very isolated and lonely, but in a good way.  I love that the tracks of the machinery that cut the hay are still visible and the tips of the stubble are frosted white.  It seems so forgotten after a busy summer of harvesting.  That's what winter does, it hides everything that is so bright and full of vitality in the summer.  Of course I forgot my tripod at home, so this was taken with the camera on the bumper of my car with the timer set.  Yep, nothing by skill here. 

Winter is officially here!

The first full day of snow cover was here today, and I decided to step outside and see what kind of scenery it brought with it.  The frost hung out all day, making the trees and grass white.  I got several good shots of the "frozen" fall willows, and even a few of a moose in the white grass, munching on the willows.  I will post those photos soon.  These little bird tracks were on my patio this morning.  I've always loved how delicate the bird prints look in the snow.  I think these were magpie tracks.  They like to sneak around early in the morning. 

"The Restless Beyond"

This photograph is one of a series I took in one evening when I was experimenting with lighting and exposure.  The clouds were moving fast and the light changed from bright to dim several times in the few mintues I took the photographs.  To my immediate right, there was very active lightning and thunder, not to mention the mosquitos were out in full force.  Sometimes it's a little unnerving to be out in the lightning, as it seems to strike a little too close for comfort once in a while.  It's such a powerful part of nature that I can't help but be fascinated by it, but at a distance.    

"Welcome Aboard"

Everytime I see a train, I get super excited!  I film them with my cell phone when one "drives" by along the highway.  I take photographs of them obsessively (the ones I have listed in my Etsy shop and on this blog are a very small percentage of the number of train photographs I actually have).  My great great grandfather was a train conductor, so maybe that explains the fascination.  I love their aesthetic.  The rivets piecing the large plates of steel together, the heaviness and massiveness of them is imposing.  They seem so reliable.  I love the messages on the risers of these passenger steps.  "Watch your step", and "Welcome Aboard."    

My new camera bag...

I have to be honest, I'd never heard of Ranchero camera bags before.  They're not really bags, so much as briefcases for a camera.  The sides are rigid and stiff, and would not squish easily.  The leather is soft and velvety and the inside is lined with pine tree green  felt.  How retro!  I love it!