Bob Kelly Photography

photos and text by Bob Kelly

Farmer Gets Creative With Trunks of Dead Trees

A farmer north of Ogden made a dramatic and colorful art statement with two dead trees, saving the lower ten feet of the trunks, so they could be turned into this brilliant Cardinal and distinctive Bald Eagle. At first glance I thought it was our Cardinal Cy and a U of I Herky the hawk look-alike, and I thought what a good example of bi-partisanship, which is bragged about existing in Washington, but hard to find! Alas. it was not Herky or Cy, but two of Iowa's magnificent birds, perched here for passing motorists to be surprised and pleased like I was!

More Spring Views Around Ames

Observe the south side of Mary Greeley Hospital and right now you will see a lovely Star Magnolia in full bloom, reflecting in the dark windows behind it, all being enhanced by lots of bright yellow Daffodils. It is worth a slow drive by the hospital to appreciate the view. Meanwhile out in McCarthy Lee Park I observed a Spring Beauty, and oh boy it sure was exactly that. Tiny flowers about the size of the nail on your middle finger, close to the ground and radiating with a crystaline sparkle and bright purple stripes! You need to see these up close and personal to fully appreciate their delicate beauty. Brookside Park has lots of these not only in purple, but also in pinks that can be found beneath trees in the main portion of the park. The last time I checked, those were not yet bursting forth, but they will be soon. Enjoy!

Robotic Armor Device Discovered in Aged Corn Crib

I looked into the tired, old corn crib, with its textured and aged boards, and its interesting leaning profile, and I saw some giant metallic object inside, with a large pointed snoot. It stood there tall and strong, and rusting gracefully from an earlier time when it was a state of the art machine for farmers to use in harvesting corn. It was an International Harvester two row, mounted corn picker, just like one my Dad used for many years when we were on the farm. This machine was self standing, and self supporting, and to use it, the farmer drove the tractor up into it, and it was attached like a knight's armor. Harvesting corn two rows at a time is slow by today's standards but back in the 50's and 60's it was something to behold!

Barn For Sale

Historic and well worn barn for sale. Standing upright. Missing a few boards here and there. Rich with character. Weathered wood with interesting textures. Original barn doors still intact, but sagging a bit. Hardware hinges rich with aged patina!

It's Forsythia Time!

The beautiful yellow in blooms this time of year comes from Dafoldils and Forsythia bushes. The lovely yellow flowers emerge and put on a show for us, before the leaves come out for the growing season. Look for them around town, as they are hard to miss.