Posting this from Hardin, MT.
For us it was a long driving day. Almost 200 miles. Going around Billings and on to Hardin, MT. Where it is going to be in the high 90's UGH! It is close to the Little Big Horn NP so will stay here for a couple of days.
Some information on Barn Quilts
Quilt patterns on barns date back to colonial America. After the colonists became established and had spare income, they painted small patterns on the ends of the barns as a way to celebrate their heritage. Marilyn Carrigan, executive director of the Truman Museum in Truman, Minnesota, says, "The history of the barn quilt begins about 300 years ago with the arrival of immigrants from the Rhine region of Germany. They came for religious freedom. These groups included Amish, Mennonites, Lutherans and other Reform groups. Many settled in Pennsylvania, especially in Berks, Lancaster and Lehigh counties." The designs can still be found in the Amish communities today. The designs were also believed to protect the farm and bring good fortune.
Trails of Squares
Since 2001, Ohio's barn quilt squares have been joined by those in Iowa, Minnesota and several more Midwestern states. As of 2010, nine states, including New York and New Jersey, have joined the quilt trail craze. Farmers have found a way to draw tourists to their farms, educate the public and add art in one stroke.
Barn quilt squares have made an impact on tourism, with trails through towns and farm country to see the barn quilts. Enterprising municipalities have developed contests to find the quilt squares. Trails have been established through many of the Midwestern states and all the way to the East Coast to see what once, in colonial times, was used to ward off bad spirits, bring fortune and celebrate heritage. For the whole article click here.
There is a little creek and a small pond that is sometimes stocked with fish - not now though.
The owner has made several silhouette figures and they are all around the fence and in the campground .
Picture size exlarge
Nice big spaces. Gravel pretty level and some grass with picnic table. WiFi works most of the time.That is us kind of in the middle.
View from the window where I sit to work on the blog. Pic ex large.
Same picture large
Same one medium.
There was a song written about White Sulphur Springs by a Doctor that lived and worked in the town. Click here to listen to it. When you get to the page scroll down to "White Sulphur Springs" turn up your speakers and click on one of the little arrows. Then click on the icon. Sad little song about the town and area.
Jimmy Buffett also sang/wrote a song about a little town just south of here called Ringling. Click here to read the lyrics. I wonder if he was ever actually there.
And kind of gets me into my thoughts on the blog.
Does any one ever go to the "click here" links or am I just wasting my time posting them.
What about the pictures: Too many of them? Should they be smaller in size - there are three different sizes in this blog.
Narrative - not enough? Too much? Interesting or boring?
Does what I find interesting - old things, weird things - historical things - interest anyone else?
Should I shorten it or continue like I'm doing?
Sometimes it feels more like a travelogue. Should it be more personal? We ourselves are not very exciting people.
Any suggestions or comments. Speaking of comments - they are one of the reasons I keep writing.
24 comments:
I know you spend an enormous amount of time on the blog and the main thing is it should be enjoyable and not a burden! I like lots of photos and all the weird and interesting things you post. Narrative is good when you explain about what you've written. I cant click on your links because my data is limited but when I'm in the US and on high speed in Mexico. I will! Carry on...its all good!
I think it is just perfect the way it is. I click on the links if it is of interest to me, about 50% of the time, others may click on the other 50% of them. I guess it's just what everyone is interested in. I wouldn't change a thing. I know how hard you work on your blog and there are many many people that enjoy it. Just my 2 cents worth.
I like the photos - all of them and your comments, too. Learn much about areas I may never get to visit and it is fun to read when you tell on yourself or Bill when you mess up a little bit. I appreciate all the time and effort you take doing the blog - just keep on doing it like you are. I first started reading your blog because of my interest in all things Mazatlan and have just continued to read it year round. Thank you much.
PS I like the,big pictures
Your blog is one of the first I started following. One of my biggest thrills was meeting you and Bill in Mazatlan. If it were not for your blog, we wouldn't have the pleasure of knowing you both, wouldn't perhaps had the confidence to visit Mexico and all her beauty. Pictures are great, I love the historical quips and info. I even like it when you are home and just talk about regular life because that's what most of us live, just regular life. It always feels like we are neighbours. Like Sandy says, many of the areas you go to we may never see. Besides we are all NASCAR fans!! One day we will see you both again!!! Hugs!!
Hi Carol: I have followed your blog for many years. Not sure how I found it but probably via TiogaGeorge. I find it to be great just the way it is. My wife has also written a daily blog for years. She has very few followers and it amazes me that she and others continue. Of course many blogs have stopped. I used to follow quite a number of blogs and of those only three are left that are active. Please continue just as you have been, it is perfect.
Hi Carol! Thanks for the info. regarding barn quilts. I also follow Al and he takes many pics of them too! I've been reading your blog for a few years now and enjoy the fact that you post almost every day with lots of pics! Feel like I know you with your interests and Bills'
Thank you again - love the blog the way it is!
I second all the above comments. Just because we don't comment doesn't mean we don't enjoy your blog. Please keep it up as they are really informative. Wouldn't change a thing.
Hope that you will try Canada (especially Alberta) one day because I would like to see what your thoughts are of our country. Also, can't wait for more on Mexico!!
I answered via email by accident. Like it the way it is. Btw, I had the best pizza in my 77 years at the 3 Brothers in Hardin a few weeks ago. We did take out.
We went through Canada on our way to And from Alaska several years ago. Beautiful country big mosquito! There is always next summer. Thank you for reading the blog.
Barn quilts are one of my favorite things. I made four of them when living in Indiana, gave one to a friend. Don't think our home owners association would allow me to put one on our home in Vegas...
Some days it is frustrating to feel compelled to blog - but most of the time I can't wait to share what we've seen and done. And I love taking pictures in case you didn't guess that. I think I've worn my camera out - it is doing strange things. Maybe just tired of me pushing its buttons.
I sure wish you plans hadn't changed and we'd see you in Mexico this year. But...I think this will probably be our last year going down there. The years are creeping up on us. I love trying to find different or weird things to post about. And Bill is usually willing to take me to see them. Today I took 298 pictures...
I do too, I reduce the megabit size but still post them as large.
Thank you makes me want to start on today's, but have 298 pictures to sort through for Little Bighorn NM. I'll probably be catching up until we head south again to MX.
Glad you enjoyed your time in Bristol. Wish #18 had better days. But he did what he had to to stay top of points. Just think soon you'll be part of my blog again.
It does take time, some days I just fly through it others, like molasses. Usually while traveling we try to find campgrounds with wifi - when we can't I use my Verison MiFi - and the blog gobbles up data!. At home and in Las Jaibas we have unlimited, makes it easier.
Maybe I can get Bill to go out for pizza tonight. Hasn't had any pizza since we got home from Mexico. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Oh I'm counting the days.
I love your blog just as it is....been following you for several years...at least 10 years I think...You do a fantastic job and I hope you continue. Thank you for letting all of us 'tag along' on your and Bill's adventures!!
Thank you for your reply. I guess I've just got so far behind I got frustrated. But will give me something to write about when we are finally home again.
I appreciate the time you take/ make to blog. I check here to see “ what’s up” every couple days. I do click on links. I se enjoy the pictures and history lessons. I like seeing Bill wandering around. Thank you very much.
I find the most difficult thing is to edit the photos. Once I have the photos chosen and edited then I started to write based on what I have chosen. I used to put everything about the area we were visiting in but it gets too long and I find I have to keep Googling certain facts to make sure that I have it right. A very difficult balance between photos and works. I think it depends on the subject and what it means to you. You have to write the blog for you and what it means to you. Personally I seldom click on links. You have always done great job with your posts. I admire how you can visit the same places over and over as in Mexico and make them interesting.
Stay the same as you are! We love your posts!
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