Dead tree, Bucksaw, Harry S Truman Lake, Missouri
White Pelicans on Harry S Truman Lake at Bucksaw
Camping at Bucksaw Campground, Harry S Truman Lake, Missouri
05 November 2011 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Susan and Natalie
This is a combination of two almost identical images. I combined them because the positioning of Susan’s hand was better in the second shot which was composed to remove some background distractions, but the overall composition of the first shot was better, despite the distracting background elements. The combined shot removed the distractions and kept the best pose and composition.
13 March 2011 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Last thing on a Tuesday night
It is surprising how insidious the traps are in the 365 days project. I have had a run of photographic luck, and suddenly I find myself in the mindset that I shouldn’t post anything that’s not at least average. I spent a lot of time and took sixty odd pictures in two locations to get today’s picture. I even juggled with a reflector in one hand and a cat in the other at one point.
All my 2011 365 days pictures can be found on my 365 days blog and on my 365 days Flickr set
15 February 2011 | 365:046 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Proud dad
Natalie Anne holding Lanie's finger
Ginger holds Natalie Anne, born on the evening of Wednesday February 2, 2011, while dad, Matt, hovers protectively in the background.
As I was editing these pictures I received news of a death in the family back in the UK.
It was expected, but I was deeply saddened by the news. Saddened that it happened so soon and so quickly. Saddened that I wasn’t there to say my goodbyes or provide support.
Just as one life ends another has begun.
03 February 2011 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Gary in the workshop
With temperatures up in the sixties expected, we were planning on going out in the kayaks. That didn’t happen. Some shopping got done and I spent some time in the workshop instead.
First I repaired a kitchen drawer and in the process learned two valuable safety lessons. Then I made my self a pair of huaraches. I’ve been reading up on minimalist footware for quite a while and the huaraches seem to be the way to go, providing a very open shoe with a firmly attached sole. They are also very easy to make. So today I made a test pair. The finish of the sole cut-out is a bit rough, but I don’t expect these to last long, so I’m not going to worry about it.
Now I’ll have to give them a test and see how well they fair out on the trail and around home. One thing that has surprised me is that I’m having trouble getting used to the feel of the cord between my toes. As a long term flip-flop wearer I wasn’t expecting it to be an issue.
28 January 2011 | 365:028 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Our MSR Mutha Hubba backpacking tent at Berry Bend Campground
We spent a long time researching and looking at tents. Each time we thought we’d found the one we wanted we saw another we liked even more. A three season tent was essential for spring and fall camping, some useable vestibule space that would double as a wind break for cooking was also high on our wish list. It had to be big, or even a three person tent so that we can keep our packs inside if the weather is really foul. And it needed to be as light as possible for backpacking, this tent is working out great for us.
We’ve written a short review of the MSR Mutha Hubba tent here
21 November 2010 | Copyright © 2010 Gary Allman
Oh noes
21 October 2010 | Copyright © 2010 Gary Allman
Cutting Wood
We had just finished cutting wood and loading the pick-up, when I spotted this picture of Tom, his son, and the truck silhouetted against the sky. I deliberately under exposed the picture with this treatment in mind. I think the composition would be a little better if we hadn’t already loaded the wheel barrow.
We’ve spent several Saturdays working at this location which is around 25 miles South of Springfield. It has a wonderful view of the Ozark hills, albeit spoiled by Highway 65 and the advertising hoardings that stand alongside it.
05 March 2010 | Copyright © 2010 Gary Allman | Off Hwy 65, South of Springfield, Missouri
Table decorations
Ray concentrating on folding table decorations.
I volunteered to go with the Youth Group to the annual Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri Youths’ Bishop’s Ball 2010. Held this year in Kansas City. Then I was asked if I’d mind going early and help get things ready. I enjoy helping out, and I like the driving so it’s not a problem. Between shifting tables and preparing them for the ball I took a few pictures. This is my favourite picture from the weekend. It’s a shame I didn’t notice the decoration was upside down. However, I resisted the temptation to put it right in Photoshop.
30 January 2010 | Copyright © 2010 Gary Allman | Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri Youths’ Bishop’s Ball 2010 |
Carol and Ginger
Mother and daughter. For me, this is one of those pictures that makes it worth all the effort.
25 December 2009 | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Breakfast Flickr meet at Aunt Martha’s
Our Flickr friend Jim detoured down to Springfield to say hello on his way home from a wedding shoot. We left the girls to do their choir duty and set Jim up for the drive home with a hearty Ozark breakfast at Aunt Martha’s. Our plan (successfully executed) was to go back and surprise Lanie after Church.
I’ve known Jim via Flickr and Facebook for over two and a half years. It is great to be able meet the people I’ve be-friended online in real life.
18 October 2009 | Aunt Martha’s Pancake House, Springfield Missouri | Map | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
South Campbell Avenue and West Walnut Street
Seen on the Springfield First Friday Art Walk.
04 September 2009 | Springfield, Missouri | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Downtown Springfield
Seen on the Springfield First Friday Art Walk, the bus stand on South Patton Avenue.
04 September 2009 | Springfield, Missouri | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Escape
Seen on the Springfield First Friday Art Walk.
South Campbell Avenue / East walnut Street, Downtown Springfield.
04 September 2009 | Springfield, Missouri | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
First Friday Art Walk
Seen on the Springfield First Friday Art Walk.
South Campbell Avenue, Downtown Springfield.
04 September 2009 | Springfield, Missouri | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
First Friday Art Walk
Seen on the Springfield First Friday Art Walk.
South Campbell Avenue, Downtown Springfield.
04 September 2009 | Springfield, Missouri | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Enjoying the ride
My son Keith and his friend Jon have been spending 3 months touring the US. They arrived back in Springfield on a surprise (for me only it seems) visit while crossing the country en route to Florida. I wanted to show them a bit more of the mid west way of life, so I took up my friend’s Tom’s offer to take us all out fishing.
Tom has been offering to take me out on the lake for ages and what with one thing and another I’ve not been able to set a date. I’d already had a look at his boat, but what hadn’t registered was the 200HP engine, and I don’t think the lad’s had fully taken in the implications of the beast at the back. It was fast and exhilarating, especially to someone like me who is more used to sailing than motor boating. Keith and Jon’s enjoyment of the ride is quite evident in these pictures.
29 August 2009 | Table Rock Lake | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Old road bridge
South River Road Avenue.
The trail from the bridge is currently subject to closure while work on the I-60 / I-65 interchange is ongoing.
23 August 2009 | Springfield, Missouri | Map | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Day Four, demolition
To reduce cost, some temporary buildings are being removed. Our task was to move some office furniture and then remove and reclaim the timber from the 80′ wooden walkway between the temporary building and the existing office building.
06 August 2009 | Mission Trip 2009 | Bay St Louis | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Night time on the beach
After communion on the beach the kids had a run around and paddle.
06 August 2009 | Mission Trip 2009 | Bay St Louis | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Survivor
Detail of the only surviving structure of Christ Episcopal Church, Bay St Louis.
The other church buildings were washed away by a 30′ storm surge when hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi coast on August 29 2005. The storm left 238 people dead and 67 missing in Mississippi alone.
06 August 2009 | Mission Trip 2009 | Bay St Louis | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Abandoned building at Bay St Louis
One can only guess that with the lower population it wasn’t worth this business staying open. This building, a long way from the shore just off I-90 is yards from a building that was destroyed.
We cleaned up rubble, wood and refuse from the site.
06 August 2009 | Mission Trip 2009 | Bay St Louis | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
Sight Seeing in St Louis
Inside the Old Courthouse.
08 July 2009 | St Louis | Copyright © 2009 Gary Allman
