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Five Miles In The Woods

April 21, 2011 by larrysmailart

Owl pellet

False Hellebore
Bob walking the plank

 

 After Bob and I ate a hearty breakfast, we left Susie (my springer spaniel) and mom to fend for themselves at home.  We entered the woods after 9:00 to study the Cherry Run area for turkey signs and whatever else we could observe.

The first obstacle we encountered was crossing the gas line bridge. the wood planks have been long gone especially from Hurricane Ivan, but two pipes still exist. Bob, at 76, does very well except when I torment him. This was to be another torment. He was about half way across these pipes and I accidentally began to shake the bridge. (accidents do happen)  I expressed my sorrow with a smile.

We discovered some turkey sign at the two places we walked. We saw nine deer; two squirrels; pileated woodpecker; two hens and a gobbler. We heard some yelping father along, but back, in the woods.

      The honeysuckle and multiflora rose are already greened out. The other trees are  always slower. As the trek continued I noticed a small gray-colored mass among the forest floor. The mass had obvious bones in it. This is owl regurgitation. Owls eat their prey whole and their digestive system push out hair, feathers and bones into an “owl pellet.” Study of a pellet can realize the victim at many times.    

    Other things of interest, at least to me is the plant life. Today, I found  delicate spring flowers known as the rue anemone and others known as Dutchmen’s Breeches. Another plant I like  if the false hellebore. This plant has a tropical look once it matures. They grow and flourish along streams and wetlands. I have planted this plant on my property. However, come summer they have completed their annual cycle and begin to turn brown and fade off the scene until next spring.

   Unfortunately, we observed some things that are negative. Why people feel a need to abuse other lands has always forced me to wonder. Beer cans are often viewed along farmer’s lanes and gas well roads. Today was no different. We looked into the winter wheat fields and it was easy to see the doughnut tracks caused by ATV and other 4-wheel drives. No wonder the farmer posted his land.

Posted in Hikes, My Family, Wildflowers, Wildlife | Leave a Comment »

Thoughts on Good Friday

April 19, 2011 by larrysmailart

In Matthew 12:38-40 some important words are told: Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign; BUT no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the Prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

I have always been a self-thinker with many things. Many years ago while in my late teens to mid-twenties, I first asked myself the question as to how a Good Friday crucifixion could be three days and three nights leading to the resurrection. You noticed I stated here that I asked myself. I didn’t dare ask a trained pastor or priest this question. I figured in my mind that a probable reason is known to the trained individuals and left the thoughts wander off.

However, at times these thoughts would resurface. I discovered an explanation once that the Jews considered even one hour of a day as an entire day. So, a few hours of Friday evening, all day Saturday and and hour into Sunday would make this three day-three night promise fullfilled. I didn’t buy it!

I kept my thoughts privately, until a dozen years or so, I discussed it and received looks of confusion. I wrote these thoughts down and kept them.

I believe that the Good Friday concept happened somewhere way back among some church leaders who didn’t take into account Jewish laws and ways of counting days and nights and their different sabbaths. The tradition has flourished over the years.

In John 19:31, it is stated, Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath for that day was a high Sabbath… (Jewish sabbaths begin at sunset and go through the following day until sunset again). This high sabbath spoken in John can occur any day of the week and is referred to as one of the “annual Sabbaths”. This particular one occurred during the Feast of Unleavened Bread known as “Chag Hamatzah”. This is over the Passover week. So Jesus’ body would need to be entombed before sunset under Jewish law.

We know from scripture the women went to the tomb very early on the 1st day of the week which is a Sunday.

To allow for the 3 days and 3 nights as told by Jesus Himself the High sabbath would need to be on Thursday of that year with a Wednesday afternoon crucifixion.

By writing the days and nights down, I found it easier to follow.

Wed.    night    Thur.  night         Fri.      night     Sat (weekly sabbath)   night  Sun

1 night             2 nights               3 nights

Day 1                    Day 2                     Day 3

Jesus, to fulfill His own promise would have been resurrected anytime after the Saturday’s sabbath ended at sunset.

Something to think about.

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Time With A friend

April 18, 2011 by larrysmailart

The spring gobbler season is rapidly approaching the Pennsylvania hills and hollows. My friend, Frank Maus, and I know how we are once that season is in place… we are hunting! With the though in mind we decided we needed to get a hike in prior to the gobbler season. Today was te day!

We have had a lot of rainy weather this spring and finding time to get together for a hike was scarce. I watched the weather and this week was looking like another time with rain potential so I made contact and we met to beat the coming water.

   The morning was beautiful, but clouds were on the way. We traveled along Chechak Road and circled through the woods and fields back through the Ford City Sportsman’s Club grounds. We were looking for gobblers in the fields. The birds were absent this morning. However, we did hear an angry hen cutting. Although the bird was fairly close the thick vegetation forbade our view. Frank saw a turkey briefly flying in the woods. I was yapping too much to hear the flush.

We did see one deer; a couple of rabbits (one was the Easter bunny) and a few squirrels. We, also, saw grackles, bluebirds, flickers, geese, wood duck and many other specie of bird life.

   The hike was several miles in total and the conversation was good. The area will traveled consisted of some rolling hills of forest land and fields allowing for some high altitude views. These combinations made for some spectacular views . We stood at several locations just searching the distances in wonderment as to how far we were actually observing.

A great day indeed!

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Outdoor Sightings

April 15, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

Nice looking country

  I beautiful and pleasant day was on hand and some outdoor related events needed to be part of this day. I elected to visit State Lands 247 near Center Hill, Pennsylvania. The object was to enjoy a walk and see some critters.

I purposely drove in to the game lands via a different route. I figured I might see my friend Frank Maus along the way. I did! Unfortunately, I couldn’t chat long since I was located along some bad curves on the road. We bid a see ya and both went separate ways.

     My walk wasn’t long before I began hearing some gobbling turkeys. I decided I was hearing, at least, three birds. Later I saw a gobbler along a trail. The hike continued along until I heard another gobbler about 100 yards from me. I stepped among some brush and let out three soft yelps. Several gobbles later then silence. A few minutes on I could see the gobbler working towards me. I managed about six photos. Unfortunately, most were blurred some due to the bird’s movements and close vegetation that caused hazy images.

Turkey Vulture

Eight turkey vultures circled me for about 40 minutes this morning. I surmised they were hoping I would fall over to supply them with some fresh carrion. I fooled them by not succumbing to their desires. Several soared over me while at the house planting too. I wonder if they know something about me that should concern me.

Wild leek (Ramps)

  Other critters of the day included a grouse drumming on his log. I saw one deer; some geese; a pileated woodpecker; a fox squirrel and a grey squirrel. I found some wild leek. I think I may have started this planting of leeks many years ago by planting some seeds. I would carry seeds from my personal supply at home.

White-Throated Sparrow

   Another first for the season was the white throated sparrow. Quite a handsome little fellow.

Later, I stopped at a friend’s to ask permission to dig up a few white birch trees to replant at my home. We chatted a bit and an hour later I was planting trees among my landscaping.                                    

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Hike Around My Homestead

April 14, 2011 by larrysmailart

My step father, Bob and I went for a several mile hike this morning around the hills where I was raised in the Silvis Hollow area. The day was beautiful and we needed the exercise and why not combine the two for a great trek.

Bloodroot

   We walked along the road and turned and walked the length of what is known as Coffee Hollow. The return walk went in a different direction across fields and small woodlots. (Our feet became wet!) We saw a turkey at the field’s corner, but failed to get a positive look as to what sex the bird was.  I saw the first dandelion of the season along with two brown thrashers..

My mother watched Susie, my springer spaniel while we walked. Later I took Susie for a small walk just for some more exercise.

Hepatica

  A home, I walked the property examining the flower growth. I enjoy checking on the rapid growth each spring. Besides the non-native daffodils and hyacinths I have plenty of native flowers planted. I dig some up and transplant them to areas in the wilds where they are non-existent or rare due to past poor land practices by mankind.

Currently, I have hepatica and bloodroot blooming. The Dutchman’s breeches are about to bloom as are the Virginia Bluebells. Some trilliums are getting buds forming too.

I have been watching a hen turkey close to the house on two different occasions. Last year she raised a nice flock of turkeys. I would guess around 12-15 survived into adulthood.

I did see another hen and deer near my homestead while traveling .

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, My Family, Wildflowers | Leave a Comment »

Grace Christian School in West Kittanning

April 8, 2011 by larrysmailart

The Grace Christian School located in West Kittanning, Pennsylvania held an art event this day. Stacey Phillips, an art teacher, requested for me to bring in some art for several classes. I was happy to attend, after all the school is about  one mile from my home. We discussed several options. We decided I would demonstate drawing with the youngest classes. The two classes I demonstrated with consisted of kindergarten to 3rd grade and the second class covered 4th and 5th grades.

All students were given paper and pencils as I slowly drew a panda bear head in steps. I used the “circle method” to build up to this bear’s cartoonish face. These young ones enjoyed this very much as I walked around checking on their progress.

The second class actually continued on with their drawings. Several requested to me if they could do more to their drawings. I told them the art is their drawings. This, of course, brought about alien hats; sharp metal teeth and a hodge-podge of other interesting additions.

The third class were 6th and 7th graders. Panda bear heads would not be as fun so I showed some of the various steps I used on the Gettysburg painting called the “Wheat Field”.  They were very interested as they observed my rough sketches and notes and so forth. They enjoyed asking questions on this painting and the two other wildlife paintings I had brought along.

To learn more about the school check out: www.gracechristiankittanning.com

Posted in My Art, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Missions Night at Dayton

April 2, 2011 by larrysmailart

Dana Gould

Members of the Dayton United Methodist Church in Dayton, Pennsylvania annually travel to the Dominican Republic. Here they minister and build homes and churches for the poor populace.  These homes are unbelievable to the American way of living. The homes replaced often feature corrugated tin for walls and roof. Tin with many holes are the norm. Light and rain easily pass through them.

To see their annual videos of their efforts type in or click here: www.godtube.com .Once at that site type in “superparakletos”. Then look and click on Dominican Republic Mission trips. The scenes are very moving. You should be thankful we live in America!!!

This evening, a fund-rasing event was had to help raise cash for the 2012 trip.  The group features music, a turkey hunting seminar; gospel presentation; free spaghetti meal; drawings for door prizes and fellowship.

Shawn Kotchey

Shawn Kotchey (www.millcreekvalleygamecalls.com) presented the turkey hunting and call seminar. As always, Shawn supplies a wealth of information to the turkey hunters of the group.  To see his assortment of hunting supplies and calls visit his website .

Walt Marr

Walt Marr of Elderton, did a portrayal of Sgt. Marr of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Walt did this service in his usual flair in Christian messages. You can visit Walt’s site at:  www.waltmarr.com

Michael Coates on right and me

Musical entertainment for the evening was performed by Michael Coats and myself. We did an acoustic set featuring contemporary gospel music such as: Shout To The North; In Christ Alone and the moving song, It Is Well With My soul and a few other songs.

To learn more or donate contact: Dana Gould at 814-275-2299. To visit the Dayton United methodist Church website type in or click here at: www.dayton-umc.org

Great job with your mission work!

Posted in Music, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

“Wheatfield” Update

March 28, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

Flag detail-Emmitsburg Road in distance

    The painting of the “Wheatfield” Civil War art is still far from completion. However, I have had some questions as to the progress at times. I took a few photos of just to give the reader an idea as to what has been accomplished thus far. This important  battle was fought at Gettysburg in 1863 during the difficult times of the Civil War. Many of the soldiers came from the Armstrong County, Pennsylvania area where I live.

Although, detail is beginning to take shape, many hours will be needed to complete to my satisfaction.  Much of the detail  will be in the form of insignia; details on hats and uniforms. the research has taken about as much time as the painting. I am learning much through books loaned to me from my friend, Bob “Slim” Bowser. Slim is a Civil War historian.

More work needed

   The photos included here were taken in natural light with a hand-held camera. Please, be advised the quality is not the best. I took the photos as a progress detail only.

I am hoping the painting to be 100% completed sometime this summer and, probably will be. However, there is a gobbler season between now and then..plus some other art I wish to work on… plus the music..and the …………………………

Lt. J. Truitt

Posted in Historical, My Art | Leave a Comment »

Rails To Trails Walk

March 26, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

The Allegheny River

  I spent over three hours painting on the “Wheatfield” painting and decided to get outside for a walk. Laurie stated she would like to go too. Of course, she didn’t wish to walk on wooded and hill conditions. She suggested to walk along the Rails To trails north of Kittanning, Pennsylvania. I told her to dress warmly since the air is always moving near the river, meaning wind chill in the twenty degree temperature.

Song Sparrow

  As suspected the air had a wintry chill. We traveled about 1 1/2 miles before she sucumbed to the cold air. Along the river wildlife was scarce. We did see some chickadees and several song sparrows. The chickadees were busy working a hollow tree planning their brood. The song sparrow announced its presence with a beautiful song, but locating him was difficult. Those birds love brush and thick areas.

      Several sycamore trees were loaded with their 2 inch seed pods. The ball-like seed podslooked much like Christmas ornaments

Sycamore seed pods

 

Chickadee

    I find walking without my Springer Spanial to be sad since her age and diabetes have slowed her done. She couldn’t have done a long walk easily. She becomes tired. I had her out last week for about one mile total and she did well. I wouldn’t want to push her much more.

Anyway, Laurie and I had a nice, bit breif walk.

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A Needed Hike

March 21, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

Kittanning (looking north- early March)

   I was working on the “Wheatfield” Civil War painting and yardwork and many other items. A little hike was in need since the day was pleasant and rain was coming later. I chose to walk south of Kittanning, Pennsylvania along the Rails to Trails. The trek would continue up and over to a mile long wood lot. 

I saw about six or so walkers and one biker on the trail.  Also, I could easily observe that the river is still rather high, being slow to recede. I didn’t see any waterfowl on the waters this day. Of course, I always keep an eye for the white of an eagle’s head.

Early Dame's Rocket

   The green up of spring has been started for all of those willing to observe. The travels would locate a number of various flowers in their “rosette” stage of growth.  A rosette is a cluster of leaves of certain flowers visible at ground level. Often a dry stalk from last year may be present. The specie I saw this day were the common mullein, garlic mustard, teasel and Dame’s Rocket. I, also, saw lots of wild onion here and there.

The mullein, at this stage, has a very velvety gray-green set of leaves at ground level blooming in summer. The teasel is often used by dried flower arrangers. The blossom dries into a oval-shaped mass often spray painted and used for decorating.

The garlic mustard is an invasive plant seen in mass in early spring with white flowers. I have eradicated them at my landscaping by about 95%!

Teasel

    The “Teasel” is often used in dried flower arrangements. Arrangers will often spray paint them. Be careful when handling them for the dry flower has some  slight spikes.

    Wildlife was abundant this hike. I saw chipmunks; ground hogs (woodchucks); and plenty of bird life.                                                                                                           

Ground Hog

Posted in Hikes, Wildflowers | Leave a Comment »

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