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OLD BEDFORD VILLAGE

August 26, 2012 by larrysmailart

  Traveling south on Route 220 I saw the big green and white distance sign. I clearly saw Bedford 17. Slight anxiety could be felt within me.  I continued on! Shortly, I saw the Exit 10 sign! If the Dodge Caliber can make it past this exit all would be well, I remember thinking.

Young soldier!

I breathed a slight sigh of relief after I went a few extra miles south. I MADE IT! Most of you readers are, probably thinking what is this idiot writing and why!

They wanted me to hold the target!

A year ago, I was heading in the early hours to the Old Bedford Village  for a Civil War event known as  “MEET THE GENERALS”. After I went past the Bedford 17 miles and prior to the Exit 10 sign I stopped in the wooded area for some business. Upon returning to the car, and turning the key, I was amazed that the dash had so many-colored lights! The car wouldn’t start. Eventually, I managed to get the car started periodically and after going right at Exit 10 the problems continued until I flagged down a state trooper for assistance. I didn’t make the event. The car’s computer system failed with only around 24,000 miles.

After the wedding.

Jim Butler-camp cook

This has been a joke between my friend, Robert “Slim” Bowser and myself since. He was one of the reasons I was making the trip. He requested I show my painting, “THE WHEATFIELD-WHIRLPOOL OF DEATH” at the event. Slim is president of the Company D, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 5th Corps group of living historians. (www.62ndpvi.wordpress.com) I am honored and proud to be a honorary member with the group.

I arrived early at the village and unloaded about 7 paintings to display. I spent much time with many friends of the 62nd group. We had lots of laughs and lots of friendly harassment! A great bunch of people indeed! 

My friend, Jim Butler, after much harassment, made an excellent breakfast of bacon and eggs! (I ate 4 eggs!) Jim later in the evening made a turkey; beans; potatoes and sweet potato pie over the fire and using dutch ovens. Other long-time friends and a few newer friends included Joe Rupp; Den Butler; Judy Butler; Marylou Rupp; Sue Carson; Jim Johnson,; Cindy McShane and others. A few young-uns are with the group too.

K.P. duty

Some events of the day were a firing demonstration and the Meet the Generals event. I attended a Civil war era wedding. This ceremony was a reaffirmation of a couple’s marriage. Of course, this was done in Civil War era clothing and style. Many officers lined up outside of the old church with sabers arched over the couple as they exited the church. A small reception was open to the public afterwards.  too.                                                                                                                                                              

The Old Bedford Village, for those who have never heard of the site consists of original log cabins and homes. Many are log cabins transferred to the site and erected again as a, hopefully, permanent display as to how our ancestors lived. The cabin I was at with my display was built in 1790. (Type in Old Bedford Village for a list of events and such for a learning experience.)

I have included some photos  to see just a few of the log cabins found here .

                                                                                        

Posted in Historical | 1 Comment »

SHOOTING!

August 23, 2012 by larrysmailart

  Thursday found my step father, Bob and I heading to the Cherry Run Gun, Rod and Reel Club for some rifle shooting. The firearms of the day were two .22 rifles; my Remington 30:06 and a Thompson center flintlock.

We shot at the fifty yard range with the  .22 rifles and, also, at the 25 yard range. At fifty yards I was placing the shots within a two-inch circle and at the lesser yardage, the shots were all within one inch.  The high-caliber rifle did well at both fifty and 100 yards.

Bob shot his flintlock, as did I twice. There is more work to do on this rifle. I wasn’t satisfied with the fifty yard shots.

Robert “Dan’l Boone” Miller

Cousin, Donnie popped in for some light-hearted  harassment. A form of harassment we all enjoy. He was going to cut the club’s grass.

Earlier in the week I went for a walk along the Bunker Hill Road and circled through some woodlots. Here I was blessed to watch at a close range two fawns and their mother. I find observing these beautiful animals at close distances always a joy.

The Bunker Hill Road brings back a good memory for me. When I first heard of Bunker Hill in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, I immediately though of theRevolutionary War battle site. I remember asking my dad if this was, indeed, the site. He told me the answer and I have always remembered that!

I parked at the local WTYM Radio station, owned by a friend. I wanted to look the site over. I am to play music there on September 8th. Currently, I will playing with three bands including backing JoAnne Cash. She is Johnny cash’s sister. This may be interesting. She supplied a CD with some songs she is to do. I knew of only one song the rest were original songs , I believe written and performed by her on the CD.                                                                                                                                                 

A View from Bunker Hill Road

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

Nicholson Run Walk

August 15, 2012 by larrysmailart

Silvery water spots on milkweed leaf.

This walk wasn’t a planned excursion in any sense. This walk came to be because of an instance that happened in the pre-dawn hours. I guess I should explain. I had Susie out for a nature call when, suddenly and without warning, a severe coughing and choking event overcame me.  These spells are not unheard of in regards to my health, but they are not usually this bad. I actually dropped to the yard and had a burning discomfort to my arms and legs. I am assuming this is because of a lack of oxygen. I have had these sensations before too, but usually after a difficult sneeze.

Catbird

I remember securing Susie’s leash for fear if I passed out she would be wondering towards the road since she is blind. In a couple of minutes the event was over except for a slight burning in my right arm and extreme fatigue. I went to my “man cave” to recoup. To use a saying of my dads; this “knocked the wind out of my sail”!

Ironweed

I laid down and awoke about 7:15 and gave Susie her insulin. I felt weak, but I decided to go for a walk and get some fresh air…hence, Nicholson Run. I parked and forced myself to walk the road  parallel to the small stream. I literally mean that I forced myself for physically I was tired. Eventually, I received a second wind and the walk became more enjoyable.

Joe-Pye

The road is about 3 miles in length, so I am guessing so I walked approximately 6 miles,  give or take. The later summer flowers are in abundance. I found lots of woodland sunflowers blooming with their brilliant yellow petals. Also, the yellow-colored, green-headed coneflower could be viewed. The deep purple of ironweed contrasted the yellows, as well as, the pinkish joe-pye. I have joe-pye at my home reaching over 8 feet in height. As one would expect, the bees and butterflies were prevalent.

  Birds were common today around the flowers. I saw goldfinches; catbirds and various other species. I saw 4 deer in total. One was a doe with fawns.

Nicholson Run isn’t a very big stream. A local sportsman’s club stock trout in it for a youth fishing day. The vegetation is thick along the borders so for most of the walk the stream was unseen. I did, however, notice a few small beaver dams. I had watched beavers on this stream many years ago when the mammal was first making a strong comeback in the area.

green-headed coneflower

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

A Visit With Randy

August 7, 2012 by larrysmailart

Randy Tost and I have become friends. The issue that brought us together initially was my art. He really likes my art and I appreciate this very much. The “art thing” soon had us realizing we had much more in common. We enjoy anything concerning nature. We, both, enjoy hunting. Randy has invited  me to visit his home and property.  We have enjoyed some breakfasts together at local restaurants on a few occasions. I consider him a fine and genuine person.                                                                                                                                                                                                               

We walked across the hollow to view the famous deer stand where many hunts yielded success over the years. Randy was shocked to see some tree damage from recent storms. A large limb from the oak the tree stand was attached had broken off and missed the stand only to hit an ash tree next to the stand. The big ash had broken and two of the main trunks were now on the ground.The big oak limb had then fallen close enough to push on the ladder, but not do any damage. WOW! Talk about luck!                                                                                                                                                                                               

   This morning we, also, set out for some hiking, thoughts of future art projects, checking on wildflower growths, bird boxes… I had given Randy some wildflower startings from my “crop” and some bird boxes earlier this year. Surprisingly, the flowers faired rather well since this summer had  been very hot and dry.  The remaining of the morning we talked hunting; my frequent snake bites; Ned Smith art; (one of the greatest wildlife painters) health issues….Four hours just flew by!

We talked about the losses of our loved ones too. Randy had lost, both his wife, Susie and his mother-in-law in 2000. You can still see the sadness whenever he talks of these wonderful women. I do the same anytime I discuss my father for more than a minute. The emotions and love are still present. He passed away in 1999. This is another bond we share!

Time went very quickly  and the noon hour was minutes from being on us and I was on my way back home with promises of visiting again. I was happy to see my wife and pets too.

    I was blessed to see a couple of deer and 15 turkey vultures drying in the morning sun from an ancient and long-dead tree.

Turkey Vultures

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Two First Place Awards

July 28, 2012 by larrysmailart

I looked outside and the rain was pouring! I thought, oh no, Mom, my step father, Bob have already left for Elderton, Pennsylvania  for a judged car show. I was planning on going up to show support. First, however, I needed to stop by their house and pick up a few things. The rains continued  during the five-mile travel and I waited at the house  anticipating their return at any moment.

Mom and the ’85 El Camino

The hour went fast  as I noticed the rain stopped. They hadn’t returned from the show. I began wondering if the rain could have possibly avoided them. I left for Elderton!

Mom and Bob with the ’54 Chevy

Sure enough, the farther east I drove the less evidence of rain. I thought how much work Bob did to the 1954 Chevrolet Bel-Aire and the 1985 El Camino. Both vehicles are, almost, complete and  original. The El Camino was driven by my mother, Ruth (Smail) Miller and, of course, Bob handled the ’54 Chevy.

I walked across the old high school soccer field looking over the old cars and  I finally saw the two cars. I enjoy old vehicles. Some of these are restored and some, but fewer, are original. Some vehicles are all “spruced up.” By this I mean the vehicles have lots of non-original features to enhance their looks.

I spent several hours with the two and watched two judges spend about twenty minutes looking the Bel-Aire over.  Finally after sprinkles threatened the event off and on, the rains began in earnest. I decided to head towards my car and go home.

A couple of hours later the phone rang and an excited mother announced both cars received first place in their divisions!  WOW! Congrats to both Bob and my mother!  Now Bob has something to do this week… clean the cars!

NOTE:  The El Camino has around 34,000 miles on it and the Bel-Aire has around 26,000 original miles. (I am relying on my memory.)

Posted in My Family, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Walk Along The River

July 25, 2012 by larrysmailart

Cardinal Flower

Frank “MUSKIE” Maus

I elected to go to the Armstrong County Historical Society museum very early to add a few items for the Native American Room there.The temperatures were to become hot so I decided to allow time to walk along the Allegheny River. One never knows what one might find along the banks.

The vegetation, of course, was dew-laden at this early hour. I was seeking anything of interest to take photos of too. Wildflowers flourish along the water sources.

 

Citizen’s Bridge at Kittanning, PA

I had not traveled far when a fishing boat was viewed travelling north on the western side of the river. I though I recognized the boat and soon definitely noticed the operator of the craft. It was my friend, Frank, “MUSKIE” Maus on his daily quest for the elusive fish the muskellunge. He didn’t notice me as he turned to his right and moved to about 60 yards from the shore. I hollered over to throw the lure, pointing to my left, over there for that is where the big ones are! I heard the familiar laugh. We chatted a while before I drifted south along the shore.

Pickerel Flower

One of my favorite summer flowers of areas near water sources is the cardinal-flower. The brilliant red colors stand out in dominance over the greens. I, also, noticed some pickerel flowers growing in the shallow water. This flower seems to be rather scarce in my travels.

I was fortunate to see some mallards;  a great blue heron; a groundhog and a couple ofrabbits throughout the short venture.

Groundhog

 

 

Posted in Wildflowers, Wildlife | Leave a Comment »

Things I Have Been Doing!!!

July 12, 2012 by larrysmailart

Purple Coneflower

  I’ve been busy! The last weekend in June I played guitar with, at least, 6 bands at campgrounds. Of course, over the 4th of July week I was at several cook out meals. One was with my family and the other was at Greensburg, Pennsylvania at Laurie’s brother and his betrothed home. We attended  the home of Kristen and Mark Crosby on July 4th for multiple reasons. Mark had made the trek to becoming a Free Methodist pastor. We, and others had stopped by for a cook out type congratulatory visit. The invite, also, meant chairs set up watching the fire works during the Heritage Days event in Ford City, Pennsylvania.

We did some western-style square dancing  Friday evening (July 6) during one of the hottest days of summer. (Didn’t say we were smart! and I didn’t say I did well either!)

One evening I went for a nice bike ride. I went to Rosston and went around the marina and returned home.The several hour ride was invigorating.

Another project for me is placing tracks in a digital recordings for a future CD. I have placed , thus far, up to six and seven tracks on some of the 13 songs. This is a lot of work and is time-consuming. This morning we worked at placing some vocals on three of the songs.

Button Bush

Muskie Maus

On Tuesday, I spent the day on the Allegheny River casting and trolling for muskies at the invite of my friend, Frank (MUSKIE) Maus. He has caught 305 of these great fish in his fishing career. That is quite an accomplishment. The man is obsessed with muskies! We failed to have any strikes this day. I watched a gar trail my lure and with the next cast felt a nudge on the lure which was, probably, the same gar. We saw lots of mallards and some mergansers and a few gulls.  

Wednesday, found me doing a  couple of miles of walking and later gathering some large rocks for landscaping. (I am getting to old for such weights!)

A bear walked somewhere below my home on Tuesday. I sure would have liked to have seen it! This week I have seen a few deer and, today I did see about 7 turkeys cross the road below my old homestead.

Wednesday evening I located the final resting place of Col. William Sirwell. He was the commander of the 78 Pennsylvania Regiment from our area. He is buried at the St. Mary’s cemetary near Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

Col. Wm. Sirwell grave marker.

Saturday, I am scheduled to play lead guitar with a band called Just Passin’ Through. This band lost their lead guitar player about four years ago and I have been asked to play at Grey’s Home for their annual picnic the last three years.  This band doesn’t play music much together due to travel, etc. This is one time they manage to get together. They play older style country music.

Sunday evening, I was asked to play lead guitar with a gospel band called the Gospel Messengers. This will be a televised event. They lost their lead instrument last year and, as of date, haven’t found a full-time replacement.

Posted in Historical, Muskie Fishing, Wildflowers | Leave a Comment »

Some New Paintings

July 3, 2012 by larrysmailart

I have just updated some art onto the web site. The art may, also,  be found under the SERIES link on the right and under LATEST PAINTINGS; also, found on a right column link. I hope you enjoy the latest art.

ALL PAINTINGS ARE PROTECTED UNDER COPYRIGHT LAWS…………………………………………………

Filtered Light-Brook trout

Flying Low- Mallard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meadow’s Edge-Black Bear Family

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Muskie Fishing

June 27, 2012 by larrysmailart

I had feelings of guilt while heading out for a muskellunge fishing adventure. My Uncle Harold Yount passed away Sunday night after a bout with lung cancer and other issues. My friend, Frank “MUSKIE” Maus and I had planned this day out. Initially after his passing I cancelled, but after the dates of funeral services became known, I decided to contact Frank and go ahead and fish.

The morning was very pleasant and cool. As the morning progressed a breeze became the norm and the temperatures edged upward into the low eighty degree range. At 9:00 A.M. local church bells rang out marking the time. It is about that time we began casting lures into the waters of the Allegheny River near Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

Preparing for release!

Muskie!

Frank had snagged a fish while retrieving his lure. He theorized it may have been a bass or shad. I saw the shine as the fish turned. I had casted approximately 10-12 casts when I felt the weight and struggle begin. I had caught a beaut of a muskie! The fight was on!

After a few minutes of exciting fishing I had the fish tiring enough to work it towards the boat’s side.Both, Frank and I believe in playing the fish quickly to release as fast as possible. This helps insure safety and a much better chance of successfully releasing the muskie to a long life.

Frank has a floating measuring device he had made and he placed it measure alongside of the fish. I looked and the tail edged alongside of the 44 inch mark, give or take a bit. I held the fish by the tail and Frank removed the barbed hooks from the tiger’s mouth. The muskie has many sharp and dangerous teeth. These teeth point backwards towards the fish’s belly. Don’t get them in your flesh for the pain is difficult.

I held the muskie’s tail for moment or two making sure the fish appeared to be good to go and shortly she was off. I was elated as you might have guessed. Frankie was, probably more giddy than I for we both laughed for a while afterwards. The remainder of our fishing adventure produced no more muskies.                                  

Later on, I spotted a deer along the west side of the river and saw something else in the water about 100 yards from the shore. I gave it little thought thinking goose.A moment or two later, I told Frank what is that in the water. I reached for my binoculars and was very much surprised to see a buck rapidly heading for the eastern shore! WOW!

I couldn’t thank Frankie enough for the day. We had our usual laughs and conversation and some great memories.

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Yesterday, I had went to a local state game lands for a walk and carp fishing. I caught an 18 incher. Later, as I walked about I found the remains of a black bear!

Posted in Muskie Fishing, My Family | 4 Comments »

Taking My Sister Fishing

June 11, 2012 by larrysmailart

I was planning with a couple of hours of carp fishing anyway, so when my sister Ruthie Wolfe and I were talking I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk and take some photos as I fished. As promised, we were only there for a couple of hours. We wanted to beat the heat.

Ruthie holding one of my catches.

We went to a local state game lands. To fish in the pond one needs to walk about one mile. The game lands road has an issue that I didn’t think of. Poison Ivy! I do not give the three-leaf plant any thought, but my sister is highly allergic to it. Years ago she had blisters as big as silver dollars. She had a rough ordeal. We did are best to avoid the more vegetated road sites and we managed to stay clear of the plant. However, she had to be careful at a few sites.     

The pond was muddy due to the carp activity in the waters. Amazingly, the inflow stream was barely allowing for clean water entry. I guess we have been more dry than I realized.

The back of a carp.

I began to stalk for carp. Ripples could be seen near the edge of the pond. Often the fish would be tight along the pond’s edge among the high grasses. Occasionally, one could actually see the backs of carp in the shallow water.

I managed to catch only two carp. However, I missed several. They were not taking the bait very readily. Normally, I fish here earlier in the morning.The carp is a proven fighter pulling hard once hooked. The fish is very capable of breaking fishing line whenever they make one of the power surges they are famous for.

The Legend!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Fishing, My Family | Leave a Comment »

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