Rural Indiana

A friend and I went on a four hour tour of Dekalb County, Indiana last Sunday. My friend was donned in jeans, cowboy boots,and a baseball hat. Then we climbed into his old pickup truck for a ride. The truck didn't have any air conditioning and it had winged windows, in order to open them you had to push a button and slide the metal handle up for additional air flow. We drove up and down roads I had never been on before. Then we came upon this scene and I was taken aback. I hadn't been on a dirt road in years. The rusted tin roof of the barn caught my eye and the curve of the road added charm to this nostalgic view. This is how country looks and feels. "Stop the truck!", I shouted. I couldn't miss this opportunity to capture a beautiful shot. 

Salomon Farm today

It wasn't until I began working at the hospital that I heard about Salomon Farm.  It is a couple of miles down the road with a walking trail.  With the promise of spring on the horizon, sunny skies and warm temperatures, I ventured out for a walk.  The farm was established in 1871, back when the north side of town was country land. Today, it is all built up with homes and businesses galore. 

During the summer there is a fresh market where vendors come weekly and sell their goods. Also, there is a walk with the MD (medical doctor) once a month.  A physician comes and gives a brief talk then the audience walks with the doctor around the farm promoting a healthy lifestyle. The natural fibers exhibit is there as well on a weekend in the summer too. From the road it is a lovely site.  

Spring is coming soon and then we will be free from the prison called home. We are on the cusp of being able to ramble through the greenery as if it were the first time we had ever seen such loveliness. 

Waking around Salomon Farm

 

The other day a group of people met at this barn for a talk on health and then we took a long walk around the farm. Luckily, I had brought my camera along and took some really lovely shots.  I photo-shopped the above picture and converted it into a sketch.  I am really pleased with the results.

 

The farm is not far from where I work and located off of a busy road.  You would think that it  I was way out in the country some where, but it wasn't.  

 

Flowers in the middle of a field

 

As I was coming to the end of the walk, I photographed this picturesque view of the barn from the road.

 

A country garden 

 

There were sunflowers basking in the sun

 

 Cleome's  filling the garden with their bright purple blooms

And the windmill lite up the summer sky.  I enjoyed my time there walking and photographing.  Sometimes, I wish that everyday could be filled with this much beauty.

All Things Natural at Salomon Farm

On Friday morning, I went with a friend to a local farm for a look around.  There was a lot of local talent there who used natural fibers to make items.  

 

There were alpacas

and goats 

(now I know where goatee comes from)

  those who spin

(my friend Ronia who makes the most beautiful silk scarves and other things, more on her soon)

those who teach

and last of all, a trailer to haul those critters around in.  I had the most wonderful day there.  I met new people and reacquainted myself with those I hadn't seen in a while.