In a motel, baby, like the Holiday Inn

I used to travel a LOT for business.  Over the past couple of years, that's changed, but we've been doing more personal travel.  Once upon a time, way back when, I decided to document travelling with a series of photos of hotel rooms, and the view from hotel rooms.  That project didn't last too long, because...  well, the average hotel room simply isn't that interesting.  Or varied.  But there's a few photos that worked out ok.

Anyway, I decided to revisit the concept during a recent trip.  So here's a couple of photos from the Holiday Inn Express in Manchester, TN.  We stayed here for 1 night recently.  We were on our way to Atlanta area, and decided to split the drive...  and drop by the Jack Daniels distillery (photos to follow?).

Anyway, here's a few photos from my phone, taken while walking around the parking lot.  A little slice of life.  I'll (probably) continue the program, and should dig through the archives for some of those old photos.  Oh yeah, the post title is from the old Elton John sone:  CLICK

Tis fence separated the parking lot from a field...  This is available light (no flash).  I really like the stars!

- - -

- - -

What do you think?  Should I keep it up?

Just the words and melody - that's what moves your emotions

 Just the words and melody - that's what moves your emotions. - Kris Kristofferson

RIP Kris Kristofferson, June 22, 1936 – September 28, 2024...

A little late memorializing him, sorry.

Bird Listening

During a hike today at Watershed Nature Center, I used the Merlin Ap to listen for birds.  Over about 90 minutes, here's what Merlin heard (listed alphabetically):

• American Crow
• American Goldfinch
• Blue Jay
• Canada Goose
• Carolina Chickadee
• Carolina Wren
• Downy Woodpecker
• Eastern Phoebe
• Golden Crowned Kinglet
• Hairy Woodpecker
• Northern Cardinal
• Northern Flicker
• Northern Mockingbird
• Red Bellied Woodpecker
• Red Winged Blackbird
• Song Sparrow
• Summer Tanager
• Swamp Sparrow
• Tufted Titmouse
• White Breasted Nuthatch
• White Throated Sparrow
• Yellow Rumped Warbler

Not a bad collection.  I was able to visually identify (see) a lot of them, but not all.  I wish I had been able to photograph the Golden Crowned Kinglet, pretty sure I saw them, but didn't have my camera/zoom lens so couldn't be sure (or document it)

That's one of the cool things about watershed, it's not a huge place (~40 acres I think) but it has several habitats, from ponds to open grasslands to forested hills.  And enough trails to put in 3+ miles. 

Green Space

A little slice of life from one of our local parks: Greenspace North. An undeveloped area in the midst of suburbia, and one of the places I frequent for walks.  

Not a lot of post-processing, but here's the straight-out-of-camera version for comparison:

 

Pickin' Pumpkins... and Apples

 We spent Saturday with the grandkids at one of the local Apple Farms.  Fun time, picking apples, picking pumpkins, just enjoying the time.  Always makes it feel like autumn, even though it was a bit warm (pushing 90!).

August Winners, BetterPhoto.com

 Better Photo has announced the winners of their August contest, and I had a second place, along with several Finalists, etc.  Always fun to get some recognition!

2nd Place winner:

Windows -  Elements of design

- - -

Finalists:

Water Lilly

- - -

Plein Air Experience

- - -

St. Peter Catholic Church

- - -

Modern Cafe

- - -

Staff Favorites:

Warner

- - -

No Trespassing or Loitering

- - -

So, that's 1x Second Place, 4x 2nd Place and 2x Staff Favorite.  I also had 18x Editor's Picks, too many to post here.

Check out my photos HERE.