Beauty & the Beast~

It's COLD!  Our weather turned bitter cold in just a couple days time.  With highs in the single digits, lows approaching negative numbers & a nice breeze, it's cold!  It only takes minutes outside, until you can't feel your fingers, or lips either :-) 

East from Tabor~

The major highways are clear, we decided on a late lunch/early dinner at our favorite little place in Tabor, Yeya's. Such a pretty day, if you're in a nice warm vehicle. Butch took me on a country jaunt, I had to ask him to stop several times, for a few photos.

Abandoned Barn~

This old farm, with outbuildings long forgotten, as has happened with so many of the family farms. The land, still being cultivated, while the buildings crumble in disrepair.

Beautiful Barn Quilt!

The shape of the barn above reminded me of Grandpa's. In beautiful condition showing off a spectacular barn quilt. The lady of the farm came out to visit, we exchanged pleasantries, before retreating from the wind. This farm will be honored as a century farm in two-years.

Another beautiful farm~

One of Butch's favorites, I can see why. You don't often see brick & there's amazing detail on the wood posts in back. I didn't have the zoom & didn't want to intrude.

Better Days~

The farmhouse above has seen way better days... Furniture was tossed outside, the front door hung open... Such a shame, it must have been a proud home at one time. The faded blue shutters against the weathered gray siding gives just a glimpse - of the aura it once had.

Locals will recognize the tree below! The town of Malvern, one of our favorites, has been active in applying for grants to enhance & beautify the town . With Wabash Trace Trail access, they hope to bring bicycle enthusiasts from all over not only the state, but the country. (I did notice that the Wabash Trail web page has been updated since my last visit. It now includes more information on equestrian use of the trail. Riders are required to carry a trail pass openly displayed, for the six-miles open for riding. I'll go out on a limb here & assume other users are required to do the same.)

The tree~

A local artist was commissioned to do not only this amazing tree, at the turn off Hwy 34, but also many works of art around town. I didn't include the new town sign in the photo. It's a rectangle with the town name in nice large letters, but in my opinion, doesn't add to the tree's vision.

Resident bird~

I hiked up through the frozen snow & ice for a close up. From a distance, in the bright sun, you can't really see the beautiful colors of the leaves.  At night, a light reflects off the metal & it can be seen for quite a distance.

Our street & sidewalk~

As with all good things, there's usually a down side...  The Beast of this weather, is the layer of ice most surfaces are covered with.  Snow, about three inches, was plowed & shoveled.  Then, a tiny thaw, just enough to liquefy the thin layer of snow & turn it to treacherous ice.  With temperatures so low & forecast to remain that way for several days, it'll take a while to go away...
Traction boots recommended!  :-)