“The Twilight Zone” was a popular television show when I was growing up. it aired from 1959 to 1964. Other Twilight Zone series appeared throughout the years, but the first series was the best. Of the various episodes episode 86, “Kick the Can” was and still is my favorite. “Kick the Can” aired on February 9, 1962. I was 11 years old, and I still clearly remember the plot. 

This gem of a covered bridge is located in Smithgall Woods. It is a hike to get to but well worth the effort to see and photograph. 

Dora and I participated in a small boat cruise in northern Wisconsin, organized by Stuart and Michelle Weist. Stuart is the Cruising Captain for the Catalina 22 National Sailing Association. This was the second time he and Michelle organized this cruise. It was our first time to participate. The article title is borrowed from the cruise t-shirts, “Adventure is Out There”. This cruise is an adventure.

The two cameras pictured are both made by Kodak. They are both in nice shape and functional. The camera on the left is a 2A Folding Autographic Camera. The camera on the right is a No 2 Folding Pocket Brownie Automatic, Model B. We took this photograph in our dining room with a Nikon Z7 II. Lighting was handled by a small LED flashlight.

Dora and I didn’t have much opportunity to sail in 2023 and we were really looking forward to a cruise sponsored by Eric and Liz McCafferty. The cruise would originate at the Cooper River Marina in Charleston with McClellanville, SC as the turn around point. It was a small group of sailors that participated in the cruise, consisting of only three Catalina 22s.

Most people my age would remember carrying a metal lunch box to school every day. Of course, our lunch boxes were rectangular and sported images of our favorite tv and comic book heroes. Inside the lunch box would be a piece of fruit, a sandwich, a treat, and a thermos of milk. School would eventually be finished and we entered the work force.

If you are like me, you might know South Carolina as a peach producing state. That wasn't always so. Early in the state's history South Carolina was a major producer of cotton. Textile mills can be found throughout the South, many dating back to pre Civil War days. In the early 1900s cotton production fell, due to low prices and major problems with boll weevils.

Dora and I found this awesome fly fishing pole with box and flies at an antique store a few months ago. These were made in Japan after WWII and served to open up fly fishing to a lot of people. We considered this quite a find as they are few and far between, especially in the condition this one is in, complete with flies. We've had this for several months and finally got around to photographing it.

We have had this violin since 1983. It belonged to my great grandfather, Joe Kimsey.

The photo at the end of the story was taken at a coal camp in Rouse, Colorado, 1911. He was a US Marshall. Sitting on the front of his horse is my grandmother's sister, Gladys. My grandmother, Lillian is sitting in the middle. I have been told the person on the back of the horse is Charles (Red), their brother. The horse's name is Dan. Dan is an important part of the story so remember him. In 1913 they moved to Gallup, New Mexico. Eventually my grandmother found her way to California. In the early 1950s I have memories of helping my grandmother take care of her mother, Florence Kimsey. See was born in 1888 and passed in 1953. I was three when she passed. I have no memories of Joe Kimsey. He was born in 1876 and passed in 1938.

“No desert in the world is more grand, more colorful than ours . . .” - Paul Harvey

One of my favorite radio personalities growing up was Paul Harvey. Paul Harvey was well known for his “The Rest of the Story” radio shows that were full of inspirational and uplifting short stories. Of my many favorites one always stands out. It was titled “America the Beautiful”. He compares geographical locations in the United States to the rest of the world. We live in a beautiful country; all we need do is open our eyes. In one part of the story Paul Harvey compares our deserts. He did not mention Death Valley by name but I’m sure it was on his mind as he told the rest of his story.

Dora and I are always on the lookout for adventure and exploration and the Outer Banks is one of our favorite places to go. Although we have been to the Outer Banks a number of times on our own and know our way around we also like to participate in workshops hosted by Tommy White and Alistair Nicol. Workshops led by Tommy and Alistair are packed with photographic opportunities, locations, lots of tips, and hands on instruction. In addition, it is a good opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. 

"Follow your own path and let it lead you where your heart wants you to go."

Recently our path took us above the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten Islands in Norway. February might seem a curious time to travel to the Arctic, however; this time of year provides excellent photographic opportunity. The sun stays low on the horizon throughout the day, making for extended sunrises and sunsets. The low angle of the sun also makes for excellent light all day. Views of the Northern Lights this time of year are spectacular. The climate in Lofoten is influenced by the Gulf Stream and it stays warmer than one might expect. Properly dressed in layers and temperatures ranging from 28 to 38 degrees F it was an enjoyable trip. Weather changed constantly. It is the Arctic so be prepared for cold temperature, high winds, rain, snow, and ice. We experienced 40 mph plus winds from time-to-time. One day it might rain and the next snow. It all depended on a degree or two of temperature change. 

A Little Bit of Heaven

Sure a little bit of Heaven fell from out the sky one day
and it nestled in the ocean in a place so far away
and when the angels found it sure it looked so sweet and fair
they said suppose we leave it for it looks so peaceful there

So they sprinkled it with stardust just to make the shamrocks grow
it's the only place you'll find them no matter where you go
then they darted it with silver just to make the lakes look grand
and when they had it finsihed sure they called it Ireland

by J. Keirn Brennan and Ernest R. Ball