Postcards And Road Trips

Scenes From Texas Trips, Part 3

2012-02-01T08:42:00.000-06:00

Third and final part. The conclusion. The finale....

Rail car diner.

Open swimming pool in January!

Texas rest area.

Wind sock doing its thing in the wind. With bonus helicopter in the background.

A piece of sea glass.

Blinged-up pick up truck.

T-shirt.

Ship watching.

Eye-catching advertisement for sky diving school.

And least, but not least, an awesome Texas sunset.

Scenes From Texas Trips, Part 2

2012-01-31T10:10:00.000-06:00

Continuing on with random trip photos....

Incoming ship.

Amusing hotel towels.

Beachcombing.

Beautiful sunset.

Bird tracks at the beach.

Kaleidoscopic bridge crossing experience.

Roadside landmarks.

Mystery plant.

No room in the truck cab.

Beautiful blue sky and very long pier.

Scenes From Texas Trips, Part 1

2012-01-30T10:20:00.000-06:00

I've had a few trips to various places in Texas recently. Here are some random pictures, in no particular order...

Bikers at a Waffle House.

Getting unstuck from mud hole.

Prickly pear cactus.

Bright yellow pick up truck.

Dolphin house.

Dog walkers on the beach.

Aw Shucks Oyster Bar.

Hand painted, ready-to-mail coconuts.

Cool black car.

Panama Postcard PA-667

2012-01-29T12:59:00.000-06:00

PA-667
A beautiful postcard from Panama! What a treat to find this rare creature in my mailbox. Look at that low, low number "667". Very cool.

Thanks very much, Yanireth!

Very nice stamps, too.

50 Sand Cents

2012-01-27T09:36:00.000-06:00

Get it? 50 sand cents? Ha ha ha!
It's clever and witty, right? Right?

ANYWAY, I've never found a whole sand dollar. I keep looking. But I am continually teased with broken pieces like this.

I would really, really like to scratch it off of my "To Do" list!

Postcards from Croatia

2012-01-26T09:25:00.000-06:00

This is the postcard version of GPS. It says "I'm here!" and points to Croatia. It's very cool, and was sent by my friend, Nives.

And this sweet donkey is also from Nives. Looks like he's packed and ready to go on a picnic. Makes me look forward to warmer days. Thanks, again, for both cards!

Wild Turkey Sighting

2012-01-24T09:29:00.000-06:00

I absolutely LOVE spotting wild life, especially when it's in my own backyard! This lovely wild turkey has been hanging around my property for months.

Each time I have noticed her pecking at bird seed on the ground, there are always squirrels scurrying around waiting their turn.

There's a gray squirrel on the side of the tree, patiently waiting it's turn.

So glad that I have a camera with a decent zoom lens now!

Off she goes, again, for a walk in the woods.

Outgoing Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, NM Postcard

2012-01-23T14:26:00.000-06:00

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Ceren in Turkey said church was among her preferences. So, I chose this card for her, the Loretto Chapel.
There's an interesting legend regarding the staircase pictured on the postcard.

A smorgasbord of stamps!

Outgoing Wyoming Postcard

2012-01-23T13:10:00.000-06:00

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This cool card went to Steve in Mississippi USA. I felt it touched on 3 of his likes: architecture, history and vintage scenes.
I told him that I had visited Cheyenne just last year and it is now in color! Ha ha! I crack myself up sometimes.

Doggone It! Get In The Truck!

2012-01-22T07:19:00.000-06:00

Spotted this sight recently in Texas.
Anytime that I see a dog riding in the back of a truck, I cringe, and say a prayer....for the safety of the dog, and for the owner/driver to stop endangering the dog's life in this manner.

Outgoing World's Largest Rocking Chair Postcard

2012-01-20T09:55:00.000-06:00

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This little beauty went to lucky Sha in South Dakota USA. In her profile, she mentioned that she likes handmade cards, too. But that wasn't happening. So, what else do you send to someone who already has 600+ postcards? This one, of course!

I know, I know, kinda boring stamps...but look how neatly placed they are!

Outgoing Capt. America Postcard

2012-01-20T09:37:00.002-06:00

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Sent this to Jeff in Florida USA. He had comic book super heroes on his wish list. He said that he really liked it. Captain America saves the day!

<---He didn't mention the Flash Gordon stamp over there, but I'm sure he was in awe of it, too! ; )

MJ Fan or Astronaut?

2012-01-17T01:27:00.000-06:00

Vanity plates always catch my eye. So, this one got me wondering is the driver trying to say that he/she is a Michael Jackson fan or that he/she is an astronaut?

Here's a closer look at the plate. It says "MUN-WLK"...."moon walk"....hmmmm.

Ahhh! The license plate frame solves the mystery. It says "Long Live The King of Pop". And even has a little white glove on it. Michael Jackson fan all the way.

I wish all vanity plates were this easy to figure out.

Stunning Scenic Postcard from Germany

2012-01-15T22:11:00.000-06:00

DE-1192398
Fantastic. I just want to fly to wherever this is, pull up a chair and meditate, contemplate, concentrate, ruminate, wonder, ponder, relax, reflect, dream, muse, gaze...and eat a big bowl of popcorn.

Many thanks, Nicole!

Belgium Puppies Postcard

2012-01-15T21:35:00.000-06:00

BE-132303
These sweet, little pups came from Iris in Belgium.
It's only my 2nd card ever from that country, so that was a treat. And, of course, being a dog lover all my life, a puppy or dog card always touches a special place in my heart.

Thanks very much, Iris!

Outgoing Humorous Oprah Postcard

2012-01-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

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Eugenie in California, USA, likes cards with people in them. Check.
And cards with a sense of humor. Double check.
So, it was fun to send this Oprah parody to her.

She also likes trains. Triple check!

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-01T11:48:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all!

Uh Oh Florida Postcard

2011-12-31T09:40:00.002-06:00

This very funny postcard was sent to me by Brenda in Florida, USA, this past summer. It is now winter. I'm a tad bit late in posting.

It still makes me chuckle every time I read it :)
Many thanks, Brenda!

Varazdin, Croatia Postcard

2011-12-30T09:51:00.000-06:00

This beautiful aerial view of Varazdin, Croatia, was sent to me by Nives this past fall/autumn. It is now winter, I'm a little late in posting.

Thanks very much, Nives!

Limited Edition Kaj Stenvall Print

2011-12-28T14:48:00.000-06:00

Recently, my friend Jaana in Finland sent me this super cool Kaj Stenvall print. It's from a group of 5 different prints, and there are only 2,000 copies of each print. LOVE it!

It measures 6.5 x 7.5 inches (16.51 x 19.05cm). I need to find a frame for this baby.

She also sent a giant bar of chocolate with gingerbread for Christmas. I would show a picture of it, too, but ummm, all I have now is the empty box that it came in.
It was deeeeee-licious!

Big, big thanks, Jaana!!

I always love her stamps and stickers, too : )

Cardinal Christmas

2011-12-27T11:21:00.000-06:00

After doing a little dusting and cob web removal, this here little blog doesn't look half bad! Anyway.....

My family is cuckoo for the Cardinals. And since they won the world series this year, Cardinal-themed gifts were plentiful for Christmas.

I am now the proud owner of a shiny red official MLB 2011 World Series Champions - St. Louis Cardinals hard hat! Woohoo!!

Friona, Texas USA

2011-10-23T18:57:00.000-05:00

A special post for dear GG.
I enjoyed my brief visit at the home of Bigfoot. No, not THE Bigfoot, but A bigfoot : )

Oh, looky! Another Friona sign. It just doesn't get any better than this!

Wow! A 3rd Friona sign! It DOES get better, afterall!

This is one proud little biggest small town city from the Lone Star State!

And finally, my very own lucky Friona penny.
I disinfected and sanitized it, because you just never know where that penny has been!

Outgoing Chicago Postcard

2011-10-18T11:13:00.001-05:00

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I chose this really pretty view of Chicago, Illinois, for Aleksandra in Russia because of not having much to go by on her Postcrossing profile.
She said she liked it, so, it's a happy ending for this card!

Outgoing Postcards

2011-10-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

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Sent to iDaniel in Russia.
No text in his profile, just a photo of a smiling young boy, so I just took a guess as to what he might like.

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Another card to Russia. Ludmila likes nature scenes, so I chose to send her this close-up of Ozark Water Lillies.

Carhenge Alliance, Nebraska USA

2011-10-11T12:47:00.006-05:00

NOTE: Please ignore the previous post's ignore note. I am back in baseball afterglow mode!! Anyway.....

If you're into funky, oddball roadside attractions, (like I am) this is one that should be seen at least once in your lifetime.... or twice, if you're lucky!

Carhenge TO DO list:
First, after a long drive to the middle of nowhere in western Nebraska, enter the cozy, little visitor center for refreshments and souvenirs.

Then, sit a spell, and contemplate life or whatever. And when you are ready.....

........behold, Carhenge in all its glory!

Explore it up close, and take lots and lots of pictures!

But before your camera batteries konk out, be sure to..........

.....take a stroll around the grounds to view the wacky "car art" scattered everywhere. And take lots and lots more pictures!

BUT, just in case you never make it, I'm more than happy to share my own pictures with you!

Outgoing Postcards

2011-10-10T09:47:00.002-05:00

NOTE: Please ignore the previous post. I am so over my baseball afterglow. GRRRR!! Anyway.......

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Eileen in the UK had a wide variety of topics on her wish list. "BIG letter" cards was on the list.
I really like this one from Memphis, Tennessee.

And since she kindly asked for her card to be mailed in an envelope, I figured I might as well get more bang for my buck (well, 98 cents, actually) and slipped in a couple more cards from her wish list.
This one, a US map......

.....and this one, a sweet little hard-working hummingbird.

And of course, I smothered the envelope with a bunch of stamps!

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You're thinking Natalia in Ukraine listed "men in suits" on her wish list, aren't you? Well, think again, she's a big Beatles fan.
Match!

I'm glad that I had stamps to match some of her other interests.

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Guenni in Germany said he'd like a picture taken from my kitchen window. I didn't have any on hand that day, so I sent him this card that I spotted in his favorites gallery.
It's a 1940s photo of some of the 400 men who worked on the Mt. Rushmore sculpture in South Dakota.

I tried to match some stamps to his interest in culture, art and paintings.

That's all for today! GO CARDS!!

Baseball Afterglow

2011-10-08T17:40:00.001-05:00

Interrupting normal postcard and road trip operations to bask in a little baseball afterglow. My beloved St. Louis Cardinals have done the unexpected, and Cardinal Nation is a happy bunch today!

Can't wait for the NLCS to start tomorrow!

Outstanding pitching by Chris Carpenter!!

Statue Of Liberty - Outgoing Postcard

2011-10-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

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This head shot of the Statue of Liberty went to Vita in Slovenia.
She was open to any kind of card, but said she hoped to see the beauties of the country. I'd say the Statue of Liberty is definitely one of the beauties of the USA.

New Born Calf and Mother, Buena Vista, Colorado USA

2011-10-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

Driving along a rural highway in Colorado, I noticed this cow. She looks perfectly normal, right? Well, what I noticed was something unusual looking hanging from her mouth that she was chewing on right before I took this picture.

I was curious enough to park on the side of the road and walk up to the fence separating her and me. Upon a closer look, (and not having any background in animal husbandry), it looked to me as if she had just given birth to the calf curled up next to her, and what she had been chewing on was the afterbirth that was on the ground near her hooves.

I left after a couple minutes as to not further annoy or upset momma.

I then googled to see if cows were among animals that did such a thing, and confirmed that they do....for the nutrients and to hide evidence of the birth from predators.

Mother nature is amazing.

Outgoing St. Louis Arch Postcards

2011-10-03T16:26:00.004-05:00

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Klaus in Germany has an unusual, cryptic, mysterious, poetic profile, so I chose this sort of mysterious foggy view of the Arch in St. Louis to send. Plus, he's already sent and received over 2,000 official cards, so finding something new to send him was a bit of a challenge.

I bet he didn't already have this exact group of stamps on any of his 2,000+ cards.

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Kristin in Washington state had listed lightning as one of her likes.
Match!

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Elina in Latvia said in her profile that all postcards were welcome, but handmade ones were appreciated. I am so gonna try to make some handmade cards... maybe.... someday....... possibly... as soon as I find a construction paper, glitter and glue store.

Amazing stamps!

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Olga in Russia was open to any kind of card, so off it went.

Compared to the previous amazing stamps, these are on the boring side. And even the Arch picture isn't all that great. I must have been in a bad mood or something, that day.

And finally, this beautiful sunset view of the Arch and the St. Louis skyline was sent to Nives in Croatia, a fellow postcard blogger, and eater of a really delicious looking cake called "kremsnita" : )

And now, the last set of stamps. I'm looking forward to seeing who the first "living" people will be on US stamps, now that the USPS changed the rules about the people not having to be dead for at least 5 years before they can show up on a stamp.

Time Capsule, Oelrichs, South Dakota USA

2011-09-30T10:46:00.000-05:00

Came across this time capsule in Oelrichs, South Dakota. I don't know what other time capsules look like, but this one is pretty cool.

I won't be around when they open it. That's kind of depressing to think about. So, instead, I will think about the MLB playoffs that start tomorrow!
Go Cardinals!!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

P.S Here's a brief history of Oelrichs, for those not interested in baseball.

2 Kaj Stenvall Postcards

2011-09-29T09:22:00.001-05:00

This one is titled "It Doesn't Look Good". Some of these KS cards I just don't "get", but this one I do!

Jaana, thanks so much for all of the KS cards that you've sent!

Another fun sticker, and clever mailbox stamp.

So, for every KS card that I think I DO "get", there's another one that I DON'T "get", and this is one of those DON'T "get" it cards. It's titled "Everybody Hates Tourists Here". No clue.

Thanks, again, Jaana!

I like the blue theme going on here with the colors of the card, sticker and stamp!

Another VW Bug Spider!

2011-09-27T12:47:00.000-05:00

Back in May, I posted about a really cool VW Bug Spider in Lexington, Oklahoma. At the time, I thought it was unique and one-of-a-kind. Well, come to found out, there's a whole bunch of VW spiders crawling around the country.

I found this one resting under a nice shade tree in Avoca, Iowa.

More to come, as I find them....at some point....eventually.....sooner or later.

Gaz Island, Croatia Postcard

2011-09-24T11:23:00.000-05:00

This surprise card came from Nives.

Technically, it's Gaz, one of a group of islands making up the Brijuni Islands National Park in Croatia.

But to me, it's a really cool fish-shaped island postcard that looked great sitting in O'Neal's mailbox and even better when it joined O'Neal's fabulous postcard collection!

And, umm, Nives, here is the pretty black stamp again ; )
I really like when the cancellation is clear and legible.
Thanks very much for the nice surprise!

Autumn Has Arrived!

2011-09-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Spotted these happy hay bales in Armada, Michigan.
(I'm pretty sure this one here is a male hay bale.)

If only they had legs, they'd be jumping for joy that today is the first day of Autumn!

Smurfs Postcard

2011-09-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

Lookit! The Smurfs! And the Great Wall of China!
This super fun card came from my friend, Twenty, in China. She knows the Great Wall is a favorite of mine, and, well, who doesn't like little blue people?

And she added 2 beautiful scenic stamps that included some of my favorite things: mountains, beaches and animals (grazing deer).

Many thanks, Twenty!

Pringle, South Dakota USA

2011-09-16T16:45:00.000-05:00

If you happen to love Elks and/or Pringle's potato chips, this would be a great place to live....

..and, in addition to enjoying the vast wide-open scenery of South Dakota on a daily basis.......

.....you would have this funky bicycle sculpture to show off whenever relatives came to visit!

Replot Bridge, Finland Postcard

2011-09-14T12:20:00.000-05:00

It looks like a bridge to nowhere, doesn't it? Well, it's not! It's a bridge to the island of Replot or it's a bridge to the mainland of Finland....depending on which direction you're headed, of course.

Thanks a ton, Jaana, for another great postcard. Love it!

The back of the card was all about fun with a smiley sticker and a terrific Moomin stamp!

Bjorkoby, Finland Postcard

2011-09-13T10:53:00.001-05:00

I think it says "Hello from Bjorkoby".

Ahhh, this pretty multi-view of Bjorkoby is very relaxing to gaze at....it looks so peaceful there. I sure hope there's not a casino or amusement park or something like that, off to the side, just out of camera range.

On the back of the card were more goodies...a fun little smiley face sticker, and a very cool aurora borealis stamp.
Thanks very much, Jaana!

Another 2011 State Welcome Sign Update

2011-08-23T11:32:00.001-05:00

Only one new one this time.........

Alabama. 26 down, 24 to go!

Other 2011 State Welcome Signs

I Heart My Heart Cheese Postcard

2011-08-21T10:34:00.001-05:00

Amongst my top favorite kinds of postcards are ones that are unique/unusual. This sweet little cheesy gem came from none other than my dear GG. Love it!

<------Dog stamp! Two thumbs up!

3-D Cactus Flower Postcard!

2011-08-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

     As if sending me a cheesy postcard wasn't enough, my sweet GG followed up a few days later with this oh-so-cool 3-D cactus flower postcard! (Disclaimer: don't stare at it too long, it will mess up your eyes.)
     A still photo doesn't do it justice. So, for your viewing pleasure, I have created a nearly Oscar-worthy mini-movie to better share this very cool postcard! ; )
     Background ~~noise~~ music courtesy of the Singing Cicadas of Illinois.

Awwww, love this stamp, GG : )

Trinidad & Tobago Postcards

2011-08-15T10:26:00.000-05:00

This little beauty showed up as an official (TT-760) from Trinidad & Tobago with a message that said it was the 2nd card being sent, as the first one hadn't arrived...I had no prior knowledge of the first one.

Then, a couple days later, the missing card showed up, a beautiful beach scene. Weird.

Thanks, Vanesh, for being so diligent in making sure an official card was delivered!

Nice looking stamp.

Better Late Than Never, 2011 State Welcome Sign Update!

2011-08-10T22:30:00.002-05:00

Picking up where I left off this past April....

Kansas. 17 down, 33 to go!

Texas. 18 down, 32 to go!

Maryland. 19 down, 31 to go!

Had already posted Oklahoma back in March, but this is a different design than the other one. I like this one much better.

Virginia. 20 down, 30 to go!

Delaware. 21 down, 29 to go!

North Dakota. 22 down, 28 to go!

South Dakota. 23 down, 27 to go!

Minnesota. 24 down, 26 to go!

"Thanks for Visiting Minnesota"

Other 2011 Welcome Signs.

I thought it was just me, but apparently lots of people love to stop and marvel at awesome state welcome signs!

Illinois. 25 down, 25 to go!

Happy Croatian Donkey Postcard

2011-08-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

I just broke a personal speed record for time elapsed from mailbox to blog, because this smiling donkey deserves as much face time as possible!
So, for those of you not fluent in Croatian language, Mr. Happy is saying "Hi how are you?!"

Thanks very much for the fun card, Nives, and for the translation, too : )

I'm growing fond of these black stamps. And I really like that it has a nice, clear cancellation mark on it, too.

Copenhagen, Denmark & Tallinn, Estonia Postcards

2011-08-06T12:21:00.001-05:00

Jaana, my postcard swappin' buddy from Finland, recently did some traveling. She sent me these 2 beautiful cards to make me jealous ; )

The first is this lovely multi-view from Copenhagen Denmark. Pretty cool to now have in my possession a card showing the famous Little Mermaid statue!

And the 2nd card was this equally lovely multi-view of Tallinn, Estonia. Those are some awesome crashing waves at the bottom.

Thanks very much for both cards, Jaana!

I really like this mailbox stamp.

Alien Spaceship Water Tower

2011-08-02T18:24:00.001-05:00

I know water towers serve an important purpose in society, but do they have to be so boring to look at? NO! At least, not in Ogallala, Nebraska, they don't!

This is the most non-boring, cleverly painted water tower I've seen in quite a while, and I like it!

Moscow At Night Postcard

2011-07-31T06:36:00.000-05:00

This beautiful night view of the Kremlin in Russia is an official Postcrossing card from Maria. (RU-452219)

Matching stamps of the Kremlin, too. Very nice. Thanks, Maria!

Man Of Few Words

2011-07-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

Well, he's a man of no words, actually.
And apparently, he likes to hang out at a truck stop in Brighton, Colorado. Or maybe he's hitch hiking across the country. I don't know. He really didn't say.

Mt. Errigal, Donegal, Ireland Postcard

2011-07-24T12:16:00.000-05:00

Is this an awesome view or what? Everyone with mountain envy raise your hand....Anyone?...ok, maybe just me.

This is an official Postcrossing postcard, IE-21716. The back says it's the highest peak in Donegal, and is one of the most popular climbs in Ireland. I'd pass on the climbing and just settle for sitting my behind in a lawn chair to enjoy the view.

Pretty stamp.

Zagreb By Night Postcard

2011-07-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

After visiting each other's blogs for a long time, Nives and I finally traded cards with each other.
She did a fine job of choosing this unusual and amusing night view of Zagreb, Croatia, for me. Odd and funny cards are amongst my favorite topics.

This cute, little puffy heart sticker was on the back side, along with a cool black stamp, which matched the card perfectly.
Thanks very much, Nives!

Texas Waffle

2011-07-14T19:24:00.000-05:00

Literally. A waffle in the shape of the state of Texas!
I was gonna take it home as a souvenir, but I ate it instead.
Blueberry flavored.
Mmmmmmm good.
Texas burp.

Great Wall Of China Postcard

2011-07-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

This beautiful view of the Great Wall came from my friend, Twenty, in China. She takes great care to pick just the right card for our trades, and always writes lovely messages. Another thank you coming your way, Twenty!

Beautiful stamps, too.

On the back of the card, this little pooch got splattered with USPS markings, but he still seems pretty perky!

Summertime Santa Postcard

2011-07-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Well, now we know the answer to the question of what does Santa do during the summer. However, the question of is he, or is he not, wearing Fruit-Of-The-Looms underneath his gown shall forever remain a mystery.
Thanks, again, Jaana!

Out In The Tullies

2011-06-29T12:15:00.000-05:00

I first heard the phrase "out in the tullies" 9 years ago. All this time, I thought it was made up, I thought "boonies" was the correct term. But noooo, it's really real. Dear GG and Google say so!

So just yesterday, I was "out in the tullies" (aka boonies) driving along on a rural highway in Colorado. It was beautiful the entire way!

When first crossing the state line from Wyoming into Colorado, I saw this lovely welcoming wall mural..........

....I saw amazing rock formations, and wondered how they got there.......

....I passed this tiny roadside church........

....I stopped to watch some grazing Pronghorn antelope....

...I noticed this hole in the clouds that looked as if rain was pouring through it.....

.....I snapped a picture of this paint splattered, graffiti covered boulder....

....I marveled at the never-ending parade of beautiful rocky hills....

And finally, nearing the end, I chuckled when I noticed that Ever Open Cafe is only open from 6am to 10pm.

It was a nice drive "out in the tullies".

Dolly

2011-06-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

I've been a Dolly Parton fan forever, so when I had the chance recently to make a quick stop in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee I took it!

This Dolly statue is in front of the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville.

Sad to say, after searching umpteen souvenir shops in nearby Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood, there are NO Dolly postcards to be found. I suspect those babies are sitting in a gift shop in Dollywood itself. Next time, I'll find out!

Animal Postcards!

2011-06-16T10:25:00.000-05:00

It's no secret, I love animal cards!
Let's start off with the incoming goodies:

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Marie in Florida sent me this absolutely perfect card!
I. Love. This. Perfect. Card.

Perfect. Stamp.

DE-907016
Well, nothing can really top the PERFECT CARD, but this one comes close. Michele in Germany sent this nearly perfect card.
If I hadn't received the PERFECT card shown above from Marie, then this one would be the PERFECT CARD.

Very pretty flower stamp for the nearly perfect card.

NL-671586
HA! Love this card, too. Charles and Anneke from Netherlands sent this wonderfully delightful card. Looks like Mr. Ape is into aromatherapy.

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hongshu in Belarus sent this card of a dainty little bird. She said it's a tomtit and is very common in her country.

Great stamps!

This is a sweet sleeping puppy folded card that Edith in The Netherlands sent. The photo at the bottom is actually a window to another photo on the inside of the card.

Inside the card was this teeny tiny car. What a cool surprise!
Thanks, again, Edith!

And now for the awesome outgoing stuff:

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Arja in Finland listed animals, and cats, in particular, as a favorite. So, I sent her this kitty. The back of the card said "Idea Cat". I bet this cat is thinking "Hey, I have an idea, get this stupid light bulb off the top of my head!"

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Another cat lover, Silke in Canada listed animals, especially cats, as a preference. She also said she likes more than 3 words written on the back of the card, so I did my best to fill it up with a long message.

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Another animal lover, Alena in Russia had this card on her favorites wall. I had a copy, so off it went!

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Beatrice in Germany likes cats, especially big cats, as in leopards and tigers. Match!

Her favorite author is Shakespeare. I was lucky to have had this one Shakespeare stamp!

And finally, this card was sent as a "thank you" to Marie in Florida for the PERFECT CARD that she sent to me (scroll up to the very first card, in case you missed it!) She loves spending time at the beach and on the water, and loves animals, too. So I chose this card for her, a fantastic shot of a soaring seagull in front of a huge wave!

Marie also likes Halloween things, so I added this "halloweenish" stamp. And, of course, it's crooked. Why, oh why, can't I put a simple stamp on straight? It bugs the crap out of me!

That's all for now!

Sweatfest 2011 Has Begun!

2011-06-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

I was so happy to kiss Sweatfest 2010 goodbye, and now this.. .in June.... in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Now accepting bulk deodorant donations.

Life Imitates Art Postcard

2011-06-07T05:56:00.000-05:00

NL-659354
Or is it supposed to be art imitates life?
Either way, Jose sent this quirky card that made me laugh.
It's very appropriate......

.....My current work gloves!

Corny Mailbox

2011-06-01T22:29:00.000-05:00

I think I hurt my neck doing a double-take when I drove past this mailbox near Quincy, Illinois.

A corn stalk mailbox!
Is that cool or what?!

And, a nice little salute to all the farmers responsible for making Illinois the second ranking corn producer in the nation.

Mr. Slow

2011-05-18T00:13:00.000-05:00

I had spotted this big, orange, bowlegged, smiling guy a few months ago in Kansas City, Missouri......

.......Now, I have spotted him in St. Louis, Missouri,
getting ever closer to where I live.

Hitchhiking vagabond? Flambouyant stalker?
Things that make you go "hmmmmm".

Another Bunch of Incoming and Outgoing Postcards

2011-05-15T20:16:00.003-05:00

I couldn't resist sending Edith in the Netherlands a second helping of Elvis, since she really liked the first E.P. card that I sent to her.

The Elvis stamps have left the building, only ho hum stamps left.

I don't mind that this card got a little scuffed up on its way here, it's still a very pretty view of Tampa, Florida...Florida...Florida...Florida. Say it with me...Florrrr...i...daaaaa. I need a vacation.
Thanks very much, Judy!

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Heidi from Netherlands sent this fun "official" card. It has a few things I like all rolled into one....animals, clouds, uniqueness. Good job, Heidi, I like it! Thank you very much.

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David in Germany listed planes as one of his favorite motifs.

I can't believe that I mailed it with not only crooked stamps, but with upside down stamps, too. That's just wrong!

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Maria in Russia listed lighthouse as one of her preferences.

<---Lighthouse stamps, too.....all right side up!

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I know some people don't like multi-view cards, but Tatiana in Russia said "any type of card is good for me", so off it went!

More ho hum stamps

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I think this was a dud card for Neva, even though she said she loves to go camping in her profile. No comment whatsoever from her.

I'm thinking the cartoon mosquito and hilarious blurb on the back of the card left her doubled-over in laughter and unable to type. Yeah, that's it!

And last, but not least.......
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This huge 8"x6" beauty was sent to me by 11 year old Dima in Russia. It's the Naval Cathedral in St. Petersburg in a wintery setting and it's gorgeous. It really is, because I rarely use the word "gorgeous"!
Thanks a ton, Dima!

That's all for now, thanks for stopping by!

Oooops. Had forgotten to show off these nifty stamps, too, when I hit the "publish post" button a day or so ago....I notice that crooked stamps don't look bad at all when someone else does it.

Tiny Traveling Trio

2011-05-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

These 3 cute, little pooches were taking a travel break at a rest area on I-44 in Missouri. The one in the foreground was very friendly and pettable. The 2 further back, given the chance, would have gnawed on my ankles, I'm pretty sure.

Incoming and Outgoing Postcards

2011-05-10T00:05:00.002-05:00

Love this one.....
Herbie the Love Bug!
Thank you so much, Edith.

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From Darlene in California.
"Friendship Fountain. A family of dolphins leaps high among the visitors to Santa Barbara's waterfront. This graceful sculpture, by local artist Bud Bottoms, recalls the Chumash Indian tradition of kinship with these gentle sea mammals."

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Sent this one to Dale in Wisconsin. I don't think it matched up very well with any of his preferences, but at least he said the Phoenix ship stamp was interesting!

<---Interesting Phoenix ship stamp over there on the left.

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Lynn928 in China said beautiful scenery of my country would be good. Naturally, I sent her this card of flat, mountainless Illinois farmland...because.. well... it IS scenic... no matter what bragging people who live in mountainous states think!

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Sent this fishy card to Sarah in Indiana.
I did a better job matching one of her preferences than I did with poor Dale in Wisconsin.

Fishy stamp!

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Rachmi in Indonesia loves cooking. Among her wishes were recipes. Match!

VW Bug Spider

2011-05-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

Located in Lexington, Oklahoma.
An old VW bug that morphed into a gigantic spider!

Give a guy an old car, a welder and some paint, and you never know what he might come up with.

Very clever. Very cool!

Four Seasons Finland-Style

2011-05-04T00:06:00.000-05:00

Holy cow, Jaana, seriously??

Another fun card and stamp from Finland.
Thanks very much, Jaana!

Outgoing Postcrossing Postcards

2011-04-30T11:26:00.002-05:00

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Tara said she really likes postcards of graveyards or headstones. So, I sent her this card of frontierswoman Calamity Jane (Martha Jane Cannary 1852?-1903) posing in front of a grave.

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I sent this card of beautiful Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri, built in 1894, because Brenda mentioned that she especially loves pictures of old buildings.

Texas Plainting

2011-04-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

I spotted something colorful standing all by its lonesome out in the middle of the vast Texas plains, near the town of Shamrock.
I had to investigate, of course.

Well crap, it's on private property. But oh my, what a treat to see this odd, but beautiful spectacle in such a strange location. I love stuff like this!

A magnificent painting on the Texas plains......A Texas plainting!

Golden Monkeys

2011-04-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

Awesome card from Twentyajax in China. From the note she wrote, they are protected wildlife in China, and it sounds like they will steal food from passersby. Ha! I would like to see that!
Thank you very much, Twenty.

Matching stamp!

2011-04-24T00:03:00.000-05:00

Let's Play Twister!

2011-04-23T09:07:00.001-05:00

I'm sure nobody, but me, is old enough to remember that game. Anyway......Oh, my goodness! In the midwest part of the country, storms and tornadoes are way too plentiful this Spring.
Driving in stormy weather, ok, it's doable. Dodging tornadoes while on the road, NOT ok, and just barely doable!

Easter On The Turnpike

2011-04-20T17:01:00.002-05:00

Stroud, Oklahoma, I-44 Turner Turnpike.
This was a pleasant little sight. Easter decorations at a tollbooth. Each tollbooth had its own colorful Easter basket to greet travelers. AND, each tollbooth had its own tollbooth worker to greet travelers, too!....."Hello, $9.75 please".

Return Of The Ducks! (Thanks, Cari)

2011-04-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

As of 7am central time, after a long, long absence, the ducks have returned! What a great way to start a Monday.

Thanks, Cari, for putting the batteries back in Stan's gps device and sending them back to my place.

Easter Greetings from Finland

2011-04-16T18:41:00.000-05:00

"Happy Easter!" from my friend, Jaana.

Such unique and fun stamps!

AND...she sent another terrific and funny Kaj Stenvall postcard. This one is titled "When The Shit Hits My Biggest Fan". LOL

Thanks so much, Jaana!

More 2011 State Signs!

2011-04-12T15:18:00.002-05:00

Kentucky. 13 down, 37 to go!

Crappy shot of North Carolina's sign.
14 down, 36 to go!

Crappy shot of South Carolina's sign.

Taken at SC welcome center.
15 down, 35 to go!

Georgia. 16 down, 34 to go!

RV PUSHR

2011-04-08T07:34:00.001-05:00

My duties as a professional license plate reader:

1. Observe and read license plate.

2. Evaluate humor/cleverness content.

3. If humor/cleverness content meets or exceeds minimum requirements, post on blog.

(Ha ha! Loved this one.)

First Batch of Incoming 2011 Postcards

2011-04-05T00:19:00.001-05:00

NZ-50148
I got a big kick out of this card from Bonnielicious.
Baldwin Street, Dunedin, New Zealand. Recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records 1997/1998 as the steepest street in the world.

FI-1055628
Annukka1122 sent this beautiful winter scene of rabbit tracks in the snow. Love it!

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Big Ben and Westminster Bridge in London, sent by Tanya1121.
Would love to visit London. Maybe someday....As soon as somebody builds a bridge across the Atlantic, so I can drive there!

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MoWi sent this cool folded card. She wrote in it that I would be able to collect 12 state signs in just one day there. Be still my heart! I will definitely drive there too, someday, as soon as they build that dang bridge.

PT-172292
From Imca, a very nice photo depicting life in Algarve. It is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal.

First Batch of 2011 State Signs

2011-03-26T12:05:00.000-05:00

Mississippi. 1 down, 49 to go!

West Virginia. 2 down, 48 to go!

Arkansas. 3 down, 47 to go!

Oklahoma. 4 down, 46 to go!

Wyoming. 5 down, 45 to go!

Utah. 6 down, 44 to go!

Pennsylvania. 7 down, 43 to go!

Nebraska. 8 down, 42 to go!

Missouri. 9 down, 41 to go!

Iowa. 10 down, 40 to go!

Indiana. 11 down, 39 to go!

Colorado. 12 down, 38 to go!

2010-12-31T19:34:00.000-06:00

Christmas At Graceland

2010-12-27T01:00:00.000-06:00

A quick drive-by at Elvis Presley's home, Graceland, to see how it was decorated for Christmas.

There is a large Nativity scene in the front yard near the house, and lights strung along the driveway.

This graffiti-filled stone wall stretches along the front of the property.

Even though the streets were all but vacant on Christmas Day, several picture-taking Elvis fans emerged from this car as I was leaving.

Main entrance gate.

Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T13:13:00.002-06:00

Crowley, Louisiana

Kansas City, Missouri

Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea

2010-12-20T10:29:00.002-06:00

For anyone still trying to figure out what to get for the avid postcard collector in their life....
this snazzy postcard shower curtain with matching toothbrush holder and tissue box would no doubt thrill him or her......

...or this slick shiny vinyl version would certainly make him or her squeal with glee........

....or even this do-it-yourself postcard curtain would surely make him or her jump for joy.
I'm glad I could help.
Merry Christmas!

Old Fashioned Social Networking

2010-12-17T08:15:00.000-06:00

GG sent me this nifty postcard that fits me to a "T". Pick up trucks, a pooch, awesome mountains, shootin' the breeze out in the middle of nowhere. Ahhhh, nirvana.

Thanks a bunch, GG. I love your cards, as always.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

2010-12-14T22:03:00.000-06:00

Santa Claus, Indiana, that is!

Postcards from Lithuania

2010-12-13T01:24:00.000-06:00

Agne in Lithuania surprised me with these 2 funny and cute cards. This card says "Great to sit, eat ice cream and watch movie!"

Awww, can this beagle puppy be any cuter?
Thank you very much for the smiles, Agne!

Pretty winter stamps.

Frankfurt, Germany Postcard

2010-12-12T02:22:00.000-06:00

Received this beautiful, extra large, multi-view card of Frankfurt, Germany in a private swap with Reiner.
He filled the opposite side with tons of interesting information about the city.

Very nice stamps, too.
Thanks very much, Reiner!

In return, I sent him this view of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis, Missouri. I just never, ever get tired of seeing that big ol' shiny stainless steel thing!

2011 Kaj Stenvall Calendar!

2010-12-10T16:09:00.000-06:00

I recently received this awesomely cool calendar from Jaana in Finland.

It's going to be a fun year ahead with all these funky duck images staring at me above my desk.

A photo of Kaj Stenvall himself graces the first page.
October, November and December 2010 are included, so I'm using it already!

Well, at least I am trying to use it. Takes some getting used to when the first day of the week is Monday instead of Sunday.

She also included this nifty KS greeting card.
Thanks very, very much, Jaana, for this terrific gift!

Outgoing Postcards

2010-12-08T20:50:00.000-06:00

Sent to Jaana in Finland.
Private swap.

Another one sent to Jaana in Finland.

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Sent to McMausus in Germany.

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Sent to Agne in Lithuania.

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Sent to Mike in Vermont, USA.

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Sent to Jacqueline in Germany.

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Sent to Yasmin in Germany.

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Sent to Terese in Lithuania.

Incoming Postcards

2010-12-05T15:06:00.000-06:00

FI-954657
Very nice holiday card from Marjatta in Finland.

2010-12-05T15:00:00.000-06:00

JP-135835
Hiromi in Japan said this is a dance of the cranes in Hokkaido.
Great card!

2010-12-05T13:40:00.001-06:00

IL-9622
From Marina who lives in Jerusalem.
Beautiful over-sized card.

2010-12-05T13:34:00.003-06:00

LT-99469

From Greta in Lithuania

2010-12-05T10:32:00.000-06:00

GB-185302
Stamp reproduction featuring the upcoming 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

2010-12-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

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From Esther in Malaysia

2010-12-05T10:22:00.001-06:00

Bun Festival in Hong Kong.
Private swap with Katy.

Florida Flashback

2010-11-30T07:43:00.001-06:00

Just trying to warm up on this cold, dreary Illinois morning by thinking about the warm breezes of Miami blowing through the lovely palm trees.

::::::::::waiting::::::::::::

Ahhhh, that's better, all warmed up now.
Mind over matter works every time!

(With a little help from the furnace.)

Palmetto tree

I see more sunsets, than I do sunrises. This sunrise in southern Florida turned into a Mother Nature masterpiece!

Another 2010 State Sign

2010-11-29T08:07:00.002-06:00

Louisiana, one of my favorite states!
Possibly the last sign for 2010.
36 down, 14 to go.

All 2010 State Signs, so far.

Postcards And Road Trips

Scenes From Texas Trips, Part 3

Scenes From Texas Trips, Part 2

Scenes From Texas Trips, Part 1

Panama Postcard PA-667

50 Sand Cents

Postcards from Croatia

Wild Turkey Sighting

Outgoing Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, NM Postcard

Outgoing Wyoming Postcard

Doggone It! Get In The Truck!

Outgoing World's Largest Rocking Chair Postcard

Outgoing Capt. America Postcard

MJ Fan or Astronaut?

Stunning Scenic Postcard from Germany

Belgium Puppies Postcard

Outgoing Humorous Oprah Postcard

Happy New Year 2012!

Uh Oh Florida Postcard

Varazdin, Croatia Postcard

Limited Edition Kaj Stenvall Print

Cardinal Christmas

Friona, Texas USA

Outgoing Chicago Postcard

Outgoing Postcards

Carhenge Alliance, Nebraska USA

Outgoing Postcards

Baseball Afterglow

Statue Of Liberty - Outgoing Postcard

New Born Calf and Mother, Buena Vista, Colorado USA

Outgoing St. Louis Arch Postcards

Time Capsule, Oelrichs, South Dakota USA

2 Kaj Stenvall Postcards

Another VW Bug Spider!

Gaz Island, Croatia Postcard

Autumn Has Arrived!

Smurfs Postcard

Pringle, South Dakota USA

Replot Bridge, Finland Postcard

Bjorkoby, Finland Postcard

Another 2011 State Welcome Sign Update

I Heart My Heart Cheese Postcard

3-D Cactus Flower Postcard!

Trinidad & Tobago Postcards

Better Late Than Never, 2011 State Welcome Sign Update!

Happy Croatian Donkey Postcard

Copenhagen, Denmark & Tallinn, Estonia Postcards

Alien Spaceship Water Tower

Moscow At Night Postcard

Man Of Few Words

Mt. Errigal, Donegal, Ireland Postcard

Zagreb By Night Postcard

Texas Waffle

Great Wall Of China Postcard

Summertime Santa Postcard

Out In The Tullies

Dolly

Animal Postcards!

Sweatfest 2011 Has Begun!

Life Imitates Art Postcard

Corny Mailbox

More Inbound Postcards!

Mr. Slow

Another Bunch of Incoming and Outgoing Postcards

Tiny Traveling Trio

Incoming and Outgoing Postcards

VW Bug Spider

Four Seasons Finland-Style

More Outgoing Postcards

Outgoing Postcrossing Postcards

Texas Plainting

Golden Monkeys

Let's Play Twister!

Easter On The Turnpike

More Incoming Postcards

Return Of The Ducks! (Thanks, Cari)

Easter Greetings from Finland

More 2011 State Signs!

RV PUSHR

First Batch of Incoming 2011 Postcards