Pic Today 7/31/14

TAKING A RIDE IN A P-51 MUSTANG

The famous P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft

was in town this past week,

offering rides (for a donation) over

the St. Louis area.

One retired pilot sat in the copilot seat

and crossed an exciting P-51 ride

off his "bucket list."

Three historic WW-II working aircraft

(B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and the P-51)

flew in for tours, inspection and "rides"

with pilots and historians to tell stories

of their role in bringing an end to WW-II.

Pic Today 7/30/14

WORLD WAR II

FLYING HISTORY

The most widely recognized and revered aircraft

of World War II is visiting St. Louis this week:

the B-17 Flying Fortress!

Along with the B-24 Liberator and the P-51 Mustang,

all these aircraft are preserved in working/flying condition,

and are open for inspection and boarding.

Of the 12,731 B-17's built, only 13 remain in 

flying condition.   The Flying Fortress was the center

of many famous battles in air campaigns 

which led to the end of World War II in 1945.

Climbing aboard, it was hard to imagine its crew of 10

had room to complete a mission.

(It had a range of 2,400 miles, and a top speed of 250mph!)

Tomorrow, photos of the notorious P-51 Mustang,

and a lucky passenger who paid for the chance

to ride along in this attack fighter.

Pic Today 7/29/14

ANTIQUE SHOPPING

AUGUSTA, MISSOURI

Too many antiques?

Never!

Pic Today 7/28/14

RIVER RATS

PLAY AUGUSTA, MO

In a town well known for its wineries,

there is a brewery known for its heartland ales

and great live music on Sundays.

The brewery is Augusta Brewing Company,

and the music was performed by

the River Rats . . .

a wonderful acoustic quartet

featuring a beautiful young vocalist and fiddler

(that would be Maggie, my daughter).

Of course, I am biased.

But the crowd was full of loyal followers

and visitors enjoying a beautiful summer day!

Play on, River Rats!

Pic Today 7/27/14

GALLERY AND STREET

FOOD ART SHOW

Artists, photographers, musicians,

baristas, and food truck chefs

joined forces for the opening

of the "Food, Glorious Food"

art show and street celebration

in downtown St. Louis.

Artists participated, inside and outside,

for this celebration of "all things food",

including the best food trucks in the city,

and street "chalk artists."

Two of my photos were displayed, and sold,

which is always a compliment to an artist's work.

Pic Today 7/26/14

MISSOURI'S CENTURY FARMS

TO BE TREASURED AND RESTORED

Missouri's fertile farmland

retains landmark century farms

 (like this one in Cedar Hill, MO) . . .

once productive family farms

with classic houses and barns still standing.

Missouri currently ranks second in number

of barns and small family farms in the U.S.

And there is a Missouri University Extension

study and search to identify, register and

possibly restore these "small farms"

to a new generation of family businesses.

Great idea!

Pic Today 7/25/14

HOW NOT TO FEED

A CARROT TO A HORSE

Be sure to count your fingers

when you're finished!