Randomview

2012-01-14T22:21:00.000-06:00

January 13th, Friday the Thirtee
nth, I visited the Alvin Opry to hear a friend sing. The Opry is just around the corner from our house, but I had never been there in its 25 or so years of its existence http://www.alvinopry.com/
Cherie Devine came on early in the show and was GREAT! She sang a song she had written about Friday the Thirteenth, Elvis's "You Ain't Nothin' but a Hound Dog" , and Patsy Cline's "Crazy".

Stanley 77

2012-01-11T22:01:00.001-06:00

The IT guy here at work emailed me the other day with a What's-It that I identified readily. Seems he had found a Stanley 77 that he wasn't sure of. His pictures taken on his phone were poor, but I recognized a Stanley rod and dowel machine. He bought it at a ridiculously low price and this morning he GAVE it to me!
I intend to clean it up and mount it as a demonstration piece. It has only one cutter, but other than not having the original release for the guide plate, it is in fantastic condition, and works! I only had some soft wood to try it out with, but with some TLC and good wood, it will make dowels as it is designed to do.
These things sell at prices that would surprise you- from $200 to $500 when complete and with all the cutters.

After some cleaning, the Stanley 77 looks great!

New Year's Beginning

2012-01-11T21:54:00.000-06:00

I got a good start on 2012 with my first sunrise of the year, taken at the Confederate Cemetery in Alvin, Texas, on January 1, 2012.

Then, the same day, I got my first sunset of 2012, taken off Beamer Rd, near Dixie Farm Rd., near IH 45.

Oversized Load

2011-11-19T08:21:00.001-06:00

http://photobucket.com/oversizedload

A very large boiler was being transported to Texas City through Alvin, Texas Friday November 18, 2011. Hauling done by H Brown of Lafayette, Louisiana. Due to bridge clearances, the load had to pass through Alvin on Business 35, right through town.About 5 hours for just over a mile.

2011-10-25T04:18:00.001-05:00

Alvin Museum Society Fall Membership Meeting

AMS had the Fall meeting Sunday. Tom Green of Sons of the Republic of Texas and North American Vexillogical Association presented a program on "Historic Flags of Texas". Tom has collected or made over 60 historic flags.

2011-10-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

Here is a slideshow of the Alvin High School Class of 1961 50th Class Reunion.

Black & White shots at Twisted Cycles

2011-08-19T21:02:00.003-05:00

Took a few grab shots while at the motorcycle shop. These were shot in B&W in-camera.

GREEN enough?

2011-06-13T04:19:00.002-05:00

GREEN enough?, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

We will have our 50th high school reunion at Hidden Palms in Santa Fe, Texas, this October, so I went to check the place out. Looks like a great venue, with palms, ponds, gazebos, and meeting rooms. I guess the ponds keep the plants well watered in this drought.

Classic Chevy Truck

2011-05-24T21:12:00.002-05:00

Classic Chevy Truck, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

If you spend anytime reading truck history you will soon learn that a common design theme which is repeated over and over again is that of "massiveness." This word was used to describe the front appearance of the new 1941 Chevrolet Trucks. Especially on light-duty trucks designers continually worked to get just the right look of massiveness and ruggedness in the truck's grille, front bumper and front fenders. I'm not so sure that the ruggedness and massiveness have stood the test of time for the 1941-1946 Chevrolet pickups. John Gunnell coined the term "Wurlitzer" for these trucks, which is a wonderfully descriptive term. I think the point is clear: these are attractive trucks but maybe not all that massive. We must admit that it is hard to miss all that bright chrome, however I tip my hat to the Chevrolet designers for their work, which has stood the test of time.

The 1941 3/4-ton Chevrolet pickup was built on a 125 1/4-inch wheelbase chassis. Series AL 3/4-ton trucks were equipped with 15-inch wheels and tires.
Posted for the Monday Photo Challenge- the letter C.

Magnolia Bloom

2011-05-18T04:52:00.002-05:00

Magnolia Bloom, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

The magnolias are still blooming in Alvin, Texas!

Red Leaves

2011-03-28T20:29:00.002-05:00

Red Leaves, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I saw the lightplay on these red leaves from across the yard while working on a car. Just had to shoot it!

Railroad Wye Switch

2011-03-14T08:54:00.001-05:00

Railroad Wye Switch, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Modern Wye switch on the Burlington line south of Alvin, Texas near Liverpool. The electric switching mechanism is much more complex than one would think. We don't see these things in everyday passing or crossing railroad tracks.

Foggy Canal With Frames

2011-02-28T21:50:00.002-06:00

Foggy Canal With Frames, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Our area is criss-crossed by rice canals to irrigate the important crops in the Alvin area. Looking down the canal with the rising sun off to the left, this foggy canal drew my shooting eye to it today. Here I have made multiple reflecting frames just for fun, using Picnik.

Winter Leaves

2011-02-11T11:17:00.001-06:00

Winter Leaves, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A poor little sprout that might have survived the winter, backlit by morning sun.
View On Black

Crawfish Chimney

2011-02-07T02:27:00.002-06:00

Crawfish Chimney, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Crawfish burrow underground and "stack" mudballs to form a "chimney" over the burrow. this stack of mud casts a long shadow in the afternoon sun.

Soft Focus

2010-12-16T03:00:00.001-06:00

Soft Focus, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Retreaded for the Monday Photo Challenge and Retread Group. Played with curves, layers, and frame in Picnik.
View On Black

Spooky Eyes

2010-11-01T08:21:00.001-05:00

Spooky Eyes, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

The Stars and Stripes keep watch over the spooky eyes of the skull. Perfect for the eve of an historic mid-term election!

Ring Toss

2010-10-18T21:31:00.002-05:00

Ring Toss, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Just some rusty rings found tossed away, shot in B&W in camera for the Monday Photo Challenge- things that are round, or go round.
I worked on the shot in Picnik to get a grainy feel, like old B&W film.
View On Black

Breast Cancer Awareness Stamp

2010-10-02T11:51:00.002-05:00

Breast Cancer Awareness Stamp, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

October each year is designated as National breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote breast cancer awareness, share information regarding the disease and provide greater access to screening services.

Twin Morning Glories

2010-09-21T10:40:00.002-05:00

Twin Morning Glories, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

These twins vie for the emerging sunlight this morning after a night of rain. The dew is still on them, but they are ready for a sunny day.

Coming on By!

2010-09-14T05:38:00.002-05:00

Coming on By!, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I "Ghosterized" this hotrod in Picnik, fooling with curves. In the old days, while out hotrodding, often a "ghost car" would creep up on you and suddenly appear, passing on the left at such a high rate that you couldn't even tell your buddies what kind of car it was!
Retreaded for The Monday Photo Challenge and Thursday Retread Group.
The original- www.flickr.com/photos/nhankamer/4962250228/in/set-7215762...

Zeiss Ikon

2010-09-14T05:36:00.002-05:00

Zeiss Ikon, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Zeiss Ikon
Fine lines and wrinkles is our challenge this week, so I got this old Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta down off the shelf where my small collection of classic cameras sits.
The fine lines of these old classics always attract me, and you can see the wrinkle of the bellows. Never mind that I didn't straighten out the backdrop!

Restored Home

2010-08-09T09:57:00.001-05:00

Restored Home, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Nice restoration of a turn of the century home in Alvin, Texas. I cropped out the window for The Monday Photo Challenge group windows and doors challenge on Flickr.

Canna Lily

2010-07-16T20:13:00.001-05:00

Canna Lily, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I saw this nice lily at the Houston Zoo Thursday.
www.houstonzoo.org/
View On Black

Tower Lines

2010-07-13T04:39:00.002-05:00

Tower Lines, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A tower has been under construction on Donaldson Rd just off Hwy 35 between Alvin and Pearland for some years, and I have never seen anyone there to ask about it.

Vintage Baggage Cart

2010-07-01T05:04:00.002-05:00

Vintage Baggage Cart, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This vintage baggage cart is on display at Alvin's Historic Santa Fe Depot.

Perfect Handle Counterfeits

2010-06-16T00:58:00.003-05:00

Perfect Handle Counterfeits, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

These are some H D Smith tools that a friend has rebuilt for me. The hammer is a one of a kind. An H D Smith Perfect Handle open end wrench mated by forge welding to a ball pein hammer head. The pipe wrench is a PEXTO mated the same way to a long H D Smith Perfect Handle screwdriver. The two screwdrivers are original except he has put new wood on them for me.
Discussion of these can be seen at www.papawswrench.com/vboard/showthread.php?p=22669&po... on my Tool Talk Forum.

Spooky Bridge

2010-05-21T12:45:00.002-05:00

Spooky Bridge, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

It isn't Halloween, but I rendered the original like this for the Monday Photo Challenge and Thursday Retread Group.
The path curves gracefully at the end of the Mustang Bayou bridge on the Tom Blakeny Hike and Bike trail in Alvin, Texas. I've shot this bridge several times, especially in early morning fog.
See more here- www.flickr.com/groups/1091826@N21/pool/

Uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer on 20 May 10, 10.08PM CDT.

Reflection

2010-05-11T00:38:00.002-05:00

Reflection, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

"Now to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk. Such rules and laws are deduced from the accomplished fact; they are the products of reflection."
Edward Weston

It's not a UFO!

2010-05-04T04:47:00.002-05:00

It's not a UFO!, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I saw a neat photo on Flickr with some colorful streaks of light, and wondered how it was done. Some investigation revealed it was simply light reflections from a common CD. I took this shot by the light from a compact fluorescent table lamp, the cropped it some. Looks like a UFO!

UP 844

2010-04-18T21:04:00.003-05:00

UP 844, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

UP844 approaching the crossing at Liverpool, Texas, April 17, 2010. The train was behind schedule and went by very quickly!

"The road must be built, and you are the man to do it. Take hold of it yourself. By building the Union Pacific, you will be the remembered man of your generation."
— President Abraham Lincoln to Oakes Ames, 1865

Fountain in early Morning Light

2010-04-13T21:48:00.002-05:00

Fountain, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Fountain at Joe's Bar-B-Q in Alvin, Texas in early morning light. Posted for Monday Photo Challenge Group. This week's challenge: "shoot something having to do with H2O...whether it's a drop, your favorite watering hole, an umbrella or a bucket"
I shot this fountain in January when it was frozen. Now that Spring is here, I have shot this view, and will revisit it a few more times.

Wisteria Vine and Blooms

2010-03-29T00:24:00.002-05:00

Wisteria Vine and Blooms, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Been watching this old Wisteria vine lately, because it is a sure sign that Spring is here when the Wisteria blooms.
Taken for the "Look UP" challenge in the Monday Photo Challenge group on Flickr.

See more here.

Van Tassel's 54 Mercury Custom

2010-03-03T01:05:00.002-06:00

Van Tassel's 54 Mercury Custom, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A beautiful custom 1954 Mercury seen at Brad's Muffler in Alvin, Texas.

File Knife

2010-02-11T03:20:00.002-06:00

File Knife, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This knife was made by my friend Brian Jordan of Phoenix, Arizona. It was made from a metal file and the scales are denim micarta. It will be given away to one of my Tool talk Forum members in a drawing Thursday, Feb. 18th.

Belly Dancer

2010-01-21T03:44:00.002-06:00

Belly Dancer, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A friend and I went to Dan Electro's Guitar Bar for a benefit for the local Pacifica Radio station. The bands were blues and blues rockers and we were entertained by belly dancers between sets.

Fountain in Winter

2010-01-11T04:41:00.001-06:00

Fountain in Winter-closup, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

We don't get much real winter weather in Alvin, Texas, but the last few days have been very cold. Joe's Banquet Center -http://joesbarbequecompany.com/catalog/banquet.php left their fountain on and it froze nicely!

Flying sign

2009-12-19T13:15:00.002-06:00

Flying sign, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4196456656_2812df41fa.jpg

How long since you've seen one of these? They used to be a common sight in the old days, and seem to be making a comeback.

An Uncertain Future?

2009-12-16T01:49:00.002-06:00

An Uncertain Future?, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

The next book I will read. Have a vacation next week and part of the time will be spent relaxing and reading. It is uncertain what our future holds, but I bet Sarah Palin is plowing her path to another run at office, most likely President. Despite all the negatives thrown around by the Left, I don't see much that would disqualify her for the job. Has more political experience than Obama.

Shelby's Autumn Leaves

2009-12-09T03:08:00.002-06:00

Shelby's Autumn Leaves, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A co-worker brought me some fall leaves from her vacation trip. She knew I would take some pictures of them. Sepia treatment for that "old" look.

Horse Cart in Winter

2009-12-08T23:30:00.001-06:00

Horse Cart in Winter, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I retreaded one of my old not-so-great photos with a little manipulation and a frosty windowpane illusion. It makes a nice wintery scene.
Seen also here---> http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3691290480_e84ef830dc.jpg

Photographer

2009-11-30T04:55:00.002-06:00

Photographer, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Your intrepid Photographer in a reflection on the chrome grill of a fire truck.

Fire that Shutter!

2009-11-30T04:54:00.002-06:00

Fire that Shutter!, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A B&W portrait of my constant companion, my Canon XTi. Mirrored in the grill of a fire truck Thanksgiving Day

Self Portrait

2009-11-26T20:30:00.002-06:00

Photographer, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Here is your intrepid photographer in a familiar pose. Taken on Thanksgiving Day at the Algoa, Texas Volunteer Fire Department where we had Thanksgiving dinner.

2009-11-17T09:46:00.001-06:00

Through the fog

2009-11-07T11:21:00.002-06:00

Through the fog, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Foggy morning view at the Confederate Cemetery in Alvin, Texas was perfect for a B and W study.

Mother Mary in the Grotto

2009-10-22T23:09:00.003-05:00

Mother Mary in the Grotto, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This lovely icon stands in the niche of the Grotto at St. John the Baptist catholic church in Alvin, Texas.
Photo done for the Monday Weekly Photo Challenge and Thursday Retread group.
I got lots of good comments for this photo, and it was featured on the front page of the group in Flickr.

Pumpkin and Squash

2009-10-15T04:31:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin and Squash, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Grace Episcopal Church in Alvin, Texas has a "Pumpkin Patch" each year and sells some nice pumpkins and squashes. I got this shot and some others before the public was let in.

Fresh Sunrise

2009-10-02T08:27:00.002-05:00

Fresh Sunrise, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

My schedule has been off lately, but today a storm passed over our town, waking our 14 1/2 year old Dalmatian who is afraid of thunder. So, I was up at 0430 to calm her. My wife gets up at about that time to get ready for work. I am off on Fridays, so I stayed up and when the storm passed, I decided to see if I could get a dramatic sunrise. A few miles from home while heading to a favorite coastal spot of mine, I saw this view, so this is what I got this morning. Back home by 0730.

Acorn magazine cover

2009-09-28T21:47:00.002-05:00

Acorn magazine cover, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I made this fake magazine cover using Fd's Flickr Toys from http://bighugelabs.com/
Not a real magazine of course.
This was my entry in this week's challenge by the Monday Photo Challenges and Thursday Retreads ( http://www.flickr.com/groups/1091826@N21/ ) group on Flickr. The challenges are varied and keep a photographer thinking and experimenting.
this week's challenge was to find one of your photos taken last week that you would like to see on a magazine cover.

Last Drop

2009-09-14T01:21:00.002-05:00

Last Drop, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

For the Monday Photo Challenge-Floral/End of Summer- This butterfly is getting the last drops of nectar in preparation for fall , when egg-laying is its last job in the life cycle. The pollen distributed by the butterfly will be spread throughout the area, and contribute to the new flowers of next Spring and Summer.

Lonely Gull

2009-09-12T21:11:00.002-05:00

Lonely Gull, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This photo is a retread of an old one that was not very exciting. I redid it for the "Weekly Photo Challenge and Thursday Retread" group on Flickr. It made the front page of the group's discussion page this week.

Passion Flower

2009-09-12T21:04:00.002-05:00

Passion Flower, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Passion Flower
Found in the garden behind E. C. Mason Elementary in Manvel, Texas.

Tool Display

2009-09-08T13:08:00.002-05:00

Saturday and Sunday of the Labor Day weekend I set up a display of railroad antiques and old tools for the Alvin,Texas All- American Festival held yearly at our historic Santa Fe Depot in Alvin, Texas.

Places I've Been

2009-08-27T03:47:00.001-05:00

This is a cool map you can make. I tried to delete Alaska and Hawaii, but couldn't.

visited 17 states (7.55%)
Create your own visited map of The World or vertaling nederlands duits?

Proud Hibiscus

2009-08-23T10:16:00.002-05:00

Proud Hibiscus, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Common red Hibiscus looking proud in its search for sunlight.This one was high up in a garden in front of an antique shop in Alvin, Texas.

Wall Decor and Photos

2009-07-29T05:30:00.001-05:00

Wall Decor and Photos, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

My entry for Monday's Weekly Photo Challenge- Around Your House. Some of my photos on the piano in front of a wall with my wife's Cat Plates and the sign from a motorcycle shop I once owned. The sign was painted by a Bandido in need of cash.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1091826@N21/pool/

Fuzzy Buddies

2009-07-21T00:40:00.004-05:00

Fuzzy Buddies, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Playing around with some actions available on Flickr. These two stuffed animals are from me to my wife on Valentine's Day.

Bokeh in the Weeds

2009-07-13T16:06:00.004-05:00

Bokeh in the Weeds, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I needed to try to use my 50mm lens more, and I need more practice in capturing Bokeh by design rather than by luck and chance. Shooting in Aperture Priority and manual focus, I managed to get some results like I was looking for. The reddish clumps out of focus are some dead leaves.

Bergman Wrench Set

2009-07-02T08:23:00.002-05:00

Bergman Wrench Set, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I finally put my set of Bergman Queen City wrenches in a display box. These were made by the Bergman Tool Co. in Buffalo, N.Y. Patented in about 1912. I believe these five are all the curved ones they produced.

Grad and Dad

2009-06-19T22:31:00.002-05:00

Grad and Dad, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Our son Patrick graduated from ITT with Honors- First in Class! Here he is with his proud father. Photo by Chris Farmer.

Good Money Chasing Bad

2009-06-07T17:07:00.001-05:00

Good Money Chasing Bad, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Sometimes I remember to buy Lotto tickets. I never seem to win anything though!

Santa Fe Collectibles

2009-06-04T08:41:00.002-05:00

Santa Fe Collectibles, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I have a dozen or so of these Santa Fe RR shop rags with the safety saying on them- "Wipe Out Axy Dent on the Santa Fe".
One of my forum members saw the picture of Axy Dent, and sent me some safety buttons he had. Two say "Safety Committeeman", and "On guard against "Axy Dent", with the little guy in the center.

J J Hankamer

2009-05-19T15:08:00.001-05:00

J J Hankamer, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

In 1970 or 1971, I took a photo of my father in his recliner. This was his custom in the late evening, to sit and read or watch television.
I put the photo together with his letterhead and made a wooden plaque for him. This plaque has been on my wall or a shelf since he died.

B&W Hibiscus

2009-05-17T21:00:00.002-05:00

B&W Hibiscus, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Beautiful in color, but in my opinion also beautiful when shot in black and white.

Daddy's Cedar

2009-05-17T20:57:00.002-05:00

Daddy's Cedar, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

My mother and I went up to Arkansas in 1971 a few weeks after my father died, to visit the cabin they had built there. She and I dug up a small cedar to bring home for a Christmas Tree. My father had brought home a tree every Christmas for each of us five children and planted them in our front yard. Three of them survive to this day, and this tree for daddy has survived, but never grew right. It has had plenty of problems and has been struck by lightning. It is so bad that now I am going to have to remove it. I will save a lot of the wood for projects and mementos.

B&W Wheel

2009-05-16T04:22:00.001-05:00

B&W Wheel, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Here is a B&W shot of the front wheel of my BMW motorcycle. Can you tell I was bored?

Simi Knife Replica

2009-05-04T12:40:00.003-05:00

Simi Knife Replica, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A friend is a knife maker and I asked him last year to make me a replica of a Simi Knife as carried by Maasai Moran in East Africa. I had one on my backpack on my way home from East Africa in 1969, but lost the knife in Yugoslavia, somewhere between the border with Greece and Zagreb.
He made me this one, shown here displayed with some Maasai mementos I brought home.The cloth is a Kitambi, worn when lounging around, it is wrapped on you like a sarong. This is one that I wore for several years while in the Peace Corps. Also shown are a snuff pouch made from grass to be worn as a necklace, a beaded wrist band, and a beaded necklace that was worn by young Maasai girls. I traded a dollar pocket watch for it.

Knife and sheath made by Thunder Forge
rm-250@cox.net

Shaw Alligator Wrench

2009-05-04T12:03:00.002-05:00

Shaw Alligator Wrench, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Shaw Propeller Co. of Boston made these alligator wrenches patented in 1910. They came in several sizes and I have a few of them. This one is only 4" long, and may have been a salesman's sample. It was gifted to me by a member of my Tool Talk forum.

Crawfish!

2009-05-03T12:53:00.001-05:00

Crawfish!, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Saturday we went to the Liverpool Volunteer Fire Department Crawfish Boil and auction. Mudbugs were great and the auction was a success, though I did spend a bit of money bidding in the auction! All for a good cause, of course.

Bottle Brush Bush

2009-04-21T22:50:00.002-05:00

Bottle Brush Bush, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I saw this in passing this morning, just had to turn around and shoot it. It is a Bottle Brush Bush ( Callistemon ), over 8' tall and beautiful. I am told hummingbirds love this plant. I saw several honeybees around it.

My Tree Photo in a museum

2009-04-16T08:21:00.002-05:00

My Tree Photo in a museum, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

One of the fun things you can do with dumpr.net , a free photo manipulation program.
Makes it look like one of my photos is in The Contemporary Art Museum.

Hibiscus on Easter Egg

2009-04-16T08:13:00.002-05:00

Hibiscus on Easter Egg, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I hope everyone had a good Easter. This artwork is one of my photos on an Easter Egg, a fun thing to do available on www.dumpr.net .

Red Hibiscus

2009-04-12T22:37:00.003-05:00

Red Lily, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I sure like this big red Hibiscus that grows at my niece's house.

Bluebonnets

2009-03-22T12:22:00.001-05:00

Bluebonnets, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Bluebonnets are out all around Texas this early Spring, but we are not traveling much, so I shot these outside Joe's Barbecue in Alvin, Texas Saturday morning after breakfast.

Collage for Jack

2009-03-17T08:18:00.001-05:00

Collage for Jack, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

A collage I made for the friend and co-worker from whom I bought a BMW. He was sad to see it go, so I put together the three antique plates he had had on it along with a shot of him and one of the bike.

BMW R100

2009-03-11T20:04:00.002-05:00

BMW R100 , originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I bought this BMW from a friend and co-worker Sunday. It will be great to have a regular ride again. It is a 1978 BMW R100/7, an antique according to the State of Texas, so it has antique plates.

Down the county road

2009-03-11T20:02:00.002-05:00

Down the county road, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Early morning looking down the county road while watching for a sunrise.

Garden glove hands

2009-03-01T22:40:00.001-06:00

Garden glove hands, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Mama wanted some "Garden Glove" hands like the black one I made last week.

Wrench glove

2009-02-23T16:00:00.001-06:00

Wrench glove, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

We had a spill at work last week-nothing dangerous. Just some plastic pellets. I saved a box full to see if I could make some use of them. A cheap pair of gloves, plastic pellets, a round piece of wood and some staples and I have a glovehand to hold a wrench. I might use it for pictures on Ebay. I sell vintage wrenches on the web. www.papawswrench.com

Roark windows

2009-02-20T00:23:00.001-06:00

Roark windows , originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This shot was achieved by playing around with "Edge Detection", an action available in Irfanview, a post processing software available at www.irfanview.com . Irfanview is freeware.
The building is the old Roark Auto Supply store in Alvin, Texas. It has been empty for a few years, and was recently to be restored as a restaurant, but Hurrican Ike damaged it so much that the city has decided that it should be demolished.

Kalanchoe Macro shot

2009-02-18T23:20:00.001-06:00

Kalanchoe Macro shot, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

These little flowers bloom each year just outside our back door. I have sort of disregarded them until I started doing Macro Photography.

Anhinga

2009-02-02T13:55:00.004-06:00

Anhinga , originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This Anhinga was perched on a fallen tree in the lake at Camp Mohawk in Alvin, Texas. Now that I have Mondays off, I hope to go out shooting pictures more often.

Floyd Tillman's Bus

2009-01-26T12:54:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine has a junk yard in Santa Fe , Texas, and he has a very nearly lost treasure of the music industry.

For over 40 years, this was Floyd Tillman's tour bus. Tillman, two time Country Music Hall of Fame Awards winner (for both song writing as well as recordings), passed away in 2003, in Bacliff, Texas. Tillman was respected by audiences and the entire country music industry, and was known as an inspiration and mentor to none other than the legendary Willie Nelson.

Tillman's song writing and recording efforts produced sales of over 50 million albums and records.
A Paranormal researcher in Alvin, Texas says it is haunted, but his supposed recordings of voices are not convincing to me.
www.paratexas.com/hauntedbus.htm

Floyd Tillman's Bus

2009-01-26T12:53:00.002-06:00

Gnarly Old Tree

2009-01-22T09:46:00.002-06:00

Gnarly Old Tree, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This old tree in Sealy Park here in Alvin, Texas looks old and dead, but I think it is just waiting for spring to bloom again. I will watch it and photograph it again when it does.

Sunrise over Galveston

2009-01-17T14:15:00.001-06:00

Sunrise over Galveston, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Left work early to go down toward Galveston, Texas, just to shoot the sunrise.Taken from Bayou Vista, just before the causeway over Galveston Bay.

One of my Photos published

2009-01-09T10:14:00.003-06:00

My photo of an Ankole Cow was chosen to be included in the Listing for Bayou Wildlife Park on the Houston Schmap Guide!

Leaning Cross

2009-01-08T03:16:00.002-06:00

Leaning Cross, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Crown Hill Cemetery, Pasadena, Texas-in the middle of the vast Chemical and Refinery area along Sims Bayou and Buffalo Bayou.

Permanent settlement of this area began about 1891. Lot sales in the new town of Pasadena began in 1893, and the town was officially platted three years later. The first recorded burials in this vicinity occurred about 1894, although the exact locations of the graves are unknown. This graveyard, originally known as Pasadena Cemetery and the town's only community burial ground, was established in 1906 on a knoll overlooking Vince's Bayou and Buffalo Bayou. The first person buried here was E. P. Pomeroy, who died on October 24, 1906. Those interred here include many of Pasadena's early settlers and community leaders, and veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II. The graveyard became known as Crown Hill Cemetery following World War I, possibly as a result of its proximity to the Crown Central Refinery. It has also been referred to as the Mexican Cemetery due to the numbers of Mexican-American farmers who were interred here beginning in the 1920s. Although surrounded by 20th-century industrial development, this cemetery survives as a link to the area's pioneer heritage There is a slideshow of photos taken there Tuesday, January 6, 2009, on my Flicker Site- link on the right sidebar.

Wooden Marker

2009-01-06T20:31:00.001-06:00

Wooden Marker, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This could be the marker for this blog! I have kept it up for a long time with so few visitors that sometimes it doesn't seem worth doing.

Ankole cow

2008-12-29T08:49:00.001-06:00

Ankole cow, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

This photo of mine has been chosen on a short list to possibly be the header photo for Bayou Wildlife Park near Alvin,Texas by Schmap ( http://www.schmap.com/guides ). I will know by January 9, 2009.

Backyard Squirrel

2008-12-13T18:17:00.001-06:00

Backyard Squirrel, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I threw out some old pecans while we were cleaning house in preparation for Christmas decorations. This little guy came by for lunch.

Christmas Teddy Bear

2008-12-02T20:00:00.001-06:00

Christmas Teddy Bear, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

Christmas is just around the corner, so this Teddy Bear has already done his shopping.

Pampas grass and other shots from our trip

2008-12-02T05:33:00.003-06:00

Muted North Carolina sunset

Fall colors in Lineville, Alabama

Mad Indian Creek

Vacation

2008-12-01T21:39:00.002-06:00

My wife, my sister, and I took a little trip up to Philadelhia over Thanksgiving to visit our 98 year old uncle, Rolland Madara. He is a fine old gentleman with a lot of history. His mind is still sharp, unlike his hearing and eyesight. Uncle Rolland was in the Navy in WWII in many capacities, mostly communications, and saw the world. After retiring from the Navy, he went to work for GE in Philadelphia until retiring, and has since worked at The Franklin Institute. He has been a ham radio operator for many years, and still logs on as W3PWG.
We drove up from Texas and drove by the Great Smokies, The Appalachians, etc. into Amish country, then over to Philly.
I will post some pictures soon.

More Joe Bonamassa

2008-11-19T09:16:00.000-06:00

Music

2008-11-13T06:40:00.002-06:00

I like all kinds of music, but my favorites are Blues.
I just discovered Joe Bonamassa, a young blues guitarist par excellence!

Odd cloud

2008-11-04T20:46:00.001-06:00

Late afternoon, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

I took this photo some weeks ago, but just recently did some post processing to achieve this look. It was early evening looking westward from Alvin, Texas.

Tiny fly

2008-11-04T20:39:00.001-06:00

Tiny fly, originally uploaded by Noel C. Hankamer.

My latest bug search was unfruitful except for this tiny fly on a banana leaf in our back yard.

Some closeup shots

2008-10-20T18:46:00.002-05:00

Went out shooting again this morning while I did some errands. The prickly pear is near the old Historic Santa Fe Depot in Alvin, Texas, and the wagon is from Mexico made in about 1890. It is in the front yard of some old friends in Alvin, Tom and Elizabeth Dushane.