Kingdom of Madness

Time for breakfast

2012-01-07T21:54:00.001-06:00

Time for breakfast, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

While I didn't see very many hawks out on my quest this morning I did spot this guy along side the road. I couldn't stop immediately but turned around, came back and he was still there. I was only able to get a couple of shots off but it made my day.

House Sparrow

2012-01-02T15:52:00.001-06:00

House Sparrow, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Happy New Year everyone. It's a windy day here in the metro-east and the little birds are staying close to the bushes for protection.

Silhouette

2011-12-07T17:29:00.001-06:00

Silhouette, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

When I got up this morning it was snowing. Tonight it is clear and cold.

Old Yellow

2011-12-04T17:50:00.001-06:00

Old Yellow (Explored Nov 25th, 2011 #422), a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Northern Wisconsin at my in-laws. I love going up there as there are so many photo opportunities. I drove by this place and had to come back with my camera. I can only imagine the stories that lay within it's walls.

Via Flickr:
Abandoned house in northern Wisconsin. Explored Nov 25, 2011 #422

www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/2011/11/25/page43

Broken

2011-11-19T10:39:00.001-06:00

Broken, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Had a fantastic day with some of my fellow members of the Metro East Photography club down in St. Louis. We visited Powell Square, an old brewery then ended up at Union Power north of the MLK bridge. This shot is from the inside the old St. Louis Southwestern Railway Freight Depot.

Coyote

2011-10-30T21:18:00.001-05:00

Coyote, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Coming home from a photo drive I spotted this coyote in a field near my home. He was quite wary and took off soon after taking this shot.

Witchy Woman

2011-10-26T20:58:00.001-05:00

Witchy Woman, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Taken at Witch's Night Out in Lebanon. This is the second year I have attended and it is a lot of fun. I did dress up a little bit this time and I felt more comfortable taking pictures that way. I was part of the crowd and not just an interloper like last time. Can't wait for next year.

Via Flickr:
I love this woman's outfit.

That's got to hurt!

2011-10-15T20:32:00.001-05:00

That's got to hurt!, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

A creative Halloween decoration just down the road.

The Shining

2011-10-11T17:41:00.001-05:00

The Shining, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

The moon shining through.

September Sunset

2011-09-17T22:15:00.000-05:00

A wonderful sunset tonight. The colours were just amazing.

Time for football.

2011-09-11T18:18:00.003-05:00

Fall is here and we are ready for football.

Mt. Hood

2011-08-08T21:29:00.001-05:00

Mt Hood, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

I had an aisle seat on the flight from Denver to Portland. I was so hoping we'd fly over Mt. Hood and we did. I was also lucky to have an airplane window that was nice and clear. Scenes like this make me really miss my home state. You don't see this in Illinois.

5 years ago today

2011-07-25T21:40:00.001-05:00

The Three Sisters, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

This was the first photo I ever uploaded to Flickr.

Fair St. Louis

2011-07-09T10:30:00.001-05:00

Week 27 - Street Photo, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

This little boy was so fascinated by the Fair st. Louis air show that I had to get his photo. I think I did a good job capturing the moment.

Got ya!

2011-06-26T16:16:00.001-05:00

Got ya!, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

It was Marine week in St. Louis and they put on a demonstration Saturday in front of the Arch. Just one of many shots that I took of the men in action.

Lightining

2011-06-26T16:15:00.001-05:00

Lightining, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

A hell of a lightning storm rolled through the St. Louis region last night. This is one of the magnificent bolts that I was lucky enough to catch last night. According to the weather forecast I may get a chance to try again tonight.

Wise Old Owl

2011-06-18T21:06:00.001-05:00

Wise Old Owl, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Finally made it out to the World Bird Sanctuary. What a fantastic place. Lots of beautiful birds and you can get up close for photos. This is just one of many that I took and can be found at my Flickr site, http://www.flickr.com/matneym

Got 2P

2011-06-11T21:55:00.001-05:00

2P, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Saw this sign in Ft. Worth and just had to get a picture.

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

2011-05-29T21:59:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Such a large cemetery, so many graves, may the men and women who lay here rest in peace.

Baby Bunny

2011-05-28T15:20:00.001-05:00

Baby Bunny, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

I was looking out the window last night watching the birds eat from the feeder when I saw this little guy hiding in the mums. I grabbed the camera and went outside as quick as possible hoping he would still be there. He was and I was able to get this photo before he took off. He was quite little but looked in good health.

Via Flickr:
This little guy was hiding in the mums by the bird feeder. I just happened to look down and see him. Love the little white spot on his head.

Baby Alpaca

2011-05-25T21:45:00.001-05:00

Baby Alpaca, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

This little girl was born just a couple of weeks ago.

22 April 2011

2011-04-23T19:01:00.001-05:00

Lightning 22 April 2011, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Some of the lightning storm that blew through from the big storm that hit St. Louis hard. We were lucky that we didn't get hit here in Troy. The clouds were rotating but nothing touched down.

Death and Decay

2011-03-28T20:58:00.002-05:00

Death and Decay, a photo by matneym on Flickr.

Finally made it down to the old Armour Meat Packing Plant in what used to be National City. There were 4 vultures circling over head. Who knows what was dead inside. I'd love to explore the place but not on my own.

Two eagles standing at a bar...

2011-03-06T19:07:00.001-06:00

Two eagles standing at a bar... a photo by matneym on Flickr.

A couple of bald eagles near Alton Illinois.

Northern Harrier

2011-01-24T20:07:00.001-06:00

Northern Harrier
Originally uploaded by matneym

Not a usual bird for me to see but I was able to snag this photo as he flew by at high speed.

Snow Dial

2011-01-20T20:57:00.001-06:00

Snow Dial
Originally uploaded by matneym

10 inches of snow last night from a storm that blew through. I think this is the most I've seen hit the ground in this area at one time since we have moved here. Love snow but hate shoveling the driveway.

Bald Eagle

2011-01-15T21:32:00.001-06:00

Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by matneym

It was Eagle Days at the Chain of Rocks bridge today. This beautiful bird was available for a photo op courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary.

Bald Eagle

2011-01-09T21:07:00.001-06:00

Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by matneym

This beautiful female bald eagle was at the Confluence Tower in Hartford today, courtesy of the World Bird Sanctuary. I was within 5 feet of her when I took this. She was magnificent!

And 2010 comes to an end....

2010-12-31T19:16:00.001-06:00

After the storm
Originally uploaded by matneym

2010 came to a stormy end here in the St. Louis region. But once the storm passed the sun broke through the clouds and tomorrow it will be a new year.

The Crow B&W

2010-12-23T19:14:00.001-06:00

The Crow B&W
Originally uploaded by matneym

It was suggested to me to crop the original version of the photo I took of this crow on the grave marker so I did. I think it looks better in black and white than in color after being cropped.

The Crow

2010-12-19T17:07:00.001-06:00

The Crow
Originally uploaded by matneym

One time I was driving by this cemetery and a red tail hawk was on this grave but I didn't have my camera. So every time I go by I look to see if I can capture that moment again. Yesterday this crow was sitting on it and I did have my camera. It may not be a hawk but I sill like how it looks.

Painted Barn Roof

2010-12-07T04:53:00.001-06:00

Painted Barn Roof
Originally uploaded by matneym

I've driven by this barn many times in the last few years and always wanted to stop and take a photo. Finally did it!

Red Tail Hawk

2010-11-28T19:21:00.001-06:00

Red Tail Hawk
Originally uploaded by matneym

Another Red Tail Hawk shot. I love driving around the back roads looking for them. This guy was kind enough to sit still for a few photos.

Into the fog

2010-11-21T15:08:00.002-06:00

Into the fog
Originally uploaded by matneym

Woke up to a foggy morning on Saturday and I decided to go out to see what photo ops there were. As I was driving along old Lebanon road I saw this trail into the trees. The fog gave it an ethereal quality that really worked in black and white.

Highland High School Madrigal Choir

2010-11-21T14:22:00.002-06:00

Highland High School Madrigal Choir
Originally uploaded by matneym

This weekend was Victorian Holiday in Lebanon. This photo is of the Highland High School Madrigal Choir. They were very very good and got the crowd into the holiday spirit.

Red Winged Blackbirds

2010-11-14T10:03:00.002-06:00

Red Winged Blackbirds
Originally uploaded by matneym

Out for a drive yesterday and saw this amazing flock of black winged redbirds in a field. The way they swarm about in one big mass is a wonder to watch.

Trees in the fog

2010-11-12T19:57:00.002-06:00

Trees in the fog
Originally uploaded by matneym

A foggy drive into work this morning that made for a beautiful view.

Sunrise and trees

2010-11-10T17:13:00.002-06:00

Sunrise and trees
Originally uploaded by matneym

This was the sky on the way to work this morning. When I went to walk out of the house I could tell I needed to bring the camera with me. Good thing I did.

I see you

2010-11-09T20:25:00.002-06:00

I see you
Originally uploaded by matneym

Playing around with my "Nifty Fifty" tonight. Cookie doesn't cooperate with the camera much but I was able to get this one to come out.

Witch's Night Out

2010-10-25T05:42:00.002-05:00

Witch's Night Out
Originally uploaded by matneym

Sunday evening was Witch's night out in Lebanon. The streets were full of witches, a few warlocks and other assorted characters. It was a lot of fun and the weather was great. Can't wait for next year.

Pumpkin Head

2010-10-23T21:14:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Head
Originally uploaded by matneym

Taken at the St. Louis zoo today. They have the place decorated for Halloween. We were there with some friends and had a lot of fun.

Looking out the window

2010-10-18T19:12:00.001-05:00

Looking Out
Originally uploaded by matneym

We went on another haunted walking tour this last Sunday, this time in Lebanon. The walks are just so much more than hearing ghost stories, it's also the history of the town and area. Lebanon is a wonderful little town and just a few miles down the road. This photo is from inside the Mermaid House.

Seven Gates To Hell

2010-10-12T05:28:00.001-05:00

Seven Gates To Hell
Originally uploaded by matneym

Here is one of the Seven Gates to Hell, a local urban legend in the area. I've never traveled through them in the right sequence to get transported away.

Challenger No. 3985

2010-10-08T21:02:00.002-05:00

Challenger No. 3985
Originally uploaded by matneym

The Challenger on its stop in St. Louis. A beautiful machine.

Heron silhouette

2010-10-03T20:25:00.002-05:00

Heron silhouette
Originally uploaded by matneym

Taken at Horseshoe Lake Saturday night. The sunset was beautiful and I was able to catch a few Great Blue Heron shots.

Great Blue Heron

2010-10-03T08:06:00.003-05:00

Great Blue Heron
Originally uploaded by matneym

I love going out to Horseshoe Lake to see the birds. This Great Blue Heron was kind enough to pose for me.

Alpaca Farm Day

2010-09-25T19:08:00.001-05:00

Alpaca
Originally uploaded by matneym

It was Alpaca Farm Day at Odelia Farms in Troy Illinois. Wonderful animals!

Cutting across the sky

2010-09-23T19:04:00.001-05:00

Cutting across the sky
Originally uploaded by matneym

Lots of jet contrails in the evening sky. This one really caught my eye.

Harvest Moon

2010-09-22T19:26:00.001-05:00

Harvest Moon
Originally uploaded by matneym

Fall is here tonight and we have a full harvest moon.

Starting to turn

2010-09-18T19:40:00.001-05:00

Starting to turn
Originally uploaded by matneym

Went to Horseshoe Lake this evening with Ian as he wanted to go fishing. It's usually a great place for photos with all the herons and other birds. But tonight the fish and birds were not cooperating. However I noticed that the leaves are starting to turn and was able to catch this great reflection in the water.

MiG 17

2010-09-15T05:47:00.001-05:00

MiG 17
Originally uploaded by matneym

It's the Cold War all over again! This beautiful plane was giving a fine display at the Scott Air Force Base air show last Sunday.

Compton Hill Water Tower

2010-09-04T18:30:00.001-05:00

Compton Hill Water Tower
Originally uploaded by matneym

Another first for me and the family. This beautiful tower is open one day a month where you can go to the top. It's 199 steps up but the view is fantastic.

Pirate Flag

2010-08-28T21:07:00.001-05:00

Pirate Flag
Originally uploaded by matneym

One of the many examples of graffiti art along the graffiti wall in St. Louis. It is the flood barrier that runs from south of the arch for a few miles. Full of interesting art and is a place for people to leave their mark.

Neil's drum solo

2010-08-23T18:41:00.001-05:00

Neil's drum solo
Originally uploaded by matneym

The man is just incredible, as is the rest of the band. Rush rock!

Hummingbird

2010-08-21T20:17:00.001-05:00

Hummingbird
Originally uploaded by matneym

Good day for catching the hummingbirds in the yard.

Great Blue Heron

2010-08-15T13:56:00.001-05:00

Great Blue Heron
Originally uploaded by matneym

This beautiful bird was slow enough for me to get a few good pictures. I love wildlife and Horseshoe Lake is a great place to take photos.

Getting our kicks on Route 66

2010-08-08T21:12:00.001-05:00

Henry's Rabbit Ranch
Originally uploaded by matneym

This shot is at Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton Illinois, on old Route 66. Rich, who runs the place is great to talk to and has a lot of stories to tell. We drove the route from Livingston to Springfield with a few stops along the way. Hopefully sometime we'll drive the entire Illinois route to Chicago.

Mushrooms

2010-08-02T05:47:00.001-05:00

Mushrooms
Originally uploaded by matneym

Ian and I were out at Silver Lake in Highland when we came across these giant mushrooms in a small field. They must have been at least 6 inches high above the grass. A few more photos of the mushrooms and the rest of my Sunday adventures up on my Flickr page.

Hummingbird

2010-07-31T20:43:00.002-05:00

Hummingbird
Originally uploaded by matneym

The hummingbirds were out tonight so I was able to grab some good photos. More up on my flickr site.

http://www.flickr.com/matneym

RIP Tom Personett

2010-07-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

I first met Tom while stationed in Italy back in the late 80s. He was a good friend and passed away way too young at the age of 44. RIP Tom, you'll be missed.

Playing the blues B&W

2010-07-24T19:17:00.001-05:00

Playing the blues B&W
Originally uploaded by matneym

Taken at the Soulard Farmers Market in St. Louis. This gentleman is always there playing.

Oriole

2010-07-09T05:36:00.001-05:00

Oriole
Originally uploaded by matneym

Captured this photo of a beautiful Oriole while up in Wisconsin earlier in the week. So many different birds up there than around home.

Sunset

2010-06-28T21:30:00.001-05:00

Sunset
Originally uploaded by matneym

Tonight's sunset.

An almost full moon

2010-06-24T20:52:00.001-05:00

An almost full moon
Originally uploaded by matneym

An almost full moon.

Lucky Duck

2010-06-17T20:53:00.001-05:00

Lucky Duck
Originally uploaded by matneym

This poor little guy was stuck in the road on his back. Two cars drove right over the top of him and didn't even try to stop. Fortunately he was just dazed and made it back to mama.

Cookie

2010-05-11T19:04:00.001-05:00

Cookie
Originally uploaded by matneym

First picture with my new "Nifty Fifty" lens.

Airborne!

2010-05-02T20:26:00.001-05:00

Airborne!
Originally uploaded by matneym

And he's airborne. At least I caught him in a photo.

Baby Bunny

2010-04-23T19:48:00.001-05:00

Baby Bunny
Originally uploaded by matneym

In the neighbour's yard tonight.

Taking Flight

2010-04-10T16:03:00.001-05:00

Taking Flight
Originally uploaded by matneym

Egret taking flight at Horseshoe Lake.

Almost full moon

2010-03-28T20:24:00.001-05:00

Almost full moon
Originally uploaded by matneym

Tonight's almost full moon.

Hyacinth

2010-03-18T21:42:00.001-05:00

Hyacinth
Originally uploaded by matneym

Leann's Hyacinths are coming up. Spring is in the air.

Abandoned

2010-03-14T16:17:00.001-05:00

Abandoned
Originally uploaded by matneym

Old building (I believe it was probably a garage) near Chocteau Island. A drab dreary day out but this caught my eye.

Cemetery

2010-02-13T15:19:00.001-06:00

Cemetery
Originally uploaded by matneym

Taken in the cemetery in Troy.

Oil Donkey at Sunset

2010-02-06T22:37:00.001-06:00

Oil Donkey at Sunset
Originally uploaded by matneym

An oil donkey just outside of St. Jacob Illinois.

Reluctant Subject

2010-02-03T21:31:00.002-06:00

Here is my reluctant subject for the evening. Cookie hates the camera but ended up letting me snap a few. The focus didn't come out quite right but I still love her pose.

Bald Eagle

2010-01-17T19:11:00.001-06:00

Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by matneym

Bald Eagle at Eagle Days on the Chain of Rocks bridge.

Fire

2010-01-08T20:06:00.001-06:00

Fire
Originally uploaded by matneym

Another very cold night here in the St. Louis area so it's a good night for a fire.

Pig in a tree

2009-12-27T21:13:00.001-06:00

Pig in a tree
Originally uploaded by matneym

A few days late but Merry Christmas and bring on the new year.

Flood waters

2009-10-31T20:19:00.001-05:00

Flood waters
Originally uploaded by matneym

Silver Creek over its banks on Old Lebanon road south of Troy Illinois. Needless to say the road is closed.

Colours

2009-10-24T19:34:00.001-05:00

Colours
Originally uploaded by matneym

The leaves are really nice right now.

The Great River Road

2009-10-20T05:43:00.001-05:00

The Great River Road
Originally uploaded by matneym

A little Sunday drive on the Great River Road, heading south towards Alton.

Silo and Sky

2009-08-02T20:59:00.001-05:00

Silo and Sky
Originally uploaded by matneym

It's been a beautiful summer here in St. Louis this year. The Troy Grain silo is always one of my favourite views here in town. The boy was driving so I was able to snap this picture while the light was red.

Red skies at night...

2009-07-30T20:42:00.001-05:00

Red skies at night...
Originally uploaded by matneym

Tonight's sunset.

Praying Mantis

2009-07-28T17:22:00.001-05:00

Praying Mantis
Originally uploaded by matneym

Found this guy in the office today.

Fun in the fountain

2009-07-18T20:26:00.001-05:00

Fun in the fountain
Originally uploaded by matneym

A beautiful day here in St. Louis. The family and I went down to the new Citygarden in St. Louis. A wonderful addition to the city.

Malcom W. Martin Memorial Park

2009-07-12T17:35:00.001-05:00

Looking up the ramp
Originally uploaded by matneym

Looking up the ramp at Malcom W. Martin Memorial Park in East St. Louis Illinois. The view of St. Louis fantastic from the top.

Happy Birthday America

2009-07-04T22:57:00.001-05:00

Fireworks
Originally uploaded by matneym

Happy birthday America.

Lightning

2009-06-11T05:50:00.002-05:00

Lightning
Originally uploaded by matneym

Last night's light display. Quite a show!

Sun and clouds

2009-06-09T05:50:00.001-05:00

Sun and clouds
Originally uploaded by matneym

Just after the storms that blew through the area.

Snowy Egret

2009-06-07T14:53:00.002-05:00

Snowy Egret
Originally uploaded by matneym

A snowy egret at Horseshoe Lake State Park.

Baby Turtle

2009-05-30T14:03:00.002-05:00

Baby Turtle
Originally uploaded by matneym

Found this guy in the driveway today flat on his back. Thought he was dead at first but I saw him move a leg and open his mouth. Put him in a plastic dish with some water and he seems to be recovering a bit. Suspect a bird was trying to eat him and he got dropped.

Jukka, Emmpu & Annette of Nightwish

2009-05-09T12:55:00.002-05:00

Jukka, Emmpu & Annette
Originally uploaded by matneym

A fantastic concert last night by Nightwish at Pop's. I missed them last year due to circumstances beyond my control but not this year! I've heard some criticism of Annette's ability to pull songs off live but she was outstanding. The band seemed to be having a good time. Glad to see a sizable crowd at Pop's. More Nightwish fans out there in St. Louis than I imagined.

Schneider Paint Company Fire

2009-05-07T20:20:00.003-05:00

Schneider Paint Company Fire
Originally uploaded by matneym

Just finished mowing the lawn when I noticed the fire just to the north of the subdivision.

Another Sunday, another round of CD ripping

2009-04-19T14:21:00.001-05:00

Another Sunday, another round of CD ripping. I'd say I'm about 60% done with the project so far. Some of these CDs haven't been out of their cases in years. Some I had forgotten I even had though I see them on the wall all the time.

Beer

2009-04-18T19:58:00.002-05:00

Beer
Originally uploaded by matneym

Finally got around to taking the Anheuser-Busch brewery tour today. Free samples at the end.

The Afternoon

2009-03-29T16:25:00.001-05:00

The Afternoon
Originally uploaded by matneym

7 hours later. Crazy weather.

The Morning

2009-03-29T16:23:00.001-05:00

The Morning
Originally uploaded by matneym

At 0730 this morning.

Double Rainbow

2009-03-24T19:32:00.001-05:00

Double Rainbow
Originally uploaded by matneym

A nice double rainbow after the storm moved through tonight.

Forgotten

2009-02-22T18:22:00.001-06:00

Forgotten
Originally uploaded by matneym

Saw this little teddy bear in a car at the junk yard yesterday. Just kind of made me a bit sad to see it sitting there. What is the story behind it?

At the auto show

2009-01-31T20:20:00.001-06:00

031-365
Originally uploaded by matneym

Ian and I on our annual trip to the St. Louis auto show.