Hyperblogal

Incoming

2012-01-28T18:59:00.002-06:00

Helen, Dorothy and Princess 1990

2012-01-27T14:43:00.005-06:00

A Northeast scene. Two wonderful neighbors who sat in front of the garage each evening into the fall... Toyo View Camera, 180mm lens, t-max 400, exposure unrecorded. Taken September 15th, 1990. All have passed on now.

Before Van Brunt Boulevard, A Dairy Farm

2012-01-24T18:47:00.004-06:00

These two pictures were taken ca. 1899 and were titled "East Boulevard." They show the proposed site of the newest road to be constructed in Kansas City. At the time these were taken the land was a dairy farm. Cows are visible in both shots and, in the shot above, a barn is barely visible behind the trees in the upper right. Not sure at all of directions in these shots, but, if the lay of the land is any indication, the land slopping up would probably be toward the north. East Boulevard was later renamed "Van Brunt Boulevard." My personal guess is that this is north of St. John and that the ridge in the bottom photo is where Gladstone Boulevard eventually was constructed. There was a large pond where Elmwood Avenue and Windsor intersect that was used for watering the cattle.

Lone Tree At Reservoir

2012-01-23T20:00:00.005-06:00

From the archives.... bored after a winter snow in February of 1993 I went looking for images.. Drove by the old city reservoir and saw this shot.... which was totally monochromatic.

Drove home and got the view camera and set up for this shot. Took two exposures, unrecorded. Toyo View 180mm lens, T-Max 400 4x5 sheet film. Taken around 3pm with low hanging clouds. Fence is now overgrown and this tree is long gone. I still love film and the simple shots. There is a Pepsi can on the fence toward the right which I desperately wanted to get rid of... but didn't want to track in the snow to do it. I could remove it digitally, but it's a part of history now..... in many ways things were a lot slower just that short time ago.

A Cinematic Pendleton Heights

2012-01-14T14:41:00.001-06:00

Apocalipservice

2012-01-03T18:30:00.003-06:00

And thus it was written in the time of the waning dragon by Tuz the Mayan, "When the contrails meet in the west in the pyramid of the setting Sun God Turkemangal and the House of the Night Sun Dinarkus is half visible in the eastern sky, the end times begin when all mankind will become God dust and devolve into lint bunnies under the cot of Megoth the Pharisee. Know ye by these signs that your fate is sealed for it is written on the Calendar of the 5, 321st year that these things shall happen and The End will Begin in Pendleton Heights." Thus spake the Tuz.

And The Stockings Were All Hung By The Chimney With Care

2011-12-22T20:08:00.001-06:00

A Very Victorian Christmas

2011-12-15T19:44:00.010-06:00

Pendleton Heights finest Victorian Lady is in her festive finery for the Holiday Season. This Queen Anne treasure was built in 1887 for lumber baron Charles B. Leach. Current owners Kent T. Dicus and Michael G. Ohlson, Sr. purchased the home in 2003 and have painstakingly restored it room by room.

"Garfield Heights" has a grand entryway... and retains most of its original woodwork...

The main parlor adorned with paintings of the owners ancestors and furnished in the Victorian fashion.

The home has 23 of its original stained glass windows and all eight fireplaces have been rebuilt. This is the dining room... although you probably could have figured that out.

The music room above with it's feline dweller below...Tommie, who loves people but hates cats.

All shots taken with the D3 and 14-24mm or 105mm lenses... ASA/ISO 1000, F16 or F4... multiple exposures for each shot.

Fountain Ice

2011-12-07T17:17:00.003-06:00

The Concourse Fountain here in Historic Northeast remains on year-round. It produces some spectacular mounds of ice in a short amount of time. Here are some scenes from today.

Princess Throned, Decorations Honed

2011-12-04T17:48:00.006-06:00

The Fairy Princess has returned to the Kansas City Museum. Begun in 1935 at Kline's Department Store, the Princess greets all children in her Throne Room on the north side of the Museum Complex. For days and times please go to this link: http://kansascitymuseum.org/fairy.html
She has a brand new Throne this year. Below, the gates are decorated and open...

Above, check in at the Visitor's Center first and then proceed to the Carriage House. Below, kids and parents waiting in line.

The Princess has lots of helpers. Squire Leitch and Mouzin, Lady-in-Waiting Rebecca, and many Elves help her with her duties.

First comes a picture and then, with a wave of her magic wand, a box opens and there is a gift for the visiting child.

There is a Princess Gift Shop which is womanned by Princess Emeritus Erika....

Above, each child gets a Princess cookie too. And, below, after visiting the Throne Room, kids can cross over to the crafts tables and make ornaments or other holiday decorations.

Above, pictures ready for pickup. Below, a few scenes of holiday decorating of Northeast Landmarks.

Above and below the Richardson Graham Memorial Bridge in holiday finery... courtesy of Michael Nicholas Stringer and JJ... who own the apartment building right next to it. Renovation is underway!!!

Prescription Only

2011-12-01T16:09:00.003-06:00

I have come to believe that hammers and saws, not unlike sudafed, should be prescription only. You would have to have one from an architect and one from an historian.

Pendleton Heights Holiday Homes Tour 2011 Part 2

2011-11-29T10:53:00.007-06:00

Above, Erika and Randy Withers live in this 1887 Queen Anne home. Originally built for Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Curtis and their daughter Nellie, it went through many modifications before finally being restored in 2008. Below, the interior is much more open now than originally... but tastefully done...

Built in 1884 this Queen Anne was one of the first homes built in the suburb of Pendleton Heights. George H. Edwards, secretary of Edwards and Sloan Jewelry Company, was its first owner. Mr. Edwards was also Mayor of Kansas City from 1916 to 1917. Jamila Pree and Jeffrey Parker are the current owners and just exchanged marriage vows in their home in October.

Virginia Collura calls this 1907 Bungalow home. It was built for $3,250 and the living room is trimmed in mahogany with a large fireplace on the south wall. John and Virginia purchased the home in 1949 from Jerry and Rose Garafolo. It's a wonderfully warm and inviting residence..

As with the other set of photos all these images were taken with the Nikon D3, 14 to 24mm lens usually at F5.6 to F8 at 1000 to 6400 ASA.

Pendleton Heights Holiday Homes Tour 2011 Part 1

2011-11-28T10:41:00.007-06:00

The Fifth Annual Pendleton Heights Holiday Homes Tour was held Saturday and despite blustery weather hundreds of visitors viewed 6 spectacular homes. Above and below Nick Triano has converted this two-family apartment built in 1924 to a single family, three bedroom, two and one half bath home. I love the openness and the stylish decorations.

Above and below fellow photog Nicole Cawlfield's home on Garfield is quintessential arts and crafts with lots of original features including the ceiling fixture in the dining room. The home is 106 years old and has some hot lights in her studio that I covet. :)

Above and below, Stephen Rowe and Jeana Poertner call this 1902 Victorian/Craftsman home. Its first resident was David M. Jay the president of Jay and Smith Hat Company. The home has all of its natural woodwork, pocket doors, decorative fretwork and an original wooden seat built into the main staircase.

All of these pix were taken with the Nikon D3 and 14-24mm lens. Most are multiple exposures merged into one using Photoshop and other software. I think the homeowners did a great job of decorating this year....... tomorrow, the other three homes on the tour.

Thanksgiving Is All About Family.. Even Mine

2011-11-25T14:04:00.007-06:00

The House that Coors built somewhere in Metropolitan Independence.
What you always get when you ask for a "Bud."
Above and below.... mini galleries of art created by Taylor and Justin.

Above, children come second to Black Friday Planning. Below, Uncle Igor carved the turkey before cooking this year.

Above Erica still isn't sure she's with the right family. Below, Turkey Table with FAKE CANDLES.

Above, the children were calm and well behaved for a change.... below, not so much the kitchen help.
Below, it's a tradition in our family to dress all young children as Slavic Bag Ladies.

Above, Rachel and Trevor discussing the meaning of the latest Pee Wee Herman episode. Below, ask Grandma which child she likes best.

Rachel, above, memorizing the ads for later ( we finally told her she could take them with her )

Above and below, Justin gets to practice his touchdown dance since the Chiefs aren't playing.

Above, I have no idea. Below, the word "poop" is eternally funny amongst critters.

Above, Hudson stands out from the crowd, below, Taylor close up.

Above, "Okay, everyone look at the camera."
Above, Madison demonstrates her ballet pose, below, David demonstrates his Photoshop ability.

Above, Madison's father explains why he's only 2.5 feet tall and below...., finishing the day with a cookie and a Grandma.

Sleeping Trees

2011-11-18T20:40:00.004-06:00

Went on an eagle hunt Friday afternoon but no luck... hate to waste a trip.. so shot some trees. They're much more cooperative anyway. Nikon D3, ASA 800, 80-400 zoom, f-stop varied. All taken on and below Scarritt Point.

Above and below, I particularly like sycamores... this is an elderly one... probably 80 years old or so. I liked in it color and in black and white...
Below, same sycamore with some of its friends....

New and Old

2011-11-15T10:15:00.002-06:00

Crown Center new, Our Lady of Sorrows old....

Pendleton Heights Holiday Homes Tour Preview

2011-11-13T17:10:00.005-06:00

Saturday, November 26 from 12pm to 5pm is the Fifth Annual Pendleton Heights Holiday Homes Tour. Six homes are on this year's tour and all will be decorated for the holidays. For information:http://www.pendletonheights.org/holiday_homestour/

Above, a beautifully restored Queen Anne built in 1884 400 Garfield. Below, an equally well-restored Craftsman-Style Bungalow built in 1905 344 Garfield.
Below, 504 Garfield, built in 1902 this brick home combines elements of Craftsman and Victorian styles... the first owner was David M. Jay, president of Jay and Smith Hat Company.
Below, 421 Garfield... newly restored and purchased this Queen Anne home was built in 1887.
Below, this two-story, two family walk-up apartment building was constructed in 1924. It is now a single family home with a three bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom floor plan, open, and very up to date. The home is located at 2203 Elma Street.
In 1907 the home below was built for $3,250 in the Bungalow Style. Trimmed in mahogany, the living room has a large fireplace on the south wall.

Liberty Memorial

2011-11-11T19:15:00.007-06:00

Visited the Liberty Memorial today. Decided black and white was the way to go... with one exception.

Running the Drive: Cliffhanger 2011

2011-11-06T21:31:00.008-06:00

Perfect weather for 1300 souls who raced along Cliff Drive in the 5K and 8K Cliffhanger 2011 a benefit for Northeast Neighbor to Neighbor and Gladstone School. You can see all of the images I shot here: http://gallery.me.com/dremley#100856&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Above the start of the Elite Runners Race beginning at 8am.... below, all ages participated from 5 to 85....

The Drive looked beautiful and the folks were impressed. Parks and Recreation did a great job of getting it ready....
Above and below, the crowd for the second race which began at 9am.

Above and below, the start of the second race.... walkers and runners together....

Young critters.... including, in the carriage, Simon Henggeler, born three weeks ago, pushed by his Mom Jen.....
Some participants had four legs... all shots taken with the Nikon D3 and either the 24-70mm lens or 70 to 300mm lens. ASA 1000 to get a high shutter speed ...usually 250th or 500th... to stop action.... F stops varied... usually around F8.
I am terrifically impressed by those who can smile on the way back.....

After the race participants headed to Gladstone School for pancakes.... eating in the gym.

Above, Pam and Malenda enjoy their reward!!!

The Russian Throughout History

2011-11-05T11:07:00.004-05:00

"Kansas City With The Russian Accent" is blogged by my friend Meesha who hails from Olathe and gripes from cyberspace on a range of subjects only surpassed by his lack of knowledge on them. He recently tied for third in the PITCH's Best of Kansas City category.... Most Luscious Hunk or some such... had to be based on the talent portion. I decided to peruse historical photographs to see if I could verify some of his more outlandish claims.... or, at least they seemed outlandish until my research turned up these photos.... Dude is really, really old... and steeped in failed political movements. Above, parade in the 30s when M was a member of the Politburo ... which is a kind of donkey. Below, working construction on the Empire State Building.M was on several space mission as "Helmut Adjuster".... below on the Vomet Comet in high five glory.
Below, set decorator for Castro. By the way, he apparently never embraced the politics of the moment... just the art.

Fixing a shelf during the Castro/Kruschev meet up at the July Supper Club Borscht Meetup.
Above, another shot of his work on the Empire State Building.... some of the microphones can still be found today. Below, set decoration and internet boosterism for the Washington family.

Above, any leaks can prove fatal. Meesha was given Nasa's highest honor for his rescue mission Apollo 23. Below, Lenin relied heavily on M during the formative years of the Revolution but rejected out-of-hand M's slogan, "Red or Dead Pig Faces."

M suggested to Abe.... "go with the Western Drinker".... and the rest is history.

Scare-it in Old Northeast

2011-11-01T17:46:00.002-05:00

Scare-It in Northeast was Monday night and 7 to 8 thousand young vampires, witches, goblins and other cuties got candy and were entertained royally. From 5 to 8pm along Gladstone Boulevard by the KC Museum 20 homes were decorated for the holiday and inflatable fun, pyrotechnic displays, face painting, and KCPD Mounted Patrol were also on hand. Enjoy... and you can see all the pictures here: http://gallery.me.com/dremley#100850&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Above, judges for this year's decorating contest were, from left, City Councilman Scott Wagner, Jackson County Legislator Theresa Garza Ruiz, Mayoral Aide Genaro Ruiz, and their mascot, Christopher (undead) Leitch... who, when alive, managed the KC Museum.

Above, fellow blogger May was doing chalk art... and, below, one of my brides, Laura, was on-hand with her new little ladybug.

Concourse Brush Crush

2011-10-30T22:21:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Northeast neighbors and a crew from Parks and Recreation tackled the area west of the Colonnade continuing the brush removal that was begun last fall. I was booked all day... so I get zero credit for this.... but certainly can contribute before and after pictures. They even had some heavy machinery this time!!

Cliff Drive Fall

2011-10-29T08:32:00.006-05:00

Not as colorful as last year, but certainly appealing. The Cliff Drive Scenic Byway getting ready for winter.

Maple Grove, Indian Mound Trail

2011-10-27T16:45:00.007-05:00

The Indian Mound Trail runs from North White to a little past North Elmwood below Gladstone Boulevard... about 1.5 miles of maintained path. Just below Hardesty is Maple Grove which is, in my opinion, the prettiest part of the hike. Some of these images are straight photographs ... others I have manipulated in Photoshop to be more painterly... not that anyone can improve on nature.

Corinthian Fall

2011-10-26T14:39:00.002-05:00

The well-maintained grounds of the Kansas City Museum always look attractive... particularly with fall colors.... above looking north, below looking west.

Artsy Fall

2011-10-25T10:49:00.002-05:00

When reality just isn't enough.

Northeast Problem Child

2011-10-24T10:40:00.004-05:00

Good property management can make all the difference in the world (sarcasm). 419 North Elmwood yesterday. Boy, if I were looking for someplace to rent I'd be all over this (sarcasm 2)

Muted Fall Two

2011-10-23T11:41:00.004-05:00

Taken adjacent to the Lexington Avenue Bridge above North Terrace (Green) Lake.

Muted Fall

2011-10-21T20:25:00.005-05:00

A dry late summer, especially September, has stressed the trees to the point that they, in most cases, are just going from green to brown and dropping to the ground. Unlike last year when there was an extended display of color. I also haven't had time to take any fall images.... but here are a few from today. Above, from Scarritt Point looking west .... below a colorful tree next to the Point.... all shots taken with the Nikon D3 at ASA 200, 24-70mm or 70-200mm lenses at varying apertures... processed in Photoshop.

Unfortunately, most of the leaves this year are like the one above... a touch of red and dead.

Pendleton Revival Continues

2011-10-07T14:15:00.008-05:00

Anthony Marstall has just completed another of his home rescues. This one at 313 Ord Street... built in 1886.... completely redone inside and out. Enjoy the views, and, if you're interested contact Eric Bellamaganya http://www.ericbsellskc.com/

This home is located in the Pendleton Heights Historic District... one of the most stable areas in Historic Northeast Kansas City. Two local schools to choose from. Convenient shopping, dining and entertainment within blocks.

Mahogany floors and original detail throughout.

Happy Birthday Jennie

2011-10-05T18:35:00.000-05:00

http://hyperblogal.blogspot.com/search?q=jennie

Cliff Drive, Beginning of Fall

2011-10-03T08:41:00.001-05:00

Kauffman Falling Part 3

2011-09-27T16:33:00.002-05:00

Final installment of images from Saturday's visit to Kauffman Gardens.

Kauffman Falling Part 2

2011-09-26T10:29:00.005-05:00

The second installment of images I took last Saturday in Kauffman Gardens.

Kauffman Falling Part 1

2011-09-24T18:26:00.005-05:00

Kauffman Gardens is decked out in fall flowers. Lot of insects too.. the pollen seeking kinds.
All shots with the Nikon D3 and either the 105mm macro or 70-200 zoom. All asa 200.

River City Dos

2011-09-23T20:15:00.001-05:00

125 Years Young

2011-09-18T20:21:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Independence Boulevard Christian Church congregation... celebrating 125 years of service this weekend. Above, the Sanctuary... which is over 100 years old.

Cumulosity

2011-09-16T10:43:00.002-05:00

Curb Your Punks

2011-09-15T17:06:00.005-05:00

Adventure time on Hyper's street today as 5 wannabe burglars decided to test police response time. Police won. Sharp eyed neighbor reported mini-perps and seven squad cars and the helicopter responded. Two adults and three juveniles were escorted from the house. Kudos to the neighbor and the police. Sunrise Drive is now just a little bit safer....

One person who drove through the scene managed to hit a police car...(burgundy car at left).... real bad timing and total embarrassment....

RiverCity

2011-09-10T08:26:00.001-05:00

Taken yesterday in-between rain showers (sort of).

KC Parks Part Four: Swope

2011-09-07T18:35:00.005-05:00

Swope Park is the 29th largest municipal park in the United States. It's 1,805 acres were donated to the City in 1896 by Thomas Swope whose Memorial Gravesite is contained on the grounds. Above, Lake of the Woods on Gregory and, below, the approach to the Swope Memorial.

Above and below the site of Colonel Swope's grave.

A wonderful view from the Memorial looking west.

Above and below, two more views of the Lake of the Woods... popular place to fish and picnic.
Below, the Pavillion, not far from the western entrance to the Park.

KC Parks Part Three: Loose

2011-09-04T19:09:00.006-05:00

I never get tired of photographing Loose Park... every change of light brings a new view.... during the Civil War a scene of carnage... now, tranquility... enjoy..

KC Parks Part Two: Penn Valley

2011-08-31T10:30:00.007-05:00

Our Central Park is nestled between Crown Center and the Southwest Traffic Way and is truly an oasis in the urban landscape. Above the clover blooms and the skyline looms.... a great place just to walk and ponder. Below, one of the many denizens of PVP... a hawk....
Kansas City is blessed to have one of the best park systems in the nation.... well maintained and designed....
Many folks don't even know there's a lake in Penn Valley... fishermen are there most days.

Ducks and geese know a good thing when they find it..... (great place to raise a family :) )

Illus Davis Mall

2011-08-29T15:55:00.003-05:00

Illus W. Davis (1917 - 1996 ) was the 48th Mayor of Kansas City and the Mall between the Whittaker Courthouse and City Hall is named in his honor. It's a rather tranquil spot in the heart of downtown where many workers take lunch breaks and passersby stop to enjoy the shade.

MOCSA Young At Art

2011-08-27T11:59:00.004-05:00

Photographed the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault's (MOCSA) Third Annual Young at Art fundraiser last night which was held at the Uptown.. great new venue for the event with 700 in attendance. Patron's Party first then the main event in the theater itself with the Elders playing for the Party and then in the main hall beginning at 10:30am.... great fun...

3 picture panorama taken from the balcony... D3, asa 6400.

Popsicle Parade

2011-08-25T11:17:00.007-05:00

Last night was the Second Annual Popsicle Parade in Budd Park here in Old Northeast... organized by NorthEast Presbyterian Church and Northeast Arts KC ... kids (and big kids) decorated their bikes, scooters, wheel chairs or themselves and paraded from the north side of the Park by Holy Cross over to the swimming pool.... Prizes and popsicles were presented at the end. I was honored to be one of the judges for the event and, while I sincerely hoped to be bribed, I wasn't....

Above, pondering the meaning of it all..... below, in full bloom....

The Colonnade

2011-08-23T19:36:00.003-05:00

I photograph this more than any other public structure... it's just so elegant. Built in 1908. It's the crown jewel of the Concourse. This is a total of 20 exposures combined into 4 shots that were stitched together to make one. I removed streetlights because I hate their positioning.

Pendleton Tome Hits the Market

2011-08-20T09:19:00.003-05:00

I was pleased to collaborate on a new book featuring the fine architecture in Pendleton Heights both lost and still standing. This was produced by the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association and the effort was led by Kent Dicus and Michael Ohlson aided by Su Collura and Erica Van Dee..... it's a beautiful hardcopy edition with high quality printing.... shows an historic view of an area and then the exact same view today. Pendleton Heights has the finest collection of Victorian homes in the city. It's a limited edition... so, if you'd like one, hurry!

Constructive Demolition Part Two

2011-08-04T18:18:00.004-05:00

Work on the Michael Heim house on Benton Boulevard continues. The goal is restoration of the property to its original appearance in the 1880s. The added porch is now gone and contraction workers and brick layers are preparing to replace those elements that were changed. Below, what the home looked like before the work began.

Gene the Barber

2011-08-03T12:41:00.003-05:00

In a row of shops across from the Gladstone Theatre between Elmwood and Lawn Gene the Barber plied his trade for five decades. One of the nicest men you'd ever want to meet his passions were golf, sports and family. I started going to him when he worked in the same barber shop back in the 50s... then it was "Sal's Barbershop." Later, Gene bought the shop and reduced it from four chairs to two. Mike Morris was his long-time second chair.

The haircuts were always perfect and, since the barbershop never changed in decor, it was a little trip back in time whenever a haircut was necessary. Young men called him "Mean Gene the Cutting Machine" and were so loyal to him that they would come in from Grain Valley and places further.

His daughter always decorated the shop for Christmas with a tree in the window. Only two subjects were forbidden in the shop.... politics and religion.... see... he was also wise.

Gene, through his front window, watched over the years as the Gladstone went from movie theatre to roller rink to church to beauty school... but, while it changed, he never did.

Above, I talked him into posing for me a couple years before his retirement.... barber chair and golf club... that was the man.

Toyo view camera, 90mm lens, t-max 400 4x5 black and white film, exposure unrecorded. Available light.

Constructive Demolition

2011-07-29T13:53:00.005-05:00

Workmen today started removing the second floor porch on the east side of the Michael Heim House on Benton Boulevard. Leslie, the new owner, has planned all along to restore the house to the way it originally looked after construction in the late 1800s. When completed the home should look like it's twin one door north which was constructed for Michael's brother Ferd. The Heim family was owner of the Heim Brewery in the East Bottoms. We'll keep you posted on progress. Ferd Heim house below.

Phlox No Bagels

2011-07-26T19:14:00.002-05:00

Backyard in bloom

Flag Flies High

2011-07-09T18:59:00.007-05:00

The Jacob Loose Memorial Flagpole was rededicated today. The pole stands near the Meyer Boulevard Entrance to Swope Park..Refurbished and painted it stands close to 200-feet tall. Originally dedicated on July 5th 1915 in front of a crowd of 70 to 80 thousand people it had fallen into disrepair in years past and the four plaques that adorned the base were missing. All have been restored.

Parks Director Mark McHenry was master of ceremonies and other guest speakers read portions of the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.

Mr. George Bates' Great, Great Uncle was Jacob Loose... he and his brother, Nathaniel did the unveiling of the refurbished plaque.

The American Legion Band then played the Star Spangled Banner and nearby Battle of Westport Reenactors fired a canon......

Summer Sundown

2011-07-07T15:54:00.003-05:00

From North Terrace Park

Blatant Bragging

2011-07-05T14:04:00.005-05:00

My client, Amber, won Crown Cover Model with the above picture we took in the America US Miss pageant in St. Louis. She also was the 3rd runner up overall. Congratulations Amber... and yes, she is taken by a fellow who has access to torpedoes.... :) Above shot taken with the Nikon D 3 at F16 and 1/250th, ASA 200... one large softbox above the camera position, one hairlight set to the same power as the mainlight and one background light on the white background....

Bond Bridge Fully Lit

2011-07-03T23:27:00.006-05:00

Bond Bridge illuminated its LED lights along the sides tonight. They can be almost any color and move.... sliding red right to left, blue left to right, white from middle to sides.... very interesting.... makes for a very dynamic structure. Also another, much longer, fireworks display tonight from Riverfest.... good evening all round! Here's a link to a brief iPhone video of the fireworks... and you can see the LEDs changing. http://gallery.me.com/dremley#100622

Restoring the Past Final

2011-07-03T15:25:00.004-05:00

Above the original, below the restored. Both are 18 1/8 by 47 11/16ths.... Restored version is 353 mb. The original photo was taken "1,000 feet above 13th and Summit" using Lawrence Captive Airship. Lawrence, the photographer, used a set of seven kites to raise the 49 pound camera into place. Google the airship name for more info.

Independence Eve

2011-07-02T23:14:00.004-05:00

Bond Bridge on July 4th eve.... a short fireworks show tonight. Tomorrow night the LED lighting on the Bridge will burst forth and a much longer display of pyrotechnics will happen.
First two shots are multiple exposures sandwiched... fireworks shots are all F5.6 at 1/4 ISO 2000. Nikon D3, 24-70 lens. It would be nice if the fireworks could be higher tomorrow night :) .

Mighty MOcha

2011-07-01T17:23:00.003-05:00

32.5 feet today.... around 3pm.... supposed to fall now... but we should expect higher levels through August. In comparison, the 1993 flood crested at 48.9 feet. We are nowhere near that and shouldn't be. The only thing that could cause issues would be levee seepage... the barriers aren't designed to hold back waters permanently... today I saw pick-up trucks driving the levee tops checking for anything amiss.

The water is quite rapid.... enough so that the bridge supports leave wakes..... lots of tree trunks and branches in the water too. All recreational boating is banned and barge traffic has a voluntary ban....

Restoring the Past Part Two

2011-06-30T12:06:00.003-05:00

Above, step one, remove the damage in the sky and some of the microbial dots.... remove the stain in lower right corner. Below, step two, eliminate fixer discoloration and increase exposure in upper right and top. The "smoke" in the upper left corner, I've decided, is from a train... the same feature is on the Library of Congress copy of this picture. Started removing the horizontal lines. If this shot encompassed jus 7 blocks more to the south I could see the homes of my paternal grandmothers and grandfathers.... but, alas.....

Restoring the Past

2011-06-29T18:09:00.004-05:00

Friends Janice and Richard have hired moi to restore this 1907 photo of Kansas City... Richard found it at a garage sale. The original is in terrible shape with just about everything wrong with it that you can think of from water stains to microbes... the overall tone of the image has changed also. A silver halide image it was probably originally plain old black and white. Detail in it is incredible from people on the street to clothes hanging on backyard clotheslines.

I'll post updated pix over the next few days to show the restoration progress. this will take a while. Original size is 18 1/8 inches tall by 47 11/16s.

I took three separate, full frame, photos of it and them stitched them together in Photoshop... the working size image is 7 3/4 by 20 and I will upsize it when completed.

Penn Valley Hawk

2011-06-28T21:54:00.006-05:00

Sometimes you just get lucky. I was just under the Scout statue waiting for the sun to set a little more... when I noticed a hawk in a nearby tree. Birds are notoriously hard to shoot but I always try. As he/she took off I fired a burst or two and got three good shots. Nikon D3, F11 at 250th, ASA 400....70-200mm lens ... they are beautiful in flight.

St. Johns Gone But Not Forgotten

2011-06-28T09:35:00.007-05:00

Back in the 1880s St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was built roughly at Independence Boulevard and Paseo to serve the burgeoning population in Pendleton Heights. The Rectory was right next door to the west. St. John's was torn down in the 50s to make way for a car dealership and the parish was served from a new building east of this location at Garfield Avenue and Independence Boulevard. Above, a view of the rectory and the church... below just the church. Second shot down shows St. Johns' in relation to the Fountain Place Apartments.

Above, another shot of the rectory and, below, the interior of St. Johns showing the main altar..... very ornate.

Above, St. John's also had a school that I don't know the exact location of but was just west of Paseo.... the school was shared with Holy Rosary Church further west in Columbus Park.
Caption, "St. John's Church First May Crowning 1943." A big thank you to Father Michael Coleman, Archivist of the Diocese of St. Joseph Kansas City, and Virginia Collura who furnished these pictures. According to AnnaMarie Inzenga, long-time friend, the Church was right across the street from what used to be Scimecas and the Capri Motel.

Coming soon a new book from Pendleton Heights, "Then and Now".... showing early pictures of 82 sites in Pendleton and a picture of what is there now. Of course St. Johns' is included. I'll keep you posted.

The City That Works (No Question Mark)

2011-06-23T14:05:00.004-05:00

Since I was mean to the City when I thought they weren't gettin' it done, I must be effusive in praise when they do. Yesterday the house that burned at 4401 Norledge was boarded up and today both yards were mowed and the volunteer trees harvested. So KUDOS to all who agitated along with me (Julie Duvall) and to those at the city who responded. I would never have done this blog if the 311 system had resulted in the same response.

The City That Works?

2011-06-21T12:13:00.003-05:00

Over a year and counting since reporting on these houses to the City commenced. The home on the left, 4403 Norledge, is vacant, owned by an out of town landlord and always looks like this. The "home" on the right, 4401 Norledge, burned over a year ago and nothing has happened since. Yes, they have been reported via 311 repeatedly.
The burned out house sits open to the elements, the evil doers and the creepy crawly things. Not even boarded up.
And what happens when this kind of blight is allowed to fester? See below. Multiple for sale signs. Who wants to live right across the street from this crap? Only problem for the folks trying to escape is potential buyers can also see this. Many great, energetic families in Indian Mound are just hanging on by their fingernails hoping things get better. The above pictures seem to say the answer is no.
Above, Norledge and Kensington the west side.

Dinofleurs

2011-06-16T10:12:00.009-05:00

Accompanied the Math/Science Kauffman Scholars to Powell Gardens yesterday for a flower and dinosaur tour. Perfect weather... although I would prefer much earlier or much later for photos. The Gardens, as usual, are gorgeous.... and kids of all ages will like the Dinos... I just show a few here there are lots more.
Above, the main entrance, below, the farm area.

All photos taken with the Nikon D5000 and 18-200mm zoom lens... varying apertures, shutters and ASA....

Above, a small part of the Kauffman kids... there are 32 visiting the University of Central Missouri this week. Below, the Chapel.

Above and below... thank goodness for fences.

A good walk... but we took one of the trolley's back to the main building....

Princess Crazy And The Garden

2011-06-06T16:39:00.008-05:00

This is Princess Crazy and therein lies a tale/tail. A feral feline from the wilds of Swope Park she was exported to Kauffman Gardens for remedial personality work. Called "Princess" by those acquainted with her in the Jungle Swope, her lack of affection and anger management skills earned her the name "Crazy" by the staff at Kauffman. All paws and claws at first she settled down a little after her spaying and now allows humans to approach if done with reverence and will even allow small people to pet her. However, the space she occupies is hers and.....note photo above.... she has the body posture to indicate same.
Kauffman is more about blooms than fur beasts although Crazy does her part by keeping the rodent population at bay and, in turn, is fed... probably a little more than desirable... but I think those who had contact with her early on prefer to keep her happy in any way possible.
I was photographing a family on Sunday and took time after the session to pix some blooms.

Above, she never seems to leave the garden and spends the winter days in the tropical building...

All shots taken with the Nikon D5000 and 18-200mm lens. Mostly F5.6 at ASA 200.

So if you go visit and you see her highness... you may call her "Princess" or "Crazy" both are accurate.

Twenty-Eight Feet and Counting

2011-06-04T14:29:00.005-05:00

Not as high as 1993...... yet... work on removing the old Paseo Bridge continues.... deck is completely gone.. vertical supports going next.
As marvelous as the bridge is.... a simple thistle is just as becoming... although less functional in our eyes I suppose.

The river is flowing very fast and is a deep chocolate color with lots of debris.

Mother's In A Bad Mood

2011-05-25T14:18:00.004-05:00

Mother Nature seems more than a little upset lately and, maybe, even a little senile. She's been dropping tornadoes from where they don't usually come down.... confusing and just a wee bit disconcerting. Kansas City's skyline looking southwest from the bluffs by Paseo.
One really feels tiny when She decides to put on a show.

Vista Burning

2011-05-13T12:55:00.004-05:00

The Vista Theater complex at Prospect and Independence Avenues burned Thursday. Two alarms were turned it. No one was harmed but the buildings were a complete loss. All the images I took are here: http://gallery.me.com/dremley#100532&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Old Vista Burns

2011-05-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

A two alarm fire in the old Vista Theater building complex at Independence Boulevard and Prospect is still be fought at this hour 2:37pm.... Two alarms... no injuries reported at this hour. See all the pictures here: http://gallery.me.com/dremley#100532&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Faux Copper

2011-05-10T12:46:00.004-05:00

Workmen are busy today installing new roofing material on the Colonnade here in Northeast. While it looks just like the copper that was there, it's worth nothing to thieves who seek the real stuff. Should be completed this week. Kudos to Parks and Rec for getting the repairs done so quickly.

Spring In The Gardens

2011-05-08T19:37:00.007-05:00

Went to Kauffman Gardens for the first time this year on Saturday... what follows are shots of natures current attractions. Skip to the very end to see the reason I was working there. :)
All images taken with the D3 and 105mm macro lens (except the very last one which was the 70-200mm zoom) varying apertures and ASAs... all hand held.

Miss Amber needed some shots for a pageant she's entered this June.... she was voted "Most Beautiful" out of 15 girls in her last pageant outing. She'll be a brand new graduate in just two weeks.