Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Sledding By The Museum

 Sledding the bluff on the west side of the Kansas City Museum has always been popular.  Today lots of folks were there.  
 Above, a casualty of fatigue... part of sledding a hill is you have to climb back up.  Julian Peterson rested/passed out after reaching the top.   Below, my friends the Petersons... long-time Scarritt Renaissance residents.... Joey in  back and, left to right, Julian, Aleena, and Cheryle.   All survived.
                                         Below, Aleena... relaxing/resting/pre-coma.

                         Above, the tree figured prominently in many runs.... closer shots later.


 Above, goggles help,   below... so does maintaining control..  By the way, no one was injured while I
                                 was there... despite what some of the pictures look like 

 Series of three.... good form all the way to the ground.











 This bunch was out of control prior to starting.   Also, when videoing a group sled... there are good places to stand and not so good places to stand.








 Here is one of many near-misses with the afore-mentioned tree.

 Above, the point at which one sees the tree.  Below, the point at which all hope is lost.




 Sideways seldom works well with thin snow.  



 Above, the skyline from the hill-top.  Below, during the best wipeouts.. all you should see are feet.
          All shots, Nikon D800, 24-70mm lens, or, 70-300mm lens.  ASA 400, F11, focus continuous.

Viaduct Moon

             Under the 12th Street Viaduct in the West Bottoms looking east back toward the skyline.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

A Trip Downtown

 Took a quick trip downtown Friday night just to see what I could see.  The Folly was in full lit regalia with a play about to begin.  Below, the Cathedral Dome with lights from nearby.  
 Barney Allis Plaza is normally all bright with its tree lights this time of year, but, wouldn't you know, they were off.  
 Super wide angles distort something fierce... but, sometimes it adds drama...

 Above, never have gotten used to the Bartle doodads...  I guess I'll live.  

 Above, Folly closeup, below, 40s style black and white.

Adorning The Boulevard


Friday, December 14, 2012

Stars

 Taking shots of the heavens is an inexact science.  A lot of trial and error.  Last night I went to the top of Indian Mound and set up tripod and camera hoping for a meteor or two.  In the middle of the city is not ideal for celestial shooting; the ambient light is ridiculously high.   One can, however, get reasonable results.   Above is the view of the Indian Mound Neighborhood... a little under 180 degrees.  Below is a shot looking straight up into the night sky.   F7.1,  ASA 2500, 3 seconds, 24mm, processed normally in Photoshop.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Historic Northeast Mansions - Volume 8- Townley Manor

              Townley Manor, designed by Root and Siemens, was built in 1901 for prominent businessman
                   James P. Townley.   It is located right across the street east of the Kansas City Museum.


 There are rich exotic woods throughout the home....   these shots are from the first floor.  Above, the entry hall just inside the massive front door.
                                                   Above, looking west into the parlor.
 Behind the main staircase is a marvelous nook ...  with fireplace.  All the windows are original.
 The parlor looking east toward the Kansas City Museum, above..  below the parlor looking north..all pocket doors are fully functional and intact. 

 Parlor looking southwest toward Gladstone Boulevard and the front entry hall... please note cate in the foreground. Below, one of four fireplaces on the first floor.  There are two on the second floor.

 Above, entry hall looking into the dining room.  
 Above and below, the dining room.  The woodwork includes burnt english oak and mahogany. 
 Mr. Townley owned Townley Metal and Hardware Company... custom hardware throughout the home came from his sources.


 The kitchen has been completely remodeled .


 Off the kitchen is the home-office with views of the Museum grounds.

 Above, servants stairs to second floor.  Below, sitting area next to the parlor.  The large pocket door on the left can be opened to create one large room.


 Above, another view of the "nook."   Below, newly remodeled first floor bathroom.

 Above, stairway to second floor and, below, windows on the landing..

Below, the east side of the home.  Townley Manor has 5400 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.   
This home just came on the market...  http://www.ericbsellskc.com