Sunday, May 28, 2017

Rainy Day at Potato Creek


While mom was in the hospital in Goshen for her second surgery, I decided to stop by Potato Creek State Park on the way back to her house in LaPorte. Potato Creek is one of my favorite state parks, and this day was a perfect example of way. I love going when there is practically no one there. It was perfect timing, a rainy day just before Memorial Day weekend....

  
On the drive there (a new route for me), I came across this crop dusting business. It made me think of my hubby, who is a member of EEA, and has flown planes...




Not far from there was this farm with a beautiful field of yellow flowers (goldenrod, I think).



On to the park photos....
There are quit a few wetland locations that you pass when driving through. I like it when it's not busy, so I can stop and photograph...






Rain was on the way, so I stopped at the nature center. They have a wonderful wildlife viewing area! There were plenty of baby squirrels enjoying the bounty from the bird feeders... 




The rain came in, windy and fast! Just before the winds picked up, all the squirrels ran up into the trees. Not sure this guy picked the sturdiest branch to ride out a storm... lol 


This guy had the right idea though.... 




Woody's just looking for a dry side...


This little fledgling picked the window feeding area to take shelter. But then he looked at me like "please let me in.." and melted my heart... 




So after leaving the nature center, I came across a few vehicles stopped in the road. I looked around to see if there was something they were looking at, like a bird in a tree (I did see a great blue heron in a tree, but too far for a good photo). The truck closest to me left and that's when I saw him..


A few of us tried to help him along, so he wouldn't get hit...


He didn't care for the assist... lol




More wetland photos...


Lunchtime!


Next, I went to the east side of the park. There's a trail there that I love, but with the threat of rain, I decided against it. I went to the boat dock instead to see if I might see some birds flying over the water or something. I didn't see much... until I looked up... He/She was about 50 feet from me, in the top of a tree. Probably trying to dry out from the downpour that just happened...



As if that wasn't cool enough, I then heard eagle calls, and looked up just in time to see a second one fly right over my head, being harassed by a hawk! He/She joined the first one and the hawk flew off. Apparently two eagles are better than one, lol.


I got a bit distracted talking to a man putting his boat in the water to go fishing and missed both eagles flaying off. But I was lucky enough to see one dive for dinner! Just not fast enough with my camera. But I have no regrets, it was an amazing moment to be in! The first photo is of the eagle looking for lunch, just before the dive. I did get photos of his/her catch though. This bird won't have to tell any fish tales, look at the size of that meal! 







One last photo...
Just a steam I passed as I ended my day at Potato creek..


These last three are of flowers starting to bloom back at mom's house...






Potato Creek State Park



** ALL photos on this blog are property of Christi Bushby, copyrighted and protected as such by law. Please see my copyright page for details and/or permissions of use. 

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Friday, May 5, 2017

"Vivien Leigh: The Last Press Conference" at the Towle Theater





This was my first time at a solo performance at the Towle, and it was outstanding to say the least. Linda Wilczynski of Whiting was amazing as Vivien Leigh, I was amazed not only by her ability to remember all that dialogue, but also by her vast range of emotional portrayal. 

The one woman show gives us a inkling of what it could have been like if she gave one last press conference before passing of tuberculosis in 1957. Set in a theater, she speaks towards the audience as if taking questions from members of the press. While answering questions, we get a bit more story in the form of flashbacks as seen through her memories. Listening to her portrayal, I had no idea of the issues Vivien faced in her life. Like a lot of us, I only knew of her because of Gone With The Wind. I honestly didn't even know she was British. Therefore, for myself, this play was also very enlightening. 

So, in conclusion, you need to see this play! Not only are you in for one heck of a performance, but you might learn something new about this iconic actress.



'Vivien Leigh: The Last Press Conference'
 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 5-21
Towle Theatre, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond
Cost: $19

And now, enjoy the many faces of Linda.... 






















































































































































































** ALL photos on this blog are property of Christi Bushby, copyrighted and protected as such by law. Please see my copyright page for details and/or permissions of use. 

Please feel free to share my blog! There are social media buttons on the bottom left for your convenience!

Support local music and the arts!!

"The earth without art is just eh..."