Random Collection of Pictures April 2026

April 2026: two conventions, two presentations. The busiest month for academic library marketing. The month of April is usually an annual whirl of the many things in my work and volunteer life.

It was interesting to read the 90 years ago column in the newspaper about a great-uncle, W.H. Burton, and the Drotts family.

A picture of the Webster store (in new Webster). I still have memories of visiting the store, driving past the store for 4-H meetings, and the smell inside the store.

I'm a big fan converting abandoned railways to trails. This one, Flint Hills Trail, received national recognition.

Another unusual map discovery -- the number of Waffle Houses by state.

The first convention in April was the Tennessee PTA convention held in Memphis. I presented about 501c3 nonprofits (PTAs) and election/civics activities that can be legally performed. 

And two Facebook memories from previous TN PTA conventions held in April. 

The next convention was the Tennessee Library Association held in Knoxville. I presented on marketing library activities.

A nephew graduated - congrats Dill!

Stark black and white pictures of two Ellis County Catholic churches. I was able to visit one again, St. Fidelis, in September 2026.

Cherry blossoms in Chicago!

A prescribed burn pictured at Quivira wetlands (Kansas).

At my local bar wearing a western shirt and my Red Clay Cherokee t-shirt.

Someone's incredible storm picture near a Kansas ranch gate.

Random Collection of Pictures March 2026

March brought birthdays, local trips up Raccoon Mountain and Lookout Mountain, and a 10 minute drive across the Georgia state line into the national military battlefield. I also gathered a few interesting snippets of information along the way. And presented at a Paralegal Education Conference!

Family history pics! G's great-grandmother.

And a great-grandfather from my side.

US Highway 40 was originally signed as North 40 and South 40. Then North 40 was signed as US Highway 24 and South 40 became just 40.

The Stockton newspaper has a columnist, Leo Oliva, who wrote a column that I already knew (me being a student of history) about Nicodemus and railroad denial.

The old town of Webster picture. I wonder if this is how the Burtons saw it back in the day with their farm land so close to the town.

I heard about Madalyn Murray received some land near Stockton but never had the full inside scoop until now.

I really liked the two months I lived in Republic. For Dad anyways, the first time living full-time within a city limits.

Five minute trips to Lookout Mountain and Raccoon Mountain.

Birthdays for Pops and David!

My awesome display for March and women's history.

Kansas beauty - I'm in love.

I recognized this road immediately from Thornburg. I should. I ran two miles every morning at 5 AM before school (except for sloppy mud or blizzards).

My promo board for my presentation! It went great and had a large audience!

Random Collection of Pictures February 2026

February involved a significant hair cut - my long hair cut off in preparation for a March online paralegal presentation! I was reading a book of great interest so there are two snippets from the book I wanted to share.

Doctor visit to the cardiologist -- all good! Wearing my Bomb Pop beanie I got while in LeMars.

Captured this beauty of the Chattanooga sky with a gleam of sunlight.

Came across this picture of Fort Negley in Nashville. We drove by this a lot moving things out of the old PTA office into storage. Still have two pins to give to someone. The fort did its job protecting the Cumberland River in Nashville in the 1860s.

I wanted to visit this taco shop, Nacho Libre, but it closed down before I had the chance.

Rock Island railroad played a huge part in Kansas moving grain and stuff. An old map of the former train railways. 

Ran across this post about Gusti's restaurant - a frequent stop of my friends and I during my days living in D.C. I still have a  napkin from the lounge which is also pictured.

Maybe some day I'll get to see this in person.  Or I'll just enjoy the pictures and the narratives instead.

Read a book about the Kaw and its tributaries. Some good stuff that I never knew about. The first snippet is about Big Creek and Hays. I was not aware that many fish were documented but now the creek is disconnected and not the same.

And this snippet about Downs and rural life in general.

Before picture of my long hair blowing in the wind.

Picture of G and I at the Chattanooga Pier after my haircut.

I created a display at the end of February for March and women's month. I received so many compliments and high praise from administrators. Farm Life, Ranch Work, Women Pioneers. I put pictures I took from around Kansas and Tennessee and placed them around the edge of the display. Pretty pleased with the result!