Finding an Image in Siouxland’s Winter Wonderland, Adams Homestead

Finding the right angle for photographing frost encrusted grass stems at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Wandering about in Siouxland looking for images one sometimes needs to slow down and check various angles. A few inches one direction or another can give a particular image a “different” look. Is the background appropriate to set apart the subject you are photographing. On especially cold days when the toes begin to go numb that can be challenging. Slowing down and looking for different angles.

I find photographing frost a sometimes tough proposition in that one needs a background to set the grass stems apart from the background and standout. And photographing ice particles is tough in and of itself. I do not own a macro lens and make do with a zoom lens that I have. Shooting too tight doesn’t give one sense of place and too loose the focus on the subject is somewhat lost.

Finding the right angle for photographing frost encrusted grass stems at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Finding the right angle for photographing frost encrusted grass stems at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But a person can’t photograph different subjects if the attempt is not made. But planning ahead is never a bad thing and the welcome center this particular day was open and a welcome break for feelings to return to toes and fingers and then a second round of looking for intriguing images on a sunny but particularly cold February day.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Nature’s Alarm Clock in Siouxland, Adams Homestead, North Sioux City, SD

Geese fly over Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

Ah, seeing geese aloft again in Siouxland and making their way in the opposite direction as spring gets nearer is always a relief. One actually believes that warmer weather might really, truly be on the way. A number of these birds had taken a rest stop near the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. And while I didn’t make images to write home about, I was pleased they cooperated a bit as the cagey birds wouldn’t let me get too close.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Geese fly over Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Geese fly over Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Geese fly over Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Geese fly over Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

Enjoying a Summer Moment during Siouxland’s Winter, Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha, NE

A blooming plant at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Wednesday evening, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes “getting away” from the cold and thought of winter is an easy fix around Siouxland. The Laurtizen Gardens in Omaha, NE can give visitors a little break from the winter weather, although it can be challenging for a photographer.

Condensation on a window in a plant room during winter at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Wednesday evening, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Walking only a few meters within a plant enclosure looking Lego exhibits the camera lens would condense and it would take a few more minutes to wait for it to clear while visiting the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Wednesday evening, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

Cod days outside can mean an enjoyable time indoors but one must take a bit of time if you want to capture any memories during a visit. During a recent visit to the gardens the temperature within the “greenhouse” changed in matter of meters which was interesting. Or if standing by a door leaving the room the change in temperature was immediate as was the condensation that followed. But still, such a small sacrifice to pay for seeing a “little bit o’ the green” and a chance to forget about the outdoors and think of what’s coming.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A steamy room keeps plants healthy in the winter months seen during a Lego Exhibit at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE Wednesday evening, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

Robins, a Hopeful Spring Sign in Siouxland, Omaha, NE

Robins looking for food and staying warm on a cool day at historic Fort Omaha, now the Metropolitan Community College, in Omaha, NE Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

I am always happy to see robins flitting about and gathering this time of year around Siouxland. It makes me feel that spring is much closer than it seems. Weather folk predicting more snow and maybe a mixture in the coming days. And while I have not seen any of these gems in the Siouxland region proper, as Omaha is generally 10-15 degrees warmer, I just think they are taking a brief respite before continuing their journey north.

Robins looking for food and staying warm on a cool day at historic Fort Omaha, now the Metropolitan Community College, in Omaha, NE Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Robins looking for food and staying warm on a cool day at historic Fort Omaha, now the Metropolitan Community College, in Omaha, NE Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

These little guys didn’t want me coming anywhere near them as they scavenged among the leaves looking for morsels. They looked plump, but am guess they just had on their “down” jacket as the temperatures still hover below and just barely above freezing. But soon as the prognosticating rodent made his call about the spring and the weather recently, this year feels like it can’t come soon enough.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Robins looking for food and staying warm on a cool day at historic Fort Omaha, now the Metropolitan Community College, in Omaha, NE Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. (photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

Finding the Time and Place in Siouxland, Sioux City

The setting sun creates a colorful sky seen in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. 9photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

A recent two-day warm up has put a smile on a lot of folks’ faces in Siouxland recently. Inches thick ice on sidewalks and driveways has melted away and even blue sky and sweater apparel made an appearance. But some times those nice days don’t coincide with other work projects and while looking out a window towards evening the beginning of a beautiful sunset was in play. Knowing there would be no time to “get anywhere” with a nice view and interesting foreground elements, I walked into an alley near my home and made a few images. Sometimes it’s hard to just take a photograph when you know that a different place could make it a very splendid photograph. But life doesn’t always work that way, so I settled for enjoying a sunset, and wishing for more warm days to come and blue sky and some color to celebrate.

And then I realize that the month of February has not yet really begun and will try to curb my enthusiasm as I am certain more winter weather will this the area. At least the little rodent, Punxsutawney Phil did not see a shadow which predicts an early spring. One can only hope.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The setting sun creates a colorful sky seen in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. 9photo by jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Seeing the New in Siouxland, Murals in Yankton, SD

A new mural in Yankton, South Dakota Friday Nov. 8, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I like revisiting places I have previously seen in Siouxland as well as checking out new places too. Sometimes one can be pleasantly surprised with new surroundings, like outdoor wall murals I came upon in Yankton, SD. The community adds small touches to help celebrate its community and the murals offer up a colorful display if nothing else. And it is so easy to not see them if one isn’t paying attention.

A new mural in Yankton, South Dakota Friday Nov. 8, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes the joy of not living somewhere is that these new, seemingly incremental changes are more apparent to a visitor. And I like photographing something different than before. Photographing them during midday may not create memorable images, but documenting the existence of something when I am visiting a place is all I can do.

A new mural in Yankton, South Dakota Friday Nov. 8, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The small community uses interesting signage to celebrate itself which lends a historical flare and uniqueness. Again, it could be something that has been there a while, and I never paid attention to it until the day I did. Being a photographer doesn’t always mean on is “observant”.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Signage in Yankton, South Dakota Friday Nov. 8, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

The pedestrian Meridian Bridge seen from downtown Yankton, South Dakota Friday Nov. 8, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A Cold January in Siouxland, rural Monona County

The month of January is only halfway though and winter has reminded Siouxland residents that it still has a lot to offer its residents. Cold, below freezing and zero cold. More snow. And the chance to daydream about those coming summer months with heat, humidity and warm summer nights.

Cruising in rural Monona County, Iowa Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I always begin thinking about driving the backroads when winter in Siouxland gets its second wind and sends real chills down the back while one is out navigating snowy and slushy roadways and sidewalks. The days may be sunny, but at zero or below temperatures one knows winter is still here. Growing up on a farm I enjoy these days driving about the countryside and “smelling” the freshly tilled soil or crops once they have begun growing. Yes, there is definitely a particular smell emitted by the soil and plants. Much like someone city-born could identify certain aromas from a neighborhood they grew up in whether it is from a restaurant or seaside community. Childhood smells remain with us as we get older and maybe more discriminating in the aromas we want to partake in.

Planted crops on a summer’s day in rural Monona County, Iowa Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And I try to put out of mind the thought of too much humidity on a hot summer’s day. That thought will come eventually, but for now, looking out a a white landscape, it seems very enticing and comforting. It’s always nice to have something to look forward too.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Planted crops on a summer’s day in rural Monona County, Iowa Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)