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Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Red Things – CFFC

Dan Antion
2 minutes
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According to Cee:

“This week our topic is Apple Red Colors. Remember apples come in a lot of shades of red. Have lots of fun with this color.”This week our topic is Apple Red Colors. Remember apples come in a lot of shades of red. Have lots of fun with this color.”

I have a couple red things related to the preparations for winter that has consumed several days during the past two weeks. First is the snow blower I will walk behind this morning. As I prepare this post on Sunday night, it is snowing. According to the forecast, we could have anywhere between 3″(8cm) and 7″(18cm). Three inches, I could push around with a shovel, but I just heard the snow plow drive by. The pile of snow it pushes up onto our driveway will require the machine.

The other recent red item is the snow shovel I will use to clear the snow from our front porch and ramp. Those surfaces are Trex, and Trex requires a plastic shovel. We have several, Trex surfaces so we have several shovels (I don’t like trudging through the snow to get from surface to surface. The shovel in the front stays behind our mailbox during the winter. This past year, I neglected to move it in the spring. Over the course of the summer, the plastic coating of the handle was consumed by Virginia Creeper. The vine wrapped around the shovel handle and literally ripped the plastic off. I removed the ‘D’ handle at the top and painted the metal red.

Warning – I had to include a picture of my favorite red head – I miss her very much, but she was the best and she deserves to be included today.

Santa. Spotted during our recent visit to Old Sturbridge Village’s Christmas by Candlelight event
Tuned up and ready to work
Not a bad paint job, if I do say so myself
Model train display at Old Sturbridge Village
For David
Not part of either of the featured mill buildings, but I like this door.
This bush in our yard turns red every fall. The color change has begun.
We don’t get many red leaves, so I take the pictures even if they’re on the ground
She was my favorite redhead.
There’s something about white wood against red brick.
A few inches of snow mixed with freezing rain required the snowblower.
Red doors. Wreaths. Lamp. Brick work. This has everything.
Breakfast at Maddie’s. No donut required.
Hartford has a number of smaller fire houses scattered throughout the city.
“Red sky at morning…”
I like the contrast of the blue with the red house.
Books on Gateway Clipper

Knuckleheads — The Evil You Choose — When Evil Chooses You — Secrets held Against Evil

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

76 responses to “Red Things – CFFC”

  1. rugby843 Avatar
    rugby843

    Great photos as ever and I miss the pics of Maddie too❤️

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cheryl. It’s hard whenever Maddie turns up in my search, and “red” brought many of her pictures. Maybe it’s time to just try and remember her.

      Like

      Reply
  2. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    It is in my genes that I love red; my dad wanted everything to be red. So I love your photos. Santa with the electric train is the best! There are few things more fabled than an electric train at Christmas, and I’m probably not the only one with sudden memories of some long-gone department store, just from looking at that. That breakfast is a work of art. And Maddie looks queenly (I think she knew that).

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It’s funny seeing an electric train display at an 1830s village. The trains are setup by a nearby model train club, and not affiliated with OSV, but they’re there because of the connection of trains and Christmas. We always stop. Maddie did know exactly how good she looked, even when she was a few brush strokes off her game.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    Snow on the ground here too, and I’ll need to get my red push shovel out. I like the color red. Our front door is red, and one of our entry walls is painted a maroon red. Your photos are really good, but Maddie is perfect. As Maureen said, she looks queenly. She is gone but not forgotten.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think there’s enough snow out there to fire up the machine, you know, a test run. Actually, the plow left a nice mess at the end of the driveway and across the sidewalk. “Red” turned up too many pictures of Maddie to ignore. I miss her, but she will never be forgotten.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  4. Don Avatar
    Don

    You’re right Dan, there is something about white wood against red brick. We have quite a bit of it here in the UK. It never fails to touch something in me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Don. It is a classic look.

      Like

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  5. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    Love the “red sky at morning “ photo and that single red leaf. Santa and the trains is great as are the red doors and brick buildings.

    But Maddie takes the prize as always. I can’t ever look at your photo galleries Dan without looking for the redhead and deeply missing her absence. She won my heart. She is physically gone but will never be forgotten.
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I find truly red skies to be amazing, Ginger. More than any dog we had, we miss Maddie’s (often annoying) presence in our lives. She needed us so much, that one of us was with her whenever she was awake. I guess we didn’t realize how much we needed her. I think of the hours I spent sitting with her on the porch she claimed, and I miss that. Her coats are still hanging near the door.

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      1. Murphy’s Law Avatar
        Murphy’s Law

        Dan, I know exactly what you mean. As you know, Murphy crossed The Rainbow Bridge one week before Maddie.

        Murphy was also a very hands on dog. So many issues. I never realized how much time was devoted to her. All my pets were special, but Murphy was the most special.

        I choose to believe that Maddie and Murphy met and became fast friends.
        They are running around together gossiping about us!

        Liked by 1 person

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        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I think that is probably the case, Ginger. 🙂

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  6. Mitzy Bricker Avatar
    Mitzy Bricker

    Great choice of reds, Dan. And yes, I agree, your favorite redhead should be included. It’s so hard missing a good dog—my pal died last year.

    Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Mitzy. I’m sorry about your pup.

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      1. Mitzy Bricker Avatar
        Mitzy Bricker

        Thank you, Dan.

        Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  7. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    Nice collection of red. And a lovely memory of a beautiful girl.
    ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks. She filled the results when I searched for “red” – I had to include her.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  8. Suzette Benjamin Avatar
    Suzette Benjamin

    Nice door Dan. The wood overhang (not sure of the right word for it) sets the off nicely. Excellent photos, all.👍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Suzette. Overhang works for me.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    Fine job with the prompt Dan. And Maddie… ❤️ I think red leaves are my favorite then yellow. I’ve only lived one place where I could see the leaves turn colors before dying. It was so brilliant. That snowblower is a red beast and, yes, you did a fine paint job. Christmas makes sharing ready even easier. I can’t believe you don’t have train running around your own Christmas tree!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We gave up trying to have a train, Cheryl as the cats thought they were toys. The snow blower earned its keep this morning. 6″ of heavy wet snow churning through there.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        And so it begins…yuck.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  10. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    All the reds, Dan. You did a marvelous job. My favorite was Maddie. Bless her.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John. Maddie had to be out there today.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        Of course she did.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  11. lois Avatar
    lois

    Great doors, nice paint job, but Maddie…best photo in the bunch.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Lois. I think Maddie would be happy to be included.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Beautiful photos, Dan. You’ve captured the color red and through Maddie, our hearts. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Gwen. That little redhead stole my heart, that’s for sure.

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      1. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
        Gwen M. Plano

        I’m sure Christmas won’t be the same for your family this year, but maybe a puppy awaits adoption. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          We’re holding off on any pet adoption while we still have MiMi. She’s 17, and she’s gotten quite comfortable being the only cat. She’s not in the best of health, and she’s not interested in running from or getting used to any new members of the house. In fact, she’s been giving me that look ;-)

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  13. sustainabilitea Avatar
    sustainabilitea

    Love the reds but of course Maddie wins the day and hearts. I remember vividly the snow at the bottom of the driveway that was packed by the snowplow!! We had that a lot back in Ohio. In Illinois we didn’t get nearly as much snow so it wasn’t usually bad although it did tend to get hard and icy.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Did you get lake-effect snow in Ohio? This stuff was wet and heavy. The machine churned through pretty well, but every now and then it turns into a snowball in there. I knew Maddie would be the winner – she always was.

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      1. sustainabilitea Avatar
        sustainabilitea

        We got lots of lake-effect snow in Ohio because we were at the western end of the snow belt that ends in Buffalo in the east.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          So you have experience beyond the norm. I can’t imagine.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. sustainabilitea Avatar
            sustainabilitea

            Yes, it could get rather deep. :-)

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  14. Dave Astor Avatar
    Dave Astor

    Wonderful red-themed photos, Dan, and poignant to see your beloved doggy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Dave. She was a special pup.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. hilarymb Avatar
    hilarymb

    Hi Dan – it seems we’re all in agreement with you … we miss Maddie – the best red-head … my brother and SIL had a red-headed standard poodle … she was great when her hair was long! My cheeks are matching red today in our chilly world – nothing like it used to be when I was a kid … cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I was out with the snow blower today, Hilary. I was sad not to have to plow the “Maddie paths” and the “rest areas” where she liked to do her business. I remember the look I’d get when I forgot one. The things we miss…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    Beautiful images, Dan. And it’s lovely that you included Maddie. I know it hurts. You still have the support of so many here. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Teagan. This community is so supportive. I knew it would be good to include her. I couldn’t do “Red” and not.

      Liked by 1 person

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  17. Cee Neuner Avatar
    Cee Neuner

    I never had a snow blower when we lived in Colorado. There were times it would have come in handy. Your reds are absolutely spectacular for this week. I like you got a photo of your snowblower in action. :D :D

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cee. I didn’t have a snow blower at our previous house, but it only had a short driveway and the sidewalk in front to clear. My neighbor usually took care of the sidewalk. Here’ we have a detached garage with about 80′ of driveway. There’s no way I could clear it by hand, especially when I was working. I was using it this morning to clear about 6″ of heavy wet snow.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Cee Neuner Avatar
        Cee Neuner

        Heavy wet snow, you are definitely in need of a snow blower :D :D

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I still shovel the light stuff, up to a few inches.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  18. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com Avatar
    Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com

    Awwwww… we miss her too. Great collection of reds but, of course, Maddie takes the prize.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks so much, Janis. It makes me feel good to see how everyone remembers her.

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  19. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    Post with a red leaf and Maddie is perfection. I’ve always considered red to be the colour of hope.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That’s interesting, Pam. I like the color red, but I don’t think I’ve ever associated it with hope. I have to think about that. When I searched the library for “Red” Maddie images filled the results.

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  20. walkingoffthechessboard Avatar
    walkingoffthechessboard

    Maddie always was the star of the show whenever a photo appeared here with her in it. Nothing is ever going to change that. Fired up the snow blower a couple of days ago…no snow on the way here…but it is reassuring to see its spring/summer slumber did not result in a more permanent sleep that would require mechanical intervention.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We always joked that she could have had her own blog and do way better than mine. She was a star. I put my snow blower to work this morning. About 6″ of heavy wet snow. The machine did a good job.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
    Kirt D Tisdale

    We got snow here last week. From nothing to 7 inches depending on where in the Seattle metro area you are. It’s all melted with a couple days of rain…. but it was beautiful and made us realize we needed to get a snow shovel, something we haven’t had since living in Denver and that was back in the 80’s. Not sure how much we will need it as it usually melts in a day or so, but thought we should get one. Hope all is well!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      You made me laugh, Kirt When I moved to Seattle from New York, I took my snow shovel with me. We had one big snow when I lived there, but I was in an apartment building – not mine to shovel. I did use it to shovel ash from Mt. St. Helens off our driveway in Kent.

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      1. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
        Kirt D Tisdale

        Had to laugh and by the way, I get the ash on the driveway from Mt St. Helens. We had the same thing (probably half an inch) in Denver. Go figure!! The impact from that eruption was felt across most of the west…..

        Liked by 1 person

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        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          The weirdest thing about that eruption was that we couldn’t go anywhere in the U.S. for a couple days. Airport and highways were closed. It’s not like we had anywhere to go, but it really reminded us of where we lived.

          Liked by 1 person

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          1. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
            Kirt D Tisdale

            I didn’t realize that…I’m still in awe whenever we fly over it… the complete collapse of one side. The power of nature!!

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Dan Antion Avatar
              Dan Antion

              I visited the site and the new information center in 2004 (maybe 2006). Driving through there is shocking. To see those forests blown over – it’s so hard to comprehend.

              Liked by 1 person

  22. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
    Kirt D Tisdale

    P.S. Sorry to hear about Maddie….my heart goes out to all of you!! It’s never easy loosing such a great member of the family!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Kirt.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Jan Sikes Avatar
    Jan Sikes

    Fantastic photos, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jan!

      Like

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  24. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    Your favorite redhead steals the show as usual. It’s gotten cold out here but the snow is only at the high altitudes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      She always did steak the show (ad our hearts).

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  25. jessicasblog45 Avatar
    jessicasblog45

    Pretty red sky. My deck is finished and my mother was asking about rock salt on composite decking since our new deck is composite (not Trex). I googled and told her yes and learned that would need a plastic shovel too. We don’t get alot of snow, but we do get ice sometimes.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We have had to put salt down on a few occasions, and it hasn’t had any bad effect.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Wonderful red images, Dan. Thanks for a photo of trains and of Maddie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks for viewing, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        My pleasure, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  27. marianallen Avatar
    marianallen

    Thank you for the Maddie picture. The world just isn’t the same without knowing she’s in it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I know. It’s so sad. We run into so many situations that remind us of her.

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  28. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    The fire station is very good looking, so was your breakfast, and it was nice to see Maddie on her cot again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Deborah. I couldn’t talk about ‘red’ without including her.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. circadianreflections Avatar
        circadianreflections

        I get that! 😃

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  29. Tanja Avatar
    Tanja

    great reds:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      These were easy to find. Thanks.

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