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Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Front and Center–CFFC

Dan Antion
1 minute
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This week, Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge has been about the “Front of one Any Item.” I usually mine the archive, but I’ve added a few new photos for this (and I’ll have versions for the next couple weeks).

This week our topic is Front of one Any Item. Be creative and have fun with this challenge.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge

On Saturday, I alluded to some recent activity. I didn’t have time to explain it to David, but it’s necessary to explain some photos today, and some photos I’ll be sharing in the near future. A couple weeks ago, I flew to Iowa to visit my brother. I scheduled that visit a week earlier than originally planned so I could be in Hartford for a good friend’s retirement party. That schedule change proved serendipitous. The day after that retirement party, a good friend from the west coast invited me to meet him while he was visiting New York City. I hadn’t seen him sine 2019, so I was eager to visit. I’ve also wanted to see the new Moynahan Train Hall since it opened, so I scheduled a day trip on AMTRAK.

I’ll be sharing more photos from these trips as we move through July. For now, the front of a few things related to my trips (and a few from the archives). I am also working on a small project at home–not exactly woodworking, but…

My plane from Detroit to Hartford/Springfield
AMTRAK 141 – from my town to New York’s new Moynahan Train Hall
Not my terminal, but the front of the ticket counter at Grand Central Terminal
The old Post Office has been renovated and now houses the Moynahan Train Hall
Porter-Cable worm-drive trim saw.
The business end of my favorite hand tool. That’s a Stanley low-angle block plane
OK, the door is to a staircase to the tunnel under the tracks, but this is my FAVORITE locomotive!
This bunny is standing outside the gate of our neighbor’s yard.
Mrs. Smokey would like a peanut (she got several).
The squirrel living in our firewood. A.K.A. wack-a-mom.
The blue jay is trying to figure out how to get to the peanuts before the squirrels.
The Gateway Clipper is bringing Steeler fans to Heinz Field
This is how you remove something that is nailed in place – you cut the nails.
This is where the plaque hangs today. Yeah, I’m still buying Delta tools.
The Molly Wee Pub
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

46 responses to “Front and Center–CFFC”

  1. sustainabilitea Avatar
    sustainabilitea

    Your post reminds me that I’d like to take a train trip sometime again, maybe a cross-country trip. Definitely NOT the cross-Canada one I think would be fun, not while the forests are burning! The pub looks like fun and I’m glad things worked out so well for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It’s funny you mention the cross-Canada train. I’ve always thought I would enjoy that ride. Maybe in the spring. It’s only three hours to New York from here, but being on the train and not worrying about driving is a nice way to get there and back.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    Very nice frontal shots, Dan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Robbie.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    Great shots, Dan. Trains are always fascinating.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I always get excited when I see one coming, especially when I’m going to be getting on.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    Tools and trains and peanut-beggars — along with serious coffee, a good kick-start at the front of my day!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The train timing was perfect for this prompt. Enjoy that coffee.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Excellent response to the challenge!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Dale!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Judy@newenglandgardenandthread Avatar
    Judy@newenglandgardenandthread

    Planes, trains, automobiles, and shop tools – it’s been a good couple of weeks for you. :-) Happy 4th.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Some unplanned adventures in there, but they were all great times. Happy 4th!

      Like

      Reply
  7. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    I was hoping there would be a full frontal bunny. You never disappoint.
    👍

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I couldn’t let you down. You can expect a bunny butt next week ;-)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    Dan, I don’t think you’ve ever met a challenge you didn’t like!

    The bunny looks so sad, but Mrs. Smokey and Wack-a-Mom and the Bluejay look quite happy because they KNOW food is on the way!

    The Gateway Clipper is packed to the gills with eager fans, all wanting to be front and center.

    Great response to the challenge. You’re tools are calling you Dan, but take it easy in this heat and humidity. I think I spend more time cleaning birdbaths and refilling them with clean water than anything else. But our feathered friends, along with a couple of chipmunks and the local stray cats sure appreciate it! Mission accomplished!
    Ginger

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We do make a lot of trips between the faucet and the birdbaths, but they do appreciate the effort. The editor still imposes a ban on tool usage, ladder climbing or anything that might result in a visit to the ER. She thinks three of those visits on this holiday is quite enough.

      The bunny can fit through that fence, but he does look sad. I think the other guys would all respond to “I need a picture of you for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge’ knowing that a peanut is the standard rate of pay.

      I hope to be on one of those boats later this year. Either to a baseball or a football game. That trip always makes me feel at home.

      Enjoy the 4th – I hope you can stay cool and dry.

      Like

      Reply
  9. GP Avatar
    GP

    I should look into train travel. I haven’t been on one in years!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I always enjoy the train, GP. I think being on the Northeast Corridor is one of the best parts of living in New England.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    I know you really enjoyed the train ride! I haven’t been on a train in ages except for taking the T into Boston. I don’t think that counts. I’m glad your trips worked out so well. Happy 4th, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I hope our Governors and the Feds can work out the details on opening rail service between Springfield and Boston. I would love to ride past the cars on the Mass Pike. I hope you enjoy the 4th, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        That would be terrific! Will do, Dan, and you as well.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  11. lois Avatar
    lois

    Dan–I really like your photo of the block plane. Not so much the front (it is a pretty tool, though), but the bokeh in the back. I love bokeh. This is so pretty.
    Hey, just think–if we were working we’d probably have taken off today to have a 4-day weekend! 😃

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad you like that effect, Lois. It doesn’t often work for me. I almost emailed the office (CEO’s) secretary to ask if they were letting us out early on Friday. Our old CEO had a place in Maine, and he liked to get an early start to beat the traffic. He’d always close the office at noon before a long weekend.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Dave Astor Avatar
    Dave Astor

    Excellent photos, Dan! That train one with the light is exceptional! Very evocative.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Dave. That train used to leave our town at 6:10. When I booked this trip, I noticed they had moved it to 5:10. I know I look like a tourist taking those pictures, but…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
    Liz Gauffreau

    Quite an eclectic mix of photos! My favorites are of the bunny, squirrels, and blue jay. Have a good week!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Liz. You know I had to include the beggars. I hope you have a good week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
        Liz Gauffreau

        You’re welcome, Dan. :D

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  14. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    A lot going on. Good use of the prompt, Dan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John.

      Liked by 1 person

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

        😁

        Like

        Reply
  15. Cee Neuner Avatar
    Cee Neuner

    My favorite photo is your planer. It’s a marvelous close up. :D :D What a terrific series of photos this week :D

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cee. I made sure to take back shots, too. Tools don’t get in the spotlight very often.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Cee Neuner Avatar
        Cee Neuner

        Maybe that’s why I like those tool photos so well :D :D

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  16. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Terrific photos, Dan. I really love the photo of the ferry, because it exudes the promise of a fun time. Well done! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Gwen. Everyone on that boat is looking forward to the same thing.

      Like

      Reply
  17. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com Avatar
    Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com

    I don’t take many train trips while at home (the tracks going north from us are very close to the edge of the cliffs above the ocean – gorgeous views but, darn, the cliffs keep crumbling), but it was my favorite way to travel in Europe. Their train system puts ours to shame. I’d love to go cross Canada one day too. Btw, you might want to check out the blog/website seat61.com. He’s got great info on trains and train trips around the world (including the US).

    Happy 4th!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I just read an article that says they are considering moving the tracks farther inland for that very reason. I wish we would really focus some money and energy on the rail system here. It’s a wonderful way to travel. I’ll check out that site-thanks!

      Like

      Reply
  18. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    A grand selection Dan. But I love the riverboat. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I do, too (but I think you know that).

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        Oh yes. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  19. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    Love the close-ups of your tools. It really does change the way we look at things.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’ve always found hand tools fascinating, Pam.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    I loved seeing the riverboat, Dan. Coincidentally, I spent most of the day working on the Delta Pearl to occupy my mind while I waited for the postman… who has not delivered my mail since Thursday. I know how to pick towns, don’t I?
    I hope your week is off to a great start. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m looking forward to sitting down with the Delta Pearl when I can read as much as I want. It was hot and humid here today. 4.3″ of rain yesterday. But we’re ok. I hope you got your mail and are having a good week.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
        Teagan Riordain Geneviene

        Holy cow. I’m glad you didn’t get any damage. That’s a lot of rain for one day.

        Like

        Reply

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