Do you like my new banner? I took that photo shortly after lunch on Wednesday (Feb 4). While standing at the end of our drive way, I tuned right (north), twisted the camera and took this shot: 
Later, I used Paint Shop Pro to crop and resize the image. West-Michigan winter days that bring glorious sunshine and blue skies are going to be cold! And it was bitter cold. But the light was right. It was the perfect day for my photographic project. Except for the cold. Did I mention that it was bitter cold?
After taking the above shot, I turned and walked south along the road about an eighth of a mile (0.2 km) to the site of an abandoned house. It still stands (sort of) on the east side of the road. As you can see, it is falling apart. Every year, some more of it falls down. It’s very sad to see. Very sad to watch the process of deterioration.
According to a friend and neighborhood farmer, the fellow who used to live there had been known for the way he lived and the company he kept. Not the kind of guy you’d want your son to adopt as a role model.
Eventually his wife refused to live with him. (At least according to my friend.) She may have been a bit of a nag. The story is that he built a small house for her across the road from the farm house.
See how this one is falling into ruins as well. It is an unhappy story indeed. And if the story is true, these houses are in the winter of their existence. Perhaps one day spring will come and the old will be replaced with new homes. Dwellings for happy families. At least I hope it works out that way. Some day.
I took my pictures and started to return home. My right hand was freezing cold and was aching. I opened my coat and put my bare hand under an arm so that it could warm. I was glad to return to the warmth of our home.
Footnote: The farm land is still being used to produce food for our tables. Hats off to those who till the soil, plant the seed, harvest and deliver the crops.
Wow Chuck, you took some really amazing shots here. It is sad to see a home like that fall apart. When I see things like that (especially if it’s a very old home) I wish someone could buy it and fix it up to its former glory. Of course, we want a much nicer person to dwell there next!
Justine 😮 )
We live near Gaylord, Michigan and I know what you’re saying about cold! Those pictures are beautiful, sort of brings you back to a simpler time.