Hudson County Meander- Weekly Photo Challenge: Fray

BARGAIN BRAIN CARE

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.”

Bernard Williams

An interesting challenge from John Godley this week with the word “fray”. The dictionary defines it as “unraveled or worn at the edges”. It goes on to portray usage in such terms as “frayed nerves” or “jump into the fray”. I’ve opened with a slightly humorous twist on the theme, with what might be considered bargain treatment for a case of frayed nerves :-).  I found it on a photo expedition last week in downtown Hudson, New York.  It should be recognizable to Peanuts fans everywhere!

VINTAGE SCENE

“History always has a few frayed tricks up its sleeve.”

Terry Pratchett

On a more literal front, notice the frayed edge of cloth poking out of the door behind this old gas pump. This little scene from yesteryear was spotted in the hills around the same area. My husband and I  were following a scenic route recommended by Mister Google which did not disappoint. Here then, some of the other scenes that greeted us along the way.

STRIPES

“Nature’s heart beats strong amid the hills.”  

Richard Monckton Milnes

While my husband drove, I co-piloted – shouting out for a stop whenever something caught my eye. Let’s just say we made many stops, indulging along the way in a very satisfactory visit to Dad’s Copake Diner-home of yummy burgers, friendly waitresses, and delicious soft ice cream – yet another visit to days gone by!

TWO SILOS

“A quiet, secluded life in the country….such is my idea of happiness.”

Leo Tolstoy

Of course the bucolic countryside was home to quite a few lazy cows and grazing horses. One farm is home to a number of rescued horses, including the two below. I found myself wondering if the mare’s white face was the result of mistreatment or simply old age. Of course we hoped it was the latter.

TWO HORSES

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

George Orwell

ABOUT FACE

 “God had given him a tail to keep the flies off, but he would sooner have had no tail and no flies.”

George Orwell

So where do the cows and horses return when they’ve eaten enough grass/flowers/hay and it’s time to call it a day? To the iconic red barns of course. We saw lots of those as well, including both old and new, spiffy and nearly done in/worn/shall we say “frayed”?!

OLD AND NEW

“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

Proverbs 3:10

THE BARN DOOR

“Creating a new theory is not like destroying an old barn and erecting a skyscraper in its place.”

Albert Einstein

The rural roads notwithstanding, downtown Hudson offers a wealth of opportunity for a photographer. I’ll surely be posting some captures from my visit in the coming months. But I’ll close with one more literal example for the theme –  the tattered edges of a newspaper on a colorful downtown door.

# 610

“Two of the cruelest, most primitive punishments….the empty mailbox and the silent telephone.”

Hedda Hopper

 

Want to see some other frayed examples? Click here.

 

• August 24, 2014
• Farms, Photography, Weekly Photo Challenge
• 80 Comments