Author: danrouth

Greensboro, NC based commercial and editorial photographer.

Scottish Highland Cattle, "Beasts"

Agriculture, Animals, Cattle, Farm, Greensboro, Scotland


A herd of highland cattle grazes just outside of Greensboro. Though I believe these particular cows are kept as pets, the Scottish breed is prized for it’s lean meat. The shaggy hair acts as insulation against the cold, a necessity in the cool, damp Highlands of Scotland, so the animals have less fat than standard beef cattle. Smaller in stature than regular beef cows, they have a presence nonetheless.





And yes, both the males and the females have horns.

(photographs copyright by Dan Routh)

Smokey the Cat

Animals, Family

(photograph copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)

It’s been about a year since we lost our 15 year old cat Smokey. We’ve been lucky throughout the years to have a long line of very special long-lived pets. Smokey was no exception. She was prim and proper and totally regal in her pose. She was also one of the mouthiest cats I have ever known. In cold weather she would sit in front of the doors to the fireplace, stare at me and meow incessantly until I built a fire. Of course, then she would crawl into my lap and warm me for hours. I miss her. We are not alone, however. Currently on our farm we have 2 dogs and 6 cats to go along with a horse, 19 cows, 5 guinea fowl and 10 chickens. Each has their own special personality, but there will only be one Smokey.

New Salem Pottery

Pottery, Randolph County


New Salem Pottery, located south of Greensboro near Randleman, is owned and operated by Hal Pugh and Eleanor Minnock-Pugh. Hal and Eleanor produce a variety of original redware and stoneware pottery in their workshop/studio. They also specialize in reproducing eighteenth and nineteenth century plain and decorated redware. Their pottery has been displayed and used by universities, historic sites, the movie industry, and living history museums throughout the United States and abroad. Hal and Eleanor turn and decorate their pottery on their family’s property, which is the site of an original eighteenth century Quaker pottery run by William Dennis. For more information, directions and hours of operation, go to http://newsalempottery.com/index.html




And of course, there is family member and Australian Cattle Dog, Hannah Selinda.

(photographs copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)

Buicks

Automobile, Randolph County


Continuing in the automotive vein of last week’s post, over the weekend I stopped by Richard’s Auto Salvage on Highway 49 between Asheboro and Denton. Richard’s specializes in salvage parts for pre-1972 American autos, and his yard is a treasure trove of old car parts. He has several old Buicks that are beautiful examples of art deco design. Even in their un-restored condition, they are subtle pieces of art. If you have an old car with chrome and fins, he has parts available. Some people see junk yards, or salvage yards, or used auto part facilities as eyesores. They are however, the original green businesses, the first recyclers. Old 50 year old vehicles wait for restoration and someone to bring them back to life, and an art form is preserved. For info, go to http://www.richardsclassiccars.com/



(photographs copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)

Vintage Race Cars

Automobile, Motorsports


One of my weaknesses is old race cars. Watching and listening to these vintage machines go around the track in anger arouses me. I’m glad that some people have the interest and where-with-all to keep these classic machines going. I wonder how the economy will affect motorsports in general and vintage racing in particular. I hope they can keep these old cars on the track so we can continue to enjoy them. It’s one thing to see an old car in a museum and quite another thing to experience them doing what they were designed to do, go fast. Photographs are from Virginia International Raceway and Road Atlanta.



(photographs copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)