Picture of the Day - June 19, 2009

Early evening on a Southwestern Virginia farm

Photo by Rick Rouse.                   (Click on the photo for a larger view) There is no place on earth quite like rural America if you prefer to live a quiet, slow-paced life with friendly neighbors and clean, fresh air to breathe. And of course the scenery isn't bad either... Today's picture features a lovely farm that's situated alongside a narrow, winding country road in rural Washington County, Virginia. I captured this image early in the evening just as a long, stormy day was drawing to a close. Another page turned in the book of life in rural America. This image was captured with the following camera and settings: Camera: Nikon D50 Lens: Nikon 18-55mm "kit" zoom Focal length: 18mm Shutter speed: 1/45 second Aperture: f/8 ISO: 200 Accessory: A fence post serving as a make-shift tripod     Visitor Comments... Name: Devon Arnold Town: Medford, OR A slice of Americana for sure! Great job on this one Mr. Rouse.     Name: Ed Morrison Town: Dunwoody, GA Very serene. Excellent exposure on an overall wonderful shot. One of my favorites of late.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Very nice picture Rick!! To my eye, this picture is all about a peaceful place to live. I would love to visit this part of the USA someday!! I am curious about the bales in the fields. Are they left there? It looks like the grass is already getting a good start for possible another cutting. I am just wondering as I really have no idea. Thanks again for sharing your neck of the woods with us!     Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Nostalgic!!     Name: Judith Greene Town: Columbus, IN Our great cities add much to our way of living for many reasons, but our rural farming communities are the backbone of the country. Very nicely done Mr. Rouse.     Name: Norman Rice Town: Long Grove, IL Serenity, tranquility, beauty...this image exudes all of that and more.     Name: Rick Rouse Town: Abingdon, VA Thanks for the kind words everyone. Ron, the hay bales are gathered and stored somewhere, usually near the fields where the cattle will be spending the coming winter. Sometimes the bales are covered with form-fitting plastic covers to protect them from the elements, but quite often they are left to simply "weather" until it's time for them to be used. Peel off the "bad" outer layer and plenty of "fresh" hay awaits the hungry bovines.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"