Mississippi River
Reports from Mississippi River expeditions
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Remembering Tom Holman creator of Bomfire Pizza in Sabula, Iowa
There simply is not enough that can be said about Tom Holman who helped preserve river culture and build community along the banks of a small town on the Mississippi River.
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Honoring Tim Mason and the Floating Shantyboat Library
I just found out that the world has become poorer and less interesting. We lost Tim Mason who ran the world’s only floating shantyboat library aboard his shantyboat Driftless with his wife Sara. You may remember that I interviewed Tim in the summer of 2015 in Marquette, Iowa. At the time I wrote: Tim Mason is…
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Gerty Tonjum, boathouse owner, talks about river time
Gerty Tonjum, boathouse owner in Winona, MN along the banks of the Mississippi River summer 2014. This is part of a longer interview in the Secret History archive.
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James near Burlington Iowa
James near Burlington Iowa #moody #likeamovieset #river #mississippiriver #photooftheday #night #mixedlighting #moonlight #shantyboat via Instagram
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The Pearl Button Capital of the World
At the turn of the 20th Century, the Mississippi River town of Muscatine, Iowa was one of the most important places in the world. Not only because here was the worldwide source of nearly 40% of all pearl buttons, but because a conflict was brewing that would have consequences for workers throughout the world.
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Mark Twain’s Favorite View of the River
In Muscatine, Iowa there is a point overlooking the river said to be Mark Twain’s favorite. I never know how much credence to put into such things as people have told me variously that they were at the widest point in the river, the deepest point, the tightest bend, the highest overlooking bluff, and possessing…
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A Land of Sweet Melons and Excellent Tacos
In Muscatine, I met many new friends, received generous gifts, found a river town with a significant Latino population, learned about famous Muscatine Melons, and interviewed the son in-law of the heir to a pearl button fortune.
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Shantyboat Guys come in tied for third even after a blistering 4th comeback round
#Shantyboat Guys come in tied for third even after a blistering 4th comeback round. #trivia #weknowzerosportsfacts via Instagram
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American Queen in Burlington Iowa
American Queen in Burlington #Iowa. #Shantyboat #river #mississippiriver #riverboat #excursion via Instagram
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Shantyboat brethren?
#Shantyboat brethren? A duck blind above Burlington #iowa. #hunting #desthpicable via Instagram
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“If you don’t shape up, I’ll stick my foot so far up your ass you’ll need an operation to get it out.”
Retired Jr High school teacher LaeUna DeWitt from Davenport who we met in Oquawka. She was hilarious and a formutable teacher. Sample: “If you don’t shape up, I’ll stick my foot so far up your ass you’ll need an operation to get it out.” #Shantyboat #scaryteacher #wouldbecomedian #standup via Instagram
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Hazel in historic Oquawka Illinois.
@gooddoghazel in historic Oquawka Illinois. #Shantyboat #surprisemural via Instagram
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Apparently the Shantyboat now has mice. We’re a real ship now.
Apparently the #Shantyboat now has mice. We’re a real ship now. #wherestheshipscat #whybecausewelikeyou #mousecateers via Instagram
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“I think your high speed orifice is going to be an area of interest.”
James; “I think your high speed orifice is going to be an area of interest.” #outboardrepair #diagnostics #gettingwet #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Please welcome new ships mate James Burgess
Please welcome new ships mate James Burgess with the #Shantyboat for the next several weeks. via Instagram
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Started as selfie to show off my new awesome thrift store pants
Started as selfie to show off my new awesome thrift store pants. #selfiefail #selfiesuccess #newpants #Shantyboat #HIG2015 via Instagram
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Gray Man watches the Muscatine Pearl Button paddlewheeler
Gray Man watches the Muscatine Pearl Button paddlewheeler. #shantyboat #sunset #mississippiriver #contemplative #moody #ragdoll #river via Instagram
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Gray Man enjoys the last rays of the setting sun. #shantyboat #sunset #mississippiriver #contemplative #moody #ragdoll #river
Gray Man enjoys the last rays of the setting sun. #shantyboat #sunset #mississippiriver #contemplative #moody #ragdoll #river via Instagram
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Interview with Terry Eagle at the McKee Button Factory in Muscatine.
Secret History interview with Terry Eagle at the McKee Button Factory in Muscatine. #buttons #shantyboat #history #iowa #riverhistory #mississippiriver
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A world of buttons at Muscatine’s McKee Button Factory. These are the plastic buttons that replaced pearl buttons in the 60s.
A world of buttons at Muscatine’s McKee Button Factory. These are the plastic buttons that replaced pearl buttons in the 60s. #buttons #shantyboat #history #iowa #riverhistory #mississippiriver via Instagram
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Adventures on the Other Side
In which we reveal a possible obsession with bridges to complement our well-known obsession with personal narrative
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Interview with canoe and kayak paddler Jo who grew up in Rock Island between the Rock and Mississippi Rivers
Secret History interview with #canoe and #kayak #paddler Jo who grew up in Rock Island between the Rock and Mississippi Rivers. #history #Shantyboat #oralhistory #riverangel
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Midwest Cultural Envy from a Californian
I arrive in the Quad Cities, towns with traces of their industrial history on every street, still full of life, rusty perhaps but not abandoned.
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The HyVee Grill, something if a Midwest phenomena
The HyVee Grill, something if a #Midwest phenomena. HyVee is the dominant supermarket chain and in many of them they have a very decent diner-style restaurant with decent prices, free wi-fi, and endless #coffee. It is THE place for #seniors to gather each morning in these #smalltowns. #diner #HyVeeGrill #Shantyboat via Instagram
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“What the Button Workers Want”
“What the Button Workers Want”, demands of 1911 button workers’ strike from the Muscatine History and Industry Center. #militia #thugs #scabs #unions #IWW #iowa #labor #kids #history #1911 #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Juvenile Sewers and Carriers Union, 1911 from the Muscatine History and Industry Center
Juvenile Sewers and Carriers Union, 1911 from the Muscatine History and Industry Center. #unions #IWW #iowa #labor #kids #history #1911 #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Pearl buttons at the Muscatine History and Industry Center
Pearl buttons at the Muscatine History and Industry Center. #Shantyboat #history #mussels #buttons via Instagram
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Pearl McGill born near Muscatine in 1895
Pearl McGill born near Muscatine in 1895 (here she is 16), worked in Peark Button Fsctories and became a IWW labor organizer, murdered in 1924. #Shantyboat #labororganizer #iww #wobblies via Instagram
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Cruz throws a castnet (“atarraya” in Spanish) for shad to use as bait on the docks near the #Shantyboat.
Cruz throws a castnet (“atarraya” in Spanish) for shad to use as bait on the docks near the #Shantyboat. via Instagram
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Mike and his grandson Gabe stop by for a chat on the #Shantyboat. Mike’s wife Chris is responsible for the care package.
Mike and his grandson Gabe stop by for a chat on the #Shantyboat. Mike’s wife Chris is responsible for the care package. via Instagram
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Care package madness when I returned to the #Shantyboat this afternoon. Thanks to the good folks of Muscatine Iowa
Care package madness when I returned to the #Shantyboat this afternoon. Thanks to the good folks of Muscatine Iowa. #carepackage #anongifts #beautifulstrangers via Instagram
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Seriously, What Have We Learned?
An excerpt from an academic journal in which I attempt to analyze it all
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Muscatine Journal: California artist stops in Muscatine on river odyssey
Wes Modes, Santa Cruz, California, is on the second leg of a trip down the Mississippi River collecting stories of river life and the people who live along the river. His shanty boat has a sleeping loft, small galley kitchen, library, and toilet. He been traveling for nearly three months and is hoping to reach…
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Gray Man contemplates the lights over the river in Muscatine
Gray Man contemplates the lights over the river in Muscatine. #sittingonthedockofthebay #longexposure #contemplative #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Mexican market in Muscatine
Mexican market in Muscatine. #midwest #latino #notallwhitepeople #Shantyboat via Instagram
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#Shantyboat chillin’ in Muscatine under dramatic skies.
#Shantyboat chillin’ in Muscatine under dramatic skies. via Instagram
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Reminder: Secret History of American River People summer fieldwork fundraiser still on. Link in profile. #Shantyboat
Reminder: Secret History of American River People summer fieldwork fundraiser still on. Link in profile. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Mystery electrical drain on the #Shantyboat. Red means bad, especially after a night of charging.
Mystery electrical drain on the #Shantyboat. Red means bad, especially after a night of charging. via Instagram
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That feeling when you come around a bend and there are two barges passing each other in s narrow channel
Barge madness. That feeling when you come around a bend and there are two barges passing each other in s narrow channel. #largemarge #killerbarge #maritimedisaster #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Shantyboat at Fairport Iowa
#Shantyboat at Fairport Iowa. #latenight #starlight #longexposure via Instagram
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BNSF Crescent Railroad Bridge
BNSF Crescent Railroad Bridge across the Mississippi River between Rock Island IL and Davenport IA. #RR #trains #bridges #river #Shantyboat via Instagram
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BNSF Crescent Railroad Bridge across the Mississippi River
BNSF Crescent Railroad Bridge across the Mississippi River between Rock Island IL and Davenport IA. #RR #trains #bridges #river #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Farmers Market in Davenport Iowa. #Shantyboat
Farmers Market in Davenport Iowa. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Open Rivers: Knowing the Mississippi
We asked a diverse group of river people to respond to the prompt βHow did you come to know the Mississippi River? What does it mean, to you, to know the Mississippi River?β We present below a few of the responses, in no particular order.
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Owner Terry Tilka called the cops when I brought my service dog into the Rock Island Brewing Company
Owner Terry Tilka called the cops when I brought my service dog into the Rock Island Brewing Company. He’s not pleased I’m taking his picture for my #ADAlawsuit. #ADA #police #serviceanimal #rockisland #illinois #boycottassholes #Shantyboat via Instagram
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You Won’t Believe what they found when they opened my outboard engine
Though stuck in this small town made famous by the American Pickers, there were interviews, adventures, and surprises.
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@gooddoghazel was a huge hit at Antique Archeology in Le Claire Iowa. #Shantyboat #thepickers #digfriendly
@gooddoghazel was a huge hit at Antique Archeology in Le Claire Iowa. #Shantyboat #thepickers #digfriendly via Instagram
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Facing a New Day of Bad News
In which we discover that things don’t look good, though — since we have a good imagination — we can see that they could always be worse.
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Davenport Farmers Market is extraordinary
Davenport Farmers Market is extraordinary. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Davenport Iowa, you need some public docks
Davenport Iowa, you need some public docks. #sketchylanding #rivertown #urbaninfrastructure #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Interviewed and spent an enjoyable afternoon with Mary Costello
Interviewed and spent an enjoyable afternoon with Mary Costello author of two volumes of drawings of every bridge crossing the Mississippi River from the gulf to the headwaters.
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Centennial Bridge between Davenport and Rock Island
Centennial Bridge between Davenport and Rock Island. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Sylvan Island dam, near Moline Illinois. #Shantyboat
Sylvan Island dam, near Moline Illinois. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Feeling a little lost in the Quad Cities. So much here. Where should I go? Who should I talk to?
Feeling a little lost in the Quad Cities. So much here. Where should I go? Who should I talk to? #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Water sculpture downtown Rock Island river front
Water sculpture downtown Rock Island river front. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island Illinois.
Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island Illinois. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Highway 74 bridge near Bettendorf Iowa. #Shantyboat
Highway 74 bridge near Bettendorf Iowa. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Waitin’ around at the lock for a barge to lock through. Ho hum
Waitin’ around at the lock for a barge to lock through. Ho hum. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Mike Hall of Green Gables Marina, competent mechanic and genuiniy nice fellow
Mike Hall of Green Gables Marina, competent mechanic and genuiniy nice fellow. I can’t say enough about Mike. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Charming woodshop in Le Claire Iowa. #Shantyboat
Charming woodshop in Le Claire Iowa. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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My poor little baby-soft feet can almost walk on gravel with impunity.
I’ve made an effort to spend a substantial amount of my summer barefoot. Now my poor little baby-soft feet can almost walk on gravel with impunity. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Secret History interview with Brian Schadt, City Engineer, Davenport, Iowa
Secret History interview with Brian Schadt, City Engineer talking about Davenport, Iowa’s decision not to erect flood walls in favor of their connection with the river.
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Shantyboat head & Art Gallery
#Shantyboat head, including drawings by Sasha and Maxine, men’s and women’s urinal, bucket shitter, Pooping 101 guide, and Jesus watching over all. via Instagram
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“How do you pay for this?”
If you have a little bit to spare, and thing the project is worth supporting, I’d encourage you to contribute what you can afford.
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Full moon over the river in a sketchy night ride on the river. #Shantyboat
Full moon over the river in a sketchy night ride on the river. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Got a mile down river with the #Shantyboat and Freddie Mercury broke down again. Limping back to Green Gables.
Got a mile down river with the #Shantyboat and Freddie Mercury broke down again. Limping back to Green Gables. via Instagram
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Mike of Green Gables Marina puts the finishing touches on Freddie, readying the #Shantyboat to get back underway after a one-week repair vacation.
Mike of Green Gables Marina puts the finishing touches on Freddie, readying the #Shantyboat to get back underway after a one-week repair vacation. via Instagram
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Somehow in this crazy mixed up world I interview people for my art project and they give ME gifts
Somehow in this crazy mixed up world I interview people for my art project and they give ME gifts. #Shantyboat #applebread #localhoney #bananabread #unexpectedgifts via Instagram
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Though I’d heard of the ritual, my first time getting coined
Though I’d heard of the ritual, my first time getting coined. It is hard to be an anti-authoritarian when they are such badass dudes and have such cool tchotchkes. #Shantyboat #secrethandshake #freedrinks #gettingcoined #rescuedivers #retiredcops via Instagram
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Steve Ebel, Mississippi River diver shows off his scull boat. #Shantyboat
Steve Ebel, Mississippi River diver shows off his scull boat. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Interviewee Rhonda Anderson talks about keeping bees
Secret History interviewee Rhonda Anderson talks about keeping bees.
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The deer are so tame here in Illinois they stick their heads right through the wall
The deer are so tame here in Illinois they stick their heads right through the wall to be petted. #Shantyboat #friendlydeer via Instagram
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Off across the river in the Donboat to an interview in Hanpton IL
Off across the river in the Donboat to an interview in Hanpton IL. #Shantyboat via Instagram
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Audio orgasm: listening to both a recording of our July thunderstorm and the music of Gillian Welsh on our old radio
Audio orgasm: listening to both a recording of our July thunderstorm and the music of Gillian Welsh on our old radio when a train passes by outside and the Moka pot begins to bubble. #auralpleasure #allthethings #Shantyboat #breakfastmagic #soundoftrains #coffeesweetcoffee via Instagram
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Secret History interview with former correctional officer Dave Rogers of Cordova IL. #Shantyboat
Secret History interview with former correctional officer Dave Rogers of Cordova IL. #Shantyboat
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Gifts from Secret History interviewee Dave Rogers, buttons made from mussel shells, the drilled shells, river reading material.
Gifts from Secret History interviewee Dave Rogers, buttons made from mussel shells, the drilled shells, river reading material. #Shantyboat
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Are you good at finding things?
Are you good at finding things? The #Shantyboat is dead in the water until we find a stainless steel drive shaft from a 1978 Mercury 200 20hp short shaft serial num 4821859. Total length 25-1/4 inches. If you find one that fits, I’ll owe you a bottle of Dr Thunders Peachy Fire Whiskey.
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Shantyboat ship’s log: “Ships mate Stacey Marie Garcia left forward bunk window open. Consequences unknown at this time.”
#Shantyboat ship’s log: “Ships mate Stacey Marie Garcia left forward bunk window open. Consequences unknown at this time.” @staceymariegarcia
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Secret History in Dispatch Argus. #Shantyboat @gooddoghazel
Secret History in Dispatch Argus. #Shantyboat @gooddoghazel
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A Day of Danger, A Time of Troubles
An Aggressively Friendly Man. Big Big Waves. Serious Engine Trouble. Adrift! Out of danger.
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Secret History press work with Tony Watt of the Moline Dispatch-Argus on the Shantyboat.
Secret History press work with Tony Watt of the Moline Dispatch-Argus on the #Shantyboat. #presshere #reportingreporters #meta #pomo
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Finally a way to indicate to Shantyboat visitors that we are open (or not) for business
Finally a way to indicate to #Shantyboat visitors that we are open (or not) for business. #sometimeswesleep #sometimesweeat #sometimesweretiredofquestions #naptime #hiding #samefivequestions
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Cleat hitch with a Flemish Flake mooring the #Shantyboat. Plus @gooddoghazel
Cleat hitch with a Flemish Flake mooring the #Shantyboat. Plus @gooddoghazel
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Night alone on the Shantyboat baking oatmeal cookies
Night alone on the #Shantyboat baking oatmeal cookies and watching The Apartment with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. #Billywilder #oscarwinner #academyaward #1960 #oldfilms #movietears #beamensch #blackandwhitemovies #cookies4one
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Great scene for some banjo and and a cigar
Green Gables Marina in Le Claire #iowa on the back porch of the #Shantyboat. Great scene for some banjo and and a cigar. Lock and dam number 14 in the distance.
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Great scene for some banjo and and a cigar.
Green Gables Marina in Le Claire #iowa on the back porch of the #Shantyboat. Great scene for some banjo and and a cigar.