This fish was incredible! The comments from my family were both complimentary and insulting – at the same time! Like, “I can’t believe you made this, Mom!” Even I had to admit I shocked myself.

I’ve been a fish-hater the majority of my life. A few years ago, my husband and I went to Bonefish Grill. Mr. J has always loved fish so he ordered something he’d never tried and begged me to taste it. I couldn’t believe I loved this delicate white fish the way it was prepared. I tried to duplicate it a couple of years ago and it was an abysmal failure. The recipe called for mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Nothing else that I can recall besides a little salt and pepper. The fish came out soggy and disgusting. No one wanted to eat it.

The price of Tilapia fillets at Publix runs around $7 for 6 pieces of fish. I’d have to buy two bags to feed my crew. There was no way I was going to spend $14 and risk ruining it, so I never bought it again – until I found a deal I couldn’t refuse at our new Super Walmart. I hadn’t shopped in a Super for almost 9 years! How crazy is that? Anyway, they had a bag of Tilapia – 20 pieces – for around $10. Enough for two meals – what a deal!

So I searched the internet, perused many recipes, and found the missing ingredient was panko – and no mayo! What a difference a bread crumb can make. And the preparation was super simple. My family loved it, I loved it, our Chihuahua Pinto Beanie loved it! I believe you will, too! This recipe is definitely going on the Master Menu to be included in our supper rotation.

My guys are big eaters. They all work hard and burn a lot of calories through the day. I fixed two fillets per person, but there were leftovers – which everyone in this house loves. You can only see one pan in the pictures, but there were two.

Easy Panko Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia

I didn’t have any lemons, so I squirted the bottled lemon juice on mine. I’ll be sure to pick up fresh citrus when I make this again next month. And I’ll be sharing the recipe for those crazy good Parmesan Roasted Green Beans this coming Monday on the Chicklets in the Kitchen.

What a shame these beautiful instruments were left to rot. Elephantine, gargantuan behemoths of the music realm, they were just too cumbersome to move.

Abandoned ornate organ in poor old Bessingham Manornear to Bessingham, Norfolk, Great Britain. Geograph.org.uk

Sadly neglected piano in Vastmanland, Sweden. Photo by Alex Eflon on Flickr.

Through the old church window birds form Llanllawer church’s only congregation now. The organ, which is an American ‘Thomas’, has been left abandoned. Near to Llanychaer, Pembrokeshire-Sir Benfro, Great Britain. By Ceridwen on Geograph.org.uk.

Located in Maryland. Taken inside the front door of “Piano House” by Forsaken Fotos on Flickr.

Organ console in All Souls’ Church, Haley Hill, Halifax, England. By Tim Green on Flickr.

Detroit, Michigan by Rick Harris on Flickr.

This is a gorgeous piece of master craftsmanship going to waste. So sad. Abandoned in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Angela Anderson-Cobb on Flickr.

Grand piano on the main stage of a theater–music school; ghost town of Pripyat near Chernobyl. By Timm Suess on Flickr.

The main stage of a theater–music school; ghost town of Pripyat near Chernobyl. By Timm Suess on Flickr.

Someone must be afraid this decrepit upright piano might take off for parts unknown. Landgoed de Horst, Gelderland, Netherlands. Photo by Appletaart on Flickr.

Clonmel, Tipperary, Ireland by Leon Von Gaul on Flickr.

Forgotten organ in St. Kevins, Cork, Ireland. By Skin-UBX on Flickr.

Decaying church piano in Hillborough, North Carolina. Photo by David Mello on Flickr.

For lack of a pianist in San Francisco, California by Orin Zebest on Flickr.

…was the last – for me. I tried, truly I did! I had such high hopes. I’ve yet to say, “That was awesome!” Or to sit in bemused wonder at the end of an episode. The actions and reactions of the characters are implausible and the plot each week is weak and pointless. Every Monday from 9 to 10 p.m. there is a constant stream of “Why?” “Why would they do that?” “That was another gratuitous scene.” “This makes no sense.” “Really???” So, no more torturing myself – and my husband!

Still loving Warehouse 13, though! (Monday 10-11 p.m. EST) Don’t ask me why I can suspend disbelief for one and not the other. Better writers? Funny lines? Cool historical artifacts? Whatever.

Signs of the times…a day late.

Abandoned Forest Heights Burger Joint Sign by Sharat Ganapati on Flickr.

Decaying sign near to Pontamman, Carmarthenshire/Sir Gaerfyrddin, Great Britain. Photo by Hywel Williams on Geograph.org.uk

8 Mile Motel in Detroit Michigan by Bob Jagendorf on Flickr.

Fox Theater Marquis, Detroit, Michigan, by Bob Jagendorf on Flickr.

Sam’s Loans – Pawnbroker sign, Detroit, Michigan by Bob Jagendorf on Flickr.

Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach by Mr. Littlehand on Flickr.

Found in an alley off Georgia Avenue in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington DC – Hawkins from Washington DC on Wikimedia Commons.

Vintage Burton Sign on the corner of Salisbury Road and Preston Lane, only just in the square. Since the local government shake-up in 1974, Burton has been a part of Dorset, Great Britain © Copyright Mike Smith on Geograph.org.uk.

Vintage Sign in Chicago, Illinois by Jason Paul Smith, via Flickr

Before the fire. Chicago, Illinois by S. Jones on Flickr. After the fire image can be found here.

Derelict sign to derelict pub, Walsall, Great Britain, by Roger Kidd on Geograph.org.uk.

Derelict sign – Hazel Head Farm and Brigg House Cottage near to Ulpha, Cumbria, Great Britain. Copyright Ian-Cunliffe on Geograph.org.uk.

Crystal Cave Chattanooga’s Best Attraction Or Your Money Back Highway U.S. 11 (Birmingham Highway) just south of Trenton, Georgia. Photo by Brent Moore on Flickr.

Old timber yard sign; Ross-on-Wye near to Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, Great Britain. Copyright Jonathan Billinger on Geograph.org.uk.

Dr. Pepper sign. Photo by anyjazz65 on flickr.

Clabber Girl Baking Powder. Bisbee, Arizona. Photo by Kevin Dooley on Flickr.

Old sign by Citrus Sunshine on Flickr.

Old Pepsi ad by Don O’Brien on Flickr.

A fabulous old motel sign, hanging forlornly outside the cafe at Bagdad, California. Photo by Peer Lawther on Flickr.

I love them all and so many more. There will definitely have to be a second homes series. If anyone has any information on any of these, please share!

What an awesome building! This most likely used to be a hotel. The image was taken upstate New York, around Hunter Mountain. This photo has been posted on so many different sites, it was hard to tell who the original photographer was. My best guess is ckdhtc on High Aperture – only because I enlarged the photo to such a degree that I could see this on the bottom corner.  The house next to it looks to be in the same sad state of neglect. I’d love to explore both places. There are horses in the left mid image. Someone must care for them which makes me wonder if at least part of the house is occupied.

When I first saw this house I thought it wasn’t too late to save it. Then I found that the photo was taken in the early 1970s. We can only hope someone took it on and it’s now a fabulous rehabbed home. It’s known as “Fixer upper. Upper Fairmont,” Somerset County, Maryland. “Eastern Shore Series” by Steve Szabo, 1940-2000

Leadloch was the home of the Waddell family, descendants of the Waddells of Holehouseburn. The house has some unusually elaborate architectural features, including a heraldic panel above the main door, and mottoes or inscriptions above many of the other doors and windows. Sadly, it is now abandoned and falling into disrepair. Near to Fauldhouse, West Lothian, Great Britain. Copyright Anne Burgess on Geograph.org.uk

Abandoned house in Barrie, Ontario, by Anthony Goto on Flickr.

Abandoned house near Knoxville, Tennessee, by dfbphotos on Flickr. Obviously ravaged by fire.

Abandoned house near Waterville, Douglas County, Washington, USA. By Robin on Wikimedia Commons.

Creep-factor is very high now, but imagine what once was. Unknown photographer. Image found on Exterior Design for Houses.

Abandoned house west of Dunbeath near to Balnabruich, Highland, Great Britain. Copyright Jonathan Billinger on Geograph.org.uk.

McPike Mansion is a 135 year-old home (1865) located in Alton, Illinois. It has not been occupied for over 50 years and is in need of considerable restoration. By Black.Doll on Flickr.

It may look derelict, but it’s someone’s home in Istanbul, Turkey. By Andrew Garton on Flickr.

Victorian era farmhouse in Ashland, Ohio by VisualMercenary on deviantART.

Derelict house by kingbillie72 on Deviantart.

Very cool, yet very creepy! Found in Bjørke, Møre og Romsdal, Norway. The closest I could find to a copyright holder is Hicksworth on Reddit. A commenter on that thread had been to the house as it was just 5 minutes from his/her grandparents. The front steps lead to a set of windows. The entrance is in the back of the house. How weird is that? I can’t tell if that’s a rotten black hole next to the steps or if it’s just burn marks from a fire.

This house is reported to be haunted and it had changed ownership several times in a short period. Somewhere in California. Unknown photographer. I saw this house in a real estate listing several years ago. I saved the image to my computer, but forgot to add any details. When I went back to find it, the listing was gone and I couldn’t find any info anywhere. The picture is all over the internet now, but no one has any information on it. If you know where this is or have any history about it, please let me know. Thanks!

Abandoned Piketon, Ohio homestead built in the 1800s. Photo by Don O’Brien on Flickr.

Abandoned house, Fenstanton near to Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire, Great Britain. Copyright Hugh Venables on Geograph.org.uk.

Photo 1 – Very cool creepy Addams Family Victorian by Orin Zebest on Flickr.

Photo 2 – Model railroad prop! Now look at the photo above again and see how at first glance it looked real! Creepy House on Hill by Orin Zebest on Flickr.

Smith Island, Maryland by Lee Cannon on Flickr.

Abandoned farmhouse, easternmost Montana near the North Dakota border, next to a field of sunflowers. Photo by Roy Luck on Flickr.

Abandoned Farmhouse near Scio, Oregon by DBerry2006 on Flickr.

Abandoned House Near Delaware River by Tony Fischer on Flickr.

Awesome old Victorian somewhere near North Vernon, Indiana. Upon closer inspection, the photographer believed that someone currently lives in this house. Photo by Bill & Bicki Tracey on Flickr.

Last week I shared with you an awesome Teriyaki Chicken Skewers recipe. I knew I wanted something Asiany to go with it and I was in the mood for those wonderful pot stickers my favorite buffets have. There’s always a tangy ginger sauce with them, so I had to have that, too.

Normally, the meat filling is made with ground pork, but I’ve been somewhat trying to avoid pork products (not always successfully since we love bacon and smoked sausage (ham too now that I think about it. lol) ). I used ground turkey for a healthier alternative and the flavors turned out perfect. Putting them together was a little difficult until I realized two things. 1) The wonton wrapper needs to be round. 2) The packaged wonton wrappers are two small to cut into rounds. Thankfully, I had a package of egg roll wrappers. I found a good-sized bowl and used it as a guide to cut the dough to size. After the dumplings were boiled, I realized the dough wrappers weren’t as thick as the pot stickers found on the buffets, but they tasted great and that’s all that mattered. The family loved them with the ginger sauce so this recipe is a keeper.

Take the time to make all of the dumplings up first before trying to cook some, while assembling some. It got really crazy in my kitchen for awhile. Place each pot sticker in a single layer on a large tray until ready to cook. When assembling, be sure to seal out all air around the meat. Watch the video and follow the instructions for best results. I didn’t and none of mine were pretty, but it didn’t take anything away from their flavor. Use the square wontons and just make triangles if you want to take the easy route.

Ignore the salt and pepper. I didn’t use them in the sauce.

Awesome Asian Ginger Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

4-5 tablespoons sugar (to taste)

1 scallion thinly sliced

2 teaspoons peeled and grated ginger (or 1 tsp. ground ginger)

Whisk all together in a bowl and set aside.

Lis’Anne’s Asian Dumplings (a.k.a. Turkey Pot Stickers)

1 lb. ground turkey

1 minced green onion

2 tbsps. soy sauce

2 tbsps. sesame oil

2 teaspoons corn starch

2 teaspoons red wine or red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons peeled and grated ginger

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 package of wonton skins (40) or egg roll wrappers

Mix first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Lay out the wonton skin and either cut into a small circle or just put a teaspoon of meat mixture in the center, dab water all around the edge of dough, fold over into a triangle shape, pressing out all the air around the meat mixture and sealing the dough edges together. Do this until all the wontons are used or you run out of the meat mixture.

Put on a large pot of water to boil. Once the water is boiling, place as many dumplings as will fit in the pot and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the meat in the center of one is no longer pink. Lift them out with a large slotted spoon, drain well, and place on platter. You can eat them as is, or place them in a frying pan of hot oil over medium heat for a few minutes until one side is browned. Be very careful. If there is any water left on the dumplings it will cause the oil to snap and pop. Remove from the frying pan and drain on paper towels. Serve with a ginger dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Bonus: I added 4 large cubes of Knorr chicken bouillon to the leftover boiling water. I used a teaspoon to shape  balls of the leftover turkey meat mixture and dropped each into the chicken broth. I then cut the scraps of egg roll wrappers into little squares and dropped them in. The guys loved this impromptu Wonton Soup! Waste not, want not.

These peas are so good, you might think you’re eating junk food.

Easy Sautéed Peas with Ham & Shallots

1 bag frozen peas, thawed

1 package, diced ham

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon light olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

Saute the shallots in oil in a medium-sized skillet, pan, pot, whatever you want to use, over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until caramelized (3-4 minutes). Add the ham and stir until lightly crisped (3-4 minutes or so). Add peas, and cook until hot (3-5 minutes). Don’t overcook all the crunchiness out them. If you do, no great shakes – they taste great even if they’re almost burnt!

I had no idea there were youtube videos of abandoned places. I still keeping asking the same questions over and over – why has it been left to crumble and rot? I suppose each forsaken abode has its own sad story. Such a waste. I’ve seen so many that deserve to be brought back to life.

I made no attempt to ascertain each location. I’ve decided it’s best not to share lest vandals search and destroy what’s left. Perhaps someone local to each of these homes will find a way to buy it and restore it to its former glory.

With some of these videos, you may want to turn down the volume and just visually explore without the distraction of the narrator. Others, the narration helped.

I’ve always loved old barns. My grandma and grandpa had a huge red barn sitting on a steep hill next to their house. My cousins and I played in it all the time, even as it was beginning to become unsafe and warned not to. Daring kids we were. It was three stories with the top floor completely empty. Our uncles had installed basketball hoops at both ends and it made for an awesome court. Also, hanging from the center ridge beam was a long rope. We could take a running jump onto it and swing back and forth in a high, wide arc. It was exhilarating and fun! It didn’t take much to entertain us way back then.

Image by Ian Sane on Flickr.

I think of the kids that must have played in these barns – after their chores were done for the day; the mother who trudged out in the wee hours of the morn to milk the cow; the farmer who’s very livelihood revolved around the animals he kept and farming implements stored within that were so vital to his family’s existence. It was a hard row to hoe, but a simpler, straightforward way of life that’s rapidly becoming a long forgotten memory.

Abandoned barn near Hollis, New Hampshire. By SSKennel on Flickr.

Photo by Jo Naylor on Flickr.

Abandoned Rangerover and an isolated barn, with several other cars mouldering in the field alongside, near to Llanvihangel Crucorney, Monmouthshire/Sir Fynwy, Great Britain. Copyright Andy Dingley on Geograph.org.uk.

A substantial stone building which appears to have fallen out of use and been left derelict near to Swinscoe, Staffordshire, Great Britain Copyright James Allan on Geograph.org.uk.

An abandoned barn across the street from the old Christ Church – Laurel, Delaware by Lee Cannon, via Flickr

Abandoned barn in North Carolina by Rachel on Flickr.

Crumbling Barn with multiple old advertisements by Brent Moore on Flickr

Old Barn, Acton, MA 1972 by Don Graham on Flickr.

By jkdevleer04 on Flickr.

By PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay

Junior, West Virginia by Richard Freeman on Flickr.

Near Chattanooga, Tennessee by Brent Moore on Flickr.

Old stone barn in Wunderlich Park, Woodside, California. Part of the original Folger Estate. This is probably an old pump house or well-house with its proximity to the creek.  Photo by Trace Nietert on Flickr.

Wooden barn at Seurasaari Open Air Museum, Helsinki, Southern Finland by Andy Siitonen on Flickr.

Old barn on Langleybury Lane, near Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. Photo by Peter aka anemoneprojectors on Flickr.

The photographer called this a barn, but I think it’s a house. There are two chimney’s and a smallish front door. What do you think? Found near Marijampole, Lithuania, Sept. 2008. By Phillip Capper on Flickr.

There are many gorgeous, elaborately decorated staircases in abandoned homes and buildings. One, in particular, caught my attention, but it doesn’t have a creative common license and can’t be used here. I can share the link though. Look for it after the last image.

Climbing the Stairs by fibreciment on DeviantArt.

Abandoned staircase by fibreciment on deviantART.

Fallen Beauty II by fibreciment on DeviantArt.

Abandoned staircase by fibreciment on deviantART.

Stairs inside the Justice fortifications. Belfort, Franche-Comte, France. Photo by Thomas Bresson on flickr.

Stair to the second floor inside the Justice fortifications. Belfort, Franche-Comte, France. Photo by Thomas Bresson on Flickr.

One of the overgrown staircases in the Terraced Garden in Rivington Pike, a hill summit on Winter Hill, part of the West Pennine Moors, overlooking the village of Rivington in Lancashire, England. Photo by Paul Albertella on Flickr.

Stairs leading up to the impressive Seven Arched Bridge in the Terraced Gardens at Rivington. Photo by Paul Albertella on Flickr.

Abandoned house in Belgium – Flickr.

An old battered stair case leads to the bottom floor in an abandoned Old Portland Hospital in Laurel, Md., April 23, 2010. This stair case is one of many found in the Old Portland Hospital which is in famously known to local residence as a haunted insane asylum. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Joshua Kruger/Not Released) on Flickr.

Elm Bluff Plantation, also known as the John Jay Crocheron House, in rural Dallas County, Alabama on the Alabama River. Built in 1845. Crocheron was a native of Staten Island, New York and had relocated to Alabama by the 1820s. He established a large plantation of many thousands of acres in Dallas County on the Alabama River across from Cahaba and built this house in the center of it. He died in 1864 and the house has been long abandoned. This image is of the interior, second floor. Photo by Altairisfar on Wikimedia Commons.

Marquardt Castle, Brandenburg, Germany. Photo by Onnola on Flickr.

Urban exploring in France. Photo by 55laney69 on Flickr.

Stairs in abandoned mansion. Austria. By zeitfaenger.at on Flickr.

Abandoned Beelitz Sanitarium Hospital in Germany. Photo by Chad W. on Flickr.

A little perspective. Abandoned Beelitz Sanitarium Hospital in Germany. Photo by Chad W. on Flickr.

The details of the beautiful staircase in the previous two pictures in an abandoned hospital, Beelitz-Heilstatten, Germany. Photo by Chad W. on Flickr.

Abandoned military hospital by ~fibreciment on deviantART.

Winery 3 by ~fibreciment on deviantART.

Abandoned military hospital by ~fibreciment on deviantART.

Decrepit spiral staircase by ~fibreciment on deviantART.

Take a gander at this one.

I’m sorry I dropped the ball this week and last on posting a Sadly, Utterly Abandoned installment, and I may not have one up this next Sunday. If I do, it’ll be a great surprise to you and me, both!

In a effort to help my dad deal with a serious medical condition, I’ve been working on a list of foods (by type and brand name) he can easily purchase to combat a rare disease called Calciphylaxis that has developed as a result of renal failure. Dialysis 3 days a week x 4-5 hours a session is no longer sufficient to remove the calcium from his body, so to help the process he needs to eliminate as much of the element as possible from his diet.

My youngest son and I traveled north to our old home state of Indiana to hang with the family and lend a hand wherever needed. Since I spend the vast majority of my time researching everything under the sun, this job is perfect for me and takes the burden of finding the best foods for my dad off of my step-mom’s shoulders.

Not only does Dad need to stop eating foods with calcium, he must also limit his intake of phosphorus. This means instead of consuming the foods considered to be the best for you, like whole grains, nuts, fresh vegetables, etc., he needs highly processed foods that have been bleached or boiled, thereby leaching the phosphorus from them.

The problem I’ve encountered is that most of the fast, processed foods we love to eat have been fortified with vitamins and minerals – including extra calcium. To make matters even more difficult, Dad has also been on Coumadin/Warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood-thinner) with some serious side-effects if taken in conjunction with the ingestion of green, leafy vegetables and other foods high in Vitamin K. It can cause the Coumadin to be less effective in preventing blood clots, necessitating the need for more of the drug. More of the drug can cause even the tiniest of wounds to bleed for hours on end. So, we need to find a happy balance.

This is and will continue to be a laborious undertaking, but one with the greatest of benefits. There is nothing more important to me than prolonging the life of my father. At the conclusion of my work, I hope to have an in-depth list of foods found at regular supermarkets and as many simple recipes as possible for those who must guard against the threat of Calciphylaxis.

Once I’m home this weekend, I’ll have more time to tackle my overly large to-do list, which includes sharing more of the abandoned images I’ve found, new recipes, and a new website for another of my great loves – scifi movies and tv shows. My gal pal, Charlee Allden, and I have whipped up Must Love Scifi for our take on the old and new of the genre. Come on over and sign up for email notifications of new reviews as they are posted! I’ve not had a chance to share any of my reviews, but Charlee’s got quite a few up.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer – staying cool in the heat wave, but basking in the warmth before heading into what may be another frigid winter!

Lis’Anne

Almost everyone has a ghost story. If you don’t, then you’re not visiting the right places at the right times. I’ve had several experiences in my life that made me a believer of good and bad spirits roaming the earth. For whatever reason, they’re trapped here and may need someone to push them toward the light – or door to a fiery hell. I can tell you, it’s not going to be me doing the pushing though. I’ll be running in the opposite direction of whatever apparition decides to manifest itself in my presence. I love it all, but I’m a lily-livered chicken when it comes to truly scary stuff. Still, I’d love to have in hand a K-2 meter and thermal imaging device while exploring some of the creepy places I’ve seen – as long as there’s a large crowd of friends with me.

Beginning Wednesday August 7, 2013, I’ll be posting a new Haunted Happening every week – as long as I have someone’s to share. If you have a true ghost story, you’re welcome to send it to me at lisanne.harris@facebook.com or lisanneharris@cox.net. If it’s a good one that has a ring of truth to it, I’ll share it here. If you’ve got pictures, that’s even better.

I’ll be telling some of my own tales along the way. Sign up for email notifications so you don’t miss a single fascinating, or creepy, account.

Photo: Mt. Lookout was constructed in 1871 by Henry G. McPike on one of the highest points in Alton. It is an excellent example of Second Empire Italianate Style. Originally sited on 15 acres containing rare shrubs, vineyards and orchards. 4.4 acres of the original estate remain today. Designed by noted Alton architect, Lucas Pfeiffenbeger. Henry McPike was one of Alton’s leading citizens. He served as mayor from 1887-1891. The house has been unoccupied since the 1950’s and is in need of substantial restoration. There are many reports of paranormal activity in this house. It is currently being restored by private citizens. It is a stunning home, and has an eeire history. Adding to the creepiness is that the town in which the McPike resides, Alton, IL, is considered by many to be “the Most Haunted Town in America!” Photo by Black.Doll on Flickr.

I sent out a request to friends and family to take snapshots of those abandoned places they see on their way here and there. These gorgeous images were taken by close family friend, Sandy, while traveling the back roads of America with her husband, Ron. Her artistic eye is evident in every shot.

Sitting Left: Deb’s Great Grandfather Edward; Sitting Right: Great Uncle Roy; Standing Left: Grandfather Roy; Standing Right: Grandmother Edith

We bought my family’s home and lived there for close to 30 years before we moved. One night, Rick and I were in bed asleep and all of a sudden I woke to Rick sitting up talking to someone at the foot of the bed. He asked me if I could see her and I said no. Then one night I got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. As I walked down the hallway, I looked into the living room. There was a woman sitting in a rocking chair. I walked back to the bedroom and woke Rick up and we both walked back to the living room and we both could see her. I asked Rick if it was the same woman he saw, and he said yes.

I talked to my father about it and he told me they had seen her many times. He had talked to his father, my grandfather, about it and my grandfather told my father it was my grandmother. Dad gave me a picture and asked me if it was the lady and it was. We would see her from time to time.

by Debbie B.

During a visit to my old hometown, my mom, Nancy, took me on a trip down memory lane – literally. We traveled every single road and alley, reminiscing over who lived where when she was young while I added my recollections from my youth.

I’ve always loved this house. It still looks exactly the same as it did 10, 20, even 30 or more years ago. And so does the owner. Love ya, Joe! Morristown, Indiana.

Neither one of us was sure of who the current occupiers were for some of the homes, but others still had the same owners. Knowing at least some things hadn’t changed made my heart glad. Seeing the neglected state of some of these made me sad.

Several of the images aren’t of abandoned places, but maybe of derelict buildings, overgrown yards, or outbuildings in desperate need of attention. A few are thrown in just because they mean something special to me.

I’ll start out this series with a few sent to me by a good hometown friend, Jeffrey Long, who now lives in Ohio. I would love to have seen this mill in all its former glory.

Bieber Mill, north of Delaware, Ohio.Bieber Mill, north of Delaware, Ohio.Bieber Mill, north of Delaware, Ohio.Bieber Mill, north of Delaware, Ohio.

I know it’s hard to find, but there is a garage in there. Somewhere in Morristown, Indiana

This house is right next to Joe’s. I always thought it was pretty cool with the white columns and balcony. I never knew who lived there, but mom did. I wish I could remember what she told me. Morristown, Indiana

We didn’t notice the front of this house looking empty and neglected. All it needs is a handyman and his family to move in and bring it back to life. Morristown, Indiana

It looks like someone forgot to saw off a few boards before nailing them on. Still a cool-looking old barn. Morristown, Indiana

Mom recalled this being a dry cleaning business when she was young. It’s now a 2-bed/1-bath for sale according to Realtor.com. Morristown, Indiana

In need of a little tlc. Morristown, Indiana

I know whose steps these are and I bet the house they belong to is every bit of 100 years old. The house is fairing very well for its age. The steps lead to a sidewalk that I don’t think is used but maybe one day out of the year. Morristown, Indiana

I recall this being Boring’s Auto Shop. I don’t know what it was before or after. Morristown, Indiana

I’ve always wanted to explore behind these cellar doors. This is another that has looked the same for at least 30 years. I used to know who lived here, but can’t remember now. Morristown, Indiana

I don’t know who lives here now, but I once did. I was 11 years-old and visiting family in Chicago Heights, Illinois with my great-grandmother when we moved into this house. My older brother and sister picked out their rooms and left for me the creepy one with the door to the attic in it. :-\ I was afraid to go to sleep every single night. I always thought the basement was an eerie place, too – it had a large room with several shower heads, kind of like a locker room. I wondered if it was for servants. I would love to know its history, but never thought to research it until now. Morristown, Indiana

This is the former home of my great-great grandparents, Lindley Hoag Pitts and Cora Swain Pitts. It had been the Hauk-Spencer Mortuary for at least the last 40 years. It’s up for sale now and I wish I could buy it. Morristown, Indiana

I’m not positive, but I believe I remember this old gas/service station being open when I was very little. Fountaintown, Indiana.

The old Fountaintown, Indiana elevator. Closed many years ago.

The old Toon’s Restaurant. Fountaintown, Indiana. I can’t remember what was written on the side and can’t make out more than NO— probably CORNER RESTAURANT.

This strange little one-room abode had three entrances. I guess the owner needed a quick escape route. Fountaintown, Indiana.

I love the pop of green. It’s a shame to see this little dwelling go to waste. Fountaintown, Indiana

It had electricity. I think the owner should revamp the place, add a nice bathroom on the back and rent it to out-of-town visitors for $15 a night. Fountaintown, Indiana.

Old Fountaintown Car Wash. I used to go there with my older sister and future brother-in-law way back in the day and watch him pamper his 1965 Firebird. I’m sure I thought I was the coolest chick hanging out with them! Fountaintown, Indiana.

If you have a series of interesting, sad, old, derelict anything and would like to share them, shoot me a message at lisanne.harris@facebook.com or lisanneharris@cox.net.

When Tim was dying of cancer (I lived in Virginia at the time) he was stationed in Osoda, Michigan. However, during the duration of his treatments and his final death, he was at Dayton, Ohio, in the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center. I flew home to Indiana with my then five month-old son Dan and my five year-old daughter. I had gone to the hospital a lot with Mom & Dad and the rest of the family. On Tim’s final full day of life, he went into a coma. The nurses said it was a blessing and that he no longer felt pain.

I convinced Mom and Dad to go back to their home in Indiana for a much needed rest and that we would go back up in the morning. We never lost hope. The following day/morning around 5:20 a.m. (Indiana time) my son awoke for his morning bottle (I always kept the lights low so that we could hopefully go back to sleep for a bit after feedings). As little Danny had almost finished his bottle, I had a feeling — a kind of “spooked” feeling. You know the kind you get when you were little and were in bed at night and thought there was a ghost or something… Well, I slowly turned my head around, not once thinking about Tim, just that feeling of something is in the room, I saw nothing, I heard nothing just felt a “presence” — even got goose bumps.

The feeling passed, and Danny finished his bottle, I laid him down in his crib, I laid myself down in my bed next to Tara and the phone rang. It was my other brother calling to inform us Tim’s wife just called. Tim had just passed away. I didn’t piece it together until later when someone stated Tim’s time of death. It would’ve been 6:30 a.m. Ohio time….5:30 a.m. Indiana time. When I was finishing up feeding Danny my brother visited me. I froze when Mom told me, and I shared my story with the family. Tim came to say goodbye and I was up, alone, and the one he chose to let all know he was leaving. I am 100 % absolutely sure it was Tim. I saw no ghost, I saw no curtains blowing, just felt a HUGE presence in the room. My beloved brother was crossing over.

by Sandra B.

I couldn’t resist another round of houses and a mansion or two. Some of these are purportedly haunted. You’ll have to do your own research/be the judge of that. Click on each for a larger view.

“This old house once filled with joy” Ross County, Ohio. Photo by Don O’Brien on Flickr.

Old farm house. Photo taken by sub35089 on Flickr.

Haunted House Lake Cook Road, Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Seth Anderson on Flickr.

Haunted Mansion in Kirchberg (Jülich) – Nordrhein-Westfalen – Germany / Deutschland. Photo by Bert Kaufmann from Roermond, Netherlands.

Haunted – The Great House of Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Home of the White Witch of Jamaica. Photo by Sarah Ackerman on Flickr.

It certainly looks like it should be haunted! Photo by Trostle on Flickr.

An old, haunted run down house. Photo by Darren Lewis on PublicDomainPictures.net.

Haunted House in Big Fork (wherever that is) by Katie Brady on Flickr.

Haunted House covered by vines. Photo by Forsaken Fotos on Flickr.

Mui Shue Hang Park Ghost House by Chong Fat on Wikimedia Commons.

Nam Koo Terrace (Hong Kong) is also one of the more hidden classical Chinese mansions. It was built 90 years ago but subsequently abandoned. The rumor goes that the Japanese army used the mansion as quarters for “comfort women.” Ghostly proof was had several years ago, when a young girl came out of the house, supposedly possessed, and attacked the police officers who came by. By Kay Yuen on Wikimedia Commons.

A haunted house shot in Lisbon at night. by Burzinski on deviantART.

Oakwell Hall, near to Birstall Smithies, Kirklees, Great Britain. This photo was taken in 2001 but the same view has been available for 400 odd years without much change. The 16th century manor house is one of the UKs most haunted houses with the ghost of William Batt sending cold shivers down your spine. Also the house featured in Brontes “Shirley.” Its well worth a visit. Copyright Dr. Brian Lynch on Geograph.org.uk.

Creepy House in Brooklyn. Click on the photographer’s name for an interesting story about this house. Photo by emilydickinsonridesabmx on Flickr.

Ghost House – Beacon, New York. Photo by Bryan Pocius on Flickr.

Octagon House – Between Appalachia and the Columbus airport sits an 1800′s house, moved to this site for future restoration in Circleville Ohio. Photo by Don O’Brien on Flickr.

Haunted house. Bloomington, Indiana. Photo by Jake McDaniel on PublicDomainPictures.

I prefer unaltered pictures. Some people love artistic interpretations and that’s fine, but the original show’s details that become obscured with the absence of color. Who am I to complain, though? I’m very thankful there are people around the world taking these shots where I can’t. Thank you, all!

1960s Daddy-O

I’m sorry I’ve been away for awhile and missed posting new Sadly, Utterly Abandoned images and new Haunted Happenings. I flew home on the 20th to spend the last night of my dad’s life holding his hand. The calciphylaxis he developed from renal failure was too far advanced and he just couldn’t fight it any longer. His funeral was Monday, August 26, 2013. It was a beautiful ceremony that none of us will ever forget.

My older sister detailed Dad’s life

Dad driving his boat on the Ohio River, July 2008.

from birth to death and my youngest brother shared some of his crazy, funny antics. He built a Harley Davidson chopper 40 years ago and still had it all these years later. My oldest younger brother took it to the graveyard and fired it up to the delight of the crowd. How cool was that? Dad would’ve loved it! I’ll add some pictures to this post as soon as I download them into this computer.

I’ll be flying home Tuesday and will be back with new episodes of SUA and HH beginning Sunday, September 8th, 2013. Thank you so much for patiently waiting and hanging with me.

Lis