Oh, how we long for those carefree days prior to Covid-19. Waiting for the bell to ring, sports played in noisy gyms while family and community cheer from the stands, tedious homework along with the usual trivial social drama.
This too shall pass…
March is coming to a close and with it the sun is setting on an iconic establishment located in historic Gary, South Dakota. When Saturday, March 31, 2018 comes to an end, Bruce and Diane Melby will turn the page of a forty-one year chapter of their lives.
The Alibi was purchased from Jim and Karen Giesel in April of 1977 and since then Bruce and Diane Melby have dedicated their lives to providing a place for people from all walks of life to sit down, engage in lively conversation along with delicious food and beverages. For this we thank you.
It has been a landmark and meeting place for many purposes (Meet me at the Alibi!) and a safe, local hangout for young and old alike. For this we thank you.
Not only did they provide an establishment for food and drink but jobs for young people in the community, as well. These two are credited with teaching many youthful employees through the years how to deal positively with the public, work hard and still be able to laugh. This influence has had a tremendous impact on young lives beyond what a parent may be able to accomplish. For this we thank you.
While slaving away working incredibly long hours, they together raised five children who have grown into personable, hard-working, all-around awesome adults. I don’t know how they did it and I’m guessing they may look back and wonder the same. For this we thank you.
A loyal employee, Sarah Wynn, has been a key factor in the success of this business providing tremendous support with an amazing and diligent work ethic along with tremendous dedication to her job. For this we thank you.
The Alibi is a legend deserving of the Gary, South Dakota Wall of Fame. I will always hear the thud of cowboy boots walking across the old wooden floor, clink of coffee cups, chatter of lively conversations along with occasional outbursts of laughter ringing in my ears. While the business may close its doors, these memories and everything they represents will live on in our hearts forever. For this we thank you.
I leave you with this reaction from Bruce Melby when asked about retirement plans:
Looking for a business venture located in a charming historic community with great people? Opportunity awaits you in Gary, South Dakota!
I had no plans of creating the final composite product when I shot these images, but sometimes things just develop and ideas flow. Hmmm. What if…?
Three rambunctious boys ride their scooters down my driveway.
Swap images in to add their sister and improve expressions. 
Add a colorful sky scene I captured in the Pyrenees back in 2014 (Looks like the South Dakota hills).
Road dust colored in by using Photoshop brushes and finished it off with Topaz edits.
Final product: The Dusty Sunset Gang!
What a treat… Having spent quite a bit of time with his parents in fourth and fifth grade during the mid 1980’s, I experienced a flood of memories as I photographed and edited these images. It’s always a great feeling to see former students turn into not only good citizens but fabulous parents, as well. Kudos to Trish & Jack…
I think a lot of us are feeling this way today.
Image by Joyce Meyer
The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change. ~ Maya Angelou
Images and design by Joyce Meyer
Blend of mother/child with clouds and prairie grasses.
Blend of mother and child with flowers that grow wild in southwestern Minnesota.
Blue tone adjustment. First one was a little too pink for a boy.
Security objects are used by toddlers to relieve stress and anxiety. As adults we also look for security items in our own lives. It may be the comfort of a certain easy chair, pillow, or comfort foods that make us feel full and content.
What provides security and comfort in my life? I ponder a moment and material things just don’t seem to answer this question. I need more.
During this Lenten season I am reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us with his death on the cross so that we may experience the comfort and security of heaven. It doesn’t get better that that.
Psalm 46:1 ~ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Yes, it’s all going to be O.K…
RJMeyerArts 