tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45431955323031013712024-03-14T07:48:20.422-04:00DowneastLive in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. - Ralph Waldo EmersonGennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-38940722004896527332016-01-29T17:24:00.000-05:002016-01-29T17:24:20.926-05:00LadyhawkI've been preoccupied lately with a feathered friend that flew in about a month ago. I spotted her at the bird bath getting a drink. At first I thought she was migrating through but since then, I've realized that she's set up her abode in my neighborhood, at least for now. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My visitor is a juvenile Cooper's hawk. She's large, much bigger than a crow and you can see her eyes are still yellow. She's regal really. </div>
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She's very casual in hunting. She'll look around and walk the fence. She'll swoop into my yard to stand and listen. Meanwhile, all the birds and squirrels are hiding in the bushes waiting for her to leave. I watched her jump down from the fence to casually walk along the ground. When she was in the right spot, she quickly darted into the hollies and grabbed her meal. </div>
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I've named my visitor Ladyhawk. She doesn't show up every day because I think she makes the rounds, but she is poetry in motion. </div>
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-38398562032376860662014-01-31T17:42:00.002-05:002014-01-31T17:42:37.661-05:00Winter Lambs<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I drove down to North Carolina to spend Christmas with my family and had a wonderful time. My son lives in Cary and my daughter lives in New Bern, about 2.5 hours apart. I was on my way from Cary to New Bern when I spotted these babies on the side of the road in a fenced off meadow. I say "meadow" but it's hard for me to actually feel like eastern NC has meadows. When I think of meadow, I imagine waist-high grass and lush greenery and wildflowers. Anyway, I digress. LOL</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My grandson was riding with me and when I saw the sheep in the meadow on the opposite side of the road, I pulled over. He was a little concerned and pointed out the sign that said "Sheep not for sale." But I told him it was okay because I'm only going to take their picture. I pulled to the shoulder of the road and took these precious pictures of the lambs with their mothers. Every mother's head came up to see who the stranger was and to make sure the stranger wasn't going to get too close. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the babies were twins! I was a little surprised to see babies in December but it wasn't that cold there. This past week, though, they were hammered with snow and ice and I couldn't help but think about those babies and hope that they were all right in the freezing rain. </span></div>
Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-89125285852403959472013-12-19T21:02:00.000-05:002013-12-19T21:02:07.654-05:00Because of Love<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(This story exists in different forms. Snopes states that original author is Reverand David L. Griffith who penned the story in 1998 or 1999 when he was the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Utica, Oklahoma. It was part of a series of sermons he presented on the value of keeping old things. I think we should cherish the old things too. I am reprinting this story here because I love it. For me, it represents Christmas and what I think about as part of this special time of year). I've posted it before a few years ago, but it's such a beautiful and touching story that I wanted to share it again. I hope you don't mind.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The young couple had made their usual hurried pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small heard of goats. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm becuase of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife and a landmark in the countryside. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The old folks no longer showed their goats for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a little milk and a few kids each year. And the goats were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young people confronted the old folks: "Why do you not at least dispose of the Old One? She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had either kids or milk from her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep her anyway? " The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her to him and rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Only because of love." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So it was that because of the leave taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall, none but the Old one. In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved goats. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left -- and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid. And the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulder as he clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly, he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And so he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine. And it was aglow with heavenly candles, and poised on its topmost bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bedded down about the Old One, close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the goats through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The kids were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames and hoped like rabbits. The milkers pressed uneasily against the Old One as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now she lay among them and gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift -- because of love. Only because of love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(And so, my friends, I hope you all experience many blessings as we all get ready for the holidays)</span></div>
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-15817103150613278442013-12-10T17:17:00.002-05:002013-12-10T17:18:44.739-05:00Snow Day<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday we had ice and beautiful ice sculptures. Today we had snow and a snow day off!! Wahooo! I knew there was a reason I loved snow besides the fact that I just love the white stuff. I slept in, got up late, made coffee and took these great photos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By the time I went out to shovel the drive around 2 p.m., most of the snow on the blacktop had melted. It warmed up and the crepe myrtle lost is frosting mantle. It was beautiful in the afternoon setting sun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I heated up the homemade soup I'd made yesterday. When I looked out the window, this is what I saw, a glorious ending to a beautiful day. I hope yours was as wonderful as mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just love winter!</span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-61888933180118223732013-12-09T15:26:00.002-05:002013-12-09T15:26:45.314-05:00Winter Wonderland<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's early December, usually too early for a snowfall here in northern Virginia; but yesterday started out with snow gently falling and covering everything. As the day progressed, we had freezing rain that covered everything. When I woke up this morning, it really looked like a twinkling fairyland. Everything was encased in ice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It made the entire landscape look like crystal ornaments. It's kind of melting now, but they're saying we're due for more snow tonight into tomorrow, anywhere between 3 and 5 inches. I've already called out for work. I can't think of anything worse than getting stuck in downtown DC and trying to get home in traffic. The last time I tried to drive home after it had started snowing, it took me over four hours, a drive that is usually 45 minutes to an hour. Better safe than sorry. I hope you're all staying warm, dry, and snug! </span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-47461290881832917272013-08-24T14:55:00.002-04:002013-08-24T14:55:32.903-04:00Flowers Everywhere<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took a trip to wine country here in Loudoun County last week and remembered a huge field of Queen Anne's Lace that I had seen about three weeks prior. I was hoping that the flowers were still blooming and I had to stop and take some photos. The flowers had mostly gone by, but there were still plenty in bloom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An old white oak, probably nearing the end of its life. We've lost a lot of them in the local area.</span></div>
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I also couldn't resist stopping to take some pictures of some bales of hay.</div>
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The road to my dreams</div>
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A pretty stand of bamboo</div>
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Another beautiful white oak. This one still alive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvhMBFJodM-RsayxeklLonsw1OeHhLxV0mqy2jdL3ezPOO8f1yhbUj3ikCN9XKWJ-D7c-nsfSdi_Znfpwf1zDpd9ROqM5aJNQPx4Dm1f9ZVhyphenhyphen5VowLeliTlqmiUwjqJg8mqPqdp0waSYH/s1600/IMG_2620b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvhMBFJodM-RsayxeklLonsw1OeHhLxV0mqy2jdL3ezPOO8f1yhbUj3ikCN9XKWJ-D7c-nsfSdi_Znfpwf1zDpd9ROqM5aJNQPx4Dm1f9ZVhyphenhyphen5VowLeliTlqmiUwjqJg8mqPqdp0waSYH/s400/IMG_2620b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also saw this family of deer feeding in a meadow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MbJeA2ODpH-gQFVelGPNpatq_6tDKmWRH0bQsGUkUj_MfuE31VSU4yo_MnfJdI0zVXk93-Z476pwQ4zK3lsjuzQR9wdYkgjddXG0B0C_22azpMYCvFjZhsXKQZvMDvTvDoX3E2dRynmJ/s1600/IMG_2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MbJeA2ODpH-gQFVelGPNpatq_6tDKmWRH0bQsGUkUj_MfuE31VSU4yo_MnfJdI0zVXk93-Z476pwQ4zK3lsjuzQR9wdYkgjddXG0B0C_22azpMYCvFjZhsXKQZvMDvTvDoX3E2dRynmJ/s320/IMG_2617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally the real beauty here in Virginia</div>
Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-14731533870590955102013-03-26T18:52:00.002-04:002013-03-26T18:52:31.085-04:00Want a Pickle With ThatI definitely wanted a Pickle with that, which is why I have a new birdy baby at my house. Meet Pickle. He's only about 8 weeks old. I bought him from a breeder in Maryland who hand fed and hand tamed him. He's still in the "stranger-danger" phase, but he's getting used to me and letting me take him out of his cage and put him on my shoulder just to hang out. In fact, he's hanging out with me right now. :) <br />
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I love his coloring, and he's a healthy little baby. I'm looking forward to lots of years together with him. Even though he's a little afraid, he hasn't tried to bite me once. Good boy, Pickle. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqt09SZMXcn58PkrbOHYgZzniGtF90beWHA88sLZnqEKjaMfa6_ffyN43dG_ymX5siLnRQzg0qp4Y5zQVO41Dp9f9WKuePdKvKcBL2D86iEvuG6cg1uV65N7t1iukqnUAjvlP5RuK3A1h/s1600/Picklesleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqt09SZMXcn58PkrbOHYgZzniGtF90beWHA88sLZnqEKjaMfa6_ffyN43dG_ymX5siLnRQzg0qp4Y5zQVO41Dp9f9WKuePdKvKcBL2D86iEvuG6cg1uV65N7t1iukqnUAjvlP5RuK3A1h/s400/Picklesleep.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here's my baby sleeping on me.</div>
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Isn't he beautiful?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFS8uq3ei7-FmeJ0ahAjKf-QP-awGGPmvYgFaZLQ0Bl9D3zh-X1QuTMe_7xDQCYcLDJOjs4V4tXPZzlyR7g_1tLhY1W5cmoMTHmfuS1jYWCbCzGm7_xNr6NgbAKduYTdV35QPNZFWC4ra/s1600/Pickle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFS8uq3ei7-FmeJ0ahAjKf-QP-awGGPmvYgFaZLQ0Bl9D3zh-X1QuTMe_7xDQCYcLDJOjs4V4tXPZzlyR7g_1tLhY1W5cmoMTHmfuS1jYWCbCzGm7_xNr6NgbAKduYTdV35QPNZFWC4ra/s400/Pickle2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hanging out with mom</div>
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I hope he really gets used to hanging out with me. I love having a bird again after missing those little birdy sounds the last few weeks. I was never able to tame my other bird, Binks, even though I loved her. Having a baby that's hand fed makes such a difference. Even though he's a little skittish, he'll sit step up and let me take him out of the cage after just a few tries. Love my baby Pickle.</div>
Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-59056924208846715632013-02-21T18:35:00.000-05:002013-02-21T19:04:46.453-05:00GOODBYE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I got home from work today, I found my Binks at the bottom of her cage. She had died sometime while I was gone. She was such a little sunbeam in my life, a funny and happy little soul, full of herself despite her small size. She was so smart and loved to play with her toys. The more I laughed, the more she loved it. I will miss her so much. Goodbye my little friend, 'til we meet again at the Bridge. </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeeMmXkJyND7VCnR5zNKYq_JGiWz2Bg97S6NvZU_Qv5qOehD44Rhqzin2HingY2p1CNy392KpxG1Hh6zqnMcxduA86HfpZG3GhmGU3_NJCPyPiGKTe4qLmyC9JfLXshN9jwM5tYWw0uCC/s1600/P1010065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeeMmXkJyND7VCnR5zNKYq_JGiWz2Bg97S6NvZU_Qv5qOehD44Rhqzin2HingY2p1CNy392KpxG1Hh6zqnMcxduA86HfpZG3GhmGU3_NJCPyPiGKTe4qLmyC9JfLXshN9jwM5tYWw0uCC/s400/P1010065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She was just a little budgie girl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No bigger than my hand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She left me unexpectedly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a fluff of feathers curled</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My heart was hers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She made me laugh</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My darling little bird</span><br />
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<br />Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-43529826926163419392013-02-15T23:20:00.002-05:002013-02-15T23:22:42.726-05:00Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dreams are funny things. I sometimes wonder if they are portents of things to come or things that we wish were true. I ride a van pool to work, and last night I dreamed that I rode a tricycle from my home to the commuter lot and back home again. At one point, I was riding home and noticed some beautiful flowers in a field off the road and thought. I need to bring my kids out here to see these flowers before they're gone. They looked like bluebells. When I got home, though, I realized that I didn't know where I'd put my purse. But, logically, I remembered that I had left my purse with my cell phone in it at home because there was nowhere to hold my purse on the tricycle I was riding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The strange part was that the house was a place that we had just moved into somewhere in the country. The tricycle I was riding was child sized when I looked at it. but fit me just right while I was riding. And when I was riding, I was able to go just as fast as the cars around me. How weird is that?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dreams are funny, funny things. They make me wonder what it all means when I wake. But while I sleep, they are beautiful, unfathomable, and times of endless magic.</span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-21531772180166557502013-02-14T09:53:00.000-05:002013-02-14T10:08:02.989-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you're having a wonderful Valentine's Day spending time with the people you love who make your life full and satisfying. I've always loved those red, decorated, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates that they sell for this holiday. Corny, I know. I just think their romantic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On this day in 1990, after traveling through space for 13 years, Voyager 1 was directed to turn its camera back toward the planets from a distance of more than 6 billion kilometers (4 billion miles). When it sent the photos back to earth, there was a photo of our planet clearly visible. Carl Sagan called it the "pale, blue dot." Here we are, as Carl said, "a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam." He uses the opportunity to entreat all of us to be more kind, more loving and to do everything we can to preserve this fragile place we call home. He's one of my heroes. He had the ability to explain even the most complex things so that anyone could understand them and, what's more, understand the significance of what he was talking about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Incredibly, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are still operational 35 years later and are the farthest human-made objects in existence, still transmitting data back to us from 18.5 and 15.2 billion kilometers away. Amazing, isn't it? Let's love each other and extend that love to our beautiful earth and cherish and realize the beauty that we sometimes take for granted every day. If we lose those things, we lose everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">♥ day everyone!</span><br />
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Carl said it best:<br />
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"From this distant vantage point, the earth might not seem of any particular interest. But for us, it's different. Consider again that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it, everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every superstar, every supreme leader, every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there - on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. . . .<br />
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"The earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and triumph they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner. How frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds. Our posturings, our imagined self importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity - in all this vastness - there is no hint that help will come from somewhere else to save us from ourselves.<br />
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"The earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment, the earth is where we make our stand. It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, our only home we've ever known."<br />
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—<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: initial;" title="Carl Sagan">Carl Sagan</a>, <cite style="font-size: 10.666666984558105px; font-style: inherit;"><i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_Blue_Dot:_A_Vision_of_the_Human_Future_in_Space" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: initial;" title="Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space">Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space</a></i>, 1997 reprint, pp. xv–xvi</cite><br />
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-76862841876544108532013-02-08T18:40:00.000-05:002013-02-08T18:40:24.206-05:00Putting the Past Behind Me<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When my marriage fell apart in 2006, I tried to move on and thought the best way to do that would be to buy a little home of my own. I loved my little house. Not long after I moved in, I was offered a job up here in Washington DC and realized that if I ever hoped to retire and be able to support myself, I needed to make more money to contribute toward my retirement. I've been up here since 2008 and have been renting out my little house in NC since I left. I thought I'd be able to retire and move back in three years, but having done a quick check of my retirement annuity, I see that's not possible. The stress of being a landlord is not worth holding onto my house especially since I'll probably have to work for at least another three to four years. I'm ready to sell it and move past and get on to the next chapter of my life. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately, just as I was getting ready to put it on the market, the roof leaked and I found out I had to have the roof replaced. I had to have the ceiling fixed where the roof leaked into the plaster ceiling and in the process, found out I have no insulation in the attic. I also found out that now I have to repaint all of the trim because my dumb a** tenants splotched oil paint over every place there must have been a mark of any kind - basically, all the doors and the trim in the house. The paint has now yellowed and has left huge yellow blobs over the rest of the white trim. I'm so demoralized at this point. Every time I think the house is ready to go, something else crops up. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm hoping that once I sell the house, I'll be able to put aside some money and if I need to replace my 13-year-old car, I'll be able to afford one. I'm secretly hoping that my little Honda will keep on keeping on for another couple of years. Meanwhile I'm crossing my fingers that nothing else goes wrong and I can find a buyer before any other gremlins come along that are going to cost me more money before I can put it on the market. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did I say de-moralized? I mean de-pressed, de-spirited, just wanting to bury my head in the blankets and say enough already! </span></div>
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-6573395712862889612013-02-02T18:58:00.002-05:002013-02-02T18:58:44.425-05:00Herding<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year, I went to a fiber festival that included herding trials. The event was held at Montpelier Station. Montpelier is the historic home of James and Dolly Madison. The country is beautiful out that way. I was hoping to meet up with a friend from Maine but we were never able to connect. I did, however, get to see and meet lots of Border Collies and watch them herd sheep. These dogs were amazing. They waited patiently next to their handlers while waiting for the sheep to be let loose in small groups of three or four. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They make their outrun to the sheep. Once the sheep become aware of the dog's presence behind them, it's a term called "lifting" the sheep. The dog then fetches the sheep, driving them toward the handler. Sometimes they are asked to "drive" the sheep, pushing them upfield away from the handler and through a different set of gates. The dog has to crossdrive the sheep through a second set of gates and then fetch them back to the handler so they can be penned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The dogs don't actually chase the sheep in the pen but gets them as close to the opening of the pen as possible without scattering them so the handler can get them into the pen. They normally use a crook or staff of some kind to guide the sheep in. And of course, it's difficult because the sheep, who are prey animals, are doing everything they can to avoid the danger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Watching the dogs work was mesmerizing. I could have stayed all day and never got tired of watching them herd. They love it too. Their focus and concentration is on those sheep and doing what they do best. Here are some photos of these amazing and intelligent dogs.</span></div>
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Fetching the sheep</div>
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Sweet young girl waiting her turn</div>
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Crossdriving the sheep</div>
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Driving the sheep</div>
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Pure concentration while waiting their turn. The only other dog that was not a border collie was the sweet bearded collie named James.</div>
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James, 11 years old, waiting with his handler.</div>
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I can easily see how addicting this could become. Working with your dog while doing what he was bred and loves to do. Simple words for such a satisfying and fulfilling activity.</div>
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-88905834666987890142013-01-26T18:45:00.001-05:002013-01-26T18:46:50.410-05:00Love the World<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I listened to an interview today on NPR between Terry Gross and author, illustrator, Maurice Sendak. What a touching, meaningful piece. Mr. Sendak talks about how he has grown to appreciate old age and what a blessing it is to finally have the time to read the books, to appreciate people, to love nature and the beauty around us. If you have a chance to listen to it, I believe you will be as moved as I was to hear the emotion during this poignant interview. Here's a link to NPR's compilation of interviews remembering Mr. Sendak. He died on May 8, 2012. He's best known for his book <i>Where the Wild Things Are.</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/05/08/152248901/fresh-air-remembers-author-maurice-sendak">Remembering Maurice Sendak</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a way, I think he is right when he talks about getting older and looking out on nature. While I've always loved nature and everything that goes with it, I think I appreciate it much more at my age than when I was younger. My youth was spent in raising children and all that goes along with that. Those were busy, busy times. And though I still go to work every day, I have more quiet time to think and reflect on the beauty around me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see something wonderful, a hawk circling on the air currents above me, a fox standing in an open field, freshly fallen snow glinting in the moonlight. There is beauty all around us. We just have to take the time to slow down and really see what's always right there in front of us, to see extraordinary beauty in ordinary things.</span><br />
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-28840285810397129552013-01-21T17:50:00.002-05:002013-01-21T17:53:55.005-05:00NC Mountains<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last October, I took a weekend trip with my son and his wife to see the fall foliage in Asheville, NC. I'd never been there, and we had such a great time. We stayed at a little hotel called Country Inn, and it was very nice. Their customer service was excellent. We just happened to be there during a meteor shower and wanted to drive onto the parkway to watch. The great folks let us have several blankets to take with us since it was pretty chilly up there. The first night was a bust because it was very foggy on the mountain. But the second night was perfect, no wind, chilly but clear skies. We had to wait for Orion to rise, but it was well worth it. I saw some amazing shooting stars and if you're a stargazer like me, there's no better place to see the night sky than on top of the mountains with no smog, fog, or city lights to hinder your sight. It was amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also stopped off to see the Biltmore while we were there. What an absolutely amazing place. For you Downton Abby fans, it reminded me of Downtown. The servants quarters had bells hanging from the wall for the master and mistress to ring down if they needed anything. The Biltmore had its own generator for electricity, and indoor bowling alley, an indoor pool, and several wings for guests. The original artwork hanging on the walls is amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Can you even imagine living in a house this size?</span><br />
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Some of the gounds at the Biltmore. They have many gift shops and they even have a winery, where we stopped for a tasting. Some of the family still live on the estate in small homes.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can tell from the photos, it was a magical place. If you want to do extra activities besides touring the home, they have horseback riding, skeet shooting, touring by jeep, just to name a few. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also got the chance to meet up with some friends of mine that I know from a dog discussion group, people I've known for years but never met in person. We met for dinner and had a great time laughing and talking like we'd spent every weekend together for the last 20 years. I know I've said this before, but if you have a chance to meet an online friend, go for it. I've never been disappointed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-43009922124246806182013-01-19T21:33:00.003-05:002013-01-19T21:33:52.216-05:00Welcome Back<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been a long time since I posted to my blog. Life just got away with me, and I found myself with little time. I'm still here in Virginia, still living in my tiny apartment with my cat and my bird and working in downtown DC. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took a few trips last year, one to my beloved Charlottesville in September; a weekend trip to Asheville, NC, in the fall in October; and most recently a trip to NYC with my daughter and two of my grandkids. I had a wonderful time everywhere I visited. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some of my photos from Charlottesville. I just love it there. It's one my absolute, favorite places in the whole world; and I never get tired of going there. It has everything, history, beauty, wonderful restaurants, great wineries. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River behind Wintergreen Winery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the overlooks from the Parkway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dream home (actually a farm on the parkway)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge sunflower farm on the parkway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love a donkey? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous blue ridge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Charlottesville and felt the temperature drop. The weekend started out misty and wet but ended up sunny and sparkling. We took the time to stop at an overlook at look out over a gap in the mountains. Coming around a bend, we saw a huge field of sunflowers that seemed to go on forever. I'm telling you, I wanted to stay right there and never come back. The nice part is that it's so close, less than two hours down the road to everything I love.</span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-5748041302446112252011-10-15T13:18:00.004-04:002011-10-15T13:18:45.178-04:00DRIVING TO WORK<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know I've said before that I work in DC. And sometimes, if I have the opportunity, I like to take photos on my way home, usually at a stoplight!! These are some of the photo ops I've had. There are some gorgeous buildings in DC. When I head in at 5 in the morning, it's still dark and all the monuments are lit up. It's really beautiful!! I head into downtown on Independence Avenue, and this is part of what I see every single morning. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes I take photos on my way home too, depending on the traffic and whether or not I have time to catch a couple of shots while the signal is red. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sitting in traffic under 395, waiting to get onto the ramp to head home. I love this shot. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-66483694334466082742011-10-07T23:09:00.001-04:002011-10-07T23:14:08.072-04:00FAREWELL<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was very, very sad to hear that Steve Jobs lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. He led such a quiet and private life that I honestly don't think many people knew who Steve Jobs was until the IPad and the IPhone came along. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He was invited to give a commencement speech at Standford University where he talked about his life and gave advice to the graduating class based on his experiences. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He was given up for adoption right after he was born, dropped out of college, dropped acid, and founded Apple. He went on to accomplish other amazing things, including buying Pixar and making the first fully animated movie, Toy Story. He's touched everyone's life in one way or another. Amazing isn't it that one person could have such a profound impact on how we access, store, and use all kinds of information, from the fonts on our computers to the music we listen to. I don't think there is anyone who hasn't used or owned an apple product or been touched by the genius of Steve Jobs without even realizing it. He had an amazing mind and the incredible ability to blend different technologies into useful products that anyone could use. Like the old saying goes, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to operate an IPad or an IPhone or an IPod. Farewell, Steve. You did yourself proud. We will all miss you so much. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“We believe that people with passion can change the world for the better” </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Those people who are crazy enough to change the world are the ones who actually do” ~ Steve Jobs</i></span></div>
Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-65406982370008597182011-10-01T16:23:00.001-04:002011-10-01T16:27:44.796-04:00Summer Gone By<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been gone for a while. The summer found me working and leaving on weekends to visit my kids and grandkids. That doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of all of you and reading your wonderful blogs. That also doesn't mean I haven't been taking photos and thinking of blog posts to write. It just seems that I never got around to actually getting onto the computer and posting all of my thoughts. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had some exciting but scary things happen here in northern Virginia with the earthquake that happened in August. I work on the fourth floor of a building at the Washington Navy Yard. When the earthquake first started, I thought I heard the wind fiercely blowing outside and then felt the building actually sway back and and forth. My mind said wow, that's a strong wind!! When I tried to decipher what I was feeling and hearing, I looked up and saw the sun and thought how odd. Then the entire building began shaking, lights were swaying back and forth, and plaster dust was seeping out of the cracks. Alarms came on and people started to panic. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It wasn't until the building was evacuated that I actually learned what had happened. An earthquake -- in Virginia!! Wow. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That was plenty enough excitement over that, thank you! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once the earthquake ended, we got hit with the remnants of Hurricane Irene. We had wind and a lot of rain. Luckily, I never lost power up here; but lots of people that I know did lose power for days. My daughter in NC lost a huge pine tree, which thankfully missed the house and their fence. All it did was make a huge mess, but messes can be cleaned up. And now it seems like all we've had for the last few weeks is rain, rain, and more rain. On the bright side, I can feel and smell autumn in the air. And I'm happy!! I LOVE autumn. My friend Lynn at Raspberry Corner asked what happened to summer. I said I kicked her out for staying too long and told her she had to leave because my friend Autumn was on her way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I took these photos of the clouds the night before the storm hit here. The clouds were so beautiful. They looked as if someone had painted them in the sky. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The leaves haven't started to change here yet. It's been plenty warm and humid. This weekend, though, the temps are in the 50s and I can feel her on the way. More to come, my friends. We have some catching up to do, and I want to share some photos with you. Thank you so much for reading and stopping by. </span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-66085000801173733182011-07-30T21:26:00.001-04:002011-07-31T09:36:24.658-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beautiful summer in all her glory!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I caught these butterflies enjoying the nectar from this gorgeous teasle. I know it's a weed, but I think it's beautiful.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-69067126566759215572011-07-29T20:17:00.000-04:002011-07-29T20:17:36.662-04:00Future Rock Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Future rock star in the making. This adorable baby is my grandniece. She's sweet, never cries, and loves to watch everything around her. Don't you just love the pink sunglasses and binky?</span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-72150574949235288792011-07-23T22:14:00.002-04:002011-07-23T22:15:15.654-04:00Late July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">Nature lies disheveled pale,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">With her feverish lips apart, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">-Day by day the pulses fail,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">Nearer to her bounding heart;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">Yet that slackened grasp doth hold</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">Store of pure and genuine gold;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">Quick thou comest, strong and free,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">Type of all the wealth to be, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia;">Goldenrod!</span><br />
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Elaine Goodale Eastman (1863 - 1953)</div>
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from <em>All round the Year, Verses from Sky Farm</em></div>
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-32388294974711672722011-07-15T21:42:00.003-04:002011-07-15T21:42:54.780-04:00Sunlit Sky<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a gorgeous day here in northern Virginia. The temps were perfect, no humidity; and on the way home, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful clouds in the sky. I wanted to share them with you. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy Friday!!</span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-63255091172223510672011-07-09T19:03:00.001-04:002011-07-09T19:03:42.014-04:00Why I ♥ Virginia<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Woke about 8 a.m to a gorgeous morning. I'd been wanting to take some photos of the roadside flowers so I got up, got dressed, grabbed my camera and headed out the door. These wildflowers that grow along the roadside where I live </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">are just one of the many reasons I love Virginia. I work in the city about 40 miles away, but I can drive back to see this every single day. No, I don't live in the country, but there are still small open spots of meadow where farms used to be. And they let the wildflowers grow without mowing them down. Let's go and see them together.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Aren't they beautiful? The gorgeous blue flowers are Chicory (Cichorium intybus). It's edible, and from what I've read, they use the roots to make a coffe-like drink. It reminds me of my childhood where I grew up. There loads of open fields where I grew up in upstate New York, and these gorgeous flowers were a sign of summer along with the milkweed plants that grew everywhere. Here are some more photos I took.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And here is beautiful Queen Anne. I love this wildflower. If you look closely, you can see the little dark spot in the center.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can you see the small red heart in the center of this beautiful umbel?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I heard a hawk somewhere overhead as I walked along the roadside and happened to see my friend the Redtail flying over, screeching. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After I took these photos, I headed over to the farmer's market and bought some croissants for breakfast. Yummm!! I can't think of a better way to start the day than spending some time with nature and ending my morning with fresh-baked goodness. I'm going to go back out tomorrow with my scissors and cut some of this free bounty and bring it home. Hope your weekend was just as wonderful!</span><br />
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-16064278041352946042011-06-17T14:25:00.022-04:002011-07-09T15:16:59.801-04:00Possum Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy birthday to my baby boy, our little Possum. I don't know how we started calling him that but it's only one of the nicknames we use for him. He's always been Possum. That's what happens when you're the youngest in the family. He was born 36 years ago at 1:05 a.m., the youngest of three. His sisters spoiled him rotten when they were growing up but it's understandable. This is what he looked like when he was only 5 years old. Here is what he looks like today:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He's still Possum and always will be. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I drove down to NC to spend the weekend with him and his beautiful wife and wanted to do something special for his birthday. Hmmm. What do you give to someone who has everything he could possibly want? I know! A pie!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's the birthday pie before it was cooked. It already looks good, doesn't it? But. . .this is no ordinary pie. This is a LOBSTER pie. Here it is just out of the oven.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had a wonderful salad and some great wine and chowed down on this great meal. I have to say it was really delicious. My son was a little skeptical because he'd never heard of a lobster pie, but once he tasted it, he LOVED it!! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy birthday to my baby. </span></div>
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Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4543195532303101371.post-53257155142011535112011-06-05T12:16:00.001-04:002011-06-05T12:27:05.490-04:00Summer Flowers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started another new job in March. It was a huge promotion for me, so I felt I had to take the opportunity to enhance my retirement income. I do like my new job. I'm learning new things about contracts every day. My new job entails reviewing requests for government contracts for release under the Freedom of Information Act. They're not the only documents that we get requests for, but they make up a large majority of them. I recently was able to close out three cases that dated back to 2008!! One request, if you can believe it, was 11 years old! Good grief.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the other hand, having to get up much earlier to start my work day at 6 a.m. has me getting up at 4 so I can leave the house and get on the road by 4:45. It's not a bad drive in at all, but let me tell you, I'm so looking forward to retirement and not having to fight traffic every single day of my life. Washington DC is beautiful, and more so at that time of the morning without all the people and the heavy traffic. I drive by the Washington Monument, which is lit up with its red lights flashing at the top. And I drive by the Potomac River where I get a great view of the Jefferson Memorial also lit and shining its beautiful reflection in the water. Sometimes the rowing crews from the local universities are already out there on the river, practicing. It's almost peaceful!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I haven't had much time to venture out and take photos because most of my days are spent at work. By the time I get home in the evenings, depending on the traffic and other delays, it can be 5 p.m. I leave work at 3:30. As you can see it sometimes takes longer to drive home than it does to drive in. But that's okay with me because I know I'm headed to the comfort of home and that I'll get some quiet time to myself. By the time I take my shower and grab a little something to eat, it's time for this pumpkin to head to bed so I can start my day all over again at 4 a.m. I'm one of those people who can't exist on 5 hours of sleep. I need to get at least 7 and preferably 8 hours of sleep to function really well.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because of my schedule, I haven't had time to post much on my blog; and I miss it. I wish I could have taken a picture of the eagle I saw on my drive home along the GW parkway. It hovered over one of the huge trees and extended its talons. I wonder if it had a nest there or if it was hunting for something. I notice all kinds of crazy things when I'm driving. I wish I had time to capture each one in a photo and share them with all of you. This world is so beautiful, and I never get bored or tired of seeing the wildlife. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did mange to catch some photos of these beautiful peonies that I bought at the store. Peonies are some of my favorite flowers, especially the old fashioned ones. The added bonus is that they're very fragrant. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are tons of wildflowers in bloom right now. I so want to stop and pick some and bring them home with me. Unfortunately, there aren't many places to pull over and do something like that. The clover is sweet and blooming and there are tall plants with tiny yellow flowers. I love flowers. One day I'm going to have a cutting garden full of zinnias and cosmos and all those easy-t0-grow flowers that just grow longer and hardier the more you cut them. In the meantime, though, I'm content to see the wildflowers on the side of the road and around the many ponds here. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a huge pond next to this wildflower patch, and there is a Kingfisher that lives in the woods next to it. I see him quite often and I've tried to get a photo of him, but he's too fast. By the time I've pulled off the road and gotten my camera in hand, he's gone. I don't even get out of my car, but he's easily spooked. He's beautiful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is my long weekend from work. We work a compressed work schedule and every other week, I get an extra day off. I chose Mondays because that's my least favorite day of the week. So today is my Saturday over again, my most favorite day of the week. To me, Saturdays are like holidays that come every week. Hope you're all having a great one!</span>Gennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10695642340244699402noreply@blogger.com3