Students at Lunch

 Yesterday in Harrisonburg 

Actually, they were waiting for their order to be ready. I assume they’re James Madison University students because one was wearing a JMU sweatshirt.

Cloudy Skies and Christmas Stockings

Today I had an appointment in Harrisonburg at 2 PM. I thought about eating lunch in a restaurant, but realized I would've felt rushed, so I ate a protein bar in the car on the way. I parked so that the sun came in the window because I don't get much sunlight during these short days. The sun went behind the clouds part of the time, but I had a nice view.

The first two pictures are from my parking spot. The third one shows nearby Bushong Farm.

The medical office was already decorated for Christmas. I was there for my annual Medicare wellness visit, which some people think is a waste of time, but I usually get a prescription for lab work and a referral to a specialist if I need one.

By the time I picked up Charlie at day boarding, the sun was going down. This view is looking at the office next door.

I had noticed the full moon on the way home, but I could not stop on the interstate to take a photo. Later when I was walking Charlie after dark, I steadied the phone on a mailbox to snap a picture.

Brave Little Birds

Finally, a bird posed for me on the railing of my deck. They seem to be shy when I first start feeding them. Now that the weather has turned cold, they are willing to take a chance of being seen just to get some birdseed

I believe this is a white-throated sparrow.

The feeder cam is still getting pictures of birds.

I recognize this one as a junco, but I decided to doublecheck by asking Siri what does a junco look like? She misunderstood.

Blog Post #9300 — Old Pictures

When I was young, I was tentative. I knew I had a good smile. I did not know if I was pretty or had power. I knew disappointment. Sometimes I took pictures when I was lonely.

You can probably see some of those things from the self portraits. Only the third picture was taken by someone else, a photographer who got me to grin.

Linkup: Image-in-ing

Student Murals and Displays

Blog Post #9299

These pictures are from an art show on November 1st, one month ago. Professional art was featured, but there was also artwork on the walls that was done by local students. Let’s take a look.

Sharing with Mosaic Monday / Murals

There was a lot to see so I won’t try to explain it all. You can read the typed papers that explain the objectives.

Hearthstone students also featured a tree, but used a collage to tell stories about their environment and local history. 

Their school is near the Thornton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park, so they chose to tell the story of Franklin Roosevelt and the CCC, which played a huge role in building the park. 

They also focused on the Native American tribes that lived in the area. 

Looking South from Riley Park

Woodstock, VA

Shadow Shot Sunday

I had to look at the map to see which direction I was facing when I took this. The reason is that the mountains here don’t run north/south or east/west but my mind tells me that they should. Indeed, the Massanutten Range is said to have a northern section and southern section, but it runs northwest, or specifically NNW. Our other mountain ranges here run the same way, yet writers usually refer to them using the four main points of the compass, so I often struggle when I try to be accurate yet clear.

Anyway, I took this picture yesterday while walking Charlie. He likes to go to various parks and smell all the different smells. 

Our weather has turned cold. There was a little bit of snow on the ground this morning. I wish the warm weather had lasted longer.

Late November with Charlie

Hi, it's Charlie! I’ll tell you about some critters and some visits from people.

There are farms at the edge of town so often we see animals that aren't dogs or cats.

Here are some sheep.

One day Miss Barbara came and a little girl came with her. 

This week we had Thanksgiving and Lynn and Marie came. The next day, which was yesterday, I had a tummy ache. It got a little better around lunchtime. I let Marie put a harness on me so we could ride to the park.

Right after we got home, Marie had to leave.

I was sad that she went away. I don’t see her very often.

Sometimes when I watch through the glass door, I can see my reflection.

Well, I better get some sleep. It’s dark now and  it’s cold outside.

Blind Light

Sometimes an ordinary thing looks so different that I have to snap a picture. 

The curtains were open just a crack and sunlight was coming through the blinds.

Thanksgiving Day is Over

It was certainly nice having my daughters here for Thanksgiving. I’d like to get together with them more often, but Marie lives far away. Lynn lives closer, an hour drive if the traffic isn’t too bad on the interstate.

Marie arrived on Wednesday and left today. She was very helpful, cooking dinner yesterday and walking Charlie.  Here we are just before she left for the airport. She was closer to the phone’s camera because she was holding it.

Non-Turkey Day and a Belated Birthday

Both of my daughters were here for Thanksgiving. We had steak instead of turkey because Lynn does not like turkey and I am allergic to it. Marie baked sweet potatoes, broccoli, and green beans to go with the the meal. 

We also celebrated Lynn‘s birthday, which took place four days ago. On her actual birthday, she did not feel too well but fortunately has pretty much recovered. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

Cardinal Plus Turkeys

The male cardinal finally came to my birdfeeder. Perhaps he caught a glimpse of himself reflected in the camera.

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the states. The holiday is associated with a feast that features turkey, so here are some turkeys from past posts. 

Happy Thanksgiving!