March 18, 2024

Blue Falcon


There were chairs stacked in front of this mural, and there wasn’t much I could do about them. I was at the local high school to vote in the primary election and I saw this on the wall. It looks like a fantastic rendering! I imagine those chairs are stacked there unless needed for an event.

There is a more visible falcon on an exterior wall, but it is not nearly as fancy. At first glance I thought it was an eagle, but the name of the school team is the Falcons, so logically that is what it is.

Monday Murals

March 17, 2024

John Wesley UMC

Harrisonburg, VA


Founded in 1865 at a different location, the church then served freedmen and other African-Americans, including business owners. The current church is on Sterling Street.
 

In front of the church is a state historical marker for Edgar Amos Love. He co-founded the first fraternity at a historically black college, served as an army chaplain during World War I, and worked for civil rights.

Across the street is Newtown Cemetery.. 

Mosaic Monday


March 16, 2024

St. Patrick’s Silliness and Other Critters

Today we begin and end with some St. Patrick's Day stickers. I found them on Picsart when I was adding a filter to a picture of Charlie.


 I don’t usually do much for St. Patrick’s Day. My DNA shows that my ancestry is 68% British and Irish, I don’t put much stock in that because those reports can change over time as more data is collected from people in different countries, and let’s face it, humans have always migrated around from one place to another.

Speaking of Charlie, here he is with a new friend at the dog park. His name is Cotton and his breed is Coton de Tulear. I recognized the breed because they have recently become popular, and Charlie has three friends who look like that: Coco, Chuck, and Beth’s dog. Sorry I don’t remember her dog’s name, but he lives across the street. I suspect that Coco was acquired because the little neighbor boy wanted one that looked like Beth’s dog. They are really cute and sweet! The third dog, Chuck, sometimes walks down our street with his mom when she visits her mom. He’s friendly, and Charlie is always thrilled to see him.


We also saw Sadie at the dog park, so Charlie was quite happy. Another thing we did today was make a brief stop at a winery where there was a event called “Festival of Wool.” I saw a fine-looking sheep.


There was a contest going on to try to break the record for how many sweaters a person could put on at one time. When I passed by, she had about 40 sweaters on.


As promised, I have one more picture that I created using Picsart. This is a new critter to me. 😉 



March 15, 2024

Yesterday ay Amy’s

Strasburg, VA



Amy’s shop is where Janet’s shop used to be. I parked in front of it because I was returning a book to the library next door.  

I also noticed a shadow from a fence. Perhaps I should disclose that I made adjustments to this picture in my Photos app. 

Actually, I’m being facetious because there was a big news story about a royal family photo that Princess Kate altered digitally. I don’t know why this rates as a scandal. Doesn’t everybody alter their photos? I realize that news publications need to have policies against altered photos, but good grief! 


March 14, 2024

Skywatch, After the Time Change

Daylight Saving Time began on Sunday here. So even though Charlie is still waking up at the crack of dawn, at least the clock says it is later.

View from Morning Stroll for Skywatch

Today we had a gorgeous sunset, but I was driving on the interstate and couldn’t take a picture. I do have a picture from a little earlier, taken through a side window while I was stopped at a red light. I cropped it because there were so many electric wires at the top.
 
Water H2O Thursday
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March 13, 2024

Mild Winter, Signs of Spring

We haven't had much of a winter this year. Only one snowfall was enough to need shoveling, and I could have gotten away with not doing it except that I am obligated to keep the public portion of the sidewalk clear. We did get some bitterly-cold spells, but they did not last long. 

The news reported that "February, as well the previous two winter months, soared well past the internationally set threshold for long-term warming,"  This is worrisome. 

Still, I welcome the longer days and the early spring flowers. These daffodils are blooming next door.


I'm still seeing our year-round birds, and I've also seen some large flocks flying over which I assume are migrating. Here we see a mourning dove.


I had another picture that was similar and I edited it with a couple of filters. I used Photoshop Elements. I dropped my subscription to Photoshop because I don't like monthly payments. I liked it's functionality better though, partly because I knew so many shortcuts. 


March 12, 2024

New Business, Old Business

There’s a new gas station/convenience store on Front Royal Road in Strasburg. The location actually was at Valero service station at one time, but it was closed for years. The new owner has completely remodeled it so that it is sparkling clean and pleasant. They sell coffee and pizza, and you can sit at a table and admire the view of Signal Knob. 


Meanwhile, a large building in Sperryville is ready for retail tenants. It was the home of River District Arts until 2016 and then sat vacant. Originally it was a processing plant for apple products.


On the day that I drove to Sperryville, I first went to Front Royal. I drove down a side street and saw this sad Victorian building. As you can see, a fire damaged at beyond repair. 

Tuesday Treasures


March 11, 2024

Four Seasons of Rappahannock

Last week I was driving on Route 211 and I glimpsed this colorful mural in Rappahannock County Park. I turned around and went back to photograph it.


 It covers a long section of fence and I can’t do justice to it in a single photo so I’ll show some highlights. 





It helps to make the park look cheerful and welcoming. This is near Sperryville and “Little Washington.”

March 10, 2024

First Baptist Church in Harrisonburg

 The congregation’s history dates back to 1871, and this brick church was built in 1964.

The tall building in the background is a grain elevator. 

I cropped the photo and lightened it so that we can glimpse the stained glass. 

Church History

March 9, 2024

Animal Effects


Horses. Only one of them is clearly visible in the first photo. The second one is in the shadows. I cropped the picture and lightened it drastically so you could see the brown horse. 

These horses can usually be seen near the Rappahannock County Visitors Center.


 I don’t have a variety of animals to show today. Of course, I do have some pictures of Charlie. He doesn't seem to like it when I point the cell phone at him to take a picture. He reminds me of my daughters in that regard. But sometimes I catch him looking very cute.


I used several filters in Picsart and got a strange effect.
Caturday / Saturday Critters
The Original Photo

Well, I’m having problems with formatting my pictures tonight, so I’m going to bid you good night!