Theme Day: The Subject is Sky

When I first learned that the City Daily Photo theme for June 1st is “Sky,” I thought, “Oh that’s easy!” But then I realized that I have already used my dramatic sky shots for the weekly Skywatch linkup. I made an effort to get some more sky pictures today, but they weren’t very interesting. 

I decided to post this picture from Saturday, taken at Dickey Ridge in Shenandoah National Park. Shooting into the sun is generally considered a no-no in photography, but I do it all the time. Shade the lens to protect your eyes and electronics. I usually just stand in the shade.

These folks were members of a family, apparently from the Middle East. Others were doing prayers behind me on prayer rugs, but I did not intrude by taking pictures of them. A mountain top is an inspiring place to say prayers.

Later, one of the young men asked what breed of dog was Charlie. I told him beagle, and he smiled and said “Nice!”

The Stone Church in Markham

It’s been six years since I’ve stopped at this church to take pictures. The only reason I stopped today was the Charlie was fussing in the car so we decided to take him for a walk. I had picked up Deborah and Frank to go for a drive in the country, plus a stop in Front Royal.

The church dates to 1819. There are some huge trees on the property that appear to be at least that old.

End of May Critter Report

Hi, it's Charlie! Let's start with a fancy picture of me.

And here’s the gray cat who lives with Tripod, but isn’t friendly. We went out our door for a walk, and the cat was sitting on our sidewalk. Usually it goes away, but this time it just sat there and stared at me. It’s kind of scary.

Sometimes I sit on the back deck with Mom. We see birds, but they fly off as soon as they see me. 

This week we went to the state park two times. There was extra water in the river from all the rain that we had.

I got to play with Sadie this week, and we went for walks too!

Today Mom took me to several parks. We started with the county park, so that I could take a walk.

Then we went to Shenandoah National Park. It’s farther away, and on a mountain.

I saw some pretty dogs there, but we did not get to play. 

On the way home, we saw some geese in a pond. I was really hungry when we got home because it was past my dinner time.

Valley Flower Shop

Woodstock, VA

The reflections in the picture window are distorted. I’m not sure whether the glass is curved or whether there is plastic over it.

I snapped another picture as the women walked past the other window.

Last Night’s Moon

On our final dog walk yesterday, I watched the moon come out from behind the clouds. I took two pictures with my cell phone, steadying it on a mailbox while holding Charlie's leash in the other hand. Realizing it was too dark, I tried to change the mode, but Charlie was out of patience and pulled me along. I'm afraid I left a footprint in the mud next to the curb.

Both pictures came out pixelated. Still, I like the mysterious look of the sky.

I made an attempt at improving the second shot using a filter, but it wasn’t a success. Then I noticed that my app was trying to identify a “bird.” Oh, good grief! That’s the moon, Siri, not a snowy owl!

Goldfinch and Starlings

This American Goldfinch was nibbling the last accessible seeds in this feeder. The seeds that are below the little holes cannot be reached, although I once had a visitor that chipped away enough plastic to reach farther down. 

I had two of these feeders in the same condition, so today I poured the remaining seed from one into the other one. There’s probably enough natural food in my garden for the birds now, so I will not be purchasing more seed until autumn.

Starlings look dull in the shade, but when the sun illuminates their feathers, we see that they are glowing with color.

This one appeared to be gathering nesting material.

Clouds on the Blue Ridge

Cloudy days and even rainy days can be interesting times to drive in the mountains.

The first picture shows a view of Page Valley with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. They were shrouded by clouds on Sunday, which meant I would experience fog when I got up there.

I have a senior pass to Shenandoah National Park, so I showed it at the Thornton Gap entrance. I decided to head south this time because I’ve visited the northern section recently. In a few minutes I drove through the Mary’s Rock Tunnel. I was already in dense fog. 
 

Soon I was back in sunshine, but clouds were below, obscuring the valley.

My companion was my beagle. We took a short walk at Pinnacles Picnic Area, and otherwise, he kept an eye out. We didn’t see much wildlife because the park was full of tourists. I did see a wild turkey, but it was not in a good place to stop to take a picture.

By the time we reached Jewell Hollow, the views had cleared somewhat, at least to the east. 

I only drove as far as Skyland, where I turned around and headed back home. It would be Charlie’s dinner time by the time we got there.

Mac’s Flower Stand

Woodstock, VA

Petunias are really showing off at this shop! I was attracted by the mural at the end of the building. The yellow blossom is flanked by a bee and a ladybug.

The store was closed when I stopped by. I was tempted to buy some double begonias, but I did not have the right combination of cash to put in the box. It amazes me that so many vendors still use an honor system. 

Mosaic Monday / Murals / Garden Affair

East of Edinburg

George Washington National Forest

After four days of rain, we were glad to have a day of alternating clouds and sunshine. Charlie and I were both ready to get out in nature, so I drove to the nearby forest on Massanutten Mountain. 

The mountain laurel is in bloom. I also photographed a bright yellow flower, which the app on my phone says it is Chrysogonum virginianum. Its common names include goldenstar and green-and-gold. 

The rains had brought extra water to a small creek.

A creek along Chrisman Hollow Road was out of its banks, with trees standing in the water.

More rain is forecast for tomorrow. I can’t complain because farmers really need the drought to end. 

Charlie’s Sunny and Rainy Week

Hello, I’m Charlie the beagle! 

The week started out very hot. Our sidewalk and street got too hot to walk on. I went to Seven Bends State Park with Mom and walked down to the water. The river was very low.

Mom says don’t touch that plant with the purple spots on the stem because it’s poisonous! It didn’t smell interesting so I didn’t sniff it.

Well, one day the weather changed. Wind blew and rain came. The rain stayed for days. It was cold!  We were able to walk on our sidewalk again, except where the barricades are. They’re not on our driveway anymore, though. We can park in the garage again. Our neighbor has to park her truck on the street now. I checked it out.

Late yesterday, the rain let up for a while, and we walked around outside. I saw my cat friend, Tripod.

I stayed home more this week because of the weather. I did get to play with Sadie. One day I spent the whole day at her house. 

Sadie can bark loud and high! I don’t do that, but I can yodel really loud! 

Some of you liked the horse I showed last week, so here is a close-up. It came up to the fence. They eat all the time.

I think it’s bedtime. Good night!