The View at Sleeter Lake

Round Hill, VA

Wordless Wednesday on Tuesday 

Tuesday Treasures 

Next door is this ruin by the water treatment plant. Is it the old Sleeter farmhouse?

Western Loudoun Art Tour

On Saturday, I went to the art show and tour in Purcellville. It was more complicated for me this year because Charlie is still too anxious to stay by himself for an entire afternoon and daycare is not available on weekends. I invited Frank to go with us, and he was glad to oblige because he likes art shows. We took Charlie to the dog park for exercise, and then drove an hour to Loudoun County. 

My first stop was at Judith Thompson’s studio because I did not want to miss her sale. I find her work to be both distinctive and decorative. I did buy something, like I did last year.

Monday Murals / Mosaics 

Frank stayed in the car with Charlie while I went into a small shop in town, and we took turns visiting two other stops. (It was too warm to leave the dog alone in the car.)

The last exhibit was at Franklin Park, where several artists exhibited in the events center. A mural of a tree is next to the auditorium entrance. There are names on the leaves, which I assume represent donors.

The auditorium was almost dark, and nothing was exhibited in it this time.

I went to a Memorial Service in Winchester

Lighthouse Baptist Church

On Friday there was a memorial service for my next-door neighbor, Susan. It was held at this church on Route 50.. 

She was a little younger than I am, but had heart trouble. I saw her from time to time, and also met her sister, who often came over to do things for her. Nice people.

On the way home, I stopped and got something to eat. I noticed these pretty roses. The last picture was an accident, taken when my finger slipped as I put the phone back in my pocket. 

Shadow Shot / Garden Affair

Equine and Canine

Saturday Critters

This is a beautiful horse that I wanted to show you. Horses are impressive animals. It is apparent that they are highly intelligent.

Dogs are smart too. Charlie seems to be smart in some ways, but I think his fears hold him back. Ha, he’s not the only one!

 

More Views at Silver Lake

Two days ago, I posted some pictures from Silver Lake Regional Park in Haymarket. Here are some more photos from that visit, starting with a reflection picture and then one for Black and White Weekend. .

Canada Geese

Next we have three photos of plants. The final one features a yellow flag, a flower that tolerates a marshy environment. . 

 

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Smiling

Sunday at Seven Bends

After Charlie had a scary experience at the dog park in Woodstock, I wanted to help him get his confidence back by exercising in other locations. One was our local state park. Somebody waved as we drove across the river.

After I parked, I realize that Charlie had chewed through yet another harness. He looked very pleased with himself. 

Nevertheless, I wanted to photograph the new sign in the children’s sensory garden, mainly because I helped our garden volunteers create the sign.

Garden Affair / Signs

We also saw a new bench donated by our Friends Of Seven Bends State Park group.

Skywatch / CDP Them Day: Smiles

i even managed to get a selfie. It isn’t easy holding onto a phone and an active dog at the same time. I used the self timer.

The closing shot shows some visitors enjoying a picnic. I added a filter to this.

By the Shores of Silver Lake

Haymarket, VA

(Yes, I borrowed the title from Laura Ingalls Wilder.)

I finally made it out to Silver Lake. I had heard of it years ago when it was a privately owned campground. More recently, I heard it was now a public park, so I intended to go see it, but it is an hour away from me, and not big enough to make a special trip unless you are a fisherman.

Yesterday, I had an appointment at the podiatrist, so I left Charlie in daycare. I had the afternoon to myself so I headed up to Prince William County to shop at Wegmans and also visit the lake.

There wasn’t much going on, just some people fishing and Canada geese browsing. The park has an interesting story in that it exists because in 2006, county supervisors made a deal with developers to sell the 317 acres to the county in exchange for permission to build on nearby farmland. 

I believe the blackbird was a red winged one although I did not spot red on its wings. It had a lovely song.

Mural for the Lost River Guesthouse

Guesthouse / Murals / Wordless Wednesday on Tues.

A Few Thoughts about Freedom

This evening I stopped at Cracker Barrel to pick up a to-go order that I had placed by phone. I was greeted by a large display of patriotic items, ready to be purchased for Memorial Day or Fourth of July. There were even flag-themed baby clothes.

Mosaic Monday

Are we trying too hard to look patriotic?Are citizens imitating the game that politicians play, showing off flags in their neighbors in an effort to prove their patriotism? 

Or maybe we just like the colors. They’re good colors.

Here’s a quote for you:

“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” - John F. Kennedy

And here’s another presidential quote. It’s making the rounds in response to current events.

“Don’t join the book burners.” - Dwight D.Eisenhower

There is a fascinating story behind the Eisenhower quote. He added it at the last minute to a speech at Dartmouth College, responding to McCarthyism. Read about it in the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. 

All Gave Some and Some Gave All

Broadway, Virginia

Monday is Memorial Day. Here is a Veterans Memorial in Broadway with symbols of different branches of the armed services. It overlooks a parking lot that is the site of a weekly farmers market.