Not Wind Chimes

 I’m not sure what this thing is, but I’ve seen it at a couple of gas stations.

It occurred to me that I could ask Google Lens. It responded with this nonsense: “Black metal cylindrical wind chimes with deep resonant tubes.” 

My guess is that it’s some kind of pressure release system for the underground tanks. Judges?

I took that picture on the way to Harrisonburg for a medical appointment. As I mentioned the other day, I had nerve conduction testing. The doctor told me the results would be posted on “My Chart,” their online portal. I checked several times, but I was looking at the “Test Results” tab. Finally, I found a report under “Notes.”  It’s technical, but apparently I have peripheral neuropathy, at least on the right leg. I’ll talk to my doctor about it next week. 

I don’t have the tingling that I associate with neuropathy. My main symptoms are balance problems and occasional dizziness. The step tracker on my phone keeps telling me that my walking steadiness is low. Since I know my doctor is going to ask again if I am using a cane, I practiced using it today. It feels awkward to me, but I know she will remind me that I need to minimize the danger of falling.

The second photo is from the reception area in a medical office. There are glass windows separating  patients from the receptionists. This has become standard since the Covid pandemic. Windows and mountains are reflected on the glass.

Speaking of Covid, I got the latest vaccine yesterday. My shoulder is sore from it, but that’s okay. 

Key Observation Post

Signal Knob

This Civil War Trails interpretive sign overlooks the North Fork in Strasburg Town Park. It describes the significance of Signal Knob during campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley, and even tells you where to go if you want to hike up to the peak (knob). 

I find it interesting that they could communicate with distant signal stations using signal flags, lanterns, and telescopes. A Confederate General described the view in 1864: “What a splendid sight was before me....The vision was limited by the Blue Ridge on the right, the Alleghenies on the left...like a narrow ditch the Shenandoah wound its way through the plain at the foot of the mountain toward the Blue Ridge....The Valley Pike like a white ribbon lay along the center, the country roads looked like foot-paths, the woods looked like little parks, and the fields looked like little gardens....”

You can read the rest of the sign on Historical Marker Database. I have posted pictures of Signal Knob many times, especially when I lived where I had a view of it from the other side. 

Here’s how it looks from the entrance to the Town Park. 

Signal Knob is at the northern end of the Massanutten Range. 

Unreal Birding

Wild Bird Wednesday

I didn't photograph any birds this week, except for an undistinguished one on a wire, plus this metal bird on top of my feeder pole. I like to think it's a bluebird because of its shape.

I did see a good-looking hawk on a tree branch, but I was driving and could not safely pull over. I found a similar scene in my files, but the hawk looked blurred. I used an app to sharpen it, but I don’t know if it’s totally true to reality. Therefore, I added a label to show that it’s modified. 

 

Two Photos from Friday

Friday afternoon was stressful because I had two medical appointments and not much got resolved. Progress is very slow when you have to wait months for appointments, and then you have to wait again to get test results or for the follow-up appointment. Fortunately, both appointments were at Rockingham Medical Center, but I had to wait an hour in between. So I drove a short distance to view country scenery and decompress. It’s pretty out there, but there’s a lot more traffic than there used to be.

One of the appointments was for a nerve conduction study, which involved shocks on multiple nerves! I wasn’t expecting something so painful, but at least it didn’t last long. I don’t have results yet.

Earlier that day, I stopped at my county center to vote. We have early voting here in Virginia, and I take advantage of it. That way I don’t have to wait in line, and I don’t have to worry about my ballot getting lost in the mail. 

Mural at the Art Hive

Staunton, VA

 

My daughter Lynn took this picture. I think it’s a beautifully creative mural. 

Information on the Internet says that this was painted by Andrew Davis and it’s called. “The Queen.” Do you see the beehive references?

Links:

• The Art Hive
• Monday Murals

2026 Piedmont Art Show

The Plains, VA

Yesterday I picked up Deborah and Frank and drove to the art show at Grace Episcopal Church. It’s always a lovely show, enhanced by light coming through the stained glass windows.

Here are five paintings that caught my eye.

We took Charlie with us because he can’t handle staying alone. Deborah and I took turns walking him so we could each see the art. 

The church was founded in 1855. Some of the tall trees around it appear to be almost that old.

Mosaic Monday

Early October in Charlie’s World

 Hi, Happy Dogtober! Here I am at the County Park.

And here is an artified photo for Caturday. This is not my friend-cat; this is one that avoids me. 

I had a pretty good week. I got to play with Sadie several times. She had a new toy but she does not like to share toys with me.

Lynn came to see me one day and she brought a coat for me that she called a taco. At first, I did not like it at all. 

She kept saying I was cute, and that made me feel better.

One day I saw something strange in Strasburg. 

Today I saw something strange in another town. October is getting weird already and it is just starting!

Are things strange where you are?

Monochrome Angles, Colorful Clothing

At the Riley Park Playground

As Soft as a Cloud

City Daily Photo Theme: Soft

I chose this shot for the theme because the top cloud has cottony-soft edges. This also suits the Skywatch theme.

I’m trying to accept that today is October 1st. It seems like last week it was August. I’m not ready for autumn. Lynn, however, is already getting prepared for Halloween! 

She was not, however, prepared for me to take her picture when she was putting up a light for me today.

Have the Hummingbirds Left?

I have not seen hummingbirds since Monday, nor has the bird cam captured any. Perhaps they know that the season is changing and have headed south. It’s also possible that they’re still around and I’ll see one tomorrow or the next day.

 The camera is still working. It got a picture of a squirrel.

It’s not time to put out birdseed yet. They still have plenty to eat in “the wild.”

Here’s a duck, both on the grass and in the water.

And that’s all I’ve got for Wild Bird Wednesday.

Purple in the Rain

Rockingham County

A week ago, I went back to White Oak Lavender Farm to take a few more pictures, even though it was a rainy day. Some colors look good in the rain.

I have to admit these were all drive-by shots. I did not get out of the car, but then, I have been there before. It’s a place worth exploring.

Rockingham Mural at Walmart Marketplace

 Harrisonburg

Monday Murals

Today I found this mural in the Walmart on Port Republic Road. The store is smaller than most Walmarts and concentrates on grocery and pharmacy items. There are also two large Walmarts in Harrisonburg, one just east of the interstate and another one out near Dayton. Both of them have murals, so I was curious to see if this one did as well. It is inside the entrance, and unfortunately the presentation has been marred by utility items. 

The subject is the city of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The artist is Nate Maye. 

Beats on the Bend 2026

Seven Bends State Park

Yesterday I helped out at an annual fundraiser  for our state park that’s organized by the Friends of Seven Bends State Park. All I did was sit at a table to answer questions, make change, and sell raffle tickets. I did not wander around to take pictures, so I only got some from where I was sitting.

The band was Taylor Lafever and the Fever Project. They were good. It was a family event and people clearly enjoyed it. 

Made with Photo Collage for Mosaic Linkup

 

Saturday Critters with Charlie

Hello! Here I am at the state park on Sunday.

We also stopped in Edinburg and saw a petting zoo. I had to watch from the car while Mom went over and took some pictures. 

One afternoon we saw my friend Tripod.

On Thursday we went to a mill. I stayed outside with my friend while Mom went in to look at the art show.

Yesterday Mom took me to Riley Park for a walk. 

Well, that’s about it. I got to play with Sadie today and now I’m very tired!