Many Sides of Front Royal.

Front Royal is an odd-shaped town, and I admit that I get confused by the turns in the roads and often think north is west! But it is a beautiful area, surrounded by mountains and rivers, so I enjoy driving there.

I've shared many photos of the town and nearby parks, and today I'm sharing some recent pictures, beginning with one of a Blessing Box Virginia Avenue and 6th Street. I believe this is a Lutheran Church. The signs says "Need something? Please take it. Have something to share? Please leave it."

Non-perishable foods are the most-shared items.

Front Royal is famous as the northern end of Skyline Drive. We had a picnic up there on Tuesday. As we drove back towards town, we saw this pretty fawn. 

His mother was nearby and he quickly followed her into the bushes, disappearing before I could take a second photo of him. Mom was hiding pretty well.

The next scene shows the South Fork of the Shenandoah at the boat landing by Eastham Park.  The pier survived recent high waters, although it was flooded several times.

The small town of Linden is east of Front Royal. From there it is a short drive to orchards and vineyards.

The red gate was along Fiery Run Road near Hume. I discovered that Fiery Run Road goes over a mountain and back to the Linden area. In January I tried to explore that road from the Linden end but had to turn back due to ice.

Fences.

The final two pictures are from the north side of town.

Rockland Park.

Strasburg Road.

Ducks at the Mill, Edinburg.

Wild Bird Wednesday.

You can usually find ducks by the Edinburg Mill. They like Stoney Creek and also the food that visitors give them.

If you are curious about the old mill, I have posted pictures of it previously.

The View from Western View Drive.

Sharing with The Barn Collective

and Wordless Wednesday.

The Triangle Diner

Winchester, Virginia

The Triangle Diner was carefully restored over five years ago but since then has stood silently. The owner had planned to reopen it, but progress has stopped. There was a light on inside but an old "Closed" sign in a window.

Local residents don't seem to know why it has languished so long. It's a mystery. Their page on Facebook has not been updated.

Tuesday Treasures.
Through My Lens.

New Murals at the Rescue Mission

Winchester, Virginia

The Winchester Rescue Mission now has a wrap-around mural that will bring attention to the location and to the services they offer. They provide food and shelter to people in need, plus provide other assistance, inspired by Biblical teachings.

The mural was sketched by artist Sarah Gallahan and painted by a team of volunteers. It replaced a smaller mural of a lighthouse, which I shared four years ago.

See the Mural linkup at Colourful World. 

It is Sunday and Father's Day.

We met Dave and Allison in Winchester for a Father's Day dinner. 

Speaking of Winchester and this being Sunday, here's an InSpired picture of Victory Church in that city. 

They Like the Water.

Mallard ducks like Stoney Creek in Edinburg.

The Great Blue Heron was photographed by my trail cam. It's not the sharpest picture but I like the pose.

The snapping turtle had just crawled up on the shore.

The ducks seem to be checking on these fishermen.

Next we have a koi swimming in a pond. (If you ask me, koi are not coy at all.)

I heard someone call the dog Fred. He was enjoying the Shenandoah River.

The sculpture looks like a pink flamingo to me.

Sharing with Saturday's Critters
and I'd Rather Be Birdin'. 

Views at Pebble Hall Farm

Willy Nilly Friday.

1. I met Lynn for lunch in Harrisonburg today and then took a short ride in the country. When I saw a sign for a wildflower and herb farm, I turned into the lane to take a look. This is Pebble Hall Farm.

Skywatch Friday.

2. I parked on a grassy lot next to a long fence casting a shadow. Since my photo of this has elements of strong composition and contrast, I turned it into a black and white image.

3. A picture of their front porch is appropriate for Flag Day. Are you familiar with the rules for displaying our flag? Here's one that people seem to forget:

"The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes, nor used as any portion of a costume."

4. The garden is charming although not extensive. You can pick flowers in exchange for a donation.

5. I made a collage of a few photos of flowers.

  Sharing with Friday Bliss and Floral Friday.

6. On the way home I stopped in Edinburg for a break next to the mill.  I had a small snack and took a look at Stony Creek.

Weekend Reflections.

Fourteen Years of Blogging

Blog Post #6778

I started blogging on June 13, 2005. Wow, that was a long time ago! Many blogs have come and gone since then, some leaving without even a "Good-bye." Friends, if you stop blogging, please post a farewell post. Otherwise your fans wonder what happened to you.

These pictures are from Shenandoah River State Park. It's not far from home and last year Frank got me a State Parks Pass for our anniversary, so I've stopped by there quite a few times. When I do, I always take in the fine view at Cullers Overlook. 

Sharing with Fences Around the World.

Lately I've welcomed the chance to get outside and take in a glimpse of nature. Things have been stressful since Frank's achilles tendon surgery two months ago. He is still wearing a "boot" and using a walker. I take him to physical therapy twice a week, pulling right up to the entrance and opening both heavy doors for him. (You'd think a physical therapy place would have automatic door openers, but they don't.) He is gradually healing and is now allowed to put 25% of the usual weight on the bandaged foot. 

The final two photos are from the visitors center at the park. Yes, that's a reflection in one of the doors.

See my recent post on the pollinator meadow at this park.

Birds Close to Home

Linkups:

• Wild Bird Wednesday.
• Wordless Wednesday.