A New Exhibit at Belle Grove

Near Middletown is historic Belle Grove, built in the 1790's. I went to see the new exhibit, "Unearthing Enslaved Lives at Belle Grove."

Black and White Weekend

I was delighted to see my friend Ranger Shannon along with archaeologist Matt Greer (in plaid shirt), who led the excavation and artifact research of the slave quarters. I visited the site a couple of times before the pandemic.

The exhibit is beautifully done. There are several activities for children so they can learn about archaeology.

I was impressed by the type collection, an extensive array of labeled artifacts under glass, arranged in drawers by category. 

The grounds of Belle Grove are lovely and peaceful, a contrast to the Civil War battle that took place here in 1864. 

Friday Bliss / Garden Affair / Friday Flowers

Skywatch / Barns

I Got a New iPad

My daughter Marie sent it to me. My kids are so nice! And Lynn brought some friends over today to put up a ceiling fan for me and help with some other tasks.

Some of you may know that an iPad is not an ideal blogging tool. This one, a 9th generation, does better than the old one in that I can post more than two pictures. Unfortunately, I haven’t got the hang of using it yet, and I hit something and deleted the whole page so I had to start over. Anyway, I have a few amusing things that I saw while shopping / mostly browsing in thrift stores. 

Signs linkup

A Sign of Spring

It’s the green grass in the picture that signifies spring. We see robins all year long.

The Latin name for American Robin is turdus migratorius. Robins like to eat worms in the morning and fruit in the afternoon. Since they forage in lawns, they sometimes succumb to pesticide poisoning.

Wild Bird Wednesday / I'd Rather Be Birdin'

Bridge to Be Replaced in Mt. Jackson

The highway department is about to replace the old steel truss bridge that takes the Valley Pike across the North Fork of the Shenandoah.

I feel a little sad at losing this old-fashioned bridge, but it was built in 1933 and they can’t keep it safe for much longer. The new bridge will be built to the east of it and will be wider so that there’s room for a shoulder.

This second view was taken through my windshield so it has a cyan tint.

Tuesday Treasures

 

Lynn’s Dog Lucy

Wordless Wednesday on Tuesday 

Spring Flowers and a Red Dress Mural

We have more than daffodils blooming now. Forsythia is flowing down slopes in yellow blossoms.  I've also seen crocus, snowdrops, and even flowering trees.

Mosaic Monday

Monday Murals: This predominately red mural is in Cardinal Forest Plaza, Fairfax County. No doubt the red feathers and garment represent the northern cardinal, a theme also seen in another mural around the corner in the same shopping center. 

 

East of Edinburg

Shenandoah County, VA

There was a sign pointing down a side road to a church so I decided to drive out and take a picture for the weekly church photo linkup.

I found the Waterbrook Brethren Church, a substantial brick building with mountain views. It does not look very old. 

To return to town, I drove past Creekside Campground and crossed Stoney Creek on a small bridge.

Valley Views and Deer Too

Along Skyline Drive

Shenandoah National Park is a special place and I miss it during the winter weeks when they close the road due to ice and snow. When it's open, I like to drive up there every week or two.

I usually see deer unless the park is crowded with visitors or the weather is unusually bad. Since I'm retired, I can go during the week when it is quiet.

I've seen deer on Dickey Ridge so many times that I suspect I'm seeing some individuals over and over, but it's hard to say.

Saturday Critters

What Season Is This Anyway?

March is known for fickle weather. I have to check the forecast before I get dressed in the morning so I know whether to wear winter clothes or something lighter.

The daffodils survived the snow that we had on Saturday.

Today is Friday and I'd like to catch up on my pictures a bit. Let me show you a few things that caught my eye, starting with a night shot.

Lynn and I went to Luray on the day that my living room was being painted. We were near her friend Pat's house so we paid a surprise visit. Pat lives by the south fork of the Shenandoah. She enjoys a lovely view of the river.

I went to a homeowners' association meeting on Tuesday evening and it was across from the Brewhouse.

The daytime picture of a street scene in Woodstock needed  a little straightening. Then I discovered a fisheye setting on the SKRWT app ... see the final picture. 

St. Patty's Day and other Nonsense

The Studio Shop and the next scene are in Strasburg. The blue bus is not far from there.

Signs

The writing on the gas pump could be just about anywhere. A certain class of people want to blame Biden for everything. 

Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, and White Throated Sparrow

Wordless / Wild Bird Wednesday

 

An Old Fire Engine

Tuesday Treasures / Wordless on Tuesday