Tartars and Tam

While relaxing at the neighborhood diner I noticed two folk on bicycles trailing little child carriers wheel in next to my truck. The lady, came in for a moment and then left. She wore a form of a gold bejeweled crown or band across her forehead and a tartan dress. Her partner wore the same tartan pattern and the tam as seen here. I pondered if they were Scottish gypsies and this form of transport was their mobile home of sorts with their belongings secured to the little trailers in black garbage bags--freedom in a word.
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Long Shadows

The winter morning sun is low in the sky and brings this long shadow on the snow. A self portrait of sorts
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Big Snow

Carroll Creek Covered Bridge
Shot taken on Saturday at about noon. We have about two feet of accumulation this morning, and I hope to get some interesting shots along the Creek today. I wish I had some tall boots here
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Fredericksburg Memorial

Dr Plummet discusses the reality of the war and the experiences of soldiers. The DAR, Order of Hibenia, 18th Mass, 47th Va, the Irish Bde presented wreaths followed by Taps from the SVC Maury Camp. In company with friend, churchman, and compatriot Scott Boyd. Deo Vindice
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Air & Space Museum

Chantilly Va. Cadet Recruit Trainer.
The company had its Christmas Party at this museum tonight. Standup cocktail. Nice. Folks danced about the legendary BlackBird. Fastest known plane in the world. One of the regulars gave me a good brief. It has been replaced by satellite imaging. Flew its last mission in Desert storm but could be brought out of mothballs if need be. A legacy...like me.
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Blues Brothers

Barley and Hops Restaurant Frederick
The movie was classic. The symbols live on here
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Night Fire

Lee County
We were heading out for some dinner along Hwy 11 North and just a few miles north of Beattyville say this. The little BB doesn't do the scene justice. Note the barn in the foreground
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Half & Half

The perfect beer. About 15 years ago I went to NYC with a coast guard Lieutenant. One night he took me down to the financial district to a little place called Liquid Assets. The proprietor was an old Marine so we got along grand. Upstairs he had a banquet hall decked out for all his old buddies with emblems of warriors. He made me a half & half that day with Guinness beer and since then I've counted it as the perfect beer. There is an old Irish song that is credited to St Brigid about a lake of beer. May the shallows be Harp and the depths be Guinness

I would like to have the men of Heaven in my own house: With vats of good cheer laid out for them. I would like to have the three Marys, their fame is so great. I would like people from every corner of Heaven. I would like them to be cheerful in their drinking, I would like to have Jesus too here amongst them. I would like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings, I would like to be watching Heaven's family, drinking it through all eternity. attributed to St. Brigid
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Hunting Creek

Cunningham Falls Park, Thurmont Md
Today I am in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont. They had a nice interpretive trail for the charcoal making process that supported the iron furnaces on down the creek in the valley. It was quite a bit of work to make the pig iron. Eventually the furnaces began using coal. There is no way that America could have done what she has without coal

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Hunting Creek

Cunningham Falls Park, Thurmont Md
Today I am in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont. They had a nice interpretive trail for the charcoal making process that supported the iron furnaces on down the creek in the valley. It was quite a bit of work to make the pig iron. Eventually the furnaces began using coal. There is no way that America could have done what she has without coal

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Mountain Spring

Along this old Mountain Road is an old Spring House and this pipe that carries the Spring water. I don't normally drink from unknown sources knowing the pollution but in this case I can see everything above. The only man made thing is the scenic highway above this spot. So I tried it. That from the pipe had a flavor. But from the rock was a delight. May be there is an old cistern that feeds the pipe and the water picks up sulfur
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Sgt Kirkland and Yank at Fredericksburg

Harriburg Pa
National Civil War Museum
Spent the morning and afternoon at this museum. It was founded about nine years ago. The have a nice presentation that is balanced. Saw the sword of Hunter McGuire, kin our cousins the Beach family of Beattyville. Saw Lee's bible from the Mexican American War and carried until the evacuation of Petersburg where it was found by a yank among Lee's personal items. The bible was thick. I mused it contained the Apocrpha as Lee was Episcopalian. One leaves with a sensing of the epic struggle and how events, culture, history, and politics spiralled the states toward the revolution that was this war. Lee had used those very words as he bemoaned the situation in a personal letter in about 1860 or early 61. Seems states and folk recognize that we are seeing the effects of a very strong central government more and more and understand the concern of Jeffersonian Democrats.
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YUAI

Inner harbor. A gift in 1984 from the sister city of Kawasaki Japan. There is a little garden surrounding it with japanese ornamental fir trees which served today to frame the memorial. A nice touch
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Inner Harbour

William Donald Schaefer. Mayor and Councilman
Visionary for the inner harbor development. In my opinion it is the epitome of translation of a dying inner city problem into a fantastic entertainment and sight seeing experience. This statue is relatively new. The morn is perfect for a day in the harbor. It will be a good day
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Madonna of the Trail

Wisconsin Ave Bethesda Md
Dedicated as a memorial to the pioneer mothers of the covered wagon days. The NDAR put up this monument years ago as this was one of the starting places for the trails to the west. Shot upon this beautiful fall day. Seems a bit incongruous amongst the hustle and bustle of a busy Saturday afternoon with traffic and shopper out for the day. I told Amy and Tyson this morning that it seemed most everything in Bethesda was new. This statue, however, dates from 1928, and is probably the oldest thing on this stretch of Wisconsin
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Deadly Duo

Frederick Md
Seen on Market Tis the season for the annual observance of the celtic observance of Samhain when the dead presumably rose to walk amongst and terrorize the living. These mannequins caught my eye. I think probably a lot more folk celebrate this night than any other "religious" festival save Christmas. The Druid priests were likely to take a human sacrifice and burn him in a holy fire this night. The fires were to keep the spirits at bay. Some clerks of the church have been wont to apologize to pagans for evangelizing the folk from their ancient beliefs to Christianity. Well, I'm rather glad Patrick came to my ancestors and brought them from ignorance to Light.
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Blues in the Attic

Biker Bar - Blondes in the Attic -- I came down off Pen Mar Rock into the valley and found this interesting little bar advertising blues 3-6 Sundays. They did some of Eric Clampton's style of blues which was just all right with me. They were really surprisingly good for a small rural Pennsylvania group. A delightful little repast in today's trip. Enjoyed a Miller's and a hugh plate of Old Bay fries. So much for the diet! I'll remember this little spot.
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Geometry and Color

This shot is of a RR bridge spanning the Sabillasville Road looking South toward Thurmont. I had to locate a CVS to get some batteries for my light meter (energizer 355/MS76/SR44) and found myself heading out this mountain highway toward Pennsylvania. My quest this day is to capture some interesting fall pictures. I think this one does a good job as it captures the beautiful clear blue sky, the fall colors on the mountain side, and something unexpected in the geometric play of the man made objects against the natural geometry. Notice how the rail bridge seems to cut an angle across the hillside, and also the road and creek. The supports meanwhile provide a perfectly vertical line which emphasises the other features and their angles: road, rail, power lines and angled support cables, ridgeline, and trees. Very pretty and one to keep. I also captured it on 35mm for perhaps an enlargement

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Bowstring Arch Truss Bridge

About 1872 this bridge was placed in Carroll County. It now spans the Hunting Creek by the old furnace at a reduced width. A pretty design that reminds me of a bridge I once designed and built
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Pen-Mar

Washington Co Md at the Appalachian Trail and Mason Dixon line & Monterey Pass.
From this park looking from the trail into Pennsylvania. During Lee's withdrawal Gen Killpatrick's cavalry attacked the trains in this pass in a night battle that began at 9:00 pm. I got a panoramic with my 35mm as the view and expanse was just too large for one shot Every Sunday afternoon this park offers a swing concert and dance. One sees the hikers pass by along this trail. We are near the halfway point: Maine is 1080 miles north, Georgia 920 south
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Fort Ritchie

Cascade Md
I had heard of this from some HQ. Co-workers who used to work at this beautiful mountain Army post-now civilianized. There were signs outside advertising rentals. It sits just 4 miles from the Appalachian Trail and has a beautiful lake in this little valley. Would be a wonderful place for an old veteran who appreciate these hills to retire
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Hill & Dale

This is Harbaugh Valley along the Sabillasville Road. I am shooting from the Catoctin Range toward South Mountain (the continuation of the famous Blue Ridge on the Maryland side. The farm setting and crossroads at Sabillasville make an picture worth remembering
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Catoctin Iron Furnace

This furnace was constructed in 1858-named Isabella. It was the second of three iron furnaces here. The first nearby on Hunting Creek made bombs used at Yorktown. There is a new plaque here on a stone dated today dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. A historic marker tells of the contribution of this furnace to the war effort-including the ironclad USS Monitor. I should like to see the dedication but must move on to new sites on this beautiful Sunday autumn day
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Lincoln's Wit :)

An editorial in the post today spoke of Lincoln's appearance and wondered whether such a face could ever have won the Presidency today.
Douglas in the campaign said Lincoln was two faced - Lincoln responded "If I had another face, do you think I would wear this one".
Touche. Wit and humility.
;)

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Forks of the Kentucky

This shot taken from Happy Top Park high above town shows the Fork of the Kentucky River. The North Fork is clearly visible to the left. Home is just about 800 meters from the fork. One may make out a small white house near the center of the shot, which sits above our home
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Aster

Waterford Park
As in "a star": how pretty. Maybe when I get back to Southfork for a bit, or for good, I will make an effort to replace some of the not so attractive plants along the creek and fence line with some of what I see here. It would also play a roll in providing sustenance to our critters and bugs. In addition to this Aster there is: Goldenrod (Kys state flower), Skullcap, Beebalm, Arrowwood Viburnum, Dock, Wingstem, Cranberry Viburnnum, columbine, Solioago, Nannyberry Viburnum, Meehan's Mint, False Sunflower, Jacob's Ladder, Royal Fern, American Hornbeam, Wild Geranium, Penstamon, Maple Leaf Viburnum, Bleeding Heart, Jewelweed (touch-me-not), Woods Phlox, Red Chockberry, Bottlebrush Buckeye, etc. I think the idea might be variety. In addition I think a large herb and mint garden would be nice, where I could start a soap and balm specialty business on ebay. Dream on! Best part would be that I would not halve to mow the lawn.
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Confluence

Carroll Creek to the left and Rock Creek in the foreground and then they flow beneath the limited access Mountain Parkway. My abode and Baker Park are just across the highway, but I cannot cross. The tunnel is "colorful" where youngsters have defaced it and left their marks
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A Splash of Color

Waterford Park
As the Rock Creek meanders toward its confluence with Carroll Creek, the Park names change. I found this to be one of the most colorful trees so far in my trek. I think it to be a Pin Oak like Zetta's Baby at Southfork
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Old Spring House

Just across the creek where an apartment complex stands I spied this delightful little spring house. I would dearly love to have it back at Southfork as a garden house. It has four windows, one on each end and two creek side, plus the remnants of cellar doors creek side
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Rock Creek Park

Frederick
Figuring to walk out some of the soreness from yesterday's jaunt, I did a map recon for a place to walk and found this little park. It goes a few miles beginning west of the apartment and joining Carroll Creek. I had the sun to break through today's overcast for a moment and caught the light playing on the ripples as the creek winds through the park. Nice walking path here. It will interesting to see how far it goes.
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Freedom

The theme of Freedom in yesterday's run put me in mind of this mural adjacent to Canal Bar on Carroll Creek at Market. I mused that the artist might of had Francis Scott Key of Frederick in mind based on the attire. The sense of exhilaration and a breaking forth in joy is certainly to be inferred here, as well as one of motion. I had hoped to have morning light on the mural, but am pleased to have had the shade if one of the trees on Market to form a frame of sorts for my subject.
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Pretty Mural

Boonsboro
This is the back of a building facing the National Road. Only the top two windows are real. It is just across the street from one of my favorite stops-a reward for my successful run today with a big ice cream from the Potomac Street Creamery.
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1st Freedom's Run 10k

Shepherdstown WV
Great day and a nice set of runs from Marathon to 5k walk. Indeed you could walk any distance. This was a PR for my age grouping at 55:22 on my bum, burning foot. The Marathon began at Harpers Ferry and ended here after going through the battle ground at Sharpsburg. Not unlike the march that AP Hill made when he slammed into the flank of Burnside and saved the ANV. The battles at Harpers Ferry and Sharpsburg along the Antietam Creek help preserve the freedom of the CSA in their struggle for independence--for a spell at least and set the stage for Lincoln to issue his Emancipation Proclamation and orders to his Armies that granted Freedom to the "Contraband" slaves liberated in CSA controlled areas.
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Old Shepherd College

Shepherdstown
Walking (home) last night from. The local pub I came upon a most beautifully illuminated and grand Classical revival building on German Street. This picture really doesn't show the true effect, but I am glad that my little BB captured this.
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Lee Monument

As evening gathered over the battlefield at Sharpsburg, I drove down the pike from Boonesboro en route to a "Freedom Run". Off to my right in a clearing, was this most impressive equestrian statue of Robert E. Lee. The tribute upon the base accredited him with out-maneuvering a force twice his size and fighting to a draw. It said that although he was personally against secession and slavery, he cast his lot with his home and the South for the right of self determination.
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Baker Park

Frederick Md.
On my walk downtown tonight I walked up through the portal to Baker Park that parallels this portion of Carroll Creek. The fountain, lights, and Bell Tower make an interesting scene. I wonder how the BB camera would handle it.

Well, it isn't nearly what my Nikon produced, but one can still get the impression of the symmetry of the scene. Now for beer, shrimp, and football at Olde Towne Tavern.
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Train at Point of Rocks

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I hear that trian a comin'

This was taken Sunday and sent to the wrong address. I shot it after the tunnel just seconds after I moved from the track when I heard that train a comin' and snapped this photo as she passed under the pike. Johnny Cash's song played in my mind as she came rolling 'round the bend blaring her whistle at me and the tunnel. Fortunately, I am not stuck in Folsom and I did see a glimpse of sunlight through the clouds as I drafted this. The rain has ceased, and I begin my trek north on the canal hoping it will stay nice for I am without rain gear
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The Rail Station

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Point of Rocks Station

Trammelstown, MD. It is good to see this old station in good heavy use. Many commuters to DC come here daily. Indeed, one must pass through here when commuting by rail from Frederick.
War Between the States
In May 1861 Jackson managed to capture 56 locomotives and 300 rail cars just east of here. On June 17 1863, CSA Cavalry captured a military train here on the B&O line and burned it and it cargo of flour. Later in the month thousands of Federal troops passed by here maneuvering against the ANV on the road to Gettysberg where they would have a "Rendezvous with Destiny". Finally, in 1864, the gray ghost, Colonel Mosby conducted his Calico or Crinoline raid to attack the garrison here
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Green Canal

Every now and then you can see water in pools in the canal. This is interesting because of the algae that covers the pool. It appears that some small creature (likely mammal like a chipmonk) was able to tread on the algae to cross from the east bank until he reached the partially submerged branch to continue on to the west bank
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Potomac. & Geese

I spied an interesting shot down on the river where several streams fed in, and a large rock was visible. Looking down river there were a flock of Canadian geese enjoying the day. I would love to be able to take one and enjoy it for Thanksgiving at Southfork
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Blasted Rock

This stretch of the canal had large rock on its eastern portion. I descended into the canal for a shot and by chance noted the rock in the foreground which has what I believe to be a blasting hole drilled in it. Perhaps a misfire or just an unused one left at the bottom of the canal and photographed this day at about mile 49 1/2.
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85 Year Old Tree

Walking along the canal I looked for a good way to represent the 85 year old forest that has overtaken the old canal since the great flood of 1924 ended its service. I think this tree says it best. If one could count the rings it could be verified, but just visually it appears as big as any tree in its girth that I have observed here. It appears to be an old oak with its rugged bark. I wonder about how it curved outward from the canal to the tow path and what might have caused such
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Commodius Lockhouse

Just as the family of the lockkeeper provided a commodius welcome to boatmen for nearly 100 years who passed this lock, so the Park Service provides a commodius stop for travelers today. Color coordinated too!
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More Points

This is perhaps the best example of the point0 just down the trial. Zoomed in at 3x
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The Real Point of Rocks

Aptly named
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Point of Rocks

This tunnel sits just below Hyw 14 Leesburg - Frederick Road. The sign says Point of Rocks in the brickwork and the interior of the tunnel is bricked. The rock formation here is interesting as well, and shows where earth pressure pushed the rock up and distorted it. I also took the first picture with my new vintage Yashica Zoom Image camera. Just next to this is the old c and o canal. Oops. Here comes the train. Time to move

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Library

Frederick
I much appreciate the sculpture. Reminds me of my kids. Rainy today so I shielded BB for this shot. This is a good Saturday to visit the library and relax a bit. Today, specifically, it was to do some searching and downloading of an out of print manual for a Yashica Image Zoom 90 Super I picked up for $5.00 on the internet in nearly new condition last week. Next to see if the old timer will still perform. BTW, I have seen it listed, when new, for over $330
Zetta asked if they still made film for these Yes and I think for a very long time to come due to quality of the result which surpass nearly all digital camera.
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Mural. 2nd and Market

Duck through a window evening light
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Bliss

Mommy and Baby Culture for Steamboat Kids :).

Ps. I do think child birthing and rearing to be such a blessing and worthy culture to promote and so necessary for the continued welfare of culture. It astounds me that our institutional policies and culture actually work against this as the promote the antithesis of family
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Hippie Pot Shop

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TCP Cafe

Cafe' Cubano
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Cafe Anglais Sign

I do appreciate nice signage. It does a good deal towards making a charming cityscape. Some good examples fro Frederick follow from this evenings promenade
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