Decorations Along Church Street

This one door took my fancy today. I walked up Church Street its full length and shot a roll of film to further test the old Nikon FG. Of all the Christmas decorations on the doors, and many were pleasing, I returned here for this musing post. This is New Year's Eve and the Eve of the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Our tradition has 12 days of Christmas and I am still celebrating
Merry Christmas from Frederick

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Christmas Lights!

Carroll Parkway-Christmas
This is one of the more ambitious light displays I've noticed in Frederick and exceeds a similar display last year. Unseen in this BB shot is a ladder fire truck in the back of the property, which no doubt came in handy when stinging lights to the top of the red tree (40 ft). One is reminded that it is about the Winter Solstice and so the theme of light at Christmas is quite appropriate. Yesterday Paul read from John the proper Gospel appointed for Christ's Mass-- "That (Jesus) was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world"

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61 YEARS YOUNG

Musing at 61
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MOONSTRUCK

Winter Solstice and Lunar Eclipse
I awoke from a sound sleep at about 3:20 this morning. I think I was Moonstuck and the effect of the Lunar eclipse on this special day, the shortest of the year, roused me. I finally got up. And signed on to Facebook where my friends Tim and Maria had posted photos from their Lunar vigil. In quick research I learnt that the eclipse went from about 3:30 to 5;30 and so went out back and observed the final phase of the eclipse. I captured the final this shot at 3x magnification with the BB. The previous matching of a Lunar eclipse and Winter Solstice was about 450 years ago I understand, so it is safe to say this won't likely bother me again in this life.
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Winter's Morning Glory

Looking east along Carroll Creek at the old covered bridge.
When I emerged from my abode this morn, after our first winter's storm, I was stuck with the beauty of the play and color of the rising sun reflecting on the clouds in the sky. Although fading somewhat, I was able to capture some of its effect in this shot.
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Hanging Out at Panera's

Monocacy Center, Frederick
Home away from home. This Panera Bread store has become a favorite spot for good quality food and very good unlimited refills of coffee that they keep fresh. I enjoy the high-speed internet when I wish to do some serious web work. I took this photo standing on the sizable rock in the parking lot that wrecked my Chevy S-10's side on a rainy evening when making a sharp turn. The rock is good for something I reckon, and it is the only reason I have for complaint about this location. My request to the parking-lot owner to fix the hole in my fender was denied--no fault of Panera's. Their manager was cooperative.

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Blue Heron on the Monocacy

This photo was taken looking north along the River not far from the Liberty Highway in Frederick County at the intersection of a creek. I had taken a walk in search of some subjects for photography in order to test out a little Nikon FG20 I picked up. I headed north away from the river along a creek bed just a few yards. Then, up flew a magnificent blue heron next to me--a breathtaking sight as it flew out of the creek bed and into the main channel. It turned about this little island in the photo, and headed south down the river bed. This was a most rewarding trek. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to snap a photo as I was not at the ready.
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Medical Musem Tour

I spent a cold day inside touring the museum for medicine during the War Between the States here in Frederick to avoid the rather windy conditions outside. Throughout my visit I thought of my 2nd Great Grandfather Noah May who died of some "Camp Fever" in Lexington, maybe in a small hospital like the one on display here, after his regiment of mounted infantry served as the vanguard for the Union pursuit JH Morgan's raid through Kentucky in the spring of 1864. More here
http://mark.s.carroll.angelfire.com/may_noah.html
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Nikon N50 35SLR

I am looking forward to using this camera I acquired today. It is a classic and was the immediate predecessor to Nikon's entry into DSLR.
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Return of the Geese to Culver Lake

The Canadian Geese have stopped over at Culver Lake on their way south for a rest and to enjoy the favorable weather. Today is another beautiful fall day here--sweater weather--and I am making the most of it by striking out on foot for a very long excursion about town and wherever fancy might lead me. I've put some new batteries in my little Nikon and pray that I'll find some more interesting shots. Tomorrow will find me at Holy Cross Anglican -- Fredericksburg, Lord willing, and next week in Kentucky at Southfork and then Lexington for thanksgiving and a last trip home before the cold Kentucky days grip the region.
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Light Pole Suspension Bridge?

Carroll Promenade
I noticed the from this perspective on today's stroll that this light post nearly covered the great post of this bridge over Carroll Creek, while making it appear as though the light post itself had suspension lines. The banners are quite nice this year. We started this morning mild and sunny, shirt sleeves weather, but the wind picked up, the clouds came in (as seen in the background), and there is a chill in the air this afternoon -- but still quite pleasant, and the Frederick streets are busy this Sunday. Off to the Pub.
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Trick or Treat?

In my trek about around town tonight I saw many kids, big and small, in costume. I lucked upon this cute little ghost that one of the kids had dropped along the way and wondered whether it held a trick or a treat beneath its spooky gown. I was rewarded with two Reeses cups! (Photo shot in my new light box)
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Fall Colors

Carroll Parkway.
I notice walking home from the park this morning that the trees in front of our apartment have some decent color. In Kentucky it seems much less so, and even these colors are somewhat muted from past years at this time. We experienced a dry season in September and that may have affected the foliage. Still, I always enjoy this time of year, the fall colors and nice weather, and am thankful to God for what we enjoy.
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Cuban Breakfast

I broke fast this morning with a new experience: a Cuban breakfast at "That Cuban Place" at 300 Market. Two eggs, chorizo, and plantains with Cuban toast and Cafe con Leche. Pretty good meal. See menu and more here www.thatcubanplace.com
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Zion Church's Confederate Dead

Urbana
Just about eight miles south of the Monocacy is this very old church which has been nearly restored now. I recall its ruins when I came here several years ago to visit the graves of these cavalry officers (foreground) of the 17th Virginia who fell in the here in an ambush in the battle for Washington in 1864. It is good that they rest beneath their country's flag. It would not surprise me if some busybody comes to demand that these CSA battle flags be taken away. I think it private property, and so protected by our Constitution. I pray those who control this property will exercise the wisdom to resist such foolish suggestions. Just on the other side of the church rests another soldier from that Late Unpleasantness whose grave flies Old Glory. Well done good and faithful servants.
Deo Vindice
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Mill Creek Pond

Monocacy Battlegrounds
The sun casts a longer shadow as I relax on this park bench and contemplate this old mill pond. The ducks feed on the surface algae; a snake surfaces for a breath of air, and minnows surface to feed and ripple the stillness. Behind this bench not 100 feet is the old mill house which served both sides in that famous battle. In a minute I'll walk this portion of the grounds where the RR carried Lew Wallace's troops to block Early's mounted threat to Washington. The day is exceedingly pleasant, and the view quite enjoyable. The breeze carries that coolness of fall and I think of colder days to come.
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Peace, Victory, Valor. Arlington

This is a model of the east side of the unknown soldier. I shall spend the afternoon here to remember of fallen. It is ironic that this most hallowed ground of the US was illegally taken from Robert E Lee, once returned to thee family it was graciously donated for its current use
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Octoberfest at Shifferstadt

Stopped in to visit the folk at this old house built by one of the first German settlers in this region along Carroll Creek -- just down the street in 1756 (about the same time as Zetta's forefathers were in this area)
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Renaissance Festival

Annapolis. Much of this festival had to do with food (turkey drumsticks, wurst, etc.); drink (meads and beers); and entertainment (dancing, games, song, jousting, and including the very crowd that came in various stages of period dress. (I observed many in kilts which would likely not have been found in the Renaissance fairs.))
The grounds were familiar as I had been here with family years ago (96?). I found that I was at a disadvantage as my hearing is so poor, and took time of leisure to return to a chapter or so of Pride and Prejudice when not walking about. The mead was tolerable, not nearly as refreshing as Carroll's Mead
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Mountpelier Mansion

Laurel Maryland
This is a beautiful home-now museum between Washington and Baltimore. It was finished in about 1783 and served as the home for the 9,000 acre plantation. Tobacco was the cash crop. I suspect that was the case all around Maryland. It was a difficult photographic shot with the blackberry as the backlight and direct sunlight was significantly affecting the setup. The is no was to use increased exposure values as with many good digital and SLR cameras. So an old trick was needed. Note my hand in the top right corner to shade the lens.

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Potomac 301 Bridge

Crossing over into Virginia I noticed the little beach next to the US 301 Bridge and took a short swim and a quick bath. I had forgotten just how brackish this water is so when I got back to the truck I had to rinse off. This is probably my last fresh water swim I'll get in this year.
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Haberdeventure

Port Tobacco Maryland
The plantation of Thomas Stone -- planter, lawyer, statesman. He held 2,000 acres here. He served in the continental Congress and signed the Declaration along with my kinsman Charles Carroll of Carrollton Md. Nice job NPS. The house had interior walls of brick in the kitchen area. The decoration and fabric was true to what I have observed from other colonial sources.
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Colonial Farm

I came across this NPS Colonial Farm located directly across the river from Mt Vernon. The building had been moved here from a few miles away and are authentic 18th century structures--clapboard. The fellow here tend a team of oxen. Tobacco was the cash crop in southern Maryland. They had a nice heritage garden and heritage livestock, so all was as it would have been in 1780. Nice job and worth a visit. The view of Mt Vernon was a nice added attraction.
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Christ Church Accokeek

This beautiful Colonial Church was built in 1745 as a part of the CoE. Geo Washington had occasion to visit, I understand. There are indications that the folk of this Church have been put off by the actions of the Bishop of Washington and the National Church as is indicated in this letter posted on the ACC
http://www.americananglican.org/bishop-chane-s-letter-of-assurance-to-christ-church-accokeek.
May God protect and keep them

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Fort Washington

This morning I began my tour of Southern Maryland along the Potomac at this old Fort first established in 1809, and which saw continuous service until about. It is now under the NPS. It was not in very good repair. I pray that Fort Monroe does not suffer the same fate of disrepair when it goes to NPS next year. Note to self. Visit Monroe and the Chapel of the Centurion one more time before it is turned over to NPS
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Raptors

Sharpsburg Festival. A fellow had owls, falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey on display for the public today. Up close and quite interesting. I thought of movie Jurassic Park and the raptors that pursued the folk. Also the dragons with wings-- in legend...now such biological heritage is substantiated by science and fossils .
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Porch Possum

This was a pretty big possum that had climbed up some stairs and was enclosed on this porch along my city walk in Frederick. The neighbor said he hangs out here about. I thought he might have been a pet he was so tame in his behavior as I approached. He finally sought what little cover we available and I was able to get this shot
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Solutions Shamming

That Cuban Place had a bandstand set up next to their restaurant featuring Caribbean music. Notice the lead singer with the dreadlocks-a Rastafarian I'll bet. The kids sure enjoyed hooping to the music.
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In the Street

Today is Frederick's foremost festival when thousands crowd Market Street where one finds belly dancer, singers, vendors, food, and politicians. There was not a mention of Patriots Day on the Street, but I stepped into Junior Fire Station and there found a special memorial for the 9-11 Attack on America as well for a Frederick Officer who had given his life in a fire. I was invited to sign a poster board and wrote a prayer appropriate for this day; lest we forget
http://orderofcenturions.org/homer_leroy.html
.
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Kentucky River Forms Here

The sign sits along the bank of the Kentucky River at just about the center of Beattyville. One can always find our little town on a map by locating the River's intersection with the Ohio River and following her upstream until she forks--255 miles from the mouth. We have a very pleasant day as the front passed yesterday and we have relief from the heat. I read from the 1611 KJV in chapel this morning and the lectionary said for 5 September "Dog days ende". Amen to that !
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Ross Home

Court Square Frederick
A very interesting home where General Lafayette was a guest on New Years Eve 1824. Immediately adjacent is the Courthouse and the Episcopal Church is a bit beyond. Just to the left is FS Key's law practice. His cousin, Eleanor Potts resided here in 1840 and Key wrote a poem for her after a visit here.
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Chancellorsville.jpg

The Chancellor Inn on the Orange Turnpike ruins. Fire from cannon destroyed this inn on May 3, 1863. Jackson's Corps under the command of JEB Stewart overwhelmed the artillery here and at Fairview some 1/2 mile west and infantry took this place which had been Hooker's HQ. The Federals here and at Salem church to the East fled across the fords of the river to safety. But perhaps the south had the biggest loss in the wounding and subsequent death of Stonewall Jackson. Who can say what might have been had he been with the ANV in latter years.
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Pedestal Mushroom

This beautiful plant picks up the evening sun in the Wilderness where Hooker called his staff and commanders together. The Union sat in very sound breast works with 75,000 men and Lee had maybe 35,000. Hooker had declined to attack down this trail a bit and Reynolds had sent Stone out on a recon hoping to get the battle going. Now, later, ever commander advised Hooker to stay and fight, indeed attack. But Hooker was beaten in spirit and ordered the AoP to turn and go home. Lincoln let him go home too. "Fighting Joe Hooker" did not live up to his reputation. Lee was disappointed, and felt like he could have ended it here and rolled up the AoP.

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Praying Mantus on Window

I captured this BB shot with max zoom and flash very early in the morning. I have never before seen a brown praying mantus like this. Note his body Back in Ky they are bigger and green
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Kettle-Creek-West

Evening shot of the west side of the track. Note the tree line along the creek and the rail peaking through above.
This is a couple of hundred yard to the rear of the main action and the previous shot. The site said Early executed a very well organized withdrawal inflicting significant casualties on the Union. An AMTRACK just blew by
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Battle of Kettle Run

At this very point on Aug 27th, 1862, was fought the retrograde action as part of Jackson's Corps as it moved up this rail line to pillage and burn the Union trains and massive supplies at Manassas Junction. Afterwards Jackson retired to defensive positions north of Manassas and then with the remainder of Lee's ANV defeated the Army of the Potomac. This was a text-book envelopment. Polk, out of food and whipped, retired to Washington--whereupon Lincoln relieved him of his command. See battle summary here
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=10745

Other battles followed on these grounds to the favor of the AoP on about 17 October 1863 in the Battle of Bristoe Station
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Cold Harbor

Killing Fields. June 1864.

"The men bent down as the pushed forward, as if trying...to breast a tempest, and the files of men went down like rows of blocks or bricks pushed over by striking each other" John Piper 12th NH Inf.

The Federal losses, about 7,000, were the heaviest ever sustained in America in so brief an action Seven miles of defensive line protecting Richmond. "We must hold this line". This photo looks past one of the type of smoothbore guns that unleashed grapeshot against the advancing Federals. Even this did not dampen the resolve of Grant. He withdrew and maneuvered to the southeast of the line to continue his advance toward Richmond. We remember Kentuckian John Breckenridge who stood here with Longstreet and AP Hill
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String Band

Waynesboro Penn.
This is the 2nd South Carolina String Band. The are playing many songs from the period of War. Just now my favorite Bonnie Blue Flag...for Southern rights hurrah! Banjos, fiddles, flutes, bone, and guitar.
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Red Shirts

Waynesboro PA
The boys donned their red shirts and dark blue trousers this day to reenact as the New York Fire Brigade. I am thankful for the cooler weather in this Pleasant Valley just two miles north of the Mason Dixon line. I picked me up a rubberized blanket to make up my blanket roll which will serve as my abode in the open this eve

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Jamming

Baker Park
Great show tonight in the park. Very good group now playing: "Hey, The Blues is Alright". They recruited a fellow from the audience on the harmonica who was outstanding. Love those blues.
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Hagerstown Swan

City Park. I found two different sets of swans today as I took a walking tour of the Prospect historic section of Hagerstown that included the city park. The city features the swans in art and promotional brochures. Along the way I passed many a historic plaque that told of the cavalry battles here in 1864 and the ransom demanded and paid so the town would not be torched (recompense for the destruction wrought by the Union in the Shenandoah Valley. I am happy they paid
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IMG00061.jpg

Washington Cemetery
Rose Hill--Hagerstown
This morning early I return to this mass grave where the people of Maryland gathered up those "Rebel Bones" that lay in the fields around several battlefields--most notably South Mountain and Antietam. Lady Hope stands watch over their semi-circular resting place--some 2,122 _unknown and 346 known soldiers from the ANV. The various states have a section. Confederate flags fly along side her and the ubiquitous Southern Cross of the UDC is front and center before her. Lest we forget.
PS--An homily on the occasion of my first visit here
http://www.bencaudill.com/chaplain/lesson121_07.html
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War Correspondents

This memorial was erected in Cramptons Gap were Rebels attempted to guard the passes across South Mountain where the ANV had made its invasion into Maryland in 1862
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National Cemetery Winchester

Not far from this spot fierce fighting was witness in September 1864. Many Union soldiers were buried here
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39th Anniversary

Beloved wife pictured here on one of our trips to her mother's while in the service. Zetta called this morning to wish me a happy anniversary. We wed on 20 July 1971 in Fentress County, Jamestown, Tennessee. I recall we were married in the upstairs office of a JP who ran a hardware store. Zetta suggested a ring for me and we stepped into a little jewelry store and found a gold ring that matched hers. We had to wait a bit, and we found a roadside park near a big rock to relax. I just returned Sunday from a long weekend with Zetta where we celebrated early at Shakertown. Thanks for the memories and Happy Anniversary Honey!
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Sidewalk Mural

On the walk home from Rose Hill I turned down a side residential street at Rose Ln & 15th and was pleasantly surprised by this mural. It is tasteful and well done. Certainly more appealing than whitewash. I am considering something similar for the Chapel at Southfork one day.

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Recruiting Tomorrow's Reenactors

Rose Hill Manor, Frederick
This sergeant has recruited and drilled several platoons of very young enthusiasts this afternoon just outside the manor -- just as soldiers drilled and encamped on these grounds 147 years ago. We will have a skirmish here in a bit. It served as an encampment area for units passing through to Gettysburg
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Vets Galore

In the foreground is a 1964 Stingray hardtop and some others in the background at the Vet show today. I recall vividly as I and a couple of friends (likely George for one) admired one of the older kids in the neighborhood on Romandy Road as he showed off his brand new gray Stingray. Its styling is timeless and will always attract guys that admire beauty. The new ones are pretty sharp too. In the background is a jazz band as we have a cool breeze the lovely overcast day in Frederick. "See the USA in your Chevrolet". And I do in my Chevy S10 with camper shell.

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Frederick Fireworks

We finally got off to a grand display here. A group of about eight teenagers from the deaf mute school joined me and carried on a lively conversation while most all other viewers sat quitely. It dawned on me that they missed half the show signing and heard nary a bang or boom.
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Camp Meeting

Gettysburg. Independence Day
In the front is a lady who sang the hymns. You can see the period dress. The fellow in the lower right is a Gen Pickett character. Today, in a couple off hours, I will stand with the 1st Federal Division and defend, in a reenactment, the Stone Wall on Cemetery Ridge, which is just a few yards away from me as I write this. It was the high-water mark of the Confederate advance, and specifically Pickett's Division, as both sides gave their all, their last full measure, in this epic battle. The preacher has called his sermon, the Last Full Measure, in our battle and in what our Lord Jesus gave for his and our victory over Death.
Amen
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