Sky Bridge

Our pleasant weather in Kentucky this week afforded me with the opportunity of another visit to Sky Bridge and the Red River Gorge.

Little Brown Heron Perched in a Tree

Taken in the Fall 2011 at Culler Lake, Frederick, MD.
Lil' Brown flew from the shore of our little lake. I had been watching him for some time pick up a piece of reed. He finally flew to a nearby tree. I approached with stealth and positioned myself below him about 6' away to capture this. Looking up toward the sky created a back-light that provided me a nice profile shot when he turned his head. This is cropped.

(Yashica FX-3 Super 50mm 1.8 prime lens & Fuji 400 asa color )

Maker's Mark(eting)

Visiting with my son and daughter- In-law, I observed a Christmas gift they had received. It is a bottle of Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey with a "Maker's" Christmas sweater. Appropriate for holiday "cheer"

Thos. Paine

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." 1776

National Museum of American History -- Christmas Party

Behind the jazz band is encased the Star Spangled Banner -- the Flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write that great poem "O say can you see" ..and include our motto, "in God is our trust". Which eventually became adopted as National Anthem. This is a very nice building and the first time that I have been in it since it was remodeled a few years ago. I must come with camera and capture all the wonders of the place.
msc

Chief Paducah

My son shot this with his IPhone 4 in Paducah, Kentucky. For many years the folk there about had a legend about the naming of their town, that there was a Chief Paducah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paducah,_Kentucky

Another story goes that William Lewis (of Lewis and Clark) was the Indian Agent in St. Louis, and named the land bought from local Indians after the Paducah Tribe, a Plains Apache tribe.

Remembrance Sunday

I sit in a Memorial Chapel as I write this. The window shown in this post is above a simple altar of field stone and brown marble engraved "Semper Fidelis". The prayer below the Marine kneeling in the window reads. "Eternal Father, grant, we pray, to all Marines, both night and day, the courage, honor, strength, and skill their land to serve, thy law fulfill; Be thou the shield forevermore from every peril to the Corps.
About the windows around this glass chapel are the words cut in the glass: Sacrifice, Compassion, Courage, Patriotism, Service, Honor, Commitment, Integrity, Faith, and Vigilance. I believe I see a cross in the window. It is part of the barrel of the M14, and the barrel may be an anchor. Outside there is a ship's bell which I ring for those who this post is dedicated.

Old Alexandria

This is the oldest house in Alexandria. The Ramsey House built by the first mayor in 1724. I am out for an afternoon photo walk on a delightful day.

Remembrance-11-11-11-2011

Posted at 11:00 EST at the Veterans Memorial Park next to the old Armory in Frederick. The lady bears the sword in her arms and an olive branch aloft

Taking Flight

Blue Heron in taking flight. It was very nice. I had been watching this bird for some time from the walk overlooking the Carroll Creek flood control basin. I had shot him with my Nikon FG as he fished. I decide to get a shot with the BB and was just starting to compose when he took flight. Too bad; I only got his right side here, but still an interesting shot. I think I had the BB zoomed and we were in evening light -- so the slight blur
msc

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Muralist's Mark

This Muralist has a photograph of himself on a ladder painting this mural which he is using to paint himself into the mural. Seen just off Market on 6th Street in Frederick 
 

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Janes Austen Display

The Frederick Library today had a special central display for Jane Austen and her works. I've enjoyed reading her for the past few years and watching films of her works such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma. Why the resurgent interest and appreciation of her works? Perhaps Miss Austen said it best,

"Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can, impatient to restore everybody, not greatly in fault themselves, to tolerable comfort and to have done with all the rest"

msc

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Fall Flowers

I came across a neighbor's flowering bush with these very pretty red flowers on a photo walk. I have been looking for some interesting fall shots, but fall is not at its peak here. This was a rather nice surprise. The bush is an old one, probably at least 12' in diameter and trimmed to about 6' along Rosemont.
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Happy New Year (fiscal)

We have come to a new fiscal New Year's day this 1st Day of October. I was pleased to see that Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the government moving along, and me at work, and I have spent this weekend busy in closing two accounts with year-end and new-year activities.

Oienkwa with Chief Louis Louis

Caroline Street, Fredericksburg. This is one of the most beautiful cigar store Indians I have seen. The store website says it is the most photographed icon in Fredericksburg. This past Sunday evening while on a photo-walk testing my new Nikon FE 35mm film camera, with a Nikon 24mm AIs lens, I happened upon him and took this picture with the FE. One of the nice things I've noted about this lens is the seeming lack of distortion for a wide-angle lens, as I have sometimes encountered. Oienkwa is the Mohawk word for tobacco. I smelled smoke from the Olde Towne Tobacconists shop and stopped in. There were a few gents gathered in the back of the store enjoying their cigars. I bought myself a fine stubby and enjoyed it on the photo-walk; an indulgence for many Sunday evenings.

Street Minstrel

Corner of Caroline and George streets - Fredericksburg. Very good I can't exactly say what it was she played and sang. Almost like a jazz-folk singer as he voice rose and fell. She said it was something she had put together. It was a treat for this day.
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Remembering 9-11

I recall the photo above was taken after 9-11. I was an ROTC Instructor. Word came to the classroom of a terrible plane crash. We left the area and found a TV nearby where we witnessed the mayhem around the Towers of that morning. We saw the second plane-bomb strike and realized it was no accident. I recall my feeling of dismay and wondering whether I would be re-called to Active Duty. In the days following, the cadets painted a life-sized scene of the NYFD firemen with the American Flag hoisted above the rubble for all to see -- and to remember.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ground_Zero_Spirit.jpg

Now, ten years later, and for almost the past five years, I have labored in support of our War on Terrorism. Lest we forget

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Ring of Fire

"I fell in to Ring of Fire -- Oh, but the fire went wild." This lady was the best hooper! The pick of the show.

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Hula Hoops & Streamers

Carroll Creek Park. The festivities for Frederick "In the Street" kicked off the evening with a great jazz-rock group at the amphitheater-- and on this side of the creek -- ladies with an assortment of Hula Hoops and Streamers. In the background one can see the blue skies breaking through the clouds that appeared this evening as we finally escaped from the dreary days of five straight days of heavy rain in the wake of Tropical Storm Lee and flooding throughout Maryland.
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Serene Scene

This beautiful scene is the picture of serenity. It was one I came upon while giving my newly acquired Nikon FG 35mm film camera a little road test (1970s vintage). This intermittent creek runs into the Monocacy. Pools made a nice reflection of the wooded section and of the light in the background where the woods open up to wetlands. I only had about an hour to shoot a roll of 24 frames and got this quite by chance. I consider it to be one of the best I have captured. I borrowed a very nice Nikon 50mm f1.4 from my buddy for the test--which happens to be one of the best lenses made. Long live film!
msc

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Kayak Fishing at Rivers Bend

Frederick
Rivers Bend is one of the lesser used parks here but very beautiful The paved walkways wind along the bank of the Monocacy River and tributaries in the park. I especially appreciated today this scene of the fisherman in his blue kayak. It reminds me somewhat of the Southfork of the Kentucky River that flows behind my home. My kayak awaits me there and the promise of peaceful days pursuing my finned friends -- Smallmouth
msc

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John Hanson

First Presiding officer of the Continental Congress. 1781-1788. This is a new statue at the Frederick County Courthouse. It is marked 2011. Hanson had moved to Frederick in about 1769. The statue uses the name first President of the United States, but this cannot be considered in the same light as Geo. Washington for there was no office of such when he was elected. He is more like the Speaker of the House.
msc
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Morning Prayer

From Ps 95:6 KJV. Often used at morning prayer. Methodist Church on Benz & Second
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The Muse

I happened by a small store in town named "The Muse". I thought is name fitting for this blog. It means and instance of a musing, a contemplation. source:
1300-50;  Middle English musen  to mutter, gaze meditatively on,be astonished <Middle French muser,  perhaps ultimatelyderivative of Medieval Latin mūsum muzzle>
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Golden Gears 56 Victoria

This afternoon I stopped by the Everedy Square to admire cars on display by the "Golden Gears" club. This was my pick. The owner had the original bill of sale. Note the tray in the window. All they need is a car-hop with roller skates.
My neighbor had an old Ford like this (Pete Hemple-maybe a basic Ford -- about a '53). Sometimes he would let me go with him. One evening we went to Parquette Drive-In where they brought out trays just like the one on this old Ford. Parquette became a favorite of our in later years.
msc

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First Boots on the Ground

http://www.milartgl.com/HTML_3a/first-boots-on-the-ground.htm

7th Cav, LZ X-Ray, 1965.
This painting hangs in the Hagerstown VA Clinic next to the lab. Most of the veterans who are here with me this morning are of that era. Shown in the forefront are the battalion commander and command sergeant major moving to the command post immediately after arrival on the landing zone. In the background are the UH1D "Hueys" and rifle squads deploying. A few years later I served as the Air Mobility officer for an 101st Airborne Division infantry battalion, was responsible for organizing and controlling Pickup Zone operations and spent a considerable number of hours directly in tactical airlift operations.
Air Assault
Be sure to watch and read "We were Soldiers Once--and Young

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Were_Soldiers_Once%E2%80%A6_And_Young
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Mechanized Mount (CSA)

This old Harley Davidson has an historic plate personalized with "REBBOY" and the Confederate Battle Flag. I was reminded of one of the Sons of Confederate Veterans camps that recruit throughout Maryland for their commemorative rides. The front fender bears the Southern Cross with wreath and CSA that was made popular by the Daughters of the Confederacy in the 19th Century. I only have one criticism presently, the skull and the hat -- the skull seems to detract from an otherwise decent scheme. Besides, most Maryland Confederates would have worn a Kepi or a slouch hat with a flat brim rather than something that looks like it came from the set of Rawhide.
msc
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Mail Pouch Media

West of New Market--Along the Old National Pike
This is the first barn ad that I have seen in these parts. I remember in the 50's BI (before interstates) these painted barns with "Mail Pouch" tobacco ads were ubiquitous. With the advent of the interstates they were seen far less often. I believe this is the smallest barn on which I've seen this kind of ad. It doesn't seem quite PC these days to advertise tobacco, and it might just be a bit of good political commentary. The other ad one used to see heading south along old US 27 from Lexington was "See Rock City". I never did though
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_City
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Purging the Pipes

South and Market
Irene may have left some mark on Frederick with discolored water. I noticed it this morning in the bowl at home, and now the after the sun came I departed on an excursion and noticed in several places where the city water crews were purging the tainted waters. Look closely and you might note a slight discoloration. Fortunately, I used good old Kentucky spring water for my coffee this morning

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Sign of the Times

Borders. Going Out of Business

I walked through Borders today amongst so many bargain hunters. Everything at least 50 percent off retail. A victim of the E-Reader revolution that Amazon and B&N have dominated. More

http://money.msn.com/exchange-traded-fund/dispatch.aspx?post=8cef1cd2-3da3-4436-9b2d-cd0b1ea01fc7

msc
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Real Woody

Rosehill Mansion
My pick of the car show here today is this 1926 Chevrolet. The carriage is all wood, as is the bed of this little truck. It has a little four cylinder flathead. I suspect many of these did good duty for truck farming and bringing produce to market day by day. It is a great day for the show with a breeze and partly cloudy skies to keep things cool, and the ice cream was the real winner today. Many of the cars were from my day--1960's and were labeled "historic". Fitting.
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Grunge-Hot Rods

Middletown
Mid Maryland car show today. I have never seen the likes of this kind of hot rod, and there are four here. I don't know the actual show class, but they remind me of my son's "Grunge" Suzuki bike. They also remind me of that movie from years past where the world was controlled by gangs of Road Warriors (Mel Gibson).
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0082694/
msc

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Ferret Recon -- Real SUV

Middletown Car Show
The most unusual "car" of the show. A resident of the Maryland highlands acquired this demilitarized armored reconnaissance (scout) car for local use as a sports utility vehicle. It is registered in Maryland for street use. I wonder what the folks on base would think if I borrowed it for a commissary run. It would make a great deer tracker, but if the laws a like at home, one must dismount before shooting. It would be my choice for hunting rouge elephants and man-eaters. It is powered by a hefty RR gas engine. More:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferret_armoured_car
msc
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Rose Hill Mansion from the Garden

Frederick
This is the back of the Rose Hill Mansion. I shot this from beneath a trellis in the garden. I love this old house. They have taken special care to paint out the various utility pipes and such and thereby reduce "clutter". This was the retirement home of Maryland first governor--who had given it to his daughter on the occasion of her marriage. I think it very well maintained by the city. I enjoy the events here and hope to return tomorrow for an old car show and ice-cream party.
msc
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Purple Pinnacles

Carroll Creek
I was struck by the contrast in color this morning in my walk to work when I noted these flowers which I have dubbed "Purple Pinnacles" that have lately bloomed along the bank. As I approached for this shot, I startled a brace of ducks resting nearby, who in turn startled me a bit (see one swimming away in the photo). I also must have gotten a bit too close to the blooms as I picked up a little allergic sneeze that plagued me this morning.
msc
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Smoke over the Waters

Scotland Virginia
These ferry pylons rise from the James amidst a noisome smoke that has settled over the Peninsula. Some-odd 5,500 acres have been scorched in the largest fire in the Great Dismal Swamp recorded history. Last night I observed private firefighter checking in to our hotel in Smithfield, and now I suspect the are here to fight the blaze. See more here
http://articles.dailypress.com/2011-08-12/news/dp-nws-great-dismal-fire-20110812_1_okefenokee-national-wildlife-refuge-dry-conditions-great-dismal-swamp-fire
msc
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Grey Goose

Hampton Virginia
My beloved suggested I make a photo for her of her favorite Virginia restaurant -- the Grey Goose. I chose their billboard on the sidewalk as most symbolic. See more at this link
http://www.greygooserestaurant.com/ordereze/default.aspx?flash=false

I timed my arrival for lunch and was delighted to find on the menu a salad with Virginia Country Ham and smoked turkey (Settler Salad) and of course a glass of iced, Southern, sweet tea. We first visited this room in 1985 or so and it has retained the same warm, friendly, and casual atmosphere that we always appreciated. The owner told me that the restaurant was 29 years old. Highly recommended. I hope to return again soon.
msc

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Dinner Art

"Food for Thought" -- Williamsburg
I sat next to our young acolyte of 7 years old. We colored on the butcher paper they had over the linen at our favorite area restaurant. Their theme here is great novels and associated trivia. I think I had my mind on Jane Austen's works, which I have been reading of late (currently Northanger Abbey) -- works which always feature a sizable English house of the period around 1700-1800s. I feel a bit like Catherine, the heroine of that book, who never mastered drawing, as she took to a more active life, and yet regretted from time to time her lacking in that skill. I named this fantastic abode after my dinner mate and friend, Sir Matthew.
Mark's Art
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Blooming Lights

Carroll Creek.
I found this pretty shot with a bit of evening sun back lighting along the bank of the creek. The results made an interesting view -- as the sun stuck two of the pedals directly in the center of the flower in such a manner to appear as though this particular flower had blooming lights that were glowing forth from within.
msc
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Rubbing Post

I believe this tree serves the local deer in this Frederick Park as a rubbing post. You can see the orange color near the base between one and four feet. I did not realize there were deer so close. This sits south of Key Parkway not far from Baughman's Lane. The bark on this tree is most interesting. It is in long thick curvy patterns. There is perhaps another different tree that is grafted in at the base as both the bark and the leaves appear different.
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Datum

At the corner of Patrick and Maxwell sits this very old marker with a metal spike protruding from its upper surface. The nice lady in the Vintage shop next to the marker paused to kindly explain a bit of its history. It served as a half-way point between Hagerstown and Baltimore (45 miles) and as a survey point. One could probably look at the old Pike map and determine its approximate original location. I can imagine if it had eyes we would have quite a history of the commerce and military movements that have passed by this old way point.
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Angelcakes

Everedy Square
I thought this treatment of an old concrete block building on Church Street to be quite well done. Step inside and one is to behold the daily specialty most attractively displayed and in an equally aesthetic customer area. One may observe the bakers working away in the preparation area in the rear. Well done Anglecakes.
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Slowriders

Shab Row
This weekend we are treated with a display of ancient Beetles and other bugs at the Slowriders VW
Club. This charming car puts me in mind of our first Beetle acquired in about 1981 (1972) that its original and previous owner had dubbed FudBug by its Texas plates. The kids loved it. It was of a baby blue with a metal sunroof. It was eventually replaced with BigBug, a Vanagan Camper (1983). Of late, my wife bought for me a red SuperBeetle (1984) when another car finally died. I ran it for all it was worth for three years and then passed it for a brief time to my son. The VWs are both a challenge and a joy to drive and one day I may again be a SlowRider.

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Momma Duck's Sabbath

This momma duck has taken a rest in a place out of reach of her chicks as she relaxes in the planter above "Carroll Creek Falls"
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A Plug for Paz

La Paz Restaurant, Market & Carroll Creek Park, Frederick
When one is in need of a bit of afternoon refreshment on a lazy Sunday afternoon I hardily commend La Paz restaurant. My favorite is a cold draft, the Avocado & Tomato salad and chips with their homemade salsa. It is close enough to the Frederick Free WiFi that you can relax while browsing (note the Iphone at KenRockwell.com). The atmosphere on the sidewalk seating area is nice and soft rock plays gently in the background (even in this heat today). This is a great way to relax, enjoy the park, the city, and enjoy good food and drink
msc
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Lovely Lavender

Carroll Creek
Emerging from that torrid flood of a few week ago is this lovely flowering bush on the very edge of the creek. The creek is pristine this day, clear, gently flowing, and teaming with life. It is cool too whilst the sun is abominably hot. I am wondering if I can occupy myself along its banks today. I have in hand my yashica with a fresh roll of film and mean to spend the greater part of the day seeking worthwhile shots. Unlike digital folk who go about snapping at everything we film shooters tend to look for the best shot always.
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St Johns Ruins

Harpers Ferry
The old ruins this day have one to say the evening prayer according to the 1789 American Prayer Book
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1789/EP_1789.htm
Amen
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Beetlejuice -- Possum Delight

These yellow-headed beetles were swarming about the remains of this possum along the trail.
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Crampton's Gap

South Mountain
This is the intersection of Gathland State Park and the Trail. It is a lovely day for a little summer hike and photo shoot. The temperature is about 15 degrees below yesterday firecracker of 103. The shade of the trail promises a nice little trek. CSA defended here to delay the Federals. Semmes gambled that the real attack would come a mile away at Brownsville pass--and lost--on 11 September 1862
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The Native are Restless

Baker Park
Late this evening I approached the eastern most underpass in the park and was pleased to hear the sound of drums echoing in the chambers. I stopped for a second at the far end to let my beloved hear these sound over my BB. I then approached to find these bongo players and some dancers enjoying a wonderful evening in the park. I found a seat in the front row and enjoyed their jam session for several minutes as they graced our park with very pleasant rhythmic sounds and sights. Climbing the adjacent hill, I reached the street above and took this photo in relatively low evening light in order to capture this "Circle of Sound"....and the beat goes on.
msc
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Wisdom of Winnie the Pooh

This image and quotation sits above my desk and at work where my position requires that I think creatively about approaches to functional requirements. Often we find oursevles in the predicament of being trapped in a process. Winnie's Wisdom helps us to look beyond our experience. His creator wrote, "It is as far as he knows the only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes feels there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it". Amen
msc

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Austin Healy 3000 Art

Sunoco, Flatwood, WV
I spotted this first a few days ago on our 40th Anniversary. The Healy was one of our two cars the day we were married (the other an MGB). In the year following, my beloved became its primary driver, and for several years thereafter. She had also owned one a few years before we were married. We hold many fond memories of our top-down excursions together -- including frequent country drives on little curvy and hilly roads throughout the Bluegrass-- as depicted in the cute bit of art.
msc
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Heat Wave

Louisa Kentucky
The reactors are going full blast this weekend to keep the electric power flowing to homes in Eastern Kentucky and neighboring West Virginia as the oppressive heat keeps the demand for electricity high in order to cool the homes and businesses here abouts.
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