Best Farm

Frederick
Beyond the cannon sits the Best Farm. I am at the new visitors center at Monocacy Battlefield admiring this 1862 Napoleon 6-inch howitzer. You can plainly see the metal roof on the Best's barn along the river. This is likely where Lee's Special Orders No. 191 fell into the hands of the Union, and it played a part in the events of the single bloodiest day of the war (Sharpsburg) I don't think Lee was wont to publish sensitive confidential battle plans after that, and chose rather verbal couriers and war councils among his commanders. After the recent debacle with the DoD loosing so many secretes to Wikileaks, maybe they ought to consider a similar policy.
Msc
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Glass Factory (not)

Frederick
The sign outside of this pretty old industrial building says "Glass Factory". I toured the property and admired the architecture--probably from the 1930s or so. It has been put to good use as an office complex today, but it never was a glass factory according to a fellow who worked there recently--rather a canning factory. It sits across the street from the historic St Johns Cemetery on 4th Street. Buried there is Roger Brooke Taney, the Fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. His ruling in the Dred Scott decision was the cause of much dissension amongst northern abolitionists and was one of those stepping stones that led to the War Between the States, which we remember these days as part of the 150th anniversary.
msc
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Carroll's Branch

Lexington--Clays Mill Area
"Carroll's Branch" -- I have so named this intermittent stream that winds through the property of Amy and Tyson's beautiful new home. Last night we watched ducks swim up the stream and then take flight up a grassy draw that feeds this branch which works its way down to the Elkhorn Creek. This shot is from the deck. One can see the fire pit next to the stream and the steps leading down from the lower patio to this wooded oasis -- home to squirrel, song birds, and other critters. Easter Day, on the first anniversary of their wedding, they had a house warming followed by a family house blessing. May the grace of God's love abide within their home and within their hearts.
msc
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Beaumont Inn

Harrodsburg Kentucky
The sign tells visitors that this site has been occupied by inns and colleges since 1806, and this specific inn since 1916. Throughout the common rooms one finds historic paintings and photographs including those of Robert E Lee and his generals, and George Washington. There are residents of Harrodsburg affiliated with the inn that are related to the Lees through the Curtis family.
We enjoyed delicious Kentucky dishes like Bourbon Corn Chowder, Fried Green Tomatos, and the famous Kentucky Hot Brown
msc

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April Showers bring .... Raging Rivers!

Monocacy River
I drove over to the battlefield today with my camera, but all was flooded. The park rangers were putting sandbags up against the door of the old mill. Just about 400 meter away was this scene where the Urbana Pike crosses the river. Last evening a tremendous storm arose here with a mighty wind and considerable rain. April showers may indeed bring May flowers, but first come the raging rivers.
msc

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Where's the Easter Bunny?

I noticed lots of folk snapping photos around this display today. It is part of a photo setup for children's seasonal photos. Lots of things are familiar with this compared to when my kids grew up -- except there is no "Easter Bunny". The critter posing with the kids had on spectacles and a suit, and was in persona of the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. I read that in Seattle an elementary school staff had decided the kids should color and hunt for "Spring Spheres". There were a few baskets of those brightly colored pastel, plastic Spring Spheres placed about this set today.
msc
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House Blessing

Spotsylvania Virginia
I spent the afternoon with friends here to bless this house for its new owner--a dear friend amongst her family and friends.
"Peace be upon this house and all who dwell herein".
We all participated in the event with lessons, psalms, prayers, and a ritual cleansing and marking. What a delightful day it has been. Upon beginning the clouds parted, the sun shown down and lightened our day, and a cool breeze off the little lake comforted us. Photo is from the house warming cake.
msc
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Spring is Sprung

This photo captures the changes we are seeing about town with the early blossoms coming to full maturity. The streets are full this evening with folk out for a stroll enjoying the mild weather. The bridge framed by the bow crosses the Carroll Creek
msc

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Fishing Fever

Frederick
On my evening walk along Carroll Creek Promenade I noticed this fellow standing on a planter next to Market Street-- working his lure. Suddenly he set the hook and brought in this little brim. He graciously agreed to pose for this blog. He told me he had four bigger brim, palm-sized, off to the side. I might have to try this myself, for I feel a bit of fishing fever coming on. I'll be at Southfork come Eastertide and plan to wet a line. My thanks to my Fisher-Friend for the chat and the picture.
msc

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Viscerated Vines

Frederick -- Barbara Fritche House
I really appreciated the "art" discovered on the side of her house when the vines were cut away and what remained was this pretty trace. I have likewise viscerated the vines of my home on the Southfork but with more humble results.
msc

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Trout Fishing on Carroll Creek

These lads are here with a host of other children on a pretty spring day in hopes of landing a trout. The park releases them every year in the creek and opens the season to kids and blind folk. Two years ago I saw one come from the lake that was probably over 24" and 15-20 pounds and nearly half as big as the little girl that caught it. This shot was taken from the covered bridge through an opening that frames the scene at 2x zoom. It is good that we still have fishing for kids. There are some who consider it cruelty and would outlaw the sport. This Sunday's Gospel appointed was about a young lad that had two small fish and five loaves, with which Jesus fed the multitude.
msc

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Ky 55 UCONN 56

It was close down to the last second. Great game.
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UK vs UConn

Game on. I am at Glory Bar here in Frederick and got a seat at the bar center screen at the bar. It is one of the biggest screens I've seen. Kentucky is off to a slow start. We just pulled ahead. Go Big Blue!
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Ken Rockwell Photography

I have recently come across a most helpful site for photography: especially equipment and How-To techniques produced by Ken Rockwell. I encourage all who come across this musing to visit Ken's site at www.kenrockwell.com
If you appreciate his contribution to the profession and hobby of photography I encourage you to help to support his efforts by using the links on his Donate page to navigate to places like Ebay, Amazon, and other commercial spots. Thanks Ken for all your help and a most pleasing presentation --to which I will frequently return.
msc
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