Bell Tower at Twilight

Baker Park, Frederick
I have always enjoyed this view on my evening strolls. I decided to attempt to capture it with the BlackBerry and was pleased with the shot. With this low of a light, camera shake and blur is always of concern, but a steady brace of my elbows against my ribs--in close--with controlled breathing helped. This is the main entrance to the park which was dedicated in 1927. The fountain was a memorial to Mayor Culler for his service. The bell tower was dedicated in 1941 in memory of Baker.
msc

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Grotto of Lourds

Emmitsburg
This image is a bronze relief titled "Jesus is Condemned to Death". It is one of the Stations. It is set in stone along a walkway back to a pool that was established here years ago. Elizabeth Ann Seton used to come here and worship in her day (1809). "Mother" Seton, as they called her, had several children. She was assigned here by my kinsman, Bishop Carroll of Baltimore and the first bishop in the United States, after she converted from the Episcopal Protestant Church to Roman Catholicism. Later in the century, the Sisters of Mercy (as I recall they were called) were among the first caregivers to arrive at Gettysburg after the battle. They could hear the canon from their convent.
Just before stopping here on the way home, I purchased a large cast centurion statue at the antique made in about 1880. I had wondered what I might call it. It compliments another statue that I bought three years ago of the same era and genre which I named Fidelis Bellicus. Today's image has come at just the right moment and has given me an ideal name--Longinus.
msc
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Rocks in the Walls

This very old home on All Saints is going through remodeling. I was surprised to see large flat rocks set between timbers. The rock was the same as used in the foundation--just in smaller pieces. The church across the street had an old marker dating the previous structure there to 1818, so it is quite likely that this is the same. Good construction I would say.
msc

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Legacy 1949 Hudson

This old Hudson sedan is the same age as I am. It tends to give one a sense of age reality in looking at it. The fellow wanted 17k for it. The one next to it was a TR6. I used to race against them in my old Healy and always would have liked to have owned one. I did have the TR7, but there really wasn't a comparison in quality.
msc

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Sign of the Times

Frederick
Hard times come a knocking on the door of this Christian Science church downtown on 2nd Street. The big old churches have been closing for some years, but more lately as the economy has taken a toll on offerings, maintenance increases, congregations age, birth declines, and folk turn from organized religion to other sources for their moral and spiritual guidance (goddess Oprah comes to mind).
msc

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Church Steeple?

This concrete block building has an interesting facade that reminded me of a church. The sides were frame and it appears now to be a garage. I wonder what voices were heard there in days gone by. Small churches are becoming a thing of the past for many. High mobility and entertainment attract young to the theatrical antics of the emerging mega churches where the Word is often laid aside in order to preach the PC Nue Gozble to itching ears and set "7-11" lyrics to rock rhythms. Oh for that old-time religion and hymns. One may still find it in traditional Anglican churches of all sizes where the 500-year old prayer book still governs the solemn worship.
msc

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Marathon 2011 May Days

I stepped out to watch the Frederick Marathon this morning along Carroll Parkway and got to see the leaders well out in front. These days are gone by me now, and I've resolved that I'll get my Marathon this day strolling the city's May Days festivities, with a break at my favorite pub for the Derby
msc

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T