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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