It's way too hot to be wearing heavy jewelry but I just love this bracelet.

Part of my lunch today, a tin of sardines. And glad I have my own office so I don't gross everyone else out at work. But I love 'em! 

Oh dear, who forgot to plug in the van last night? This was being towed back to Marshall from my route, but luckily, my mail was in my box.

Cheering the Presidents Race at the Nats game in DC with Steve. The Nats lost 5-3 but it was a fun afternoon regardless.

Another stifling hot day, this one at the Virginia Air Show in Front Royal.

I've been managing for a couple of years now to reduce clutter and needless possessions, with no purchases from junk or antique shops, except for an antique oil lamp, (useful in the frequent power outages in Marshall), but today I saw this cute little pussy cat and had to have it. 99c well spent!

Margie gave me some Indian Bean seeds which I planted late and didn't think they'd do too well. But they've gone nuts with the humidity and now form a lovely screen although they're showing no sign of slowing up and have runners going everywhere. I like them though and will harvest seeds for next year.

Beautiful glass etching on a vintage decanter.

Sad to see this butchers close, it's been a part of Middleburg for as long as I can remember. I hope the building doesn't sit empty for too long. The owner has decided to move her business to Marshall, trying to make our small blue collar town into a Mini-Middleburg along with the other new food providers who charge astronomical prices. 

The lovely hens who laid my eggs today. That one at the back on the left is looking pretty pleased with herself so I'm guessing she's the one responsible for the biggest eggs which prevented the carton lid from closing.

Mum loves American Halloween decorations and for nearly 3 years I've been looking for a cute, not scary, globe with bats flying around inside it. I found it today! So it will be shipped this week in plenty of time for Halloween. 

Anwinsow of an abandoned church that Jeff and I came across today.

The new animal shelter in Marshall. 

Costoluto Genovese. I have loved watching these tomatoes grow, they all have ripened at one end first, so each fruit has hues of greens through to reds. A beautiful colorful addition to the patio's palette. And they taste delicious too!

The storm started at dusk and is still raging now at 9pm. Everyone on the hill has lost power except me and I'm feeling really guilty because I have light and AC and stuff. OK, the feeling's passed, I'm good :)

Sitting on my patio this evening, the sun was shining and I spotted a pattern on a wooden slat that had fallen from the screen. Caused by a shadow from a nearby planter it looked like graffiti had been sprayed on there.

I have only just discovered a beautiful sunflower that was sneakily growing up through the middle of one of my tomato plants. I only noticed it when I was greeted with this big yellow face at eye level this morning. How pretty!

The main turbine room in an abandoned power station in PA.

This was in Chinatown, Philadelphia. We weren't sure if he was sleeping or meditating but that pavement had to be hot, it was 100 degrees today.

Pretty sad choice of beer at work this afternoon but oh well, still nice to be able to guzzle a cold one as I wind down for the week.

I met with friends for dinner tonight where John and I laughed as we wished each other a happy birthday but then became incredulous when we realized that we were also born on the same morning of the same year. What are the odds on knowing someone like that? Amazing! 

Tomatoes, peppers, onions and lettuce are on the 'pick' list at the moment, with sweet potatoes, squash and lima beans to come. The potatoes were lovely but the carrots and broccoli didn't make it. Can't win them all!

Stuart parked next to a very cool Chevvy truck this morning when we stopped in town for gas. Which has gone up to $1.89 from $1.84.

This is the first whole watermelon that I've purchased, ever. I never liked it before but have been buying slices recently and enjoying it. I don't like anything that's watermelon flavored but I'm pleased with this new direction my tastebuds have taken.

Three boats lined up, stocked with water, beer and munchies. Emily and Margie joined me for a lovely lazy birthday paddle at Pohick Bay.

Thunder rocked the house as rain pelted against the windows during a storm this afternoon. It put paid to a planned camping trip today but there's still tomorrow!

This cute little building has been converted from a ruin to a little sandwich shop. Looking forward to it opening.

Marshall Main Street at sunrise. By this time next year this small town will have lost those electrical poles and it will be looking like all the towns along Rte 50 with bricked walkways and stripped of its personality. I'm dreading it...

The Meadow looking misty and sleepy as I drove off to work at 6:00 this morning.

Bill and I dug up onions, potatoes and picked tomatoes and peppers from our allotment this evening. When I got home I picked another bowl of tommies from my patio. I'm going to be eating well for the rest of the week!