An excellent lunch in Culpeper with Elliott, started with a delicious Bloody Mary, adorned with a huge shrimp.

Elliott and I watched Old here tonight. The film was not as good as the cinema’s brand new, delightfully retro frontage, which looks wonderful on the old Main Street.

The first beer of the newly arrived case of beers. This was a superb beer.

The label on my beer delivery to work. I laughed out loud at line 4. 

Tricksie Treat wondering when her next meal will be.

Got a bowl of tasty tomatoes from one plant this evening. 

There’s a haze over the mountains, even in the afternoon sun, from the Oregon fire smoke that’s drifted across the whole country.

The first Mexican sunflower bloomed today. In a couple of weeks there will be a huge cloud of these vibrant flowers, loved by bees and other pollinating insects.

23 July 2021

Telephone pole cables and teasels made an interesting photo at Linden, VA.

This is my surgeon holding an example of a partial knee replacement, which is now my next step. The repair work done during my last surgery didn’t work but he promises me this one will. I sure hope so. I will be well for my winter hikes!

With Elliott, sitting behind the net, watching FroRo Cardinals at our Bing Crosby Stadium. And the Cardinals beat New Market Rebels 5-1!

A little honey bee taking a nap in one of the hollyhocks in the front garden.

Tubs of emulsion at work. This coats the screen and captures the image of film taped into it when put under the light table. 

Elliott and I net this little chap while we hiked a couple of miles on the Skyline Drive. We think he’s a leaf beetle. Check out his tiny feet.

A new water hyacinth bloom in the pond, a magnificent flower.

A fun evening with friends in DC. A great way to wind down after a work week.

At the Fireman’s Carnival getting our 2 pints of the famous Fireman’s Relish. They make 500 gallons every year and it’s all sold. Tastes a bit like the English Picalilli. Yum!

Rather apt that as I drive into a heavy storm, I followed to grey cars that matched the sultry sky.

I66 is a mess. Roadworks are now just a part of life and have done little to ease the traffic congestion. Boo!

I pass this building often, it used to sell farm produce and gifts but has stood empty for a couple years now. I hope it finds a new lease of life.

My discarded football shirt. England didn’t bring it home, so I end the weekend dejectedly.

The foyer of an abandoned prison that we explored with our Meetup group.

Looking down on FroRo from Prospect Hill Cemetery. A beautiful view.

I spent the evening as a chauffeur to my friend, Carmen, driving her around to show properties to clients. Really loved this old house from 1870, but $500K is too much for me!

The only England flag I have is now on the front porch after us winning the semi finals against Denmark. I wish it was as wide as the house.

Another relaxing afternoon of kayaking with Elliott.

 

A short hike up to Stonyman on the Skyline Drive.

4 July 2021

We watched the local fireworks display at Sherando Park, a stress free experience, with no traffic or crowd concerns, and only half an hour from home.

3July 2021

Our first time kayaking together, at nearby Lake Frederick. We had perfect weather and no crowds. 

A beer at work to celebrate the end of the week and me having the next four days off. Cheers!

I painted a Carolina wren in a paint class tonight.