I photographed this tree and fence in Marshall a few years ago, coming from the other direction. Kind of like this perspective too.

I built the veggie garden beds today, and I built the trellis, which is ready to go up. Weed barrier and hardwood mulch will go in the center area, and when I filled the beds with Shenandoah topsoil and local cow manure, I’ll erect a fence around it, with a gate at the front.

Blue bottles shining through green leaves in the lounge.

I saw these in an antique store this afternoon, and it took me back so many years. I used these patterns at school to make clothing, including my first homemade skirt.

It’s been a rough week having to deal with an infected molar, but this made me laugh today, especially as I’ve been guilty of doing this with the cats.

Rather obvious that it’s a cell phone tower in disguise, but I wish there were more of them, rather than the huge metallic monstrosities that plague the landscape. This one is on Rte 29 past Gainesville.

Lovely to see the local squirrels are still nice and chubby in the winter time, and the peanuts we give them are enjoyed so much. 

Dozing as the pain killers kick in for my tooth ache, with Rosie Lee supplying welcome heat on my lap.

A rainy Monday as I approach work.

Interesting view, looking through the back of a display cabinet, in an antique store in Marshall, VA.

Elliott and I joined a meeting with the Tree Stewards of Front Royal. There’s a course later in the year to be a qualified tree steward and I’m in! It was a great meeting with wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable folks. Looking forward to the next meeting.

20 Jan 2023

Beautiful skies on my drive home.

This incredible portrait was at Jeff’s funeral today. There were many people, friends and family, who turned up, and we got to swap memories at the bar afterwards. I drank Jäegermeister’s there and at home in his honor. Awful drink but he loved it. So hard to take in that we’ll never go on photoshoots again. I’ll miss him dreadfully. God bless Jeff, we’ll meet again.

18 Jan 2023

These Alium seeds look beautiful in winter. I didn’t plant these, they were volunteers from somewhere, or a bird dropped the seeds. I’m hoping more will come up this year.

Rummaging around Strasburg Emporium this afternoon, I came across this new booth. Not sure whether it will sell much in our rural area, but it was attractive, although there wasn’t anything I would wear, although I did check out the hats.

The Church House across the road, comprising of 3 apartments, only rented out to those who attend a local church. 

Tricksie Treat posing for a side profile, which made me giggle as she reminded me of a prison ID photo.

Poor Stanley broke down, overheating, and so I sat inside, waiting for Elliott and the tow truck to arrive. Luckily, it was only a few miles from town, and I had a lovely view while I waited.

Creating an inventory for all our embroidery threads at work. No-one wanted to do it, so I stepped up to the plate. Took me most of the day.

I guess Rosie Lee is telling me I can’t do any work tonight. But really, she likes the warm laptop.

I found out today that a special friend of mine passed on Sunday. Jeff was a masterful photographer and we had many trips out together, in good or bad weather. He had a unique skill with a camera, and could take extraordinary photos in any situation. I shall miss him greatly, and will never forget him.

This is a photo I took of him a few years ago on one of our days out.

Country roads, take me home…

My monthly appointment with the bone cruncher guy, who always has me leaving his clinic as though I’m walking in air. And every time I smile at this chap in the shelf.

I always see this little mail trucks when I go to Trader Joe’s, and every time I think they look like toys. They’re so good in the snow too, I just shake my head in wonder.

Thanks to Facebook, I learned a new method of seed growing, called Winter Sowing. I have planted these gallon water jugs with native perennial seeds, taken from my plants in the garden, and they will germinate and grow in these containers until spring. It’s a popular method of propagation so I’m giving it a go. 

I’m so excited my native seed box plant took so well to its new home behind the pond. It’s produced dozens of these square ‘seed boxes’ which, when shaken, give out hundreds of tiny seeds, seen in the background. You can see the tiny hole out of which the seeds come, on the top of the third box from the top in the photo. I shall be winter sowing these over the weekend, and hope to have many plants in the spring, to plant more in the garden, swap, or sell.

Nice view of the day winding down from my roof, which I was checking over before winter hits us big time.

The cemetery is replacing old poles and fencing with black metal fencing. I’m wondering about inquiring whether I can snaffle some of the old fencing for my vegetable plot…

Our brand new screen washed at work. It saves a lot of time and effort, but, wow, is it noisy!

I spotted Malcolm in the cherry tree as I stood at the kitchen window. I’m not sure if he realized I’d seen him, but he was keeping very still. He jumped down when I opened the door though.

I love the shadow this nutcracker throws on the wall behind it.