31 Dec 2023

I saw in the New Year with old and new friends. This is Dewey singing with his band Off The Cuff, superb music. We spent time between 2 venues in town, a memorable evening.

Malcolm was allowed out today, for the first time in about 6 weeks, as he seems to finally be free of seizures. Here, he’s saying, “About bloody time too!”

I went for a nice hike today. There were very few people on the trails, or the outlooks. They were missing beautiful vistas.

I’ve never been a fan of this old lampshade in the dining room, so I’m recovering it, using vintage buttons that I’ve had for years.

The library had very pretty Christmas decorations, and a lovely collection of reindeers.

Saw these horrendous boots in Target. Either fashion’s taking a turn for the worst, or I’m getting old!

A nice, lazy and peaceful Christmas this year, with phone chats to friends and family. Just a little tree on the dining room table was my grand effort this year.

23 Dec 2023

Saw these dudes hanging out at an antique mall in WV.

Our beautiful gazebo in town.

I saw this photo at work today of the Christmas party, with me bundled up, because I was still ill, but enjoying how to play a roulette table. 

A phenomenal sky this evening in the cemetery.

Malcolm’s keeping a keen eye on the squirrel enjoying his breakfast.

I often pass this little lane on my way home from work, and think how lucky the owners are, to have this as their driveway to their home.

I turned down a night out with friends, trying to throw off this persistent flu. So watching TV m, then an early night. 

A rainy, foggy day, the Shenandoah disappearing into the mist.

A fun evening spent with the Captain George Mercer Company at their Christmas party at the Beer Museum.

Work Christmas party this afternoon, with a casino theme. I’m no gambler but I lasted 3 hours on the roulette table with my fake $2000 and 1 beer. Left early to get home, leaving the crew to play into the night.

The huge building my dermatologist is in has so many empty office suites. This one intrigues me, always lit up, but never anyone there.

Just before the sun dropped below the horizon.

A day in bed where I slept right through. Not COVID, thankfully, but some kind of flu.

The first sprinkling of snow this winter. May there be many inches more.

10 Dec 2023

Brunch and a couple of hours antique browsing with Bill started off with a mighty fine Bloody Mary.

Working all morning with a top notch arborist in town and then an afternoon party with friends in a restored barn. This was before everyone arrived.

A superb musical evening with a choir at a local church, followed by music at our local underground tavern.

7 Dec 2023

Another unique sky in Front Royal as I came home from work.

My view this afternoon, while giving blood. Not exactly uplifting, but we saw the funny side of it!

A cool roll cloud as I approach work. I saw one of these in the same place, about the same time, a few years ago.

Seen in town. I guess this chap’s had enough of Thanksgiving!

An interesting wall on a barn, seen on my travels today.

We had a unique experience at Elliott’s work’s Christmas dinner, the mashed potato was served in a martini glass with gravy and other toppings if desired.

A fun filled, getting to know each other, evening with friends from the town. We had a blast,. Ladies of Front Royal rock!