Visiting The Pageant of Steam in Berryville.

Kota's crate had a little message on it while I left him in the car and quickly popped into the post office to mail a package to Mum. 

Friday, July 29, 2016

Went to watch an old friend playing bass in his band who were absolutely amazing with their Lynard Skynard covers. Really friendly little bar where I was bought drinks and dragged to the dance floor. And I'd been worried about going on my own! Very cute lead guitarist too.

Brandon has had to abandon his landscaping equipment as the rain lashes down and heavy storms are due through the night. I guess the grass won't be cut for a few days.

Some of my tomatoes ripening after a rain shower. The plants are taller than me and loaded with fruit.

Reading a book that Mum adored and which has been made into a movie. It's a little immaturely written and slightly sappy, but I'll persevere. I think Mum's going soft as Nicholas Sparks is now one of her favorite authors. I don't mind a good romance myself if it has a good story line so I'll keep plodding with this one.

My Maltesers arrived from England as a molten lump which had to go in the fridge. Kota adores these and waits patiently for his portion.

An awesome find today while out exploring, an abandoned china factory.

Checking out the beers with Richard and Emily at Rust Belt Taphouse.

Exploring an old town in PA with Richard and Emily, and a really cool security guy let us into the old police station which is now abandoned.

It was a 'who could wear the most stupidest hat' day at work today! We do have a laugh!

Empty plate. That was a great pizza!

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Amazing clouds hanging low over the empty road as I drove home from the allotment.

Beautiful zinnias on the patio.

Sunflowers at sunset with Richard, Emily and Rob.

Captain Craig hauling in the cable on the Hatton Ferry in Scottsville, VA, as it carries Rob and I back to shore. It's the last poled ferry in the United States.

I actually did a double-take when I saw these in Walmart. Dixie cup lanterns? Really? Really?

I was so busy trying to capture the license plate that I didn't notice the cargo until I'd taken the photo. Guess it's a meat lovin' dude driving this truck!

My simple yet very tasty lunch today. I grew the tommies but didn't catch the fish...

The beautiful valley view from Paris that I enjoy every time I drive home from the allotment.

The Aaron's Rod in our allotment is taller than me now and covered in tiny yellow blooms. I nurtured this instead of pulling it out as a weed in remembrance of a dear friend, Bernard, from home. We used to walk his dog through the old brick fields where thousands of these bloomed and he introduced me to this beautiful plant. And now I always think of him when I see them.

After a night in our tents we couldn't be bothered with preparing breakfast so we found a diner with a fabulous name, Elsie's Magic Skillet, and feasted on the signature dish that was equally fabulous.

The Weed. It took some serious effort for Steve and I to pummel our way through this glutinous gungy mess on our kayaking trip today.

Kota guarding Big Red from any mouses that might want to nest overnight.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

After a fun evening at our new found awesome bar near work, Steve and I emptied our last glass of beer and headed home.

Sometimes I just hate Rosie Lee. I walked around the sofa and saw her with this tiny bunny on the rug. I can't see any wounds but it's not moving its rear legs so I fear the worst. I've placed it in a box on a soft shirt and will take it to Blue Ridge Wildlife Rescue in the morning. Poor little thing...

We had an interesting evening when a guy and his $2k drone came to visit and give a demonstration. His images taken with this impressive camera are here: https://cedarmeadestudios.smugmug.com/keyword/drone

I tried out a couple of variations of my yearly fresh peach smoothie, and Kota felt he had to be involved, checking each one I made.

Saw this beautiful statue in a cemetery near Emily's house.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Enjoying free beer with friends at a horrible outside bar in DC.  Thanks to Emily we had 25 pitchers of beer to consume and although our efforts were enthusiastic and valiant we only managed 6.