Mother's Day 2013

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mom's that I know.

May you have a joyous day filled happiness.

Thank You!

Thanks to all of the Administrative Professionals out there.

You keep things moving!

Saturday In Richmond

I started off my weekend, cleaning out the totaled Camry in preparation for its departure. It was amazing the 'stuff' that had accumulated in the trunk and elsewhere. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I did manage to 'FIND' all the missing umbrellas, travel mugs (and others), and assorted other items. Most of it made its way back into the house, where it belonged.

What didn't need to go into the new car made it straight into the trashcan. Now just to complete all the paperwork and get it back to the insurance company on Monday and I can call that a done item.

I even managed to slip out to my parents house for an hour or so in the morning to show off the new Camry. PLUS spend some time chatting over coffee, with the occasional bird photo thrown in before we all got the day off and running.

It was a great day with the VA Flaggers on Saturday at the Confederate Memorial Chapel and the VMFA. The city was celebrating "Civil War and Emancipation Day" and providing bus service to over 25 Civil War sites around the city. Needless to say that traffic was heavy from that, but it was also a gorgeous day in the capital and people were everywhere.

One couple, Civil War/Living History Reenators, came down from Pennsylvania in period attire to visit the various Civil War locations. They made a stop at the Confederate Memorial Chapel and together with the Lester's from Gordonsville, also dressed in period attire, were quite the hit with a photography class that was out learning about lighting. Photos of the day found here.

Mr. Lester, became quite popular as he posed in uniform on the steps of the chapel. He was the absolute center of attention. I'm sure the

photography students left with some delightful photographs.

Not to be left out the ladies in their beautiful dresses, if captured just right, looked like they stepped out of photos of the time (must make sure that modern era items are not in the frame). The photo came out quite well with the Confederate Memorial Chapel and the garden in the background. The sepia tone gave it just a hint of that it could have been from the 1860's. More photos of the ladies.

I had opportunity to tour the United Daughters of the Confederacy Headquarters building (open to the public for tours).

The Confederate flags flanked the massive doorway entrance. That was spectacular site, one I'm sure we won't see again for some time. (I don't think I've ever seen a Confederate flag outside the doors - with the exception of the First National that is flying on a flagpole hidden behind a huge evergreen tree).

Of course a Saturday would have been complete without loads and loads of photograph of the VA Flaggers in action.

Shame On You VMFA. Return the Flags. Restore the Honor.

Happy Easter to All!

Bounce in Reflection

Bounce taking in the sights from the backseat.

I took Bounce out yesterday evening for a short ride. He had so much fun poking his head out the backseat window. While we were stopped at a light, conditions were just perfect for this shot through the side view mirror.

Spring Sunset

I was out by the Swift Creek Dam this evening and captured the sunset. In the lower right corner you can see the reservoir. Give it a couple of weeks and the reservoir won't be visible for all the leaf cover.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Another Fine Saturday

It was beautiful Saturday afternoon on the Boulevard. It was a great day to get the word out to passers-by about the need to restore the flags to the Confederate Memorial Chapel. I really liked the photo of the glasses with the chapel in the reflection.

Saturday Flagging Photos

I ventured around the property and city before the afternoon's event began and snapped a few Spring photos. The trees in the city were beginning to bloom. 

The birds were singing, pansies had been planted and a number of Spring bulbs had already popped up and were beginning to bloom.

Bounce's Adventure

This afternoon, Walter took Bounce out for a jaunt around Rockwood Park. The ensuing story made me chuckle all afternoon.

It seems that while walking along the nature trail, Bounce discovered the pond. Now, I know that he really likes to play at the edge of the water, splashing and smacking at it, but her got a bit more than he expected this time. Walt say he we right up to the water and started to play around, sticking his nose in the water and blowing bubbles. Fun stuff, right up to when he stepped a bit too far away from the edge of the pond and ended up shoulder deep in the pond. 

After recovering from that shock, he came upon a couple of trees that had fallen and were suspended over the pond. Curiosity got the best of Bounce and he took a stroll along the tree trunk. That is until he slipped and ended up back in the pond with his front paws on the tree trunk and I sure an extremely put out look on his face. I can only imagine what would have been going through his mind. Walter says he had that "how am I going to get out of this" look. He finally made it back to shore. 

They went from there on to the dog park, where Bounce, literally bounced about for an hour or so. The comments from some of the other patrons were about his ability to bounce. Having bounced out at the dog park he was off for a treat from Hardees. 

Followed by a surprise visit to the Pet Smart for a 'BATH'. This was his very first time at the groomers, who remarked when he was picked up about his bouncing abilities. Hmmmm, wonder how we ever came up with his name.

Once home he has retreated to his crate to snooze for the rest of the day.

A True Random Act of Kindness

I witnessed a real life event, that mimicked the Liberty Mutual commercial about watching out for one another.

Outside of the one of the entrances to Chesterfield Towne Center on Thursday afternoon, I watched as a man stopped his car, got out and called to a woman that was on the sidewalk. She walked over to his car where he handed her money that she had dropped on the pavement. As she was walking away he, got back into his car an pulled away.

It was awesome to see someone doing the right thing. There a could have been so many other outcomes, but I am sure that this event will be one that she won't forget for a long time.

24 Years Ago

24-years ago this morning, my darling daughter, Danielle Leigh came into the world.

She showed her feisty side right from the very start by sticking her tongue out at the doctor as he delivered her.

To my darling daughter, may you have a wonderful birthday!