Can I Go Home with You?

We are looking for a home.

These adorable guys and gals are looking for a home. They are an English Setter-Pointer mix. FREE! to their new family.&nbsp If you have room for a new hunting partner, playmate, or just a new friend please contact us by email.

To My Daughter

May you always be warmed by each other's smile,
Always take time to walk and talk a while,
Always know deep down you're each other's best friend,
And enjoy the kind of love that grows and knows no end.
Wishing you an 'always' kind of love!
Happy Anniversary!

Love,

Mom

Final Day of Vacation

 Today is the final day of my vacation. Tomorrow it's back to the normal routine. I've spent the day getting ready for the upcoming week and trying to point myself back into work mode.

I've really enjoyed spending the week out and about taking photographs and having an adventure or two. I think Bounce even was glad to get out with me on a couple of my expeditions.

Vacation Day Six!

This morning I went across the river to the Merkel Fields at West Creek to take some photos of the Color Me RAD 5k. As I rolled off 288 I immediately was met with a huge traffic jam! I don't know the number of runners for this event, but between runners and volunteers there were nearly five parking lots filled. The run was to benefit the Special Olympics Virginia.

There weren't nearly as man spectators at the event as I thought there would be, but everyone surely did look like they were having a fantastic time.

Some of the runners dressed up to make the run, of the more memorable were the ladies dressed in tutus. They were all so nice and white at the beginning of the race but boy were they a colorful mess at the end.

Color Me RAD 5k Photos

Vacation Day Five

Relaxation day!

I spent the morning working on photos, running an errand or two; then off to Godiva's this evening for a haircut and massage.

Vacation Day Four

The adventure for today: vineyards and mountains.

I picked up my traveling companion this morning and off we headed. Pointing the car west on route 6 and we were off and running.

There really was no specific destination in mind as we began our journey. Loosely the idea was to visit at least one winery and reach the Blue Ridge Parkway.

It was a very leisurely drive. Stopping along the way at anything that caught our fancy. Columbia provided loads of pictures. We even learned a thing or two about St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. There was an old gas pump just down the road from the church that was rusty - the price per gallon on the pump read 64-cents!!! Boy had it been out of use of a long time, I'm guessing since the early to mid-70's.

Rodney the Rooster's residence is outside of Lumpkin's Restaurant & Motel. There is even a sign posted on his butt that says, "He loves having his picture taken, but please do not climb on his back." Personally I think that would have been a very tough thing to do the sign on his butt is about 5 foot off the ground, and I'd estimate he's nearly 15 foot tall.

Onward towards to find a vineyard - please bear in mind that we had no particular winery in mind. We relied on those lovely winery signs along the highway. Our first winery sign happened to be for the delfosse Vineyard & Winery.  The signage along the route to the winery was fun and reassuring that we were indeed on the right road. One other neat point, the vineyard has trails for hiking, mountain biking & even ATV rides, that are part of the Nelson County Parks & Recreation Department.

Arriving at the elegant wrought iron gate, with grape clusters and leaves incorporated into the design, it sets the stage for the entire visit. As we crested the hill the serenity and beauty of the arbors and surrounding hills gave us plenty to look at and set the tone for the day. We drove to the top of the furthest parking lot to take some photos of the valley and vineyards. The grapes were hanging on the vines - give them a few more weeks and they will be plumped uneven more.

The tasting room provided a relaxing and beautiful view of the surrounding hills. Our tasting 'guide' was very knowledgeable and informative, since this was my very first visit to a vinery it was great having someone there to explain the differences. We sampled the red wines produced here. I had a couple that I really enjoyed.

Having enjoyed our tasting and purchased a bottle for home, we were off once again. Between vineyards I stopped to shot some photos of a dear at the edge of a field. I was able to get out and walk up closer until the

Our next stop was the Mountain Cove Vineyards, Virginia's oldest winery. Having traveled down off the beaten path we found the winery's mailbox. Love it!  Now only to decide which fork in the road was the "right" road to the winery. We picked the fork that looked like the "road less traveled" which happily turned out to be the right one!!

The owner, Al Weed, chatted with us in the tasting room about the various wines that he produces and when he first came to the area to plant the vineyards. We tasted a number of fruit wines and came away with a bottle of Blackberry wine. It will be great with a piece of cheesecake or added to some Fresca for a sparkling summer drink.

Off on now a mission for Dad - freestone peaches! Mr. Weed had provided us with directions to Saunder's Brothers Farm Market. Where we were able to get just what were had been sent for! The market had a nice selection of fresh vegetables. They even had lemon cucumbers! Now of course, I had to get some of these just to try. (They didn't have a lemon taste at all but I did love the compact size. They would be great to grow if you didn't want the typical cucumber. I may have to try these one year.) Then there were all the canned vegetables, salsas (of all kinds), jellies & jams. A few of them really caught my eye: T.O.E. Jam (tangerine, orange, elderberry); F.R.O.G. Jam (fig, raspberry, orange, ginger); and then there was the Moonshine Jelly!!

The rest of the trip seemed to go by very quickly. Hopping onto the Blue Ridge Parkway we stopped at the Fork Mountain Overlook for a picnic lunch.

It was great getting out of the car for a nice long stretch. I took a few pictures of the black swallowtail butterflies on the flowers nearby. The yellow finches were flitting here and there in the meadow, too far away for a photo but they definitely did standout against the greenery. A very peaceful place for a picnic.

On to Afton via the parkway for the trip home, we stopped at a few more of the overlooks, and waited for the construction workers to waive us through (there was a lot of paving going on up there). The trip down 250 to Richmond was uneventful, although we did pass that one pond the the bear with two cubs and the scorpion mailboxes.

More Vineyards & Mountains Photos

Vacation Day Three

Had a nice visit today with Mom & Dad. The butterflies were all over the zinnias in the flowerbed. I did get a couple of nice shots. But the best thing was the fresh homegrown tomatoes that Dad had picked from the garden! Yum!

Bounce spent sometime visiting with Tip. Tip was sure excited to see him.

Tomorrow the mountains!

A Day at the Lake

I spent a fantastic day with Wayne & Livy and their kids at Lake Gaston today.

I truly enjoyed spending time with the kids. They really got into having their pictures taken while jumping off the dock into the lake.

Lauren even took the job of photographer's assistant - She even found a dragonfly that was just begging to have its picture taken.

Lake Photos

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Day 1 of Vacation

Mom went along with me for the day. Our mission this morning was a quick road trip to Norfolk to photograph the butterflies at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

We took the scenic route down (Route 10), a much better route than dealing with all the traffic on the interstate!

We took the boat tour of the lake/garden and were able to get several interesting photos. My favorite was the great blue heron that was hanging out at the entrance to the canal. Our guide noted that since the garden is next to the Norfolk Airport - when passengers are stuck in the airport for extended layovers they offer them access to the gardens at no charge. What a great way that would be to spend a long layover, instead of just hanging out inside the airport.

We then headed to the butterfly compound - there they had a large diversity of butterflies inside the butterfly house. They also had a butterfly maze.

Hoping the tram, we finished out with a tour of the remaining areas of the garden.

All in all a nice trip - next time, I think that waiting for a day that is a bit cooler will serve us well.

Photos from Norfolk Botanical Garden

Site Facelift

Well this wasn't something that I was actually looking to do, but it happened. I was looking into adding a button to the site and clicked one too many place and ended up losing my template. Grr. I even went in search of the site on the internet way back site to no avail. So here I sit with a new look, hope you like it.

Happy 25th Birthday!

Walter, have a Fantastic Birthday and a coming year that is Special as you are!

Love,
Mom

Coursework Complete!

I have FINALLY completed my course work for my Masters Certification in Graphic Design from Sessions College for Professional Design. I was beginning to think there for awhile that I'd never get it done. There had been so many obstacles to getting here I'm just tickled that I've finished.

I'm going to work on posting a link in the near future to a gallery of my course work. In looking through my past assignments I can really see the progress that I've made over the duration of my studies.

I am looking forward to continuing learning new skills and applications as they develop.

They tell me that my certificate will be here within the next couple of weeks. Can't wait!

Celebrating Our Independence!

Huguenot Bridge Day

Huguenot Memorial Bridge Farewell Celebration July 1, 2012

I had a great time yesterday celebrating, the Huguenot Memorial Bridge, with several hundred other Richmonders. VDOT opened the bridge to the public to walk, picnic, paint, cycle, etc. However you wanted to spend the day celebrating the bridge, before its removed to make way for the new construction. Demolition begins the middle of the week.

Huguenot Bridge 1950-2012

Photos from the Bridge

It was interesting to see the multitude of ways that people chose to celebrate the bridge. Plein air painters were busily working on landscapes of the James near the center of the span. Children and adult alike took time to write messages in chalk on the pavement or the bridge railings. There were loads of amateur photographers on hand to record the event for posterity. There were a few families having early morning brunch picnics, while I was there. Loads of cyclist taking advantage of the opportunity to make the ride across the river in safety.

My very favorites were the children playing in water puddles and creating chalk masterpieces. One darling little girl was pushing a carriage with her baby dolls. Too precious.

Shaking Things Up

Caught this swirl of feathers while I was out visiting with Mom & Dad this afternoon.

From My Email

It has been awhile since I've pulled out the email and gone through it for tidbits to share with everyone.

Email & Newsletter Gleanings:

When I was a kid, I couldn't understand why Eisenhower was so popular. Maybe this will explain why.

General Eisenhower Warned Us.

It is a matter of history that when the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight Eisenhower, found the victims of the death camps he ordered all possible photographs to be taken, and for the German people from surrounding villages to be ushered through the camps and even made to bury the dead.

He did this because he said in words to this effect: 

'Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened'

This week, the UK debated whether to remove The Holocaust from its school curriculum because it 'offends' the Muslim population which claims it never occurred. It is not removed as yet.. However, this is a frightening portent of the fear that is gripping the world and how easily each country is giving into it.

It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians, and 1,900 Catholic priests Who were 'murdered, raped, burned, starved, beaten, experimented on and humiliated' while many in the world looked the other way!

Now, more than ever, with Iran , among others, claiming the Holocaust to be 'a myth,' it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets. 

This from an e-mail that was intended to reach 400 million people! Be a link in the memorial chain and help distribute this around the world. How many years will it be before the attack on the World Trade Centre 'NEVER HAPPENED',

Because it offends someone???

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Happy Father's Day

Happy Anniversary! Mom & Dad

Larry & Dorothy Parsons

Married June 8, 1962

Can You Say Burnout?

I fear that it is going to be coming sooner rather than later. Lately I've had about three too many balls in the air and at some point something is going to come crashing down.

I've been procrastinating severely on several items for school - I'm so close to finished yet don't seem to have the energy left to just "get it done". It may be that things are just so in flux and have been for a while, that I'm totally zapped out by the time I get home in the evenings that that isn't enough of me left.

I'm looking forward to getting out this coming weekend with friends for a movie, a cookout with family, and that extra day off on Monday. I'm betting that I can put that day to really good use on creating a champagne box, and perhaps at least one other assignment.

That being said, it is a plan, unless Walter comes up with a whole laundry list of things that he would like to get help with.

Cross your fingers for me. Time to plow forward and get on with it.

Do You Have A Gun In Your House???

I got this in my email this week, I haven't done any 'fact-checking' on this, but even if there is a hit of truth to this we really need to pay attention. Better to err on the side of caution that be caught unaware.

When I had my gangrene gallbladder taken out and spent 10 days in the hospital for what should have been an overnight stay, the insurance company kicked me out. I had home nurse visits for two weeks and was asked if I had guns in the house. I responded that if I did I would not tell them. So the below information has some merit.

FYI , I am passing this along...there are comments from two other people have also been asked if we keep guns in the house. The nurse just kinda slipped it in along with all the other regular questions. I told her I refused to answer because it was against the law to ask.

Everyone, whether you have guns or not, should give a neutral answer so they have no idea who does and who doesn't. My doctor asked me if I had guns in my house and also if any were loaded. I, of course, answered yes to both questions. Then he asked why I kept a loaded gun close to my bed. I answered that my son, who is a certified gun instructor and also works for Homeland Security, advised me that an unloaded, locked up gun is no protection against criminal attack.

The Government now requires these questions be asked of people on Medicare, and probably everyone else. Just passing this along for your information: I had to visit a doctor other than my regular doctor when my doctor was on vacation. One of the questions on the form I had to fill out was: Do you have any guns in your house?? My answer was None of your damn business!! So it is out there! It is either an insurance issue or government intervention. Either way, it is out there and the second the government gets into your medical records ( A s they want to under Obamacare) it will become a major issue and will ultimately result in lock and load!! Please pass this on to all the other retired guys and gun owners...Thanks

From a Vietnam Vet and retired Police Officer. I had a doctor’s appointment at the local V A clinic yesterday and found out something very interesting that I would like to pass along. While going through triage before seeing the doctor, I was asked at the end of the exam, three questions:

1. Did I feel stressed? 
2. Did I feel threatened? 
3. Did I feel like doing harm to someone?

The nurse then informed me, that if I had answered yes to any of the questions, I would have lost my concealed carry permit as it would have gone into my medical records and the V A would have reported it to Homeland Security.

Looks like they are going after the vets first. Other gun people , like retired law enforcement, will probably be next.

Then when they go after the civilians, what argument will they have? Be forewarned and be aware. The Obama administration has gone on record as considering veterans and gun owners potential terrorists. Whether you are a gun owner , veteran or not, YOU"VE BEEN WARNED! If you know veterans and gun owners, please pass this on to them. Be very cautious about what you say and to whom.

Meandering Road Trip

Old truck along the roadside on 360.

This past weekend Mom & I headed out on a journey to visit our cousin, Wanda, in Hillsville. Now when we head out on a trip it isn't your quick trip down and back no, we wander and meander our way about.

It is amazing the things that you can see on just a four hour trip. 

We decided to begin our journey by taking 360 West to 58 West then on to Hillsville.

We stopped along the way to get some pictures of plants, ponds, bugs, buildings and such until we reach South Boston.

Goats milling around the sculptures
in Bob Cage's Sculpture Farm

It was about that time that we came across Bob Cage's Sculpture Farm! Amazing.

The field was filled with an huge assortment of sculptures with an added bonus of a donkey, burro and bunches of goats. They were all hanging out and playing around the sculptures.

We had a grand time taking pictures of the animals interacting with the sculptures. There was a couple of kids fighting with one another, leaping at one another and butting heads a few times.

Bears!
This could be interesting.

Further down the road we got to Lover's Leap lookout, spent some time there taking photos from the overlook. The rhododendron were also in bloom and the light was just right.

As we were getting ready to leave that was when we saw the bear crossing sign!

With cameras in hand we went on a bear hunt.

Needless to say we were disappointed when we didn't see a single one.  The sign LIED!

We finally made it to our destination in the early evening. Off then to visit with Wanda.

The Darlings - Mayberry RFD

After a dinner out with Wanda, we all headed across the state line to Mt. Airy. It was a dual purpose trip, I had purchase to make and we got to visit several of the attractions there dealing with The Andy Griffith Show.

We were even allowed to go into the mock up of the Courthouse/ Sheriff's office. It was a time capsule of television history. They even had a brick with a sign above it, "In Memory of Earnest T. Bass".

There was also several of vehicles from the series, the Darling's truck, a taxi, and Wally's tow truck.

Day Two

The second day of our journey started with a visit to Carroll House to spend some more time with Wanda. Instead of a couple of hours it turned in to nearly half a day.

Southwest Virginia Farmers Market

We were given a tour of the facility, took loads of photos of several of Wanda's friends and learned about all the activities that they were involved in.

Finally breaking away we stopped at the Farmers Market. The vegetables and flowers were beautiful.

Mom even found some new flowers for the deck and  her Hummingbirds.  I'm looking forward to new pictures from Mom featuring the flowers and the Hummers.

Our final major stop was the New River Trail Park at Foster Falls. As we were checking in we found out that it was the park's 25th Anniversary - a free day of parking!!

Cycling near
Foster Falls

We headed straight for the river and the falls, and were we in luck. The weather was beautiful. There were wild flowers in bloom and the Canadian Geese were on the water with their chicks. It was interesting to watch them swim against the current - both parents keeping the chick between them - buffering them from the current.

There was a Boy Scout troop from Mecklenburg, NC, camping and cycling throughout the park. Mom spoke to several of the boys who said they were there working on their cycling merit badge. They all appeared to be having a grand time.

We finished up our journey home by traveling back along 21 and 460, back to 360 and only tracing our path for only about 45 minutes.

More Photos from Our Meandering Road Trip

iBooks

Just learned how to create an iBook - looking forward to using this one.

I already have multiple projects that I would like to attack. Creating office manual with embedded videos; redoing my genealogy books to make them portable.

I'm sure that there are about 15 project that are out there for me to utilize the technology on.

Off to find one to get underway.

Triple Birthday Wishes

Today's a special day in our family.

Three birthday on one day! 

Happy Birthday to my cousin, Sandi! 

Happy 10th Birthday Abigail!

Happy 10th Birthday, Terry! 

Make a wish and blow out the candles.  May you each get your wish, and have a fantastic birthday!

Waiting on the Dominos

Ever have one of those days that everything just seems to topple onto everything else just like a row of dominos. It has just been one of those days.

Stuff has just seemed to fall all over itself today. Making one big mess after another. You can feel the tension building.

Something is up, just not sure what it is or if those dominos are really going to just topple over and slam into one another and all fall down. Perhaps it will only be a couple minor things that fall over and the rest remain untouched.

We shall see.

I have my fingers crossed for a much better afternoon and evening. It very well could just be all me, wouldn't be the first time. Yet I just hate it when bagging your head on a wall, seems like it would be the best option to dealing with the situation.

Closing in on the End

I am closing in on finally finishing up my Masters Certification in Graphic Design at Sessions.edu. I'm down to just completing three total exercises.

That breaks down to two packaging designs and a final exam for Advanced Packaging; and 1 final photo shoot (although I do have 1 lesson already to be turned in, but must wait until the previous one has been graded); and final exam for Digital Photography I.

For the final photo shoot I'll be heading back out to the ball field. There is always something going on there. The packing designs on the other hand just me to roll up my sleeves and dive in. I have one already started so it shouldn't be that bad.

Definitely going to knock this out before mid-May.

Sunny Afternoon

I was out and about doing errands for the office this afternoon, it was nice to be out enjoying the beautiful day.

I surely do hate shopping - the whole trip was one big shopping trip. Grr. It would have been so much better if only one store had carried everything that I was out to purchase.

I noticed years ago, when I was shopping for the family, that once you find a product that you like, know where to get either one of two things happens: 1) they quit carrying the product; or 2) they move it to some obscure spot in the store.

Then this evening Facebook had a weird glitchy-ness going on. I had friend request show up on my phone - I like the person so I went online and accepted the friend request. It was two minutes later, when they disappeared. I couldn't access their page at all. Just to make sure that I had not done something silly, I tried to add them as a friend via my instant message - which replied to me "Add Who?"

Obviously it wasn't me - with a little more research, it seems that the person who had friended me and turned right around and blocked me. Now what gets me is that this individual has been distant over the past number of years and I was encouraged that circumstances had changed somewhat. But to send a friend request and then immediately block someone is just plain ugly and hurtful.

Lunch at Akida

Ran out for lunch this afternoon with Roz. We took a drive all the way over to Robinson and Broad Streets to Akida Japanese Restaurant. It was an awesome trip. The sushi chef even let me take pictures!

The sushi rolls were every bit as good as they looked!

It is definitely worth the trip. I'm going to get a few of my sushi loving friends together and make the trip back real soon.

The Akida Roll and Firehouse Roll are delicious picks.

Photos from the Trip

Disturbing Headlines

Children being handcuffed for throwing a tantrum; the Secret Service involved in scandal; Farrakhan calling for killing our leaders; on top of these:

TSA to Search Bags: Question Passengers on Houston Buses The TSA has no business 'policing' buses. The next thing you know, we will be subject to questioning anywhere and everywhere we go. It is a terribly slippery slope.

Michelle Obama: 'This President Has Brought Us Out of the Dark and Into the Light' As if the headline alone isn't disturbing enough, the actual article cites scripture. The overt implication being that Obama is our savior.

It does appear that everyday the headlines are becoming more and more bizarre and disturbing. Rolling back the clock, no further than 10 years ago, headlines like these would have prompted alarm and public outcry. Are we, as a country, just going to go quietly down this path where our rights are trampled? Politician's aren't saviors, they are to be watched and watched carefully.

It all just makes me want to stop reading the news all together. I've given up on watching on television - no matter what channel you turn to they are all saying the same thing and nothing at the same time. I remember when the media actually questioned what was going on. Now it just seems that they are parroting whatever press release that happens to have been placed in front of them.

Unusual Sightings

 I'm not sure what is going on at the neighbor's house, but it is surely disturbing Bounce.

One of the guys that lives there keeps walking up and down the driveway, barefoot and no shirt (not terribly disturbing on these warm days, but this is usual all year). Now there is a new guy, apparently living there, that wears all black - including a hat - who is now doing the driveway stroll.

Bounce can barely contain himself. He doesn't even know what to make of it. He keeps going from door to door and window to window barking at the neighbor's house. When I don't get up and go see what he's barking at.

I'm hoping that they do decide to finally either take a true walk or go inside.

They Got Me

I can't believe that they FINALLY caught up with me. Here I was being so stealth in my coming and goings, but I just wasn't able to continue.

This morning as I was cruising down Courthouse Road, a police cruiser slipped in behind me. Please note, I had my cruise control engaged and was doing 45 mph. I KNEW I wasn't speeding and not another car behind me was even going to attempt to pass the officer or me. I felt like the leader of the parade. That was until I the blue lights started flashing in my rearview mirror.

I even glanced down to make sure that the cruise control hadn't disengaged. It was perfect, yet the lights were still going. So off to the side of the road I went. It was just about that moment when I looked down and noticed that my car registration was still folded up in the center of the dashboard. DUH! As the officer approached the window, asking for my license and registration, I passed them out the window. The registration still had the new year stickers attached!

After he checked them out, I hopped out of the car an took the full minute that was required to put them on the car. Too funny. Here I will make sure that Walt has his on his car and I forget to put my own on. 

No harm no foul. Just took about three extra minutes to get to work this morning. Once back on the road the officer passed me and hadn't traveled more that 3/4 mile until he had pulled someone else over. Hope that they had their registrations just sitting on the dash as well.

The Dark Side

I finally did it after years of toying with the idea. I have crossed over and purchased a MacBook. I didn't think that it would happen, but here I am typing this on the MacBook. The crossover probably won't be as difficult as I 'dreaded' since I already use both the iPad and iPhone - and those in conjunction with iCloud. The basics are already in place, it is just going to be the "technical" that will be different. How do I do X and where do I find Y?

There have been a few projects lately that I have wanted to do but the applications to do them are only available on the Mac. There is also the possibility of a new suite of programs coming out in the next few months and with a new release it would be great to be able to just switch platforms without losing the option to upgrade. Sort of the perfect time to make the jump - if not totally to work in dual mode.

I know that I will continue to work with the PC and MacBook, since there are a number of applications that I utilize that are only available on the PC and then there are those that are Mac specific as well. I'm really looking forward to working with iBooks Author.

Jared's Again

Got a call this afternoon from Jared's, time to get back in there and find something to replace the last ring that had 'issues'. I was so not in the mood to shop, but I did find a very unusual green amethyst bracelet and ear rings to replace the LeVivan ring. Besides finally putting that behind me I did get a couple of very unique pieces and had a great visit with Carol.

When I came home this evening I noticed that the Dogwood tree in the front yard had bloomed! We didn't think that it was going to this year. There are about half a dozen or so blooms, but there will be more next year for sure. Then there was the extra special surprise of finding a dragonfly hanging out on one of the leaves. He made for one cool picture.

Bounce was very calm this evening. Turns out that he had spent a couple of hours out at the dog park with Walter this afternoon. He won't be worth anything for a couple of days. Walt said that he behaved himself very well, and that the drooling in the car seems to be reducing in severity. Maybe the key to getting him over it is just putting him in the car more often.

Easter 2012

Wonderful dinner at Mom & Dad's house with Tim & family and even Sean. Mom out did herself as usual.

It was great sitting around and talking with everyone. Sean and I stayed a little later and spent sometime hanging out on the porch with Mom & Dad.

We missed seeing the rest of the family, but everyone else was visiting with in-laws or friends. Maybe we'll all get back together come Memorial Day.

Easter Photos

Rest In Peace Miss Carla

January 1996 - March 23, 2012

Carla passed away yesterday evening. I was holding her on the was to the vet, when she laid her head at the nape of my neck and then she was gone.

Carla was truly a part of the whole family. We adopted her way back in May 1996 from the Richmond SPCA, she was the WRVA 'dog of the day'.

I remember that day well, the kids had been told that they could have a dog as long as it was a small one. The description the kids heard over the was Chihuahua mix and that she would be around 10 lbs when full grown. Perfect! Sean, who was 4 at the time, and I made a beeline for the SPCA so that we would be there when they opened to check her out. She was so ugly that she was cute!

She and Sean got bonded and that was that! After all the adoption papers were signed we piled in the car and headed back to school. To pick up Walter & Danielle - they got a half day off from school so they could spend time with her.

On one of our family excursions out not too many months later, Carla really showed us that she was there to protect us. While the guys were fishing, I was sitting next to a big rock reading and she kept annoying me beyond belief. I finally got up and moved, which prompted her to quiet down. As we were getting ready to leave, I went to pick up a bag that was sitting next to the rock and she started up again. Turned out that there was a big copperhead curled up under the rock. She let us know right then and there that she was definitely going to earn her keep.

Her disposition has always been very sweet and gentle. She was housebroken from day one and was always ready to get in the car and go anywhere. She LOVED a good road trip. She especially liked to go out to Mom & Dad's house to visit. Mom would even 'babysit' her if I needed to be out of town for a few days.

Over the years she has travel with us virtually everywhere. Ocean City, the Outer Banks, Blue Ridge Mountains and the Southwestern part of Virginia. She liked to go to the beach as long as there were absolutely NO waves involved. One the last trips that we took her on was to Warm Springs.

A year or more ago we found out that she had an enlarged heart and there was nothing that could be done for her due to age. As her condition progressed she slowed down, but she hung right in there and helped us to bring the new guy, Bounce, into the family. She mothered him and never let him think that he was in charge for one minute. Even though she could walk under him he definitely didn't give her any 'lip'. We've seen her put him right in his place.

There are loads of stories from over the years that we will all treasure. She was just a few months over 16 years old. She was an awesome companion, loyal as the day is long, and was always there. We will miss her greatly.

Marcus Smith Memorial Scholarship

I found out just recenty that one of the patients in our office had lost his son to the tornado that hit the University of Alabama in 2011.

• His story was written up in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (read the article here).  
• Turning tragedy into something positive - the family and Alabama alumni have set up a scholarship fund to honor Marcus. Read more about Marcus and the scholarship fund. There is an article about Marcus and a picture of Micah, his older brother, accepting his diploma in August. There is a link at the bottom of the page for contributions.

Help spread the word about the Marcus Smith Memorial Scholarship by purchasing and wearing a wristband. Proceeds go to support the scholarship fund. The wristbands sell for $5 each. The colors are the University of Alabama colors  and the wristbands are made of very sturdy rubber. They will fit almost any size wrist. These can be purchased by sending an email to jsmith@parkerpollard.com. (Marcus' mother).

Break In

A friend of mine had the misfortune to have her vehicle broken into while she was at work today. She had inadvertently left her purse in her car, as she was going in to work (running late). At lunchtime she headed out to pick up lunch, only to discover that someone had broken out her driver's side window. There was glass everywhere. Her purse, several sentimental items, her gym bag, and Sunday clothes were all taken.

She had a really rough afternoon - waiting for the police to arrive, dealing with the insurance company and then there were so many things to cancel and try to schedule a time to replace. Credit cards, driver's license, etc... It was hard to believe that someone would risk being caught breaking into a car during the middle of the day!

I guess the lesson that we can all take from this is not to leave anything of any value out in the open in the car. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk. Out of sight will reduce the temptation for someone just walking past looking for something to steal.

Saturday Fun

I had a great visit with Mom & Dad for most of the day on Saturday. I was being helpful and staying away from the house while Walter caught up on his sleep.

Turned out to be a really great day, photographing all the birds that show up on the deck at Mom & Dad's. Then on an outing with Mom we saw a swan on a nearby pond and headed over to take a few shots. The swans were very cooperative. But the real action happened when a few Canadian Geese dropped by. You could almost hear the shark music from Jaws playing as the Swan went on the attack chasing the geese out of the pond. Who knew that they were so territorial.

Birds Galore - Photo Shoot with Mom

Conference

Our conference was a grand success. Dr. Martin knocked another one out of the park with his information jammed pack presentation. The energy and excitement in the room really made the weekend just fly by. The doctors and their staff really put in some work during the workshop and had loads to take home with them at the end of the conference on Saturday.

I was great seeing all of our members once again and catching up with each of them.

Conference Photos

Israel

Back from an incredible five day visit to Israel.

It was a whirlwind trip. We hit the ground running! Visiting, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Zefat, Qumran, En Gedi, Masada, City of David and the Old City of Jerusalem in just four days. My last day in Jerusalem was spent at the DVI Clinic during the morning; followed by additional sightseeing in the afternoon at the Bird Observatory, the Israel Museum and topping off the evening before heading to the airport a trip to the Farmer's Market.

In preparation for the trip, I had read Jerusalem: The Biography, by Simon Sebag Montefiore which was a wonderful history of the city. Which I was grateful for once there and visiting the city. We even watched a number of archeological lectures on Jerusalem and the area as well prior to the trip. Again it was the putting together of the pieces and parts of what had been learned during Sunday School with the history of the place and throwing in current events that caused me to appreciate so much the reality of the place and marvel at it's complexity. There are so many layers, historic, religious, political, and archeological one upon the other. It gives a whole new understanding to Biblical history and the country as a whole.

Standing in so many of the places where the events of Biblical history have taken place; and touring the country put into perspective both the events of the Bible and today's current events. That so much has taken place in such a small area it is hard to fathom. The experience truly does change you.

Visiting the DVI Clinic and meeting the staff, volunteer dentists, and the patients was a special time. There is dedication of the staff and dentists to the clinic can be felt from the time you enter the door. The patients come from all backgrounds and there is a feeling of unity. If the world could operate in the same way the way or world would be a much better place.

My "job" was to photograph the country, people, food, and clinic for the American Friends of DVI. Please be sure to check out their website. Pass along this opportunity to volunteer to your dentist or contribute to the work that they are doing. Changing lives one child at a time and in their own way forging peace in the Middle East.

Trip Photos on Facebook

Trip photos, subject to change and removal. Enjoy!

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Double Rainbow

Happy Birthday Danielle!

Close Your Eyes and Make a Wish!
May all your birthday wishes come true!

Late Night Richmond

I had a great evening out with the guys last night at Legends Brewery. We went out to see the Big Boss Combo perform. Before the show, I was able to slip out onto the deck and get a nice skyline shot of the city.

The band was excellent and I was able to get some great shots during their performance.

BIG BOSS COMBO Photos

Sean Hits the Road

Looking good behind the wheel.

It has finally happened! Sean has taken to the road. He picked up his learner's permit this weekend and has been logging the miles. So far he's put in over 100 and that was before supper.

Be careful out there while you are learning and watch out for everyone else, you know that they won't be watching out for you.

Happy Birthday Faith!

Another Ring Bites the Dust

I am beginning to think that something out there doesn't want me to have a ring made by Le Vian. Today, I tapped my hand/ring against a counter at work and half of the ring went flying across the kitchen! Definitely NOT what I was expecting to happen. Upon a close examination I found that one of the butterflies had sheared off at the base where it connected to the main part of the ring.

I dropped it by Jared this evening on the way home and we're not even bothering to try to have it repaired. Store credit here I come. I'll be shopping for something else when I have a better day to do it. They did tell me that they had never seen a Le Vian piece have a problem and here I have had two in less than 6 months.