This was such a day back in October.  The photo is good, but barely represents how gorgeous my walk was that day.

© 2011 dogear6 llc

Word for tomorrow – PROVOKING.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

I am thankful for the co-worker on the other side who ran over to get us so we could watch.  There was a hush in the crowd at the window as we watched the very delicate movements of the crane operator as the bridge was lifted up, swung over the canal, and gently put into place in the exact location that was needed.  We stood there for the longest time as for nearly everyone, it was something we’d never seen before and would not see again.

Here is a short selection of photos that I took from both the upper window and later, from the path on the island.  If you want to see the entire event, check out my Shutterfly album.  If for some reason that link doesn’t work, try this one instead.

Word for tomorrow – MOO.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

I’ve had a greater appreciation for the War for Independence since reading Barbara Hamilton’s mystery books with the protagonist, Abigail Adams.  Abigail was the wife of John Adams, who would eventually be the second president of the United States.  Their son, John Quincy Adams, would become the sixth president.

The books are set in Boston before the revolutionary war, the most recent one (Sup With The Devil) happening immediately after the Boston Tea Party, three years before the United States declared its independence from British rule on July 4, 1776.

What I’ve really liked is that while fictional, the author brought history to life for me and helped me better understand the times in which the colonists lived, the social and cultural mores, and how the fight for independence created such tension.  It was not at all clear which side was right nor was it easy to know who to trust.  Samuel Adams was a rabble rouser and incited mob violence (note that not all historians agree with that).  Both he and Paul Revere often help Abigail as she chases down clues and gets to the bottom of the mystery, although Sam wisely stayed clear of Abigail after causing one of her sons to be kidnapped.

Colonial Williamsburg does many skits, speeches, and educational events to portray life in America as it was in this time period.  That helps to visualize the history.  The books help explain many additional nuances to make it more real.  Between both of them, I’ve learned a lot of new things about the founding of our country.

This picture is from a working farm at Williamsburg yesterday.  The pumpkin vines in the foreground were nipped by frost and are dead.  The greenery is beets, carrots, turnips, and cabbage, all of which are frost hardy.  The stockade fence is necessary protection against animals – I wish I had one of those in MY yard, although it sure wouldn’t keep the dratted squirrels out.

© 2011 dogear6 llc

Word for tomorrow – LENGTHEN.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

© 2011 dogear6 llc

Word for tomorrow – LESS.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.

I can’t believe it’s already early November.  2011 has flown by.  I’ve enjoyed my life this year, but each day goes by so quickly.   I look back over my blog and how much I’ve written since starting it earlier this year.  The things I’ve gotten done far outweighs what I haven’t gotten done.

My favorite boy toy and I have taken several short vacations.  I’ve seen my daughter several times.  Her Dad helped her close down the kennel business and move back to her house.  I’ve gardened, photographed, played with dogs, caught up with old friends, and made new ones.  My job continues to go well, I contribute to the bottom line, and my employees are growing and learning.

I wrote how I enjoyed the mountain air and the warmth of the stones I sat on.  As the nice days grow fewer, I will do well to remember them and to take time to simply savor the seasons as they happen.

Bald Eagle In The Blue Ridge Mountains

Word for tomorrow – INSTEAD.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

Which explains perfectly why we did Skyline Drive on our way back from vacation.  We’d already stayed an extra night in Harper’s Ferry and I’d already taken an extra vacation day.  Those were sunk costs that would not be recovered.  There would be some new prospective cost - i.e., :”future costs that may be incurred or changed if an action is taken” – in other words, our gas and a few more meals out.

So we drove the Skyline Drive, taking eight hours to get home.  That included the time driving to it and from it, the time on it (3 hours due to the 35 mph speed limit), and pulling into every overlook to see the scenery.  We had a blast.  We’d not done it before and we now did the entire length of it.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words on the pictures.  I posted them for my staff who wanted to see the scenery and have been wonderfully surprised at everyone else who’s enjoyed them also.  This weekend I will get them onto Shutterfly and send out a link, in case you wanted to see them large size (this also by request of my staff at work).

Here are pictures from our day on Skyline Drive.  I was asked how to do the slideshows in WordPress.  This link will take you to the directions for it.  If you have trouble, leave me a comment and I’m happy to help you out.

Have a good weekend!

Word for tomorrow – AIR.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

After a late supper, we went straight to bed, which is why there were no photos this morning for you. Today was a drive back the long way home via Skyline Drive.  This goes through the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah National Park on the western side of Virginia.  We pulled off at nearly every overlook, even if it wasn’t picturesque enough to take photos.

So here are photos from yesterday, then I’m off to unpack and get ready for bed.  Tomorrow is back to regularly scheduled programming (i.e., back to work).

Word for tomorrow – CONDUCTOR.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

Here’s one I took shortly before I consistently took a daily photo.  These are the buildings opposite to where I work.  It appealed to me that night because of how strong the colors were and how very yellow the light was shining.  This photo is unaltered – if I ran it through Photoshop, I could probably improve it more.

I’ve always been fascinated with these buildings opposite me.  I tried for several weeks to watch when the sun set.  At what moment did the light stop shining on the buildings – when did the shadows totally take over?  I never did see it happen – I’d blink and the light was gone.  It was like watching when the sun actually sinks over the horizon.  You never see exactly when it happens.

I hope you’re enjoying your weekend!  Mine will be busy with chores, but there should be time to relax, even if it is too cold to read out on the deck.

Word for tomorrow – ANNIVERSARY.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

It’s all made from cans to raise food for a local food bank.  Other exhibits were space ships and robots.  I liked this one the best.  Notice the eyes on the top?

© 2011 dogear6 llc

© 2011 dogear6 llc

Word for tomorrow – CAVE.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.

Weekends don’t count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.

This weekend, we went to see the ocean, visiting a little town called Kilmarnock.  My sweetie found an art gallery that he is returning to on Monday to submit for an exhibit.  We also took pictures at the historical Christ Church.  Its claim to fame is the architecture with which it was designed in 1735.  There are so many historical things in Virginia and we’ve had a great time learning about the struggle for independence as well as the the Civil War.

Here’s a picture I took of the ocean as we drove over it.  Enjoy your weekend!