Light and shadows - Spoons

Our World - Around Frederick

A few scenes around the City of Frederick last Saturday as I ran some errands. The last one is the new control tower at the airport.

PhotoHunt - Fluffy clouds

Sky Watch - Today's sky

Fog across the hills

Clearing overhead

Sky in a puddle



Sepia Scenes - Snow and fog

Light and Shadows - Approaching shadows

Our World - A little snow

Our winter has been mild so far. A few cold spells and some wet spells, but usually not together. Last Saturday night they got together and we a got a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, but not enough to cause many problems. First two  shots were taken at 2:30 AM and the last two a little after 8.

PhotoHunt - Blissful train fan

There is nothing like the bliss experienced by a child at Christmas. Our grandson loves trains and blissfully watched the train circling under our tree. (Photo taken near bedtime Christmas eve.)

Sky Watch - Gray and white

We had minor storms pass over head the past two weeks - not much rain and only a few snow flakes. Ten days ago a large flock of geese  flew over, honking loudly as they looked for a place to spend the night. Wednesday we had a bright white sky soon over taken by gray clouds.

Sepia Scenes - Great Grand Mother

My greatgrandmother (who died before I was born) on my mother's side. Copied from a picture taken in early nineteen hundreds.

Our World - Catoctin Iron Furnace

Catoctin Iron Furnace began operations in the 1700's when early settlers in Frederick County discovered iron on Catoctin Mountain. Abundant wood and limestone were also nearby. A nearby creek powered the bellows. Later steam was used to power the bellows. Pig iron was shipped to iron works elseware. During the Revolutionary War, cannon balls were made for Washington's Army. Over the years, three furnaces were built. This is the only one still standing. The furnance ceased operations in 1903. The furnace is on the eastern edge of Cunningham Falls State Park.

Furnace at far end of casting shed

Closer to furnace

Casting shed with restored roof

The Ironmaster's house has not been restored. Nature is reclaiming it. There is a walkway that allows one to see the interior.

PhotoHunt - Circular

Lots of circular things around during Christmas, but I chose this one that comes around ever month!

Sky Watch - Contrails

Last Friday was a cool, crisp day with clearing skies in the west and clouds in the east. The combination made for contrails all day. The first three shots were at 9:30 AM; the fourth at 4:45 PM and the last at 5:11 PM. The planes were heading west or southwest from Baltimore's airport.

Sepia Scenes - Santa's train

Santa's train ran 'round and 'round our Christmas tree this year, much to the delight of our grandsons. (The sleigh would have been riding on dry ground.)

Light and Shadows - Little bear in sun

Our World - Lonely

 Lewis and his Aunt Beth
 ~

Winston and his Dad return from a walk
 ~

Goodbye hugs for Mommaw
 ~

Winston and friend in car
 ~

Lewis ready to ride
 ~

And away they went

 ~

Thanks all for making this Christmas a delight for us!

 ~

PhotoHunt - Christmas bling

Our tree had its own bling this year (in addition to the other ornaments).

Sky Watch - Changes in a day

December 23, 9:42 AM South

December 23, 10:02 AM Southwest

December 23, 3:48 PM West

December 23, 4:18 PM Southeast

December 23, 4:20 PM West

Light and shadows - Long shadows

Our World - Boys and their toys

Grandsons Winston and Lewis (and their parents) were here for Christmas. Two bundles of energy and good cheer who delighted us all through the week. Their aunt was also here for some of their visit. The house was their playroom, though they stacked there toys neatly out of the way before bedtime (with some help from Mom and Dad). Thanks guys (and Susan, Lawarence and Beth) for making our Christmas special!