Sky Watch - Moon and clouds

Header Challenge - Carnival

Summer is carnival time around Frederick County. Fire and Rescue service is largely volunteer staffed, with over 30 volunteer companies in the county. Carnivals are one of the ways these companies raise funds to support their operation. The town of Walkersville, near us, held its carnival the week of the Fourth of July. Rides, games and plenty of food were available for our enjoyment. AND it was a great PHOTO opportunity. We have taken the grand-kids to enjoy the fun when they were visiting.

Rides for all ages

Plenty of food

Games to win a prize

And in case you run out of cash, you can always get more with your bank card.

Our World - Still blooming

Sky Watch - Blue and white

Cloud stairs

 Blue and white

Peek-a-boo sun

Returning to base

Header Challenge - Chaos

There's no chaos quite like a bunch of little kids at a birthday party. Three years ago our first great-grand child celebrated the end of his first year. His parents friends had also been busy starting families, so there were a number of little ones in attendance, not to mention aunts, uncles, grand-parents and eight great-grand parents.



Others watch as he blows out the candle

  

Opening presents

These young girls were willing to help open presents

 

But surprisingly, no squabbling

A  less chaotic moment

Our World - Still blooming

Sky Watch - Moon

Light clouds partially obscured the full moon on July 12.

But there was enough light to take this shot only with moon light

 (25 sec exposure),

Header Challenge - Water

My header was a view looking at the water (theme chosen be Mac) cascading down from a fountain into Carroll Creek. These two images I took midday June 16 to get the high contrast. 

  

 

 

Another small fountain along the creek and another view of the cascade taken on July 5.

 

And finally, water has been cascading from the sky a lot this summer.

 

Our World - Storm damage

Over the past few days the area has been hammered by severe thunderstorms. Some of the storms had strong winds and heavy rain. Power outages and road closures were common. This street in Frederick was closed after three large trees fell. On Monday the tree folks were still working, but the street was open for traffic. I did not see much damage in our neighborhood, though we got some heavy rain,  lightning and thunder last night. 

Sky Watch - Clear blue then storms

Clear blue and windy Fourth

 Dark sky on the ninth,

 as the storm moves closer,

 and came the rain!

The lines of storms that have been moving across the USA have caused some major damage in the mid-west. There has plenty of wind and rain in the Frederick area with trees down, power outages, and some damage to homes.