Our World - Frederick in bloom

March has been exceptionally warm and the trees have burst forth with blooms.

Our World - Signs of Spring

Two nice weekends in a row and signs of spring are about. Daffodils by the creek, kids playing in the park, walkers by teh creek and trees starting to leaf.

Our World - Drifting eastward

Driving home Sunday afternoon I spotted a hot air balloon in the distance. It looked like it was over the field behind our house but as I got closer, it was drifting east in the afternoon breeze. I drove through our neighboorhood to get the shot above and then down the road to get the next two.

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Our World - Over exposed

Today I had my eyes examined. As part of the exam, they put drops in my eyes to make them f-stop 1.0, so the doc could peer inside. It takes 5 or 6 hours for the drops to wear off, so all afternoon my world looked like one of those old washed out photos where I forgot to set the ISO of some other setting. As the sun went down the contrast returned and I as I post this, I can look at the white blogger window with squinting. And yes, I will be getting new glasses. My near sightedness is less severe than last year.

Our World - Winter returns

 February 4, 6:35 PM

Our winter has been rather mild, with only a few nights of 20F (-7C) or below. The snow storms have blown past quickly, leaving us with only brief photo opportunities.

 February 8, 5:16 PM

 February 11, 2:52 PM

 February 11, 3:14 PM

 February 11, 3:18 PM

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.

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.

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.

Our World - Lonely

 Lewis and his Aunt Beth
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Winston and his Dad return from a walk
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Goodbye hugs for Mommaw
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Winston and friend in car
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Lewis ready to ride
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And away they went

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Thanks all for making this Christmas a delight for us!

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Our World - Christmas with the Jersey boys

Hanging their stockings

Our grandsons from New Jersey are here this Christmas and we are having a grand time! They are two busy little guys, up early and seldom slowing down until bed time.

Cookies for Santa

Winston and Mommaw share a laugh

Lewis got a space shuttle

Winston builds his truck

All finished, paint job when he gets home

Our World - Decorated for Christmas

Nutcrackers on the mantle

Charlie Brown's tree

Deer and Nativity scene

Christmas tree topper

Christmas countdown