Window Views - Third story lookout

As I walk through the City of Frederick, I usually look up for interesting windows and/or reflections. On October 17 I spotted both - a reflection of the blue sky and a lone figure watching. These windows are the second and third floors of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Below is a close up of the figure in the window.

My World - Ostertag Vistas

On our drives to Greenbrier State Park and its lake, we pass a sign for "Ostertag Vistas". The name has piqued our interest in the past and on our recent visit to the lake, we followed the sign and drove along the side of South Mountain until we found Ostertag Vistas nestled in a valley. What we found was an old farm with a sign that said "visitors welcome" so we stopped. A lady appeared from the barn and began to tell us about the place. Soon her husband drove up and continued the story of Ostertag Vistas.

This land was bought by German-Swiss immigrants in the 1760's and has been in the his family ever since. Apparently the land was first seen on Easter, hence the name. The farm is now an event center, hosting weddings, corporate outings, etc. The barn has been converted to provide seating for up to 200 hundred people for meals. Outdoors there is room for even larger crowds. Horse and carriage are available. Much of the farm is still growing crops under lease to other farmers, while the area around the houses and barn provide an elegant setting for small or large weddings.

View across the meadow towards South Mountain

Original log cabin

Gazebo

Back of the barn and patio area

View from near the barn

Newer houses

PhotoHunt - Dark creature by the door

Seen in Frederick earlier this month

Sky Watch - Thursday skies

Last Thursday started with clouds (above) and a clearing sky. In the afternoon we took a ride to Greenbrier Lake on South Mountain to check out the tree colors. The trees were disappointing, but the skies were not. On the way home we took a side road looking for a place called "Ostertag Vistas" (images next week on My World). And at sunset there were just a few clouds left glowing in the evening sky.

Window Views - Halloween windows

Jack-o-Lantern and friends

Jackie-o-Lantern with a message

Skeleton and spiders

Rocks with a message

The witch in our garage

My World - Sightings of fall

After an abnormally hot start to fall, we have had a few cool days and it's beginning to look (and feel) like fall. Some trees have donned their fall finery, some kept their summer green, and others went straight to brown. We got out some fall decorations, bought a few new ones, and got some pumpkins and mums to add to the display. Marianne also posted some fall pics.

Decorations on our mantel

Sad dog, sadder cat (spotted in Frederick)

Decorations on our patio

Lamp post greetings

Decorations by our front door

PhotoHunt - Orange pumpkins

Orange is a common fall color around here, but this year the trees have not cooperated. However, the pumpkin patch at one of the nearby orchards did.