A dark night in a city that knows how to keep its secrets.
But on the 12th floor of the Acme building, one man is trying to find the answers to life’s persistent questions: Guy Noir, Private Eye.
(Any other Prairie Home Companion / Garrison Keillor listeners out there?)
… I can still enjoy the beauty of Southwest Virginia from the truck! It took me an hour longer than usual to get home from the 80th Birthday Celebration (see below) because I was traveling under this amazing sky and through these lovely mountains.
Aren’t I lucky to have such healthy, happy, and FUN parents?
The Draper Mercantile is a lovingly restored, 125 year old building in Southwest Virginia. It currently serves as a place to hear local music, enjoy a fine meal, and as a showplace for regional arts and crafts. The Merc has been providing goods and services to Pulaski County and the surrounding communities for over a century and according to the website “visitors could purchase just about anything”.
A receipt found in a desk by the current owners summarizes an eclectic purchase: sugar, burial clothes, salmon, lemons, and a coffin. At various times, The Merc has housed a barber shop, a blacksmith, the post office, and a dress shop. In the spring the farmers brought in their lambs to sell and in the fall their hogs, turkey, potatoes etc., which went towards settling their accounts (drapermerc.com).
One evening last week, I met my friend Amy on the upstairs porch and enjoyed a glass of wine in a beautiful setting.
Some would have used photoshop to rid the images of powerlines. Despite the fact that I don’t have photoshop, I think that the powerlines add historic accuracy to The Merc and the community of Draper.
If you’re ever in the area, check it out!!
Yummy snacks
plus a designated driver
plus amazing friends
plus locally owned restaurants
plus magical light
equals another great BGs celebration, our first in Roanoke!
Despite a photo title that is reminiscent of a certain holiday in July, it is officially fall and the perfect time for riding. I’ve got one more long weekend off of work before the cold sets in and I’m planning a ride through parts of Tennessee and North Carolina.
I hit the road in 3 weeks! You’ll be there with me, right? 🙂
It was the morning light that made me stop, but it was the webs that made me linger.
It would have been nice to delay my start for home this morning, but since I had a long list of chores to accomplish, I hit the road early.
So glad I did!
As I head off to Charlottesville for a Saturday meeting, I’ll hope that you all are outside somewhere, enjoying the beauty of early fall.
This fence just drew me in, but I was unable to get too close without spooking the horses. Since that affected the clarity of the image, I played around with editing. Those who have followed my growth as a photographer know that I don’t do much editing.
Some B&W
A touch of HDR
Oh so soft focus
The plan ol’ image
The temperatures are cooler, the skies are clearer, the leaves show early color change, and the smell of wood smoke is in the air. Don’t you just love fall?
My friends welcomed us to their back yard this past Sunday evening for the first fire of the fall season. Their backyard is a sanctuary of happiness … surrounded by woods, flower / vegetable gardens, an awesome fire pit, and privacy. Deb made homemade marshmellows, and we all brought the fixins for S’Mores, Hot Dogs, Kettle Corn, and a favorite beverage.
Seriously! Homemade marshmellows!
As the moon rose in the sky, our happiness deepened
.
Folks … these are the simples pleasures in life … be sure to take time to enjoy them!
And if you’ve read this far, and would like to offer your opinion: I’m researching and planning my move to an SLR. When I realize that I am more often less than satisfied with the results of my photographic efforts, I realize I am ready.
Your recommendation?
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 