Veggie Cart

May 5, 2013 by LB

When walking out of Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen http://www.lucky32.com/cary.htm in Cary, NC this past Sunday, I couldn’t help but notice this veggie cart.

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, under the direction of Chef Jay Pierce, prides itself on serving “southern foodways and locally-sourced food”. Little did I know when I ordered the Black Bean Cakes that they are considered a restaurant tradition. So Yummy! (I didn’t take a photo, but if you check out the website you’ll see one).

I don’t know the name of this leafy green vegetable but aren’t the colors gorgeous? Perhaps one of you gardeners out there can tell me what it is …

The Shot Tower

May 3, 2013 by LB

After traveling toward home from Raleigh NC in 3 hours of driving rain, I was glad to see the clouds finally part. In the distance, visible from the interstate was Shot Tower Historical State Park, located in Wythe County, Virginia. Even though I’d driven by it many times, I’d never visited and decided it was time.

Overlooking the New River, The Shot Tower was built more than 150 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/shottowr.shtml

Doesn’t it figure that the park was closed for roof repairs!

Disappointment was brief however because right there at the intersection of Shot Tower Rd and Pauley-Flatwood Road, were several old farm buildings that begged attention from my camera.

Though the rain had stopped, the mists over the mountains created a beautiful backdrop.

Withdrawals

May 2, 2013 by LB

What do you miss most when your computer is down?

For me, it is most assuredly the lack of access to my photos, and the ability to edit and post new ones.

A friend has lent me a lap top so I am able to do online banking and use the internet as needed.

I do not have group contact lists on my phone and given that I maintain communication for 4 groups I am a bit challenged. At least I can send messages via those group FB pages.

So really, it’s about photography.

Some of you post beautiful photos from your iphone, but as much as I love my blackberry, the photo quality isn’t great. Perhaps I’ll give myself a photo challenge and see what I can do with the phone camera.

Until then, will you join me in prayer to the computer gods/goddesses, asking for resolution soon? I’d be grateful … I fear I’ll be experiencing withdrawal symptoms soon!

Annual Mammogram: Reward for Getting it Done!

April 29, 2013 by LB

Last Friday, I had to be out of the house earlier than normal in order to get my annual mammogram. Because of that appointment, I also traveled a slightly different route than is typical. This pastoral scene was my lovely reward.

Ah! There are more benefits than you know to getting a mammogram!

Have you had yours this year?

Truly! They’re lifesavers!

The Sigh

April 25, 2013 by LB

It is something that escapes, almost without me being aware that it has happened. It usually occurs within 20 minutes of starting up the bike and heading out on the road.

Of course, as soon as I get on the bike, I am happy to be feeling the wind in my face and I look forward to the ride ahead. I know I’ll see the beauty of the land, feel the adrenalin pounding in my blood, and hear the wind rushing by my ears. Those things are a given, and I welcome them.

And then, as I am settling into the ride, it happens.

The Sigh.

It is big and it is physical … as if from the depths of my soul. Lungs fill. Chest rises. Shoulders lift. Breath escapes. And with that, the fatigue and pressure that have built up during the day are released and I am, for a few moments, free.

And all is right in my world.

Unexpected Result!

April 23, 2013 by LB

One special moment in time….

April 21, 2013 by LB

Mae wrote this lovely post … an uplifting moment after a terrible week.

Mae's Day

Yesterday, we flew over the storm that trapped me in Chicago. We bumped and thumped over the clouds. Belted in our seats, I was in the last row fighting back the urge to grab that little paper bag in the pocket seat. I kept my dignity in tact as lunch remained where I needed it to be.

When we landed in New York the sun was out and it was warm. Having lived the storm that was coming, I decided to run to the park and capture some photos of the trees. A now or never in case the intensity was the same as in Chicago. I feared all of the blooms would be blown away.

Central Park was beautiful and I was right to run up there to capture what already was a peak moment. As I neared Bethesda Fountain I spied a gondola on the lake. It was…

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Focus on Dogwood Blooms

April 21, 2013 by LB

The day started with the sun shining brightly, but the wind made it feel so cold. As the hours went by, the chores were completed, the temperature warmed, and the chance to focus on photography finally happened!

And finally … a few Bradford Pear blooms

Yellow!!

April 19, 2013 by LB

As I was getting ready to post this, I saw Jennifer’s post called Cherry Tree Six. Similar thoughts / different color! http://giddysap.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/cherry-tree-six/

It’s so cloudy here today so these shots brightened my day!

Signs of Spring … in the NRV

April 18, 2013 by LB

I’m not much of a gardener. The colors in my yard are there by luck and happenstance (okay maybe a teeny bit of work by me). Thankfully others, including Mother Nature, have placed color in my yard, along my drive to work, outside my office and in the farms nearby.