Just a Bit of Sunshine

Sometimes just a little bit of sunshine can make all the difference in our view of the world around us. Sunny days have been few and far between this summer, and I'm thinking I really need an attitude adjustment, this Funk is lingering over me like the clouds over head!

Alas, this week we had some breaks in the dreary, starting with lunch with my brother on Monday, it was a nice break and we had a bit of fun with my photo-buddy Rosie.

The waitress thought she was adorable! She also thought we were taking pictures for post cards, not a bad idea :-) My brother is now on a quest for a photo-buddy of his own!

Tuesday I found myself across the street from this local Stewart's Root Beer Diner.

And it just got me to thinking how quickly people forget about the established traditions around them. I thought about how the NEW Sonics (2 of them) opened last month in North Jersey and they were causing all sorts of traffic problems due to the droves of cars trying to pull into the 12-spot parking lots! Funny, people kill themselves for the next "New Thing" while these establishments are ignored.

But, alas Friday arrived with BRIGHT SUNSHINE, clear skies and low humidity. A fine summer day from the beginning.

Morning at Tommy's Pond.

Late afternoon on Main Street.

The end of the day, with a view that bids farewell.

And with that the weekend begins! All in all, not a bad week after all.

Enjoy your weekend! Until next time - Live, Love, Laugh!

Reading the Nikon Manual

Fun Foto Friday

I've been having a grand time photographing my camera buddies. Here is Scout, he is a Webkinz Cocker Spaniel and the very first toy I started using as a model.

In this picture he is reviewing the Nikon D40 Guide to Photography, pointing out the use of manual settings to improve my pictures.

Road Trip - Part 4

The Hollingsworth Family Settlement was just the beginning, Old Town Winchester was a real treat. We left the Shenandoah Tourism Center armed with a "Brand New" Self Guided Walking Tour pamphlet. Please click on the photos to enlarge.

(My photo buddy Rosie at the Daily Grind)

The walking tour was comprised of 29 locations, some of my favorites are what I've added to this page to share.



George Washington's Office Museum, built around 1748 and presently operated by the Winchester-Fredrick Ccounty Historical Society served as Colonel George Washington's headquarters from 1755 t0 1756 during the French and Indian attacks.




The canon above was used by George Washington to protect Fort Loudoun in 1756.


Washington's political career also began in Winchester. At the age of 23 he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses where he represented Fredick County for two terms. According to the tour guide his career began at Old Fredick County Courthouse on July 24, 1756.





Old Town also has a Pedestrian Mall on Loudoun Street, with many shops and buildings with historical architecture highlights.

We were entertained by local artists and musicians as we enjoyed coffee at the Daily Grind.

Needless to say we a great time, there are tons more sites to see http://www.flickr.com/photos/maggie_gem/sets/72157620477803465/ and I'm hoping we can make another trip in the fall when the leaves are changing color and the apples are being harvested!

Until next time - Live, Love, Laugh

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!

The History Channel has a video of the History of July 4th, if you missed the skinny in school or just want a quick reminder check out the video.

Off to the office

Off to the office
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

It's been awhile since we've been out with the camera. A couple of weeks ago Rosie came along to the office to help get a new PC ready for delivery to a customer

Rosie and the Tricky Tray

Rosie and Tricky Tray
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Spent the day at our local Church's Annual Tricky Tray, it was a fun day. Unfortunately I didn't win that 42" flat screen TV, or the Toshiba laptop my daughter was eyeing. Well, there's always next year!