Yesterday, a  young 25yo US Army Iraq War Veteran took the time to visit several Kindergarten classes in an elementary school in Charlotte. He was there to present and define Veterans Day to 5 year old children. To thank him for his time today and his commitment to our freedom they all signed a framed image of our flag. I was proud and honored to share my image as a small token back to him... 

for picking up the watch and protecting us all for another day.

VETERANS DAY. Thanks Raymond.

Veterans Day honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.

In 1947, Raymond Weeks, of Birmingham Ala., organized a "Veterans Day" parade on November 11th to honor all of America's veterans for their loyal and dedicated service. Shortly thereafter, Congressman Edward H. Rees (Kansas) introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars.

WE SERVED PROUDLY.

red, white and blue carschlops

hexed barn

spooky treats

moncks marsh

Hydrangea High

Autumn Flora in Yellow

sunburst over jacobs creek

beaded bokeh

I built a picnic table last week.  After assembly I stained it "canyon brown" and sealed it up tight with a god deck sealer.   We've had a good bit of rain this past week and I've loved seeing the new table out back.  It is beading water like a champ.  Yay, that is protecting the wood and will add years to the life of the table.  But outside of all that good stuff, it's just really cool to see the water all beaded up.

cohesion

Creeper Cabin

Waterfront Park

castaway

hairpin

The Barn, Crumpler, NC

We love to spend our free time in the mountains on North Carolina.  We hike, fish, tour, relax and smile.  We ADVENTURE every chance we can.  One of our favorites is to canoe down the New River.  Our friends at Riverside Canoe are the best outfitters for the floats.  We drive past this barn every time we go and I love it.  It means we are getting close.

State Capital, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Could anyone guess I was in Harrisburg recently? 

Market Street Bridge, Harrisburg, PA

The Bridges, Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

handle with care

I do love to fish.  I'll spend the entire day with my boots in the water with nothing more than a granola bar and  a pocket full of sunflower seeds.  I use artificial lures.  I practice catch and release of the fish.  Careful removal of the hook in each one followed by soft handling in the water.  They swim off knowingly...  not bested, not a loss.  It's not a competition, more like a respective dance.

And we live on to fish another day. 

that one night

indeed we remember our own special nights...

take a moment and reflect on it now.

breathe.

smile.

Beam's Chinese American

In the mountains of North Carolina, tucked out between Newland and Spruce Pine in this monstrous signage. It is bizarre to me and I react surprised every time I see this 20 foot tall entrance sign for the now defunct attraction.  It makes me wonder in what years this was a mainstay in the local economy.  What was the experience like?  Does anyone have the back story on this place?

lights a plenty

jelly

Madison posted a photo of a jellyfish on her page.  She spent her birthday yesterday at the aquarium and had a great time.  Seeing her photograph reminded me of a series I took last month at a science center.  Here is my jelly.  Thanks Madi.

remember that day in monoworld

remember that day...

Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel

Garden City Night Life

cocktail cruise

paint me a dream

paper poppy

self service

Susan said "paint me"

neon gold

pure gold

boys room only.

strokes in color II

strokes in color

the little things

Catawba Rhodo

Here on Roan Mountain the rhododendron look over the blue ridges in the distance.  This past weekend was the 65th Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival.  The weather was tough for those of us that came out for the celebration.  Our first trip to the top was in heavy clouds and light rain.  A second drive back up the mountain several hours later brought up an exciting adventure.  The temp. was near 58 and with clear skies the visibility was really good.  The storms had passed leaving us a real treat.  It was really something to see.

kist

freckles

youngblood

50mm f1.8 1/1250s ISO:1600

after the rain

55mm f5.6 1/200s ISO:1600

Robert Norman Jones

If you need someone to honor today honor this man, Robert N. Jones.

He was the grandfather of a Shipmate and friend of mine, Master Chief Robert Jones.  Several years ago I was with Rob when his grandfather was buried.  We stood side by side in our Dress Blue uniforms and honored him as a Shipmate, fellow Chief and a grandfather.  Look here at his Navy ID card.  He was DISCHARGED on DEC 7th, 1941, can you believe that.  He rejoined the US Navy in 1942 and completed his tours of duty in the Pacific Theater and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.  

He served in the United States Navy and he served well.

In Memoriam

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

bamboozled again

50mm f1.8 1/60s ISO:100