Closing

 Did you watch any of the Olympics? We love the figure skating. Did you see the closing ceremony? Well, never fear. I have watched it for you and snapped the most stunning moments. Put your feet up and enjoy.

I must say that they excel at chandeliers!

Was there some kind of elephant event that I missed?

Madam Butterfly I believe.

The Eternal Flame being extinguished.

And of course Tara and Johnny. He may be looking more beautiful than her today. Gives me kind of a Geisha/Opera vibe.

Every flutter is a victory when you’re brave enough to fly toward the flame.

Sunday Sunset - Spotted

 They usually happen near sunset. Like rainbows, except they are spots instead of bows. Often you will see one on either side of the sun. Can you see it?

They are called Sun Dogs, but I don't like that name so I call them Sunspots. Because that's what they are. They are caused by ice crystals high up in the air that act like prisms. It is always fun to see one. 

Cold air carves the sunlight into jewels

White Breath On The Mountain

 Yesterday's doctor appointment did not go as planned. As most of you know, we live in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the foot of Afton Mountain. Normally they look like this.

But not yesterday. Fog can come quickly and thickly.

And so it was yesterday. This is what it looks like on the way to the top. Sometimes even worse.

We had to turn around and come back home. Rescheduled the appointment. Back down in town, the fog was thinner and rather pretty.

The mountain hides, but the hush remains.

Off Today With A Funny

 I will be taking another day off of blogging here on this Thursday. I have another doctor appointment out of town. Nothing major. But I WILL leave you with a good laugh hopefully!

Blue Sparks In The Grass

 We saw the first signs of a change in the weather today! Out in the yard, does this all look like just a bunch of dead grass and twigs?

Maybe take a closer look.

Maybe even closer.

Do you see them? Little tiny blue flowers. They are smaller than your pinkie fingernail.

They are called Persian Speedwell. Considered to be a weed. But I love them. Tiny blue buds of cheer.

Persian speedwell: tiny blue lanterns lighting up the lawn.

Blink and you’ll miss it; pause and you’ll fall in love.

Lamping

 I bet you thought this post was about camping. Not. It IS about the gorgeous lamps we saw at Home Goods a few days ago. Do you have a favorite? I have never seen so many pretty and unusual lamps. I love almost all of them.

A pink peacock!

Monkey Business

The Lion King

Dragonflies!

I would have bought this one if it had been cheaper.

The Blues

Wicker

Stripes & Florals

Love This Lampshade

The base is a cupcake!

A table lamp is a small sun you get to keep.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5

Paws, Hooves, & Valentine Grooves

 Happy Valentines Day. The Big Cat and the Big Cow are both ready! The cat is dressed very modestly.

The Big Cow, on the other hand, went all out!

He has his own mailboxes for Valentines from his favorite bulls.

People have quite a few Valentine flags hanging out.

This home has matching mailbox and flag!

Even the Burlington store has heart logos!

Love settles in like a quilt—stitched with whiskers and gentle moos.