Monday, July 31, 2023

The Reds

 The Japanese Maples are at the height of their colors now. Such large, brilliant spots in the late summer.






The stripped and shapely maple grieves

The ghosts of her departed leaves

The ground is hard, as hard as stone

The year is old, the birds are flown.

John Updike

 


Saturday, July 29, 2023

Sunday Sunset - After The Storm

 We just had a big thunderstorm, and as soon as it was over we went up on the hill to catch the sunset. Sunsets are always the most beautiful right after a storm.









“A nasty stormline comes rumbling ominously out of the northwest. The birds eat more quickly as the woods grow darker.”

~David J. Beard


Thursday, July 27, 2023

The Light

 WAIT! I got yesterday's post wrong. We were not in Hobby Lobby. We were in HOME GOODS! We did go to Hobby Lobby a day later, though. Anyway, I was able to restrain myself pretty well this time. I got this pumpkin, which matches our living room colors.


And here's the best part about it. It lights up! I love the antique looking stem as well. And it was quite cheap.


“Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

John 8:12


Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Hobby Lobby

 After the doctor we went to Hobby Lobby. It is out of town, so I don't get there very much. This huge wood peacock was on a high shelf.


I liked this colorful elephant with bells underneath. Wonder what is the reason for this?


Care to pay $200.00 for a giant gold gorilla?


And witches already, in July! This looks like a mom and her children witchlets.


The ride home was lovely. I adore being surrounded by mountains.




As we get to the top of the mountain, we are looking down on the valley we live in.


What did I buy there? You'll see on my next post.


“A hobby is only fun if you don’t have time to do it”

 – Leo Beenhakker

 


Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Dripping

 This large painting was hanging in the doctor's waiting room. It is called "The Gatherers" by Carolyn & Rusty Goldsmith. Strange that it was created by two people. Also strange that I cannot see any connection with the title. But that's neither here nor there.


I saw that a good portion of the painting is created with drips. What the...


This drip technique seems to be popular now. 

Some of you may remember this huge mural that was painted on the side of a building a few blocks from our house.


It, too, was made with many purposeful drips! So what's the deal?? Drip Art maybe?


“A painting is what you make of it, besides which, "Moon Weeping" has a better ring to it than "Paintbrush Dripping."

~Robert Brault

My next post will be about where we went after the doctor!



Monday, July 24, 2023

The Office Visit

 Today we went to The University Of Virginia for Phil's regular cancer checkup, which turned out well. Their cancer center is called The Emily Couric Cancer Center. Emily Couric was the sister of Katie Couric. She was a congresswoman here, and died of cancer. Katie built this cancer center in honor of her.



Everything is automated, even the lights and toilets turn on and off according to movement. This revolving door goes around when someone gets inside. So people have no control over it. It scares me and I won't use it!


Here is the front lobby with a big painting of Emily.


This old lady sitting next to us had a cardinal tattooed on her ankle.

The hall walls had been redone with large strips of colorful wood. 


Outside, the Crepe Myrtles were in bloom.


In my next post, I will show you some strange art they had.


Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

~Erma Bombeck


Sunday, July 23, 2023

Glad All Over

 A house about three blocks away has their front yard covered in gladiolas.




As I snapped, this guy watched me from an upstairs window box.




I have always really disliked Gladiolas. In large part, because they are the most abundant at funerals. So even the smell of them reminds me of death. Is there any beautiful flower that you really dislike?



And here on this mountain, God will banish
    the pall of doom hanging over all peoples,
The shadow of doom darkening all nations.
    Yes, he’ll banish death forever.
And God will wipe the tears from every face.
    He’ll remove every sign of disgrace
From his people, wherever they are.
    Yes! God says so!

Isaiah 25




Saturday, July 22, 2023

Sunday Sunset

 







“They ran to the museums for paintings. I ran to the roof for sunsets.

Darnell Lamont Walker


Unlit & Lit

 Remember my last post of the unusual angel and homemade tree in a yard close by? Well, they both light up!!! We passed them tonight. So her...