Shadow

 

Looks like it's going to be harder and harder to find one's shadow here in the next few days as rain and, yes, even a chance (small, probably remote) of snow are forecast.

Color

 

Nice to see a little splash of color on an otherwise rainy and cloudy day. Looks like more clouds and rain are on the way for much of this week.

Denial

I think that even the trees now are in denial that this is still only the end of January.

 

Popular History?

 

Started Alison Weir's book last night, the first book of hers that I can remember reading. I suppose it can be described as popular history, although I was intrigued by this snippet from the Wikipedia article about her:

"Weir argues that 'history is not the sole preserve of academics, although I have the utmost respect for those historians who undertake new research and contribute something new to our knowledge. History belongs to us all, and it can be accessed by us all. And if writing it in a way that is accessible and entertaining, as well as conscientiously researched, can be described as popular, then, yes, I am a popular historian, and am proud and happy to be one.'"

East Gate

 

Another beautiful if somewhat chilly morning here in the old burg. I especially enjoyed how the morning light fell on the Capitol building's east gate.

Independence Day

 

Just finished reading Lopez' book. Took him a long time to figure out for himself whether to retire or not and I won't spoil the ending for you. Better that you should read that for yourself. But along the way he introduces us to a wide variety of interesting folks who either did decide to retire or else chose some other alternative. Worthwhile reading, especially if you or someone you know is contemplating his or her own "Independence Day."

Shingle Oak

 

One of the many new trees being planted in and around CW after several legacy trees had to be removed. It would be interesting to know why the folks responsible for CW's arboretum chose this particular species as well as why they planted it in this location. I'll have to check the QR code next time I pass. Maybe there is a link to that information there.

Floral Arrangement

 

Mares' Tails

 

It's odd how even though I know that the world is growing warmer, I'm feeling colder in the winter. Maybe it's age, or anemia, or maybe I just need some warmer clothing. Maybe, too, yesterday's clouds had something to do with it. I understand that these so-called Mares' Tails only occur at very high altitudes where temperatures range between -50 to -40 centigrade! Just the thought of temperatures that cold sends shivers down my spine. Brr!!

Never Judge a Book by...

 

I'll admit that I was a little bit dubious about checking this book out of the library a few days ago. I imagined it would be just another dry account of two men's professional accomplishments. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is turning out to be a fascinating look at one of the United States' most exciting, if also turbulent, eras. Already, I've learned boatloads about the creation of New York City's Central Park, Prospect Park, and, yes, even Yosemite National Park. 

Portrait

 

Floral Art

 

I spotted this lovely arrangement a couple of mornings ago through a restaurant window. They're silk, but could easily pass for the real thing. Moments later, I spoke with the restaurant's "events coordinator" who told me that the owners also display a number of floral paintings created by a local artist.

Holiday

Some pickup in foot traffic lately due mostly, I think, to the fact that yesterday, when this photo was taken, was a public holiday and that William & Mary students are starting to return from their winter break.

Arrangement

 

Cabinetmaker

 

Well, as I noted before, January is the month for much needed repairs and restoration around Colonial Williamsburg. Here, for instance, crews are putting the finishing touches to some erosion control measures around the cabinetmaker's shop. From what I could see, the work included upgrades to drainage systems, paths, and lawn.

Refugees

 

This quote in Cadbury's book was in reference specifically to the plight of Jews in Germany in 1938, but it occurs to me as being as applicable to the plight of refugees everywhere.

Cadbury

 

Just finished reading this work by Deborah Cadbury published in 2022 after seeing it on the shelf in my local public library. This is not your typical book about the horrors of Nazi Germany. Rather, it's about the courageous work of a woman determined to make a positive difference in the lives of children traumatized by war through education. I highly recommend it.

Arcimoto

 

Shadowfax

 

Well, probably not Gandalf's horse, but a very fine horse nonetheless.

Hay! Glorious Hay!

 

The Other Side

Secretary's Office

 

"In 1747, a disastrous fire at the Capitol highlighted the need for a safe place to store government documents. The result was the Secretary's Office, today the oldest archival structure in the western hemisphere." -- www.colonialwilliamsburg.org

Linking again today with Skywatch Friday

Sparrow

Sentry

Deerstalker

"Quiet" Time

 

Well, as of yesterday at least, the tourists were still here in large numbers, as were the wreaths that have been such a special part of this holiday season. Today, and certainly by tomorrow, I'm expecting things to quiet down, especially with young people returning to school, their parents returning to work, and the college students still away on winter break. 

This also is when Colonial Williamsburg traditionally gives its guides a much needed rest. But it's also been the time when maintenance crews turn out in large numbers to plow through what I can only imagine is a long punch list of projects that probably have been put off until when the crowds of people began to thin out. Wreaths have to be removed, sidewalks and steps repaired and/or replaced, roofs patched, and so on and so forth. 

So did I say this was going to be a "quiet" time? Mmm, on second thought, maybe not. 

Coffee

 

Had your New Year's first cup of coffee yet? :-) Happy New Year, everyone!