Global Concern

Norwich Cathedral

Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Chili

 

Okay, switching to a completely different subject, I tried cooking up a recipe I found recommended either through the Washington Post (a subscription I may not renew after this past year's row) or the New York Times. In any case, it turned out great! Used red pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper (I think I must be allergic to the latter), and substituted Legendary Brown Ale for Modelo Negra. 

Hope

"Be Merciful"

Yesterday's event in Washington, D.C. reminded me of this image I captured in front of St. John's Episcopal Church back in 2017. It was at yesterday's service that Rev. Budde reminded Trump of his obligation to "be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land."

Women's March

Eight years ago today, I participated in and photographed what was then considered one of the largest, if not the largest, demonstrations in U. S. history, the Women's March on Washington.

Back to the Future

 

 A photo I took in Washington, D.C. at an anti-Trump demonstration shortly after his first inauguration.

Petitions

Lots of folks turned out this morning to sign petitions for Democratic candidates running for various local and statewide offices this year, including Abigail Spanberger who is running for governor of Virginia. Gaining enough signatures to get your name on the ballot is step number one. 

According to the Legislative Information System:  The minimum number of signatures of qualified voters required for candidate petitions shall be as follows:

1. For a candidate for the United States Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General, 10,000 signatures, including the signatures of at least 400 qualified voters from each congressional district in the Commonwealth;

2. For a candidate for the United States House of Representatives, 1,000 signatures;

3. For a candidate for the Senate of Virginia, 250 signatures;

4. For a candidate for the House of Delegates or for a constitutional office, 125 signatures;

5. For a candidate for membership on the governing body or elected school board of any county or city, 125 signatures; or if from an election district not at large containing 1,000 or fewer registered voters, 50 signatures;

6. For a candidate for membership on the governing body or elected school board of any town that has more than 3,500 registered voters, 125 signatures; or if from a ward or other district not at large, 25 signatures;

7. For a candidate for membership on the governing body or elected school board of any town that has at least 1,500 but not more than 3,500 registered voters, 50 signatures; or if from a ward or other district not at large, 25 signatures;

8. For a candidate for membership on the governing body or elected school board of any town that has fewer than 1,500 registered voters, no petition shall be required;

9. For a candidate for director of a soil and water conservation district created pursuant to Article 3 (§ 10.1-506 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 10.1, 25 signatures; and

10. For any other candidate, 50 signatures.

Hydroelectric Plant

The remains of a now abandoned hydroelectric plant in Belle Isle.

Suspension Bridge

Looking back here to my hike last Friday from Richmond to Belle Isle, Virginia. This is the ramp leading to the suspension bridge that takes pedestrians across to Belle Isle.

"Good Day!"

Duke Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Family

Main Street in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlotte

Spent part of Black Friday on Main Street in Charlottesville, a city named after Queen Charlotte, which I consider rather ironic, considering that she was married to one of our country's nemeses in the 18th century, namely King George III and that one of its most notable citizens was none other than Thomas Jefferson, primary author of the Declaration of Independence. 

Busy Season

'Tis the busy holiday season in town these days, what with Grand Illumination weekends coming up, special holiday concerts, the D.O.G. (Duke of Gloucester) street ice skating rink, etc. Hard to keep up with it all, frankly. 

Chorus

Williamsburg Women's Chorus

Musketeers

Sic Semper Tyrannis!

All may appear calm in Williamsburg on the outside, but on the inside, believe me, this town where the American Revolution was born is nothing less than a seething cauldron of anger and resentment over the results of this past presidential election. Everywhere, people are discussing it, even on their seemingly leisurely walks through town.

Yes, there is shock and grief. But, unless I am greatly mistaken, there also is a rising tide of anger that will soon enough be turned against Trump and his administration. A movement of resistance is gathering. I can hear the sounds. SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS, indeed!

Hikers

Takinas Creek Trail

York River State Park

 

Woodstar Café

The very popular Woodstar Café in Northampton, Massachusetts

Party Boat

Connecticut River

The Connecticut River as seen from the Norwottuck Rail Trail Bridge.

Linking again today to Skywatch Friday.