Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!

This snapshot of Marie is very old, but I'm bringing it back because tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. I got her to show off some of her artwork.

For Wild Bird Wednesday, I have some pictures from a month ago.

Oh, those gray geese marching toward me look like the ones that used to attack me when I lived by the lake. I did not stick around to find out.

Autumn Day in the Valley

Although I am not an early bird, my dog likes to get up at dawn, and sometimes before. He does not understand that daylight savings time ended and most folks are sleeping a little later.

After we take a walk first thing in the morning, I like to spend some time at home, checking messages, catching up on tasks, and so on. I like to get out in the afternoon, even if it’s just to ride out to the dog park. Sometimes I vary the route to to look at the scenery.

Water Thursday / Skywatch / All Seasons

The fall colors are bright, even though we are still in a drought. There’s been just enough rain to keep the grass green.

 

Prospect Peak and Cacapon

Near Berkeley Springs, WV

When we went to Berkeley Springs on Sunday and visited Frog Valley Artisans, we were very close to the spectacular viewpoint at Prospect Peak, so of course I drove up there. I've shared pictures of it before, but it's worth revisiting.

We made a couple stops in the town of Berkeley Springs, and then headed in the direction of home, stopping briefly at Cacapon State Park, where I walked Charlie in a pretty setting next to the lake.

Ducks and a Heron

The Wild Bird Wednesday linkup features from some enjoyable bird photos, so I continue to participate even though my bird pictures are ordinary compared to many of the others. I’ve just started feeding birds for this season by putting out some suet. I hope to get some close-up shots before long. (I don’t have much luck getting close to birds in the wild, so I bribe them to come to my deck.)

In the meantime, here are some mallard ducks on a pond, followed by a heron that I just happened to spot as I crossed a bridge.

Yesterday at Wilkins Lake

Winchester, Virginia 

This lake is between Shenandoah University and Hollingsworth Mill. I stopped by there yesterday after getting my oil changed at the Toyota dealer. I figured I could take some pictures of ducks and geese.

Some workmen were repairing the wall around the lake.

#wall / #H2O

Thursday in Clear Brook

Frederick County, VA

After taking some pictures in Winchester, I decided to go up to Clear Brook Park to get some pictures of the lake. I had stopped at the park once, but had not walked out to the lake. The water level turned out to be low, like most of our rivers and lakes are right now. It’s been a fairly dry summer.

Some people were fishing, and others were walking along the trails. 

I saw this cute green frog. It did not move, so I was able to get closer. I modified his close-up in the Oilbrush app. 

The park has a number of amenities, including an old caboose.

The parking lot is surrounded by Rose of Sharon trees. 

The Clear Brook community is still somewhat rural, although it’s proximity to I-81 has made it a trucking hub. There is a large Amazon Fulfillment Center. 

The post office is still small.

When I got back to the veterinary to pick up Charlie from day boarding, I found one of the resident cats sleeping in the waiting room. 

I’ll close with a picture of Charlie that I took today. He was quite pleased because he not only chased the ball and played with it, he brought it back and laid it near my feet. He is not a retriever breed so it has taken him a while to learn to bring the ball back.

Canada Geese Plus a Mention of Weather

After a fairly dry spring, we got some much-needed rain over the past few days.

 I’m sure the wildlife was glad to get water to drink and replenish the waterways.

Here we see some Canada geese.

Speaking of Canada, they sent us more than just geese. The smoke from the wildfires has reached us again. Looking outside, I see a pinkish haze. We are fortunate, though, because Virginia is a long way from those fires so we are getting less smoke than many places. If I knew how to send rain to Canada, I would be glad to do so. 

Meanwhile, Texas and Oklahoma are seeing very high temperatures. I hope they get some relief soon.

The View at the Pier, Lake Frederick

Lake Frederick is between Front Royal and Winchester. It is practically surrounded by communities of new homes, but a portion is reserved for access to fishing and boating.

The View at Sleeter Lake

Round Hill, VA

Wordless Wednesday on Tuesday 

Tuesday Treasures 

Next door is this ruin by the water treatment plant. Is it the old Sleeter farmhouse?

More Views at Silver Lake

Two days ago, I posted some pictures from Silver Lake Regional Park in Haymarket. Here are some more photos from that visit, starting with a reflection picture and then one for Black and White Weekend. .

Canada Geese

Next we have three photos of plants. The final one features a yellow flag, a flower that tolerates a marshy environment. .