An Update on my World

So 2 weeks ago, the curtains were drawn on the relationship between me & Steve but no love was lost, literally because there was none to lose. There was no bitterness, it wasn't necessary, life just needed to move on. Most of my friends were amazed that it had even started since for the past 3 years or so, I haven't even looked at the opposite sex because my life was full and happy with my friends and activities. So I have to thank Steve because he opened a door onto a new part of life, a part where I realized that actually there was room for a certain man. Immediately I went on line and started looking around and came across a guy called Rob. We've been communicating since the end of April and met last night for the first time. Because we'd had a lot of contact previously, he didn't seem like a stranger, it was more like experiencing the senses that I'd not used, touch, taste and smell. I knew his voice and I knew how he looked, but now I had the full picture. He lives in the countryside and loves nature like me. There's some distance between us, but that will make each meeting more enjoyable and he's constantly in touch with me.
The night was a resounding success with a lot of talk and laughter and the date finished with us shopping, me buying plants and pots, and him buying 2 sucker fish and a file for his chain saw! So, here's a glimpse of him, and I hope plenty more will follow.

Lunch at a Civil War & Dinner with America

On Saturday I went to the 10th Fairfax Civil War Day with MJ, Martin & Susan held at Blenheim House. The farm was a camping ground and refuge for Union soldiers who left graffiti and messages over the walls. This was later covered by paint and wallpaper on the first 2 levels of the house but the attic was left undisturbed and a replica of this has been built on the grounds for visitors.

 There were many displays and people dressed in typical garb. I felt for them as it was so hot and humid but some soldiers reassured me that the woolen clothing actually breathed and they could feel the breeze through it. Not so great in winter time though?

There were lots of wonderful artifacts on display and demonstrations of medicinal treatments, a blacksmith, and spinning along with talks on the period throughout the day. 

 Civil War music was played by a SC string band, there was a women's fashion display and an excellent firing demonstration by the riflemen above using Enfield rifles.

 A cannon was fired and I was really lucky to snap my shutter at just the right time. I just wish I could've closed off my ears too, it was deafening.

This soldier and his horse put on a display for the crowd and photographers.
This site will become even more active next year at the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and a Interpretive Center has already been built in preparation for this with an assembly room, exhibitions and gift shop. Until today, I had no idea this place even existed, it's barely noticeable from the road, but I shall return next year.

A

I left Blenheim Place and rushed down to Alexandria to get in line for my America tickets. There were a few people in front and the guy sitting here has been to about 200 of their concerts. This was the realization of a dream for me. I'd bought their album Silent Letter in the early 80's and been hooked. I'd always wanted to see them and it seems like fate that I'll see them twice this year, tonight and also later in the summer at the Shenandoah County Fair. I got in line and started chatting to a couple, Robyn & Tim. The time soon passed and Rich turned up to claim his ticket as the doors were opened. We all sat together and manged to get a table right in the middle facing the stage.

 America were better than I could ever have imagined and I had to keep stopping and thinking, 'Am I really here?' My eyes filled a couple of times as I so was happy to be there. They sang one of my favorite songs, Lonely People, and Sandman was far better live than any studio recording.

Too soon the concert ended and we had to leave, but the band had promised to meet us out front for autographs so off we went.

While we waited in line, I grabbed a shot of this mixing desk. Who knows when I'll get this close to one again.

E

Eventually it was my turn to reach the table and I could barely contain my excitement at meeting Gerry and Dewey. We talked about Kent and North Yorkshire in England and about the Canon G10. It was awesome. They asked me to come and say hello at the county fair. Hell, yeah!  Rich kindly took some photos of me and I left with their autographs on a 40th anniversary poster, a Gerry guitar pick and a humungous smile. I also left with 3 new friends. What a superb evening.

 

Centreville at Night

So some of you know that a few weeks ago my bloody camera dropped off my tripod as I hefted it over my shoulder. I was incredibly upset at the time, it was as though I'd lost a limb, and it actually shocked me how much this chunk of metal and plastic means to me. Well, the wound has healed, the camera works fine, the UV filter's been replaced and I finally got round to looking at the photos and editing them.

 Setting up the camera as the light disappeared and grabbing a last shot of the sunset.

 As the colors disappeared, a beautiful cobalt blue washed the sky and the trail of a jet passing over left a streak. 

 The restaurant where we hung out. The staff was really cool about us setting up here, but then we did drink a few beers and wolf down some excellent wings. 

 Another jet passing over the restaurant. The white dots were the wing lights blinking on and off.

A jet passing by the moon.

 Red rear lights from passing cars.

It was here the camera dropped to the pavement with an audible clunk. It actually took me a couple of seconds before I could turn and look down; I was so scared of what I would see.

 This was the last image of the evening so I can only assume the camera shutter got knocked on it's way down to the tarmac. Thanh God it wasn't a swan song!

A Spring Hike

Sunday was too beautiful a day to be stuck indoors. I had been shattered on Saturday but after recuperating on Saturday evening, I was raring to go so Barb and I went to the Battlefields with Arde. The sun was warm, there was a mild breeze, it was perfect hiking weather.

We saw some dogwoods in full bloom and the paths were active with insects scurrying back and forth on errands, but thankfully there weren't too many humans.

  We crossed a pretty creek where Arde took a moment to cool off.

I was ecstatic to see a clump of English bluebells sheltered underneath a tree. These are my favorite flowers and the scent is divine. The Virginian bluebells were almost finished so it was wonderful to spy this vibrant splash of blue. I felt a little homesick thinking of the carpets of bluebells that were blooming in English woods at this time.

It was lovely to see all the trees finally getting their leaves and so nice to be able to enjoy the hike without being hounded by bugs. Not much longer to enjoy that freedom!

 We passed the Stone Bridge which crosses Bull run. It was destroyed during the Battle of First Manassas on July 21, 1861, the first major land battle of the American Civil War. Some years later, a new bridge, apparently similar to the original design, was built on the site of the old bridge.

 There were so few people hiking that those who were here could enjoy some peaceful reflection, just enjoying the quiet surroundings.

We probably only covered 5 or 6 miles but it was great to be outside again and not inside a derelict building, although we have some great explorations coming up soon. This coming weekend is urbexing free for now, so nature, here I come!

An Abandoned Tug in DC

On Sunday, Steve and I spent an afternoon on the water with Tim. We set off with Tony and Gene to explore an abandoned tug on the Potomac. It was a beautiful sunny day but a little blustery but we had plenty of beers and endless conversation, it was grand.
We passed this little boat which according to one guy at the marina is the woosiest boat on the water so far in 2010. We all agreed.

We were soon moored up alongside the tug and eagerly clambered aboard to explore. There wads an osprey nest up front (the bow?) of the boat and two birds circled watching us cautiously. We kept to the stern not wanting to disturb them any more than necessary.
It was evident others had previously partied aboard the tug as bottles and pizza boxes littered all rooms, but most of the rooms were in good order still and we even found the log book.

I spent a long time down in the engine room, treading carefully as the metal floor was slick with spilled oil. Gene was a walking encyclopedia and explained all parts of the machinery. I loved the brass plate here behind the wheel, the brass mouthpiece of the communication system and the can of starting fluid.

Gene having a bit of a pose on top of the boat.

 Cobwebs and cables.

 Another boat from the marina joined us and after having a nose round, we all settled down to the business of eating french bread with chunks of cheese and tomato, along with corn chips and jack cheese, all washed down with beer. The lunch of a mariner!

Tim and Tony having a chat.

 I spent some time walking around the outside of the boat grabbing shots from every angle.
Walter and his friends left on their boat taking Gene with them, leaving just four of us behind. We sat and chatted enjoying our surroundings, when we suddenly became aware of a coast guards boat heading towards us and then turning its flashing lights on. They approached rapidly and through a loud speaker told us to remain where we were. What, and not jump in the water? Duh! They came aboard and grilled us, demanding I.D. Both men were gruff towards us but eventually loosened up when they realized we were doing no harm and had taken nothing. Once we were checked out, we were told to leave and not return.I had to chuckle as I noticed Tony continued to guzzle his Miller Light throughout the whole interrogation.

They watched as we climbed back onto Tim's boat; we were relieved to be on our way. 

A photo of the main man reflecting on why the hell he hooked up with a girl that gets him into these scrapes.Get used to it, boyfriend, life's an adventure!

Tim at the tiller.

Lola, Tim's woofer was tuckered out after her big day out.
We got back to the marina before dusk and hung out on a couple of other boats until it was time to head home. After a wonderful curry cooked by Tony, Steve and I headed home. So when's our next adventure?

A DC Capitals Hockey Game

On Sunday, Steve and I went down to watch the final game of the Capitals season. A good friend of mine had given me the tickets as she would be on a cruise instead. I was very excited, having never seen an ice hockey game before. I had caps embroidered at work while Steve got us both shirts.

 I was wearing a Semin shirt and was stoked when he got the first goal. This sport was fast and furious, I loved it. Everyone was constantly getting up and then sitting back down howling along with the chants and clapping.

There was a little bit of a scuffle here! Awesome!

 Semin and Steve's player, Ovechkin, working together here. We had superb seats and I was able to get some relatively good shots of the players, although quite often by the time I'd got my camera ready, the moment had passed. They moved so fast.

Actually got a good view of the puck here; I rarely saw it during the game.

The game ended with the Caps losing in sudden death. i was totally deflated and actually couldn't take it in for a while. In one minute, the crowd had been on their feet screaming, "Unleash The Fury", and then suddenly they were quietly walking out.

 

The cheerleaders and mascots came onto the ice but there was little interest and people starting leaving quickly. I was still stunned that we had lost so quickly. The Caps are through to the play offs though so it wasn't such a hard loss to swallow.

To avoid getting caught up in the rush to leave, we decided to walk in the sunshine for a few blocks. Outside the National Portrait Gallery was this cowboy sculpture.

The courtyard inside was beautiful and unfortunately I have to admit, more interesting than the exhibits. This was added in 2006 during extensive renovations. The building is the 3rd oldest federal building in the city, built between 1836 and 1867.

This sweet pigeon was happy to pose for a photo and actually waited while I fiddled with the dials. We got back to an empty parking lot and left easily, happy we had avoided the crowds. Thanks Pam & Sue for a great experience.