Our annual vacation to the mountains

Liz and I were married on October 6, 1985 and went to the mountains for our honeymoon. For the last 26 years, we have returned to the mountains for vacation in October as our anniversary gift to each other. We both love the change of seasons with the fall colors and cooler weather.

This year, we rented a 100 year old farm house on the New river. It was a wonderful location with plenty of privacy and lots of character.















The house is on a gravel road following the New river for miles, which made for a good walk.

 There were also plenty of opportunities for car hiking and photography.

Liz's sister, Karen and her husband Stan joined us for the week.  Our good friends Gail and Leon, from the Tenn. mountains dropped in for a day and a night.

Sunrise of the Charlotte Skyline

On a previous trip to Charlotte to visit family, I found a great location of the Charlotte skyline. On a recent return trip, I decided to captured Charlotte waking up with a timelapse and still images.

State Fair

Every year Liz and I go to the State Fair. It's the beginning of our favorite time of year where, for 26 years, we have celebrated our anniversary, taken our annual vacation to the mountains,  dusted off the space heaters, and started daydreaming of Thanksgiving and Christmas with family and friends. Here are some images from this year.

Charlotte Skyline

On a recent visit to my brother(Tony) in Charlotte, I was taken by the billowing white clouds behind the Charlotte skyline. I wondered where a good vantage point would be for a photo. Location scouting has reached a whole new level as Tony and I sat at his kitchen table..................and found a vantage point..........from his laptop...................with google earth. Here is a comparison of google earth and the actual photograph..........................

From my father's memories

It was Christmas morning..........either 1953 or 1954.............I remember that horse............It had springs which gave it a lot of action. The Christmas tree was from the woods................The whole family would go to the country together and pick out a  tree for Christmas........no tree farm.........just nature...............My father would spray it with this gooey white coating.........you have to love the 50's.........................

From my father's memories

After my father's passing, I acquired all his slides..........as he was a shutterbug. This is an image of a cabin in the woods I grew up with. I am in my mother's lap. The cabin was built by my grandfather........had electricity but no running water. There was an outhouse for a bathroom. We(the family) would go there on weekends.It was situated on 60 aches of country.........surrounded by nothing but more country. My playground was endless woods and peace and quite.

To this day, I am most at peace when I am by myself................in the country.......................

Tanglewood Park

Liz and I took a day trip to Tanglewood Park. This was a trip down memory lane for Liz. Growing up in Salisbury, Liz has fond childhood memories of her family going to Tanglewood Park for a picnic and horse back riding.

Memorial Day

I would like to salute memorial day by honoring my father. He was a world war II vet. Last year, he had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with the "Flight of Honor" program...........to see all the war memorials........and be celebrated for his service. My father loved to travel and, as I was present upon their return at the airport, this photograph says it all..................

On May 8,2011, my father took his last trip as he passed away. He had a military service as this still life has his "Fight of Honor" cap and the shells from the gun salute at his funeral.

My father was a great man and a wonderful father.....................I will miss him dearly..............

An early spring walk in the yard

The Lilac bush

When we first moved into our home(26 years ago), we were told the lilac bush was around 25 or more years old. That makes it at least 50 or more years old. Lilac bushes are not even suppose to survive this far south as they thrive on cold winters and temperate summers. Every year, the lilac bush blooms and the smell is beyond description...........Liz and I have a ritual, during lilac bloom season, to smell the lilac blooms every day..........................nothing, in my opinion, smells better..............................

My peach tree

Around 20 years ago, I was relocating my compost pile when I discovered a baby peach tree sprouting from a discarded peach pit. 15 years later, the peach tree matured enough to bear fruit................but the fruit always died from fungus and disease before they were edible. Around 3 years ago, I researched how to take care of a peach tree, bought a sprayer and the fungus and disease control...........and learned what to do. After a sizable financial investment as well as time spraying and treating the tree, I finally had fruit almost ready to harvest.................and the deer ate all of them. So my peach tree is now a opening act to spring............  food for the bees and deer...........and a great photo opp.

Glass from the past

Whenever I turn my ground in my garden spot, I usually uncover fragments of glass and pottery from days gone by. Common everyday bottles of the 30's are collectible today because of their artistic shape and vibrant colors. I wonder what will be collectible in the far future that we commonly have today??!!  

A trip to the zoo

Key chain

Working in a hospital, I wash my hands(up to my wrists) frequently. A wrist watch is not practical so I have a clip watch. It has become my key chain.............The keys are for shelter and travel.............The whistle was a gift from my wife Liz........so I can feel safe..........The artsy camera jewelry is a gift from my sister-in-law Karen......to keep me focused(pun intended) on my own passion as well as the love of family............A day doesn't go by without my key chain. 

A walk down memory lane

For those old enough to remember segregation(as I am), here are two photographs of the Liberty Christmas parade in 1960. The band from the black school were stepping  high and looking good in their band uniforms......the band from the white school sat on the back of a truck. Integration was a benefit for all..........

My spot

I believe everyone has a spot............A spot is where everything in your life is organized into something that appears to makes sense...........if only for a brief moment...........While growing up, my spot was a place called Soapstone Mine.............My parents owned land where my mother grew up in a house beside the barn(in the photo). I grew up at my spot.

Winter walk in the yard

A day trip down memory lane

Somewhere around 2 to 3 years of age, I received my first set of guns. I like to think that the tape on my right thumb is because I shot so fast, I had a blister..............my mother told me it was to keep me from sucking my thumb.

A day trip down memory lane

This is my first Christmas..................Looks like I am developing the concept of  possession.

A day trip down memory lane

Here is an image of my early childhood................I don't remember this moment.........but it feels very familiar. At age 1, I am holding my mother's hand...............

Visiting Phillip

Phillip is a friend from High School. He is a farmer and master carpenter and still lives on his family land granted by the King of England back in the 1700's. Visiting Phillip is how I water my roots.