The Grackle and the Dead Sumac

Never underestimate the value of a dead tree. 

Valley Meadow Farms (PG 190)

I had driven by and worked past the Valley Meadow Farms several times through the spring and summer but never had the opportunity or gumption to pull along Interstate 68 to get any pictures. Finally found myself off of an obscure exit and right there in front of me was the Valley Meadow Farm. VMF sits along I-68 in western Maryland just west of the Sideling Hill cut and on Bottenfield Road. Apparently you can rent the farmhouse  by the day or by the week.

More form Graceland

 The back of Graceland mansion.

 The office in the garage.

 The pasture out back.

 Movie memorabilia.

There is more to Graceland than just the mansion. The tour leads you along through the mansion and into the garage to another building holding lots of memorabilia. This is still only part of what is located right at the mansion. There is even more across the street. That's where all the souvenirs are.

Sunshine

I sat and staked out the sunflowers again last weekend at the in-laws. This time with success. But it wasn't the house finches, it was the goldfinches. Light was low but I was able to capture a few pictures that are worthy.

Parade Day

Busy day today here in the Outskirts. The Vigilant Hose Company No. 1 of Shippensburg, Pa is hosting the 112th annual Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association convention. To top off the 4 day event we are having a good old Fireman's Parade. Starts at noon. There are more than 80 pieces of apparatus scheduled to make the slow pass through the borough streets. The convention in Shippensburg is in conjunction with the Vigilant's 170th Anniversary.

Cumberland Fire Department, Station 2

Cumberland Fire Department, Station 2, Third Street (between Race Street and Seymour Street), Cumberland, Md., Allegany County. Cumberland Fire Department is a career department currently operating out of three stations. The CFD started in 1906 out of two stations. Station 2, built in 1926, is located in the South End section of Cumberland, the neighborhoods south of Interstate 68.

Happy Thursday

No story in particular here this morning. Just wanting to close my eyes and go to my happy place. This is my happy place. Except for the mosquitoes. I don't like the mosquitoes. That's why I like being here in the winter. The sunrises are just as nice and there isn't a lot of people there. That would make me happy.