Jamaica Pond

It looked a bit familiar. We used to visit my cousins in Massachusetts back in the day when we lived in New England and a few times more after we moved south and a few times more after we moved to the midwest. This time we were visiting for my oldest cousin’s memorial that was being held a year after her passing. Near my cousin’s home was a pond where we would walk over and play. It’s called Jamaica Pond and was established in 1892. Back then it felt like quite a walk to get there. But it’s really only a couple of blocks. On the way there are now beautiful stately homes - many now converted to condos. Back then I remember many of them had seen better days. Parking in DC aid a pit, but it’s no better in this neighborhood. The first structure you come upon at the pond is the boat house that was erected in 1910. This day was a bit misty and overcast but that didn’t stop all of the exercise nuts. Everyone was rather friendly. We had to pass through a flock of geese resting in the middle of the sidewalk. There was a very odd bench that we later learned was part of an art installation. Good luck sitting in it. Obviously there were ducks but also lovely gardens all along the way around including morning glories. It was a very lovely walkabout. Imagine all of the people who have come and gone walking this place. 

Mini Globes Plant Watering System

We were going to be gone for five days. It’s been over three years since we have left the state to go anywhere. So much so that we almost forgot how to pack. But within that five day period the plants and the flowers still need attention. The indoor plants would be fine because we water them once a week. But the outdoor balcony flowers might be at risk - especially the grocery store mini rose plant that my husband has been successfully caring for for three years. So my husband tends to these balcony flowers and would feel terrible if anything happened to them. So I remembered that we had the mini globe plant watering system that we used for our indoor plants whenever we were gone for over a week - in the old days. After watering the window baskets for the last time and on the evening before we left, we got out the glass balls and filled them with water. Then we placed them in the rose plant and the baskets. The next morning the water level was still full. Between any rain storms and this set up we hoped everything would turn out okay. So when we arrived back this week we were so happy to see that all of the plants and flowers survived. Because we have such a tiny garden each flower has a lot more meaning. I’m glad I remembered the water globes. When we were putting them back to store again I realized that we had three more larger ones that could have been used. Oh well - maybe next time. 

The Parking Lot Ride to New England

We have not been out of the state since the pandemic hit. A couple of weeks ago we got an invitation to visit New England for my oldest cousin’s memorial service. She passed away last year and now a get together was planned. So we decided it was time to take a ride. We are very familiar with the freeways to the Midwest and the south, but have never driven from DC to New England - the most congested corridor anywhere in the US. If we could get through this we could get through anything. I can honestly say that we would never do it again. It was essentially a parking lot from the time we left home to the time we arrived. From DC to Baltimore and the tunnel, to Philadelphia to New Jersey. Then the ultimate hell hole of New York. Everything looks so old, rusty and cruddy. On top of that it was raining most of the time. The toll roads were ridiculous. I don’t know if my easy pass transponder worked but it was replenished twice along the way - eighty dollars worth. The George Washington Bridge alone was seventeen dollars to cross. Google maps was constantly red and we crawled along. We never planned trips in the summer months because of all of the traffic and especially since the pandemic. Everyone is taking a vacation now. But this was for a different reason. The drive back was just as bad as the drive up. To make matters worse we had an hour delay because of a presidential motorcade on the freeway near our house. It was just too much. But we are still happy we went and glad we were able to survive the gridlock. And the company is always so good. 

52Frames Leading Lines Photo Challenge

I ended up using the Baltimore tunnel photo for the leading lines 52Frames photo challenge this week. I had taken several photos around the National Mall, but thought we might find something driving up the eastern seaboard last week. Since we were so busy involved with activities I didn’t have enough time to really edit and do all of the things I normally do to make it the perfect entry. The pigeons on the American Indian museum were interesting. The US botanic garden always has great options - the fountain in the main conservatory, the giant blooming corpse flower, and the variety of ferns and plants. Then we walked towards the Capitol building where there is a lot of construction going on. The staircase work and fencing leading to the library of Congress was interesting. Then we continued towards the National Gallery of Art with a view from Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol from several angles. Since I’ve used a lot of photos from Washington DC the Baltimore Tunnel was something different. We haven’t been out of state for three years so it was an adventure to visit family again in New England. The last time was in 1998 for my parents fiftieth wedding anniversary. This time was for a memorial for my oldest cousin who unexpectedly passed away last year. It was so great to see everyone again and nice to hear a few of my cousins are following along when photos are posted. It’s really a great hobby. There is just something about New England. 

My Photo Selected for 52Frames Top 52 Picks

There were 2365 photos submitted for the “inspired by a framer” 52Frames photo challenge this week. I’ve been participating in this photo op for over two years at the recommendation of a friend. So this week I submitted a composite photo/art image of a fish and background that were photographed using my iPhone, then drawing in some wavy water lines and an astonished worm on a hook. My friend inspired this entry because he introduced me to this fine hobby, and because he loves all things fishing. Every week the committee selects 52 photos that they like for a variety of reasons - including creativity. I was so happy to learn that my photo was selected to be included in this smaller curated album after receiving a an email recognizing my work this morning. I’m also encouraged to know that an image created using an iPhone can compete with all of the real camera photographers out there. It is so cool to be selected and it’s even more encouraging to read all of the positive comments from my fellow framers. This is the third time one of my photos was picked, but the first time for a composite image. I think the fact that I’ve been doing digital art pet portraits for so many years helps me create these photo/art images. Of course my husband is my best critic and helps me configure what looks best. Thanks so much for the recognition 52Frames! 

Corpse Flower on Display at the US Botanic Garden

When we lived on Capitol Hill we always walked by the US Botanic Garden on morning walks after I retired. Before that we visited the place even before we moved to Washington DC. The Christmas decorations and trains are always so lovely! Typically there are long lines waiting to get in. Since we moved to northern Virginia over four years ago we still take morning walks on the National mall at least once a week. It’s not as convenient to get there, but once we are there it feels like home. This week we drove in to town and parked by the ongoing construction at the air and space museum. Our first stop from there was to see the US Botanic Garden. After passing through the American Indian Museum, we headed to the gardens. We didn’t know it was there, but we were happy to see another corpse flower in bloom! This would be the fourth or fifth flower that we have seen. Luckily we have never noticed the “stench” it creates. The first time we visited a corpse flower the lines were blocks away. This time there was hardly anyone there. Perhaps it’s because the gardens seem to have a few blooms throughout the year. Aside from this plant there are always so many lovely items to see. We are always happy when we visit the gardens. Who wouldn’t be?