Monday, December 30, 2013

Seaford Yacht Club (12/29/13)

I went to inspect the new (old) port (window) that I installed on my sail boat the day before (http://www.seafordyachtclub.com/).  It was a restoration job, and I had done my best to make it work.  It had literally rained cats and dogs the whole morning and early afternoon, and I was curious about the effectiveness of my restoration job.  This photo was taken from the boat; you can see the rain clouds in the distance and the shimmering of the wet dock and boats.

The restoration job did not work, the port leaked like a sieve, something I was afraid of.  Very disheartening, and it is back to the boat to take it out and do it a different way, that I know will work.  This was a case of one step forward, two steps back.  Oh well, a learning experience.  But it was a beautiful afternoon after all the rain.

Yorktown (12/25/13) ... Merry Christmas


Had a great afternoon walk along the Yorktown waterfront on Christmas day.  It was definitively blustery, a strong wind over the water and temperatures barely above freezing.  Skies were stark blue and it was crystal clear.  I have a feeling that some entrepreneur could have made a mint selling hot chocolate or more.  None of the facilities were open, and yes I understand everyone wants to be home with the family on Christmas, but you should be able to find enough volunteers to keep one or two of the establishments staffed, in particular since most people walking there the afternoon appeared to be tourists or people with foreign accent (says me the foreigner).

Anyway, we had a great afternoon, while the meat was in the oven and there was some time to get out and enjoy nature.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Yorktown (12/15/2013)

During a walk in the woods behind my house today I saw this strange phenomenon.  It seemed that all hickory trees had shed their terminal branches with leaves.  Below every hickory tree there was a whole mess of branches with wilted leaves.  I have no idea if this is common or not.  Just fascinating!

The other picture is from one of the ephemeral ponds in the back.


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Faifax (12/10/2013)

Teaching in Fairfax today.  They were predicting snow, and there was a general panic about having the class.  It is amazing how people in more southern locations freak out.  Waking up at 6 there were a few flakes coming down.  A half hour later the world was white.  Saw two accidents on the way to the VDOT head quarters.  One SUV passed me and spun out right in front of me.  They just don't know how to drive.  Only two inches fell and this photo was taken around noon.