February Favorites

IMG_0737What is it about the second month of the year having only 28 or possibly a leaping 29 days that make February so unique? Can it be that Black History Month, Valentines Day, Presidents Day or Groundhogs Day are all part of this short month, and though the ground lays frozen it puts us that much closer to spring. Listed are a few of my favorites:

IMG_0751Full Moon
Here is an absolutely gorgeous photo taken from my bedroom window on February 4th, the night of the full moon is coupled with Jupiter. The sky was very cloudy, as we were expecting flurries and snow that evening.

indexBlack Awareness
I love learning a knew fact during Black History Month such as Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek {one of my favorite shows}, better know as Lt. Uhura was going to leave the 1960’s show until she met Dr. Martin Luther King, who insisted she stay. He told her “does she know what she has done; in the way of being a positive image {during the civil rights era} and our children are growing up with you, plus the honor that you bring to this role”, Nichelle stated she didn’t leave, couldn’t leave and never regretted it…Fabulous!!!

IMG_0806Founding Farmers-Tyson’s
This restaurant opened on Thursday, February 5th in McLean, Virginia and like any new venture the kinks have to be worked out by the managers and staff. Waiters were bumping into patrons with food being dumped into laps; orders were getting mixed up from one table to the next, but the overall culinary experience of Founding Farmers came through in their well chosen menus that comprised the historical dining traditions of Virginia. Dishes include in-season fruits and vegetables, along with popular dishes from within the various regions of the state such as fried chicken or fish and garlic pepper wings.

I enjoyed their “Cracker Crusted Shrimp” with fried green tomatoes and devilish eggs that had crab and lobster on the top…delicious!!!

Stay stylish,
K

Kathleen4 Comments

Hunter’s Moon

IMG_2159As an early riser, I was fortunate to see the wondrous lunar eclipse yesterday morning {October 8th} before going to work. It had stormed the night before and I was sure the cloud cover would prevent anyone from seeing the Hunter’s Moon. But, at 5:00 a.m. while listening to NPR the announcer indicated the skies were clear and to get outside and view the eclipse before 6:20. Putting on a pot of coffee, I woke Malcolm the cat, and then ran out the front door facing west to see the brilliantly lit moon in the first phase of darkening from earth’s shadow.

Malcolm and I enjoy the spectacular show of seeing the moon take on a gorgeous coppery red hue as the total eclipse took place before our eyes. There were a few planets in sight to add to this dramatic and remarkable scene taking place, one I believe was Uranus.

As my camera did not pick up quality images of the Blood Moon during this hour of the morning, but later in the evening the magnificent moon shone brightly which allowed me to capture a few shots.

Enjoy!!
K

Kathleen5 Comments

Summer Solstice

IMG_1395IMG_1398{Heath before sunrise}

Lately, the sights and sounds around Heath have been signaling the rapid approach of summer and today, June 21st will mark the longest day of the year, the summer solstice.

I decided to partake in the unfolding of treasures the day had to offer by getting up before sunrise, and put on a pot of mint tea (from the garden of course), then sat on the front porch to envelope my surroundings along with our cat Malcolm. Firstly, it was a bit cool around 55 degrees with no humidity, the air was fresh and extremely crisp to the point that I needed a sweater. There was no movement except for a slight rustling of the branches and trees. After a few moments of sitting the light of day began to inch across the lawn, next the chirping of the first bird resounded and then a few minutes later, several birds were joining the chorus.

IMG_1428{Malcolm the family cat}

It was great to see a few of my neighbors venture out before sunrise as well, tending their gardens and lawns before the heat of the day. Several minutes later the earth seemed to awaken with the noise of distant traffic, the smell of cooking from other homes and several of Malcolm’s (the cat) friends were running home… did I mention they are an opossum and a raccoon?

After observing the start to my day, I had to go to work, but made it outside at noon to see the sun high in the sky, along with my minuscule shadow on the ground. The heat of the day was progressing, but what I found incredulous about the summer equinox is after today, the days will begin to grow shorter and the nights will become longer, as we head back towards the winter solstice.

IMG_1446 IMG_0196{Heath at sunset and the moon playing her part in the summer solstice}

Walking this evening was fabulous; I went out after sundown to watch how the light plays across the atmosphere with the gorgeous indigo-blue tint in the western sky. There was a lot going on this evening beginning with fireflies flittering throughout the trees like shooting stars, crickets chirping, frogs croaking, and the occasional popping of firecrackers to indicate the start of summer or probably a  prelude to the fourth of July.

Being outside was a wondrous feeling because the sky was clear and of course I watched for shooting stars, but more importantly it was refreshing to take part in the symbiotic relationship of earth and sky simply by spending time outdoors.

Here’s to a fabulous summer!

K

Kathleen3 Comments