HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

  To all the dad’s out there, and especially to my husband

Here are a few photos of him with our son, starting with our very first photo after he was born in 1979.

And here is father and son today. 

Happy Father’s Day My Love!

Thanks for looking and 

I hope you all have a great day!

NOT THE USUAL SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER BUT A GOOSE GAVE CHASE…

 This is a story I mentioned before but I thought it would be fun to tell it again in pictures. This happened to me 70 years ago.

A picnic with my Aunty Dorothy and cousins, a very hungry child, a white goose chasing me. I remember screaming and running as fast as the wind with my Aunty’s voice ringing in my ears, “Drop the sandwich, drop the sandwich!”  

There she goes, silly girl, feeling the pain as the goose nipped the back of her leg, but eventually she threw her sandwich into the lake, upon which the goose gave up the chase and dived in after it. My Aunty gave me a wise piece of advice when I regained my composure, how little girls should immediately drop their sandwich when a goose takes an interest in it.  

A good lesson learned! This memory is as vivid to me as if it happened yesterday. So, if you are holding a sandwich when a goose gives chase, you know what to do!

Thanks for visiting and 

I hope your day is a great one.

I THINK I AM….

Just a little humor for you today. I found it online and had to share. 

“I think I’m overfeeding my hummingbirds.”

SOME KIND OF BIRD BALLET - AN OLD ONE PUT HOPEFULLY WORTH REPEATING

All photos were taken at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park in Florida, which you can find here. It was a lot of fun to see all these beautiful birds, many that are wild and fly in just for feeding time, or as the lady with the bucket of fish said quite seriously, "We try to keep the moochers from stealing all the food."  

One of our stars is the Great White Heron, along with a chorus of all White Ibises.

Jumping into the arms of her prince - again - a White Ibis.

The Wood Stork is definitely a diva!

Next the Anhinga...

and the same bird below displaying her perfect form.

Waiting in the wings, a Barred Owl.

A lovely ballet pose displayed by the Wood Stork.

A Mute Swan stretching her toes and getting ready to jump in.

Our White Ibis, posing for the cameras backstage.

 She decided to give the paparazzi her back view. Sometimes she gets so tired of being followed around all day, having her photograph taken.

The Brown Pelican is a little late for her cue.



The Red-shouldered Hawk was very vocal. Well... you sometimes get a heckler in the audience.

The Crested Caracara was wearing a beautiful costume. Brava my dear, brava!

The Black-crowned Night Heron, who flew over the stage, needed no wires and was a complete blur.

The White Pelicans are about to make their entrance.

But finally, another performance is over. The Mute and Black Swans are relieved that all went well. No one tripped over their tutu. It is time to take a well-deserved rest.

That’s the end of our Bird Ballet.

Thanks so much for taking your seat and I wish you all a wonderful day.

A BUSY MORNING...

6-16-26: Out relatively late at 10.00 a.m. I wanted to get to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get my license renewed. 

I have been noticing the sunflowers driving out of the neighborhood. Someone had planted a line of them by their letter box. The last time I saw them they weren't blooming. Today there was quite a show, and it was time to take my cell phone out. They made a very pretty sight.

When we got to the DMV, the first thing I noticed was that the parking lot was not overflowing like the times I have been there before. There were many empty spots. I was surprised how quiet it was. When we got inside and signed in, I was still filling out the form they gave me when I was called. We were in and out under 15 minutes. My Real ID license will arrive in the mail. I can't remember how long he said, hopefully under two weeks. In the meantime I was given an official sheet of paper which will act as a temporary one. We noticed a sign at the counter letting us know we could have done all this online, which is probably why it was so quiet, maybe. 

Our next stop was at Wegmans. I had a notice a few days ago to say I was due for my second shingles shot. No appointment is needed, you just walk in and wait your turn, which usually isn't very long. 

I sat myself down next to this very nice couple about our age. They were also waiting in the small sitting area. The man heard me and said, "You must be from Texas?" I looked at him and answered with a big smile, "I'm from England." He said he knew that and assured me he was joking. Ah, a comedian! He, his wife and I had a chuckle. After 50 years you can still tell where I came from originally. I'm always surprised when people acknowledge my accent. I do have a different one compared to how I used to sound. I think I have mentioned before that when I have gone back to the UK, people think I am Canadian.

The man played a guessing game as to where I was from. Not from Wales, he said, not from Scotland, he said. You did say England right? Not from the North, and then the Pharmacist opened the door, and they got up and as they went into her office I told him I grew up near Birmingham, but moved to Devonshire when I was 15. He nodded sagely as he disappeared out of sight. They saw them again a few minutes later. Gregg had joined me. We had another short conversation about the man's time in England. He had been over there working for a while. It was a very nice conversation. 

When we joined the pharmacist she had heard my chat with the couple. After I received the shot, she told me she had vacationed in the UK with an aunt who lived in Reading. This was when she was young and remembered what a great time she had at a rock concert. I should have asked her whom she saw. I told her that when I flew into Heathrow, I would go to Reading to catch the train down to Devon. She was lovely and great at doing her job. I hardly felt a thing.

Gregg told me later he noticed a sign showing an award that Wegmans received, for being the best pharmacy in America. I can believe it. We have never had anything but the best service here and every pharmacist has been very professional and friendly. Most importantly, all the inoculations received have been painless. I was glad to get home, however, and found myself dozing off for a few minutes.

And they are back!

Hello there my little darlings! Got out again did you? 

I had a chuckle. These photos were taken in seconds as they heard Gregg’s voice calling them. He exited via the garage door in the front of the house, had already told me not to open anything, even though I badly wanted to fuss them. Last time they slipped through a crack, and one followed the other before I could blink an eye. After remembering the last time, good sense prevailed. 

Gregg said they were fast as lightning. They wouldn't listen to him and made their way further down the street to the corner house. Soon after, their human turned up and said to Gregg, "They got out again?" He apologized but Gregg told him don't worry, we love them. We do, but at the same time we’re glad they are now safely back in their own garden.

I made a concoction the other day but didn't take a photo of the finished product. There is no link. I got the idea from several similar recipes I've seen over time and put this together from memory. Definitely not a lot to remember and you probably do something similar.

In the blender I added 2 bananas, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey and a splash of vanilla. Mixed until blended and poured into a freezer-proof container. It is supposed to take 1 to 2 hours before it is ready, but it took much longer I found. No, it's not ice cream but it satisfied a sweet tooth, and I enjoyed it very much. My dessert makes enough for 4 small portions and I ate it with blueberries on the side. I will be making it again. It will be a fun recipe to play around with, using different ingredients. If you make something similar, please share as I am always looking for good ideas.

It was a great day for weather. The high was 72 degrees F. and I didn't think it was humid. I hope the weather is treating you kindly in your part of the world. 

Have a great day!

FOUNTAINHEAD REGIONAL PARK - VISITED FRIDAY 6/12/26

 A week before our visit, Gregg found a YouTube where a man shared this 'hidden gem' as he described it. It wasn't too far away from home, about 40 minutes. Gregg was intrigued because neither of us had heard of it before and that was a bit mind boggling. We have been to many places in and around our local area, but this was a complete surprise. We picked Friday, June 12th, to check it out. 

I didn't take many photos. It was hot and muggy and not walkable weather, but it was a beautiful drive in a car with the air-conditioning working. The journey provided many tree-lined roads, and I did take photos going there and back. I will share those at the end.

If you go to this link it will take you to their website. The park is described as being surprisingly secluded and quiet, though it is surrounded by suburbs only minutes away. We (me and the mouse in my pocket) were very thankful for our phone's GPS and arrived without getting lost. The directions took us along a heavily wooded, winding road and I was just starting to think we would have to turn around, when the entrance appeared.  

It is approximately 2,000 acres of wooded wilderness located in the Fairfax Station area. The narrow road takes you by the Occoquan Reservoir and we saw the boat ramp where people can bring small, 3 to 4 person boats. Visitors can also rent single and double kayaks and standup paddleboards. You can check their website at the link above for more information. It is open year-round, weather permitting. Boat rentals are available from March to mid-November and can be rented by the hour or for the day. 

All this being said, things do change and if you read this any time in the future, or even now, best to check with their website before making any definite plans. Other things you can do here are equestrian trail riding which include four different trails varying in length, with several winding along the reservoir for water views. 

It is also a well-known destination for mountain bikers and is said to be one of the best and most recognized bike trail systems. The full trail system is 15 miles long, with a green beginner's loop of about 3 miles, plus intermediate and advanced loops. There is an access point to the 19.7 mile Bull Run Occoquan Trail. All these trails sometimes close so it's again best to check at the website. 

Bikes are prohibited on the equestrian trail and the nature trail at all times. This link will take you to a site that gives you up-to-date information on all the trails at Fountainhead Park. One last thing, you can also rent a covered picnic shelter for small gatherings. The shelter includes tables and grills. It has enough seating for 50 people at ten 6-foot picnic tables, and there is one double charcoal grill. No amusement devices or alcoholic beverages are allowed at the shelter.

If you'd like to fish there is a well-stocked reservoir full of bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and more (I read that anyone 16 or older needs to obtain a Virginia fishing license). There is a combined snack and bait shop where we saw those young high schoolers grabbing a bite to eat, mentioned in a previous post. We will do just that next time we go. Their seating has a wonderful view over the water, which I will have to get photos of next time. 

I borrowed the above photo off their website. That walkway had brand new boards built as recently as the previous weekend. As you walk down the wooden path and turn left, that's where we saw our high schoolers ordering food. On the right are the bathrooms and I was very, very impressed with those. Super clean, well-stocked, and the hand-driers were like jet engines. My hands were dried in seconds as my hair flew up over my head and yes, I am kidding on the hair but not about the hand drying. I am very, very picky about outside bathrooms and this one got an A+.

If you are living in or even visiting our area, it is located at 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia. Though this wasn't a long one, we were very happy with our initial visit and look forward to going back. 

Gregg also heard that a favorite ice-cream shop, one we have to drive quite a long way to, has opened in another location and was directly on our way home. Way too good an opportunity to miss and of course we had to stop. I had a hot fudge sundae with coffee ice-cream, a swirl of whipped cream and a cherry on top. Gregg ordered a Root Beer Ice Cream Float. We part the ways on root beer, not my cup of tea, Dr. Pepper is another. In my days where I used to have an occasional soda, I thought it tasted like medicine. On the other hand, that hot fudge sundae was a perfect treat on a very hot and humid day.  Side note: if any of you New Englanders are fond of Moxie, this is one of my son's favorite drinks. His grandmother, Gregg's Mom, used to enjoy them too but they don't sell them this far down on the east coast. A friend of his when visiting up north brought a case back as a gift/surprise. Such a nice thing to do. I've never tried Moxie and should one day, but not sure I would like that either. Yes, she's all over the place today, but that's how she rolls apparently.

I'm jumping ahead of myself here as before we reached the park while driving through the Fairfax Station area, I was surprised to see a red caboose quite close to the road. Gregg did a turnaround as he was curious too.

It was part of the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, another place we never knew existed. Unfortunately, it was closed but we'll find out when it is open and take another mini-road trip. We read the marker: 

"Fairfax Station, established on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in 1851, was originally known as Lee's Station until 1852. It served the town of Providence, location of the Fairfax County Court House. A small community, mostly Irish, grew near the station with a post office in 1852 and Saint Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in 1860. Between 1897 and 1921 the area was called Swetnam, reverting back to Fairfax Station in 1921. In 1907 this area was known as a "progressive and enterprising village" with two churches, two stores, a school and a blacksmith's shop. The principal occupations were farming, dairying and lumbering."

There was another historical marker which we missed. I suppose we were in a hurry to get to the park. However, when I looked for this marker online, I found there was another. This one might interest those who are Civil War History buffs. 

"Built in 1852 this stop on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, was crucial during the Civil War, transporting supplies for Union Troops. In September 1862 it served as a key evacuation point for thousands of wounded Union soldiers after the Second Battle of Manassas. Clara Barton, recognized as "the angel of the battlefield," famously nursed soldiers at this site. The depot was burned in September 1862 following the final evacuation, but was rebuilt by federal forces shortly after."

Another interesting bit of information I found was that Clara Barton and Walt Whitman knew each other. Both worked as volunteer caregivers treating wounded soldiers in the Washington DC area, and both spent time working out of the historic Old Patient Office Building in Washington DC.

I went down an amazing rabbit hole looking up information on that old red caboose. It is a Type C31 Cupola caboose built for the Norfolk and Western Railway in December 1969. Not that old! It was donated to the museum by the Norfolk Southern Foundation in 1993 and later repainted in a classic Southern Railway scheme. 

It has very limited hours as a volunteer run depot. For viewing, according to their official website here, only open on Sundays. Monday to Saturday it is closed. Occasionally open on Saturdays and Mondays. Adults (13 yrs and up): $6.00 - Youth (5 to 12 yrs.): $4.00 - Children (4 and under): Free - Military/First Responders/Teachers (with ID): $5.00.

If you want to contact them they have a page on their website here. Address and phone number is:

11200 Fairfax Station Road, P.O. Box 7, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 - (703) 925-9225. I have written all this down for the time we plan to go. It's on our list. Hopefully we will be able to catch them open.  And here's me climbing out of the rabbit hole, finally.

The old mill has peaked our interest for many years. There is a house nearby and the land looks privately owned.  We didn't realize the old building was a mill until we saw the recent addition of a paddle wheel. 

There is also an old horse barn on the property, a house and a garage.

I wondered if these were here before the road was made wider. Not really sure of its history, and not sure of the old log building across the street, whether it belongs to the same people. They have been welcome sights when we are coming home on this route.

We also often drive by the horses. Getting photos of these beautiful animals isn't always possible, even when they are in the closest field. This road is very narrow but it's a very busy one. I will be lining up a shot and I will hear Gregg say, "Gotta go, car's coming!" I get what I can and we both enjoy a few moments at the sight of them, even from a distance. 

They are part of The Cloverleaf Equine Center, a place where families and individuals go who have physical and psychological challenges. It was founded in 1980. We have passed by these fields many times since we moved here 30+ years ago, and always enjoy looking at the horses, sometimes seeing them being ridden in the paddock, not in frame. 

That's all for this post. 

Thanks for looking and 

I hope your day is a great one.