Architectural Inspiration

I take many types of photos - family photos (of course), macro photos of almost anything that looks interesting, lots of flowers, butterflies. Increasingly, I also find myself taking photographs of reflections, and architectural subjects - both buildings as a whole, and parts. I mean to share some of these with you, but somehow don't always get around to it, so here are a few.


Back in November I went on a field trip to Mount Vernon with one of my sons. As we wandered across the lawn, I couldn't help but look across the river to where I grew up in Maryland. I excitedly pointed out Fort Washington to my little troop of boys, but they weren't very interested.

Fort Washington National Park, as viewed from across the Potomac River.  You may just be able to see the lovely yellow house to the left of the main fortification.

 

We've taken the boys to the Fort before, but it was so long ago that I don't think that they remembered it. Since the park was literally in our backyard when I grew up, I have many vivid memories of it. We decided to stop by on Easter Sunday while visiting family.

This building, now restored, is used as a visitor center. We used to sled down the hill in front of it. The home course for my high school cross country team was in the park, so I also had many opportunities to run UP the hill, which we dubbed "The General" .

Detail of one of the windows - almost looks European, doesn't it?

Looking out of the fortification, towards the hill with the visitor's center. Two of my sons are visible within the arch, on the draw bridge.

This used to be the quarters of the head park ranger. In elementary school I was friends with the ranger's daughter, and was invited to spend the night. To my surprise, she had been telling the truth about there being a skeleton in the closet there - and a headless one at that. I didn't get much sleep that night. The building currently appears to be undergoing renovations.

Will any of these photos end up in a quilt in the future? Only time will tell. Either way, I'm glad to have them.

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

I'm a knitter. Sometimes I forget this, as I don't knit all the time, or even often. But when I tally up what I've made over the years - including 3 cardigans, a vest, 2 summer sweaters, some cowls and socks, and enough hats and scarves that I've lost count of them - I realize that I am indeed a knitter.

So when the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival rolls around, it seems like I really should go. Unfortunately, the timing of it is such that it's hard to make it, even though it's less than a 10 minute drive away. There's always something else happening that weekend - First Communion, birthday parties, Mother's Day, school or scout related activities, or all of the above.

Somehow, I usually make it for at least the last few hours. Yesterday I took the boys over, bought them that wonderful soft serve ice cream dipped in chocolate, and we looked at the sheep. We cruised through some vendors, then my husband drove over to pick up the boys. I made a last dash through the booths, and that was that. Not filled with exciting meet ups with blog friends or Ravelers, not a wild yarn buying extravaganza, but a relaxing interlude on Mother's Day.

And it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.