Black & White or Color

Todd and I have been to South River Falls Trail two times this month: May 3rd and again May 17th. Our goal was birdwatching, not actually going down to the falls. I do not have my hiking legs as of yet and that 3 1/2 miles is enough for me. I haven't captured too many fascinating items on film (disk that is) but, I did play with the black and white feature on my camera. Below is virtually the same photo in color and black & white. I do not think these are outstanding photos. Just a look at the same scenery, two different ways.

Farmer's Markets

It is that wonderful time again when the farmer's markets open up. Just around the Richmond area, there is the original downtown market open Thursdays and Saturdays. In Ashland, Forest Hill and Goochland, there are markets open on Saturday. Tuesday you can get to a very good market in Oregon Hill and just recently a market opened on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Lakeside.
Last year, I spent many a Saturday buying fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, local pork, chicken, eggs and beef. I only went to the grocery store for cereal, milk, and things like laundry detergent.
Last week was my first visits to the markets and this is my list of purchases: fresh asparagus (so yummy), strawberries, cabbage plants, and a cherry tomato plant at the Lakeside market. Saturday, I purchased pork bratwurst (raised in Farmville), hamburger meat (beef raised here in Powhatan), a Black Brandywine tomato plant, a basil plant, and freshly baked sourdough bread (that was very yummy too!)
I like that I know the individuals (or at least their faces) I am giving my money too. The Ault Family Farm is the man I buy pork and eggs from. He always has whole chickens but I have yet to be that brave. If he cut it up for me, I would buy it in a second. He also sells free range turkeys for Thanksgiving and is taking orders as early as now. The first year (yes this will be my third year) he brought beef but not since. However, I pass Brookview Farm on the way and they sell beef also from their farm. I have been stopping there to get beef or eggs. As I said earlier, there was a Powatan farm selling beef. I have yet to cook what I bought. I am very excited to have these wonderful resources open again!

Dutch Gap

Last Saturday (April 16th), Todd and I went birdwatching at Dutch Gap near Henricus. I mostly bird observe and point out birds as they fly by or flutter in trees in case he misses them. He tells me what I am looking at if I don't know. He actually is the bird watcher. Just being around a bird watcher though you pick up information: e.g. bird calls. I know some and can name the bird. Some I know I know but can't quite guess the bird. Examples: I will hear a tufted titmouse saying "peter peter" or today a Eastern Pewee saying "pee a wee". (That one was sheer luck.) However, as often as I hear a Carolina Wren out my back door, I never can guess it when I am out in the parks.

I didn't get any pictures of birds last week. Instead, I have two pictures of frogs and what I believe are iris pseudacorus.

Cuth, huh.

Not a great photo...but look how many there were.

Step 1

Alright so the flooring is down. I now have to wait for the countertops to come...this depends on Dad coming up so, it may be awhile. I can't paint the kitchen until the countertops are in. I guess I could repaint the cabinets...that doesn't seem too fun though. When Dad comes, the new microwave will go in along with a new stove. I think that is it in the kitchen. Stove, microwave, countertops, paint. Yea, that's it (said sarcastically).

I think I may need to get rid of my "sky" walls in the bathroom that now also has this floor. I kind of knew that already but I was hoping it might look good together. This bathroom will get a new light fixture and mirror (also depending on Dad). Then a coat of paint (some shade not decided upon yet.