Lunch in Georgetown

Another sign of Fall, hunting dogs

First hint of Fall

Monarch in Indian summer

Five minutes in your own back yard

Pumpkins since 1812

Georgetown in the rain

Three silos, Lost River Valley

Mexican fritillary on butterfly bush

Praying mantis, master of disguise

Faces of Honduras

Padre Guadalupe got me thinking about Honduras--I took these photos in 2007 when I went back for a visit.

In memory of Padre Guadalupe

I don't usually make two posts in one day but September 16 is the anniversary of the death of one of the most influential people in my life, Padre Guadalupe Carney. He was a Jesuit priest who worked tirelessly for land reform and justice for the poor in rural Honduras until he was murdered by the Honduran military in 1983. I had the privilege of working with this priest and revolutionary when I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Yoro. I took this picture in 1974 when Padre Guadalupe helped me teach a health course at a local Jesuit community center.

Timing is everything

Feeling red today

Animals are such agreeable friends

They ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. ~George Elliot

Getting out of a slump

I've been in a personal and photographic slump for a couple of weeks but thanks to a talk with Mark last night, I'm back...trying again...

A rose for Janet

One last photo before I head to California--taken last fall in Mom's favorite place--the rose garden.

California bound

I'm leaving for California tomorrow, my "home place" as they say in West Virginia. I'm going there to meet Lily Chan, the woman my 87 year-old father is about to marry!

I took these shots last year while I was living with Dad and we were taking care of Mom together.

Practicing leading lines

Tashi

We waited on pins and needles for a call from the White Swan Hotel in China. It finally came, telling us that the adoption was final--Tashi was coming home to WV. That was 12 years ago--isn't she beautiful!

A storm brewing in the gap

Good morning sunshine

From the Lost River Valley

I live with many Buddhas

I brought the Buddhas outdoors today, in the sun and flowers. Normally they reside in our house, sitting high in a place of honor, facing East, the entry way, reminding us each day to be kind to all living things, practice compassion for others, be honest, truthful and generous, act responsibly, and keep the mind clear.

Ann began collecting Buddhas after living in Thailand for many years. They are all antique statues, mainly from the Sukhothai period, sculpted in a soft style that emphasizes meditation and tranquility.

Most show Buddha in the lotus sitting position with his left hand in his lap and his right hand pointing to the ground, the Calling the Earth to Witness posture depicting his moment of enlightenment.

A few are standing Buddhas, in calming pose or with alms bowl.

One is a reclining Buddha when he is about to die and enter Nirvana.