The Train Trestle - Autumn at Bisset Park

"...I see the turning of a leaf 

dancing in an autumn sun, 

and brilliant shades of crimson 

glowing when a day is done..." 

~ Hazelmarie "Mattie" Elliott

Print Available - HERE 

Carolina Chickadee at Bisset Park - Radford Virginia

Print Available - HERE 

"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." 

Marcus Aurelius

Squirrels at Bisset Park - Radford, Virginia

"A good friend is cheaper than therapy." 

 ~ Author Unknown  

The Squirrels were out in full force at Bisset Park today. These two were chasing each other around but stopped just for a minute for me to get a pic!

Print Available - HERE 

Riverway Trail At Bisset Park - Radford Virginia

“There is always an adventure waiting in the woods.” 

 ― Katelyn S. Bolds     

Print Available - HERE 

The Fountain at Radford University

“Education is the most powerful weapon 

which you can use to change the world.” 

― Nelson Mandela

Print Available - HERE 

New River Views - Bisset Park - Radford Virginia

Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her patterns, so each small piece of her fabric reveals the organization of the entire tapestry. 

~ Richard Feynman

Print Available - HERE 

Along The New River at Bisset Park - Radford Virginia

"Count your blessings. There are many beautiful things in life to appreciate. The gift of life is priceless." 

- Lailah Gifty Akita

Print Available - HERE 

Footbridge at Bisset Park - Radford Virginia

"All that is gold does not glitter, 

Not all those who wander are lost. 

The old that is strong does not wither, 

Deep roots are not reached by the frost." 

~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Print Available - HERE 

Radford, Virginia - Along Main Street

"Well I was born in a small town 

And I live in a small town 

Probably die in a small town 

Oh, those small communities" 

- John Mellencamp

Print Available

HERE 

Ghost Signs in Radford Virginia

Print Available - HERE 

History is a symphony of echoes heard and unheard. It is a poem with events as verses. 

~ Charles Angoff

This is what Wikipedia says about Ghost Signs: 

 A ghost sign is an old hand-painted advertising sign that has been preserved on a building for an extended period of time. 

The sign may be kept for its nostalgic appeal, or simply indifference by the owner Ghost signs are found across the world with the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada having many surviving examples. Ghost signs are also called fading ads[ and brickads.

 In many cases these are advertisements painted on brick that remained over time. Old painted advertisements are occasionally discovered upon demolition of later-built adjoining structures. 

Throughout rural areas, old barn advertisements continue to promote defunct brands and quaint roadside attractions. Many ghost signs from the 1890s to 1960s are still visible. Such signs were most commonly used in the decades before the 

Great Depression.

Historic Buildings in Radford Virginia

Print Available - HERE     

Info from Wikipedia:

East Radford Historic District is a national historic district located at Radford, Virginia. It encompasses 302 contributing buildings and 5 contributing structures in a mixed residential and commercial section of Radford, comprising most of the historic boundaries of the town of Central Depot. It was developed between 1866 and 1916, and includes notable examples of Queen Anne and Colonial Revival style architecture. Notable buildings include the Shanks House, the Ward-Carter House, Fraternity Building, Carson's Drug Store, Shumate Store, Alleghany Hotel, Simon Block, Bond Building, Williamson House, Maplehurst (the Arthur Roberts House), Dobbins Apartments, Belle Heth School (c. 1912), Grove Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church (1913), M. Jackson Hardware Company (1918), and Farmers' and Merchants' Bank.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

Radford Virginia - Time for a Visit

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 

 ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Image made along Main Street in 

Downtown Radford, Virginia.

Print Available - HERE 

Tufted Titmouse On High Alert

Laughter is a sunbeam of the soul.

 ― Thomas Mann

This little Tufted Titmouse looks like he is on High Alert.  They  stretch themselves to look taller when another bird is around - or at least that is how it seems to me.  I've seen chickadees do this too.  There is never a dull moment watching these sweet little birds!


Available - HERE 

American Robin - Worm Pulling

I am fascinated with watching the behavior of birds.  I confess to standing for hours trying to capture them doing what comes naturally.  Finally got a shot (not a great one) of this American Robin pulling the worms from the ground.  As I watched them it looked like they were cocking their head to  one side to "hear" the worms - when actually - they were scrutinizing the ground with one eye to SEE the worms.  

"They have what is called monocular vision, which means their eyes are on the sides of the head and each eye can be used independently" - 
I never knew that!!
More from this great article is found - HERE 

Serenity

Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance. 

~ Unknown
 

Inspired

Large or small, our actions forge our futures, hopefully inspiring others along the way.

~ Howard Schultz

Reena at Missing Moments inspired me by posting some awesome images made with DistressedFX. (iphone/ipad ap)  That is what I used on the Vulture above.

Hope you have a wonderful and INSPIRED day!   

 

Black and White Warbler

To pay attention, 
this is our endless and proper work.

~ Mary Oliver

My one and only sighting
This was taken at Bisset Park in Radford, Virginia - a GREAT place for birds! I had not identified him at that time - but I do believe he is a Black and White Warbler.

More Info on the Black and White Warbler is found - HERE 

Do Not Be Discouraged

Experts are simply master mistake-makers. They simply weren't discouraged by their countless initial mistakes.

 ~  Brandon A. Trean

Almost.....I almost got the ENTIRE bird - in this case - a Tufted Titmouse.  But, it was not meant to be.  I have often thought I would post my bird "bloopers" - shots I've taken hoping to get these amazing creatures in flight - that usually come out with just half the bird showing.  This time I managed to at least get his head in the shot.  

I'll Keep Trying :) 

Feathers of the Kinglet

Take a walk outside - it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind.

~ Rasheed Ogunlaru

In a previous post I showed you the  

face of the Golden-crowned Kinglet

Rewarded By Nature

Tufted Titmouse Take-off 

"All those who love Nature she loves in return, and will richly reward, not perhaps with the good things, as they are commonly called, but with the best things of this world-not with money and titles, horses and carriages, but with bright and happy thoughts, contentment and peace of mind." 

~  John Lubbock

More Tufted Titmouse Images - HERE