November 14, 2009
Food for the Football Crowd
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge #123
C and I were wondering about the grass. It takes on this beautiful golden red color - at least when the sky is gray. Later that evening I suspect I learned what it was while reading Day Trips in the Delmarva, by Alan Fisher. (Thank you very much Ward Museum Gift Shop!)
To quote Mr. Fisher, "The predominant plant of southern Dorchester's tidal marshes is Olney three-square, also called American three-cornered sedge. It is an important source of food for Canada geese. Growing about two fee high, it is easily identified by its stiff spikey stems, which are triangular in cross section. The prevalence of three-square reflects its ability to tolerate wide fluctuations in salinity, which in the marshes bordering the Blackwater River ranges from 2 percent to 42 percent of average sea salinity, depending on rainfall and the incursion of tides. Because of it's importance as food for geese and other animals, three-square is maintained at Blackwater NWR by annual burning in the fall. Burning is not harmful to the three-square roots and rhizomes, yet helps to prevent intrusion by other plants. Burning also produces fresh growth on which geese can graze during late winter and early spring, when food is scarce."
Of course, without taking a hard look at it and/or a field guide, I can't be sure what we liked so much is three-square. I'm not sure it would look this way had it been burned. Or maybe we were seeing sections not burned? In conclusion, I'm not sure what it was, but I might know, and now I have another thing to wonder about and research. haha!
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge #115
C stopped the car and suggested I shoot this. He knows what I like. I have a few better pics but this one is interesting because you can see the water creeping towards the road in the foreground as well as along the right side of the house's foundation. I love interesting old buildings, interesting natural settings and water (in moderation).
I wonder how old this property is. I wonder about the people that lived here. I wonder if little girls and boys played in the attic, sticking their heads out the window taking in miles and miles of marsh and grass. I wonder if there ever was a garden? I clearly wonder too much!
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge #109
This is a good one to double click to enlarge, just to left of center, you can barely make out the silhouettes of two birds in the sky. Of course, when I took the pic, I had no idea they were there.
I'm impressed how all of these shots turned out given the driving rain and wind. Not impressed by my eye or the composition but in terms of the camera's functionality. One would have thought the rain would have created an auto-focus problem for the camera. It did a little when I was attempting to use portrait mode but otherwise, the camera operated just fine - especially considering the abuse it took.
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge #108
As frequently happens when I'm the navigator, we got a little turned around while we were trying to do a loop of two Harriet Tubman childhood sites and Old Trinity Church. We ended up quite off course, driving through Blackwater Wildlife Refuge as waters started to slosh and spill over the roads. I've been to Blackwater before under better weather conditions and it's phenomenal. It was pretty impressive on Thursday too - but in a more menacing fashion. I did manage about 3 good pics. Thank goodness for rainboots!
Salisbury to Cambridge #104
A heron enjoys the weather. . .It appears he's about to fish in someone's front yard.
Salisbury to Cambridge #98
This pic provided just in case you were holding out hope I had a shred of sanity left.
First Mason Dixon Marker #92
So from my contemporaneous posts, you'll recall the weather was brutal. At times the wind was driving the rain "down" at a 45 degree angle or better. It was obnoxious. But since we purchased that excellent "gear" at Target, we decided to put it to use. So we drove all over the place between Salisbury and Cambridge looking at points of interest. Here's the first Mason Dixon marker. It's situated on the MD Delaware line.
For reasons unknown to us, people try to toss pennies on the tops of the markers. This seems like a challenge in good weather. C foolishly attempts it in 35 mph winds. I admire his determination. And why did he have all those pennies in his pocket? He must have tried 15 or 20 times. The phrase "a fool and his money are easily parted" comes to mind. Not because I think my husband a fool, and not because 20 cents is significant. Mostly because he's standing in a downgraded tropical storm much longer than necessary.
In the foreground you can see the water pooling over the walkway. Wretched, wretched weather! I suspect this will be the trip of regrets about pics not taken. Had I had half my wits about me, I would have focused more on the foreground and would have taken more detailed shots of the leaves in the water and the way the water ripples as the rain hits it. Is it croppable? Even if it is, I could have done better.
Ward Museum Salisbury #76
Are you kidding me? How? It appears the entire bird is indeed supported and balanced by the snake which is connected to the base. All of these displays are wisely contained behind acrylic cases but I saw no other means of suspension or support.
Ward Museum Salisbury #75
This is a type of "tropic bird" and I am not familiar with this species at all but I guess I should put it on my life list. . .If the carving does it any justice, I want to see the real deal.
Ward Museum Salisbury #65
Owl with Vole. . .How someone can take a hunk of wood and create this is astounding.
Ward Museum Salisbury #64
"Decoy" carving has expanded and evolved. At first decoys were strictly utilitarian. They were used in the field and served only as a lure for birds. However, well executed ones became prized and sought after by wealthy collectors. Then came competitions. Festivals where carvers and artists could show off their skills. Carving and painting expanded into "conceptual" pieces as well. This is an example of a conceptual carving. It depicts an arctic tern being pursued by a raptor of some sort.
Ward Museum Salisbury #55
Black crowned herons. (I'm pretty sure. I didn't verify this with a field guide.)
Ward Museum Salisbury #36
Do you recall Canton and Sailor? They are the cast iron Newfies that sit outside the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore. We rounded a corner in the museum and happened upon this cast iron Chessie. I suspected it was also produced by Bartlett, Hayward and Co. in Baltimore. They display indicated it can't be 100% confirmed but it's highly likely Bartlett produced this piece as well.
Ward Museum Salisbury #23
Keep in mind, what you're seeing is carved, painted wood. All of the details are made with various wood carving techniques and implements.
Ward Museum Salisbury #20
I can yap on and on and on about how amazing these sculptures are but hopefully the pics will convince you. What started out as a necessity - Using rough likenesses of birds to lure in other waterfowl while hunting - evolved into an art. If you're ever in Salisbury, put it on your list to visit. Admission is $7 for adults. The displays are breathtaking.
Kent Island #8
Very interesting quilt in the Visitor's Center. I'm always amazed by how creative and resourceful people are.
Visitor Center at Kent Island #5
This was the first stop Wednesday. Brutal weather. Every pic I took at Kent Island is horrifically crooked. I'm not sure if that was due to lack of patience or focus given the poor weather, or if I was just shivering and twitching too much. This is about as good as it gets unfortunately.
Duck Hunt
November 13, 2009
I LIVED but it was touch and go a couple of times!
Very kind lady leads me to my locker and says I can disrobe to a level I feel comfortable. (Mental image of C taking off his shoes only) When I was ready I could head to the "relaxation room."
Soon a nice young man named Joe came to fetch me from the room. Joe seemed really kind. I'm still freaked.
He leads me to a room that reeks of essential oils and is as dark as a cave. I know this is to feel zen but it feels kinda hot and suffocating.
C and I are seated where we start with a scalp massage. Ugh. I have very curly hair. I've been running around in the rain for two days. Last night I teased the crown while dressing for dinner. My hair is piled on my head and is in the elementary stages of dreadlocks. Somehow Joe manages to massage my scalp. It makes a strange and annoying swishing sound. He rubs my neck a little. I wonder about what I should tip.
Next? Hands. He asks me to relax my hands. Twice. I explain to him I'm pretty lousy at relaxing. He reassures me as he gnashes his knuckles into my palm.
Feet are next. I have these vexing cracked heels. I immediately feel horrible that he will be touching them. I lean back and close my eyes. He starts with an exfoliating scrub. I worry about why I can't relax and why I'm not enjoying this. Again Joe kindly asks me to try to relax.
I try. I try to imagine I'm a limp fish. This creates a mental image of fish out of water and I feel short of breath. He's working hard on this really annoying rough patch on my ankle. I've been fighting with this spot for months so I figure the whole thing would be worth it if he can vanquish it. I also wonder if they get stiff sitting on the floor rubbing people's feet all day long.
We finish with the seated part. I sneak a peek at my watch. That took 40 minutes.
Joe and C's masseuse Chrissy explain the next part and leave the room so we can lie down on the tables. I come to the conclusion that I'm not necessarily uncomfortable with the touching part, I just can't relax. I'm not sure what to think about this. I've suspected this was the case.
I get on the table. It's hot. That disgusts me for some reason. I suspect C loves the pre-warmed bed.
I attempt to put my face in the little head rest. It's uncomfortable - extremely uncomfortable. My heart palpitates a little. I don't want to let Joe down since he seems to be very conscientious.
Joe wisely senses my discomfort. He adjusts the table and asks me to put my arms at my side. My cheeks feel squished. I envision a cabbage patch kid. I feel my heart twitching. My arms feel uncomfortable but I'm afraid to move since Joe has started to aggressively attack the tension in my neck.
This seems to go on for quite some time. My mind races. I try to focus on the bizarre music but instead wonder how strong a massage therapist hand's must be. I wonder what C is thinking. I wonder what Ill eat for dinner.
I wonder why in the eff this hurts so bad? I flinch. The more he massages the more I can feel my reaction is to tense up. Surely he realizes this. I wonder what he thinks. I try to focus on the floor through the headrest.
Finally we get to roll over. Joe places a warm towel beneath my neck and something under my knees. I keep my eyes closed as he massages my face. I am extremely hot and I cringe thinking about how that oil might irritate my skin.
I know he's going a good job and I feel bad that I'm finding zero pleasure in it. He does my arms. He does the legs. I lie there thinking how if I had a toe tag I could be in a drawer at the morgue.
Suddenly there is a toewl over my eyes. That wigs me out in a claustrophobic way. I try to remind myself that I could take the towel off my face. Its not a big deal. I worry about being kidnapped and having something put over my face. Ugh.
Finally its over!! And. . .
C sits up and says "I think I dozed off for a little while."
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
OMG! THE MASSAGE
SPOTTED!
November 12, 2009
The Drifter
The story of this premier decoy carver and poet Steve Ward and his work touches me in ways that I cannot convey via blackberry. . .here's one of his fine works:
I'm just an old has-been decoy.
No ribbons have I won.
My sides and head are full of shot
From many a blazing gun.
My home has been the river.
Just drifting along with the tide.
No roof have I had for shelter.
No one place where I could abide.
I've rocked to winter's wild fury
I've scorched in the heat of sun.
I've drifted and drifted and drifted
For tides never cease to run.
I was picked up by some fool collector
Who put me on a shelf.
But my place is out on the river
Where I can drift all by myself.
I want to go back to the shoreline
Where flying clouds hang thick and low
And get the touch of the rain drops.
And the velvety soft touch of the snow.
I am not a very outwardly emotional soul. I would consider myself perceptive and nostalgic and sensitive but I try to be rather private about it. I don't think I can recall the last time I have reacted so emotionally to a collection of poetry. It's a strange and beautiful experience.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
I'm just an old has-been decoy.
No ribbons have I won.
My sides and head are full of shot
From many a blazing gun.
My home has been the river.
Just drifting along with the tide.
No roof have I had for shelter.
No one place where I could abide.
I've rocked to winter's wild fury
I've scorched in the heat of sun.
I've drifted and drifted and drifted
For tides never cease to run.
I was picked up by some fool collector
Who put me on a shelf.
But my place is out on the river
Where I can drift all by myself.
I want to go back to the shoreline
Where flying clouds hang thick and low
And get the touch of the rain drops.
And the velvety soft touch of the snow.
I am not a very outwardly emotional soul. I would consider myself perceptive and nostalgic and sensitive but I try to be rather private about it. I don't think I can recall the last time I have reacted so emotionally to a collection of poetry. It's a strange and beautiful experience.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Haha from "Sunny" Cambridge
The Scene: Hotel room, rainy night, cheese tray and cocktails, C flipping through the book of Steve Ward poetry I picked up at the Ward Waterfoul Museum
d: "I've been sniveling everytime I read one of these poems. They are so simple and sincere."
C: "Did you read 'When Your Hair Turns Silver'?"
d: "Not yet. My hair is already turning silver in two big stripes."
C: "My Dad used to let us kids pluck the gray hairs off his chest."
d: "Were you that bored?"
C: "We lived in the middle of nowhere. Guess he figured we caused them so we could get rid of them. I don't know."
d: "WTF? Why on earth would he trust his children with tweezers near his nipples?"
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Reading List
We're at the hotel. Room service called. They are sending us some "complimentary ammenities."
Did I die in some gawd foresaken drainage ditch earlier today? Am I in heaven? LOL!!!
Suspect not as my toes and fingers are still freezing.
Yes Still Running Around In This
In Case There Was Ever Any Doubt
Yes, it was everything I dreamt it would be.
Ward Decoy Museum
It's not even 10 AM Yet?!
Sooooooo we decided we either needed to gear up or go home. We headed to our fav "outfitter" Target.
New umbrella for C since the wind turned his entirely inside out last night.
I procured a casual rain jacket on sale and with oodles of pockets for camera gear. I also got faux wellies, a pair of socks, and Malcolm Gladwell and Augusten Burroughs books.
Sometimes shopping is necessary. No point being miserable on vacay just cause you didn't want to spend 20 bucks on rubber boots.
Currently having a quick breakfast. Planning to do the Harriet Tubman/Underground Railroad self guided driving tour, visiting the first Mason Dixon Marker, and a few other minor points of interest today. Pics will be horrific but Ill try.
Quiet dinner, roaring fire, drinks and some reading this evening in Cambridge.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Greetings from Salisbury
We stayed at a Marriott in Salisbury last evening since we thought dinner might be a little late. Headed to Cambridge today.
This place is fine. It's one of those places that seem geared towards serving the business traveler. Not sure about what kind of business travel one might do in Salisbury? Poultry execs perhaps?
At any rate, the alarm on my phone went off at 6:10. This was disorienting as I couldn't figure out why the alarm was going off on a weekend. Took me about 10 minutes to realize it's Thursday. I'm not very sharp in the mornings.
I also couldn't figure out why I couldn't fall immediately back to sleep as typically happens on weekday mornings. The lack of the alarm continuing to go off every 5 minutes for another hour was throwing me maybe? I didn't fall asleep until after 2. I should have been good until at least 7.
Then I realized there was an odor. It wasn't the closet - which btw reeks so badly of foot odor, I was afraid to hang my coat in it. . .It was bacon.
Somehow the stench of bacon was wafting from the continental breakfast set up in the lobby to our room.
Since we stopped eating meat several years ago, I find the smell of meat raw or cooking rather noxious. Bacon is okay in the bacon mixed with coffee and syrup smells in a diner context. But in a hotel at 6 AM with no other complimentary smells, I find it a little gross.
So I'm awake bumping around because I'm very awful at just sitting or lying quietly. C is doing his best to ignore me and continues to sleep. He is a morning person and is always awake before me so I'm not really used to having to wait for someone else before I start my day. It's different - esp in a hotel room. I have limited options to amuse myself while he sleeps.
Finished a good novel by Nick Hornsby called Juliet Naked. We'll have stop at a bookstore since I didn't prepare or bring my Kindle and it looks as if I'll have plenty of reading time given the weather. I also didn't bring my sketch pad which was more being too lazy to properly pack the charcoals than oversight on my part. Other things I anticipate I should have packed? Socks and wellies.
Its a shame really that I'm wide awake and could be snapping sunrise pics at Blackwater Wildlife Refuge but its so vile outside the pics would likely turn out gray and soggy looking.
I guess I'll just turn on "Delmarva's New Leader" and check out the WSJ online and wait. . .
November 11, 2009
Thoughts on Poetry
So I'm re-reading my first stab at poetry. I can see it could use some editing. I guess good writing requires a lot of editing. Think Ill work at it while out of town this weekend. Ill post dafts as I progress.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
d's Dad Inspired "Poetry"
swish, swish, thunk.
swish, shwish, thunk.
swish, shwish, thunk.
The rhythm of the bicycle offered a cadence in the chilly damp predawn hours.
He was of sturdy constitution.
He rode with a purpose.
swish, swish, thunk. . .
A paper perfectly hoisted into a glorious sunrise over Cedar Tree.
swish, swish, thunk.
Blinding Sunlight
Sad, sad newspaper
Judgmental
Landing on your leafless, heartless doorstep.
Swish, swish, thunk.
Listen. . .swish, swish, thunk. . .
Listen as you raise your fist in defiance.
What would you read?
If afforded?
Yet still hear
Hear you! Mighty roar. . .
On your bike. . .
Swish, shwish, thunk. . .
swish, shwish, thunk.
swish, shwish, thunk.
The rhythm of the bicycle offered a cadence in the chilly damp predawn hours.
He was of sturdy constitution.
He rode with a purpose.
swish, swish, thunk. . .
A paper perfectly hoisted into a glorious sunrise over Cedar Tree.
swish, swish, thunk.
Blinding Sunlight
Sad, sad newspaper
Judgmental
Landing on your leafless, heartless doorstep.
Swish, swish, thunk.
Listen. . .swish, swish, thunk. . .
Listen as you raise your fist in defiance.
What would you read?
If afforded?
Yet still hear
Hear you! Mighty roar. . .
On your bike. . .
Swish, shwish, thunk. . .
November 10, 2009
d Freaks out over a Typically Relaxing Experience
So C and I are headed to the Eastern Shore for a little visit to C's alma mater. We hope to spend some time with some old friends. We also hope to spend some time unwinding. . .
The scene about 2 weekends ago: d in the basement slugging back some wine. C approaches sweet, glorious Visa card in hand. . . (<em>That was his third mistake)
NB - First? Marrying d
Second? Staying married to d
LOL!!!
We have to go to the Eastern Shore, back to C's old stompin' grounds to catch up with his summer intern and a couple of profs. I'm soooooo in. (Esp considering the wine and credit card. I'm about to become our "cruise director"!)
Someone (not naming names - ME!) might have had a great idea to book a "couples massage"
It's been a point of stress ever since.
C: It's okay so long as I don't have a dude.
d: What's wrong with that?
C: Haven't you seen the Seinfeld? When it moved?
d: Yes. . .Are you worried about "it" moving?
c: Just make sure it's not a guy.
Several days later: EMAIL: "Thank you for booking your couples massage. . .You are booked for one male and one female masseuse."
d: You are so getting a man.
c: Please call them. I don't want you getting the man either.
d: What am I supposed to say? My husband is over-protective and potentially homophobic based on a Seinfeld episode?!
d: Eck!
c: Yes.
LATER:
I've never had a massage so I'm worried about the whole deal.
d: So what's the deal, do I have to remember to wear underwear?
Mom: I would think that's the least of your concerns.
d: Huh?
Mom: You have to stuff your face in that little spot on the table.
d: (mental) OH EFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you care, I'll keep you posted.
And once again, thanks MOM!!!
The scene about 2 weekends ago: d in the basement slugging back some wine. C approaches sweet, glorious Visa card in hand. . . (<em>That was his third mistake)
NB - First? Marrying d
Second? Staying married to d
LOL!!!
We have to go to the Eastern Shore, back to C's old stompin' grounds to catch up with his summer intern and a couple of profs. I'm soooooo in. (Esp considering the wine and credit card. I'm about to become our "cruise director"!)
Someone (not naming names - ME!) might have had a great idea to book a "couples massage"
It's been a point of stress ever since.
C: It's okay so long as I don't have a dude.
d: What's wrong with that?
C: Haven't you seen the Seinfeld? When it moved?
d: Yes. . .Are you worried about "it" moving?
c: Just make sure it's not a guy.
Several days later: EMAIL: "Thank you for booking your couples massage. . .You are booked for one male and one female masseuse."
d: You are so getting a man.
c: Please call them. I don't want you getting the man either.
d: What am I supposed to say? My husband is over-protective and potentially homophobic based on a Seinfeld episode?!
d: Eck!
c: Yes.
LATER:
I've never had a massage so I'm worried about the whole deal.
d: So what's the deal, do I have to remember to wear underwear?
Mom: I would think that's the least of your concerns.
d: Huh?
Mom: You have to stuff your face in that little spot on the table.
d: (mental) OH EFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you care, I'll keep you posted.
And once again, thanks MOM!!!
November 08, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
