Here is the facade of the theatre where Lincoln was shot. The museum in the basement is well done and covers more than the assassination of Lincoln. The box where Lincoln and his party were sitting is still there and you view it both from the stage area and the door where Booth entered. Plays and concerts are still preformed here.
Organ Pipe Cactus /
This is taken in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument along the Mexican boarder in Arizona. A remote and endlessly fascinating place. This shot shows a lot of the Organ Pipe, those are the multi-stemmed cactus along with some Saguaro and Cholla Cacti. This was off a drive on the eastern edge of the NPS site.
Somber /
This is the inside of Ford's Theatre in Washington. The box where Lincoln was assassinated is the one with the bunting that looks festive but somehow that rings hollow. The theatre is still active hosting plays and other performances with modern lighting and staging, it still retains the air of a monument to an amazing man.
"For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you." Matthew 15:19,20 NLT
Cease /
It is a good thing this barge on the Cumberland River did not try this during the brief siege of Fort Donelson because it would not have done well. Neither did the Union ironclad gun boats that tried to shell the fort, unlike their sister fort a few miles away. These guns were accurate and hit the seven Union boats repeatedly and delayed the fall of the fort as it was left to the Union troops to assault it over land. They did successfully but narrowly as the Confederates were winning the battle until an order was given to withdraw and the Union regrouped and Grant was now the famous winning general of the Union side.
The Tailor /
Andrew Johnson was this nation's 17th President. He ran his taylor shop from this building (and home as well) for many years. In 1921 it was placed in this building to protect it. I shot the statue of Johnson in a park across the street with bright fall colors through the window of the shop and the building. Turned out kind of cool.
Gratitude /
This turkey was photographed at the Coronado National Monument in Arizona. He surprised me as I did not think about seeing a turkey in the desert. And he was showing off as well.
I hope your day is full of gratitude for the blessings of each day, for family and friends, for an amazing world to see and for work to engage in each day.
Mitt's Grocery /
On a two lane road in the middle of Tennessee, west and north of Nashville is this little store, Mitt's. It also says on the old Pepsi sign, Spot Cash. Not sure if that was another name before or after Mitt or the policy of the business, no credit. Anyway a bygone era when you would buy most or all of your supplies at this type of small grocery.
and Lizzie joins /
So, these are resident eagles at Fort Donelson along the Cumberland River in northern Tennessee. They nest in a large oak tree about 1/4 mile from this perch. There were two people at the overlook with lots of photography equipment and a lot of local history. Since this pair arrived about 12 years ago they were named after a husband and wife who lived here during the war and their son was killed in this battle (he was a confederate soldier). The man, Jack, never got over his death. So this vigilant pair were named for them. In a side note, each year the first person to spot the newly fledged eagles at the nest gets to name them.
Jack /
Yes,I know it is an eagle, but his name is Jack. Tomorrow you will meet Lizzie. And the story at Fort Donelson in Tennessee.
PS, Fuji XT-2 with 100-400 lens, 1.5 teleconverter 100 yards away and 70 feet up in the tree.
Call /
This is a bell hung in the tower at the Tumicarari Mission in Arizona. The back of the tower is not finished as the front is, so you see the bricks and the gaps not filled in with stucco. The bell was used for communication in many situations but each Sunday it would summon all to the church.
"...and call the entire community of Israel together..." Leviticus 8:3 NLT
Silent Batteries /
These are authentic civil war era canon like those used here at Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River in Tennessee. This fort was taken by U. S. Grant and its fall hastened the fall of Nashville and opened the way for the northern armies to begin the march through Tennessee. These canons, however, did stop the siege by the Union ironclads because of their skillful firing.
100 /
My mother would have been 100 today. I am traveling and do not have access to other photos so this one of her with her first grandchild, Geof, from 40 years ago will have to suffice.
OEOB /
At least that is what is was called in 1989, the Old Executive Office Building. It is technically a part of the White House but I am not sure it is covered as a NPS site but I still put it here. It is impressive. I was able to attend a conference here when Reagan was the President. Very cool experience.
Glacier National Park /
We hiked a short distance to this falls and now I cannot even recall the name. I need to have better and more comprehensive notes.
Hog Island Sheep /
These are a part of a small herd of sheep at the birthplace of George Washington in the Northern Neck of Virginia.
USS BATAAN /
Cindy and I were privileged to attend a Change of Command ceremony in Norfolk last week as Captain Brad Busch assumed command of this impressive ship. Just back from deployment it will undergo some repair and refurbish before heading out again.
Missed? /
How easy would it be to miss this gorgeous Hooded Warbler along the swampy portion of the Bluestone National Scenic River in West Virginia if you were not listening for his call and waiting in stillness for him to emerge even though his bright colors would seem to make him un-missable.
"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7 NLT
Honor to Whom Honor is Due /
At the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC. The setting sun turns this statue golden as the others still reflect the cold days of the not-yet-ended war. Remember all those who served on 11-11-11:00
Nighthawkish, Number 4 /
This little place is Elizabeth City, NC.
In a subcompact rental car!! /
When the road cries out for the MINI. At Death Valley National Park.
