The American Indians in the area of the Devil’s Tower have the month of June to worship here and honor their ancestors in traditional ways. One of those is the hanging of “prayer clothes” in the trees that surround the base of the tower.
Sunday Scripture: Photo of Mary Evelyn /
May you find joy as the new year begins.
And One More Nativity /
This one is from Peru. It was purchased by Jill when she led the Cedar Springs choir on a South American trip. It has llamas instead of a donkey, which is in keeping with their culture. I think it is interesting and very appropriate how the nativities from around the world adapt Jesus to their understanding and situation but always keep him the center of it all.
And a couple more.... /
of the new train set up for Christmas. of course.
Merry Christmas /
Christmas Eve Nativity /
This is a new addition to the collection. Made by Indians in the Southwest US, it is fixed to a base and hand painted with vibrant colors. I purchased it in Nashville, Indiana, at a shop dedicated to Indian culture. It is the oldest shop in this quaint town.
Hope your Christmas Eve is full of grace and peace.
I built a small train for under the tree this year. /
The last time my N gauge train ran was in 1972. So with new track, new transformer and the newer technics available today, I chose to create this winter village scene. Lots more details could be added (next year) but overall I am pleased at the result. The ground is built up sheets of foam insulation, the river is poured resin, 8 layers, the buildings are mostly 3d printed from Etsy - I built the church from wood and the gas station from a kit. Snow was added to every thing and the rolling stock is still awaiting new couplers. Only one car has them so far. Most of the buildings are lighted and controlled with a dimmer panel. I will post a few more photos later.
Preparing for Christmas Eve service
Sled riders
Skaters with (huge) bonfire
Crossing the trestle
Moving (3 photos) /
Every year the graves of veterans have a wreath placed at each marker. I have photographed these at Arlington twice and at several sites in Virginia. This is the first time here in Knoxville. Still each time is a beautiful expression of appreciation toward those who served.
Sunday Scripture; Photo from Banff National Park, Canada /
Lake Agnes too /
Seemed only fair to show the lake from near the waterfall into the valley that the hike takes you nearby. I took yesterday’s photo from the trees at the center of this photo just past the rock slide area. Note the huge difference in the sky looking this direction v yesterday’s shot.
Lake Agnes /
Banff has amazing scenery and it is almost overwhelming with the vistas, the lakes and mountains that seem endless. Yet, one of the best things I have done there is the hike to Lake Agnes and the Lake Agnes Tea House. Rebuiit in 1981 it serves coffee, tea and pastries during the season. You can only get here by foot and everything in the tea house is carried up the mountain as well. The walk around the lake lead me to the view in this photo looking back toward the tea house on the extreme left of the photo. Note the lake is still full of ice even on the mid-June afternoon.
Abandoned (three photos) /
This railroad trestle is found on the 60 mile rugged dirt and gravel road to Wrangle-St. Elias National Park in Alaska.
Red -throated Grebe /
Along the Alaska Highway, I found this bird and it was a new life list bird for me, but not the last or best RT Grebe I was able to photograph..
Your Meditative Moment for this week. /
Courtesy. of an ice berg and deep fog bank off the coast of Valdez, Alaska
Joy /
This beautiful new baby, Mary Evelyn, has a sweet new grandmother and they will find great joy sharing life together as Jill watches her grow and develop her skills and talents over the years. Excited for everyone, her strong parents, her paternal grandparents, uncles, cousins, aunts and lots more to love, pray for and nurture this little blessing.
Sunday Scripture (Advent) - Photo is from Denali National Park, Alaska /
Bird of Paradise /
Photographed at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh’s Oakland area.
Devil's Tower at Sunset /
Not much to say here other than the road to get to this spot is not marked and rutted dirt but it is not far from the main visitor center.
First Grizzly in Canada... /
…for me, I believe there were others! This fellow was at the entrance to the campground or on the road to the campground eating some sort of vegetation that he simply ignored the three of us watching.
Yellow Boat /
Discovered also near the Muddy Bay road in Alaska
