Who Stole Spring? /  by Dave Hileman

It was here just a minute ago. Maybe I just misplaced it but it seems to be  gone. Last I saw it was about 72 degrees and lovely Redbuds blooming. If you find it please return to Raleigh NC as soon as possible. Thanks.

Standing /  by Dave Hileman

This photo is taken just a few yards from one I posted last week. It shows a second slave house that was substantial in both size and construction. The plantation has several still on the property. The stories lived here are not fully known but can be imagined. Only one really knows. 

O  lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.

You know everything I do. Psalm 139:1-3 NLT

Defense /  by Dave Hileman

The harbor and the town of St. Augustine in Florida has been protected by the coquina walls of Castillo de San Marcos since 1672 and almost unchanged since 1756. Built by the Spanish about 110 years after St Augustine was founded it was designed to anchor the Spanish in the new world.  The land side is surrounded by a moat. 

Unusual /  by Dave Hileman

I found the walls of Fort Caroline different than any other fort I have visited or even drawings of forts in various books. The two large poles are pined together. The inside of the fort wall has no brace but the outside has two braces from the long pole to the fort fence. Makes for an interesting photo but I don't think it was a very effective fort. It was attacked twice and fell quickly both times.

Not easy to see but this is the outside of the wall. The braced poles and the cross piece appear to make it easier for an enemy soldier to scale the wall. At least to me who never scaled a wall! This photo was with the camera high overhead, not a gr…

Not easy to see but this is the outside of the wall. The braced poles and the cross piece appear to make it easier for an enemy soldier to scale the wall. At least to me who never scaled a wall! This photo was with the camera high overhead, not a great image but the only one I have that shows the outside wall. 

Mesa Verde /  by Dave Hileman

One of the complex, cliff-side dwellings that are in several places around the mesa at Mesa Verde. The number of people who lived in each complex was fewer than I expected. The difficulty to gain access to the homes was much greater. Fascinating place.  

Lone Tree /  by Dave Hileman

While hiking in Capitol Reef National Park - where in places there are lots of trees and even orchards, along this trail only this clearly very old tree still hung on. A stark land. 

 

Proud of the Group /  by Dave Hileman

I don't often post photos from my vast vault of Grandkid's images. However, this is not one of those days. These are actually two teams, one elementary and one high school, that competed Saturday in Odyssey of the Mind. OM is a world wide competition that begins with regional contests. These two teams each earned a first place finish and move on to the North Carolina state contest next month. They were outstanding and the result of hours of work by both the teams and the coaches (and lots of families). It was a super day. 

Turret Arch /  by Dave Hileman

A popular shot at Arches National Park is this formation in the evening. Known as Turret Arch it sits near to Windows and Double Arches so it is a easy destination to see and walk among the arches. 

Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.
You are my rock and my fortress.
For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

Psalm 31:2b,3 NLT

View From First Arch /  by Dave Hileman

Not really the "first" arch but the first arch discovered in what is now Arches National Park in Utah. We were there about 5 years ago so this photo was taken with my Nikon. We hiked a long way to get to this spot in 97 degree heat but the view and the isolation was worth the hike. 

I See You! /  by Dave Hileman

Glad that I saw the gator too. Actually quite a large one on the edge of a pond near Lake Apopka in Florida. He was at least 10 more likely 12 or thirteen feet long. He can stare for a long time!

Less Hopperish /  by Dave Hileman

But keeping the same theme as Saturday's post. This, by-the-way is a great place to eat in Fernandina Beach, FL. At least on this balmy evening in January on benches outside under the trees and night sky. 

Sunrise Over Stillness /  by Dave Hileman

This is a photo taken just after dawn on Saturday at Berry Hill Plantation near South Boston, Virginia. Waypoint held their Director's retreat here. Beyond the pond is the remaining wall from a home for the enslaved people on this plantation. There are several on the property. It was a substantial structure and housed at least two families. But do not think it was a good place to live or work. Even if treated well by comparable standards the work was long, hard and with no rewards. And you were not free. No dignity, no future, no value beyond economic. How different if the Scripture was understood instead of used as a blunt instrument to justify the unjust. 

O  lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?  Psalm 13:1,2 NLT

With Appreciation /  by Dave Hileman

One painter I have always admired is Edward Hopper. Not just his famous Nighthawk but many of his works are with people looking into, out of or seen through windows. Often they are isolated even when others are in the painting. I like his clean lines, interesting colors and often small urban structures. So, here is the first of a series just because they remind me of his work. And that gives me joy. 

The photos are a bit tricky because you need to get your reflection out of the window and not offend the people inside. Not all of those i shot work. But so far no one has chased me away!