Old City Cemetery ~ December

It's become a running joke in our family.....when we're in Lynchburg, after breakfast, when we debate what to do that day, I'll say, "Who wants to come with me to the cemetery?", and noone ever says yes.  So you can imagine my delight earlier this week when Alain actually suggested we go for a visit.  He hadn't been before.  I was so pleased when he expressed what a cool place it is and how much he liked being there.  I was happy to get to visit during winter.  While Alain looked at all the cool old tombstones, I looked for bird's nests in the trees and photographed the wreath project (part of Wreaths Across America).  Here are some of my favorite photos....

I followed this woodpecker around for quite a while and this was the closest shot I could get.  You can't tell here but his/her head was really red.  So gorgeous!

  

I, of course, was so pleased when I found that Harry Winston had followed me to Lynchburg. Isn't he the BEST? 

As I was visiting the Old City Cemetery website, I came across this schedule of peak times for blooms and wildlife.  A lot to look forward to....even if I have to visit all by myself!  More than that, I look forward to taking the girls there when the weather is warmer.....

Seasons in the CemeteryPeak of Bloom for Antique Roses: Last two weeks of May Peak of Bloom for Lotus Pond: July and August Peak of Fall Foliage: Last two weeks of October

Birds & ButterfliesPeak of Bird Population: First week of June Peak of Butterfly Population: August

Old City Cemetery ~ October

Over the weekend I took a quick solo trip to Lynchburg to visit my sweet Kenzie. Sunday morning was rainy but I talked Mom into joining me for a visit to one of my favorite places.  The Old City Cemetery.  I've only visited the Cemetery a few times in my life but I'd been wanting to return to take pictures.  A dreary, grey, rainy morning does not offer up the best conditions for nice photographs but I enjoyed myself tremendously and can't wait to go back.  Here are my favorite photos from the huge bunch....

There is so much I would like to say about this place but I just don't have enough time.  I'm hoping to visit again in the Spring with Alain and the girls.  Maybe I'll provide little more history of this gem then.  In the meantime you can always check out The Old City Cemetery website if you're interested.

Thanks for indulging me, Mom!

A Butterfly Picnic

The girls and I are enjoying a small getaway to visit my parents and Kenzie. If I had to choose my favorite thing about my hometown (aside from my family being here!), it would be the close proximity to the mountains. A short 30 minute drive and you're smack dab in the middle of The Blue Ridge Parkway. We spent our afternoon at The Peaks of Otter. I often find it hard to get my fill of nature in Charlotte. Here, it's much easier.  As these pictures will attest....

  

 

 

 

 

On the drive home we discussed our favorite parts of the afternoon walk.  Hard choice.  The gravel pile was BIG for the girls.  I kind of liked the massive turtle in the lake. No, the mushrooms. Or maybe the ferns.  No, definitely the wildflowers. See what I mean?  But I think the butterfly meeting ~ no, the butterfly picnic ~ was something new for all of us!