Gatlinburg at DuskThis year our annual fall trip took us to Pigeon Forge, TN. No, not to go to Dollywood, but to go to the mountains and get away from the TX heat. From Pigeon Forge, we were very close to Gatlinburg where the Gatlinburg Skybridge is located. More on that later. However, that is where I took this shot of the city from. I hope you enjoy the photo and thanks for dropping by!
Grand Union FlagFrom USFlags.com: A new flag needed to be designed to represent both Congress and the fledgling nation, (initially called the United Colonies). A banner needed to be distinct from the British Red Ensign flown from civilian and merchant vessels. The Grand Union flag was first hoisted on the colonial warship, Alfred, in the harbor on the western shore of the Delaware River at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 3, 1775. The Grand Union Flag was a combination of the British King's Colors, the Union Jack, and 13 horizontal stripes alternating red and white to represent the original 13 colonies. It is not known when, or by whom the Grand Union flag was designed or created. Some of the other names this historic flag gathered are the Continental Colors, the Congress Flag, the Cambridge Flag, and the First Navy Ensign. It is most likely the Grand Union was the flag raised at Cambridge, January 2nd, 1776 by General Washington and given a salute of 13 guns. The most recent moniker, the Grand Union Flag, was applied during the 19th century during the Reconstruction era by George Henry Preble in his 1872 History of the American Flag. I took this at the Field of Honor in Georgetown, TX back in 2017. Happy Independence Day everyone! I hope you enjoy the photo and thanks for dropping by!
White Winged DoveOn December 27th of last year I ordered a new telephoto lens to go with my kit. It FINALLY arrived about 2 weeks ago! I guess the delay was due to COVID and goodness knows what else. At least it wasn't the ransomware attack that Fujifilm had. Anyway, I have been playing with it in the backyard trying to get shots of various birds and captured this white winged dove yesterday just as it was unfolding its wings. Turned out pretty well and I must say the lens is pretty sharp zoomed all the way. I think I'll keep it! I hope you enjoy the photo and thanks for dropping by!
Happy (?) Memorial DayMemorial Day for me is always one of those holidays that brings on mixed emotions. Some people I know will wish a "Happy Memorial Day!" but that seems weird. Sure I'll be happy to get that extra day off from work, gather with family and friends to enjoy the "unofficial start of Summer" and be thankful for the sacrifices of those who helped preserve this country. The latter is where I have the weird feelings. Those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live free is worth honoring, but to me the word “happy” doesn’t come to mind. I supposed we should be happy, but not the kind of happy as in, "Let's throw a party because these people died!" kind of happy. No, I guess we should be happy in a grateful sort of "Thank goodness there were people willing to do this so we can be free, and there are people now willing to give the ultimate so we still can be." sort of happy. Does that make sense? We should celebrate, but we should also remember those who died for our country and maybe be a little solemn as we recognize their ultimate sacrifice. Have a great weekend, but please remember those who gave all to keep us happy. The photo below is from a trip we took to Washington DC 11 years ago. We took a tour of Arlington National Memorial Cemetery and this marker stood out for obvious reasons. From https://www.cia.gov/legacy/museum/artifact/william-j-donovans-medal-of-honor/: General Donovan was the most highly decorated American officer of World War I. He received our nation’s top four medals, including this Medal of Honor for action in France in 1918. Donovan, who was a lieutenant colonel at the time, stood in front of his men with his rank showing and shouted, “Men – If they can’t hit me, they can’t hit you!” With that, Donovan led his men to take the German position. He was eventually wounded in the leg but refused to be evacuated from the battlefield until his men and their position were secure. I hope you enjoy the photo and thanks for dropping by!
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