Blue Skies at Last

After so much gray in Berlin, it was nice to see some shiny, blue skies in Davos! It's been raining quite a bit here in Jackson, but it hasn't been cold. I'm a little short on Jackson photos at the moment, so I hope you won't mind me cheating a bit with a few shots from my latest travels.

To see more skies from around the world visit Skywatch.

Back in Jackson

I'm back to action in Jackson, where I won't be seeing any more of this stuff! It feels like I've been away from home for much longer than just three weeks. It's certainly good to be back though. I enjoyed the snow, but enough is enough!

Thank you again for all the kind comments, thoughts and support you have given. It really means a lot to me. 2011 is going to be a year of big changes, but all for the good. More details will be coming soon (I hope!).

Happy New Year!

A look at the Charlottenburg Castle decorated for the holidays! I wish all my readers joy and good health in 2011.

Another Feathered Friend

A colorful tit in my MiL's yard. He and his friends come often to her feeder for treats. He looks especially nice against the white snow.

Texture

Ice on a tree in Berlin. I like the mix of different textures.

Red Friend

I usually do not like squirrels, but I have to admit these red ones with tufty ears are pretty cute. I also caught this one at the feeder in my MiL's backyard, it was also taken with my new zoom.

Confidential to my husband: Happy Birthday!!!

Jay Bird

A Eurasian Jay seen at the feeder at my MiL's house. This photo was taken with my new zoom lens. Not too bad, eh?

To see more birds from around the world, visit Bird Freak.

Season's Greetings

Holiday candles help warm you up a bit on a cold, snowy evening. Our Christmas was cheery despite the recent death of my FiL. My husband and I will spend New Year's in Davos, Switzerland with friends. I hope to get loads of lovely photos with my new lens Santa brought me for Christmas.

PS: We also got fast internet with WiFi for my MiL, so now I can surf a little more often when we come to Berlin!

Christmas in Berlin

A quick look at the winter weather in Berlin. This shot came from my MiL's window into the street that runs in front of her house. Certainly a change from the moderate climate in Jackson, MS.

Thank you again for all your kind words and thoughts. My best wishes to you this Chrismas!

Barn Home?

Does a Dutch barn-style home count as a barn? I shot this one near the Union cemetery in the Vicksburg National Military Park. It's a private residence, not sure who lives there. Perhaps one of the park rangers?

To see some real barns, please visit Bluff Area daily photo blog.

Fountain and Bench

This fountain and bench were also found on the grounds of Cedar Grove. Looks like a nice place to ponder life for awhile.

Spitting Lion

As seen at the swimming pool of the Cedar Grove in Vicksburg. It's one of the antebellum homes that has now been converted to a bed and breakfast.

Names in Black and White

These are some of the names of the Illini who were killed during the Civil War. There are several plaques commemorating soldiers inside the Illinois Memorial.

To see more black and white shots, Please visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Skylight

The Illinois Memorial has a dome similar to the Pantheon in Rome. It's gives you just a little peek at the sky outside.


To sneak a peek at other skies from around the world, click on the Skywatch link.

Graves

There were many casualties during the Civil War. These are graves of the Union soldiers. The Confederate soldiers lie in another location.

USS Cairo

Here she is - Old Ironsides! The USS Cairo was sunk less than one year after being commissioned to protect the Mississippi River during the Civil War. This beauty stayed underwater for more than one hundred years before being raised in 1964.

The boat was actually intact underwater and very well preserved by the clay bed of the Mississippi. However, the strain of bringing the old boat to the surface caused it to break into three pieces. Luckily she was restored and put back together and is now on display at the National Military Park in Vicksburg.


It's really an amazing piece of machinery. It's amazing that something like this could even float! If you're ever in the area, I highly suggest a stop at the military park, the USS Cairo alone is worth seeing.

Illinois Seal

A mosaic of the state seal inside the Illinois Memorial I showed you yesterday. August 26, 1818 was the day Illinois ratified their state constitution and thus became a state. I really like that proud eagle on their seal and the patriotic shield clutched in its claws. Very nice!

Illinois Memorial

This is the memorial to soldiers from Illinois who gave their lives during the US Civil War. I think Illinois must have lost the most men as they have the biggest monument inside the National Military Park in Vicksburg. This memorial was dedicated in 1906.

I'll be showing you different scenes from the park all week, including the USS Cairo - an old Ironsides!

Blue Skies and Grant

General Grant looks great under a blue sky! This is a monument to him inside the Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg. It's a great place to visit, if you're ever in the area.


To see more skies from around the world, click on the Skywatch link!

Shadows on Shell Landing

Another one from the vaults. This is Shell Landing golf course which is down on the coast of Mississippi. It was a beautiful course and a lot of fun to play.

Unfortunately, there won't be time to play golf in Austin. I hope my game won't suffer from the break.