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!

Belhaven Caf

The Belhaven campus also has a really nice looking cafeteria. Very modern!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to set up this blog for any more posts this year. I just didn't have time before leaving for Germany. I have my travel blog set up in the meantime for you to enjoy.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and thoughts. It's going to be a sad holiday season, but it's nice to know that we have lots of people thinking of us and sending good energy.

Sky and Temple

Another view of the Hindu Temple of Jackson against the blue, blue sky. I got some sad news this week, my father-in-law passed away. My husband and I had planned to spend the holidays in Germany, but now we'll just be leaving a little earlier.

I am going to try to set up as many automatic postings as I can, but there may be some dry days. I'll try to check in when I can, but my MiL does not have fast internet at home, so we'll see. Until then, I wish all of my "virtual" friends a very happy holiday season and all the best in the New Year!

White Hall

Here's another look at White Hall from yesterday's photo. The back side is not quite as welcoming, but it's still a nice building.

Doorway to White Hall

You can find some really nice doorways on the Belhaven campus. I like this entrance into White Hall.

I may not always have a nice doorway to show, but Ciel over in Versailles brings us a treat every Wednesday!

Titmouse

I haven't seen this friend at my feeder for quite some time. But he stopped by recently for a little snack.

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

Unknown Flora

I don't know what the name of this plant/flower is, but it's very pretty!


To see more flowers from around the world, please click on the Today's Flowers link.

Elephant Detail

Another detail from the Hindu Temple of Jackson. Elephants are one of my favorite animals.

Olga's in Black and White

The murder mystery show that I was invited to recently took place at Olga's. I had never been there before, it was really nice. I especially like this wall mural. It gives the place a European feel.

For more black and white shots visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Fountain Reflections

A scene from the campus of Belhaven College. It's my submission to James' Weekend Reflection series.

The Caring Hands

This time of year is the perfect time to show the community that you care. I joined the Caring Hands recently to prepare and serve a dinner to women and children at a local shelter. My colleagues and I enjoyed the fellowship of the women and the playfulness of the children.

December Theme Day: Time for Shopping

Fondren can be a nice place to do some holiday shopping, especially if you're looking for something unique. Add a sale on top of that, and you've got it all!

This is my contribution to the CDP December Theme Day. I've also got a bonus time photo on my Travel Blog.

Walt-nado

I was invited to see The Case of the Birthday Surprise by Mississippi Murder Mysteries at no charge a few weeks back in exchange for some publicity photos. I took these during the shows, so I couldn't use the flash. Although this isn't one of the best photos from that session, I like the effect of one of the characters hanging some police tape around "the body". I call it the Walt-nado.

Welcome Visit

Cardinals are always welcome in my yard. I haven't gotten many good Wingscapes photos lately, but here's a nice one!

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

Bluff Bridge

This bridge takes you over Eubanks Creek inside the LeFleur's Bluff state park. My family and I walked some of the nature trails as a post-Thanksgiving workout. It was a nice day to be outside and we enjoyed the views.


Click on the Sunday Bridges link to see more bridges from around the world!

Belhaven in Black and White

Welcome to Belhaven! It's a small private school in the heart of downtown Jackson. It was founded in 1883 by the Presbyterian church and is still going strong today.

To see more monochrome shots, get on over to the Weekend in Black and White.

Leftovers

Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo before this turkey was savagely ripped into and eaten by hungry Thanksgiving guests! He was stuffed to the max and made for quite the tasty dinner along with several delicious side dishes. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast.

Happy Turkey Day!

These wild turkeys were spotted on the Natchez Trace. I believe they were spared becoming someone's lovely dinner today, but who knows!

Hope you are enjoying the holiday with family and friends and have lots to be thankful for. I sure do!

Fancy Doorway

I found this doorway at a local lighting store. Very fancy, maybe I can give Ciel from Versailles a run for her money!

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!

Black and White Temple

Another look at the Hindu Temple, this time in black and white. To see more black and white photos, please visit The Weekend in Black and White.