Generosities

Garnett’s Cafe in Richmond. Best homemade pumpkin pie EVER!

A new addition to my growing collection of vintage landscape paintings.

And the absolute freedom that comes with understanding that health and happiness are not a package deal. I can live a full and meaningful life without meeting all of the expectations that I must age gracefully. I don’t have to be happy or feel grateful all of the time. But I can accept the generous offerings that come my way. (Reading Recommendation: Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman.)

SNOW BERRIES

How Come Eugene Didn't Catch Any Fish?

Hick’s Landing, December 2025

Teams of men paired up: Hunter and Brad, Justin and Dustin, Earl and Allan. Big fish and total weights recorded. From the chart on the shed wall, it looks like there’s been a fishing competition. Can’t help but feel a little sad for Eugene who scored a big zero. But hey, maybe the joy of the time outdoors was reward enough.

I love this boat landing along the Rappahannock Basin Trail. In all seasons, the view helps me to tend and befriend myself. It’s freezing cold today, and I really don’t want to get out of the car. But once I do, I don’t want to get back in. The cold air is invigorating, and there is always something to discover.

I am fascinated by the osage oranges. I had never even seen one until a few years ago. Also called Hedge Apples, the bumpy, yellow-green spheres, fall from the small deciduous tree, Maclura pomifera. They were once believed to repel insects, but this has been found to be untrue. They are often used in fall decorations and provide food for squirrels, deer and birds. A very unusual, inedible fruit (tough with milky, super sticky goop inside!).

It's Always A Good Idea To Carry The Camera

S & S Body Shop, Richmond, Virginia | December 2025

When I left my home to head to a medical appointment in Richmond, I debated whether or not to bring the camera. It was cold. I was hurrying to get out the door. I had no plans to stop anywhere special along the way. And so the list goes. But I’ve been at this long enough to let experience lead the way . . . and many cherished photos have come from unexpected moments of noticing.

It was icy cold this morning with only a dusting of snow in Fredericksburg. But as I headed south on Interstate 95 toward Richmond, the landscape changed. Glorious morning light on a pristine snowscape. No snow or ice on the roads (thank goodness), just a tunnel of snowy trees lit by golden light. Of course, you can’t pull over on a highway to take a picture, but I made note of the images just the same. Once in Richmond, I was delighted to experience the sweet mix of snow and almost Christmas. Not enough snow to keep folks home or make things too dangerous, but enough to slow everyone down with late openings and extra caution. Just enough snow to put everyone in the Christmas mood.