Ellicott City

On the day after Christmas we headed out for a walk and visit to the B&O Train Museum in Ellicott City, MD.  We parked on the Oella side (Baltimore County) of the Patapsco River and walked across the bridge to the Ellicott City side (Howard County).  With all the rain the river was running high.

Founded as a mill town, there is still a mill, the Washington Flour Company, on the Oella side.

Our granddaughter is fascinated with trains and we wanted her to see the caboose at the museum.  

We were early so we forgo the museum in favor of looking at the caboose through the fence.  

As we stood there we heard the whistle of an approaching train.  Ellicott City known for being  the terminus of that famous race between the first train and a horse drawn carriage is still on a very active freight rail line.  The train coming through was a long line of empty coal cars headed west to be refilled.

Granddaughter had never seen a real train and this was a loud introduction.  We all quickly moved across the street to watch it pass.

Ellicott City is an interesting place to visit for the shops and restaurants too.  

But after visiting one antique store we crossed the Patapsco River again for our walk on the Trolley Trail. That will be the subject of another post.

Joining Through My Lens 

"Old Brick"

In the middle of the month of December Dan sang with The Pro Cantare Chamber Group at this church.  The sun was low in the sky so it was difficult to get good photos.

Below is the old structure (1809).  His group sang in the new structure and sounded beautiful with a wide selection of songs for the holiday season.

Linking to Inspired Sunday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!

Another year come and gone.  Instead of looking back at what was, I'm looking ahead to what's to be.  

My house still shows the trappings of Christmas passed but these will soon be put away for the year. That task is on my to do list, one of many that I've noted for the year.  Also on the list cleaning out and organizing in the pantry, my study, the loft.

We are looking forward to a big trip in the summer to Europe; Finland first then a river cruise on the Danube starting in Budapest and ending near Munich where we will stay several nights on the outskirts.  Dan has been to Germany but this will be my first trip.

The garden has its own list of "to do" items.  My fight against the deer damage will continue.  The fishing line was a success for much longer than I expected.  That will have to be restrung come spring and the downed wood fence built higher.  I hope to purchase another arbor and gate for the east entrance to the backyard.  Plants will be moved that are a favorite food of the deer.

The beds in the perennial garden need work.  The light in that space has changed in the 10 years we've lived here.  Once was full sun is now partial shade.  I need to rethink what I have planted there

There are books to be read, day trips to be taken, crafts to pursue, new and old connections to be made.

What will 2016 bring? Stay tuned.

A Hiatus for the Holidays!

Here's wishes for a Happy Holiday season

from my house to yours.

Lots to be done to celebrate this wonderful time of year.

The tree needs putting up and trimming.

Menus for parties need planning and advance preparations started.

Cookies need baking.

Last minute gifts need purchasing and wrapping.

Cards need to be addressed and mailed.

It's also that time of year for reflecting on events of the past year and future events to come.

I will return to blogging in the New Year.

Joyous Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Note: photos are from years' past!  No snow here and no tree or decorations up yet!