The nicely dressed tree may be found at the Winchester Exchange at 15 East Main St

The tree all dressed-up in the knitted attire does make me smile. The nicely dressed tree may be found at the Winchester Exchange at 15 East Main Street in historic downtown Westminster. I take my hat off for the folks who dressed the tree. Each of us needs to do whatever we can to promote the community we love. The best progress comes from a positive approach. Friday, Sept. 22, 2017.

Caroline, Grammy Evelyn, and I enjoyed dinner with our friend Joyce Hashert and her dad, Mr. Hashert

Caroline, Grammy Evelyn, and I enjoyed dinner with our Westminster High School Class of 1971 classmate friend Joyce Haschert and her dad, Mr. Walter Haschert, 95, at Buttersburg Inn in Union Bridge. Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. Our server is Tess. She is wonderful. It was good to see Jim and Frank. And our dinner was exquisite.

Lonely is the runner who comes upon a truck on the Wakefield Valley Trail

Lonely is the runner who comes upon a truck on the Wakefield Valley Trail that obviously took a wrong turn off the Baltimore Beltway. Just saying. Thurs. Sept. 21, 2017

Mr. Truck looks like it is emerging from a brief visit to the woods and returning to the trail.

Over the years, I have seen many things on the Wakefield Valley Trail. Large bunnies, and spacecrafts, and attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate… Oh, sorry. That's another story for another time…

I really did see the truck. Really I did. 

Sept. 20, 2017, I ate lunch at Sclafani’s New York Bagels and Bread in Winchester Va.

On Wed., Sept. 20, 2017, I ate lunch at Sclafani's New York Bagels and Bread in Winchester Va. #sclafanis My coffee and cinnamon raisin bagel were great. Wonderful family christian atmosphere. And they support law enforcement and military. I also really liked the idea that they gave away free Bibles at the door. And I witnessed several folks picking,through the Bibles, and carrying them out the door with them.

Josh Gursky, Guy Garheart, Kyle Stull, and Chris Orrison

Josh Gursky, Guy Garheart, Kyle Stull, and Chris Orrison of the Westminster Fire Dept. stopped by Westminster Fallfest to make sure everyone stays healthy and safe. Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017

Pam and Charlie at Buttersburg Inn on Sat..Sept. 9, 2017

Pam and Charlie at Buttersburg Inn on Sat..Sept. 9, 2017. The past several weeks have way too busy and I cannot recall if I posted this picture of my sister Pam - and Charlie, over at the Buttersburg Inn, or not. I really like this picture...

Caroline, Grammy and I went to dinner at the Buttersburg Inn, in New Windsor. It was really good to see Jim and Frank, Pam Zappardino and Charlie Collyer there. The place was full. Our dinner was great. Friday, Sept. 8, 2017

Coca Cola Syrup distributed by Rasinsky’s Pharmacy, 30 West Main Street, Westminster, Md

Coca Cola Syrup distributed by Rasinsky's Pharmacy, 30 West Main Street, Westminster, Md Tilden 8-7100.

I found this in an upper cupboard in the family kitchen. 

I was fascinated that the ingredients listed on the label read:

"Prepared with sugar and water; phosphoric acid, caffeine, extractives from coca leaves (cocaine removed) and cola nuts, and other flavoring materials, colored with caramel."

Sadly there is no date on the bottle anywhere.

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017

Caroline and I had a late lunch at Mollies Cafe

Caroline and I had a late lunch at Mollies Cafe, 199 East Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 We really liked our lunch - and especially the friendly, homely atmosphere of the restaurant. It reminded me of places to eat in Westminster when I was growing-up in town. We really recommend Mollies. Thurs. Sept. 14, 2017

Phil Grout, Kevin Dayhoff, Sherri Hosfeld Joseph, and Keith Meisel

Stop the presses, Phil Grout, Kevin Dayhoff, Sherri Hosfeld Joseph, and Keith Meisel got together this afternoon at Birdie's for a mini writers' conference. Photo by Lance Garber. Sept. 12, 2017.

A great tribute by Fred Rasmussen to a wonderful member of the community, Dr. Pete Nickolas

A great tribute by Fred Rasmussen to a wonderful member of the community, Dr. Pete Nickolas. He will be greatly missed. Sat. Sept. 9, 2017 in the Carroll County Times.

Caroline, Grammy and I went to dinner at the Buttersburg Inn, in New Windsor

Caroline, Grammy and I went to dinner at the Buttersburg Inn, in New Windsor. It was really good to see Jim and Frank, Pam Zappardino and Charlie Collyer there. The place was full. Our dinner was great. Friday, Sept. 8, 2017

We are privileged to be at an event with so many friends to celebrate the sculpture garden

Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 We are privileged to be at an event with so many friends to celebrate the sculpture garden at the Westminster Branch of the Carroll County Public Library in historic downtown Westminster. As usual, the library staff put on a fantastic event. With Lynn Wheeler, Sarah Syzmanski, and Amber Maurer Farran. We had a great time. Thanks.

“The art of bicycling” at the Denver Civic Center Park

"The art of bicycling" at the Denver Civic Center Park and Colorado Capital and Denver City and County Building Complex Aug. 29, 2017

Touring the Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder CO. Sat. Aug. 26, 2017

Touring the Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder CO. Sat. Aug. 26, 2017 with Caroline and David. It is quite fascinating

Celestial Seasonings Factory and Tour Center

Celestial Seasonings Factory and Tour Center, 4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, CO www.celestialseasonings.com Caroline, David and I are visiting the Celestial Seasonings facility. We are all big tea drinkers - and this must be what heaven looks like. Sat. Aug. 26, 2017

Best bumper sticker of the year - so far. “I brake for squirrels. (Then yell at them like a concerned parent.)”

Best bumper sticker of the year - so far. "I brake for squirrels. (Then yell at them like a concerned parent.)" Sat. Aug. 26, 2017

For dinner we ate at Sushi North www.sushinorth.net in Westminster Colorado

For dinner we ate at Sushi North www.sushinorth.net in Westminster Colorado - - With David Babylon and Caroline Babylon. We had Miso soup, Colorado, Reg. Dragon, and a House Roll. Thurs. August 24, 2017. 

Everything is bigger out west in Big Sky country. Butterfly Park in Westminster Colorado

Everything is bigger out west in Big Sky country. Butterfly Park in Westminster Colorado. Thurs. August 24, 2017.

We interviewed the prairie dogs at the Big Dry Creek Exploration Trail at Butterfly Park in Westminster Colorado.

We interviewed the prairie dogs at the Big Dry Creek Exploration Trail at Butterfly Park in Westminster Colorado. We need to have prairie dogs in Westminster Md. According to Caroline, "they are precious." Thurs. August 24, 2017. 

Bart Walters’ “Wapiti Circle,” in Westminster, Colorado

Caroline and I are visiting Bart Walters' "Wapiti Circle," in Westminster, Colorado. Thurs. August 24, 2017. It appears that municipalities in Colorado have a vibrant public art public policy. 

Westminster Colorado is huge, both in size and population. There are approximately 100,000 folks living here, just north of Denver, in what appears, at first impression, to be in reclaimed desert, within sight of the Rocky Mountains.

Of course, Mr. Walters is a local Westminster, Md. artist. Caroline and I visited the elks featured in this sculpture display at Reed St. and Walnut Creek, when they were being created in Westminster Md.

The sculptures are magnificent.

Lightning killed several trees in the backyard last summer

The work never stops. Lightning killed several trees in the backyard last summer. Made us sad. Sat. Aug. 5, 2017

Anyone who has a verse from Romans on his equip. is okay with me

Anyone who has a verse from Romans on his equip. is okay with me. Just saying. 9Aug2017

At the annual livestock auction at the Carroll Co. Fair

At the annual livestock auction at the Carroll Co. Fair. This is where the very foundation of Carroll Co. gives back to 4H, FFA, and the future leaders of the community. 4Aug2017

A visit with the chickens in the poultry building at the Carroll County Fair

A visit with the chickens in the poultry building at the Carroll County Fair. 3Aug2017

At the Carroll County Fair, when the National Anthem is played, everyone stops immediately and stands

At the Carroll County Fair, at the CC AG Center, when the National Anthem is played, everyone stops immediately and stands. It gives you goosebumps. 4Aug2017

We had lunch with Bob Shirley in the dining hall at the Carroll Co Fair

We had lunch with Bob Shirley in the dining hall at the Carroll County Fair. 4Aug 2017

One of the new features, at the Carroll County Fair

One of the new features, at the Carroll County Fair that we really like, are the American flags that line the pedestrian walkway from the parking. And every time we walk up the walkway, Caroline stops to stand and straighten each flag. She's a keeper. 4Aug2017

Dunkin Donuts Community Cruiser at the Carroll County Fair

Dunkin Donuts Community Cruiser at the Carroll County Fair 3Aug2017

Scenes from the Carroll Co. 4H & FFA Fair

Scenes from the Carroll Co. 4H & FFA Fair 3Aug2017

Carroll County 4H & FFA Fair 2017 Market Steer Show at the Shipley Arena

At the Carroll County Fair with Grammy and Caroline.

At the Carroll County Fair. 31Jy2017 with Grammy and Caroline.

An interview with various animals on a visit to the Carroll Co Fair

An interview with various animals on a visit to the Carroll County Fair. 31Jy2017

Bill Schrodel from MidAtlantic Farm Credit welcomes folks at the Carroll Co Chamber of Commerce breakfast

Bill Schrodel from MidAtlantic Farm Credit welcomes folks at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the dining hall at the Carroll County Fair. Monday, 31Jy2017

Treasurer C. Babylon, Pres. B. Cumberland and I are at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept., St. Mary's Co.

Treasurer C. Babylon, Pres. B. Cumberland and I are at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept., St. Mary's Co. Sunday, July 30, 2017

Treasurer C. Babylon, Pres. B. Cumberland and I are at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept.

Treasurer C. Babylon, Pres. B. Cumberland and I are at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Dept. for a MSFA fire equipment funding committee meeting. 

EMS providers from Westminster, Hampstead, and Pleasant Valley Fire companies

EMS providers from Westminster, Hampstead, and Pleasant Valley Fire companies provide stand by emergency medical services at the rodeo at the Carroll County Fair 29Jy2017

Katie Bryan, Becki Stem, and Caroline review details in the Carroll Co. Fair dining hall recipe ‘bible.’

Katie Bryan, Becki Stem, and Caroline review details in the Carroll County Fair dining hall recipe 'bible.' 29Jy2017

For dinner at the Carroll County Fair

For dinner at the Carroll County Fair this we had pork chops, mashed potatoes,  sauerkraut, and cran-apple crisp. We really enjoyed our dinner. 29Jy2017

At the Carroll County Fair for dinner

At the Carroll County Fair for dinner. I really like the American flags lining the pedestrian walkway. 29Jy2017

This evening's 5 o’clock service at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster

This evening's 5 o'clock service at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster 29Jy2017

We had a great this worship assistant lay leader at this evening's 5 o’clock service at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster

We had a great this worship assistant lay leader at this evening's 5 o'clock service at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster 29Jy2017

Professor Ted Dix takes another look at the music for this evening's service at Grace Lutheran

Professor Ted Dix takes another look at the music for this evening's 5 o'clock service at Grace Lutheran 29Jy2017

Our weekly visit to the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market for our weekly CSA

After our breakfast at Applebees, for the fundraiser for the Carroll County NAACP, we stopped by for our weekly visit to the Downtown Westminster Farmers' Market for our weekly CSA - with Grammy and Caroline. 29Jy2017

Grammy Babylon, Bob Ruby, Caroline and I enjoyed our chicken pot pie dinner at the dining hall at the Carroll County Fair

Grammy Babylon, Bob Ruby, Caroline and I enjoyed our chicken pot pie dinner at the dining hall at the Carroll County Fair. We really liked our dinner and it's great to see all our friends and neighbors at the fair. Hopefully we will see you tomorrow at the fair for Beef tacos, pork chops, with a side of cran-apple crisp. 28Jy2017 With Katie Bryan.

“Living History campers experience 1800s life” by Michel Elben

"Attempting tinsmithing, rising fourth-grader Colby Petry said in the middle of his camp last week that he signed up because he is 'really into history.'"

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/local/ph-cc-living-history-camp-2017-20170719-story.html

"Living History campers experience 1800s life" by Michel Elben

"Twenty-four fourth-grade campers, some dressed in period garb, tried their hands at sewing, cooking, painting, tinsmithing, weaving, ropemaking, cane-fishing and candy-making last week during the Carroll County Farm Museum's annual Living History Camp. This week, fifth-graders are getting their turn…"

Dinner at the Westminster Vol. Fire Dept

Dinner at the Westminster Vol. Fire Dept. 24Jy2017

Welcome to church services at Grace Lutheran this morning

Welcome to church services at Grace Lutheran this morning, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost. We enjoyed Pastor Martha's message about the parable of the wheat and the weeds found in Matthew chapter 13. 23Jy2017

Frederick County Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Frederick County Vietnam Veterans  Memorial N. Bentz and Calvary Dr. in downtown Frederick.

Just when you think that your Comcast user experience and customer service could not get more horrid

Just when you think that your Comcast user experience and customer service could not get more horrid, Comcast comes through with yet another horrible-horrible-horrible experience. SMH. July 20, 2017.

At Volt, 228 North Market St., Frederick, MD 21701 www.voltrestaurant.com

At Volt, 228 North Market St., Frederick, MD 21701 www.voltrestaurant.com