Who would think a cemetery would be such a popular hangout?

I'm always searching for places to explore with my camera. Can you believe one of my favorite places is the cemetery? Well, it is. And I'm not alone.

We have an old city cemetery here that is very popular. It dates back to 1806. There is a confederate section that contains the graves of over 2200 soldiers from 14 states. There are also four small historic house museums inside the cemetery. I admit that I'm not much of a history buff like my husband who teaches history, but there is something about the place that draws me back frequently. Every October they have candle light tours with professional actors in period costumes that portray true stories of the cemetery residents. I have yet to make one of the tours, but plan to attend one this year.

I enjoy the peace and quiet there. Just me and my camera. The grounds are beautiful and spring and fall is amazing there. I drove there this afternoon before the sunset to see if the leaves had any color yet, but it's still too soon. Probably another 2-3 weeks and the trees will be bold and beautiful in colors of fall.

There are so many interesting little details to photograph there. Almost every time I go I see people taking family portraits. I saw a photographer there today taking family pictures. My step daughter is a senior this year and I'm taking her senior pictures there as soon as the leaves turn.

I took a few of these pictures at the beginning of spring.

This shot is one of my favorite pictures I have taken there.

 

 

This big old tree and swing is a popular place for pictures of children. I've seen bridal portraits at this swing too. You just never know what to expect when you arrive. But there is always someone there with a camera.

I love this cemetery and I'm sure I'll be back soon for more pictures as soon as the leaves change, and again for our first snow fall.

Where is the strangest place you go to take pictures?

 

Posted with Blogsy

Everyone is Talking About It!

Everyone is talking about it. Yep. Fall! I couldn't be happier. My friends know that summer is my least favorite season. Mainly because here in central Virginia we experience pretty hot and very humid weather. Augh! Some years it can be pretty brutal. Back to fall....I love the clothes. Jeans, boots, sweaters. Throw on a scarf and go. I wish I could wear jeans and boots all year. I love the cool crip air. I love the smell of wood burning fires. I love having a fire in our outdoor pit. I love the changing of the leaves. I love riding the Blue Ridge Parkway and shooting pictures of the amazing colors. Okay, you get the picture now. I love fall!!

So, I have been busy in the yard prepping for fall and winter. My husband came home to this beautiful site in the driveway....mulch!! I'm sure he was thrilled, but it had to be done. Who doesn't love fresh mulch in their flower beds? Yes, I was so sore by bedtime that I could hardly move from working with the mulch, but so worth it.

You can't have fall without mums! So, I ran out and bought mums. I had a few empty spots in the garden from flowers that bit it over the summer. Perfect timing that mums were out. Yeah, I know mums don't last that long, but they are so awesome while they last and a perfect start to fall.

 

I love these cool fall days and sitting outside by the fire. Now that the mulch is down and the mums are planted.....pumpkins are next. I just love fall and hope you are enjoying it too!!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Quick Go To Meals

I don't know about you, but on Sundays I don't always want to cook a big meal. Some weekends require quick and easy ideas. This weekend was one of those quick easy meal days. And we wanted something filling. I quickly decided on one of our favorite go to meals....chicken and black bean quesadillas! We love them! I usually try to grill more chicken than needed for this dish as to have enough leftover for another dinner the next day.

Quesadillas are easy enough after you get everything chopped and sliced and then it's just an assembly line of ingredients ready to cook up. I added a few green peppers and onions to make it a little more filling. I like to sauté my veggies a little to soften them up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All done! Open up a bag of chips, add salsa and sour cream and this meal is complete....to us anyway. Our lives and schedules are so crazy these days that it hard to meal plan and even harder to come up with new dinner ideas!

What is your go to meal that everyone in the family loves??

 

Posted with Blogsy