During my after breakfast walk today I noticed this weeping willow thriving in the neighborhood and mentioned to my husband that these trees need moist soil - that's why they're most often seen growing along creek banks. Growing up in this neighborhood, he recalls that the area where this tree is located often flooded during a hard rain ... the drainage was diverted years back - so that explains it...
Tuesday is trash/recycling day in the neighborhood. Roanoke has a reasonable curb side recycling program but I was saddened to see a bin curbside at only a few houses. I've recycling since the days you had to pack up the papers and cans and drop them into the bins at Cycle Systems so I appreciate the curbside convenience. One of the moments that convinced me that my DH was a keeper was when he started putting his Diet Coke cans in the bin rather than me fishing them out of the trash.....he still won't go near the compost bin....
We took a drive to Philpott Lake to scout out camp sites - what a beautiful,quiet area. We found several sites overlooking the water that would be perfect for our camper and only $18.00 dollars a night!
Henry County has been hard hit by numerous textile and furniture factory closings the past few years. I spotted this vacant storefront near the train tracks adjacent to an abandoned factory. I would love to know the stories captured in these walls...
When I returned to work a friend said she had found just the car she wanted and guess what it was a Smart car! Do I put down a deposit for one when they're available in the U.S. next year? Hummmm.... I loved all the parks tucked away throughout Paris and seeing people enjoying them. Eating,napping,reading,studying,visiting,playing were all common park activities. I wish our green spaces were appreciated as much. 
Finally, the key system at the hotel was energy conserving - I'll explain...The card key is attached to a heavy metal fob. After you open the door you slide the card into a slot just inside the door and your electricity is turned on. When you leave you remoe the card from the slot and the electricity is turned off. Smart huh? You then turn in the key to the front desk and pick it back up when you return. 
We plan to rent an apartment in Paris next year for a month .... it can easily be done and is less expensive than staying in a hotel. I'll also get to shop the markets and cook! Working the overtime now and saving up - Paris, France I'm coming back...
You're To Kill a Mockingbird!
by Harper Lee
Perceived as a revolutionary and groundbreaking person, you have
changed the minds of many people. While questioning the authority around you, you've
also taken a significant amount of flack. But you've had the admirable guts to
persevere. There's a weird guy in the neighborhood using dubious means to protect you,
but you're pretty sure it's worth it in the end. In the end, it remains unclear to you
whether finches and mockingbirds get along in real life.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
You're Siddhartha!
by Hermann Hesse
You simply don't know what to believe, but you're willing to try
anything once. Western values, Eastern values, hedonism and minimalism, you've spent
some time in every camp. But you still don't have any idea what camp you belong in.
This makes you an individualist of the highest order, but also really lonely. It's
time to chill out under a tree. And realize that at least you believe in
ferries.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
