Black and White

two new humans

WmX — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:06:11 +0000

at this age they stay put

new human

WmX — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 02:50:31 +0000

resting in atmosphere

Meleagris gallopavo

WmX — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:15:47 +0000

1/30th of a second impressionism

On Martha’s Vineyard turkeys stroll through neighborhoods. In Virginia turkeys are hunted, people are not their friends, they tip-toe, staying alive.

Favorite things

WmX — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:32:02 +0000

Food, people, other dogs, water

day of rest

WmX — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 12:24:57 +0000

Zion Church, Lottsburg, Virginia

new bug in town-Lycorma delicatula

WmX — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:11:58 +0000

Lycorma delicatula 1st instar

adult SLFs, photo by Anna Lane

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a species of planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Vietnam. It was accidentally introduced into South Korea and has spread invasively to Japan and the United States, where it is often referred to by the acronym “SLF”. Its preferred host is the also invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it also feeds on other trees, and on crops including soybean, grapes, stone fruits, and Malus species. In its native habitat, L. delicatula populations are regulated by parasitic wasps.–Wikipedia

Slap

WmX — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:24:54 +0000

Waco, April 10, 1999, Mark and Susan Dossett exit the church, just married, and then

The Arch of Swords

Right after the ceremony, as the newly married couple exits the church, a group of fellow Navy officers line up in two facing rows outside the door. They draw their swords and raise them to form an arch or tunnel of crossed blades.

The couple walks through the arch. At the final pair of swords, the officers often lower the blades to briefly stop the couple so they can kiss. Then one officer gives the civilian spouse a light tap (hah!) on the backside with the flat of the sword and announces something like “Welcome to the Navy!” (or “Welcome aboard”).

This tradition, with roots in the Royal Navy, symbolizes the Navy family’s pledge of loyalty, protection, and welcome to the new couple. It is one of the most recognizable features of a U.S. Navy (and Marine Corps) officer’s wedding.

Commander (O-5), United States Navy.
The uniform is the U.S. Navy Full Dress White (or Service Dress White in a ceremonial context):

White combination cover with the standard Navy officer crest (eagle, shield, and anchors).
High-collar white tunic with hard shoulder boards.
Three ½-inch gold sleeve stripes (the hallmark of a Commander).
Naval Aviator wings on the left breast.–Grok

at rest

WmX — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 02:22:02 +0000

Return to Suffolk, next to his dad.

Gillian

WmX — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:29:34 +0000

Gillian chatting with mailman supreme, Jim Brooks.

Gillian Gwendoline Munro Kyles, Judy Johnson, CWTIII. Neighbors, long time neighbors, slipping away. Turnover. Hard losing people.

Work

WmX — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:21:22 +0000

shaping the compliant workforce, how to best achieve.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 KJV