St. Peter's/St. Paul's Church visits

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My photography meet-up group was able to visit and photograph two of the oldest and most historic churches in the city today.  St Peter's Catholic Church was founded in 1834, was the first Catholic church established in Richmond and is absolutely beautiful.  When you enter your immediately drawn to the beautiful alter and stained glass windows throughout.St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located across the street on one side from St. Peter's and the Virginia State Capital on the other. Over 150 years old, the church has a strong historical bound to the Civil War with both Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis as members of the parish. This church also has one of the largest Tiffany windows (10) displays and in use in the US. The window photos I took (and are posting) are not HDR edited, these are what they really look like. I am still blown away by the craftsmanship, detail and beauty.Both churches are on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.[envira-gallery id="12789"]

View from the window

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We had another snow last night, this one was only a few inches but of course it arrives at 5:00 am and no idea what it will bring so I made the decision to work from home. During "lunch" at home I decided to grab the camera and take some photos of all the birds and squirrels clambering to eat and stay warm (plus more practice with this lens).  They are so cute but aggressive with each other.Here are a few of my favorites:[envira-gallery id="12775"]With any luck this snow will be melted away by Friday and then warmer temps for several days until February which is suppose to bring us more of the cold and snow...When is spring???

Week 52 Challenge -Week #1

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Starting a new challenge this year, to document my life in 1-10 photos for 52 weeks.Started 2018 with second degree burns along the bottom of my wrist, had to head back to work after 18 days off (turned out okay with a big raise from my boss to thank me for 2017), the snow & very unusual freezing temps resulted in 1st work week becoming work from home week after 2 days, I started a huge family project of scanning all my moms photographs going back 60 plus years so we can preserve them and a personal commitment to get back on the workout routine after taking the holidays off rounded out the week.I am exhausted :)[envira-gallery id="12735"]

Black Eyed Pea and Smoked Sausage Soup

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We have made this soup over and over again.  Definitely one of our very favorites!Credit: Plain Chicken

Black Eyed Pea and Smoked Sausage Soupserves 8
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces (can use turkey)
  • 4 cans black eyed peas, drained
  • 1 Tbsp minced onion flakes
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes (regular or mild)
  • 1-2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 2-3 cups Swanson's Louisiana Cajun broth
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook smoked sausage until lightly browned. Add black eyed peas, onion flakes, garlic powder, Rotel, cajun seasoning and broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with cooked rice.Pressure Cooker: (InstaPot) Soup setting for 20 minutes, then let simmer