VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, It's Father's Day today, and all across the world fathers are lovingly presented with the latest electronic gadgets, ties, colognes, barbecue-grill accoutrements, books on home repair, and a cadre of notions that are designed to win a smile from dear old dad.  For some, it's an occasion to take flowers to grave-sites or memorial-gardens; others will spend the day with family-members reminiscing about all the wonderful things that were shared, the lessons taught, and the memories created during Papa's lifetime.  Early in the week another father, and our President, courageously took a brave if somewhat controversial stance in declaring that the deportation of the 'DREAMERS' would be discounted, and that these individuals could apply for documentation to work in the United States, provided that certain requirements were met.  About 800,000 persons who were brought here as minors (without the proper authorization) may qu...

photoisabellopezquesada viaathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, While some folks are preparing to head for sea-side destinations having made plans to relax for the rest of summer, others are out getting new voters registered, manning campaign offices in previously ignored neighborhoods, tweeting/emailing/blogging/canvasing and many other such actions, all this for the purpose of ensuring that the average citizen has a say in the upcoming Presidential election in November.  Lamentably, it gets trickier (and more expensive) to get the finer points of either candidate's agenda out into the public arena, for the Super-PACS have almost single-handedly altered the playing field because of their ability to just buy, buy, buy ads, influence, and access to power--yet hopefully not the vote!  One of the more memorable posts on Facebook laments the fact that millions of dollars are spent on ads, yet precious little has been allocated towards eliminating homelessness and hunger in this count...

imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, It's going to be a glorious day today.  Cooler temperatures and some clouds make watering the new beds much more pleasant than doing so in the inferno we've experienced of late.  Right after an early breakfast, I'm heading out to the garden for as long as possible, with a few goals such as transplanting spireas that have grown too leggy situated at the base of 15-foot laurels, a new home for low-growing azaleas which will be much happier away from the glare of both mid-day and afternoon sun, and finding just the right spot for a glazed Vietnamese garden-urn recently drastically discounted at my favorite source, and now happily in my possession. Hope you all enjoy a beautiful Thursday. Best, Shane PS:  Today's soundtrack is WELLENRAUSCH's Shape Of Berlin

imagecourtesydesignsponge Peeps, Today, it's Election Day in my former home-town (Alexandria, VA) and the stakes are high.  I believe that fourteen candidates are vying for eight seats on the City Council.  While I no longer reside within that county, I am well aware of two pressing issues which need to be addressed, either by new council-members or those who remain for the next term of office.  Recently, in the city's zeal to embrace new growth (in the form of more housing, retail and office space) zoning variances and tax breaks were granted in exchange for a larger number of 'affordable units' to be made available to low-income residents, many of who previously resided in public-housing complexes (now razed by the wrecking ball).  While the opportunity to live in the charming row-house style units (complete with a manufactured charm suggestive of Old Towne gentility) that have cropped up in the northern sections of the city may seem like a godsend, some...

imagecourtesdesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Although I've been assured that its not summer yet, outside it sure feels like it.  Days of blistering heat when toiling under a hard task-master tends to befuddle even the hardiest, and knowing that repeated waterings of newly-planted beds are a must brings some degree of concern and anxiety.  At times like this I dream of skies of hazy blue, deep pools of cool water, and endless fields of wildflowers dancing restless beneath evening breezes.  Those fortunate among us to have swimming pools count themselves smart (or lucky) to be available to relax away from the humid bustle and grind that grips the nation's capital at this time; pitchers of brisk lemonade and tiny sandwiches (now called gliders) will keep guests happy as well as any conscientious host/hostess praised for an apparent ease in appearing relaxed and gracious. Saturday's Flag Day Picnic sponsored by the BAVF (Blinded American Veterans Foundation) and hosted by ...