Family Time

Posted on by
1

Harter groupOur family gathering for Madison and Dennis’ wedding in Maryland was the first time in seven years that the whole family had been together. I was trying to remember the last time my siblings and parents were together and Pamela reminded me that it was when we were all in Ridgecrest and helping the Levy’s pack for their move to Maryland. I can’t believe it was seven years ago that they moved! Time really does fly.

We converged on the Levy household mid-week before the wedding to help with the last minute wedding setup and enjoy some family time together. I was able to sync my flights and flew on the same plane as Mom and Pamela from LA to DC. Not only got a head start on our catching up but made for convenient airport pickup!

Lunch time with the familyMelanie had the rehearsal dinner at their home and we worked together to prepare the meal. When it was time for lunch, the Harter clan sat down all together.; it was just like old times. The weather was lovely summer conditions the entire time and made outdoor gathering very pleasant on the Levy back patio. We also had time for a family morning walk along the Indian Head Trail, an old rail line converted into a biking and walking path.

Reception setupSetting up for the reception was also a family group activity. Melanie did an amazing job pre-planning everything and then coordinating the whole event. She was pulled in several directions those last few days. Will took off work a few days and handled a big load including the outdoor wedding set up with the help of Will IV and friends. Madison and Aunt Nicki finished off the boxes that held the guest favor gifts. We all enjoyed being active and participating in Madison and Dennis’ big day. And I especially enjoyed all the time I got to spend with my parents and siblings plus extended family.

Harter family
The ladies
Working together in the kitchen
Will and Dad
Madison and bridesmaids at rehearsal dinner
Dennis catching up on some needed rest
Lunch time with the family
Lunch with the family
Walking Indian Head Trail
The kids
The ladies
Nicki and Will
Wedding guest gifts
Reception setup
Reception room arrangement
Wedding location
Outdoor wedding location
Waiting in the shade for ceremony to start

Madison and Dennis’ Wedding

Posted on by
3

The joyous couple: Madison and Dennis SheltonMadison Levy (my niece) married Dennis Shelton on May 19, 2012 in a beautiful outdoor ceremony set in a lovely garden in La Plata, Maryland. Madison is the daughter of Will Levy III and Melanie (Harter) Levy, and sister to Will Levy IV, of Waldorf, Maryland. Dennis is the son of Teresa Shelton, who flew up from Florida to join them on this special day.

The Levy/Harter side was well represented with relatives coming from Ohio, California and Hawaii. Grandparents, Bob and Jane Harter, and Audrey Campbell, uncle Warren Harter, and aunts Nanette Harter, Pamela Beamer, and Niceole Levy arrived a few days early to celebrate and help with the festivities.

Below are some of the wedding snapshots while we await the professional photographs. I apologize for not knowing the names of Madison and Dennis’ dear friends who helped make this day special. (Reception photos to follow.)

[As always, click any thumbnail on the website below to open a larger image with description and then you can use the side arrows to move forward and backwards in the gallery.]

Wedding Trellis
Bride and garter
Father and Bride
Madison and Dennis exchanging vows
Two become one
Husband and Wife
The joyous couple
The Wedding Party
Couple and their family
Wedding Party and families
Extended families

Sunsets

Posted on by
1

We have been having some beautiful sunsets recently and wanted to share photos with you. (Video and Photos by Neil.)

Sunset on February 21st was lovely. Lucky I had the camera with me as we sat watching whales from the beach at the end of the driveway. I had been hoping to capture the momentary legendary green flash at the moment the sun drops below the horizon. I’ve seen much better ones than the weak one I caught here, even so, I think you’ll enjoy it!

Setting Sunset
Sky at Sunset
Horizon after setting
Sunset
Faint Green Spot

Cardinals

Posted on by
1

Video and Text by Neil

Here’s the male cardinal who asked me to put some sunflower seeds out. He visits several times a day and chirps while he eats. The female comes too, but she is more skittish. Like many females I know, she does not like her picture taken — especially when she is eating! She also talks a lot while she eats. We can tell their voices apart and know who is visiting without even looking. But of course, it is more fun to watch them! (I’m pretty sure if we would take each one of their cheeps and slow it down enough we would hear “thaaaannnnkkkkssss!”)

The more I observe this male Cardinal the more impressed I am with him. I have lived here for 14+ years and never put food out for the birds. Then, a few weeks ago this male Cardinal started visiting this bush and calling to us as we sat whale watching over morning tea. It took about 3 days for me to get the idea to put food out for him. As soon as I did, he would visit several times a day, serenading us with joyful song. When he left he usually took an unopened seed with him. Why??

At first, the cautious female would stay at a distance and the male would fly seeds over to her, sometimes more than once during a feeding session. Eventually, the female would come on her own. It definitely appeared as if he was patiently teaching her how to be an adult.

He seems to be a good mate. Surprisingly often he will show up bringing her some treat. At the end of this clip we see her spit out a sunflower seed to make room for one. She opens her mouth for it like a young bird. Hopefully they will show up one day with some little ones!

Cardinal male with seed
Cardinal male
Cardinal female