Old

Thursday I was the substitute deliverer for the Cobbs Creek route of the county's Meals on Wheels. The route actually started in Hallieford, where these first three shots were taken. It's been forever since I've driven down to Hallieford even though I see it every day of my life by water. (It's right across the creek from me.)

Since I am a rarely-called-upon substitute driver and since I usually get a different route every time I am called, I do not get to know the people I'm delivering food to.  So when my first customer told me she wasn't feeling so hot after my salutatory "How are you?" I didn't know if that was normal or cause for concern.  After talking with her for a while and asking lots of questions, I became convinced it was normal, but even so I told her I'd carry her to the doctor if she needed to go.  She took my cell phone number but never called. Not So Hot is unfortunately her norm.

Another part of the route took me down Morgan's Branch Road.

I'd never been down here before, ever, although I've passed the road a million times.

Waaaay down the road was this school bus graveyard.

I love old vehicles...

And several old houses.

...just as much as I love old houses.

I thought this one was full of character.

Some of the people I spoke with on my route were characters too.

They're elderly and disabled or sick but still full of spark 

and eager for some conversation and a little attention.
Just a little bit of human contact is all they need.

I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to volunteer for Mathews Meals on Wheels, even if it's only a few times a year as a substitute driver. If you're local and have a couple of hours a month I encourage you to sign up with the Mathews Active Lifestyle Center.  For more info call them at (804) 725-7850.

In other news, I'm hoping to make it over to Urbanna for the Oyster Festival at some point this weekend.

Hope your weekend is a great one.

Wisteria

Last Thursday I drove from Mathews to King William for my son's track meet and brought my loaner camera along for the ride.

On the way out of the county just before Dutton I glanced through the rear view mirror and noticed the wisteria growing up the side of this wonderful old structure.

So I pulled over in the little dirt turnaround in front of the building below and snapped these few shots.

My mother lived near here as a child and can perhaps provide additional details or memories about the area.


I've always been drawn to the old buildings.

Unrelated to the Dutton area but along the lines of old buildings draped with wisteria, below is an image from 2010 taken with my Beloved Camera, which is currently in the repair shop.

(With any luck, it will be back home and by my side within two weeks.)

A 2010 photo of an old store hiding behind a trailer
on Route 14 across from the state shed.

Click here for the May 2010 post about wisteria and the photo above.

May your week be as cheerful and hopeful as the lilac-purple flowers on the upward climbing vine otherwise known as wisteria.