Underwater ROVs

I'm a SCUBA instructor,and while I've always been interested in underwater videography, I usually have to many responsibilities to focus my attention so narrowly (through a lens). I was intrigued by these underwater remote-operated vehicles in the shape of a fish, with built-in cameras.

Algae blooms in the South Branch

We reported these alga to Potomac Riverkeeper. Algae typically blooms in periods of excess nutrients. In the South Branch, that often happens here in mid-August after a rain following long arid periods due to runoff from farms.

Surprisingly, many cattle farmers still allow their livestock in the river, despite many available, well-funded programs to help farmers be responsible in protecting watersheds. Manure management, particularly at large poultry operations is another source of excess nutirents.

Amaryllis Lilies - Naked Ladies

Amaryllis belladonna are deer resistant, so I'm generally happy when my friends in the city offer me their excess when they divide their bulbs.

Family Hikes

We do lots of mowing to maintain nearly two miles of walking trails. It all pays off during our big family visits. We usually have both morning and evening hikes through the woods and along the river. With just about 1 dog for every two humans, we make several stops for cooling off in the river.

After the hike, Luke and Lily dig in to our fish-shaped waffles. We use frozen blueberries for fish eyes.

We try to enhance the fish-shaped waffles with an assortment of renamed syrups, jams and frostings, including Pond Water (syrup), Mud (chocolate frosting, Fish Slime (honey from our friends at Church View Farm), and Turtle Egg Shell Puree (white frosting).