edge – Black and White

Liquidambar styraciflua

gum balla — The earliest known published record of Liquidambar styraciflua is in a work by Spanish naturalist Francisco Hernández published posthumously in 1615, in which he describes the species as a large tree producing a fragrant gum resembling liquid amber, whence the genus name Liquidambar. In John Ray’s Historia Plantarum (1686) it is called Styrax liquida. However, the first mention of any use of the amber is described by Juan de Grijalva, the nephew of the governor of Cuba, in the year 1517. Juan de Grijalva tells of gift exchanges with the Mayas “who presented them with, among other things, hollow reeds of about a span long filled with dried herbs and sweet-smelling liquid amber which, when lighted in the way shown by the natives, diffused an agreeable odour.”[11] The species was introduced into Europe in 1681 by John Banister, the missionary collector sent out by Bishop Compton, who planted it in the palace gardens at Fulham in London, England.–Wikipedia

The fruit people love to hate, gum balls. Goldfinches, purple finches, squirrels, and chipmunks eat the seeds of the tree. The long-persisting fallen spiked fruits can be unpleasant to walk on; sweet gum is banned in some places for this reason–Wikipedia

Anything + Moon = Pretty

End of the Day

Rivanna

Vineyard Sound

Yeocomico

Yeocomico is a Native American name roughly translated as “tossed to and fro by the waters.” Others suggest it is an Algonquian word that means “four dwelling places” since the river has a branch on either side with each dividing into two large forks.–Wikipedia

falling

q alba falls into water — There is always a larger older tree elsewhere. Who mourns this stately individual’s fall? The local squirrels and jays mourn. Very sad.

Cville Plans Together

west view Carlton Avenue 2003 — March 1 City Council endorsed the affordable housing plan, the lead piece of the three part Cville Plans Together effort. The three easy pieces, the housing plan, a rewritten “Comprehensive” plan and a rewritten zoning ordinance. Who will make the money from this effort? Who will loose?

Carlton Views III under construction — The 4.86 acre H.T.Ferron plant, once zoned for manufacturing, is now zoned for PUD. No one agrees what PUD is. That is what is so wonderful about PUD. You see what you want to see. Possibly we’ll rezone the entire city PUD?

uneasy marriage

CA stack CO tracks — It struck me this morning that the park I walk through owes much of its existence to successive technologies. The streetcar technology (smokestack above) has been abandoned. The other technologies that undergird this public space are sewage collection and high voltage electrical transmission.

dog running in snow woods — Rivanna trail, winter weather.

Geology and topography have graced the park with a river. So far, in our political wisdom, we have discouraged building in the river’s channel.

The industrial and the natural features maintain an uneasy balance, remarkably it feels like a park.

Carlton Views

phase IV — Work continues on multiple fronts on the Carlton Avenue PUD in East Belmont Carlton on the old 4.855 acre HT Ferron site. When complete the site will have a total of 154 affordable units. The development is happening in phases.

Phase 1 was the PACE center. Medical care, dental, medications, transportation, physical therapy, and social support. All-inclusive care that helps loved ones stay independent and in their own home. All-inclusive Healthcare. Currently they are closed.