It was our first outing in weeks because of COVID-19, house repair appointments, health issues and, really a general malaise because of the Marx Brothers state of our nation. It wasn’t supposed to be a pleasure outing. Marilyn had an emergency date with the dentist. An excruciatingly necessary date with the dentist. The good news about the dentist is his office is adjacent to the Mumford River dam.

The dam. Very low water, but at least they have left enough water in the river so the fish won’t die this year. We sure do need so serious rain!
The Dental appointment was at least temporarily successful so we embarked on a photo shoot at one of our favorite places. The dam that actually welcomes you to Uxbridge. It’s a dam for all seasons. You can mark the seasons by the dam. The water levels immediately tell you if we’ve had much rain or if we are going through the dry, dog days of summer. This is a 3-dog-night hot summer in our sleepy little town.
A welcome summer breeze placated our thoughts about the pending drought. The flags adorning the bridge over our troubled waters flapped in unison. It had a Busby Berkley feel to it if you lined the flags up in tandem. Mother Nature is always a wonder choreographer. In my mind’s eye, I could see John Ford, George Stevens or Elia Kazan lining up master shots for a visual paean to patriotism. I could’ve shot all day if Marilyn hadn’t indicated maybe we had enough beauty shots to tell a few stories.
I was reluctant. I didn’t want to leave the wonder of a spot that never fails to impress and remind us of how lucky we are to live in a valley of such natural beauty. This is our home, but also our summer place. It reminds us to smile despite the awful and confused state of our nation, mired in nonsense that hopefully will change after these lazy days turn into autumn and the season beyond.
Nonsense? Maybe, but Groucho approves this message.
Categories: Blackstone Valley, Dams and Waterfalls, Garry Armstrong, New England, Photography, river, Summer, Uxbridge
That does look beautiful. Refreshing. And a much needed break from the insanity of 2020. I’m glad the dentist thing was efficient too. Must be going around, that dental business. Take care y’all and I’ll send a prayer or two heaven ward that both your area and mine get the rain.
LikeLike
All these antibiotics might kill me before COVID has a chance! My body HATES me and I have to keep taking these for weeks. Meanwhile, running a low-grade fever and living on antacids trying to keep my gut from blowing up. No one else is sick and I haven’t been anywhere, so it’s probably the infection in my mouth. Nothing I can do until I can see the surgeon on 9/9. Argh. Not in a great mood, but trying hard.
LikeLike
Lovely photos, Garry. Hope Marilyn is feeling better now and is able to have whatever dental work is necessary to make the cure permanent.
LikeLike
Surgeon on 9/9. Until then, vicious antibiotics!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful place to visit. American patriotism with all the flags, never fails to impress me, Garry.
LikeLike
They used to use lights and stuff, but the flags were less expensive and all they need to keep them in place is electrical tape. Garry loves those pix. They are lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see why he likes them, Marilyn.
LikeLike
Yes, we all crave those feelings right now, and this little town is exactly what you both needed
LikeLike
SO so so glad we don’t live IN Boston. Convenient in some ways — shopping et al — but crowded and far more likely to get us both sick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos!
LikeLike
These came out of the camera nearly perfect. Except for a little cropping along the edges, they were ready to go right off the CD cards.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed a lovely Summer Place Garry.
Leslie
LikeLike
It’s lovely in summer, but hot — this year REALLY hot — and humid. Makes we asthmatics have trouble breathing. The last couple of days have been better, but the temps are rising again. Lots of brush fires all over the state. 70% of Massachusetts is woods and it is dry as tinder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been hot here too, but I love it….
LikeLike
There’s hot and then there’s sauna. I think sauna’s were cooler than it has been here. Over a hundred with higher than 80% humidity makes the air unbreathable. It’s better right now and I hope it doesn’t get that bad again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Busby Berkley–they sure as heck don’t make them like that anymore. I used to sit by the TV, fascinated when he did those overhead shots. Heavy sigh, Garry…
LikeLike
I miss dance movies. I loved watching Astaire and thought being a tap dancer would be ULTRA cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and me both.
LikeLike