As spring slips away...

Spring is a time when hope pops up in the form of flowers. As summer comes creeping in and stealing away the beautiful colors of spring, I thought I would share one example of what makes spring my favorite season.
I saw this pink dogwood tree across the street from a training symposium I attended back in April. The colors were so intense that I had to cross the street and take a closer look. We had pink dogwoods where I grew up, but the colors were much lighter and in the pastel end of the spectrum. I love this version even more.

As a child, the dogwood was one of my favorite trees. I was so excited when we dug one up from my grandfather's woods and transplanted it in our yard right outside my bedroom window. I have often wondered what that tree looks like today.
For some reason, I despised Crepe Myrtles as a child. Our current home has several crepe myrtles. I now recognize that they are a useful food source for the birds that I love to watch so they will remain (and I no longer despise them).
Did you have a favorite flowering tree as a child, and is it still a favorite?

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In Memory of...

I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Washington DC during National Police Week . While there, the Hubster ran the Police Week 5K and we visited the Law Enforcement Officers Memoria l. The memorial is a sobering reminder that so many have given all in the pursuit of public safety. Unfortunately, it was raining so the pictures aren't great, but the rain seemed fitting--almost as if angels were mourning with those gathered there. The memorial itself is surrounded by a beautiful park setting with trees and seasonal flowers and is composed of two curved marble walls engraved with the names of the more than 19,000 officers who have died. Each of the memorial walls is flanked by a lion protecting its cubs and keeping silent vigil. Seal embedded in center of the memorial plaza It seems that every day a new name is added to the list that will be inscribed just before Police Week begins. The park and memorial are beautiful and worth a stop if ...

Albemarle County Ordinance Update

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New Technology-QR Code

We are going to venture away from CryWolf® today to discuss other technology that can assist in the mission of reducing false alarms. One emerging technology that can be harnessed by alarm units is the QR code. As an example, the QR code below includes the web address for this blog. A QR code is a form of bar code similar to a UPC code but with the ability to hold greater amounts of data. These codes were developed by an auto manufacturer in Japan to help them track parts. Although the company holds the patent rights, they have chosen to not exercise those rights. This allows free use of the technology. QR codes may be formatted to hold all manner of information such as phone numbers, e-mail addresses, gps data, or a web address. QR codes can easily be added to business cards, brochures, and other printed materials. Many Home Owner Associations in our area allow us a small space in their publications and QR codes are perfect for this space. The codes can...

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