Upperhallpond

@upperhallpond.bsky.social

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Outdoors! Walking the dogs. Open water and Ice fishing. Snow sports, ski, snowshoe, microspike mountain climbing (East Coast mountains). Independent! Gardening, yard work, fixing things, projects, maple sugaring. Retired child advocate!

A tranquil lakeside scene before sunrise. The sky is filled with dramatic gray-blue clouds, with warm orange and pink light glowing near the horizon. The colors reflect across the calm, rippling water. Dark hills and a distant shoreline form a silhouette in the background. On the right, a dock with metal railings extends into the water, with a small boat moored beside it. The overall mood is peaceful and atmospheric.
A close-up photo shows a conifer branch with soft, bright green needles radiating outward in small starburst clusters along a thin brown twig. Several small, deep burgundy-purple cones hang from the branch; they look almost like tiny rosebuds, with layered scales curled around each other. The background is softly blurred green foliage, making the sharp needles and dark purple cones stand out clearly in the foreground. The overall feeling is fresh, natural, and springlike.
The image depicts a large, angular boulder situated in a densely forested area. This massive rock formation features prominent, sharp edges and flat, faceted surfaces, characteristic of boulders used for bouldering, a form of rock climbing.Key FeaturesBoulder Structure: The central boulder is substantial and appears to be composed of smaller, fractured rock sections at its base. Its surfaces vary from smooth, flat faces to more textured, irregular planes.Environment: The rock is surrounded by a lush green forest with numerous deciduous and coniferous trees. To the left, a thin tree trunk has a pink ribbon tied around it, which contains the partially visible word "CAUTION."Climbing Context: Boulders with these specific geometric shapes and steep arêtes are common in bouldering areas like those found in New England (e.g., New Hampshire, Massachusetts) or Quebec, Canada. Similar formations are often described by climbers for their specific "problems" or routes, such as arêtes and corners.
A calm, scenic view of Squam Lake on a clear day, with smooth blue-green water reflecting the forested shoreline and hills beyond. Rattlesnake Mountain rises prominently in the background, covered in dense green trees, with a rocky outcrop near the top that is a popular hiking destination—especially in the fall. Along the shoreline at the base of the mountain is the private RockWold/DeepHaven camp area, partly hidden among the trees. The bright blue sky and gentle ripples on the lake give the scene a peaceful, summery feel.
A serene sunrise over Squam Lake, the New Hampshire setting made famous by *On Golden Pond*. The water is nearly glass-still, softly rippled and reflecting the warm orange glow of the sun as it rises from the distant horizon. Dark silhouettes of pine-covered shoreline frame the right side of the scene, their reflections stretching down into the lake like ink. Across the left and far distance, low mountain ridges fade into dusky blue, adding depth and quiet drama to the landscape. The sky transitions beautifully from pale blue overhead to peach, gold, and rose near the horizon, giving the whole scene a peaceful, nostalgic feeling. It has the calm, timeless quality that made Squam Lake such a memorable backdrop for the film—quiet, reflective, and deeply picturesque.
This appears to be a **male Blue Grosbeak** (*Passerina caerulea*). **Description / key features visible:** - Rich **deep blue body and head** - **Large, pale, cone-shaped bill** suited for cracking seeds - Darker/blackish area around the face and base of the bill - Brownish/rusty markings on the folded wing, consistent with the **chestnut wing bars** of a Blue Grosbeak - Perched at a seed feeder, which they may visit, especially in rural/open areas A similar bird is the **Indigo Bunting**, but this bird’s heavier bill and the rusty wing-bar area make **Blue Grosbeak** the better match.
A bright red male cardinal is perched on the edge of a bird feeder, very close to the camera. Its vivid red feathers and orange-red beak stand out against the green backyard. The bird appears to be looking down or toward the feeder, where seeds and shells are visible. In the background there is a grassy lawn, trees with spring foliage, and warm sunlight, giving the scene a peaceful outdoor feel.
A close-up photo shows a red-bellied woodpecker perched on a bird feeder filled with seeds. The bird has a bright red cap and nape, a pale cream face and belly, a long pointed beak, and black-and-white barred wings. It appears to be leaning forward with its beak slightly open. In the background is a grassy yard with trees and a small structure or shed.
A quiet, misty scene at the Newfound Lake boat launch, 5:15 am just before sunrise. The boat ramp leads down toward the calm water, where a dock extends out into the lake. One small, manned boat floats just off the dock, silhouetted against the soft pink and orange glow on the horizon. Low fog hangs over the far shoreline, partially obscuring the tree-covered hills in the distance. The lake is nearly still, reflecting the colorful clouds and pale sky like glass. On the left, a tall curved lamp post frames the scene, while trees and shoreline vegetation border both sides of the ramp. The overall mood is peaceful, cool, and early-morning quiet, with the boat launch empty except for the one boat on the water.
Angry trump berating a female reporter for asking a question he did not like. He is on the White House lawn with marine 2 wait in the background.
The bright green plants in your photo look like **false hellebore** (*Veratrum viride*), also called **Indian poke** or **green false hellebore**. Why I think so: - They’re growing in a **wet woodland / streamside area** - The leaves are **broad, pleated, and strongly parallel-veined** - They emerge in **clumps** early in the season A couple of notes: - **False hellebore is poisonous** if eaten - It can sometimes be confused with **skunk cabbage** or other wetland plants, but skunk cabbage usually has smoother, less pleated leaves and often emerges even earlier from very wet muck
Beaver chewed logs
A northern male Cardinal at a bird feeder, his bright red feathers and black eye mask are amazing. You can see his massive bill hard at work eating bird seeds.
A quiet woodland scene in early spring. A narrow, dark stream winds through a forest of mostly bare trees, with patches of snow still clinging to the banks and ground. The undergrowth is brown and dry, with fallen branches and grasses scattered around. Near the center-left, a red dog appears to be in mid-leap over the edge of the creek. The overall mood is calm, chilly, and natural.
The image shows a small rocky stream running through a winter forest. Snow lies in patches over boulders and along the banks, while clear water flows around the rocks and forms a small cascade into a shallow pool. Bare deciduous trees and a few evergreens stand throughout the scene, with sunlight casting crisp shadows across the snow and water.
A snowy wooded scene with tall trees and a quiet forest floor covered in fresh snow. Several metal buckets are strapped to tree trunks (like sap-collection buckets), and there are faint tracks in the snow leading through the trees. In the lower right, a white English setter dog with black spots and a red collar stands in the snow, looking toward the camera.
The image shows a frozen lake surface with a freshly drilled circular hole for ice fishing. Dark green water is visible through the hole, and the surrounding ice is dusted with snow and ice shavings. Part of an ice-fishing setup appears around it, including a flasher fish finder, a red bucket at the top right, and a bit of red gear at the bottom.
A sunny outdoor garden scene on a grassy hillside. In the foreground, a small fenced planting bed contains tall green corn stalks with tassels and a cluster of sunflowers with bright yellow-orange petals and dark centers. Behind the garden is an open lawn that slopes down toward dense, leafy trees and shrubs, creating a lush green woodland backdrop.
viewing a webpage on **bountyfilm.org**. The page title/logo at the top left reads **“Bounty”** in red script, with a link underneath: **“Return to e-book introduction.”** On the left is a navigation sidebar for **“03 The Six Anglo-Abenaki Wars”** and the section **“The First Anglo Abenaki War.”** Menu items include: - Introduction - Guidance for Teaching - **Deeper Dive: More on Pometacomet’s Resistance** (highlighted/selected) - Referenced Accounts - (More items below, including “Introduction to Chapter” and links for the Second through Sixth Anglo-Abenaki Wars) On the right is the main text, discussing events around **1675–1676** in colonial New England, including attacks by Wampanoags and Nipmucs, executions of Native captives on **Boston Common**, the exile of Christian Indians to Boston Harbor Islands, and the capture and execution of **Canonchet** (a Narragansett leader), with his body displayed in Hartford.
Short Snowmobile ride, ice covered trees.
A quiet winter woodland scene. The ground in the foreground is covered in smooth white snow with a few thin twigs poking through. Tall, leafless trees with pale gray trunks stand close together, their bare branches forming a web against the sky; a few dark clumps of leaves or nests cling high in some branches. Beyond the trees, low rolling hills stretch across the background, and above them is a cold blue sky with patches of light gray clouds.
A wide winter landscape viewed from a hillside lookout: snow covers the foreground and leafless trees fill the slopes, with a tall evergreen on the left framing the scene. In the middle distance, a long lake winds through dark forest. Beyond it, layered mountain ridges stretch across the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
a better word than fascism Finding a "better" word for fascism often depends on whether you are looking for a more precise political term or a general synonym to describe authoritarian behavior. More Precise Political Terms Authoritarianism: A broader term for a government that values strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom, without necessarily sharing fascism's specific revolutionary or nationalist myths. Totalitarianism: Describes a system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life. Ultranationalism: Specifically identifies the extreme, often xenophobic, devotion to one's nation that is a core component of fascist ideology. Autocracy: Refers to a system of government by one person with absolute power. Corporatism: A technical term sometimes used to describe the fascist economic model, where society is organized into "corporations" (major interest groups) subordinate to the state. General Synonyms for Descriptive Use Despotism: Often used to describe the exercise of absolute power in a cruel or oppressive way. Tyranny: Suggests an arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power, particularly by a cruel ruler. Absolutism: Describes a political theory and form of government where unlimited, complete power is held by a centralized individual. Illiberalism: A more modern term for systems that may have elections but lack the protections of a "liberal democracy," such as freedom of speech or an independent judiciary. Contextual Considerations The term "fascism" is frequently debated for its accuracy in modern contexts. For instance: Palingenetic Ultranationalism: Scholars like Roger Griffin define fascism specifically as "palingenetic ultranationalism," meaning a myth of national rebirth following a period of perceived decline. Neofascism: This is the preferred term for post-WWII movements that incorporate significant elements of original fascist ideology.
A small mountain brook winds through a snowy forest, tumbling over rocks that are rimmed with clear ice. Icicles hang from stones and branches at the water’s edge, and thin sheets of ice glaze the shallows. The ground is patchy with snow, scattered with brown leaves and mossy boulders. Bare deciduous trees mingle with dark evergreens under a cold, blue winter light. On the right bank, a Rory stands alert among the trees, overlooking the frozen cascade. The scene feels quiet and crisp, with the gentle movement of water beneath the ice.
A close-up of a tree trunk at ground level in the snow. The bark has been removed in a wide band around the base, revealing pale tan wood covered with overlapping, scalloped tooth marks. The pattern and conical shaping look like beaver gnawing. Dark outer bark remains around the edges, and small wood chips are scattered nearby.
A quiet winter woodland with a shallow beaver pond frozen over in a smooth, bluish sheet of ice. Bare trees rise from and around the ice, their reflections faintly visible. A fallen tree trunk stretches across the frozen surface toward the center of the scene, with thin branches splayed out. Patches of snow and scattered leaves dot the ice, and a pale blue sky peeks through the trees, giving the scene a cold, still atmosphere.
A quiet winter scene on a frozen pond. A gray-and-blue pop‑up ice fishing shelter sits on the snow, with footprints leading to it across the ice. Nearby are a red bucket filled with gear, a shovel, and a blue ice auger partly buried in the snow beside a hole. The sky is overcast, and a dark green line of pine trees borders the distant shoreline with low hills and a few buildings faintly visible. The ice surface looks slightly slushy in spots.
A quiet winter scene shows a snow-covered trail running straight through a forest. Bare deciduous trees and a few evergreens line the path, their branches dusted with fresh snow. Footprints and two parallel tracks run along the trail, leading into the distance. Light snow appears to be falling, and two dogs are visible ahead on the path. The overall mood is calm and wintry.
A quiet winter forest scene shows a small stream frozen into a smooth, silvery ribbon of ice winding between snowbanks. Evergreen and bare deciduous trees stand closely together, their trunks dark against the bright snow. Rounded mounds of snow cap rocks and fallen logs along the banks, and a few delicate shrubs poke through the powder. Soft daylight filters through the branches, casting faint shadows on the ice. In the distance the woods thicken, with scattered brown leaves still clinging to some trees, adding a touch of color to the otherwise white and gray landscape.
Historians generally rank James Buchanan among the worst U.S. presidents. He failed to manage the escalating sectional crisis and did little to prevent secession after Lincoln’s 1860 victory. Key points - Dred Scott and sectionalism: He publicly welcomed the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision (1857) and informally encouraged a broad ruling. The decision inflamed tensions and undercut political compromise. - Kansas crisis: Buchanan backed the pro‑slavery Lecompton Constitution for Kansas, splitting the Democratic Party and worsening “Bleeding Kansas.” Congress ultimately blocked it; Kansas entered as a free state in 1861. - Panic of 1857: Faced with a sharp economic downturn, he favored limited federal action, hard‑money policies, and low tariffs. Critics saw this as inadequate. - Utah War (1857–58): Sent troops to replace Brigham Young as territorial governor. The conflict ended in negotiation and amnesty—no large battles—but was costly and dubbed “Buchanan’s Blunder.” - Foreign affairs: Some modest successes (e.g., Paraguay expedition securing an apology/indemnity; defusing the San Juan “Pig War” with Britain), but overshadowed by domestic turmoil. - Secession crisis (1860–61): Declared secession illegal but claimed the federal government lacked constitutional power to coerce states. Took minimal steps to reinforce federal forts; a resupply attempt (Star of the West) failed. Several cabinet members resigned; late replacements (e.g., Joseph Holt, Edwin M. Stanton) were stronger Unionists but came too late. - Corruption/patronage: The Covode Committee (1860) investigated administration corruption and patronage practices, further damaging his standing. Bottom line: Buchanan’s legalistic, nonconfrontational approach and alignment with pro‑slavery positions left him ill‑equipped for a national crisis. His inaction during the secession winter and misjudgments over Kansas are central reasons he’s typically ranked last or near last by scholars.
George Washington consistently ordered the Continental Army to treat prisoners of war with humanity and kindness, a policy he implemented from the beginning of the war.  His stance was rooted in a belief that the American forces should conduct themselves according to the "rights of humanity" and the accepted customs of war among civilized nations, in stark contrast to the brutal example set by the British army and Hessian mercenaries in their treatment of American captives.  Key instances and quotes include: * Order to Colonel Benedict Arnold (September 14, 1775): Washington issued specific rules for the troops attacking Canada, including a directive that "Any Prisoners who may fall into your Hands, you will treat with as much Humanity and kindness, as may be consistent with your own Safety and the publick Interest". * After the Battle of Trenton (December 1776): Following the capture of nearly a thousand Hessian soldiers, Washington ordered his men to treat them humanely. He explicitly stated, "Let them have no reason to Complain of our Copying the brutal example of the British army in their Treatment of our unfortunate brethren who have fallen into their hands". * General Policy: Washington aimed to show the world that Americans were a civilized people, and his policy of humanitarianism extended to ensuring captured officers were treated with respect appropriate to their rank. He actively worked throughout the war to establish a general cartel for prisoner exchange based on "principles of justice humanity and mutual advantage".  His orders were a significant factor in establishing an American tradition of humane treatment for prisoners of war
A cozy living room scene with two dogs lounging. In the foreground, a long‑haired reddish-brown dog (Irish Setter) is sitting upright in a plush gray recliner draped with a dark blue blanket, gazing off to the side. In the background, a white armchair holds a sleeping spotted dog (English setter). The room is dimly lit with dark wood doors and trim, and there’s a cup or candle at the bottom edge of the frame.
A winter forest scene featuring a large beaver dam. Interwoven logs and branches span a narrow stream, all dusted with fresh snow. Patches of dark water and thin ice show through between the sticks. Bare trees and evergreens stand in the background under bright sunlight, which casts long, crisp shadows on the snow. In the foreground, a lichen-speckled tree trunk and a few dry stems poke up from the snow. The overall mood is cold, quiet, and still.
A lone hiker stands on a broad, rocky mountaintop under a low, gray sky. They’re bundled in a tan jacket with the hood up and hold trekking poles, following a crevice across slabs of gray granite streaked with patches of snow and ice. Dark evergreen ridges roll away in the midground, and in the distance a lake and a vast, hazy landscape stretch to the horizon, giving the scene a cold, wind-swept feel. Trail markings are faintly painted on the rock nearby.
A close-up of a cone-shaped cluster of deep burgundy-red, fuzzy berries/flowers on a leafy shrub. The cluster is dense and velvety, rising from a reddish, slightly hairy stem. Around it are long, pinnate leaves made up of many narrow, serrated leaflets. The plant is set against a green woodland background in bright sunlight. It is the fruiting head of a staghorn sumac.
A professional-looking interview scene outdoors. A woman with long, wavy blonde hair walks while speaking, wearing a tailored white textured jacket with gold buttons and small stud earrings. She carries a beige document folder and a smartphone with a dark case. Beside her, a man in a dark suit and light shirt with a patterned tie holds out a handheld microphone toward her and a phone in his other hand. They’re in front of a black metal fence with green trees in the background, suggesting a park or government building setting. The lighting is bright, and there’s a slight breeze moving her hair.
A short, low-slung basset hound sits on a leafy path outdoors. It has very long, floppy ears, a wrinkled, droopy face, and soulful eyes. The coat is mostly white with large chestnut-brown patches and light speckling on the muzzle. The dog is wearing a plaid harness, and the background is soft, green foliage, giving a calm, woodland feel.
The image is a page titled “Table 2: Child Maltreatment Fatality Trends: 2020–2022.” It lists U.S. states with: - Count 2021 - Count 2022 - Percent change from 2021 to 2022 At the bottom, a national total shows fatalities rose from 1,845 in 2021 to 1,951 in 2022, a 6% increase. Some states have missing data noted (e.g., Arizona, Massachusetts). Notable increases (percent): - Utah +275% (4 to 15) - Oklahoma +93% (15 to 29) - New Jersey +90% (10 to 19) - Michigan +74% (35 to 61) - Washington +63% (19 to 31) - Nevada +44% (27 to 39) - South Dakota +44% (9 to 13) - Illinois +34% (89 to 119) - Alaska +33% (6 to 8) Notable decreases (percent): - Vermont −100% (5 to 0) - New Hampshire −67% (3 to 1) - Oregon −28% (18 to 13) - Kansas −26% (11 to 8) - Virginia −24% (51 to 39) - North Carolina −23% (31 to 24) - New York −17% (126 to 105) - Texas −15% (206 to 176) - Delaware −14% (7 to 6) - Montana −50% (2 to 1) Largest absolute changes: - Biggest increases: Illinois (+30), Michigan (+26), Georgia (+22), Ohio (+17), Oklahoma (+14), Washington (+12). - Biggest decreases: Texas (−30), New York (−21), Virginia (−12), North Carolina (−7), Vermont (−5).
A long‑haired, reddish-brown dog— an Irish Setter—lounges on a plush beige recliner. Its silky coat drapes over its chest and legs, and a thick, feathery tail curls prominently in the foreground. The dog looks back over its shoulder with a calm, slightly curious expression in a cozy indoor setting.
A silky red-coated dog, an Irish Setter, is lounging on a plush beige recliner. It’s reclined almost like a person, with long feathered ears and chest fur draping over the seat, and a fluffy, lighter-blonde tail spilling toward the foreground. The pup gazes back with a calm, slightly curious expression in the dim indoor light.
A quiet autumn forest at dawn. Bare trunks and thin branches frame a vivid sunrise, with bands of fiery orange and pink glowing beneath blue-gray clouds. The ground is scattered with fallen leaves, twigs, and a small pile of branches, while a few evergreens add deep green to the otherwise russet scene.🎬
A quiet woodland floor in autumn. In the foreground are small, spiky green mosses and scattered brown leaves and pine needles. Nestled among them are rounded, pale gray-white, cushiony clumps of lichen (likely reindeer lichen), forming soft mounds. Thin tree trunks—birch and pine—rise in the background, their branches mostly bare, with a muted, overcast light filtering through the woods. The scene feels cool and still, with earthy textures and subdued colors.
An English Setter, medium-sized dog white with black spots stands on a sunlit dirt path at the edge of a wooded area. It’s wearing a red harness, tail held high and fluffy, tongue out as if panting after a run. The dog’s coat is lightly feathered and speckled, an English Setter. Around it, dry grass and patches of shade lead into dense green foliage with hints of early autumn yellow. The scene feels like a peaceful forest hike on a warm day.
A rusted, crumpled blue car (a Gremlin) lies abandoned on a wooded slope beside a calm river. Its windows and many parts are missing, and branches and leaf litter partly cover the body. Autumn foliage—yellowing leaves, ferns, and moss—surrounds it, giving the scene a feel of nature slowly reclaiming the vehicle.
A demolition scene shows two excavators tearing into the middle of the East Wing of the White House a neoclassical-style building. Water hoses spray to control dust as rubble piles up along the base. Several American flags are visible, a black iron fence and plywood barriers line the foreground, in the background the top of the White House can be seen, and a cloudy sky looms overhead.
A whimsical, storybook scene set in a lush forest clearing. At the center stands a large, dignified toad behind a wooden podium emblazoned with a shield and the letter T. The toad wears a jeweled crown and an oversized, fluffy white wig, holding its hands mid-gesture as if giving a grand speech. Two small microphones sit on the podium. Surrounding the speaker is a crowd of smaller toads, each sporting humorous, varied hairstyles—pompadours, bobs, curls, and afros—listening intently. Ferns and moss frame the path, and soft, dappled sunlight filters through the trees, giving the scene a gentle, magical glow. The overall mood is playful and regal, like a royal address in a fairytale amphibian kingdom.
A large crowd is gathered outdoors in a small town center on a sunny autumn day. People are bundled in jackets and knit hats, standing on a grassy area beneath leafless trees, with storefronts (including a UPS Store) in the background. Many attendees hold signs and American flags; one clearly reads “Democracy doesn’t require perfection, dictators do,” and another says “ENOUGH.” There are a few costumes and playful touches—one person has clown-style face paint and another wears a colorful outfit—adding to the visual variety. The scene appears to be a peaceful rally or protest, with people listening, chatting, and taking photos.
The image shows a green New Hampshire roadside historical marker titled “BAKER RIVER,” topped with the state seal. It stands by a highway with a guardrail and autumn trees in the background. Text on the sign: “Known to Indians as Asquamchumauke, the nearby river was renamed for Lt. Thomas Baker (1682–1753) whose company of 34 scouts from Northampton, Mass. passed down this valley in 1712. A few miles south his men destroyed a Pemigewasset Indian village. Massachusetts rewarded the expedition with a scalp bounty of £40 and made Baker a captain.”
States with increasing divorce rates.
A wide grassy clearing bordered by dense woods in early autumn. The ground is damp with scattered fallen leaves and a small puddle in the foreground, suggesting recent rain. Trees around the edge show mixed green, yellow, and bright red foliage. Overhanging branches frame the top of the scene, and a small wooden cabin or house is partly visible through the trees on the left. The light is soft and overcast, giving the image a calm, misty feel.
A calm lake sits under a dramatic sunrise, with the water reflecting faint shades of pink and orange. Dark, tree-lined hills form a low silhouette across the horizon. A band of mist drifts along the shoreline, while heavier clouds hang above, broken by streaks of coral, red, and lavender light. The scene feels quiet and expansive, with soft fog and vivid sky colors balancing each other.