Richmond & Short Pump, Virginia

Barak Obama Inaugural

My inaugural photographs. OK ... it is cheating. But I couldn't get to Washington, D.C. 

Michelle Obama holds the Bible on which Abraham Lincoln took his oath of office in 1861 as her husband, Barak, takes his oath 148 years later. Supreme court clerk William Thomas Carroll purchased the Bible for Lincoln's inaugural when the family Bible did not arrive in time from Springfield, Ill. Obama is the first president to use the Bible since Lincoln.

President and Mrs. Obama walk part of the route on Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House through downtown Washington, D.C., following his inauguration.

Dianne watches Inaugural night festivities with Tobie and Sadie. The evening—like the day—is cold and they enjoy a warm fire.

Gayton, Virginia

Harriet Jones — part of the Cambridge church worship team — sings as the team begins the service that says goodbye to two-year, interim pastor Jim Riddell and welcomes new pastor Jay Smith.

Children of the church pass by Jim Riddell, center, and Jay Smith, right, and say "Shalom" to each. The word means "peace" and is used as both a farewell and a greeting.

Stephanie Layton, minister to children, watches as the children pass by Riddell and Smith.

Riddell prays for Smith and the Cambridge congregation in their new relationship.

Jim Riddell, right, gives the symbols of the pastoral office to Jay Smith and formally passes the responsibility for leading the church to him.

Smith with the symbols of Cambridge's pastoral office in hand.

The new pastor and his people begin their relationship by celebrating communion.

Jay Smith ends the service with communion and begins his tenure as pastor.

Short Pump, Virginia

Sadie checks me out while I'm home recovering from bursitis in my hip.

Short PUmp, Virginia

Sadie and Dianne in conversation.

Gayton, Virginia

Christopher during prayers before dinner at Cambridge church.

Short Pump, Virginia

This is the first Christmas we have been home — and the first tree we have decorated — in 13 years. It's difficult for us to take it down.

One of last year's ornaments given to us by a colleague and good friend.

Short Pump, Virginia

Booth divider at Tara Thai restaurant.

January 4, 2009

Gayton, Virginia

Jim Riddell, interim pastor at Cambridge church, lays hands on Price McLean during a ceremony ordaining McLean a deacon.

Members of Cambridge church line up to participate in the ordination ceremony.

Meghan Tussing shares her experiences in Nigeria during the recent rioting there.

December 28, 2008

Gayton, Virginia

The youth praise team perform during Sunday morning worship at Cambridge church.

Shawn Jarrar with his Christmas gift, an electric guitar.

Claire Harey, a student home for the holidays, performs a solo during the service.

Win Davis, minister to students, speaks during the worship service as members of the praise team look on.

Chantilly, Virginia

December 26, 2008

Henry Smith and Max Dixon race along the front of the Smithsonian Air and Space facility near Dulles International Airport.

Short Pump, Virginia

Christmas Day

Shannon Bangham Dixon — "Click" — with Chi Chi and Guinness on Christmas morning along Copperas Creek.

A white tree, the newest addition to the Bangham Christmas decorations.

Max Bangham Dixon opening presents on Christmas Day.

Margaret Bryan on Christmas Day in the foyer of Spring Arbor Assisted Living facility.

December 21, 2008

Gayton, Virginia

The single rose is in honor of Aubrey Stillwell, born to Anna Wilson-Stillwell and Chad Stillwell earlier in the week.

Jim Riddell preaches to the congregation of Cambridge church the Sunday  before Christmas.

Price and Kelly McLean react to Jim's sermon.

Three nativity sets grace a table at Cambridge church. They are from, left to right, Madagascar, Nigeria and Peru.

The fourth candle on the Advent wreath — the candle of hope — is lit during the Sunday service.

Jenine Jarrar plays the part of Mary during the children's Christmas program at Cambridge church.

Jenine, Christopher Owens and Matthew Banholzer during the children's Christmas program.

Gayton, Virginia

December 14, 2008

Jay Smith delivers a sermon at Cambridge church. The church called him as their new pastor a week later.

Christopher Owens enjoys the children's sermon at Cambridge church.

Harriet Jones performs a solo during the worship service at Cambridge church.

December 13, 2008

Richmond, Virginia

Photo shoot with Crimson Flow for their first CD release.

Short Pump, Virginia

Crimson Flow concert at the Daily Grind

Malachi Haney listens as his parents perform in a concert at the Grind.

Malaki made the rounds of regulars during the concert, including Sam Jarrar, owner of the Grind.

Eric and Annisa Haney played a selection of seasonal songs during the special Christmas concert.

Grind concerts are always family affairs.

Richmond, Virginia

December 12, 2008

Firefighters arrive at the Pusey House in response to an alarm.

The alarm was set off when rain shorted out the system.

The Robin Inn, a favorite Italian restaurant in the Fan district.

Short Pump, Virginia

December 12, 2008

Sadie at rest.