Hope Diamond - Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC (Feb., 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Years ago when I was 13 my 8th grade class went to Washington, DC.

When I got home my parents asked me if while I was at the Smithsonian if I saw the Hope Diamond. I didn't.

Instead of going into the museum I stayed outside and played on the merry-go-round with some friends. It was a beautiful spring day. The cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom. I was from Chicago, it was still snowing there.

Let's just say my parents were not too happy with my response.

It's been on my mind since 1973 to go back to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond. Thirty-six years later I finally accomplished this goal. :-)

Country Drive in Maryland (February, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I started off going down Falls Road to Grave Runs Road to see the Camel and Llama's in a cornfield. I made my way back by way of Hunt Valley. The last few pictures of the sun setting were taken outside of Gettysburg the week before.

In Honor of My Nieces 18th Birthday

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I wanted to honor the marking of my nieces 18th birthday for some time, yet couldn't seem to find the right pictures to honor the day of her birth. Though my niece was born in Feb., her life represents the blossoming of new beginnings, just as the flowers of spring.

The following photographs were taking in and around the Mount Washington Arboretum in Baltimore, MD.

Sunset in Hunt Valley Maryland (January, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I was driving around with a friend capturing the moment.

Baltimore Blizzard - January 19, 2009

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

We had a major snow storm in Baltimore today -- well for Baltimore it was a major storm. Believe it or not there's still snow on the ground. ;-)

Whiskey Beach Near Rehoboth Beach, DE (January, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had to drop something off near Rehoboth and figured since I was so close I should put my toes in the ocean. It was a bit cold so I got my shoes wet instead.

Monkton - Walking on the NCR Trail in December (2008)

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

This was my first time out walking on the NCR trail since being in a serious car accident early in November. I wasn't able to walk as far, but at least I was up walking.

On The Third Night of Hanukkah . . . Cool Cat Party

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was the third night of Hanukkah and Emma and Blackie came out to play.

Phoneix and Her Friend

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It's really amazing how much insight a horse can have if you just stop and talk to one.  LOL

Eagles of the Conowingo Dam - December 21, 2008

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with a friend to the Conowingo Dam, which is a place that many photographers go to take pictures of Eagles in the wild. I wish I had a better camera. It was pretty cold and after a short time we decided to get in the car and drive around and see what else we could find.

Road Trip to Monsey, NY

© (2008) photographs by Vicki Polin

Went up to Monsey with a friend for shabbos. On the way we got caught in a little snow storm. Going up we cut through Pennsylvania. The way back we took 95, cutting through Delaware.

December Rainbow

© (2008) photographs by Vicki Polin

I was heading into starbucks when saw the rainbow over Quarry Lake Shopping Center in Baltimore. I wish I could have backed up far enough to take the full picture yet before it disappeared to quickly.

Thanksgiving Day Hunt 2008 (Hunt Valley / Greenspring Valley, Maryland)

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

A friend on line told me about the Thanksgiving hunt. It was amazing. After the hunt we were taking pictures of llama's and goats when we heard some horses galloping away. We jumped in our car to see where they were going and also so we could alert the police who could alert the owners. We never found out if the escaped horses were found and brought back to their home.

On Thanksgiving Day morning the entire hunt meet at St. Johns Church on Butler near Piney Grove Road for the most traditional blessing of the hounds, horses and riders. The riders horses and hounds are pristine and braided for this occasion. After the blessing the crowd parts and then the hounds run thru followed by horse and riders.

Some riders were wearing Scarlett (aka red) coats. This tradition has been going on for 115 years in America and several hundred in England/Ireland.

Watch all 3 parts.

Part 1



Part 2


Part 3

Road Trip to Williamsburg, NY (Brooklyn)

© (2008) Photograhs by Vicki Polin

I had to go to NYC to do a press event for Rabbi Nochem Rosenberg in hopes getting news media attention for him after there was attempt on his life because he advocates for sexually abused Jewish children in Williamsburg and Borough Park (Brooklyn).

I drove up the day before (from Baltimore) cutting through Pennsylvania, stopping in Bird-in-hand and Intercourse.

Click here for more information on Rabbi Rosenberg

Birkat HaGomel (Surviving Danger) - Road Trip to Gettysburg, PA

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Birkhat Ha‑Gomel is blessing (prayer) said after surviving illness, childbirth, or danger.

Blessing: "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the Universe, who bestows good things on the unworthy, and has bestowed on me every goodness."

Congregational Response: "Amen. He Who has bestowed on you every goodness, may He continue to bestow on you every goodness. Selah."

A friend of mine and I were involved in a serious a car accident with earlier in the week on a highway in Maryland. As we were coming down an entrance ramp from the corner of my eye I noticed a car to my left spinning out of control. I slowed down enough so that my car wasn't hit, yet a second later the other car bounced off the guard railing and smashed into my car. B'H' no one was hurt seriously.

I really needed to get away for a few hours to focus on something other then insurance companies and medical care so I went on a day trip with a friend to capture the fall. We went out on Falls Rd. passing through Lineboro, Maryland, stopping at the Twin Springs Farm to take pictures of the Buffalo and then went on up to and around Gettysburg, PA.

It's amazing how beautiful the day was considering it was a grey and dreary day.

The first video is from Cockysville to Lineboro, MD. The second is from Lineboro to and around Gettysburg. Hope you enjoy the show.

The music in Part 1 is "What is it we fear" by "Get Smart".



The music in Part 2 is "Jerusalem" by Matisyahu.

Walking the NCR Trail Near Monkton, Maryland

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Right after these pictures were taken, a friend and I got back into my car and proceeded to go home.  As we were on the entrance ramp, a car spinning out of control at about 85 mph hit us.  It was a shocking experience after a picture perfect day.

Should Women Educate Men in the Jewish Orthodox World?

A ride down Park Heights to Tufton Rd. - Pikesville to Catonsville, Maryland

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Today I was missing brunches of my past with a friend back in Illinois. We used to make special omelets, toast Manitowoc bread along with having a cup of hazelnut coffee. While we caught up with each others lives we would be listening to George Winston on cassette. When we were finished eatting we would do the spa thing.

Driving around today, watching the leaves changed colors put me into that same zone as the spa days.

Road Trip to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

© (2008) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Click here to read about the history of Harper's Ferry.

Deer in A Forest - Harper's Ferry, WV (October 12, 2008)

© (2008) Filmed by Vicki Polin