Living history

Here's an environmental photograph of ninety-five-year-old Virgiline

Jilson in the living room of her home in Lowman, NY. Built in 1797,

Jilson's house is located on the site of the Battle of Newtown,

considered by some historians to be one of the three most pivotal

battles of America's revolutionary war.

I hope I look so alert and independent at 95! The profusion of items surrounding her is telling, and the contrast of her beach shirt and the snowscape above her adds a nice touch of irony. I guess she is a woman for all seasons. The glare on her eyeglasses bugs me a little, and I would tone down the far left edge of the frame (cropping a bit, perhaps) but even so I rather like this straightforward depiction of a person who seems to have survived with dignity and composure.

Thanks for the comments, Dan--yes, Mrs. Jilson at 95 remains active and involved in many interests, including the legacy of caring for a 100-acre piece of this country's history. Cheers...Bill