Photography Blog

Junior Prom

2011-04-16T22:11:00.000-04:00

This happened on March 29 - I am just lagging behind....terribly.

Ruby On a Rainy Day

2011-03-06T22:08:00.002-05:00

One of the joys in my life.....

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

2011-02-06T23:21:00.000-05:00

Cape May diamonds that is. I collected these this past Monday in Cape May, New Jersey at a place called Diamond Beach. Looking for these colorful frosted gems is very therapeutic for me.

Navy Seal Flies the Banner

2011-01-30T22:35:00.000-05:00

At the opening day festivities last year, the Navy Seals dropped from an airplane into Citizens Bank Ball Park, with one of them sporting a Phillies banner.

A Day in the Life of Freckles

2011-01-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

This is how he spends all of his day, every day, encased in that world of quiet that even the word "treat" can't penetrate. Love him to pieces and enjoy his 10-20 minutes a day of lively activity with Ruby. I have videoed it and will post here. In the meantime, who of us wouldn't enjoy being able to do this all day long?

Bad Botox

2011-01-18T23:16:00.000-05:00

I took this picture of my sister on Christmas Day - she has yet to see it, but I posted it on Facebook so I am sure that by tomorrow morning, I will hear from her. Hopefully, it will make her smile as she recovers from hand surgery on Thursday.

Day Trip - Sweeeeet!

2011-01-16T22:46:00.000-05:00

We took a ride to Hoboken, NJ, stood in line for 2 1/2 years on a cold day for an opportunity to spend 10 minutes and $37.00 in the Cake Boss' bakery. It was a fun and very fattening day, but we didn't see Buddy because he was filming.

Happy New Year! Gotta Change My Header!!!

2011-01-09T21:54:00.002-05:00

I have missed posting photos on this blog. I take them, though, and hopefully in 2011 I'll be able to post more! I also have to work on a new header for this blog to reflect the fact that it is no longer 2010.

I've missed visiting everyone and slowly but surely I will get to do that. For now, I will leave you with my favorite photo of today..... my little neighbor named Noah.

I hope not too many blogging buddies forgot about me, but I certainly understand if they do. I really fell off the radar.

I Heart Faces - Vroom, Vroom

2010-09-13T18:41:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is supposed to incorporate a car or some mode of transportation. Now I realize that we can't drive to the store in a log flume, but we can sure get down a watery hill in one! So, I hope this one counts!!

Be sure to head on over to I Heart Faces, to "cruise" around all of the photos!

A Bug By Any Other Name.....

2010-08-17T23:37:00.001-04:00

But I'd certainly like to know what this is called - this creature that found itself outside my door. I have never seen one before but I thought it was pretty interesting so I told it not to move while I went inside to grab my camera.

UPDATE: Ailanthus Webworm Moth - thanks to nephew's wife!

Got To Wear Shades!

2010-08-16T23:56:00.000-04:00

These sunglasses are a fairly permanent fixture on my son's face during the summer. They are starting to fall apart and he has talked about getting a new pair, but hasn't done so yet. Sooooo, I asked him if he'd pose for me while practicing saxophone tonight and wearing his cool shades. It's getting easier to get him to be my subject - maturity is just starting to trickle in.

Here is my entry for this week's I Heart Faces theme, for week #33!

Be sure to visit I Heart Faces and check out all of the "shady" entries....

Class of 2010!!!

2010-06-12T23:02:00.000-04:00

This past Wednesday my daughter, along with 430 other kids, celebrated the completion of four years of high school! While it was pouring down rain outside, it was only tossed up hats inside.

Congratulations - you did it!!!!

Vertical Face Plant

2010-05-24T07:57:00.002-04:00

Ultimate Frisbee is a game played on the honor system. There is no referee - the players are supposed to call their own fouls, out of bounds, etc. My son (in yellow shorts) was going up for the disk here when he was slammed by this player who, amazingly, said he didn't foul him.

This play ended my son's ability to finish the tournament - off to the doctors today.....

UPDATE: No frisbee practice for the next three days, heat and ice for his strained and swollen hamstring. No biggie thankfully.

Well That's Sporty

2010-05-11T22:35:00.000-04:00

Friday night, my daughter went to her senior prom. This is what made the journey from our house to the restaurant five minutes away.

I'm not that into cars at all, but I thought this little black number was adorable, don't you? Don't ask me what make/model it was - I didn't mentally record that info. I just recorded the "cuteness" factor.....

I could show some prom pics but sometimes I feel I may overdo the kid thing on my blog. I now must visit my fellow bloggers!

Camera Has Been In My Hands

2010-04-07T23:30:00.000-04:00

We dyed Easter eggs - and we have our own special recipe that results in eggs that look like this......

We went out to breakfast and I ordered one of my most favorite dishes - Eggs Benedict!

I convinced my son to let me take a photo of him - and his huge hair which seems to have taken on a life of its own.

He got his hair cut tonight - photos to follow soon.

We have the most amazing postman and I finally took a picture of him after all these years.... you can see me sort of in the lens of his sunglasses.

Freckles used to be as vibrant in color as Ruby is - age fades us - and dogs are no exception. They are enjoying their days sunning themselves on our deck. I can't put them in the kennel in our yard since they both have decided to eat dirt - and it is very unhealthy for them...

Our flowering plum tree is in bloom!!! Spring has really sprung around these parts.

And the robin proves, too, that spring is here!

My niece turned and smiled for this photo, while my daughter remained somewhat pensive..

It feels so good to be taking lots of pictures again!!!!

A Concert

2010-03-22T22:59:00.000-04:00

I went to a concert on March 13 - one of my favorite performers, named Phil Vassar, was outstanding. I was fairly far away from the stage but managed to zoom in on his incredible piano and the shot came out pretty clear.

I took a bazillion other photos, mostly of Phil. I'll post one or two tomorrow. I hope all of my fellow photo bloggers are a lot more faithful to posting pictures than I am. I will be visiting your blogs soon to catch up!

Total Silliness

2010-03-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

This is just a fill-in photo I took yesterday. It will serve to tide me over until my next post of a real photo - which just may be tonight.

It's not meant to shock - maybe just put a smile on your face if only for a moment.

Hear No Evil

2010-02-28T18:46:00.000-05:00

We finally came to the conclusion yesterday that his being a stubborn beagle isn't what is keeping him from coming when called - Freckles no longer hears us.....

Drip, Drip

2010-02-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

For weeks now we have been listening to the sound of drip, drip, drip outside our door all day long while the sun is shining. And, this is probably the reason....

Tons of Photos Taken - 29 and 30 2010

2010-02-10T23:42:00.000-05:00

We are all snowed in here. So, I had lots of time for picture taking. Here are two that I've uploaded.

The first is a monumental moment - our old dog, Freckles, after just about 9 1/2 months of having this intruder living with us, has decided the new puppy is okay and he actually laid down with her today - and I had my camera nearby. This just totally warmed my heart.

Last night I discovered that my craft lamp throws enough light to sort of create a daylight effect for taking pictures. My daughter was, once again, a willing subject. I am going to be using that light a lot more and, at least while taking pictures at home, I'll have no need to rush into saving for Speed Light for my camera.

Befores and Afters - 24 - 28 2010

2010-02-07T22:54:00.000-05:00

I knew the storm was coming so I took a couple of pictures pre - white stuff. First one is of the ornamental grass right off of our deck.

And then there is the backyard kennel for the pups....

And then this is the kennel after Snowmageddon hit!

And the dogs had a bit of a tough trek outside first thing in the morning....

And the snow continued to fall the rest of the day....

And there is the promise of more of this white stuff on Tuesday... Yipeeeeee!!!!!

Red Sky at Night, Sailor's Delight.. 22 and 23/2010

2010-02-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

red sky at morning, sailor's warning, and that is exactly what I captured this morning, the day that we await one of the worst snow storms to ever hit Philadelphia.

This is what hit me first thing this morning when I opened the front door and said goodbye to my kids as they headed off to school.

And about three minutes later, it was gone...

In under five hours, we have about 6 inches of snow, and we could get up to two feet of the white stuff before it is all over.

We are going absolutely nowhere this weekend and I really do kind of like that...

My Furry Child is 12 Today

2010-02-01T23:31:00.000-05:00

My older beagle turned 12 today. It is getting hard to remember what it was like when he had energy and didn't sleep 23 1/2 hours out of every day. I did manage to get him motivated to do a trick or two.

Okay, so maybe only one trick on his birthday - begging, which is at the top of his list for things he likes to do.

This was his look when I told him he had to wear that birthday hat - not at all thrilled.

He then relented and agreed to the hat.

And this was his reward - his Kong stuffed with peanut butter and kibble. Here's hoping for a another good year ahead for my boy, Freckles....

No Celebrities This Week, 17-22/2010

2010-01-28T23:33:00.000-05:00

Just some everyday, ordinary run-of-the-mill tidbits of my life - nothing could top having the opportunity to get a closeup of a country singer.

I actually didn't take this photo - DH did. Everyone had a handmade Santa hat to wear on Christmas, except for me - mine wasn't yet completed but I wore it anyway - knitting needles and all.

This is a French horn that just was very shiny so I snapped a pic at my kids' concert.

See the wires and see the piece of tree trunk? The electric company came around to our neighborhood to trim trees away from the wires, however they couldn't get this "stump" off one of the wires so it is now suspended in mid air in our back yard.

The moon in our back yard this evening - I never get tired of taking pictures of the moon (I'm sure people will get tired of looking at them though).

My two furry models - the other loves of my life, Ruby and Freckles.

And, finally, a bedknob (no broomstick) on the daybed in my office.

Darius Rucker/Hootie and the Blowfish - 16/2010

2010-01-22T00:09:00.000-05:00

And was it ever a good concert! WTG, Darius Rucker - you know how to rock!!! We got some Hootie and the Blowfish and lots of his current hits. Great performance, sweet guy. Oh, and I was seated about 75 yards away from the stage, in the third level balcony and was still able to zoom in this close.

Christmas Memories 6-15/2010

2010-01-16T23:17:00.000-05:00

I usually put off posting pictures until I get the time to edit them to try to make them look better. Because of this, I don't post as often as I would like. This blog is a "photo journal" and what I plan on doing is posting more than once a week and if I get a chance to do some editing, great. If not, I don't think the Photoshop police will be pounding on my front door.

I've had these photos that were taken over the past several weeks - and they are just glimpses of holiday and post-holiday things and moments.

My son trying his hand at taking a video of his dad.

My niece and her dog, Bowser.

My prize at our family's Yankee Auction - cool, aren't they?

My son relaxing and not giving mom a hard time for taking his photograph - this photo, because of its rarity, may just be worth something some day....

My daughter in search of the pickle on Christmas Eve. My husband hid it very well this year....

I like to call this photo "Christmas Light Against the Shrub and Snow" because, well, that's exactly what it is!

My masterpiece - a red and green velvet cake. I couldn't take a photo of the inside showing the alternating red and green layers because the cake was my contribution to a party I was going to. However, take my word, it turned out really nice and very delicious!

My daughter and her date for the Senior Snow Ball - that actually got postponed from December 19 until January 9 because of..... SNOW! One would think that a snow storm would be very appropriate for the Snow Ball.

My husband videoing me taking a photo of him!

A girl and her dog - a little blurry... Oh well.

Decadence That Is Oh So Easy - 5/2010

2010-01-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

Nutter Butter Truffles!

A Good Fire On A Cold Night - 4/2010

2010-01-06T22:47:00.000-05:00

On these cold nights, it really is nice to light a fire. The only drawback is that it sends our thermastat out of wack, so while the living room gets nice and toasty, the rest of the house is like a meat locker!!

I know, I know - Another Dog Photo (3/2010)

2010-01-06T12:27:00.001-05:00

But I have a good excuse! I just got a new camera lens - the Tamron VC 18-270 Dii lens, and I was practicing with it on one of the few willing subjects in my household - Ruby who, by the way, carries the official name of NJB Wendy's Ruby Tequila Sunrise. How's that for a name!!! Her mom's name is Chop A Line Wendy and her dad's name is Tee's Sam the Man Tequila Sunrise.

My photo numbering is still being tweaked since although I'd like to post every day, I know that won't happen. So, I think I'm just going to go for sequential numbering because some weeks I just may be inspired to post more than one photo!

Mantel Garland - 2/365

2010-01-02T23:59:00.000-05:00

I bought garland years ago for my mantel - this is one of the wooden "light bulbs" on it. It is hand painted.

A New Year!! Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T23:24:00.001-05:00

Twinkle belongs to one of my brothers and his wife. He posed for me.

The Birthday Boy at 16

2009-12-29T22:47:00.000-05:00

While I am sharing yet another photo of one of my kids, this one was particularly challenging as his skin is not optimal right now due to the usual teenage stuff. So, I had to use the spot healing tool a lot. I don't think you can readily tell that I did, however I wish there were an easier way to correct this kind of problem.

Anyway, my "little guy" turned 16 yesterday. This was him right before we sang to him and had birthday cake.

Boy I So Fizzled Out....

2009-12-22T23:26:00.001-05:00

I took a few photos of the snow but not many. It was too darn cold to go outside for me, let alone take my good camera out in the 20 degree temperature. Ruby was not sure she liked the snow and started her 3 days of "withholding" until Monday. Thankfully, she is now allowing the outdoors to be her potty again... This windmill usually gets put away at the end of September and then we put it back out in the spring. For some reason, it didn't get put away this year, and thus another winter photo op!

I hope to get a few photos of my decorations and post them. I am disappointed with myself for not being able to keep with the daily photo the second half of the year but I am shooting for once a week photo in 2010.

I Heart Faces, Pet's Week - Week 49

2009-12-14T19:42:00.001-05:00

This week's theme is pets - right up my alley!!! And, I have one absolutely willing subject - Ruby.

Be sure to go on over to I Heart Faces and see all of the other lovable nonhuman entries!

I Met Pioneer Woman

2009-12-13T22:21:00.000-05:00

I went to a book signing today and met someone who has inspired me to be a better photographer. Her name is Ree Drummond and she is an absolute doll through and through.....and she sang for us too!

Her blog is a wealth of information on cooking, photography, home schooling, and just plain fun.

What I Awakened To - Sparkling Moon

2009-12-03T22:42:00.001-05:00

Is it just my imagination or does it seem that after a heavy rain, the outside world just seems to sparkle. This moon is what I awoke to this morning, and the reason I ran outside in my PJs to capture it on my camera. It just sparkled, as did the entire morning - I even had a difficult time driving because of the brightness, even while wearing sunglasses.

What a glorious view this was! Although the clarity isn't quite what I would have liked, it'll just have to do.

Tis The Seasonings To Be Jolly

2009-12-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

This set of salt and pepper shakes has fascinated me for a few years. They belong to my sister-in-law and I love them. She has two sets - one for each end of the holiday dining table. I wonder if she'd really notice if a set disappeared..... :o)

Fun With Textures

2009-11-28T22:35:00.000-05:00

These are a few photos I have taken over the last few months. Tonight I was experimenting with adding texture to them. I found a website called Graphicmania.net and they had FREE downloadable textures.

Any thoughts? Does it add anything? Detract anything? I liked the old feel to the lighthouse and the grunge feel to my son's photo in his Santa hat. Not as happy with the dog photo....

Sunset In The Neighborhood

2009-11-27T22:38:00.000-05:00

Despite the clutter of cars and trees on my street, I still manage to capture some nice skies every now and then.

Sweeeeeet Things!

2009-11-24T00:14:00.000-05:00

Sugar cookies are sweet....... I tested just to make sure.

Dogs... can be sweet...sometimes - not this particular day.....

And fall hydrangeas, even though most of the vibrant color is gone, are still sweet... I put dry ones in a vase in my family room. I love them!

I Heart Faces - Autumn Beauty

2009-11-16T09:27:00.001-05:00

This is my entry for this week's theme. I actually took this photo of my daughter two years ago. She is perched in our favorite tree. The colors were stunning on this particular Thanksgiving Day so I had to capture it. Glad I got it because now I have a photo to enter the theme this week!!!

Be sure to visit I Heart Faces to see all of the other great entries!!

It's Raining Red!!!!

2009-11-13T23:21:00.000-05:00

We are currently in the midst of a Nor'easter so we are getting a lot of rain. Our front lawn is getting a "red rain" thanks to the Japanese Maple tree we have.

My Every Day Life - Dull, But I Wouldn't Trade It

2009-11-10T21:38:00.000-05:00

Glimpses of an everyday life.

I could drink this every morning! My house would be immaculate from the burst of energy I would get!

Looking quite bored.....

Afternoon snack - yummmmmmmm.

My baby, Ruby.

Don't Fear This Lion

2009-11-06T23:31:00.000-05:00

This is just our kids' high school mascot having fun at the homecoming game.

I Never Get Bored Of Sunsets

2009-11-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

And I've been know to trip over things in my haste to grab my camera to photograph them. This is one taken in Avalon, NJ, right on the bay. I love it when the sun gets to this point in the sky, not just for the beautiful picture it gives us but because you can actually watch the sunset unfold in a matter of a few minutes. I just never get tired of it.

A Simple Plume

2009-11-01T09:47:00.002-05:00

This is a plume that goes atop the band members' hats. They are distributed to the kids just as they are getting ready to perform their field show at the high school football games and collected as soon as they come off the field. This way, the plumes will stay new looking longer. I think they're sharp looking!

Halloween Eve

2009-10-30T21:28:00.005-04:00

I didn't have a digital camera when the kids were small so all of my photos of them are on paper and will need to be scanned. But, I had already scanned these two pics for a school project. These are my kids when they were 3 and 5.

Lots of Photos This Week

2009-10-25T21:36:00.008-04:00

I took photos this week and then, to cap off the week, hubby and I went away for the weekend and I took some more photos there.

I don't know how that didn't bother his ear!!!

This is the window of a restaurant we ate in called "The Mad Batter" - the breakfast there was absolutely delicious!!!

This is the southern most tip of the New Jersey shore and is known as Cape May Point - this is the wreckage of a concrete ship called "Atlantus" that was built in 1918. It broke free of its moorings and has been resting here since 1926. This part of the beach is also a great place to find Cape May Diamonds.

I am imagining this is Wife goose yelling at Husband goose - who seems about as attentive as a lot of husbands do to our ranting.....

A tired carriage horse awaiting his next fare....

And there will be more!!!!

Where Is He???

2009-10-18T20:29:00.007-04:00

My son had a Halloween party last night. This was his costume (I knitted the hat!!!). He won a prize for most creative but nobody knew where he was to give it to him :o)

A front view - have you seen him???

Life Has Interrupted My Fun

2009-10-11T09:41:00.003-04:00

I cannot, hard as I might try, to stay on daily photo posting. Too much has happened and by day's end my concentration is so poor that I can't get organized enough to post. More importantly, I've fallen behind on my visiting of my fellow blogger's blogs - something I am resolved to fix - very soon.

I still am taking photos (and losing ones that I have taken). I saw these flowers on my walk the other night and thought they were lovely.

THE Best BBQ, Day 278

2009-10-05T23:04:00.003-04:00

This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago at one of my brothers' houses. I didn't have a burger but I did have a piece of chicken and I have to say it was the best BBQ chicken I had ever eaten. It was marinated overnight in some blend of seasonings and then slow baked in the oven, and then at the last minute thrown in the broiler to crisp it.

I can almost taste it again just by looking at this.... My niece did email me the recipe and I am going to try it at home!

Thank You, Day 275

2009-10-02T23:56:00.006-04:00

First, I just wanted to say thanks for the good thoughts regarding my mother-in-law. She was THE BEST Mom a daughter-in-law could ever ask for.

I've been taking photos - maybe not every day in the last couple of weeks, but I have amassed quite a selection and I feel like I have really fallen behind in posting them. Actually, I don't "feel", I "know" I have fallen behind.

Anyway, here are several.

I took the dogs for a walk the other night and saw this bird on top of the telephone pole. Fortunately, I was able to cut through a neighbor's backyard and get my camera. I think it's a falcon but I'm not sure.

These are our good friends - and coincidentally the couple who arranged a blind date between me and my now husband. We get together for dinner once a month and have been doing this for about 18 years. Next month it is my turn to host the dinner - which ALWAYS has salsa and chips for an appetizer - it's a tradition ever since Jeff (the guy in this photo) got a bowl of salsa knocked on to his brand new white sneakers about 15 years ago. No dinner is complete without the salsa and chips.

Had a dinner party a little while back and took this shot of the glasses.

Playtime at our home this week - the two dogs are getting along great!

Tonight's sophomore dance - my son and his date. It was a very welcome ending to a long day as we said goodbye to mom/Grandmom.... I think having the dance to look forward to was a big help.

Since I put this post together, the dance has since ended and he had a wonderful time.

Grandmom "Reets" 10/28/15 - 9/28/09

2009-09-26T21:47:00.004-04:00

UPDATE - Sunday, 9/27/09 - The doctors say Mom is preparing for her journey. If anybody deserved a nonstop flight directly to heaven, it is Mom.

This is my mother in law who I love dearly. She is not doing very well right now and was admitted to the hospital a few hours ago, however it does not look too good.

Hubby is on his way home from the hospital right now and then hopefully all four of us will make the drive up together tomorrow to see her.

Next Photo Set, Day 264

2009-09-21T21:58:00.005-04:00

I am posting my photos, it seems, in fits and spurts and am trying not to get too uptight about the fact that I can't seem to get to my blog on a daily basis. I know that once we are done with the beginning of the school year activities and the housebreaking/training of the puppy, I will get more time. Plus, I am committed to making sure I am done my work day by dinnertime. These past 6-7 months, I have been typing in the evening too which just doesn't bode well with blogging.

So, without further delay, here are some photos "in a clump" - I've been taking pictures on an almost daily basis, however I do still have a fair amount from vacation that I want to post too.

No swimming flag raised on the beaches while Hurricane Danny was out at sea.

This photo is an oldie from April 24 of this year showing the first meeting of our two dogs.

This is our two dogs now playing together.

The bigger seagull was not about to share his pretzel find with the smaller gull.

My son and husband assembling our beach cabana.

Multiple Photos, Day 259

2009-09-16T21:42:00.004-04:00

I took a ton of photos of this sunset from atop of the house I was staying in a couple of days ago. The colors in person were so much more vibrant...

The necklace my daughter just strung while on vacation. Each bead was carefully considered before she purchased it. I loved it when she was finished and we had a fun time planning it together.

The woman we purchased Ruby from - she absolutely loves her beagles and twice a year holds an event where owners of beagles can gather together for a few hours and chat. She gets to see the puppies she brought into this world - Ruby gave her a few wet kisses as a thank you.

Look mom, no legs!!!

My sister, my friend.

Day 252 and 253

2009-09-12T00:03:00.002-04:00

A day to remember - those who lost their lives eight years ago. Could it really be that much time that has gone by?

We watched this crab (and others) for several hours. Talk about a work ethic. They did all day so that at night they have their holes and tunnels into which they can retreat. It was fascinating to observe the very painstaking process. We went back to the beach after dark and were treated to a view of lots of "ghost crabs" running around in the surf and on the sand.

Vacation Glimpses, Day 250 and 251

2009-09-09T21:52:00.002-04:00

This was such a beautiful and graceful creature. I wish we could have sat and just watched a little bit longer.

Trying to hold on to the sunset for just a bit longer.

Unintentional Family Photo, Day 249

2009-09-07T23:49:00.002-04:00

I took a photo of my son and when I opened it up in Photoshop, I saw my daughter, part of my husband, and me. So, it is a family portrait of sorts.... Kind of lame but fun too!

Chesapeake Bay Sunrise, Day 248

2009-09-06T08:33:00.004-04:00

This is the stuff that gives me an "oh wow" moment..... We left the Outer Banks at 5 AM and I hoped for a glimpse of the sunrise - I didn't expect that we would reach the Chesapeake Bay at the same time the sun was rising.

We arrived home at exactly 12:45 PM. We took our dogs with us this year. Freckles is 11 1/2 years old and this was his first vacation ever. I think he liked it!

Two Items Checked Off My Bucket List, Day 246 and 247

2009-09-04T23:36:00.005-04:00

I don't have a very long list of things that I want to do while here in earth. However, two of the items on my short bucket list (actually four of them) were accomplished while on vacation.

The first item is that I got to ride on a Segway in Carova, NC. The four of us had hour-long lessons before our guide would let us hit the trails.

The second item is that I got to see in person the wild mustangs that roam the beaches and dunes of Carova. These mustangs are direct descendants of the Spanish mustangs that landed on these beaches about 500 years ago. There are now only a little over 100 left but there is now a preserve that protects the freedom of these horses and they can roam the beaches and the yards of human inhabitants' properties without fear of being touched or bothered in any way. They were beautiful and very peaceful-looking creatures.

Vacation Glimpses, Day 244 and Day 245

2009-09-02T22:39:00.003-04:00

Hurricane Danny never actually came into the Outer Banks coast as predicted, however the power of Danny was certainly felt in the waters and red flags warning that no swimming was allowed ran up and down the beach. I tried to capture the intensity of the waves and realize that I've fallen sort of short on that. There were dangerous riptides and sadly a 12 year old boy was knocked off his surfboard and washed away not far from where I snapped this photo. We saw the coastguard helicopter but at the time didn't realize what was going on.

On a much lighter note my son felt it very necessary to show off to us that he could jump much higher than his sister. This photo was taken at Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head, NC. These are amazingly high natural sand dunes that are constantly shifting. People go there in droves just before dusk in hopes of witnessing and/or photographing the sunset - which is why we were there that evening.

Despite the evil look on my son's face as his big sister is hugging him, he does love her dearly - he just forgets to let her know that on occasion.

There Is A Story Behind This, Day 243

2009-08-31T23:34:00.006-04:00

I am posting three pics tonight. It will help make up for all of the lost days I have had over the past couple of weeks. I will post the story on my regular blog but I wanted to share these happy photos I took today of a visitor that came but would not leave....

My Elusive Sunset, Day 242

2009-08-30T23:15:00.003-04:00

I've just returned from a week long vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Most evenings were spent with me running from window to window to see if there would actually be photograph-worthy sunset that evening and also if there was a place that I could go to get an unobstructed view of that sunset. My last night there provided me with both a spectacular show and a wonderful place from which to photograph it.

Life's A Beach, Day 236

2009-08-24T22:45:00.003-04:00

Beach at sunset, Duck, North Carolina

I Will Be Back (so please don't completely bail out on me)

2009-08-20T23:36:00.004-04:00

I have lots of photos still in my camera but so much work to do for my job these last two weeks that I haven't had time to properly edit and post them. I am just pausing for a bit and will resume in a few days.

Please don't abandon me completely. I will also be back to visiting everyone's photo blogs too. I've been a bit of a slacker in that department too and I apologize.....

Until I am back in full force, I just wanted to leave you with this pic I took of myself - just a little something to remember me by.

Barefoot Soccer, Day 227

2009-08-18T21:57:00.003-04:00

This was a pickup soccer game after a torrential rain, hence no shoes were worn. Luckily, nobody was hurt! I managed to snag a few pics though!

Day 226 - Yes, I Am Behind Yet Again

2009-08-16T23:11:00.003-04:00

This cross was built specifically for the visit of Pope John Paul II back when he visited Philadelphia back around 1980 or so.

Away For A Bit, Days 222, 223, 224, and 225

2009-08-12T22:56:00.006-04:00

I have been away for a few days chaperoning my kids at their annual week-long marching band camp out of state. I am so thankful to be home. We were in cabins in the 90+ degree heat with lots of bugs, dirt, a mouse, and a fair amount of high school girl "drama". There is truly no place like home.

The entire marching band learning the very first marching steps for the 2009 field show.

Marching for four hours in 95 degree heat is tough, so the kids are sprayed with cool water when they come off the field for their water breaks.

When driving the other day, there was a herd of cows cooling off in a small pond. So, I pulled the car over and got out to take their picture. I thought this one looked very concerned that I was there....

This bird flew overhead. It was very far away so I couldn't tell if it was a hawk or an eagle. Now that I have cropped and zoomed a bit, I think it is just a hawk.

I am So Far Behind, Days 218-221

2009-08-08T23:21:00.007-04:00

Ruby graduated puppy head start school!

Some outdoor vegetation.

A blogging friend and her hubby!!

I'll be back to this blog in a few days, with hopefully some more pictures!!

I will post my photos without much description just because I need to get caught up. This week was a blur of activity and most of it was good!

More Ultimate Frisbee, Day 216

2009-08-04T23:16:00.004-04:00

Not all my photos from this point on will about frisbee but I had fun taking the photos on Saturday and was happy that they came out the way they did considering I was using my zoom lens and no tripod.

I have two photos today showing some of the action in this sport. This league both of my kids played in just finished up. They absolutely loved the experience not just because it was frisbee but because the teams were a mix of both teenagers and adults so they were able to learn from some who know a lot more about the sport than they do.

The "Ultimate" of Sports, Day 215

2009-08-03T22:56:00.003-04:00

I chose this photo from an ultimate frisbee game because I think a lot of moms can relate to this particular moment in time. You are sitting on the bench and watching your child swing that bat, shoot at the hoop, slap the puck, and kick the soccer ball and quietly wishing upon all wishes that your kid scores that point. How many of us hold our breath and just hope our kid doesn't mess up?

I chose this photo because it shows the moment that I began to hold my breath as that frisbee started heading towards my daughter (white shirt) - just praying she didn't drop it. Sadly, I was holding my breath and forgot to snap the shutter button when she caught it!!!

Geese And Mallards, Day 214

2009-08-02T23:32:00.003-04:00

I saw these geese and mallards and just thought it'd make a nice (and different) subject for my photo of the day.

Happiness is....... Day 213

2009-08-01T23:58:00.000-04:00

A warm puppy....... Anybody remember what that expression is from?

Photo In Motion, Day 212

2009-07-31T22:54:00.003-04:00

Yup, today's photo is actually two photos!

I have been obsessed at times with trying to capture in motion in my photos. My son makes a great subject because he usually has a ball or a frisbee in his hands. I have tried to get a sense of motion while maintaining clarity of the main subject. The one with my son with the small blue/orange ball captures the motion feel, however the one with the purple ball just doesn't do it for me as the ball looks like it is suspended in air and not moving.

All of this, I know, takes practice and I have years to come to do this.

The Past Several Days, Day 209, 210, 211

2009-07-30T23:23:00.005-04:00

Ugh, I got behind again in posting. However, I did take some photos.

Pipes belonging to a pipe organ.

A yummy dessert.

Father and daughter.

Birthdays and Sunburn, Days 207 and 208

2009-07-28T21:00:00.007-04:00

My cakes don't always look this bad. My daughter wanted an angel food cake for her birthday and then while it was cooling, and since it was HER birthday, she picked off and ate all of the crunchy stuff on top - which left me with a cake that looked like it was half-eaten...which it was!

On Sunday, my son went to the beach with friends and did a very bad job of applying his own sunscreen. He is now left with a bit of sun poison and a back full of burn and blisters.

Totally Unacceptable, Day 206

2009-07-26T13:13:00.003-04:00

A few moments ago, I heard the sound of a banging plate in the kitchen. I went in to check on what the noise was, only to discover this scene.

She's 18 Today, Day 205

2009-07-24T15:06:00.008-04:00

Happy Birthday sweetie...love you and am blessed to say you are my daughter. (I actually posted before bedtime for a change - I knew I'd be busy tonight with the birthday festivities - dinner out with just the four of us, cake when we get home (angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream), and then a couple of birthday presents.

Skywatch Friday, Walt Whitman Bridge, Day 204

2009-07-23T21:48:00.007-04:00

I took this a couple of weeks ago from my car window. I was pleased it didn't come out very blurry considering the speed of the car. I thought the sky was so pretty that day.

Be sure to go over the Skywatch Friday and check out all different colors of the sky all over our world.

A Very Buzzy Day, Day 203

2009-07-22T23:29:00.002-04:00

Pollinating - all in a day's work. This furry little guy was fun to watch but not so easy to capture in photo - I could use Sara's G's macro lens!!!

Church Sanctuary, Day 202

2009-07-21T23:41:00.000-04:00

I thought this was simple yet beautiful. It the sanctuary in the Church of the Holy City. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm in a wedding theme these last few days. I will get over it soon, though, as I am running out of photos.

Old Steeple, Day 201

2009-07-21T00:05:00.004-04:00

Technically, I am 4 minutes late getting my photo of the day in today. But, here it is just the same. I'll just have to get another one in later today.

Here is a really, really old church steeple. This church was built in 1858 and then disassembled and moved to its current location in Wilmington, DE. It was so old and so beautiful on the inside too.

My niece was married in this church on Sunday.

UPDATE: Here is a bit of the history of why the church was moved for those that are wondering. Thanks, Lucy, for asking the question.

Wedding, Day 199 and 200

2009-07-19T22:41:00.003-04:00

My niece got married today. Two of the sweetest people ever have found each other and tied the knot. We are so happy for them. They were both weepy as the stated their vows.

Each guest at the wedding got a small jar of pear-flavored jelly beans in this jar - sweet idea all around, don't you think?

What A Difference A Year Makes/Consolation Prize, Day 197 and 198

2009-07-18T23:33:00.002-04:00

I've known this little guy ever since he was born. He turned 13 years old yesterday and I had just been looking at a photo I took of him back in February 2008. I then compared it to the one I took of him two days ago - how much he has changed!!!

The other photo is a prize that the losing softball team gets every year at our annual family picnic. Please note that missing talon - which makes this "prize" even more desirable. Anyway, my son was on the losing team. Thankfully, it is the captain of the team that must live with this statue in his home for the next year.

Can You Guess, Day 196

2009-07-16T23:38:00.002-04:00

I thought this was cool when I was looking at it, so I photographed it.

Boys/Dog in Pen, Day 194 AND My Feet, Day 195

2009-07-15T23:41:00.002-04:00

My doctor wants me walking a couple to a few miles every day that I can - these sneakers have probably racked up several hundred miles over the past year or so that I've owned them.

My son and his friends got into the dog pen and decided to just relax with Ruby - well as much as you can relax with a puppy who is still deeply into puppy nipping!

Birthday, Day 193

2009-07-13T23:16:00.003-04:00

This is my great-nephew enjoying a piece of his 1st birthday cake! I think he liked it - didn't even notice or complain that his left ear was folded up!

King of the Corner Kick, Day 192

2009-07-13T00:11:00.002-04:00

When my son played soccer, he was definitely not the best player on the team. But, he had an amazing corner shot that was usually spot on. So, whenever there was a ball that needed to be kicked from the corner, my son was usually signed up for the job.

I used to love watching his games when he played. He left soccer behind when he left grade school.

Go Phillies!, Day 191

2009-07-10T21:58:00.003-04:00

We passed this billboard while driving. I have yet to go to a Phillies game in the new ballpark (opened in 2004) - some day I'll get there as I hear it is a lot more fun to watch the games there as opposed to our old Veteran's Stadium.

Positively Sinful, Day 190

2009-07-09T22:50:00.005-04:00

Gertrude Hawk chocolate covered, nut covered, fudge drizzled caramel apple - and to think it has zero calories --- yeah, right. BUT IT WAS DELICIOUS!

A Boy and A Puppy, Day 189

2009-07-08T23:08:00.003-04:00

Nuff said.

What A Face!, Day 188

2009-07-07T22:30:00.001-04:00

This little guy just got me with his big green eyes and so loving his chocolate chip cookie!

Different Sort of Water Tower, Day 187

2009-07-06T23:10:00.003-04:00

Have you ever seen a water tower that looks like this? Is there more than one Sesame Place in the world?

Blimp, Day 186

2009-07-04T23:53:00.002-04:00

No, it's not what I felt like after eating lots of food on our holiday. It's what flew over our car on our way home!

Every Day Things, Days 183, 184, 185

2009-07-04T00:05:00.002-04:00

My best friend gave me this statue about six years ago for Christmas. We've known each other since first grade - that's a 44 year friendship that I am so privileged to have enjoyed.

What can a say - just another photo of Ruby that I took this morning. She changes in size and appearance almost daily. When we got her on April 24, she weighed 4 1/2 pounds. As of yesterday, she weighed 13 pounds 4 ounces.

My daughter wanted to make Rice Crispie Treats, although all we had in was Cheerios - they worked and I think they were actually better than the Rice Crispie ones!

When They're Not On My Face, Day 182

2009-07-01T23:20:00.003-04:00

I need my glasses all of the time but when I take them off at any point, I try to remember to put them on this so that I can find them again. I purchased this "Nose" several years back somewhere but I, for the life of me, cannot remember where - maybe in Nags Head, NC. I'll have to ask my sister as she was with me at the time. Anyway, it caught my eye and I thought it was cute and served a good purpose.

It Is A Daily Struggle, Day 181

2009-06-29T22:03:00.004-04:00

I am always fighting with myself between eating a piece of healthy fruit or a couple pieces of delicious chocolate that I have had squirreled away for months (they are in fairly plain site but nobody has noticed). Which should I consume? Which will satisfy me the best?

Tonight, I went for the fruit, a nectarine to be exact, but it was not sweet AT ALL so halfway through, I broke out the chocolate. Can you blame me???

I Took The Weekend Off, Days 178, 179, 180

2009-06-28T22:52:00.006-04:00

My first photo is from archives - these guys appear in Disney World and will serenade as you walk by. They are so much fun to listen to and you can actually find YouTube videos of the group. There are usually five guys but the one who plays the baritone saxophone was ill that day. They asked my son to step in there with them and pretend he was playing. I have that photo too!!

Not all dinners can be masterpieces - this was such a boring meal but it was colorful so I decided to take a photo. Benton Flocke's assortment of meal photos really puts mine to shame....

Finally, here is a horse on a merry-go-round. I converted it to sepia and then bumped up the contrast a bit. I then applied my "old photo" action to it.

Ceili, Day 177

2009-06-26T22:09:00.004-04:00

Ceili - 10/28/06-8/7/08

I am pulling a photo from my archives. I worked all day so as to catch up completely and then take the weekend off. While I did take a couple of photos, they are still in my camera - I cannot wait until they make a wifi wireless CF memory card so that I can just "send" photos straight from my camera right to my laptop!

Ceili was my dog and a dog who definitely had attitude.....lots of attitude....

Hydrangea Bush, Day 176

2009-06-25T23:16:00.003-04:00

Here is another photo of my hydrangea bush. I read somewhere that burying a penny in the soil can change the color of the flowers but I have yet to try that.

I actually wanted to feature my dinner plate as today's photo of the day, however when I left the kitchen table to get my camera, my husband decided to rearrange the food on my plate to make it more "photogenic" - I felt that he really messed up my arrangement so I'm not featuring that tonight.