Happy Halloween

I Love My Wonderdog

Isn't she just the sweetest? I did something I so rarely do. I bought a new camera lens and accessory. Curious? I bought the Lensbaby Muse with a double glass optic for the optic swap system and the new soft focus optic. After all these years, my Lensbaby Original is completely broken in. This new one will take some time but I think I'm going to love it just as much.

Aside from that, we had a new gas furnace/ac unit installed. I can now say I've spent way too much money and must resist all the temptations placed in front of me for a while.

Don’t Panic*

We’re still around and the Wonderdog is on the case. Getting ready for another trip to Oklahoma, this time to bring the daughter home for the summer. Yay!! I’m bothered by the little tree thing by her ear and thinking I should make it go away in Photoshop.

*the towel and title are a reference to Douglas Adams “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”.

The Wonderdog

Wishing you a fabulous Monday. Me, I’m thinking it’s a good day to stay in bed.

*Now playing: Anything I'm Not by Lenka - Lenka*Now playing: Anything I'm Not by Lenka - Lenka

The Last of the Halo

You can take halo photos without blocking the sun but, to me, the halo stands out more with an object in front of the sun. Sometimes, you can find the right tree or building. I’ve even used a flower but I had nothing like that available. I started with grabbing a toy, liked that. Then, I thought ‘what if I use a flash to brighten the foreground object?’ I knew it wouldn’t reach the sky but would I like the results on the object. It was 50/50. Without the flash, the foreground object/subject becomes a silhouette.

Wishing everybody a Happy Easter and holiday.

*Now playing: Follow The Signs by Chris Henderson - Follow The Signs

Get Out And Vote

Vote for what you truly believe and remember, every election is history in the making as each day, history is made.

Happy Fourth of July

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Wonderdog and Me!! Be safe and please, no backyard fireworks this year. It really, really hurts the Wonderdog's ears. You wouldn't want to do that now would you?

Cinco de Mayo

Cassie wishes you all a Happy The Fifth of May. Be responsible in your celebrations today.

Comfortable

I walked in to find Cassie comfy with the remote, a book and even glasses. Seriously, I didn't stage this. I should go up and make the bed and put the book and remote on the nightstand but she's just too darn cute and comfy. Plus, her foot has another yucky sore (this time it's the other foot) and I feel bad for her.

I was so happy that Men In Trees is back. And tonight is LOST night. And the American Idol results show. I am afraid for my favorite, Amanda Overmeyer. That song was just not good and that hair. What was she thinking? I think I'll head over to iTunes and maybe (that's a big MAYBE) download the song she did last week (Baby Please Don't Go).

Talk about boring but I must confess, a dream job might be working for EW (Entertainment Weekly on-line). What could be better? You get paid to watch TV and write about it the next day. *sigh*

*Now Playing: Only Fooling Myself [Bonus Acoustic Track] by Kate Voegele - Don't Look Away

Count Down Continues

And I still haven't baked a cookie. But you know what, it won't matter whether I bake dozens of cookies or none, Christmas will come, as it does every year. We'll enjoy the day with those we love, enjoy a meal and even dessert but cookies, nope, not that big a deal. Or so I tell myself.....

Falalalalala

How about a Wordless Monday? It's winter and I'm ready for spring. Ice drizzle and fog last night and all weekend with a freezing rain/ice storm warning for tonight. Fun stuff, folks. NOT.

*Now Playing: Deck The Halls / Away In A Manger / I Saw Three Ships by Bing Crosby - 20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection

After the Walk

 

Coffee and tunes with The Wonderdog after a brisk autumn walk. And as I've nothing better to do, played with the camera. It's not easy to keep hitting the cable release and scurrying back into the image before the 10 second timer fires. I need a longer cable release or better yet, a wireless release.

Think I'll go read a bit with that hot coffee and work on keeping the heart open. Keeping the heart open doesn't necessarily mean you love everybody, also means letting go of all those old hurts and new ones, too. But in keeping the heart open, letting go of the good, too. Letting everything pass through so you can continue to experience life. Much to think about, if only that voice would quit trying to persuade me that it's all crazy. ;)

*Now Playing: Nothing Better To Do by LeAnn Rimes - Family

Sleepless

Why is it I can barely keep my eyes open during the day but come nightfall, when my head hits the pillow, I can't keep them closed? And why is it, just when it feels like sleep has finally found me, it's time to wake up? This morning, it was The Wonderdog alerting me as she barked and barked and barked. Look at her here, looking so sweet and cute but just wait until the chipmunk peeks in the door at her.

Currently, not listening to music, watching a movie, Philadelphia, but perhaps I should turn the TV off and close my eyes. No mosquitoes have made an appearance, yet. Well, except for the two we eliminated earlier tonight, watching Grey's Anatomy and E.R.

Sleep Well..... Catch you later.

Snow Day

The winter storm they promised us has finally materialized and we've got somewhere between 8 and 12 inches. It's hard to say as in places, the drifts are deeper. Cassie doesn't much like the snow anymore. Must be an age thing, she used to love running around, sniffing out bunny tracks.

I think I'll leave the rest of the shoveling go for awhile. Maybe this is the year I ask Santa for a snow blower, especially if the shoveling all falls to me due to travel schedules. I need some coffee. Stay warm and have a beautiful day.

Winter

Winter is to make a return today with a storm warning beginning this afternoon. It could start with freezing rain and when it's all over, leave us with 15 inches of snow.


A photo of Cassie in her Santa Hat to get that image of me out of your mind. :)

On the Road

Traveling the Turnpike (Toll Road) on an unusually warm and sunny day. Normal conditions would have included snow and white-out conditions.


The day after Thanksgiving included a stop at Starbucks. Festive attire for shopping, eh? And an even warmer day.


And this brings us to our return trip. Another warm day that gave way to a pleasant evening. Traffic was good and we made great time.




All of the above photos were taken with my new cell phone camera, a Samsung SGH-A707 2mp camera. I am suitably impressed with this phone. The only thing I don't like, the front display goes blank after a couple of seconds, not just the backlighting but the clock, too. I'll get used to it, though!! Love having a camera with me at all times that takes decent photos.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and continue to have a beautiful weekend.

Time Will Be Short

My time will be short the next few days so let me take this time to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. And for those from elsewhere, take a moment and be thankful for the bounty in your life.

Wildlife

While out in the yard with The Wonderdog and a cell phone camera, I look over at the retention pond and what do my eyes behold but the Great Blue Heron. I made a mad dash into the house for my real camera and he was still there despite The Wonderdog's howling. Nope, it was me that sent him into hiding.


This morning finds a thin layer of ice on that retention pond. I suppose he's off on his southward bound journey.

Have a beautiful day friends.

It's Saturday

It doesn't matter that it's another dreary day with little or no sun. Nope, not at all. The cloudy skies do make for ideal outdoor photos so long as the rains continue to stay away. With Thanksgiving next week, it's not too soon for Santa to gather up his Reindeer.

And yes, everyday is a good day. Today is a good day.

Starbucks and a Good Book

As the weather turns cold I'll be reading more and enjoying my Starbucks (to keep warm).

I did read that book and it was a very easy and good read. Much of his philosophy can be applied to your everyday life. Unfortunately, I do not get the channel that airs is programs. The few times I've seen him, he's been amazing. He has a true gift and is a rare person.

And Michael... here's the Starbucks!!