Deb's Photo Blog

2010-01-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

ok, so this image a day thing doesn't seem to be working out. Maybe I need to rethink this and post an image a week. That may be more do-able for me. Gee, what a way to start 2010. Well, it's not like anyone is really looking at this blog anyway. So, here is a shot from Cades Cove of the first snowfall of the season. Love snow, but I'm sure if I lived up north where they had it all the time, I wouldn't think so.

Image of the day...

2009-12-29T10:07:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I already failed on posting an image a day. I took 4 days off for Christmas. So, lets try getting in the habit again for the new year.
My image today was taken a couple of weeks ago in heavy frost in Cades Cove. The cove always has a magical appeal to me, but in frost and snow, it is really something else. This tree is probably the most photographed tree in the Great Smoky Mountains. From the other side, you get a view of the mountains behind it. I liked how the dark woods made the frost covered branches stand out more and the wispy strand of fog that rolled in made it even better.

Image of the day...

2009-12-24T17:46:00.001-08:00

This is our new puppy, "Scout". She is now 4 months old and quite full of herself. She has added a joy to her family that can't be explained. I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Image of the Day...

2009-12-23T03:24:00.000-08:00

My image of the day was shot last week on a frosty morning. When I go out photographing, I try to see the big picture and well as the small. Frost is so magical and the details of it close-up are fascinating.

Image of the Day...

2009-12-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

River Otters. All I can say is there are several critters that I have yet to see and photograph in the Smokies. River otters were one of those. Well, the other day I finally saw them in Cades Cove and was able to get a couple of decent shots of them. I was so happy. Now I'd like to find a fox, bobcat and owl to my collection. Photographing wildlife gives me an adrenaline rush. It's so exciting every time. Even if it's a deer which is something that I'm sure to see with every visit to the cove.

Image of the Day...

2009-12-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

My first image of the day after an 11 month hiatus from blogging is one that I took a couple of weeks ago in Cades Cove. Wow! What can I say about Cades Cove? Well, it's the most wonderful place to photograph that I've ever been to. I won't say in the world, because the world is a big place that I have yet to venture to. So for now, it is the best place to photograph in my world. Most of my photos will be from the Smokies and Cades Cove. I used this image on my Christmas card this year. I started the tradition of making my own cards when my children were very small. Probably about 12-13 years ago. The cards have improved and evolved over the years and I believe are expected from me by friends and family. One constant on the cards is the inclusion of photos of my children on the inside with some design of my own on the cover. So this year I used this photo on the front with the "orton" effect added as well as a bit of photoshopping skills. It has been a big hit and I will probably start the new tradition of using one of my own photos on the front. I had never done this before and I don't really know why. So, here is the first of many of my favorites I plan to add daily. Enjoy!

The Carter Shields Cabin in Winter

Cades Cove

Great Smoky Mountains

Wow! What a year...

2009-12-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

Been off of this blog thing for almost a year. After I finished the 365 challenge I sort of got burned out and then just forgot about it.
So, now I'm back. If you've searched my name, you've found this blog and are possibly interested in what I have to offer. Well, mostly what I have is my photography. So that is what I will share here. Probably an image a day and possibly a story to go along with it. I have been incredibly busy out photographing over the last several months, so lord knows I have a lot of images to share.
I have a new website where photos are available for sale. If you enjoy a photo or two a day from me, perhaps you'd like to see more. So visit my site at http://www.debcampbellphoto.com/ or my flickr site.

The Deer Whisperer

2009-01-09T04:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like the deer whisperer. The deer and bucks seem to gravitate toward me lately. I was in the woods recently off the road in Cades Cove. I had seen one bigger buck far off the road and pulled over. I got out and walked into the woods just a little to get a better look at him. A few minutes later I hear footsteps and rustling and this guy (the one right above this post) comes out of the pines toward me. He wasn't a bit startled. Just started eating acorns off the ground as I continued to photograph him. Anyway, after I got done with him, I continued on down the road and saw 4 more young bucks and several does and older fawns with no spots. The last few times I've been up to the Cove, I've gotten some decent shots of bucks. Here are a few of those.

Good Morning

2009-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I knew the sun would rise again. For so many days we didn't see it.

3 days of rain

2009-01-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

After 3 days of rain, I was feeling like I need to get out. So I went up to the mountains to see what the river and falls looked like. They were full to the brim and the water was very swift so I didn't get too close. Would some of you northerners send some snow down my way. That would be awesome!

My Christmas Surprise

2008-12-26T09:57:00.001-08:00

I got a new lens for Christmas, which is awesome! (tamron 28-75 f2.8) I ordered it and got it a couple of weeks ago, because my husband didn't know what to get and you know how it is. Anyway, I have been dreaming about this nutcracker for years to add to my collection. My husband goes to Germany at least once a year and I've had him look for me one over there because I figured they would be a little cheaper. They are about $200.00 if ordered here in the states. I couldn't dare justify that kind of money on a nutcracker. A lens?, sure. So, yesterday morning my husband hands me a gift and I'm like my gift is on my camera. He said well I wanted to get you a little something else, and this is what it was. I was so surprised! and I just love it. It's a Steinbach handcrafted in Germany. definately a collectors item that I'll never part with. Santa was good to me this year...I hope he was good to you.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

I hope all my new friends here in blogger world, have a wonderful love filled Holiday. Deb

Had to get out for a bit.

2008-12-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

Wild Turkey

White Oak Flats Branch Cascade

Wildcat Branch

Portrait of a Doe

One buck a leapin'

I put all the stresses behind me and went to the Mountains for some photography today. I saw a few deer, and some wild turkey. (The turkey shot was one from the last time I made it up there. they weren't as cooperative today.)The water level in the streams was way up. It rained every day last week. Maybe that's contributing to my gloomy mood of late. Anyway, it was a brisk, cold day and the air was fresh and I was doing what I love.

I feel rejuvinated!

here's another

2008-12-20T06:30:00.001-08:00

Hannah~16 and Dylan~13

I'm back...

2008-12-20T05:34:00.000-08:00

I'm back after almost a month. Things have been busy getting ready for Christmas. Having to shoot the kids photos for the card, making the christmas card, shopping, working, and having to clean out Nanny's house along with trying to keep my own home in some sort of order. I'm having a hard time getting in the spirit this year. I am about "wrapped" up on the chores of the holiday. Just a few little things to buy and wrap, and I'm done. That should be today. Honestly, I'm looking forward to the new year and putting my house back together and getting back into a normal everyday routine.

Here is one of the shots of the kids for the Christmas card. I tried a grunge effect on it. My card had a 50's rock and roll christmas theme.

I'll miss her...

2008-11-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

This is Nanny. My mother-in-law for 19 years. She was mother of 4, mother in law to 4 and grandmother of 7. The grandmother part being her most proud accomplishment. She passed this morning after a long bout with cancer.As mothers in law go, she was great. Not too overbearing, just a little bit, and a wonderful grandmother to my children who never really knew my mom. She was a wonderful cook and loved to read. She also loved her little dog as she did all animals. She was loved and we'll all miss her terribly, but are relieved to know her suffering is over. This Thanksgiving we remember her and all the wonderful meals she insisted on preparing, even when she didn't feel her best. But, most of all, we will be thankful that we had her as long as we did. I'll miss you Nanny...

On top of old Smoky

2008-11-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

I've been battling a cold since last Thurs. Today it seemed as if it is getting worse so I sucked it up and went to the Dr. to find out that I have bronchitis and an upper respritory infection. What does that have to do with this pic? Well, we had snow Sat. night in the Smoky Mtns. of East Tennessee. And even though I know I had no business being out in the cold on Sun. I couldn't resist. So, I grabbed my gear and headed for the mountains. This view and the shot I got made it worth it, I think...cough, cough, sniff and blow.

Lonesome

2008-11-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

In the early morning fog of Cades Cove this tree stands alone. There are thousands and thousands of trees in the hills that surround the cove. And there are a few other trees all by themselves in the cove. But, this tree always seems to draw attention to itself. I have seen and photographed it many times over the years and this day was no exception.

The Harrisburg Covered Bridge

2008-11-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

North end of the Harrisburg Covered Bridge is situated east of Sevierville in north central Sevier County, Tn. south of U.S. 411.Located just off Old State Highway 35, the bridge spans the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River.This bridge was built in 1875 after the previous bridge washed away in a flood. It has been maintained ever since.

I give...

2008-11-12T04:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I'm another one to drop out of the 366 challenge. With the holidays fast approaching I just don't see any way to complete it at this point. Also, like some of my fellow bloggers, I spend my time photographing the things that I love. Having to look for things to shoot just to finish out the list seems too much like work. It has been fun though.

I look forward to January to see if there are new challenges I might want to take up. For now, I'm keeping this same blog and address as the web address doesn't have the "366 challenge" listed in it, plus I have a lot of family and friends that already have this site bookmarked. Check back for more photographs and comments from my comings and goings. I'll still visit all of your blogs with my morning coffee in hand to enjoy your photography and see how my blog friends are doing.
Thanks to all who have kept up with my progress and good luck to those who haven't given up.
Deb

Tradition-247

2008-11-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

It is a tradition that I take my kids pictures every year around the time of their birthdays. I started when Hannah was 1. My hallway is lined on both sides with an 8x10 of each of their birth years. I guess its a good thing I only had 2 children. I only have 2 walls.

This was a special photo shoot for me. Hannah turned 16 on Oct. 30. We had our annual photo shoot yesterday and it was so enjoyable. She is becoming so mature and actually likes our photo sessions now. No more bribary. I used to slip them smarties during the shoot to get them to somewhat cooperate.

She started out so small (1lb. 14oz) and has come so far in her 16 years. She hasn't ever given us any major problems and actually gets along well with her younger brother. They never fight and are great friends. I am so lucky. I am also so Proud of my Hannah Kay. can't you tell?

This is just a sampling of many photos I took as you can imagine.

Go Wild-341

2008-10-23T04:23:00.000-07:00

When fall arrives in East Tennessee, I tend to "go wild" taking pictures of the season changing.

I try to photograph anything and everything that says autumn. It is for sure my favorite season.

Here are several shots from the season, but just a sampling of what I've photographed so far.

Climbing-99

2008-10-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

These colorful vine climbing up this tree caught my eye.

Slippers-58

2008-10-23T04:01:00.000-07:00

Ahh, the seasons, they are a changin'. My feet are getting cold and it's time to break out my favorite slippers. My blue fuzzies.

Holographic-277

2008-10-23T03:59:00.000-07:00

Not sure exactly what holographic means. I assumed it means a hologram of some sort. Well, the only one I could find was on my credit card. So, here you go.

Celebrate-45

2008-10-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the coming of Autumn. A lot of folks decorate their lawns or front doors with these wonderful displays of pumpkins and gourds. Fall is in the air, and I love it!

Piercing-290

2008-10-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

These peircing amber eyes were staring me down as I was taking his picture. He flew right at me and bounced off the lens. Yikes! I then did the flailing of the arms, heebee jeebee dance.

Leaf-245

2008-10-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

There are hints of fall all around. The leaf color should peak in a couple of more weeks. The reds in the Maple trees seem to be the first to start the transition.

Magnified-136

2008-10-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

This is a macro(magnified) close-up of a red leaf. I like the veiny goodness.

Take Away-125

2008-10-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Dylan is taking the ball away from the defender in a recent soccer match.

Sweets-266

2008-10-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of those candies that is nothing but pure sugar, but they are oh so good. Funny how I never really want these things unless it's October. Oh, and they are fat free if that's any consolation.

Collections-64

2008-10-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy decorating the house for Fall/Halloween. I have a lot of decorations and like to group my witches, ghosts, pumpkins and scarecrows in to collections.

map-119

2008-10-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a map of Guam that Marc brought home. We did 28 scuba dives around the island while in Guam.

Gold-261

2008-10-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

The gold color in this wildflower was striking. I'm not sure what kind it is.

Masculine-271

2008-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Marc and Dylan went skeet shooting today. They both do love their guns which is a very masculine hobby. These are my guys and I love them.

Clutter-344

2008-10-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

The bits and pieces of clay targets clutter up the hillside after being shot. They do biodegrade, so thats a good thing.

Ink-88

2008-10-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

The ink in my printer. I love the individual ink tanks. They are the best!

Fancy Dress-134

2008-10-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here is Hannah and her boyfriend, Corey before the Homecoming Dance. All fixed up in their fancy dress attire.

Pirate-359

2008-10-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know this is a photoshopped image because I created it. I did take the picture of Will, however. So, here's the story. This is my Godson, Will Turner. He loves Pirates of the Caribbean and especially the character, Will Turner. (I wonder why?) Anyway, so for his birthday, I turned him in to Will Turner, the pirate. He was quite pleased.

I wasn't sure when I'd come across a pirate in the hills of east Tennessee, so I decided to use this for the theme.

Summer-342

2008-10-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

At the end of summer the docks get lonely. The water is getting too cold to leap in to. But it still looks inviting, doesn't it?

Traffic-185

2008-10-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

Not very exciting, but it is what it is, Traffic!

Rocket-296

2008-10-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

I wished I could make a trip to Cape Canavaral and get a shot of both space shuttles on launch pads next to each other since that is a rare occurance. But, since I can't I'll settle for this shot of a rocket that Marc and Dylan launched from one of those model rocket kits.

Festival-54

2008-10-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

I went to the balloon festival in Knoxville last weekend. The weather wasn't that great and I only had time to go Sat. morning which was a complete bust. They were to do a sunrise liftoff and due to cloudy drizzley conditions they never got off the ground. About 4 balloons inflated for a brief time but soon deflated and were packed up.I was only able to get a couple of shots during that time and had to leave before the afternoon festivities got under way.

Bagel-288

2008-10-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

This was my breakfast one morning.
Blueberry bagel with FF cream cheese and grapes.

Cartoon-286

2008-10-04T05:09:00.000-07:00

This is "Burnie" the hot air balloon. He is a massive cartoon shaped balloon that was at the festival. The guy that owns it was kind enough to let me get close to the action as they were inflating him. Unfortunately, he never got off the ground while I was there due to inclimate weather. bummer!

Fountain-321

2008-10-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

I came across this lighted fountain last week as I was for the sun to come up at the balloon festival.

Jump-306

2008-09-17T16:22:00.011-07:00

I took this shot a while back and realized it would work for this theme. I really got lucky with this one. The deer crossed in front of me and when I realized it really didn't have anywhere to go except over the fence, I grabbed my camera and shot.

Arrow-356

2008-09-17T16:22:00.010-07:00

This is a dart , which is a mini arrow, going into the dartboard.

ZigZag-364

2008-09-17T16:22:00.009-07:00

This is a split rail fence that zigzags its way around the grounds of the Sam Houston Schoolhouse.

Wooden-14

2008-09-17T16:22:00.008-07:00

It was a beautiful day today. The sky was blue and the air was cool. I see this church all the time and today I just happened by it and gave it a look. I saw that beautiful blue sky against the wood color and I had to turn around go back to shoot it.

Apple-316

2008-09-17T16:22:00.007-07:00

This bin of apples was on the Sam Houston Schoolhouse grounds. They came from a nearby tree. Most were rotten, but who needs a perfect little apple for this theme.

Skill-308

2008-09-17T16:22:00.006-07:00

Here is my nephew Nicholas showing his skill with his backhand at a recent tennis match.

Carriage-157

2008-09-17T16:22:00.005-07:00

This is an old carriage located in Cades Cove.

Big-144

2008-09-17T16:22:00.004-07:00

This is the biggest known hickory tree in Blount Co. It's really hard to tell how large it actually is, but it is really big!

Tools-126

2008-09-17T16:22:00.003-07:00

This is one of the tool drawers in my husbands massive tool chest.

Plug-105

2008-09-17T16:22:00.002-07:00

This is a plug on a bottle of German beer that Marc brought home from one of his trips. Germany has the coolest bottles and labels. I included the label from the bottle to show you what I mean.

Carved-100

2008-09-17T16:22:00.001-07:00

This is a carving from a log of Sam Houston. He was the 7th Governor of Tennessee. He also grew up in Blount County and was a Teacher. His schoolhouse still stands today and is a historic site here in Maryville. This carving sits in his schoolroom.

Chalk-15

2008-09-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

A chalk line at the kids first soccer game this season.

I've been MIA

2008-09-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have been missing from the blog for several days. My husband is away for 5 weeks to Guam. The kids have soccer, school and work, and I have work and just life in general. The themes are getting harder to come across, but I plan to finish what I started. I do hope to work on some themes this weekend. Sorry, for not visiting your blogs either, I will as soon as I can. Thanks...

Delicate-363

2008-08-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

Butterflies are so delicate and beautiful but yet seem so strong and self assured. I have never really gotten a decent shot of a butterfly, until now. Especially one as nice as this one. This is a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly.

Health-156

2008-08-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

The health of this bumble bee declined rapidly after being captured by this spider. They battled for about 5 minutes. The spider won.

Pattern-176

2008-08-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

I just love the spotted pattern on this fawn. They are so cute and plentiful in Cades Cove right now. She posed nice and pretty for me before she followed mom off into the meadow.

Forgotten-141

2008-08-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

I let KC outside for a bit today and forgot about her. When I went out to look for her, I found her hiding on this bradford pear stump that has come back to life this year. This was the only opening I could see her in. She was totally hidden. I think she did that on purpose so she wouldn't have to go inside.

Lonely-91

2008-08-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

As I continued my quest for the sunrise on the Blue Ridge Parkway I passed one car in ten miles. I finally found an overlook with a nice view of the mountains. I pulled over set up my tripod and waited. I spent about 20 to 30 minutes shooting the sun at various stages and realized not one car had passed me the whole time. I was up there by myself. My kids were asleep at the hotel and my husband couldn't come with us. So it was me, the sunrise, the Blue Ridge Mountains and all the little noises I was hearing around me. The sunrise wasn't the best I've seen. A little too cloudy, but I was thankful for what I got.

Chilly-243

2008-08-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

The air was chilly as I set out to capture the sunrise on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I first encountered the moon reflecting off Price lake. This was at 6:00 am.

Halfway-250

2008-08-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is the Linn Cove Viaduct about halfway up the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is basically a bridge that skirts around Grandfather Mountain. The view is amazing!

Swing-246

2008-08-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is the "Mile High Swinging Bridge" at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. I really had to psych myself up to make it across. I started across 3 different times and turned and came back. Not too crazy about heights, but I kept telling myself that the view and photography would be worth it. I conquered my fear and made it across and back and the view was well worth it.

http://www.grandfather.com/swinging_bridge/

Archway-168

2008-08-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is an underpass of the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina.

Bones-147

2008-08-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

These are skulls from a beaver and a skunk. A park ranger had them on a table along with their fur pelts.

Fort Loudoun

2008-08-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

We went to Fort Loudon historical site yesterday. It is an original 18th century British fort. Of course it has been restored. Occaisionally they will have demonstration weekends that are quite interesting. We went to one several years ago and they have improved the fort greatly since then. Next month there will be an 18th century trade faire I'll probably try to make it to. I was able to use a lot of shots for the challenge and am getting ever so close to being caught up.
Wooooo-hooooo! These shots are dedicated to my friends across the pond in the UK.

Obstacle-49

2008-08-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

The first shot is what the enemy would see approacing the fort. These thorn bushes are the first obstacle they encounter then the spiked poles surrounding the fort.

If you can't make it in that way, the second shot shows another obstacle and an armed soldier as well.

Costume-303

2008-08-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

These re-enactors wear their period costumes for these events. It was about 85 degrees and I'm sure they were extremely hot under all that stuff, but I never heard a single complaint.

Knowledge-315

2008-08-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

These re-enactors have a lot of knowledge of 18th century warfare and demonstrated that quite well.

Soap-202

2008-08-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

A variety of handmade soaps sold in the "storehouse".

Sundial-26

2008-08-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

A woman was selling these sundials at the "storehouse". She brought it outside with a compass and pointed it northward to see if the time was correct. It was, except for the fact that a sundial doesn't recognize daylight savings time.

Ladder-293

2008-08-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

The ladder led to the loft of one of the bunkhouses at Fort Loudoun.

Jewelry-329

2008-08-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

This man makes jewelry that replicates jewelry of the 18th century.

Pens-307

2008-08-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Quill pens at a desk in the commanders quarters.

Medicine-287

2008-08-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some replica medicine bottles that would have been used during the 18th century.

Music-169

2008-08-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

The little drummer boy left his drum and coat on a bunk.

Ball-111

2008-08-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a set of bocce balls. I went to a 18th century Fort today and will have a lot more shots to come for the blog. There were children in period clothing playing with these balls.

YoYo-17

2008-08-10T17:54:00.001-07:00

This is an old fashioned YoYo they had for sale along with other toys.

Sandwich-328

2008-08-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

No matter where your from, no matter what you call it. Sandwich, hoagie, grinder or sub. There's nothing better than a good fresh one on a hot summer day.

Precious-87

2008-08-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this nest and staked it out ready to shoot some pictures. Mom came about 5 minutes later and I started shooting away and this is the result I got.

Bent-358

2008-08-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is a five-lined skink. He was sunning himself with his tail bent off the stump.

Discovery-366

2008-08-09T19:03:00.001-07:00

I discovered this treasure this morning. It is an abandoned rock quarry that was donated along with the surrounding property to Ijams Nature Center. http://www.ijams.org/. They have cleaned up the whole area and built nature trails all along the property. I have lived in East Tennessee my whole life and never knew this was here until today.

Museum-242

2008-08-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

I found this guy at Ijams Nature Center Museum in Knoxville, Tn

He is a Red Salamander ((Pseudotriton ruber)

Monday-355

2008-08-04T04:41:00.001-07:00

Today is Monday. It's the first day of the week and the first day of a new school year for my kids. Hannah is a Sophmore this year, and Dylan will be in 8th grade. I've been taking these "first day of school" shots since kindergarten. I can honestly remember the first day of school ever for both of them and it seems just like yesterday. ...sigh. I don't really get sad or down when I think of myself growing older or when I have a birthday. But, with every birthday and every new school year with my children I do feel a pang of sadness on these days. They are getting older and all too soon will be flying the coop. This momma won't be a happy bird on that day.

Have a happy Monday. :o)

Jagged-255

2008-07-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at capturing lightning. I stood in my garage and took several long exposures. These are the best ones.

Playing Card-188

2008-07-29T15:13:00.001-07:00

Me shuffling a deck of cards. I used my self timer to get this shot.

Spiral-203

2008-07-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

Chinese-209

2008-07-29T15:11:00.001-07:00

I do like chinese food. This is Kung Pao chicken, one of my favorites.

Beginning-260

2008-07-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

I was taking pictures the other day around a small pond and I see these dragonflies buzzing around my head. Well, the next thing I know they are mating right out in the middle of the pond. It was a little too far away to shoot clearly with the lens I had on, so I had to crop these shots quite a bit. That's why the quality is not the best. Anyway, so after they mate, the female immediately deposits her eggs on a nearby lilypad. These shots show the beginning of the life of a dragonfly.

Bookmark-297

2008-07-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

This is a bookmark that Marc brought to me from Egypt. I use it all the time. I noticed the sun coming through the window today and creating an unusal shadow with the bookmark, and I thought it was kinda cool.

Smudge-298

2008-07-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is my blog list I keep with me at all times. It is smudged, torn and wrinkled and I think I'll print me out a new modified one minus all the themes I've completed.

Photo-150

2008-07-26T14:47:00.001-07:00

Here is a collection of old family photos I have displayed in our home.

Pastry-295

2008-07-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite pastry, Baklava. I'm not greek, but I love it anyway.

Anniversary-151

2008-07-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

On July 22 my husband Marc and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. This photo shows our cake topper, annivarsary candle and our wedding photo in the back.

Fear-158

2008-07-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

A lot of people fear snakes. They don't really bother me if I know for a fact that they're not poisonous. For example this green garter snake isn't, so I got as close as he would let me. I do believe he feared me more than I feared him.

Playing Catch up again

2008-07-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have noticed, I haven't posted much lately, or commented on your blogs. I have just been so very busy this summer with the kids and vacations and family visiting. I haven't had that much time to upload and edit and comment and blah blah blah. I was just about caught up at the beginning of June and could see light at the end of the tunnel and then got way behind again. Now, I'm within 20 and I'm going to try to knock a few out this weekend.