My Christmas Surprise

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

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

Had to get out for a bit.

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

Hannah~16 and Dylan~13

I'm back...

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...

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

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

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

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...

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