Wednesday, February 9, 2011

My day in photos

I had the 50mm lens on the camera today, which I brought to school to take the final portraits for the Lower School Spotlight Board. Every month, it is my job (and has been for years) to take photos of whatever class we’re highlighting on both the main board and the lower school board. Last week, I photographed all the 9th graders (44 of them) and then about 30 lower school students. Today I took photos of those who were absent last week.

It takes me about 5 minutes to go into a classroom and photograph about 20 kids. The trick is to do it fast. And do it right. I believe you also have to really like the kids, which I honestly do. They smile for me because I believe they like me, too. I tell them they are naturals, or that they love the camera. I joke with them. And because I do it so fast, I sometimes have to retake one or two.

Today I snapped a few extra pics while I was at it, thinking that if I had nothing to say tonight (which I do not), I’d share these with you.

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Coming in the school driveway at 7:20 this morning.

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The cupola, viewed from inside one of the courtyards. I actually opened the door to take this shot and the icy blast nearly knocked me over.

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A moment of weakness after lunch.

I have many moments of weakness some days. Today Andy, who teaches government & economics in the upper school, brought in tons of little candy bars, left over from a project to teach the students about supply and demand.

What to do with all the leftover candy? Hey, let’s put it in the main office and drive Mrs. Young crazy! Capital idea!

Those big m&m’s are filled with peanut butter.

Can you feel my pain?

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The Varsity and Junior Titan cheerleaders warm up in the lobby before a basketball game this afternoon. Our cheerleading squad is one of the best, if not THE best, in the area. Our coach is one of our parents, who also happens to have coached for years at the college level. We are blessed to have her. And the squad is absolutely amazing to watch.

I never post photos of the kids at our school, but these two young ladies (they’re sisters) have their backs to the camera, so I hope it’s ok.

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Driving home through town at the end of a very long day.

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About to head up the hill where I live. Our house is on the very top, at the end of a long driveway. The long driveway which I walked this afternoon, up and down, up and down – trying to negate the effects of m&m’s and what have you. (Tiny little Almond Joys, Snickers, Reece cups).

Thank heavens I only had the m&m’s.

Ok. I had two Almond Joys but who’s counting?


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And at the very top, he waits for me. Every day.

And then we walk together.

The End.

Respectfully submitted,

123 Signature

PS – My husband and I are watching the end of one of my favorite movies from when I was a kid: The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming! Fun!!

50 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

The school building (and that cupola) are just beautiful. Your skies driving home looked like more winter on the way. But then there's George. He is the most perfect welcome-homer one could ever need. :)

Ellen said...

Beautiful pics, as usual.

Enjoy your movie.

Country Gal said...

That was an awesome post and photos, thanx for taking us with you .
I love the look of the school and town it looks soo nice and your home is lovely as usual. Nice to see George there to greet you. Good thing it doesnt rain M&MS & smarties or I would be in trouble lol . Have a great day !

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

... no Kate.. I'm not feeling your pain... because I'm soothing my own with cranberry raspberry sorbetto with chocolate chunks. 10 minutes after I got off the treadmill to pay dues for the two sinfully delicious sticky buns I ate this afternoon.

That school is beautiful.. the cupola!!!....

I just love those handsome dog faces as they look at you with what you know is pure love.

SouthernSass said...

I look forward to visiting your blog everyday. I don't comment very often, but I want you to know that I enjoy "visiting" with you, your husband and George very much!

Hugs from the South!

cottage farm villa said...

Kate, the lobby of the school is so beautiful ~ what a spectacular place to work ~ I am in awe!! Thanks for taking us on your ride home with George waiting for you in the driveway ... too sweet. You live in such a gorgeous area of the country ~ Loved this post!!

Chocolate Cat said...

I enjoyed todays photos, thanks for sharing! Love peanut butter m & m's, wish we could get them here but then maybe it's good that we can't!!!

Low Tide High Style said...

I think it's really great that you do so much photography for your school, they are very lucky to have you! And it's nice to have a day at work where everything goes well and you can come home happy. Of course it never hurts to be greeted by a furry friend, go for a walk, and watch a movie with the one you love, the perfect way to end your day!

Kat :)

Hilary said...

M & M's with peanut butter......that is CRIMINAL.

Caroline said...

So awesome! I love posts like this...gives us all a glimpse of your day. Wonderful photos as usual!

becky up the hill said...

The Russian's are Coming is one of my favorites. It was filmed on the California Coast, Ft.Bragg and Mendicino. Our family was camping there at the time and we saw the sub (made out of plywood) and hang around the actors. I was a whittle kid ;o). p.s. Almond Joys are healthy nuts and natural tropical fruit..and don't get me started on M&M's~

Pat - Arkansas said...

The school building and the cupola are beautiful. They don't build schools like that down here. Love the photo of George and the fact that he waits for you e.v.e.r.y. day. That dog loves you as much as you love him.

Cheryl said...

Love the school bldg. Just darling of Mr George, he's a sweetie!

Jeanne Walker said...

What a great place and environment to work in...you seem to really like your work and that's is so important...to be happy where you're at!

It's great having such a loyal friend and companion waiting for you...my Gracie gets really excited when I come through the door!

Hugs!

Bluebird49 said...

What a very cool school! The small (and I mean small!) academy we sent our two children to would have been in awe of your building. Cupola and all! My daughter cheered from 8th thru 12th--football and basketball--I remember spending all the nights we weren't at games waiting down at the school for her to come home from "aways" on the bus! Busy days--then Son played the only 3 sports they played at the time--Football, Baseball and Basketball--wait, wait, wait, Mama! Either for practice or games. Good--no great--memories.

But--as usual--for all the beauty of the cupola--I love the widow's walk at your snazzy home + George!

Unknown said...

I don't even know what to say.

thank you. there is something here . something you do that illuminates.

Another Sister said...

I LOVED that movie!!

GailO said...

I love that last shot of George waiting for you! It was fun spending the day with you:)

Deb said...

wow you live in and work in beautiful places....I love the photos...

Kerri Farley said...

I've never had the peanut butter M&Ms before .... they sound Yummy!
And what a beautiful sight to greet you every day :)

Mental P Mama said...

Always a treat. Even the demonic candy;)

Marilyn said...

What a great place to work...it's so.... stately!!
Kate, have you ever asked your hubby if he's noticed George "sensing" your arrival home? You know how they say a dog knows when their master/mistress is coming home? What a welcome you get....I envy you!!
I know what you meant about being blown over by the cold wind...wow, did it sting yesterday.

Joey said...

I LOVE the M&M shot! How do you get those colors so vibrant? I am so camera challenged!

www.catchjoyasitfliesby.blogspot.com

Nurse Nancy said...

Really great shots....I miss my Hope greating me on the stairs every day....

Skogkjerring said...

Oh M&M's....wish those were common things here in Norway!!! You made me so hungry for that yummy snack- I completely understand your weakness!!!
Thanks for taking us with you today, that's always fun to see how everyone else lives their lives!!! Looks like a quaint little town you live in- are there many who live there?
Have a great day :-) Give George a Belly scratch from me :-)

The JR said...

All the photos are great. But having the B&W waiting for U is the best of all.

My Mind's Eye said...

Well for not having anything to say you said it very well!! LOL
What beautiful school and city you have. I ride a recumbent bike every night for 30-45 minutes. Depending on what I had a lunch that I should not have had. LOL I'd rather be outside but it is too dark to walk the neighborhood. I can hardly wait until DLS. I can start walking outside again.
Madi and Mom

The Weaver of Grass said...

Delightful post. Lovely school photos and words (I do wish we had our national flag outside our schools - the flag is something to be proud of) and lovely to come with yu on your journey home. Thanks for that.

tj said...

...What a beautiful school and that lobby is to die for! And your drive home is lovely too... And then there's that house. And last but not least dear sweet George. *sigh*

...You are blessed my friend. :o)

...Blessings...

beth said...

wow. can i just say your school is amazingly beautiful....wow, it took my breath away !

Carolynn Anctil said...

It sounds (and looks) like an excellent day...I like the ending the best. *smile*

JC said...

I walk with him would be the best part of the day, I would think.

I remember that movie.

Mary said...

What a beautiful school building!

And I would so be scarfing those Almond Joys. ;)

"Emergency, emergency, everyone to get from street...!"

Anonymous said...

Oh, shaddup... we all have some M&M's hiding in our pantry... hee hee. What? You mean just me?

Di

Unknown said...

PHotographs-wonderful
walking with a friend-wonderful
movie with your guy-priceless...
smiles

Andi said...

Peanut butter M&M's?? oh man oh man....my favorite! I can eat a bag by myself! The school is beautiful!

mrs mediocrity said...

Awww, that is one of the things I love best about dogs. Oh, the candy! If it is there, I will eat it. Especially M&Ms. And Reeses. Okay, fine any candy. I feel your pain.

Flea said...

Your school is beautiful. And gaw! Peanut Butter M&M's! Drooling now.

Hi George!!!

Lili said...

Love the classic look of your school and the cheerleaders practicing in the lobby is such an awesome shot. That is so cool that you do the photography for the school, they are so lucky and I can imagine how much fun it must be for you too. Oh and George at the end of your day, and a movie with your sweetie, doesn't get much better than that!~ xo ~Lili

Anonymous said...

I love the texture on the cupola shot. Beautiful. And I love to see George waiting for you, such a handsome, loyal boy.

Mary Lou said...

We had such a fun day! I was in your back pocket!
I like that guy on the wall watching the cheerleaders..
If George were waiting for me, I would speed going home.

MaggieGem said...

Thanks for sharing you day, loved the photos! I'd have a hard time passing up those m&m's too... Peanut Butter are my favorites!

Daryl said...

I know that road! And that dog. I love those street scenes .. the sky is delicious .. and peanut butter M&Ms oh my wait til Toonman hears about them

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

....and he waits for me...every day....you got me good with that one... got me teary...him waiting for you...love it.

thanks for the birthday greetings for my sweet Teddy...he got to rip on his new lawn this morning and he LOVED it....it just melted my heart.....

also i loved taking the ride home with you....

sending cozy love,
kary and teddy
xxx

Jan's camera said...

Hi Kate,

I especially love the shot of the cupola (beautiful texture). And of course, George waiting for your arrival. So sweet.

Deb said...

M & M's...did you actually have M & M's today? So jealous!

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

This school is very fortunate to have you.

Anonymous said...

Where to even start. The second shot of the cupola is gorgeous!! Love the photo of George at the end of the driveway!

Then on to the movie...I LOVED that movie!!! Saw it so many times!!

alphabet soup said...

Here I am right at the tail-end of the comments. A photo-chronicled day. Love it. Fantastic cupola...is the school in Russia?? Ignore that remark. I am in motor-mouth mode today but will limit it to the m & m selection. The laws of supply and demand - what a cruel man that teacher is (lol) using m & m's to make a point. And the big ones are filled with peanut butter!! Truly. My astonishment knows no bounds.
Ms Soup

Erin F said...

your photos make me miss living in Annapolis! just lovely shots.

Erin F