Broodmares in the mist

Yesterday a front came in, drenching the area in rain. By mid-afternoon, the skies were clear and bright and I drove home from work thinking that I may have just enough time to get some nice photos. Upon starting our walk, however, the dog and I were greeted with a mist that was hanging in the paddocks. We didn't stay out too long but were able to come home with a couple of shots that manage to somewhat depict what the evening mist held.

This is our view when we began our walk. At this point, the mist was just seeping into the paddocks. By the time we got to the top field (above), there was so much mist and hardly any available light that it was difficult to get a shot with the camera.

I just think it's really beautiful.

The Birthday Boy

George is exactly 6 months old today. I'm really glad that we have him. He was born in Ellsworth, Maine and we found him over the internet and met the couple halfway when we picked him up in September. He's been a great addition to our lives.

Let's go out on a limb here

It's a rainy evening and I wasn't feeling all that great today. It's just a cold, but it's left me tired and bereft of my usual cheerfulness. The absorbent puppy has long since given up trying to get me to play, and my husband (bless him) made me soup and biscuits for dinner. But the best thing is what we're watching on TV, because it's not the usual. We've got the BBC on the telly (sorry, I tend to get into Brit-speak when the BBC is on) and we've got it tuned to a show I find it hard to admit I love.

Alright, I'll go out on a limb here. But don't laugh. It's Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.

I told you not to laugh! I just love the idea of taking a restaurant that is *bleep*ing awful and turning it into a work of art. I can't stand watching Chef Ramsay on Hell's Kitchen, but I really enjoy this show. I'm just happy that we're not watching the news, and I'm feeling a little bit better just being taken care of. It's really nice having someone around that cares about you, isn't it?

This is a Tufted Titmouse that I took a few weeks ago while we were having a bit of a warm spell. I sat on my back porch with my zoom lens and managed to get a couple of shots. It's cheering just looking at the little fellow. So here's to a better tomorrow, then.

The Holidays have passed.

But the poinsettia plant lives on and on.

And I refuse to allow my holiday heart

to form a long-term relationship with this plant.

It's lookin' pretty good still, but it's no good to me anymore.

So let's keep it a secret between you and me

about its impending demise.

The compost pit awaits.

Berries in Winter

I've been out walking around with my macro lens again. I took this photo and Photoshopped it just a little bit. First, I sharpened it up somewhat. Then, I adjusted the color balance with just a bit more red. Finally, I added a curves adjustment layer to put the border around it and then did a slight gausian blur around the edge. You can see what the original Straight Out of Camera shot is below. Everything I did took less than 3 minutes to accomplish. Not that I'm trying to rush it! But I really like the results. And this is fun. I love Photoshop.

Nutrition Packed Goodness

I don't know about you, but I think this seed pod looks good enough to eat.

Don't ask me what its called. I just happened to walk by with my camera and it caught my eye, growing at the edge of the woods.

Doesn't it look like it's sprinkled with sugar?

The Prodigal Scarf

I own a lot of scarves. Some I've hand-knit, some are store-bought, and I like most of them. But years ago, I bought one from J. Crew that I really thought was cool because it was crocheted and simple in a solid cream color. And it had interesting tassles.

And I lost it less than a month after I bought it. I always wondered what had happened to that scarf. I don't usually lose things.

Flash forward to a couple of weeks ago. I was visiting my best friend, Karen, and her daughter Adrienne in NJ for a couple of days and we'd gone Christmas shopping at the Cherry Hill Mall. A Big Adventure for a country girl like myself. After shopping, we decided to have lunch, so Karen got a table in the Houlihan's there, while Adrienne and I went out to put the packages in the car.

While we were walking back in, Adrienne asks if I had noticed the jacket she was wearing. I told her I noticed that it was brown. She tells me then that it's my jacket, or at least she thinks it's my jacket and that I had left it at her mom's house. I told her I had never left a jacket at Karen's house. I would have remembered leaving a jacket. But, I told her, I did remember leaving a scarf.

She hadn't seen anything like that, she told me. So I explained the hand-crotcheting, the color, these cool tassles at the ends, and ended by telling her I hadn't seen it in years. She said she'd been sure the jacket was mine, but sorry, she hadn't seen a lost scarf.

We had a really good lunch, then went and got holiday pedicures. Livin' it up in Jersey! When we got back to Adrienne's lovely little house, I opened the closet and was reaching for the hanger to hang up my jacket, and there on the shelf . . . IS MY SCARF!!! I burst out laughing, and I take it down and say, "Um . . . Adrienne, this is the scarf I lost!"

"No!!!" she says, "You're kidding!" Karen asks me if I was sure this was the same scarf I lost, because Adrienne's had this one for years.

Yeah, I was sure. Down to its J.Crew sticker and the little tassles, I was sure. I had lost it in January 2004, and it's really funny because I hadn't thought about it for years until that very afternoon when Adrienne mentioned the jacket. It's weird how things happen sometimes, isn't it?

Adrienne said that she didn't like it anymore, so I could have it back now. She's super nice that way, Adrienne is! Maybe I'll wear it for awhile, and we can end up sharing it. If she wants to, that is.

At least this mystery's been solved.

Oh, pine tree

The best part

of happiness

is in the pines.

~The Quote Garden

He's never followed the rules.

I know for some people, it's difficult to obey a sign that says, in big letters, STAY BEHIND FENCE. It's especially difficult when others have hacked away at said fence, affording an easy opening to a ledge that hangs precipitiously over a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Don't worry. No one was hurt. But there's a reason for this sign! This was shot yesterday during our visit to Cape Henlopen State Park. When we got home, and pulled into the driveway, I noticed something hanging from our front door. I think the conversation went something like this:

ME: What's that hanging on our front door?

HIM: Oh, I took the Christmas wreath down for you. What, you just noticed?

ME: No, I noticed yesterday when you took it down. But. What. Is. That?

HIM: Oh, it's a frisbee.

ME: A what???

HIM: It's one of the new frisbees we just bought for the dog last week.

ME: Oh-kay. May I ask why you have a frisbee as a decoration on our front door?

HIM: I just thought it looked like it belonged there. And, it's round.

ME: Honey, nobody hangs a frisbee on their front door.

HIM: Well, I guess that just makes me UNIQUE, then, doesn't it?

Mental note to self: Do not ask husband for any decorating advice. Ever.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

If you're looking for a site that delivers action-packed adventure, I regret to inform you that it won't be found here. If this is too peaceful for you, I understand your need to depart quickly.

I really do. But for me, I'm busy enough during the week. And the weekend is a good time to spend doing quiet things with the guys I love. Get your mind out of the gutter, people. You know what I mean! Peaceful walks, the soothing sound of the ocean, the cries of the seagulls, my husband yelling at the dog . . . wait, did I actually say that? Did I actually say out loud for all to hear that my husband yelled at a sweet little border collie puppy who gets so excited to see other people and (gasp), other dogs, that he is almost difficult for him to control? Oh my, I did say that? Don't get me wrong. It's just that SOMEONE needs to curb their enthusiasm. And frankly, my dear, it's not me. Well, not this time, anyway.

A Walk by the Water

I wouldn't want to live anywhere where the ocean is more than a couple of hours away. It took us just over an hour to get to Cape Henlopen State Park, just outside of Lewes , DE. There's a nice walking trail there that goes all through the woods, with several trails to choose from, and there's a nice campground as well. We like coming here out-of-season because the mosquitos in-season would be horrendous.

In-season, this beach is packed with people. Another reason to stay away. A much, much better beach, with wide-open spaces, is another hour further south at Assateague Island National Seashore, where the people-packing is at a minimum. But here, at Cape Henlopen, it's quiet this time of year.

We saw several other hikers, and lots of dogs. It was cold on the beach, but just over the dune line inland, it was much milder. We walked for several hours and I took lots of pictures. I'll post some in a separate post because I still can't get the hang of how this word-pad thing works with photo placement. I do my best, though.

George was good on the leash, for the most part, but he gets super excited when other people, especially people with dogs (oh, be still his heart) come by. He's really getting big, and doesn't even look like a puppy anymore.

Thanks to my sisters, my friends, and random visitors, who are checking my site every day and writing comments either on posts or via e-mail. I appreciate the visits. This is a much easier way to share my photos with you than just putting them in an e-mail.

I'll be posting more later on. All these shots are Straight Out of Camera, or SOOC, except for the first one of the seagull flying. The bird was a little out of focus, so I sharpened the photo up just a wee bit with Photoshop.

It's a Beautiful Day . . .

. . . In the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor; would ya be mine? Could ya be mine? Sorry about that. I've had a Bruce Springsteen song stuck in my head all day long and now this one is here knocking around. So I think I'll share it with you and maybe I'll get rid of it. It WAS a beautiful day, though. Ok, I'll admit it was cold, but it wasn't 'freakin' freezin' out like it was yesterday, Rich. Oh, and THIS is MY neighborhood. This is the view at the end of my driveway. I really AM lucky.

Channeling Springsteen

My husband takes the pup on walks during the day, but it's my job to take the little fella when I get home from work. Now that it's staying lighter just a little bit longer, it's getting easier, but still it's full-on dark by the time I arrive home when the walk is done. Today, I needed to stay just a little bit longer at work, and then there was one quick stop to make on the way home, putting me a full half hour off my regular gettin' home time. The pup knows the walk is comin', and he's more than ready to get it started. So I quickly get changed, then bundled up (because it's suddenly freaking freezing here), get out the door and am stunned with the sight of such a gorgeous sky.

I knew it was going to be dark really soon, and I headed towards the woods on the far side of the pond. I could see through the trees to the other side where that awesome sky was beckoning. I hesitated for just a moment, then decided to keep going despite the fact that darkness was approaching quickly. The trail through this side is twisty and covered with obstacles in some sections, but I could still see fairly well and make my way to the other side. It's pretty when I get to the other side. It's not on the farm we live, but it's another horse farm and I've always walked this path. I head up the fencerow, planning on making a left about a hundred fifty yards up and I'm starting to think that damn, it's really getting dark. I pick up my pace.

The trail coming up is really wide in the beginning, and then narrows at a small creek. When I made that left and turned in onto the trail, I was surprised at how dark it was in that woods. I chided myself on how I should have known better than to walk in the woods in the dark. And then I almost started to get worried, because there was no way I could go back the way I came, and then this song came into my head and it made me feel better. I kept walking.

Do you know that Bruce Springsteen song, "Out in the Street"? I think it's from The River album. I loved that album. Anyway, it was back before he was a mega-star, but he was famous enough to be able to point to a model on a magazine cover and say "yeah, I want to meet that one" and suddenly, he's marrying Julianne Phillips. Anyway, everybody that knew me back then, knew that I had a HUGE crush on Bruce, and the song goes that when he's "out in the street, I walk the way I wanna walk ". When that song first came out, I changed the words to fit my own needs and they're: "When I'm Out in the Woods . . . da dum da dum dum . . . I walk the way I wanna walk . . . " "When I'm out in the Woods . . . well, I never feel alone . . . " you get the picture.

So I'm singing this song in my head, and I'm able to just keep going, knowing I'm gonna make it to the other side, without turning my ankle in the dark, or walking into a tree, or having a branch poke me in the eye. I can hear the E Street Band playing in my head. And finally, I could see some light through the trees and could see where I was going just a little bit better. I just kept singing my song in my head and finally made it to the other side and I was just able to see my way home.

Anyway, thanks for channeling, Bruce, and getting me through a tough spot. You know, you missed out on me all those years ago, and I've since forgiven you for marrying Julianne.

I got something in the mail today . . .

Let me begin by telling you that every year, at Christmastime, my mother would send a package of little presents to all seven of her children and their families. Although it was sweet that she did this, her little gifts would, without fail, leave us scratching our heads and wondering what she was thinking. So when the box would arrive, it was anyone's guess as to what the contents would consist of that year. Usually, it was something very odd from the Lillian Vernon catalog. And everything would be wrapped. Very tightly. Even the batteries, if they were needed for a particular present.

When our mother passed away in the summer of 2006, I had no idea how much I would miss her and her precious surprises at Christmastime. And so my wonderful sister Char, along with her family, have taken it upon themselves to continue the tradition by sending something dinstinctive from Lillian Vernon. Last year, it was a ridiculous silver-plated coffee spoon that was so heavy it would fall to the bottom of your coffee container. None of us would ever use this gift. Well, that's not entirely true. My brother Steve tried for awhile, digging to the bottom of his coffee container on a daily basis until I told him it was intended as a joke gift. You see, the gifts have to be things that you'll never use, or it won't be funny. (Actually, thinking of my brother attempting to use that spoon was an added bonus. But I had to tell him.)

This year, my long-anticipated present came just today. Wrapped very tightly, with lots of scotch tape, I finally managed to get to the 'prize'. It turned out to be the tiny little measuring set pictured above. Oh, but they're not in increments that you would already have in your kitchen drawer. These are for a "Smidgen", a "Dash", and a "Pinch". And the note that was attached was very cleverly written. It read, in part:

In Honor of Mom

and to keep Lillian Vernon from going completely bankrupt after two Christmas seasons without Mom as a customer . . . our family is sending you this token gift, which we consider to be a fun but totally unnecessary, useless and ridiculous example of free enterirpse and gift giving. So in keeping with the spirit of finding a package at your door at Christmas, Merry Christmas to you all. And if I ever catch you using this, I may have to hurt you in some creative way.

Thanks, Char and family. Thanks for continuing to make me smile. God love ya!

And mom, if you can hear me . . . I miss you.

Here comes the sun

After a week's worth of dreary weather, the sun has come out and it seems everyone is in a better mood.

I'm lovin' this sunshine!

Oh wait, this young fella is in a great mood. Hiya there, boy.

I shared a couple of jokes with this guy, who looks to be having a great time.

Catch ya later, little fella.

Let's hope it's a good one

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Have I told you lately . . .

. . . that I love you? Have I told you there's no one else above you? Fill my heart with gladness, Take away all my sadness, Ease my troubles, that's what you do. And at the end of the day, We should give thanks and pray, To The One, to The One. I'm glad I still have you.

Happy New Year.

My heart goes out to you

Aloha, my dear friends in Pie Town, NM. I can feel your pain all the way here. My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Black Cat

Have I mentioned that I also have a cat? Well, there isn't a whole lot to say except that her name is Blackie, and she used to be called something else until my husband decided it was easier to just call her the name of the color she is.

She was born in one of the barns here on the farm out of a tiny little mother who just happened to show up one day. Many of the cats we've owned were dropped off by well-meaning people; people who probably figure that their little gift will be helpful to us farm folk. Usually, it's a nice pregnant cat they dump from their car. You know, it's just so thoughtful of them. Blackie spends most of her days staying away from that darn puppy, but she seems pretty happy. Notice how she's perched atop this fence post? Well, guess who's at the bottom? You got it. This is her life and she is dealing with it as best she can.

Sort of like what we're all doing.

A Tale of Two Ornaments

I love buying Christmas ornaments. I enjoy giving them as gifts to friends and I often buy two of the same kind, keeping one and giving the other away. This is my favorite ornament on my tree right now. I have other acorns because I like them, but for me, this one just takes the cake. When I found it, I bought one right away and wrapped and boxed it and mailed it to a friend whose birthday is just before Christmas. She also collects acorns and when she received this gift, she called me to say how much she loved it. I was pleased. Well, I had only bought one. And I realized that as silly as it seems, I was going to miss that pretty acorn. But when I returned to the store I purchased it from, all the acorns were gone. Oh, they had other acorn ornaments to show me, but none like this one. But I perservered and finally, in a little corner, on a little tree display, I found them. And there were only a few left. And it makes a perfect subject for my new camera lens.