Klazane

Ten on Ten

2011-08-10T22:26:00.002-04:00

Click the image above to check out others linking up for Ten on Ten!

...looking over this, I didn't realize I spent more than half my day outside today!

2011-07-28T21:45:00.001-04:00

I've been avoiding my blog. Because I didn't even want to *think* about how long it's been since I posted. And since I have laundry to do and things. Here are some pictures. And very few words. So that I can stop avoiding my blog.

This was accidental and I love it.

Sun Showers

2011-06-02T17:00:00.001-04:00

What's my favorite weather phenomena, you ask?

You didn't ask?

Well, while I'm on the subject:

Sun showers.

LOVE THEM.

Light and rain? Perfect opportunity for rain drop photos, if you ask me. :)

Not to mention the lovely glittering bokeh. ;D

In Awe

2011-06-01T17:00:00.001-04:00

Some days, I just absolutely cannot wrap my mind around how amazing creation is.

We have orange lilies in our yard--have had them for over ten years.

And just yesterday, I really saw them.
And I was amazed.

"All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." [John 1:3, NKJV]

First Fruits of the Garden

2011-05-31T17:00:00.002-04:00

Check out these lovelies!

Stuff

2011-05-30T21:00:00.001-04:00

I'm back on the blogging bandwagon.
For the time being, at least.
I'm pretty much done[!] with school, I graduate next week...woah, did I just say that? I graduate. Next. Week.
And I've got lots of things to do, but much less than before!
Hence the blogging.
And to make this post cute:

Puppy panorama power. I got it.

Those Eyes...

2011-05-07T18:00:00.002-04:00

...they kill me.

Now tell me, do I like this better in black and white, or in color?

The Garden Is A-Growin'

2011-05-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Yet Again

2011-05-05T18:00:00.006-04:00

I think I will quite possibly blog about this dog every day for just about forever. He's just that cute.

Our New Buddy :)

2011-04-30T18:00:00.000-04:00

We brought home Gunter this Monday.

He has the sweetest, most expressive little puppy eyes.

He loves being right next to people, and he never fails to find tight spots to squeeze into.

He loves sticks, and anything that moves (including leaves!)

And his kennel....well, he's working on liking that, too. :)

Gunter

2011-04-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

Someone was looking to give away an eight-month old rottweiler puppy.

Meet Gunter, our very own. :)

Just Cuteness.

2011-03-29T15:44:00.000-04:00

Just cuteness.
That's all, folks.

In Which Winter Commences. Again.

2011-03-25T17:00:00.004-04:00

What's that you say?
Spring began last weekend?

Apparently this snow storm didn't get the memo.

After sleeping in for three hours, I trekked outside to get some shots of the [hopefully last] accumulation. Don't get me wrong; I love snow. But I'm ready for spring and hoping we might have some semblance of an Easter break, despite all the snow days. :)

My secret to success for the day? Bracketing. I usually just fiddle for each shot, but it was so much easier to shoot in the snow with bracketing. I used Av mode and set up the exposure bracketing to get exposures at 0, +2/3, and +1 1/3.
And it continued snowing pretty much the entire day, so my camera and I went out in high fasion--I wearing the typical winter garb and she inside a plastic bag with a hole cut in it.

Despite an entire winter stuffed inside working on college applications, financial aid, and a lot of school work, I managed to capture a few of my favorite winter pictures Tuesday. :)

That's the way the cookie crumbles...

2011-03-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, we had a tiny spider plant. This tiny spider plant grew, and grew, and grew. I thought it was fascinating: the long, thin variegated leaves...the way they put the daughter plants out, hanging like parachutes, just waiting to land.
My mom killed the spider plant.
I was disappointed.
Fast forward to the present.
We went to my grandmother's house. She was looking to get rid of a couple of spider plants. One was in a blue pot, which, when brought home, happened to match our kitchen decor perfectly.

I'd say he's a keeper.

Seed Tape

2011-03-23T17:00:00.015-04:00

We can't plant outside yet, but that's not stopping us from getting seeds ready for the garden! We've made seed tape using strips of newspaper, fixing on the seeds at the prescribed intervals with a flour paste.

This way, when it comes time to plant our veggies, there's a lot less tedious measuring, digging of tiny holes, and losing minute seeds! :)

And it's a perfect project for little hands to help with.
Directions on this blog here.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-22T17:00:00.003-04:00

Note: For the purpose of this post, I shall proceed to disregard the facts that it snowed yesterday, and we're expecting a snow storm tomorrow.

Spring certainly looks like it's on the way...

...sleepy bulbs are poking their head from the ground to greet the sun...

...the narcissus is blooming...

...and the ivy of the window sill is soaking in the light on the south side of the house...

...as is the cat.

Recap

2011-02-26T19:21:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted anything in a month. I've had a very busy month...or two or three.
But, I have some highlights to share. Or maybe not highlights--just things that stood out to me.
This month, it snowed.

And snowed.

Not a snow day's worth, but enough to make everything look crisp and clean.

This month, I learned to embrace grain. For those overcast snowy days inside.

This month, I had a birthday.
Not to mention a wonderful friend who blew up a whole package of balloons and brought them all to school in her back seat.

And a wonderful sister who made this for me...all by herself! What a cutie. :)

Painted Pots

2011-01-25T20:00:00.000-05:00

I love these brightly painted pots in the kitchen with bright shoots of green peeking above the rims. They cheer the room. :)

A Little Late...

2011-01-24T20:00:00.002-05:00

A little late, but maybe next year when you're searching for that misplaced package of gift tags, you'll think of this.
And then again, maybe not. :)
I cut out construction paper circles with a little tab on top like an ornament. Then wrapped a bit of aluminum foil around the top and taped in place.
They were cuter in person. ;)

In Which I Take Pictures of Muffins

2011-01-23T20:00:00.022-05:00

Not too long ago, I picked up a box of Gingerbread Graham Crackers.They had a recipe for Gingerbread...bread on the side panel.
I made them into muffins and used powdered sugar instead of glaze.
My choice proved to be for the best when the last bit of evening light stole in through the kitchen windows and settled on the cooling muffins.
Check out that bokeh, man!

Handy-cat

2011-01-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

Molli took care of the Christmas lights this year.

Or at least she thinks she did.

December Photo Project: In Review

2011-01-02T19:13:00.000-05:00

December 2010 was a very busy month for me. Many days I worked, most days I had school, some days I had work and school, and lots of free time was occupied with not only Christmas shopping and preparations, but also college applications. I decided at one point, after having school all day and working all evening, that I would try to challenge myself to get 25 shots of different, meaningful, Christmas-y or December-y things.
I might have 25 things, but I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend on the computer, and so I didn't do much uploading and sifting through images.
So, as it turned out, December Photo Project for me this year...didn't turn out.
It might be there, hidden among changed goals and numerous folders, but I don't think I need to look for it.
It was a HUGE challenge this year (much more so than last year), and I enjoyed it.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December Photo Project: Walnuts

2010-12-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

Walnuts--a sign of Christmastime in my house!

December Photo Project: Green Fudge

2010-12-18T20:00:00.002-05:00

This fudge recipe calls for white chocolate wafers.
There were no white white chocolate wafers.
Only green white chocolate.
Hence the color.

December Photo Project: Decorated

2010-12-17T21:00:00.005-05:00

I'll have to post a full photo of our tree another day...it looks fab, if I do say so myself. :)

Check out those real spruce needles! :D

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Another First

2010-12-16T19:45:00.000-05:00

I mentioned we have lights on our porch for the first time in many years, but that's not the only first this Christmas. :) For the first time in ten years...
Oh, what's that on the top of the car?

That's right. A real, live, full, wonderful, scented, prickly Christmas tree.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Ricotta Cookies

2010-12-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

Our recipe is over at my mom's blog. :)

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Boots by the Door

2010-12-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Paper Snowflakes

2010-12-13T20:10:00.005-05:00

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Lights Outside!

2010-12-12T20:07:00.002-05:00

We haven't had lights outside in many, many years, so this year is a nice change!

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Zippers

2010-12-11T20:02:00.009-05:00

Lizzy--she's got her own money and her own style!

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

Note: I was at school and at work all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, so the images from those days are extras from others! (immacheater.)

December Photo Project: Indoor Garden

2010-12-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

I got these prints in the mail the other day; they cheer the dining room. :)

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: In A Jar

2010-12-09T19:55:00.005-05:00

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Christmas Cards

2010-12-08T20:00:00.002-05:00

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Mashed Potatoes

2010-12-07T19:30:00.003-05:00

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: I Can't Decide

2010-12-06T18:00:00.012-05:00

I feel that titles are important. They mean much to me.
Blog titles, that is.
So this evening, I sat at my computer and said to myself:

"What shall the title of today's post be?...

"'Snow On The Ground'?...

"or 'I Whip My Hair Back And Forth'?"
I couldn't decide.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: What a Pair, Those Two

2010-12-05T21:00:00.002-05:00

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

December Photo Project: Late Again This Year

2010-12-04T22:03:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am starting on the fourth for the second year in a row.

But to make up for it? Look at me, gettin' all fancy with our lil' train. He looks like he's movin'! (sort of) WHOOO WOOO.

And this one? This is because I just couldn't resist the cute little red bokeh at the left in the foreground.

Be sure to click the button up top to check out the other December Photo Project participants (who probably weren't scrambling for a picture late in the day)! :)

A Look Back At Summer

2010-11-23T22:50:00.002-05:00

We had a lovely summer garden this year.

We had little red silk hats...

...on the sweet ears of red corn...

...and little visitors...

...and little buds and blossoms...

...and garden-fresh salads...

...and much basil...

...and enough pumpkins (22, to be exact!) to make pumpkin pies the whole month of November and still stock the freezer with extra pumpkin. :)

A Little Mistake

2010-11-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

Somewhere in the world...there's some kid who just got a new job at Hanes.

I didn't notice this when I received (Christmas present from my mom!) the socks, but it became quite apparent when I put them on.

"Good Garbage" :)

2010-11-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Lookee what we got garbage pickin' this summer! ;) It now resides in Lizzy's room, and, with a new ribbon, it types a lot nicer than it did in that first picture!

She feels like Kit Kittredge, American Girl.

It inspires her to walk down by the railroad tracks and take pictures.
In black and white.

What a good girl! :)

My Cat: She's Cuter Than Sliced Bread.

2010-11-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

I think my cat gets cuter and cuter and cuter every day.

Therefore, I feel the need to take pictures of her every day.

And sometimes I get lucky.

Very lucky. :)

In Loving Memory...

2010-08-15T16:57:00.000-04:00

...of Gretchen...

...who hated baths...

...and whose black hair on her head had little brown roots...

...who let the cat sleep in her kennel...

...to sleep in her new favorite spot...

...under the table...

...who had the sweetest face...

...who could balance treats on her nose...

...who loved the snow...

...very...

...much...

...who loved to lay in the sunshine...

...who was loved by all...

...and will be missed by many.

I thank God for all the wonderful memories we have of her life.

12 June 2000 - 15 July 2010

2010-06-28T20:00:00.001-04:00

I love experimenting with depth of field...the possibilities are endless.

At the risk of sounding like a salesman...

2010-06-15T14:29:00.000-04:00

Recently, I heard about (and subsequently ordered) a fabulous product.
You know those lovely multi-hundred dollar speedlites that yield fabulous results, particularly when bouncing off a wall or ceiling?
You know that pop-up flash on you camera that can do no such thing?
*drumroll*
The Lightscoop.
It reflects your pop-up flash onto a wall or ceiling at the perfect angle.
It really works.
It's only thirty bucks!

Pop-up Flash

Pop-up Flash + Lightscoop

Pop-up Flash

Pop-up Flash + Lightscoop

Just an Interesting Little Tidbit, I think.

2010-06-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

Just had a woodpecker at the hummingbird feeder--I googled and found it was more common than I thought, but it was a first here.
There are 100% crops...I need a telephoto lens!

A Life Cycle--In Reverse

2010-06-07T11:22:00.002-04:00

I love how these lovely white flowers...

...unfurl delicately...

...from tiny pink buds.

Homemade Pillow Pet!

2010-06-01T21:48:00.000-04:00

Lizzy falls for every infomercial. She's convinced that you can have the abs you want for just 3 minutes a day.
She's also convinced that she needs a Pillow Pet--a cow. Because she has so many stuffed cats, and they need milk.
I'm convinced it'd be more fun (and cheaper) to make.
It was.

I've secretly named her Wendy, but I'll let Lizzy pick out her own name. ;)

If You Give a Photographer Some Bokeh...

2010-05-30T21:04:00.002-04:00

I seem to be able to relate everything to If You Give a Pig a Pancake, and all those other similar books about cookie-eating mice and muffin-eating meese--mooses--moose.
Yeah. So anyway...
I found myself thinking:
"If you give a photographer [though I have some qualms about calling myself such; but it fits nicely in my little storybook line here] some beautiful natural bokeh..."

"...she'll want a homemade bokeh filter to go with it."

Yeah, that's right. I ran in the house, found some black construction paper and made a bokeh filter, just because it...needed to be done. I couldn't resist. Alongside the other one, I see that the second one should be brighter, but I don't have any editing programs on this computer, so it's sooc. It'll have to do.

Two Unrelated Images. Yeah.

2010-05-05T21:31:00.004-04:00

I originally made this post as two random images I felt like sharing, but afterward, I was struck by a strong similarity in composition...or something. Anyone else seeing that?

On to the images...

If you met this energetic little bundle of fluff, you'd be able to appreciate this image on a whole new level. He doesn't really sit still much!

And a tribute to warm spring days. (Check out those fun new placemats, too!)

(Pretend there's no motion blur.)

A Small Excitement

2010-04-15T19:56:00.003-04:00

I haven't been on Webshots in a while. Just too much going on at the moment.
But I decided to check the blog today to see what the current challenge was.
As I scrolled down, I met a little surprise.
It was one of those things that makes you suck in your breath.
Before you even know why.
And then I realized.
"I took that!"
:)
http://blog.webshots.com/?p=1290
Second photo. Not the best of the three they chose to post, but still one of the three they chose.

Just a little excitement this Thursday evening.

This week...

2010-03-28T19:38:00.001-04:00

...there was some sunshine...

...a bit of color...

...and a digital SLR with my name on it. :D

A New Student

2010-02-20T14:51:00.002-05:00

Lizzy has taken into her head to teach her the alphabet and numbers.

She's a fairly cooperative pupil.
Mostly.
Just a little crabby.
And she just sleeps a lot.

Precious Raindrops

2010-01-26T18:44:00.006-05:00

It rained all day yesterday.
Afterward...
It was beautiful.

Raindrops hung on branches like pearls.

And then the setting sun broke through the clouds.
And they sparkled like thousands of little diamonds.

That girl...

2010-01-18T21:01:00.001-05:00

...and that cat.

Snowflake Fun

2010-01-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

25Dec2009

2009-12-25T21:24:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

24Dec2009

2009-12-24T21:02:00.003-05:00

23Dec2009

2009-12-23T23:41:00.000-05:00

We set up the Christmas village today.

These little additions from Lizzy have to be some of my favorite parts.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

22Dec2009

2009-12-22T23:34:00.000-05:00

Tonight I had my annual gift exchange/Christmas party with some friends.
After I started going to cyberschool, I don't really see or talk to them very much.
We'll talk on Facebook sometimes.
But only if I start the conversation.
But I had a really great gift from one person who regularly makes an effort to keep in touch.
She gave me a few bird-related items, but the best part was a simple fleece blanket.
One of those ones with two layers where you tie the knots around the edge.
She's not much of one for sewing or crafting or that sort of thing, but she wanted to make me something.
Because I always make things for her for her birthday and Christmas and whatnot.
It was one of the sweetest gifts I've ever received.

I love it dearly.

21Dec2009

2009-12-21T23:08:00.000-05:00

Just having some fun with the Christmas tree.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

20Dec2009

2009-12-20T22:00:00.001-05:00

We had a few inches of snow on the ground when we woke up this morning.
Gretchen was very excited, and had lots of fun running around and eating snow.

This drain seemed pretty happy, too.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

19Dec2009

2009-12-19T22:00:00.001-05:00

It appears...

that a white Christmas may be on the horizon.
(Please excuse the poor photo)

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

18Dec2009

2009-12-18T22:18:00.005-05:00

I love the way the lights twinkle.
We don't have blinking lights, but every time you move, a light may become hidden from sight and another may come into view.
So they twinkle.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

17Dec2009

2009-12-17T22:16:00.001-05:00

We set up the Christmas tree today. =)

This year's theme is red and teal.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

16Dec2009

2009-12-16T20:30:00.000-05:00

My mom bought this locket for me for my thirteenth birthday.
It's remained empty.
Almost 4 years now.
Until today, that is.
Molli and Gretchen are in there now.
I didn't feel like printing pictures out, so I drew them.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

15Dec2009

2009-12-15T20:53:00.002-05:00

I call it "Wintergreen. [not the flavor]"

I love seeing this bit of lively green in the house every day.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

14Dec2009

2009-12-14T20:48:00.005-05:00

Date Pinwheel Cookies.

Fresh from the oven.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

13Dec2009

2009-12-13T21:50:00.002-05:00

Today we read How the Grinch Stole Christmas...

...and watched the birds at the feeders...

...and lit two candles at dinner.

Oh, how I do love December.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

12Dec2009

2009-12-12T21:17:00.005-05:00

This is Fluffy.

She's been with us for nearly two years this month.
Meaning she's been with us nearly everywhere for the past two years.
Camping, shopping, you name it. Fluffy's been there.
Here she is tonight, all bundled up and ready for bed.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

11Dec2009

2009-12-11T22:46:00.001-05:00

Many a pie...

At my church's annual Christmas program.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

10Dec2009

2009-12-10T22:31:00.001-05:00

A very special gift came in the mail the other day.

I can't wait to give it! :D

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

09Dec2009

2009-12-09T21:25:00.002-05:00

This morning was extremely windy--lots of little branches [and a few big ones] litter all the yards now. A few pieces fallen from the pines out front, "spruced" up (pun totally intended. ;]) with a bit of holly made a nice winter centerpiece.

Check out more December Photo Project photos here!

08Dec2009

2009-12-08T22:20:00.001-05:00

The bird feeders are hung, filled, and ready for winter. Molli is pleased with my work. ;]

Check out more photos from the December Photo Project here!

Winter Morning Walk

2009-12-07T22:02:00.002-05:00

I was taking the dog for a walk yesterday morning.
It was fairly bright out, but the sun couldn't yet be seen over the hills here in the valley.
I turned a certain corner, and stood in awe.
Maybe it was the snow.
Maybe it was the red and green cars.
Maybe it was that little red house way back in the background.
Maybe it was the curved tire lines through the snow-dusted ground.
I don't know.
But something made me love it.
So much.

(P.S. I just heard about the December Photo Project, and so will be participating in that for the remainder of the month!)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2009-12-05T19:46:00.001-05:00

I was at work today when it started flurrying. Light, airy flurries that fly through the air as tiny specks.

An hour or two later, there were big, wet snowflake clusters.

I came home to this:

And this:

Goings-ons in the Kitchen

2009-12-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

A Bit of Everything

2009-11-25T18:00:00.001-05:00

First and foremost: Happy Thanksgiving! :D

No "I'm back! I'll blog more now!"
I won't be setting standards for myself on how often I should post.
I won't be struggling to find something to post on those boring days.
So. What I will do is post when I have something to post, and don't worry about it when I don't.
It's so simple; I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier.

So, here I am. And here's this post. And there's some catching up to do.
Photography: I took someone's senior portraits a week or two ago, and I'm taking some family pictures sometime soon. Quite exciting. :D
Birding: I didn't make enough time in my schedule to get the most out of fall migration, which I was disappointed about. But then, one morning, I saw a small flock of Juncos. I'm looking forward to winter. And I'm hoping to get to a certain lake that has some awesome migrating and wintering waterfowl. (Saw two way-out-of-range Trumpeters there last year!)
Crafting, Sewing, etc: ...have been neglected, unfortunately. Some Christmas projects coming up, though. =)
Writing: This year, in addition to English, I'm taking Creative Writing. I really hated it at first because the first unit was mostly writing about yourself, which I found quite difficult and uninspiring. This unit is poetry, which I was a bit unsure about going into, but it's actually quite fun. :D We had to do one assignment creating poems with all different formats. (diamonds, limericks, lanterns, etc.) Here are three I happened to like:

This first one's silly. A limerick:

There once was an amoeba named Fi-fi.
Who ate bacterium and algae.
But the psuedopods couldn't reach,
To the little specks of green on the beach.
Who were, themselves, quite filled with glee.

A 5W (Who, what, where, when, why):

My lovely cat
Knocked everything,
From my desk,
In the middle of the night,
To warn me of an empty food dish.

And another silly one. A quinzane (a statement of 7 syllables in the first line, and a question spaced out over the second and third lines, with 5 and 3 syllables, respectively):

The squirr'l ran away from me.
Does he think I want
to eat him?

I was surprised that I was able to muster up a nice-sized range of subjects for ten poems we had to do for that project. From pencils to cats to an amoeba.

Oh, and anyone with kids or siblings may enjoy this (some of them are geared towards younger children, but others are timeless):
http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm
Just use the left-hand navigation to chose a poem, fill it in, and click "create". :D

Making Owls

2009-09-10T21:47:00.002-04:00

Thanks to this post over at That Artist Woman, I've been busy making these cute owls for both decoration and gifts. =)

A Stamp for a Birthday

2009-09-09T22:38:00.005-04:00

Last month, I made this stamp for a friend for their birthday. Although I don't have a picture of it all finished--carved & mounted, (shame on me!) It did turn out quite close to my pattern, fortunately. (Although I did accidentally cut of a bit of the poor hound's tail.)
It went well with a small notepad and note cards. I love giving homemade gifts! =)

Tomatoes

2009-09-07T13:46:00.004-04:00

Setting: someplace in my imagination, sometime in the past.
Plot: nonexistent.
Based on: not a true story.

Her graying hair was kept pinned neatly up, unyielding to the elements. She walked tall and strait and had a thin face--but not stern; it had a look of quiet happiness about it, as if she listened to a charming little song that no one else could hear. She approached the table, empty shopping bag hanging neatly from her arm. She began at the far end, chose a small basket of blueberries, and continued down the length of the stand. She eyed the tomatoes carefully before she spoke.
"Tomatoes aren't so large as most years."
"Twasn't a profitable year for tomatoes--quite enough rain, but not nearly enough sun," I answered as mother had instructed.
She smiled ever so slightly--that same quiet smile she had held since she came into my view, only stretched a bit wider. She answered after a moment. "All in all, they do look to be a good bunch of plum tomatoes." She nodded knowingly.
A pause.
I answered, quietly. "Not plum, ma'am. Beefsteak."
"Oh," was all she said. She handed me the money for the blueberries, that soft smile still in place, and continued on her way.

Oh, the things I think whilst mowing the lawn.

Approaching Autumn

2009-09-05T21:44:00.004-04:00

The appearance of the last sunflower to bloom, a lovely rusty orange one, ...coupled with the sight of goldfinches snacking on sunflowers that have already come and gone...
...give rise to thoughts of the approaching autumn.

Rainy Birding

2009-09-04T22:06:00.002-04:00

I planned a trip to Hawk Mountain last Friday, but, as recommended, called after 6pm the night before to hear the day's results and the next day's forecast. Turns out the weather wasn't going to agree with migration, and my mom wasn't about to drive 2 hours (4 total) for a handful of warblers when I might be able to see them somewhere closer. So we went to spent the day at a park that has a nature trail about a half hour away. As we reached the mouth of the trail, it looked promising--lots of birds calling to each other and flitting around in the brush. Then the rain came; it rained off and on during the entire time on the trial. No lifers, but it was some fun, and we got to stop at a friend's house on the way home. :)

Cracker's Eye View

2009-09-03T21:10:00.005-04:00

Just a glimpse at what life would look like if you lived behind a cracker.
Just in case you were wondering.

[photo unedited]

Baking Cookies

2009-09-02T15:34:00.003-04:00

The other day, I used the phrase, "If you can....you win a cookie!" and today I found myself baking. =)
It's just the recipe from the back of the bag of chocolate chips, and they turned out really yummy!

Rantings of a Happy Camper: Part Three--A Stroke of Luck

2009-08-25T21:09:00.011-04:00

Rantings of a Happy Camper: the things you think about when you're living in the woods

It's basically just a collection of random thoughts, experiences, and stories that came about during my camping trip.

Part Three: A Stroke of Luck
No thoughtful thoughts or any such thing today; just a little story. The second night camping, we all played Yahtzee. (If you know how to play Yahtzee, skip to the purple star. (*) If not, continue reading. In Yahtzee, you try to get different dice combinations (with 5 dice) for the highest score. The very best thing you can get is "Yahtzee," which is when you get 5 dice that are all the same. For most people, getting Yahtzee happens about half the time (maybe a tad more) they play, but not always. (*) I did fairly well throughout the whole game, but the surprise came when I got Yahtzee. And then, a few turns later, when I got Yahtzee again. And then, a few turns later, when I got Yahztee for a third time. :D I was absolutely Flabbergasted; the odds are so low! (Needless to say, I saved the score sheet.)
The next morning, we played Clue. My cousin rolled first, but didn't get a high enough number to enter a room & make a guess. I rolled next, entered the closest room, (the Ballroom) and picked the first person (Mr. Green) and weapon (candlestick) that came to mind that weren't on my list. Then silence. No one offered to reveal a card with Mr. Green, the ballroom, or the candlestick on it. We checked the envelope, and lo and behold, the guilty person was Mr. Green, and the crime was committed in the ballroom with the candlestick.
What a stroke of luck. =]

I'll hopefully have some nice pictures to post on Friday, as I'll [if all goes as planned] be traveling to the centraleastern (you know, right between northeastern and southeastern ;]) hills of PA, to Hawk Mountain, for this part of migration season. (A very good time for Bald Eagles and Kestrels!) :D

Rantings of a Happy Camper: Part Two--The Rock Dam

2009-08-20T22:26:00.004-04:00

Rantings of a Happy Camper: the things you think about when you're living in the woods

It's basically just a collection of random thoughts, experiences, and stories that came about during my camping trip.
Part Two: The Rock Dam
"The Rock Dam" probably doesn't invoke the same flood of memories, ideas, and thoughts for you as it does for me, so I suppose a bit of background is in order. For as long as I can remember, every time we've gone to a family reunion or gone camping, (any summertime event at that site, really) there was a habitual building up of the rock dam. I remember being told at a young age, when I had become decidedly bored with the shallow depth of the creek, that it could be improved by the simple movement of rocks. Every year, even when my father was a child, the rock dam has been built up to create the ideal creek, only to break again sometime between that reunion and the next. But that certainly isn't a complaint, for if something is not broken, there is no need to fix it, and fixing it, in this case, is more than half the fun.
And so it came about, last weekend, as I was placing rocks that had fallen back on the dam, that I thought about this: the time line of this dam--its past, its present, its future. Will this still be a great entertainment in ten years? Twenty? Fifty? No one can say. I felt hopeless for a moment at the thought: We've so much technology already in this age, it's a wonder the dam is still being built; the future can only hold more "improvements" which, I'll admit, may make life easier (or entertainment more accessible from any place), but then what is to become of these simple pleasures? But that isn't to say we're helpless to what the future holds. By example, we can teach. By simply continuing in what we have done, we encourage future generations to do the same. And to think--this is how tradition is born; this is how tradition lives and breathes. We can't guarantee a tradition's survival, but when one does his part in carrying it out, he must simply rely on the future generation's willingness to continue in those ways, to hopefully see the same value in it. It's like planting a seed--you can water it and enjoy it, and you don't know whether in 10 years it will be flourishing or pulled out or ignored, but you do know that there is no great chance of anyone enjoying it if you don't plant it.

So that's it--just a few thought thunk while moving rocks after little sleep in a tent in the woods.

Rantings of a Happy Camper: Part One--The Campfire

2009-08-19T20:13:00.005-04:00

I'm back and, that's right, it's time for a mini series!
Rantings of a Happy Camper: the things you think about when you're living in the woods

It's basically just a collection of random thoughts, experiences, and stories that came about during my camping trip.
Part One: The Campfire
The Campfire is a wonderful noun--both a place and thing--an item of learning & mystery. I pondered fire and embers and ashes several times during my time camping. It's a most fascinating thing to watch. The flames lick up the branches, and dissolve and appear and leap and stay...until it leaves. And then there are the glowing embers, the blackened stick with coursing veins of fire running through it, radiant seams glowing and darkening and glowing once more like something electronic, but not. And then the bits of fiery ash that float upwards to the sky, like artificial fireflies, until they become swallowed by the waiting darkness.
How could one tire of watching something as complex, as beautiful, as wild and unknown as fire?

Away for the Weekend

2009-08-14T10:07:00.003-04:00

I'm going camping--no internet or running water for the weekend. =)
I wanted to upload a particular picture for this post, but I didn't get around to it, and I'm leaving ASAP, but there'll be plenty of pictures when I come back. Seeya then. :]

(And my blog is officially 366 days old today ;])

A Card for Father's Day

2009-08-12T11:09:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's from that long ago, haha. I figured I might as well post it. =)
(Please excuse my pictures for now, as I am having problems editing--my computer monitor is dark, so I'm trying not to brighten things too much, but I don't want them too dark, either. :P)

Summer Garden

2009-08-08T21:35:00.005-04:00

This year I started a small (but much-loved) flower garden by the back patio. I've got mainly sunflowers and a some California Poppies, plus another flower that we're unsure of.

When some of my California Poppies broke off the plant, they adorned my room in an old jar; I love having flowers, both inside and out the house. :)

Home Again

2009-08-07T17:03:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I went on my first missions trip with my youth group to New York City. We ran a Vacation Bible School for 30 kids in Queens in a little store-front church. It was a great trip, and I'm soo glad I was able to go. =) I realized I've never quite grasped how culturally diverse NYC is. It was amazing seeing so many different cultural backgrounds in a little room full of kids. (One little girl used to go hiking in the Himalayas with her grandfather when she was younger!) More importantly, though, all these kids were able to hear the gospel. I could go on and on, but I don't have a huge amount of time right now, and I just wanted to post a quick little update. :) Basically between the last post and now, what's taken place is getting ready for my sister's birthday party, my sister's birthday party, getting ready for the missions trip, the missions trip, getting ready for speaking in front of my church about the missions trip (which was nerveracking, haha), and speaking in front of my church about the missions trip, with work & a few other events interspersed in between.

Easy Summer Night Dessert

2009-07-07T23:21:00.003-04:00

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Pudding-Milk-Shakes/Detail.aspx

Garden Visitors

2009-06-30T22:24:00.002-04:00

Feed Sack Dress!

2009-06-27T13:52:00.003-04:00

...well, sort of.
I've always loved the idea of feed sack dresses, but as we do not buy flour in large, beautifully-patterned sacks, (oh, how I wish they were still sold like that!) this was the closest thing we had, so we had some fun with it before we got rid of it. =]

(Poor lizzy didn't seem particularly comfortable, but she was a good sport for pictures. =])

I shall blog!

2009-06-26T10:33:00.004-04:00

I've been telling myself that I shall start blogging on a regular basis, and I'm often thinking, "Oh, I can blog this later," but never do. Now that I'm sitting down at the computer, of course, I can't think of anything. For now I suppose I'll jsut share a few photos, but I will try to get back on the blogging track now that summer's here and things are [fairly] quiet. Tonight's the last night of my church's VBS, too, so there's not a whole lot going on after today.

My very favoritest local bird species--Cedar Waxwings! The composition could've been better, but I'm happy with my timing. =)

Yes, the much overdone through-the-grass shot. I just really enjoy the light filtering through the red maple turned to bokeh awesomeness, haha.

A Message from my Sister

2009-05-23T21:56:00.002-04:00

I just got a job (my first. :P) at a nearby McDonald's, and this is what I got from my sister (age 7) when I logged into gtalk. =)
"may I heip you?
cheese berger 2 10
shake 3 17
happy meal 2 15
doll toy 1 10
ok go to 1 window
:)
here is some money
go to 2 window
:)
here is your food
have a nice day
:)
bye cheese berger lady:)
hehe"

How cute is that? (I believe the numbers are the prices in the first few lines. ;])

I Love Hummingbirds. :D

2009-05-19T16:36:00.003-04:00

I've always liked hummingbirds--who wouldn't?--but yesterday they made their way up into my favorite birds of all time.
I'd gone outside to get some pictures of them at the feeder, and was just finishing playing with shutter speed, aperture, and whatnot, when one came--a male. I heard the quick buzzing of his wings, and brought the camera up to my eye, hoping to shoot off an image or two. He sat and drank for a bit, and then zipped upward, and the buzzing of his wings became louder and crystal clear. He hovered literally about 6 inches in front of my face, seemingly just looking at me out of curiosity, and then went back to the feeder for a sip before heading off again. It was absolutely amazing. I can't even put into words how excited I was. I could see every feather on his shining red gorget; he was that close. It was just beautiful. Amazing. Magical.

Seeds carried on the wind...

2009-05-11T23:17:00.001-04:00

...make it look like snow flurries falling in the sunshine.

Sure Signs o' Spring

2009-05-10T22:13:00.006-04:00

This was the best picture I got because even though he's small, that chick can run!

Saw this handsome guy at the state park today:

And this oriole seemed happy with the bird bath and the apple, although he didn't touch the oriole feeder!

Still haven't gotten a picture of a hummingbird; they never show up when I'm waiting for them! =)

In Honor of International Migratory Bird Day (Even though I'm a day late) :P

And Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!