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  2. Daily Photos

My Best Daily Shots

Thanks for stopping by to view my daily photo! I will post a new photo each day to this gallery. Typically, I will post early morning, and the photo will have been taken the day before. Sometimes the photo may be from sometime earlier in the week, but all the pictures posted will be relatively new. I hope you see something that makes you smile. Feel free to leave professionally appropriate comments. Here's a link to the SmugMug Daily Community.
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04/23/10 - Blue Beauty<br /> As I was coming home from work yesterday, I passed my neighbor's yard where there is a small, ornamental wood fence along their road front and about 50 bearded iris plants. The late day light was coming through the trees hitting just a few of the flowers. I passed the house but turned around and went back to take some pics. I liked how this one turned out best. I fixed 2 distracting spots and adjusted the contrast and color a tad.<br /> <br /> Joey and I had a great time at Take Your Child to Work day. Not only were there planned educational activities with building circuits, Lego Mindstorm robot programming, and program a robot to make a PB&J sandwich, etc. there were quite a few fun activities too like face painting, tricycle obstacle course, and ice cream. He was tracked out of school (goes back this coming Monday), so it definitely made sense for us to go. <br /> <br /> Very glad you all enjoyed the bluebird shots from yesterday. Thank you for your comments. I will do my absolute best to get pics again next week when the babies are bigger and cuter. The nest is in a cardboard nesting cup, so that's how I was able to get such a good shot of the babies. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
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04/23/10 - Blue Beauty
As I was coming home from work yesterday, I passed my neighbor's yard where there is a small, ornamental wood fence along their road front and about 50 bearded iris plants. The late day light was coming through the trees hitting just a few of the flowers. I passed the house but turned around and went back to take some pics. I liked how this one turned out best. I fixed 2 distracting spots and adjusted the contrast and color a tad.

Joey and I had a great time at Take Your Child to Work day. Not only were there planned educational activities with building circuits, Lego Mindstorm robot programming, and program a robot to make a PB&J sandwich, etc. there were quite a few fun activities too like face painting, tricycle obstacle course, and ice cream. He was tracked out of school (goes back this coming Monday), so it definitely made sense for us to go.

Very glad you all enjoyed the bluebird shots from yesterday. Thank you for your comments. I will do my absolute best to get pics again next week when the babies are bigger and cuter. The nest is in a cardboard nesting cup, so that's how I was able to get such a good shot of the babies.

HAGD,
Maryann

IMG7406FixedLucky

  • 04/28/10 - Almost a week later...<br /> The baby bluebirds that I showed you a shot of last Friday sure are growing up fast! In this shot from yesterday, you can see quite a few feathers now. Notice on the left a blue egg. There were 5 eggs in this nest, and only 4 hatched. Yesterday was the first time I saw the egg under the babies. 4 healthy bluebirds would be a success, so don't be too sad about it although I certainly do wish the 5th egg had hatched.<br /> <br /> Both pictures were taken yesterday. The one on the right with my S3 is just cropped. The one on the left, the male bluebird, was taken with my Dad's Canon 40D which I have on loan. I've gotta tell ya, that I can't take a SOOC good picture with that camera. The picture has been contrast and color corrected and sharpened, and I'm still not totally happy with how it turned out. The camera was in AV mode with whatever defaults that gave. I had it on a tripod. Tamron AF 70-300mm 4-5.6. Maybe just too cloudy of a day for that longish lens? But I've taken shots with the 40D and a Canon 28-135 lens with similar lackluster results. Any suggestions? I'll never upgrade if I can't do better than this.<br /> <br /> I did get the raw image btw. The original male bluebird jpg shot is here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#850063822_47e54">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#850063822_47e54</a><br /> <br /> Also, I had a close encounter with a rat snake while sitting near this nest for my shots. Either I nearly sat down on top of him or he slithered up to where I was sitting so quietly and intently looking through the 40D view finder. I looked down near my knees and feet (sitting legs crossed), and there he was inches from my shoe! I have to say that I did not scream and calmly stood up, grabbed Dad's camera on the tripod and backed up and started taking his picture. And then a few minutes later it hit me just how close that was. I will be watching for him next time! However, that said, he never bowed up or hissed or made any threatening moves. He was just sunning himself. I let him go on his way. Picture of him:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#850067851_9ws2D">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#850067851_9ws2D</a><br /> <br /> I hope you all get great shots today minus the near encounter with any snakes!<br /> <br /> Thanks for the feedback on the peony shot. I took more yesterday of a different flower, but the bluebirds won the POTD slot.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/27/10 - Peony<br /> I don't think this is a great shot in any way, but I am excited that this peony is blooming in my yard right now. There are 5-7 blooms on it. 3-4" inches diameter. This is the flattest and darkest color peony I've ever seen. I'm not sure how I ended up with this variety. I grew up with very fond childhood memories of peonies, and when I see this plant, I think of the good 'ol days. For a truly vintage shot, click here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#849040111_pX9Lz">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#849040111_pX9Lz</a><br /> <br /> I was in M mode trying very hard to control the exposure on this shot. The wind was bouncing the flower around on me too. Cropped square but otherwise unaltered.<br /> <br /> Thanks so much for the feedback on yesterday's pansy shot. Wow! I think in the future with the right flower I will try that watercolor filter again:-) <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/26/10 - Watercolor Pansy<br /> I fixed a blemish on the lower flower and then applied the PSE watercolor filter to this shot. Boy did it bring out the the detail and red tones. The original is here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#845862375_xh2Dx">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#845862375_xh2Dx</a><br /> Taken Friday and PP'ed last night.<br /> <br /> I don't usually alter my flower pictures like this, and I tried it on a few others last night, and this is the only one that really worked for me. I've been wanting to post a pansy shot on and off for a couple of months now, and today feels like the right day:-) They are biannuals here which means that we plant them in the fall, they bloom and then they winter over even under snow. In the spring, they bloom again in all their glory until the heat of later May/early June ends their cycle (or the landscaping companies pull them out to plant something else). <br /> <br /> Thank you so much for the feedback on the columbine shot. I had not expected it to be that popular.<br /> <br /> Boy was it gusty yesterday. My peony is blooming, and I took a few shots of it, but none turned out good enough to want to share. The rest of the day was spent grocery shopping and playing with the kids. I pulled out and printed at WM 100 of the best 'kid' pictures taken during Joey's track out, and we built a photo album using cardstock paper. I put the photos on the pages, and he used a marker to write in the location, etc. We had fun, and I think it turned out pretty well. He tracks back in today. Time, but wow will it be lonely as we both readjust.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/25/10 - Columbine<br /> I took the kids to Marbles Kids Museum yesterday. We all had a great time. The museum has a really nice courtyard garden, and I took this shot while the kids were busy with the supplied little watering cans. It's SOOC. It was a cloudy day for the most part with some rain late day, so I was glad to get this outside shot while I could.<br /> <br /> There were roses and other beautiful plants in the courtyard garden too featured in this collage:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#846722865_4JVxc">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#846722865_4JVxc</a><br /> <br /> The kids having fun is featured in this collage:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#846699549_figSb">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#846699549_figSb</a><br /> <br /> The pizzeria booth in the Money exhibit and the hockey rink were two of their favorite activities. We were there for about 4.5 hours, and it was nonstop fun the entire time. The staff does a great job of bringing out some different stuff in the common area each day, and yesterday they had sit down scooter thingies and clay out which we also enjoyed.<br /> <br /> One last neat shot is this shot of a rose bush through a fountain waterfall. I can't decide if it's neat or odd:-) Maybe it's both.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#846997420_uXEhf">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#846997420_uXEhf</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments the last two days on my Bearded Iris shots:-)<br /> <br /> Hope you have a super Sunday!<br /> Maryann
  • 04/24/10 - White Ruffles<br /> I thought for sure I was posting a picture of a pink Bearded Iris today, and then I changed my mind:-) This flower is blooming in my neighbor's yard. As a matter of fact, I visited 6 different neighbors in the past 2 days taking pictures of what's blooming in their yards. I haven't had good luck with Iris bulbs in my yard. The leaves grow, but the flowers don't bloom:-( As with most things in my yard, probably too much shade and not enough sun. At any point, with the cloudy conditions yesterday, the white of this Iris seemed to come out nicely after adjusting the contrast and color just a tad. <br /> <br /> I just can't tell you how glad I am that it's the weekend. I've been running on empty this week, having trouble concentrating on my work, and just ready to be with the kids. Dad continues to get stronger in rehab and is walking more and more. He wants to come home ASAP. We've had to throw logic at him a few times now to get him to be a bit more patient. Don't blame him about wanting to go home, but want to make sure that he's really ready. <br /> <br /> Hope you all have a super weekend!<br /> Maryann
  • 04/23/10 - Blue Beauty<br /> As I was coming home from work yesterday, I passed my neighbor's yard where there is a small, ornamental wood fence along their road front and about 50 bearded iris plants. The late day light was coming through the trees hitting just a few of the flowers. I passed the house but turned around and went back to take some pics. I liked how this one turned out best. I fixed 2 distracting spots and adjusted the contrast and color a tad.<br /> <br /> Joey and I had a great time at Take Your Child to Work day. Not only were there planned educational activities with building circuits, Lego Mindstorm robot programming, and program a robot to make a PB&J sandwich, etc. there were quite a few fun activities too like face painting, tricycle obstacle course, and ice cream. He was tracked out of school (goes back this coming Monday), so it definitely made sense for us to go. <br /> <br /> Very glad you all enjoyed the bluebird shots from yesterday. Thank you for your comments. I will do my absolute best to get pics again next week when the babies are bigger and cuter. The nest is in a cardboard nesting cup, so that's how I was able to get such a good shot of the babies. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/22/10 - Proud and Busy Parents<br /> As I promised earlier this spring, here are some more bluebird pics from a box near work. The mom is upper left with the dad holding an inch worm? in his mouth. They have this caught in the act look:-) The several day old babies are of course on the right. I count 4. The babies will get much cuter as they get bigger. I love the beak in the lower part of the frame. The faces are all eyes and beaks at first. Don't worry, bluebirds tolerate humans quite well, and the babies were out of the box for less than a minute. Mom was out to begin with and flew back in after. <br /> <br /> Thanks so much for your feedback on the wet yellow flower:-) I really like shooting flowers from underneath and getting the blue sky in the shot. That picture was taken at 9AM. A great time to shoot in the spring to catch the wonderful early morning light. Facing West at that time, the sky is often very blue. <br /> <br /> Joey and I are off to Take Your child to Work Day. Convenient that he's still tracked out of his year round school (until this coming Monday). <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/21/10 - Early Morning Dew<br /> On the way back from Dad's house, I saw a few daisies blooming. Taking daisy pictures in the field just around the corner from my house is one of my favorite spring photo activities, so yesterday morning I went to see if they were blooming here. Not yet. I didn't even see the flower buds yet. I'll keep a watch out. Anyway, I took about 100 pictures of other things in the field. Really neat stuff if you take the time to stop and look. <br /> <br /> I took pics of this from from on top:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#843240298_MZ9XE">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#843240298_MZ9XE</a><br /> and this under shot. The water drops do it for me.<br /> <br /> I also made a collage of the best 9 pics:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#843256841_owYne">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#843256841_owYne</a><br /> <br /> I hope you enjoy...<br /> <br /> Thanks so much for your all too kind comments on the bachelor buttons from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/20/10 - Bachelor Buttons<br /> Shot on NC 200 about 20 miles North of Monroe. I saw them on the way into town on Saturday but was out of time to stop. So, on the way out of town yesterday, I was determined to find a spot to pull over and take some pics. They were only growing in a small 3 miles stretch of road, and many of the spots were on a curve, no wide shoulder or otherwise safe place to pull over. Finally I found a spot and on top of the bachelor buttons, there were these yellow flowers in the field too. Wheat growing around them both, I was able to snap quite a few pics as the boys entertained themselves with their DVD. I have some shots with the bachelor buttons set against just green and some with the background more a yellow blur vs. retaining some of the yellow flower detail like this shot does. What a joy to find, see, and take pics of.<br /> <br /> Thanks to those of you that stopped by to view my pics over the weekend and to leave comments and say hi. I really appreciate your support. I only got about 30 minutes a day at the computer due to all I was trying to accomplish at Dad's house while I was there. I can be content about what I did, but much more to do like find someone to blow the roof, clean the gutters, and power wash the front and back porches and windows. I will start churning through the pile of paperwork I brought back with me too. <br /> <br /> Dad continues to improve each day. He wants to come home immediately. We, me and 4 of the rehab facility people, talked him into being patient another week (or two). Trying to set up some help at the house for him so coming home might work. <br /> <br /> So much to do. Where to begin?!?<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/19/10 - Beautiful Azaleas<br /> The boys and I have been sitting in the courtyard of the rehab/nursing home facility a lot over the weekend. Right now, there are about 10 beautiful azaleas blooming with this flower/color. Very pretty. I couldn't help but take a few shots. Lots of cardinals out there and small bird feeders in front of resident windows that line the courtyard. A good place where little boys can enjoy moving around and visiting their Poppop at the same time.<br /> <br /> I am still in Monroe. I hope to head to Raleigh after lunch. A few more things to do this morning including talk to docs and go to bank. I'm going to try to spring Dad outta there for a short ride. He continues to be doing great in the AM but fade in the PM. He is desperate to leave at this point, but not ready. I feel for him, and I'm trying to let the rehab people take the heat for that.<br /> <br /> Dad's house is kindof in a time warp from 1985 when my mother had her car accident and especially after she went in the nursing home about 7 years ago. I have done some serious cleaning while I've been here including yesterday clearing out one side of the garage so we could get Dad's car inside. I was so proud, and then his car wouldn't start. Short story is got a new battery after some help from a neighbor, and then I did get it washed and put in the garage OK. Anyway... Just nonstop this weekend.<br /> <br /> Hope you all are doing well...<br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/18/10 - Paulownia Tree, Empress Tree, Dragon Tree or Royal Paulownia <br /> This tree is a springtime favorite of mine here in NC. You'll rarely see it in people's yard, but it naturally lines the highways just like Redbuds do. Just about when we lose the Redbud color and they are done for the spring, this tree blooms. It grows to 30' maybe with a wide span. Beautiful nut-shaped seed pods form after the bees pollinate the flowers. The very unusual thing about this is that the branch tips point up and the flowers flow down. A bit like the wisteria flower only the flower is on the firm branch.<br /> <br /> Taken at the Haw River canoe launch on Hwy. 64 approaching Asheboro. Very partly cloudy conditions. I've saturated it a bit.<br /> <br /> Right now, I think I'll be in Monroe one more night. Lots to do on a weekday, so I'll try to do what needs doing Monday AM. Dad looked great when we got there yesterday. I think seeing grandkids will do that to a Poppop. Later in the day he was quite tired and a bit confused again. He's insisting he's ready to go home and not prepared to deal with the fact that he's going to need some inhome care at the very least. Trying to take one day at a time. Will see what the doc and social worker say tomorrow.<br /> <br /> Saw two deer out Dad's kitchen window this AM:-)<br /> <br /> Cleaned house and sorted papers until 2AM and then slept on a full bed with 2 kids the rest of the night. I need energy. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/17/10 - Spirea<br /> I tried for several days to take a shot of this plant that I'd be happy to post. Somehow I'm still not satisfied, but this will have to do now because the blooms are about done. This plant it about 5' tall and 5' wide and sits beside the small ornamental pond that's near my garage. I like how most of the tips of the branches droop down. Low maintenance and pretty. My kindof plant. It gets lots of sun on that corner and must like that. These blooms are half the size of a cherry blossom...small. <br /> <br /> Heading out in a bit to see Dad in Monroe. Should be a pretty day for a drive across the state. I see our temps are getting colder by 10-15 degrees starting tomorrow. I think I packed right this time so we're not freezing tomorrow. Fickle spring temps:-) <br /> <br /> Thanks to those of you that stopped by to view the 'green' shot from yesterday:-)<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/16/10 - Helleborus Seeds<br /> I took a bunch of pics yesterday, but I didn't feel any of them were worth sharing. This is from Monday. The Lenten Rose Helleborus that I put up a picture of about a month ago has gone to seed. I thought the seed pods inside the flower were really interesting. Different sortof shot too with it being 100% green tones. Hopefully I'll have lots of baby plants to share with folks from these seeds. There are 30+ flowers on this plant that look just like this. <br /> <br /> This shot has a contrast adjustment but is otherwise SOOC.<br /> <br /> Thanks to those of you that stopped by to look at Uncle Sam yesterday...<br /> <br /> Late note:<br /> Link to original shot of flower:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Daily-Photos/My-Best-Daily-Shots/8520201_U76qq#798807338_NpTzd">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Daily-Photos/My-Best-Daily-Shots/8520201_U76qq#798807338_NpTzd</a><br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/15//10 - April 15th<br /> Well, today is the day...<br /> <br /> I took this picture on the way to my Dad's house last week (Asheboro), and I cropped and framed it last night. I figured all along I'd post it today. Technically it has some issues, but hopefully you will enjoy it anyway. <br /> <br /> I drove past Uncle Sam and turned around and came back to ask him if I could take his picture. He said, "Sure!" Apparently I wasn't the first to ask, but it was kindof an assertive and bold thing for me to do and not really my style. I was so nervous, I didn't ask him his real name, but I did note that the beard is real and ask if he helps out Santa at Christmas to which he said yes:-)<br /> <br /> <br /> In most of the cities near me, there is a Liberty Income Tax Service, and in most of them either Uncle Sam or The Statue of Liberty is out front encouraging us to get our taxes filed with them. <br /> <br /> Thanks for your time and comments yesterday on the Carolina Allspice...<br /> <br /> I am planning a trip to see Dad and Mom this weekend. Dad is in rehab as I said yesterday and has started his therapies and we're taking one day at a time now. The nurses did share with me that he's asserting his independence:-) <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/14/10 - Carolina Allspice<br /> This is a really interesting deciduous shrub. Sometimes it is referred to as Carolina Allspice, but you might also hear it referred to as Sweet Bubby Bush or just Sweet Bush. The bush has a very interesting smell that is kindof sweet and spicy at the same time...thus the name. I've tried to get a shot worth sharing multiple times. For me, it is a hard flower/plant to photograph. I took this picture yesterday morning. The flower turns into a large seed pod which you can see here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#836209331_gw386">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#836209331_gw386</a><br /> <br /> The background for this shot was also taken yesterday. On my way to the post office, I saw a field with red and yellow 'wildflowers' and stopped to take several close-up shots. I was glad the pink of the Bubby Bush flower and the background shot coordinated so well. <br /> <br /> This plant came from Christine's parents home where she grew up. It has special meaning to her like the wisteria and gingko do to me. It's easy to share this plant as it sends out runners underground and then you just dig up one of the babies after it gets big enough. Danny dug up a piece for me a year ago, and I planted it, and it's doing well. This is from the shrub in Christine, Danny, and Madi's yard, though.<br /> <br /> More information is here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Sweet_Shrub_Carolina_Allspice">http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Sweet_Shrub_Carolina_Allspice</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on the azalea 'shot' from yesterday. I discovered after that that I have a double pink in my yard too. Yesterday was a single.<br /> <br /> Dad made it to rehab which is hooked up to the nursing home where my mom is, so he's seen her now. I was happy Dad was well enough to leave the hospital but still a little concerned about him telling me last night that he was a bit confused. I am really hoping that goes away!<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/13/10 - Pink Azalea<br /> All of the azaleas in my yard are blooming right now. I have some of what we call the woodsy variety where the leaves and flowers are large like the one pictured above. I also have some of the more compact variety with smaller leaves and flowers. Hard to photograph them as part of a wider landscape scene because of how they are spread out in the yard and also because of the mix of sun and shade. But, they sure are fun to take pics of at a closer level. <br /> <br /> Both of these shots were taken on the same bush. Open and beautiful. I really like how the top shot shows a view from behind, front, and side all at the same time. On the bottom, I really like the blue bokeh and how it works with the pink of the blooms. <br /> <br /> Picasa is what I used to put these two pics together like this with the border. This is the A4 size which helped me to preserve almost all of the original print sizes.<br /> <br /> I keep getting lots of good reports on Dad. He is most likely going to rehab on Wed. or Thurs. I heard from a friend that he was very winded just walking from his chair to the door of his room and back, but at least that's a start. Time will tell if his heart condition is going to let him have the energy to get around as good as we'd like to see for him to go home. Hoping that works out and scared that that will work out at the same time. I spent most of yesterday on the phone with people trying to handle Dad's affairs the way they need to be. The IRS was the first call of the day, and that was the only person all day that wasn't helpful and had an attitude with me. And that was after 3 people and 3 15 minute wait periods. Sigh...<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on the Eno River and West Point Mill collage from yesterday. Definitely worth visiting if you're ever in the area. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/12/10 - Fun at the Eno River<br /> I don't know how I could have lived so close to the Eno River for so long without going to see it...the park...but nearly 20 years passed without a visit. It took hearing that there was a grist mill there to bait me in to go. I mapped it out, and it's only about 4 miles from the Museum of Life and Science in Durham where I go with the kids all the time. So, anyway, I took the kids there today. We were all so excited to see West Point Mill especially after touring Yates Mill a few weeks ago. Similar but different. The gentleman running the mill is also a Yates Mill Associate, so I talked with him for a bit. We got to go on the 2nd floor. Lots of wonderful artifacts and a great view of the water wheel and over the park and river from up there. <br /> <br /> Quite a lot of poison ivy with fresh oily leaves. I sure hope we avoided it. I worked very hard on that. Talk about something that causes me stress...fear of the itch!<br /> <br /> Quite a few people in the river getting their feet wet, so I decided to risk letting the kids get their feet wet too. Let's just say that they had a good time and I got to let the boys make use of the spare clothes in the car and leave it at that:-) In the center picture in the collage, you can't really tell, but both boys are soaked. Madi thankfully is dry.<br /> <br /> Some of you may remember the vertigo pedestrian bridge shot that James Hill posted last year. The picture on the lower left is of the same bridge. I finally understand his photo! That is one neat bridge just filled with photo ops!<br /> <br /> Wonderful landscape views. I took some bracketed photos and converted a few to HDR although I'm not sure f there's a big improvement on those particular shots. <br /> <br /> A very fun time, and I have no doubt we'll go back.<br /> <br /> Monday mornings are so stressful on normal weeks, and with so many extra tasks to do this week, it's feeling particularly stressed. I'm just trying to take one day and one task at a time.<br /> <br /> When I spoke to Dad yesterday, he sounded good. His doctor said he may be able to go to rehab later in the week. The folks at rehab can address his ability to go back home and work with him toward that goal. <br /> <br /> The new album with the West Point Mill photos is still uploading. I'll feature it later today. <br /> <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/11/10 - Basking in the Sun<br /> This is a pink toned dogwood blossom taken during Frog Fest at Crowder Park yesterday. I just loved how the light was coming through the petals and leaves. I took may light through leaves shots yesterday as we walked the park, but I liked this one best. <br /> <br /> We had a good time at both Frog Fest and the Spring Fling at Johnny's preschool. The boys were very active with lots of hands-on activities and exercise mixed in with some learning. I really enjoyed the lizards and snakes, yes snakes, that they had at Frog Fest and of course taking pics.<br /> <br /> Both times when I talked to Dad yesterday he seemed to have much clearer clarity of thought. He said they would try to help him walk for the first time today. I am trying to stay optimistic that he can rebound back to the level where he was 4-6 weeks ago before things started to get the best of him. Thanks for your well wishes and support. They mean a lot. <br /> <br /> Thanks too for your comments on the ginkgo tree leaf shot. Yes, that tree does behave such that it drops it's leaves in about a day each fall. Easy clean-up around that tree. Down once, pick up once, and done. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/10/10 - Ginkgo<br /> I was torn between posting an azalea blossom shot taken in Dad's yard or this Ginkgo tree leaf shot taken in Albemarle on the drive home yesterday. I think others had posted the same azalea blossom, so although pretty, I went with the Gingko leaves. <br /> <br /> This is another plant that has special childhood meaning. When my Mom and Dad moved to their house in 1964, the acre yard was barren except for one large sycamore. Dad set out to move a few things from his mother's farm, like the wisteria, and also ended up planting 3 Gingko trees. They were always so beautiful. Dad talked often about planting them and how much he liked them. I was always fascinated at the fan-shaped leaves. We enjoyed spotting them together on our travels over the years especially since leaving the yard in NJ in 1979 and remembering the good 'ol days. <br /> <br /> I am back in Raleigh. I'm sure I'll be headed back to Monroe sooner rather than later. Dad's condition although much improved in the hospital from when they first took him in is not good. They did an echocardiagram of his heart yesterday, something he's been having done yearly, and the results were not what we wanted. He had rheumatic fever as a child that left him with a damaged valve and a murmur. Well, the valve that has always leaked is now at the severe level. If Dad was in better health, they could try replacing the valve, but he's not in good enough health for the surgery. They will try to adjust his meds adding one more new one in the hopes that they can stop the fluid build up that's starting and make him comfortable and give us some more time. Lots of uncertainty and as the only child things I need to be doing. It's overwhelming.<br /> <br /> I'm taking the kids to a Frog Fest event at a local park today and am going to try to focus on just enjoying them for a few hours.<br /> <br /> I am able to read your comments on my BB when traveling, and I can comment on the computer for a brief time late at night or early morning from Dad's. Thanks to those that stopped by with best wishes or comments about the blue dogbane (thanks Graham) from yesterday. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 04/09/10 - Caught My Eye<br /> Yesterday, I was driving down NC 49 near the Uwharrie National Forest headed toward Dad's house in Monroe when I spotted some flowers along the side of the road near this big rock <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#831622036_wKNmY">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/April-2010/11699927_Ufdur#831622036_wKNmY</a>). Of course I turned around. I love blue flowers and especially wild flowers and I didn't know what type it was to boot. I got out to find 20mph winds and tractor trailers creating even more wind...sigh. But I took a bunch and thought this one was focused and worth sharing. Sun was in and out too, but on these delicate blossoms, less light was probably good for the shot.<br /> <br /> Joey and I also stopped to watch the workings of a lumber yard in New London just a few miles down the road. Neat. Big dust cloud while we were there that I think was a combination of the pollen and sawdust. Saw a mocking bird and friendly squirrel and some beautiful blossoms in the hospital parking lot too. Even though I wasn't commenting yesterday, I was thinking of you guys as I took a few shots.<br /> <br /> Yesterday afternoon, Dad seemed better. Last night, he seemed worse. Trying not to get grabbed up by what's probably a normal up and down. I don't really have any new information beyond he has sepsis and he's on antibiotics. I will try to catch his doctor this morning around 9AM. The plan is still for Joey and I to head back to Raleigh later today.<br /> <br /> If any of you know what this beautiful flower is, do please let me know. Thanks...<br /> <br /> Now identified by Graham as being blue dogbane.<br /> <br /> Hope you all have a good day...<br /> Maryann

  • irishmurr

    on April 26, 2010

    Beautiful color and dof!

  • Renae Smith

    on April 24, 2010

    Wow, the depth of color, combined with the translucence, combined with the dark background make this a profound image :-)

  • papamugger

    on April 24, 2010

    I missed this one yesterday, good capture, color wise I think I prefer the white one (4-24), but both photos are outstanding

  • Jean Darveau (darjeau)

    on April 24, 2010

    Awesome light

  • 219352dedmanshootn

    on April 24, 2010

    B-U-T-FUL!!!!! glad you and joey had a good day. sounds like a great time

  • Janet McQueen

    on April 24, 2010

    Soooo beautiful! Love the soft color, it looks so delicate it seems transparent.... perfect!

  • SundaysChildSnapShots

    on April 24, 2010

    Oooooo. That is stunning. The bokeh really adds to what is already perfect.

  • grahamhamilton

    on April 24, 2010

    Beautifully lit

  • Christine

    on April 24, 2010

    Beautiful! Gorgeous color and lighting Maryann.

  • Deborah Irene Glessner

    on April 24, 2010

    Love this! Wonderful detail and bokeh

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