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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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08/07/10 - Beauty on Orange<br /> For the 3rd day this week, I took my lunch break at Porter Farms and Nursery to get some refreshment at the ice cream stand and take butterfly pictures on their butterfly bushes. Nextdoor to Porters is Ogburn Landscape Supplies. Johnny has been fascinated this week watching the front loaders load mulch and rock into pick-up trucks. Mom has been using the one pile of orange tone sand for picture back-drops. The butterfly bushes are positioned just right;-) At any point, I realize I've posted 5 swallowtail shots already in 3 months, but this one seemed so different with the orange tone background and underbelly perspective that I thought I'd share it too.<br /> <br /> I'm thinking NC State Fairgrounds this AM for the flea market followed by the JC Raulstron Arboretum (which is a mile away) afterward if it's not too warm. We haven't done the flea market in a while, and I don't think I've ever taken the boys to that arboretum.<br /> <br /> It's tax free weekend in NC which means saving about 7.25% on clothes, school supplies, and computers. Kohl's was packed last night!<br /> <br /> Hoping you are having a great weekend so far and that it continues!<br /> Maryann
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08/07/10 - Beauty on Orange
For the 3rd day this week, I took my lunch break at Porter Farms and Nursery to get some refreshment at the ice cream stand and take butterfly pictures on their butterfly bushes. Nextdoor to Porters is Ogburn Landscape Supplies. Johnny has been fascinated this week watching the front loaders load mulch and rock into pick-up trucks. Mom has been using the one pile of orange tone sand for picture back-drops. The butterfly bushes are positioned just right;-) At any point, I realize I've posted 5 swallowtail shots already in 3 months, but this one seemed so different with the orange tone background and underbelly perspective that I thought I'd share it too.

I'm thinking NC State Fairgrounds this AM for the flea market followed by the JC Raulstron Arboretum (which is a mile away) afterward if it's not too warm. We haven't done the flea market in a while, and I don't think I've ever taken the boys to that arboretum.

It's tax free weekend in NC which means saving about 7.25% on clothes, school supplies, and computers. Kohl's was packed last night!

Hoping you are having a great weekend so far and that it continues!
Maryann

IMG9627Fixed

  • 08/23/10 - Puddle Splashing<br /> (Below is basically a repost of my blog post from last night. It's kindof long and a tribute to my Dad and Johnny and tradition. The real blogpost is over at:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://maryanng.blogpost.com">http://maryanng.blogpost.com</a><br /> <br /> I took a perfectly nice dragonfly picture yesterday, but I'd just rather post this collection of shots full of emotion than the dragonfly. )<br /> <br /> It all started with the red galoshes...<br /> <br /> When I was a little girl growing up in Trenton, NJ, I remember enjoying the rain with my Dad, and I remember my red galoshes. Trenton gets about 45 inches of rain each year and certainly has it's fair share of gray and wet days to go along with the gray clay soil.<br /> <br /> I always remember my Dad loving rainy days. There was something special to him about the sound of the rain on the roof, the indoor activities we'd do on those days, and those priceless walks in the rain with our umbrellas and my red galoshes.<br /> <br /> (We won't discuss the ping pong balls in the basement going into the sump pump or having to get out the push broom to push the water in the cellar over to the sump pump to begin with.)<br /> <br /> I remember my Mom protesting with full anxiety about me getting my clothes wet, and my Dad calmly telling her not to worry; he'd clean me up. Off we'd go out the door, umbrellas in one hand and hand in hand in the other. Me at 3' and Dad at 6'3". Just walking and splashing and talking as if we had the world to ourselves.<br /> <br /> Although my photography these days has me doing a lot of wishing for sunny days and blue skies, I still have a great fondness for those precious rainy days where the world seems secure with just me and my Dad walking in the rain.<br /> <br /> Since Dad took all the pics at our house, there are no pics of me and him in the rain. Oh how I wish there were. There is a picture of me and the red galoshes, though.<br /> <br /> Jump to the present...<br /> <br /> It really poured while we were grocery shopping today, and as we drove home from Fuquay, Johnny started asking to go puddle splashing when we got home.<br /> <br /> A few years ago, on a Blaze doggie walk after a big rain storm, Johnny happened to be with me, and he just happened to automatically do what all little kids do with puddles...jump in them whether Mom wants them to or not. It was like a blast back to the past as I ignored how wet he was getting and enjoyed how delighted he was with himself for getting wet in the puddles. A new tradition was born that day this time between a Mom and her son. Many rains and puddles since, the tradition lives on...<br /> <br /> So, Johnny and I did end up out in the rain. I had the umbrella to protect my camera and my curls (ha!), and Johnny ran without a worry into every puddle he could find and enjoy. After 2.5", there certainly was no shortage of standing water. He started singing, and I continued with him several times, "Hi Ho Hi Ho It's off puddle jumping we go..."<br /> <br /> Johnny even had a surprise today and discovered earth worms. This kid has no fear of insects and other critters outside.<br /> <br /> I hope some day when I'm a Grandma I get an e-mail from Johnny with a picture he took of his little girl or boy out splashing in the rain puddles... And, the tradition will live on.<br /> <br /> A super cute video of today's adventure is on YouTube:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EUf46Uc44M">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EUf46Uc44M</a>
  • 08/22/10 - Get a Strike!<br /> I'm sorry that this is all I have to offer today, but the only pics I took yesterday were kid shots. In the morning we played the Wii (Mario Kart, Outdoor Life, Just Dance!), and in the afternoon, we went to the bowling alley. I guess this is their 6th time maybe. They are just starting to push the ramp aside sometimes and try to actually throw the ball down the lane. Sometimes it drops or goes VERY slowly, but other times it was rolling down pretty good. You'll notice the bumper guards up for the kids. Even though I have barely been bowling more than they have, I put the guards down for me (and my score shows it:-). Oh well, it's just for fun, right? Not being good at something never stopped me from enjoying it just the same. <br /> <br /> If you go to the bowling alley with little kids:<br /> 1. There will be at least one loud ball drop in your area that causes everyone to look at YOU.<br /> 2. The kids will demand snacks even if you feed them right before you come and again right after you leave.<br /> 3. At least one finger will get crushed in the ball return.<br /> 4. The children will insist on having one of every pattern and weight ball in the alley on their ball return.<br /> 5. And, everyone will have the biggest smile of delight as somehow they get a strike or a spare.<br /> <br /> I had my glory on the Galaga machine in the arcade area. Joey's eyes were huge as he saw me ace several of the challenge stages and get to level 14 before the kids started pestering me for more tokens. I told him his Mom could play! For a few minutes it was 1984 and I was in high school and it was great!<br /> <br /> Joey has a sore throat and stuffy head today, so I'm not sure how much we'll get to do today:-(<br /> <br /> I hope you're having a great weekend with family and taking pics.<br /> Maryann
  • 08/21/10 - MADI<br /> OK, there's a story here:-) The kids got out of school yesterday, and they swam in Madi's pool for a couple of hours. Madi is on a different year round track at school than the boys, and she's out for 3 weeks now. The kids started begging me for a sleepover, and we said yes. This might be the 6th time. It goes fine, but just a little less sleep for everyone:-) Anyway, the kids were up late, and I got out the glow sticks. Kids love glow sticks! Madi wanted to make letters. For these letters, I was doing the sticks and Madi had the camera on the tripod. For the word LOVE, Madi did the letters, and I was at the camera. I did all the pp work. <br /> <br /> Original MADI after a 4 shot merge:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#976846555_NHrYN">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#976846555_NHrYN</a><br /> <br /> LOVE after a 4 shot merge:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#976865975_XVXJ6">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#976865975_XVXJ6</a><br /> <br /> Just some fun today for today. Obviously filters applied to create the various color changes. I showed Madi what I did with the shots after she went to bed last night and got a, "Wow MeMe!"<br /> <br /> There were a lot of light saber battle shots and other colored abstract designs too:-)<br /> <br /> Glad you all enjoyed the cute ducks. Thanks for the comments. It is likely we will see them again, and I'll let you know how the little guy is growing if I do.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/20/10 - Follow Me!<br /> This is a shot I took at Lake Wheeler on Sunday. I adjusted the contrast and removed a few white dots. They are mallard duck babies, and I just thought they were cute. I think you can read a lot into the body language of the two if you want to:-)<br /> <br /> The one in front really did just swim lower the whole 15 minutes I was there observing. I'm not sure why.<br /> <br /> I took some shots yesterday of an emerald dragonfly at the bus stop, but it was cloudy, and they just weren't what I'd want to post. I hope we'll see the sun today after two cloudy days.<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on Salem's picture from yesterday. We actually didn't see him again yesterday. We think his owners just kept him in. The kids are asking for another 'playdate' though. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/19/10 - Hello Cutie!<br /> Apparently, this super adorable kitty named Salem is a new addition for one of our neighbors. He wandered onto Christine's (Madi's mom) porch yesterday and decided to hang out ALL DAY. I pulled into the driveway in my van to drop something off to Christine and was greeted by him. Purrrrrrrr! Rub my ankles. Purrrrrrrr! I mean seriously, is he a dog or a cat? He followed me around and played with a catnip mouse while Christine and I talked for a few minutes and I took pics waiting for the kids to come home on the bus. Once the kids got home, of course they all had to love on him. Have you ever seen a cat get surrounded by 3 little kids before and NOT run away? Serious, he didn't even flinch. He loved their attention. They were all so delighted. I have a feeling we'll be making more visits to see Salem...or he'll be hanging out at Christine's instead of his own home.<br /> <br /> I once had an orange tabby named Pumpkin, and he was the sweetest too.<br /> <br /> Joey has his heart set on having an orange tabby one day, and he wants to call his kitty Butterscotch:-)<br /> <br /> Had to fire the flash because it was drizzling and cloudy. This is SOOC.<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on the soybean shots from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/18/10 - "The soy beans are blooming! The soy beans are blooming!" All joking aside, they really are blooming, but the flowers are so small you will have to take a walk in a soybean field to notice. And, no, I did not set out to take pictures in a soy bean field yesterday. That orange butterfly caught my eye and before I knew it, I was in the middle of the field:-) While we may not be too aware about all the soybeans planted around us, it's obvious that lots of insects are. I think the butterfly on the left is a Variegated Fritillary. Top right is a Silver-Spotted Skipper. And, on the lower bottom, I think that super cute fuzzy caterpillar is a Yellow Bear Caterpillar which will turn into a <a href="http://www.edupic.net/Images/Insects/lep_tiger_moth233a.JPG">Virginian Tiger Moth</a>. Top 10 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Soy Beans But Forgot to Ask (credit Wikipedia): 1. For human consumption, soybeans must be cooked with "wet" heat in order to destroy the trypsin inhibitors (serine protease inhibitors). Raw soybeans, including edamame, are toxic to humans, swine, chickens, in fact, all monogastric animals. 2. The inconspicuous, self-fertile flowers are borne in the axil of the leaf and are white, pink or purple. 3. It is an annual plant that has been used in China for 5,000 years to primarily add nitrogen into the soil as part of crop rotation. 4. The main producers of soy are the United States (32%), Brazil (28%), Argentina (21%), China (7%) and India (4%). 5. Soybeans can produce at least twice as much protein per acre than any other major vegetable or grain crop, 5 to 10 times more protein per acre than land set aside for grazing animals to make milk, and up to 15 times more protein per acre than land set aside for meat production. 6. The English word "soy" is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of shōyu (醤油, しょうゆ?), the Japanese word for soya sauce; "soya" comes from the Dutch adaptation of the same word. 7. The leaves fall before the seeds are mature.(This explains why they sit in our fields half the winter before being harvested.) 8. Cultivation is successful in climates with hot summers, with optimum growing conditions in mean temperatures of 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F); temperatures of below 20 °C and over 40 °C (68 °F, 104 °F) retard growth significantly. 9. Soybeans were introduced to America in 1765 by Samuel Bowen, a sailor who had visited China. He grew soy near Savanna, Georgia and even made soy sauce for sale to England. 10. Henry Ford promoted the soybean, helping to develop uses for it both in food and in industrial products, even demonstrating auto body panels made of soy-based plastics. Ford's interest led to two bushels of soybeans being used in each Ford car as well as products like the first commercial soy milk, ice cream and all-vegetable non-dairy whipped topping. Thanks for your comments on my Goldfinch shot form yesterday... I appreciate the time you took out of your day to look at the picture and share my excitement about that shot. HAGD, Maryann
  • 08/17/10 - Goldfinch on Coneflower<br /> I had some luck yesterday! I've been trying for at least 3 years to catch the Goldfinch in mine or Madi's yard on some of the flower seed heads. It's just been tricky for me. I either have no clue they are there, forget to look before I round the corner and scare them off, or just can't get in position without scaring them. Yesterday I got lucky with a male/female pair. I startled them a bit because I was just looking at my flowers on the garage side of my house and forgot to check for them as I rounded the corner. I sat down almost out of view but not quite, and they came back. Not enough light for ISO 80 left me trying higher ISO (too grainy for my camera), center spot focus, the flash, and all sorts of 'tricks' trying desperately not to lose the shot. This is the last one I took and the one I thought was the best of the bunch. I would rather have several birds on several stems and more color, but it's not like I can compose the shot, right? :-) <br /> <br /> I cropped just a bit. I removed a small black pole, and I darkened a spot on the very top of the bird's back. I did not adjust color. It would have been easier if it were right out of the camera:-) Or, would I be complaining I lost 30 minute's fun in pp.<br /> <br /> The seed pods on the right are from the Blackberry lily I showed you a picture of a few weeks ago.<br /> <br /> Thank you all so much for your comments on the Yates Mill shot from yesterday. The boys and I love that place. I promise to try to get a fall leaf color shot when the leaves turn. I have a few from other years, but I'll try my hand at it again this year. Usually I stand farther left or farther right for my shots. That direct side view was different for me this time. Much farther out shot too than typical for me.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/16/10 - Yates Mill <br /> I took the kids to Yates Mill yesterday to walk around the mill pond. It's a short trail that's in the shade, but you would have thought I asked Joey to walk across the desert:-) Well, it was 93 and high humidity and not comfortable out but livable in the shade. We went to the right around the pond putting this magnificent view near the end of the trail. And, they were giving a mill tour, so as I was taking this shot, the wheel was moving. Johnny had come to me all excited to let me know he could hear that telltale sound of the wheel going round and round. <br /> <br /> I guess I'm in love with the beautiful NC sky in this shot and the stillness of the pond water. The spillway wall runs lower bottom where the large rock is back over to the mill, and in August there is no water running over it. You may remember a video I shared much earlier in the year (still winter) of water rushing over the wall. I like this summertime view as busy as it is with all the lush green growth and the power lines in the area hidden from view by the leaf covered branches.<br /> <br /> History of the mill from Wikipedia is at the end of these comments.<br /> <br /> Looking forward to more hikes around the mill as we move into fall. Fall...PLEASE!<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on the Mentos shot from yesterday. If you do it, I'd love to see a pic:-)<br /> <br /> This is HDR with the original normally exposed shot here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#971201246_fFhS6">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#971201246_fFhS6</a><br /> After the HDR, the wood just above and left of the wheel was a tad too light, so I grabbed that spot and darkened it slightly...much better. I tried 3 different versions of the HDR to produce without the light area but it was there no matter what. <br /> <br /> I hope you all had a great weekend. I did. Wishing for another day.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann<br /> <br /> From Wikipedia:<br /> Yates Mill, one of the oldest buildings in Wake County, is the region’s only surviving operable gristmill. For nearly 200 years the water-powered mill produced lumber, milled corn and wheat, and carded wool. The land on which the mill is situated was surveyed for Samuel Pearson in October 1756, and granted to him by the Earl of Granville, one of the North Carolina colony’s Lord Proprietors. The original mill was built around at that time. Pearson steadily increased his land holdings, and owned more than 600 acres (2.4 km2) at the time of his death in 1802. In 1819, accumulated debts forced Pearson’s son, Simon, to sell the mill and its surrounding acreage at a sheriff’s auction. William Boylan, a prominent Raleigh businessman and director of the State Bank, bought the property, and over the next 30 years modernized the mill several times, adding a sawmill in the 1840s.<br /> <br /> In 1853 Thomas Briggs, John Primrose and James Penny acquired the mill. A decade later, in the midst of the Civil War, the partners sold the mill and surrounding 94 acres (380,000 m2) to Phares and Roxanna Yates, James Penny’s son-in-law and daughter. Penny’s involvement in the murder of a Mr. Franklin may have brought on the sale. According to legend, Franklin was a Northern sympathizer who Penny killed for not paying a $700 mill debt. In 1865, Franklin’s widow supposedly told Federal troops occupying Raleigh that her husband’s death was due to his support for the Union. The soldiers tried to burn the mill by setting fire to the entrance. Charred wooden beams today attest to the unsuccessful attempt.<br /> <br /> Yates and his descendents operated the mill until 1948, when businessman A. E. Finley acquired the property. Finley constructed a retreat lodge by the millpond for the use of his family and employees. Due to lack of demand, however, the old mill was closed in 1953. Ten years later, North Carolina State University acquired the property, consolidating it into a larger tract to be used as an experimental farm. The mill was mainly used for storage until 1989, when Yates Mill Associates was formed to marshal its restoration. The mill narrowly escaped destruction in 1996, when rains unleashed by Hurricane Fran burst its 250-year-old stone dam. In 1996, Yates Mill Associates and Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space unveiled a public-private partnership to rehabilitate the dam and mill as part of a 574-acre (2.32 km2) historic and environmental park. Yates Mill is now a designated Raleigh Historic Landmark
  • 08/15/10 - It's a Geyser!<br /> Our trip yesterday to The Museum of Life and Science in Durham for Engineers Day couldn't have been better! We got there around 10 and left around 5 and just didn't have enough time to do everything we wanted to do. Here Mentos Man has set off a geyser putting 11 Mentos into a Diet Coke. Have you ever seen this? It's a great way to entertain the kids. Just make sure you have several bottles of sodas and tubes of Mentos because once is just not enough. The Museum sells a kit in the gift shop, and you can get a similar one on Amazon:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Be-Amazing-Geyser-Tube-Card/dp/B000NP7PD2">http://www.amazon.com/Be-Amazing-Geyser-Tube-Card/dp/B000NP7PD2</a><br /> <br /> Anyway, we watched 2 geysers, and the first time I was behind the kids and just got the geyser then I thought how cool to get the geyser and the kids in the same shot. Let's just say I am pleased with the expressions I got! I do not know the family on the left, but Johnny is in orange, Madi in white, and Joey in blue.<br /> <br /> I dumped all the museum pics into my August album for now. Here's a collage of the top 16 pics:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#969978381_YnYtM">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#969978381_YnYtM</a><br /> <br /> This video is worth watching if you enjoy music:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#970039964_2Crh7-A-LB">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#970039964_2Crh7-A-LB</a><br /> I didn't quite understand the technology, but the cello is connected to the computer and is recognizing harmonics and creating a whole orchestra of sound on the go as the gentleman plays. So beautiful sounding I thought.<br /> <br /> The team of IBM volunteers did a great job as the event partner again this year hosting a hands-on exploration activities. Favorites of the kids were dropping an egg all wrapped up in recyclables and trying not to break it, taking apart a computer keyboard and mouse, racing the remote control rover bots, and using 10 gumdrops and toothpicks to see who could build the tallest tower.<br /> <br /> Every year we go we learn something new and certainly have a lot of fun.<br /> <br /> Thank you all for your comments on my Glowing Butterfly from yesterday... I showed the picture to the kids, and they were begging me to take a picture of them and to please make it glow:-)<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#970215731_TiehV">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#970215731_TiehV</a><br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann<br /> <br /> My blogpost about the day is up here:<br /> <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-geyser-and-more-at-engineers-day.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-geyser-and-more-at-engineers-day.html</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ncmls.org">http://www.ncmls.org</a>
  • 08/14/10 - Glowing Butterfly<br /> I was so excited when I saw this red-spotted purple butterfly land just outside my kitchen window near the birdbath. There are some bright red begonias beside the birdbath, and they attracted him. So, quick, I started taking pics. But, the camera was telling me the light was too low (it was cloudy all day yesterday), so I knew it was unlikely I got a well focused shot. Well, the focus was OK on a few, but the exposure on the begonia was just too bright:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#968950607_QoyBx">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#968950607_QoyBx</a><br /> <br /> So, I started playing with the shot last night, first trying to darken just the flowers:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#968963863_6jMbc">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#968963863_6jMbc</a><br /> <br /> Reasonable, but still not what I'd want to share. So, I just happened to try the glowing edges filter, and I was wow'ed at all the color I got. Sometimes when I use that filter it's very blah, but not this time! I ended up pulling out the butterfly by itself, doing an equalize, and then doing the glowing edges filter on it to achieve more color on just that section of the photo.<br /> <br /> Would it print well or would anyone hang it on their wall?...probably not. Sometimes though I like photo art just for the sake of making a nice card for someone. So, consider this my Thank You card to you guys for the time you take each day to check out my daily photo and leave comments. I really do appreciate you all!<br /> <br /> I'm still reliving in my head the experience of that GBH coming in for a landing. Thanks for sharing my excitement with me yesterday.<br /> <br /> The boys, Madi, and I are headed to The Museum of Life and Science in Durham today for Engineer's Day. 88 and clouds are on tap. Usually I would find a cloudy forecast on a Saturday upsetting, but after such hot, humid and high heat index conditions this past week, the clouds are welcome! We might actually be able to walk around outside and visit the bears today like usual. I'll be looking for the red dragonflies that I always see when we go just in case I can get THE shot.<br /> <br /> The museum e-mailed last week asking me if they could use a few more of my shots in their promotional literature, and of course I said SURE and sent them the full strength files. One is from June where Johnny is looking through a HUGE bubble at their Bubble Blitz event. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/13/10 - The Landing<br /> Sometimes we just get lucky... I was on my way home from Fuquay with the boys when I saw an egret at a water spot just off the road. I always look when I go past... I turned around to go back and try to take a picture. After I fired off two shots, I realized the exposure was lousy on the white bird and was about to switch from AV to M and try to do better. BUT, I saw a Great Blue Heron (GBH) come flying in from the side. I ditched the settings change and got one shot of him in the air that was out of focus and then this shot of him landing. He landed right in front of the egret! Then he tucked his wings in and stood face to face with him for a few seconds. The GBH walked over to the bank beside where the egret was and started following him. After about 10', the egret took off. All the time I'm still taking pics of course. The GBH took off too and they circled the water hole a few times and came to rest in the field behind the water about 15' from each other. In another few seconds, the egret took off for good leaving the GBH to get his nightly meal. It was exhilarating to watch! I have never seen an egret and a GBH in the same spot like this let alone have this kindof interaction.<br /> <br /> This shot crops out the egret. I like the story of that shot, but he was so poorly exposed next to the GBH that I didn't want to show the full shot. I realize that the GBH being on the right of the frame is maybe not how it should be, but no choice. I like that we can see the landing pad lines in the water behind him. And, he did come to an abrupt STOP. I've only ever caught a GBH with it's wings open one time before at Duke Gardens and one never knows when one might get lucky and see such a display again, so I thought I'd share this one.<br /> <br /> Full shot and a link to where the other 10 shots or so in this series are (scroll backward as they are in reverse order in that album):<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#967865701_vGnFh">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#967865701_vGnFh</a><br /> <br /> Thank you all for your comments on the Raising the Flag shot from yesterday. You all are always so inspiring for me to keep trying to new things and improving my photography.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann<br /> <br /> Please IGNORE this comment in my original commentary this AM as the issue seems fixed:<br /> I was looking at the information on this shot, and I am confused. I took the shot on 8/12/10 (last night) at 6:55PM (which was correct) according to Windows Explore on my machine yet Smug is saying 8/11/10 at 10:55AM. What is up with that?!? Usually I don't pay any attention to that stuff so who knows how long it's been wrong or not matching up. I was just wondering since this shot was so close to end of day I was wondering how low my light really was based on the time.
  • 08/12/10 - Raising the Flag<br /> For the past 2 weeks during morning carpool drop-off at school, I've been watching a group of kids come out to raise the flag. I was both intrigued and proud and glad to see this tradition and symbol of freedom alive and strong with the next generation. Yesterday I decided to be a few minutes early and to park after I got through the carpool line so that I could watch the entire ceremony and take some pics. The boys didn't know I was there; I think it keeps the shot natural. This isn't meant to be a shot of these boys; it could be a shot of kids at any US school raising the flag. <br /> <br /> I am hoping that Joey and Johnny will have this honor at school some day, and I showed them the picture last night and we talked about that. Joey seemed to have a sense of awe and said that it was a "hard job". I told him it wasn't hard but that it did have to be performed with respect and procedure.<br /> <br /> So, in my quest to try something different and focus on people a bit more, I thought I'd share this picture with you today. I was a bit choked up afterward. It was a proud mom moment even if those weren't my boys. It was also a reflective moment as remembered those that have sacrificed so that we may have this freedom. I hope this shot touches you in some way positive today,<br /> <br /> Two other points. The NC flag was also raised under the US flag appropriately. Joey says that they do say the pledge of allegiance at his school every morning. <br /> <br /> I was tempted to share another food shot:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#966918558_oxp7u">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#966918558_oxp7u</a><br /> Hungry for Italian now?<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on the peppers. I really enjoyed the 'food' feedback the last two days:-)<br /> <br /> I want to add too that although this is a very American shot, I do have the utmost respect for the flags of other nations and their sense of national pride and cultural traditions as well. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/11/10 - Time for Veggies<br /> So, how many of you did indeed enjoy some ice cream yesterday? We did!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#966173771_8Xrfe">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#966173771_8Xrfe</a><br /> <br /> It was super steamy here yesterday, and a cool treat was definitely in order!<br /> <br /> This is a shot I took last week also at Porter Farms and Nursery. I cleaned up a bunch of spots on the pepper that I thought took away from the shot. The stem should be gritty and rough, but not the pepper itself or so I thought. <br /> <br /> So, if I inspired you to be naughty with your diet yesterday, maybe today I can inspire you to eat your veggies today:-)<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/10/10 - The Birth of Ice Cream<br /> I asked the kind folks at Porter Farms and Nursery if I could come and watch them make the ice cream. "Sure!" So yesterday I stopped by for about 30 minutes to watch the process. I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I figured I would be craving ice cream afterward, and I was. <br /> <br /> Abby was making the ice cream yesterday, and she had large white buckets that she used to mix up the various ingredients for the different flavors and then put them into a machine. Pictured here is the part of the machine (COLDELITE) where the finished ice cream comes out. She would fill the bucket up part way, put in some mixings like oreo cookies for the cookies and cream flavor, and then add in some more ice cream, then more fixing... When the bucket was full, she'd stir with a large spoon, cap, label, and then put in the freezer. She said it takes about 24 hours to get chilled thoroughly.<br /> <br /> In the spring during their strawberry picking season, Abby said she was making ice cream daily. This time of year, it's 1-2 a week. Wow, that sure is a lot of ice cream. I know the boys and I are eating our fair share:-)<br /> <br /> I watched her make cookie dough, cookies and cream, and chocolate cherry chunk while I was there. Next up was birthday cake and mint chocolate chip. The mint flavor has the green color in it, so I can see why she would wait for last for that to process in the machine. The birthday cake has yellow cake mix, vanilla frosting, and sprinkles in it; truly it is cake ingredients. The strawberry cheese cake flavor which I think they are famous for has Cheesecake Factory cheesecake in it. Yum and double yum!<br /> <br /> There is a collage of the whole process here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#964035466_zqWB2">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#964035466_zqWB2</a><br /> <br /> And the area of the album with the larger/rest of the pics is here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#964001594_QBjJW">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#964001594_QBjJW</a><br /> <br /> I liked the contrast of cream and metal in this shot:-) I have cropped a bit to get you closer to the cream!<br /> <br /> A fawn showed up in my girlfriend Faith's yard yesterday by itself. He/she has what appears to be minor facial injuries from maybe bursting through a fence. Faith's backyard is fenced in, but there is a tree down on the fence, so the fawn most likely entered the yard at that spot. Also, there is nothing sharp in that spot. Last I heard, she hung out all day yesterday. We have the number of a wildlife rehab person and will call if it seems the right thing to do. The fawn is eating everything in sight and there's plenty of water in the area for him/her, so she's got a nice spot to hang out for as long as she wants. Here's a picture if you don't mind seeing the cut on the face/neck:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#964002226_B6XSR">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#964002226_B6XSR</a><br /> I had the 2nd story window open to take this. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/09/10 - Oodles of Noodles<br /> If you don't know, those long foam tubes they use to help kids learn how to swim are called noodles. The kids and I were at the ClubWorx (gym) pool yesterday afternoon for several hours. They had fun swimming, splashing, jumping in, and playing with the noodles. Why you ask are they so much fun? Well, you put them all the way under the water, let the air out, and then do your best elephant impersonation blowing in one end and water out the other hopefully in your best friend's face:-)<br /> <br /> In this picture, the kids (L-R Johnny, Madi, and Joey) are trying to be patient during the 10 minute lifeguard break waiting for the whistle to sound so they can go back in.<br /> <br /> I also really loved this inflight shot of Joey:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#963620895_V9m9y">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#963620895_V9m9y</a><br /> <br /> and Johnny:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#963282385_v6jTg">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#963282385_v6jTg</a><br /> <br /> <br /> I started out treading water in the 9' section and talking Joey and Madi into jumping in to me and then treading water/swimming back to the side. After they got their confidence up, I got the camera, and they were jumping in on their own. Madi even got up the confidence to run, jump in, and swim 15' to the other side. It was such a great mom and godmother moment. Video:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/maryanngnc#p/a/u/1/L7tUDxIrhoo">http://www.youtube.com/user/maryanngnc#p/a/u/1/L7tUDxIrhoo</a><br /> <br /> I hope you had as many smiles in your weekend as I had in mine:-)<br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/08/10 - Movie Star Sighting<br /> The boys and I did make it to the Flea Market at the NC State Fairgrounds yesterday. 80 when we got there and 90 going on 100 when we left. We were outside for 2 hours and inside in the AC for the 3rd hour. Lots of fun things to see and take in including this cute little dog dressed up in this colorful attire and sporting goggles and being pushed in a baby stroller. I've heard of empty nest syndrome, and now I know what to do with our old stroller (kidding!).<br /> <br /> I tried to focus on people shots yesterday. Candids of adults in action and it was HARD. I find it so much easier to take pics of animals and children. Trying to capture adults really gave me an appreciation for some of the shots I see posted by others in the dailies.<br /> <br /> I wish the person's legs weren't in the background of this shot. I did ask the owner to stop and pose the cute doggie for me which he was all too happy to do, but it was crowded where we were, and I got a few quick snaps and had to move. The dog legs go to a friendly German Sheperd. <br /> <br /> I took pics of several artists in action:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#961808138_iQVG4">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#961808138_iQVG4</a><br /> <br /> There were other doggies that Joey and Johnny were quite happy to make friends with:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#961820117_SbKXw">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#961820117_SbKXw</a><br /> <br /> Johnny even knew what this was:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#961823888_sboZV">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#961823888_sboZV</a><br /> <br /> Finds of the day were a $1 for a red, thick hooded sweatshirt for Joey and $5 for 4 Technics (Lego) monsters. <br /> <br /> We ended up at Crabtree Valley Mall after the Flea Market to do more tax free shopping. We just could not go to the arboretum in midday sun.<br /> <br /> Where do I even begin with my thanks for the comments on yesterday's shot? I had fun taking that one with my little helper Johnny waiting patiently with his ice cold lemonade. At porters, they put in a slice of lime and a cherry on top and a hint of cherry juice and it's all fresh made:-) Anyway, I really do appreciate the time you take each day when you leave me a comment, and I am so thrilled when I can delight you with a shot I've taken. And I also love visiting your dailies too and hopefully giving you a smile back with my comment. This is a great community. Thanks!<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/07/10 - Beauty on Orange<br /> For the 3rd day this week, I took my lunch break at Porter Farms and Nursery to get some refreshment at the ice cream stand and take butterfly pictures on their butterfly bushes. Nextdoor to Porters is Ogburn Landscape Supplies. Johnny has been fascinated this week watching the front loaders load mulch and rock into pick-up trucks. Mom has been using the one pile of orange tone sand for picture back-drops. The butterfly bushes are positioned just right;-) At any point, I realize I've posted 5 swallowtail shots already in 3 months, but this one seemed so different with the orange tone background and underbelly perspective that I thought I'd share it too.<br /> <br /> I'm thinking NC State Fairgrounds this AM for the flea market followed by the JC Raulstron Arboretum (which is a mile away) afterward if it's not too warm. We haven't done the flea market in a while, and I don't think I've ever taken the boys to that arboretum.<br /> <br /> It's tax free weekend in NC which means saving about 7.25% on clothes, school supplies, and computers. Kohl's was packed last night!<br /> <br /> Hoping you are having a great weekend so far and that it continues!<br /> Maryann
  • 08/06/10 Just a Vine<br /> I pass by this barn with the vine grown into the doorway often. I have taken a picture of this spot a few times before but sortof decided that yesterday might be the day to turn the scene into a daily. I'm still not totally happy with it, but I'm sticking by it being my daily today otherwise you were getting an uncut watermelon stripe shot:-) Here's a color version of the vine:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#959976002_BuASq">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#959976002_BuASq</a><br /> I like the color version, but somehow I thought the vine should be more ominous and in B&W.<br /> <br /> Thanks for all your very generous comments on the moth shot from yesterday:-)<br /> <br /> Hey, it's FRIDAY!<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/05/10 - Hummingbird or Snowberry Clearwing or even Bumble Bee Moth (maybe Hemaris Diffinis)<br /> The last two days I have taken a midday break to go to Porter Farms and Nursery for ice cream and pictures. I still can't quite seem to take a picture of the fruits and vegetables that I think is good enough to share. I'll keep trying. I took over 500 butterfly, bee, and moth shots, but it's been windy both days, and I only kept about 60 of them. Porters has about 6 butterfly bushes that are this wonderful yellow/orange tone color, and they are loaded with insects...5-6 swallowtails per bush, tons of common buckeyes, and these hummingbird moths. <br /> <br /> I had a helper yesterday that enjoyed his strawberry ice cream and the front loaders at the landscape supply business nextdoor:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#958666575_XtzbC">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#958666575_XtzbC</a><br /> <br /> I thought in this shot it was neat how there were two on the same flower one eating nectar and one with his 'straw' still tucked in. One with decent detail and one showing blurred wings and just how fast they were moving around. I just wish the foreground plant parts weren't in the shot. Oh well. <br /> <br /> I'm sure I'll go back and keep seeing what I can get as long as the spot has such potential.<br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments on the rays of sunshine shot from yesterday. I really do wish the trees in that shot had turned out more normal, but on the other hand, the rays kept my attention.<br /> <br /> We're surviving the back to school thing here just fine so far. Johnny lost his 3rd tooth last night top middle left:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#958863164_VgmVy">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#958863164_VgmVy</a><br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/04/10 And the Clouds Parted...<br /> I took this shot on my way home from dropping off Joey, Johnny, and Madi at school yesterday. This shot was taken at the same time of day, also facing east, and on the same road as this shot from a few weeks ago:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Daily-Photos/My-Best-Daily-Shots/8520201_U76qq#919821389_QnK4m">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Daily-Photos/My-Best-Daily-Shots/8520201_U76qq#919821389_QnK4m</a><br /> I guess I think they might make nice companion pieces on the wall someplace (but not at my house because there is no wall space!). <br /> <br /> The original shots are horribly dark:<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#957209623_WC6vC">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2010/13178134_KQNMz#957209623_WC6vC</a><br /> Without the use of HDR in this case, the pictures would only be for the recycle bin. <br /> <br /> I really wish the solitary tree was separated out more from the forested area behind it in the photo. In reality, there was quite a good break inbetween it and the woods. I've been admiring that tree in the field for years, so consider this "I should shoot that some day" locale checked off on my list. I actually had to park and walk a ways on the road to get to this spot, so it's not something I'd want to do too often (wet grass and too many cars).<br /> <br /> Johnny's first day of kindergarten was fine...for both of us. Thanks for all your words of encouragement on the event and the school shot from yesterday. Remember, my kids are on year round school, 4 'in' sessions of 9 weeks and 4 out sessions for 3 or more weeks each. I really like the schedule. They are next out in October.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann

  • Greg&Rose Photography

    on January 5, 2018

    Superb

  • Rick Willis

    on January 1, 2018

    Super Shot...
    Hope your Holidays have been Happy and that your expectations for the New Year are Exceeded…

  • WesleyBalli

    on December 31, 2017

    Beautiful

  • Refslund

    on October 2, 2016

    Beautiful shot

  • jimholmquist

    on October 2, 2016

    Gorgeous shot and detail!

  • Photoarts

    on October 2, 2016

    Beautiful Macro

  • Jaime Gonzalez

    on October 1, 2016

    Great shot!

  • Gilles Archambault

    on October 1, 2016

    Really nice...

  • Lgood

    on October 1, 2016

    Incredible shot!

  • fotoeffects

    on October 1, 2016

    Superb!

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