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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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08/28/11 - Apple Crisp My blog where the pictures mentioned in the write-up below are inline for viewing: http://maryanng.blogspot.com A month of so ago, I ordered the Pampered Chef Apple Peeler Corer from my friend <a href="http://vollmerdp.blogspot.com/">Patricia </a> who had a Pampered Chef party. I'd always wanted one having seen one demoed in person years ago at another party. Although not inexpensive by any means, I decided that this was the party/year to get it. As with many things, it takes me a bit to get the time to read about them and set them up. But with hurricane Irene giving us yucky weather, yesterday seemed like the day to sort it out. 8 screws to set up the platform wasn't too bad and then watching a video on YouTube gave me a good demo on top of the hand written instructions on just how to 'make it work'. I had two eager helpers ready to test the first apple. Success! Wow! Ooooh Aaaah! Here's a video of Johnny with the first apple: Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJxWhU-WtA And just to prove that boys and men of all ages love their gadgets: SmugMug Link http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1451262944_pn6ngvS SmugMug Link http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1451262954_v2w8BPZ Hard to say what was more fun. Turning the crank fast or watching the peel spaghetti get created or lifting the apple spirals and playing with them (clean hands of course). A few things to note. If you have a table that you can attach the apple peeler corer too, that may actually be better than buying the fancy base. As you can see in the video, Johnny had trouble holding the base still...trouble he would not have had on a table. Besides peeling and coring, this things slices too. The slices might be a tad thin for some pies, but worked just fine in my apple crisp. I did thoroughly wash and dry the apples first. Mushy apples don't work anywhere near as well. Hungry for apple pie? ;-) Irene update: Irene ended up going just far enough East of Raleigh to spare us too much trouble. I have lots of large chunks of leaves down in my yard and a few small limbs. When I walked Blaze, I started picking up. We lost power twice but just for a few minutes so no impact short of startling the kids. We did have a few gusts of wind that caused me to hold my breath, but nothing that had me white knuckled for any real amount of time. We've seen much worse and my heart goes out to those who were truly affected by the storm.
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08/28/11 - Apple Crisp My blog where the pictures mentioned in the write-up below are inline for viewing: http://maryanng.blogspot.com A month of so ago, I ordered the Pampered Chef Apple Peeler Corer from my friend Patricia who had a Pampered Chef party. I'd always wanted one having seen one demoed in person years ago at another party. Although not inexpensive by any means, I decided that this was the party/year to get it. As with many things, it takes me a bit to get the time to read about them and set them up. But with hurricane Irene giving us yucky weather, yesterday seemed like the day to sort it out. 8 screws to set up the platform wasn't too bad and then watching a video on YouTube gave me a good demo on top of the hand written instructions on just how to 'make it work'. I had two eager helpers ready to test the first apple. Success! Wow! Ooooh Aaaah! Here's a video of Johnny with the first apple: Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJxWhU-WtA And just to prove that boys and men of all ages love their gadgets: SmugMug Link http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1451262944_pn6ngvS SmugMug Link http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1451262954_v2w8BPZ Hard to say what was more fun. Turning the crank fast or watching the peel spaghetti get created or lifting the apple spirals and playing with them (clean hands of course). A few things to note. If you have a table that you can attach the apple peeler corer too, that may actually be better than buying the fancy base. As you can see in the video, Johnny had trouble holding the base still...trouble he would not have had on a table. Besides peeling and coring, this things slices too. The slices might be a tad thin for some pies, but worked just fine in my apple crisp. I did thoroughly wash and dry the apples first. Mushy apples don't work anywhere near as well. Hungry for apple pie? ;-) Irene update: Irene ended up going just far enough East of Raleigh to spare us too much trouble. I have lots of large chunks of leaves down in my yard and a few small limbs. When I walked Blaze, I started picking up. We lost power twice but just for a few minutes so no impact short of startling the kids. We did have a few gusts of wind that caused me to hold my breath, but nothing that had me white knuckled for any real amount of time. We've seen much worse and my heart goes out to those who were truly affected by the storm.

J082711ApplePeelerCorerTheBest

  • 09/06/11 - Candlelight and Flowers<br /> <br /> My blog: <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/candlelight-and-flowers.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/candlelight-and-flowers.html</a><br /> <br /> I made a special dinner last night, and the table included a new vase and a new candle holder from the thrift store plus some flowers from the grocery store. Dinner (bottom round roast, broccoli, mashed potatoes, yellow squash and onions plus a no bake cheesecake) was yummy, and the candlelight sure was pretty. The new candle holder is a tall tube shape that you put water in with marbles/beads and flowers (submerged) if desired and float a candle on top. So, after enjoying the pretty light at dinner, I got to taking pictures of it after dinner. The flower I used in the tube was lantana that I cut from my mailbox flower bed, and some of the tiny flowers ended up breaking off and floating around the candle at the top. At any point, 100 shots or so later, I stopped and went through the bunch to pick out a daily and a few back-up shots. In the daily, those are 'mood' lights on top of my entertainment center providing some additional light in the background.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58/1463952759_9dLcbtW/1465424256_ztZT244#1465405307_js3sPWk">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58/1463952759_9dLcbtW/1465424256_ztZT244#1465405307_js3sPWk</a><br /> <br /> Poster Edges<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1465713667_MVx2LTN#1465713667_MVx2LTN">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1465713667_MVx2LTN#1465713667_MVx2LTN</a><br /> <br /> Solarize<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1465713667_MVx2LTN#1465715707_dJ58f7P">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1465713667_MVx2LTN#1465715707_dJ58f7P</a><br /> <br /> When they say soak the bottom of the pie plate in hot water for 30 seconds before trying to cut and serve, they mean it;-)<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58/1463952759_9dLcbtW/1465424256_ztZT244#1465405462_FSBsb8g">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58/1463952759_9dLcbtW/1465424256_ztZT244#1465405462_FSBsb8g</a><br /> <br /> I only note .5 inches in the last 24 hours. The rain from Lee is mostly staying west of Raleigh.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58/1463952759_9dLcbtW/1465424256_ztZT244#1465405036_LxJCsjL">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58/1463952759_9dLcbtW/1465424256_ztZT244#1465405036_LxJCsjL</a><br /> <br /> I am done with my week of being on call for work. Woo hoo!!!!<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments and interest on my statue shot from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 09/05/11 - The History of a Statue<br /> <br /> My blog: <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/history-of-statue.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/history-of-statue.html</a><br /> <br /> I was taking picture of a writing spider yesterday, and this statue was closeby, so I snapped a few pictures of it too. I always wondered what the origins of these statues were and suspected that they were offensive and inappropriate, but I really didn't know. Back at the computer last night, I found myself really liking the contrast on this shot. It looks good to me in both color and B&W:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463213918_kzbJJQF">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463213918_kzbJJQF</a><br /> <br /> Maybe that in and of itself means something too. I thought, though, that I can't post it because the last thing I want to do is offend someone or post something that goes against my feelings that we are all equal regardless of skin color, religion, place of birth, etc. However, after reading the origins of these Lawn Jockey statues on Wikipedia, I decided to go ahead and post with the history so that we all might understand. Some of the origins are indeed associated with prejudice, however, others are a bit more noble. I'll let you read for yourself what Wikipedia:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawn_jockey">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawn_jockey</a><br /> had to say:<br /> <br /> A lawn jockey is a small statue of a man in jockey clothes, intended to be placed in yards. Most today are white jockeys, but historically black jockeys were commonplace. The lawn ornament, popular in certain parts of the United States in years past, was a cast replica, usually about half-scale, of a black man dressed in jockey's clothing and holding up one hand as though taking the reins of a horse. The hand sometimes carries a lantern or a metal ring suitable for hitching a horse. Two traditional lawn jockey styles are produced, commonly known as "jocko" and "cavalier spirit". The former is of stockier build, with a hunched posture; the latter is generally slender and erect. Typically these statues are made of concrete but are also made of other materials such as poly resin and aluminum or cast iron. Despite being controversial, lawn jockeys are still in demand. Both styles are still manufactured and sold.<br /> <br /> The black lawn jockeys often had exaggerated features, such as big eyes with the whites painted in, large red lips, large, flat nose and curly hair. These pieces were typically painted in gaudy colors for the uniform, with the flesh of the statue a gloss black. These statues are widely considered offensive and racially insensitive and many remaining samples have now been repainted using pink paint for the skin while the original sculpture's exaggerated features remain.<br /> <br /> However, some accounts of the figure's origin cause some to see the statue as representing a hero of African American history and culture. According to the River Road African American Museum the figure originated in commemoration of heroic dedication to duty: "It is said that the 'lawn jockey' actually has its roots in the tale of one Jocko Graves, an African-American youth who served with General George Washington at the time that he crossed the Delaware to carry out his surprise attack on British forces at Trenton, NJ. The General thought him too young to take along on such a dangerous attack, so left him on the Pennsylvania side to tend to the horses and to keep a light on the bank for their return. So the story goes, the boy, faithful to his post and his orders, froze to death on the river bank during the night, the lantern still in his hand. The General was so much moved by the boy's devotion to his duty that he had a statue sculpted and cast of him, holding the lantern, and had it installed at his Mount Vernon estate. He called the sculpture 'The Faithful Groomsman'." The most frequently-cited source for the story is Kenneth W. Goings in "Mammy and Uncle Mose" (Indiana University Press), though he regards it as apocryphal. The story was told as well in a 32 page children's book by Earl Kroger Sr., "Jocko: A Legend of the American Revolution." Moreover, there is a 13-page typescript titled "A Horse for the General: The Story of Jocko Graves" by Thomas William Halligan in the archives of the Alaska Pacific University/ University of Alaska-Anchorage consortium library.<br /> <br /> Charles Blockson, curator of the Afro-American Collection at Temple University in Philadelphia, claims that the figures were used in the days of the Underground Railroad to guide escaping slaves to freedom: "Green ribbons were tied to the arms of the statue to indicate safety; red ribbons meant to keep going ... People who don’t know the history of the jockey have feelings of humiliation and anger when they see the statue..." Blockson has installed an example of the statue at the entrance to the University's Sullivan Hall.<br /> <br /> Neither the Revolutionary War nor the Civil War legends are corroborated by historical records. Mount Vernon's librarian Ellen McCallister Clark wrote in a letter to Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library: "No record of anybody by the name of Jocko Graves, nor any account of somebody freezing to death holding Washington's horses, exists in the extensive historical record of the time." Nor do any of the many historical inventories and descriptions of Washington's estate mention any such statue. Moreover, stories about the Underground Railroad using lawn jockeys as signals are rendered suspect by the fact that red and green as signal colors meaning "stop" and "go" (or "danger" and "safe") were standardized by railway signals during the World War I era. <br /> <br /> End of Wikipedia Text<br /> <br /> I think I like that this statue has the paint faded and that is has not been repainted. There is a blending of new and old.<br /> <br /> Other things going on yesterday at our house were homemade pizza and oatmeal cookies and kids playing Smurf Dance Party on the Wii.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214315_D4QC3F8">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214315_D4QC3F8</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214544_XTGWxPV">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214544_XTGWxPV</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214848_xHgdJ9v">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214848_xHgdJ9v</a><br /> <br /> Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipes/content/recipes/recipe-detail.aspx?recipeid=474">http://www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipes/content/recipes/recipe-detail.aspx?recipeid=474</a><br /> <br /> I used dried cranberries (Craisins) instead of raisins. Yum! And they did vanish and quick!<br /> <br /> As for the writing spider...well the shot was just ho hum I thought:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214008_C69SGNR">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1463214008_C69SGNR</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my dragonfly shot yesterday.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 09/04/11 - Glistening in the Noonday Light<br /> <br /> My blog: <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/glistening-in-noonday-light.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/glistening-in-noonday-light.html</a><br /> <br /> I took a ride down my favorite dirt road, John Adams, yesterday. In any season, there is always something interesting to take a picture off. I heard a red-tailed hawk but never did see him. The swampy area was very low on water as you would expect in September, but there were still a few dragonflies. I saw several wildflowers that I thought were very pretty too. The tiny size and delicate look of the blooms on some of them amazes me. This collage shows a picture of the best of what I saw:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1462309204_hkQs5gK">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1462309204_hkQs5gK</a><br /> <br /> I thought the triangular tri leaf composition on the lower middle was really interesting.<br /> <br /> The grapes are from Adams Vineyards. I hope to go back when the light is better!<br /> <br /> Also noticed that the kudzu flower is blooming right now. If you don't look close, you'll miss it, but kudzu does have a flower:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1461687780_s3L9RCL">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1461687780_s3L9RCL</a><br /> <br /> I really appreciated Donnie being willing to accompany me on my photo trek yesterday and the good volleyball and dinner with the Kidd family too. These are the shots that warmed my heart yesterday:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1461712156_kG6knXr">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1461712156_kG6knXr</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1462326042_JbpbCwQ">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1462326042_JbpbCwQ</a><br /> <br /> This video is a real winner IMHO too:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Te7v1EsJek">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Te7v1EsJek</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for stopping by to view my daily...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 09/03/11 - Striped Gem<br /> <br /> Blog: <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/striped-gem.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/striped-gem.html</a><br /> <br /> i bought this jeweled looking piece of glass at A. C. Moore this past week hoping to take some totally cook shots with it. Let's just say I'm not super excited with what I was able to do. There are just too many imperfections in the glass and while it does make some cool distortions, it just doesn't sparkle. I cleaned this up with a few of The CoffeeShop Blog actions to smooth out any roughness and boost the color a bit and add a vignette to try to get the most out of this shot I could. At least i think the lines and color are pleasing. <br /> <br /> Dinner was black beans, yellow rice, and chicken enchiladas:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1460270774_hqsNH5Z">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/September-2011/18827553_CmnN58#1460270774_hqsNH5Z</a><br /> Yummy but I just took a rushed shot.<br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments on yesterday wet hibiscus. I hope to put that water globe in a light box sometime and give it another try with another flower.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 09/02/11 - Wet Hibiscus (I'm fresh out of fancy titles this morning:-)<br /> <br /> Blog: <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/wet-hibiscus.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/wet-hibiscus.html</a><br /> <br /> I have a flower water globe vase that looks like this:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.retailcloseoutmall.com/flowerwaterglobevase.aspx">http://www.retailcloseoutmall.com/flowerwaterglobevase.aspx</a><br /> where you submerge a flower in water and it floats suspended in the water. There is a plastic base within the black outer base at the bottom that has several holes in it so you can stick the stem(s) in the holes to hold the flower down. You put the flower in upside down and then right the globe. The plastic base might have uses outside of this vase too. The flowers last in the water globe vase for several days looking quite fresh. <br /> <br /> I'm not sure where you can buy these now, but I got mine originally at Gardener's Supply Company:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gardeners.com">http://www.gardeners.com</a><br /> <br /> I haven't had great success in taking shots of flowers that are inside it, but the flowers sure are pretty when wet. <br /> <br /> Yesterday I put a yellow hibiscus in the globe and took a few shots. I think I like this one the best since the stigmas have the water bubbles around it. Flower part diagrams and description:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.backyardnature.net/fl_stan_.htm">http://www.backyardnature.net/fl_stan_.htm</a><br /> <br /> The other two shots that I liked are:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1459465902_XXkHwsk/1455570949_xFRp7DK/1455570949_xFRp7DK#1459468099_VtB7LPM">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1459465902_XXkHwsk/1455570949_xFRp7DK/1455570949_xFRp7DK#1459468099_VtB7LPM</a><br /> <br /> and:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1459465902_XXkHwsk/1455570949_xFRp7DK/1455570949_xFRp7DK#1459468114_6dXjtNn">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP/1459465902_XXkHwsk/1455570949_xFRp7DK/1455570949_xFRp7DK#1459468114_6dXjtNn</a><br /> <br /> Hey, it's Friday and for us US folks it's a long weekend. TGIF! Well, I'm on call and the boys are away for the weekend but still! I've got some fun planned anyway;-)<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 09/01/11 - The Globe Is My World<br /> <br /> Blog: <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/globe-is-my-world.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/09/globe-is-my-world.html</a><br /> <br /> I stopped by The Garden Hut yesterday to buy some sunflower seeds and to take a few pictures. I didn't have much time, but I picked 3 or 4 subjects to focus on and came away with a few shots that I liked.<br /> <br /> I should have taken a shot of the whole mobile...silly me. Basically, you are seeing one end of it balanced on a pole with something equally heavy on the other side. It can spin in a circle kindof like the outstretched arms of a dancer. It's pretty. I saw the reflection of the flowers in it and moved around with the camera trying to get the best view possible.<br /> <br /> I've doctored this quite a bit from the original:<br /> <br /> SmugMug Link<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457531896_QFk5kf2">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457531896_QFk5kf2</a><br /> <br /> There's an Orton filter, an enhanced lens flare courtesy of Deviant Art brushes, some color adjustments and cloning to remove the parking lot light posts. A Color Burn brush was my main method of getting rid of the hazy part of the reflection by making just that area darker.<br /> <br /> Deviant Art Brushes:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://stock-of-beauty.deviantart.com/art/Flare-and-Stash-Brushes-28389764">http://stock-of-beauty.deviantart.com/art/Flare-and-Stash-Brushes-28389764</a><br /> <br /> I've been trying to take a good shot of these flags all summer:<br /> <br /> SmugMug Link<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457329134_qkP59fq">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457329134_qkP59fq</a><br /> <br /> I think this is the best one so far...<br /> <br /> I also liked these flowers:<br /> <br /> SmugMug Link<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457308880_WLNxNmg">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457308880_WLNxNmg</a><br /> <br /> And the top of this rustic garden bench:<br /> <br /> SmugMug Link<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457313279_Cz5Z6WQ">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457313279_Cz5Z6WQ</a><br /> <br /> Back at home, this female summer tanager is often at my feeders and birdbath:<br /> <br /> SmugMug Link<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1458003332_LnNPDss">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1458003332_LnNPDss</a><br /> <br /> What a treat! This is the first year I've seen these guys in my yard and near my feeders.<br /> <br /> And, this blue jay was standing pretty proud too:<br /> <br /> SmugMug Link<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457333473_9S54QL3">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1457333473_9S54QL3</a><br /> <br /> I wonder what photo ops will turn up today:-)
  • 08/31/11 - Red Romance<br /> <br /> I fumbled back through my recent galleries in search of something not a butterfly and not a morning glory and not zipped up with vibrant color to post. That was a challenge... This is from a couple of weeks ago. I just, and I mean JUST, darkened the shadows, tilted it a smidge, and cropped to 8X10. <br /> <br /> Yesterday I was still feeling quite vibrant and made this:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1455592625_RL6TL66">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1455592625_RL6TL66</a><br /> I liked how the two side views of the wings combined to make one larger open winged looking butterfly. That and the in your face color;-) I was on a roll with the Heat Map 2.0 filter in Picnik. <br /> <br /> We were at Chick-fil-A last night for family night again. We ran into another family from the elementary school that we met at open house last week. The family has a child in Joey's class and in Johnny's class, and the boys were delighted. The cow tried to put Johnny in the trash can again:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1456144926_hvpGTW4">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1456144926_hvpGTW4</a><br /> and I got this nice shot of Joey and his friend:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1456145515_sZmTV34">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1456145515_sZmTV34</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments on my funky colored morning glory shot from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/30/11 - Funky Glory<br /> <br /> Pics and write-up below at:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/08/funky-glory.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/08/funky-glory.html</a><br /> <br /> This is in PSE 7 with the original fixed layer and a metal texture layer on top and the metal texture layer as a Difference layer.<br /> <br /> I took the original of this shot a week or so ago and always intended to come back and try to do something more with it. Here's a fixed up but close to the original shot where I cropped to 8X10 and cloned out a bit of misc. greenery near the bottom:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455120113_n5Kq29t">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455120113_n5Kq29t</a><br /> <br /> I liked that cleaner view but it didn't grab me, so I started playing around. Besides the funky green 70s version inspired by listening to The Delfonics - Didn't I (Blow Your Mind):<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8NKnnzwjAs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8NKnnzwjAs</a><br /> <br /> I also produced a few other versions. This one has a Timeless quality I think:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455117830_fHhQv6M">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455117830_fHhQv6M</a><br /> <br /> And here's what I envision as a bold and hip print ad style:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455125126_t5kkzPm">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455125126_t5kkzPm</a><br /> <br /> And even a gritty almost dirty view:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455124776_jpK6QpX">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455124776_jpK6QpX</a><br /> <br /> Even an artsy sketch style view:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455126616_LxMFPgC">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1455126616_LxMFPgC</a><br /> <br /> With just a few minutes and a little creativity, you can take one photo and produce several versions each with it's own expressive feeling and potential audience and purpose. What mood are you in today? Me, I'm still singing to The Delfonics.<br /> <br /> As a side note, I read last night that Nick Ashford of Ashford and Simpson passed away. Very sad and a real loss to music. Although you might not immediately know the name if you aren't a Motown fan, you know the tunes for sure!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzBfJOUEG1U">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzBfJOUEG1U</a>
  • 08/29/11 - Easter Tiger Swallowtail at Yates Mill<br /> <br /> Visit my blog for the text below with pictures inline:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/08/eastern-tiger-swallowtail-at-yates-mill.html">http://maryanng.blogspot.com/2011/08/eastern-tiger-swallowtail-at-yates-mill.html</a><br /> <br /> I was so excited to find a lantana bush in the parking lot at Yates Mill that had a swallowtail on it. And, a very cooperative swallowtail I might add. I had several wide open wing shots to choose from and a couple of other poses that I really liked too.<br /> <br /> Last night Joey and Johnny were looking over my shoulder, and Joey wanted to put some filters on one of the butterfly pictures and experiment. OK. Here's a collage showing the best side view and several different ways we processed it:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453303874_vBwB6fr">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453303874_vBwB6fr</a><br /> <br /> Collage from Yates Mill:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453306514_SjVX52q">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453306514_SjVX52q</a><br /> <br /> <br /> We also attended a pool birthday party for one of Johnny's classmates yesterday. Fun! Luke enjoyed Krispy Creme donuts instead of a birthday cake. Yum! Here's a collage of the best birthday boy shots that I got:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453011132_hpqxJGV">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453011132_hpqxJGV</a><br /> It's not safe to invite me to your child's birthday party unless it's OK for me to take pictures:-)<br /> <br /> Joey on the water slide:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453008510_CmtXnkN">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453008510_CmtXnkN</a><br /> <br /> Cute Johnny smile:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453011454_ngwMvMp">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1453011454_ngwMvMp</a><br /> <br /> The boys got haircuts last night, so the next round of pics will show much shorter hair. I think I cut off at least an inch!<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on our apple crisp shots from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/28/11 - Apple Crisp My blog where the pictures mentioned in the write-up below are inline for viewing: http://maryanng.blogspot.com A month of so ago, I ordered the Pampered Chef Apple Peeler Corer from my friend <a href="http://vollmerdp.blogspot.com/">Patricia </a> who had a Pampered Chef party. I'd always wanted one having seen one demoed in person years ago at another party. Although not inexpensive by any means, I decided that this was the party/year to get it. As with many things, it takes me a bit to get the time to read about them and set them up. But with hurricane Irene giving us yucky weather, yesterday seemed like the day to sort it out. 8 screws to set up the platform wasn't too bad and then watching a video on YouTube gave me a good demo on top of the hand written instructions on just how to 'make it work'. I had two eager helpers ready to test the first apple. Success! Wow! Ooooh Aaaah! Here's a video of Johnny with the first apple: Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJxWhU-WtA And just to prove that boys and men of all ages love their gadgets: SmugMug Link http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1451262944_pn6ngvS SmugMug Link http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1451262954_v2w8BPZ Hard to say what was more fun. Turning the crank fast or watching the peel spaghetti get created or lifting the apple spirals and playing with them (clean hands of course). A few things to note. If you have a table that you can attach the apple peeler corer too, that may actually be better than buying the fancy base. As you can see in the video, Johnny had trouble holding the base still...trouble he would not have had on a table. Besides peeling and coring, this things slices too. The slices might be a tad thin for some pies, but worked just fine in my apple crisp. I did thoroughly wash and dry the apples first. Mushy apples don't work anywhere near as well. Hungry for apple pie? ;-) Irene update: Irene ended up going just far enough East of Raleigh to spare us too much trouble. I have lots of large chunks of leaves down in my yard and a few small limbs. When I walked Blaze, I started picking up. We lost power twice but just for a few minutes so no impact short of startling the kids. We did have a few gusts of wind that caused me to hold my breath, but nothing that had me white knuckled for any real amount of time. We've seen much worse and my heart goes out to those who were truly affected by the storm.
  • 08/27/11 - Meteor Shower<br /> <br /> Write-up with pics inline is on my blog at:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com">http://maryanng.blogspot.com</a><br /> <br /> I just couldn't resist playing around with the water bead shots in PicNik some more yesterday. Here is the original picture for the shot above:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443258237_KdSjhT3">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443258237_KdSjhT3</a><br /> Notice in this case the water beads frozen solid in ice with food color allowed to seep down into the icy cracks to add some color.<br /> <br /> Here are few more art/original pairs:<br /> <br /> This one has both the Circle Splash and the Waterfall effect on it.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1449045392_Z2CwX7J">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1449045392_Z2CwX7J</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443258015_C9GSvwR">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443258015_C9GSvwR</a><br /> <br /> And these:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448862675_Pg5sw7q">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448862675_Pg5sw7q</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1449510946_3ppMvB8">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1449510946_3ppMvB8</a><br /> <br /> This version has a PicNik Space Texture applied to it.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448867370_xpVx3Fd">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448867370_xpVx3Fd</a><br /> <br /> The three above were all made from the shot below. Different filters can have very different results.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448207114_jcWGXMd">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448207114_jcWGXMd</a><br /> <br /> I did take a few morning glory shots yesterday, and this was my favorite:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1449438875_sL5Rvp8">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1449438875_sL5Rvp8</a><br /> <br /> Probably onto something besides space tomorrow butcha never know since the weather is so iffy for outside shooting today.<br /> <br /> Light rain overnight and a few gusts of wind that are noticeable but overall not too much effect from Irene in Raleigh.
  • 08/26/11 - The Birth of a Solar System Note: The best way to enjoy this write-up would be to go to my blog where the pictures are inline. http://maryanng.blogspot.com It's no secret to anyone that knows me that I'm a fan of science fiction. My dad used to tell folks how proud he was to have me propped up beside him watching the original Star Trek on TV. From there is went on to Space 1999, Battlestar Galactica, Lost in Space, Star Wars, Logan's Run, and Star Trek the Next Generation, etc. Dad and I would go to used bookstores when I was a kid, and he'd come away with science fiction and fantasy books from authors like Piers Anthony, Marion Zimmer Bradley, and Arthur C. Clarke. Me, I was buying Bobbsey Twins books, but that's a story for another day. I've gone on to introduce my boys to science fiction too. Family tradition and all. They know who The Robot is and Robbie the Robot and what a Cylon is and most importantly to Joey who Data is. Joey is reading the Legend of Droon series of chapter books, and we're on TNG episode 46 of 176 on Netflix streaming. The old bumper sticker, "Everything I need to know about life I learned from Star Trek." just might be true;-) I eagerly wait for the next Star Trek series or movie to come out and mourn the loss of favorite scifi shows like Eureka which was recently cancelled. But no matter what's on TV or what I'm doing in my life, I tend to see things on some sort of spacial and scientific plane. Thanks, Dad! I've been fooling around taking shots of water beads for a few weeks now. What are those you ask? Well, they are 1/4" diameter or so mushy water soaked bubbles that are often used in floral arrangements in the vases with water or as part of a kid's science experiment. For some, like me, they can also turn into valuable photographic tools. I've had success before with shots like this: http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Daily-Photos/My-Best-Daily-Shots/8520201_2XhdHz#1163369555_fsCdq and: http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Daily-Photos/My-Best-Daily-Shots/8520201_2XhdHz#1164219129_HPjHL The ones I've done recently haven't really been working out I don't think: <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1426876675_ZmqNXGd">SmugMug Link&nbsp;</a> and: <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1425459170_cLqqQ4K">SmugMug Link</a> I hate to give up though, ya know?!? On Monday, I was working with some clear water beads and another frozen rose, but that was a total fail. http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443258818_tsN3tVG I came back today to try some more shots of just the beads/remnants of the other photo shoot and got some shots like this: <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448206245_TvsPF58">SmugMug Link</a> and: <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448205887_SNrPqpC">SmugMug Link</a> I'm on the back deck with my interesting glass top patio table. I liked what I got, but just NOT enough color for me! From there I went into Picnik and used the Lomo-ish, Orton-ish, Invert, and Circle Splash effects to create these: <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448236668_xkWZjHB">SmugMug Link</a> and: <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448206514_jjDcWmR">SmugMug Link</a> and: <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448207151_jwRNwGn">SmugMug Link</a> Now that's spacial and that's more like it! Picnik can be pretty cool for some things some times, but I find it hiccups a lot. I lost two images do to it erroring out. Once I saved a picture and half of the .jpg was in error and gray back in Picasa. So use it, but don't get your heart set on the results until things are really saved! I do understand that some folks will no longer consider these pictures and won't like the abstract shapes, vibrant colors, or theme I've given to these images, and that's OK, but they do appeal to me very much...so much that I almost wish I could turn a wall in my house into one of them! Other things of interest from yesterday: It was windy and the butterflies were moving all over the place but I got a few shots. I liked how the light was going through the butterfly wings in some of them. <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448327222_QLTgZS3">SmugMug Link</a> Johnny enjoyed open house at his school. He gave me a grand tour of his classroom showing off his artwork and then in Joey's classroom he gave Ms. Miller a lesson on how to use her computer:-) <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448327143_xVWDRv6">SmugMug Link</a> Joey also enjoyed open house. He was most proud of his little plant on his desk and excited about the potential of getting into the treasure box. I was impressed with his science journal upper left. <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1448327132_Gf6B23r">SmugMug Link</a>
  • 08/25/11 - Black Eastern Tiger Swallowtail<br /> <br /> I was back at Porter Farms and Nursery yesterday, twice, trying to take another butterfly shot worth sharing with you guys. Things didn't seem to click as good as they had on Monday. Of the two or three shots that I got that I liked, the wing was well focused, but the head/eye was not. I suspect I'll go back today to try again although right now we are quite cloudy.<br /> <br /> I have doctored this up from the original quite a bit:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1446087598_jf7MQnz">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1446087598_jf7MQnz</a><br /> <br /> Another shot from yesterday that I pp'ed and liked:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1447396198_KDvSXPW">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Inspirations/Inspirations/10386893_GcQ4rP#1447396198_KDvSXPW</a><br /> <br /> This shot of the butterfly in flight I also liked:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1446781982_hg9ttdD">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1446781982_hg9ttdD</a><br /> Of course I wish I had gotten the flight more centered in the frame and sharper but I think it represents the quick flight between the flowers of a butterfly pretty well.<br /> <br /> An open wing shot of this butterfly:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1447419300_73NwGXc">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1447419300_73NwGXc</a><br /> <br /> This clearwing moth was also on the butterfly bush:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1446633997_gPpdDds">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1446633997_gPpdDds</a><br /> as was this Pearl Crescent Butterfly (I think):<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1447410748_Fc38F3k">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1447410748_Fc38F3k</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments on my 'glow' shot from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/24/11 - Inner Glory<br /> <br /> Yesterday's butterfly shot is going to be a hard act to follow:-) Thank you all so, so much for your inspiring comments on it......<br /> <br /> I took this shot Monday as well. Just another morning glory on the side of a tobacco field. I love how these flowers seem to have an inner glow. You might think that I used pp on this, but the only thing I did was remove a few pollen spots. The color is as it was shot. <br /> <br /> I find it interesting that the most popular picture on my SmugMug site is this butterfly shot that I took last summer at Porter Farms and Nursery.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/popular/960726970_GX7Wz#960726970_GX7Wz">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/popular/960726970_GX7Wz#960726970_GX7Wz</a><br /> <br /> I wonder what today will bring. Hurricane Irene seems to be heading more east all the time which is a huge relief. Out to sea! For those that might have missed, VA had an earthquake yesterday. Yes, Virginia! I did not feel it but I have friends and coworkers that did. How odd! <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/23/11 - Flutterby<br /> <br /> On the way in from picking up the kids at school yesterday, I swung into the local produce stand, Porters, to pick up some onions and fresh yellow squash. I love having veggies so easily accessible. I also love having such great photo ops there too. There are 6 or more of these huge light orange/yellow butterfly bushes, and they are always covered in some kind of butterfly. Today, this bush had 3 swallowtails zooming all over it, and I spent several minutes snapping away. This is my favorite of the bunch although there were a few close seconds.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443260783_ZzC2dDs">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443260783_ZzC2dDs</a><br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443256037_FDRBBH8">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443256037_FDRBBH8</a><br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443261106_kcxFVnK">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1443261106_kcxFVnK</a><br /> <br /> The boys were pretty content...fresh lemonade with maraschino cherries and a slice of orange:-) <br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments on my car show pics...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/22/11 - Reflections<br /> <br /> I really had trouble focusing on the big picture at the car show. There were so many neat reflections and interesting close-ups, that I had to keep reminding myself to take pictures of the cars themselves. Pictured here in the chrome wheel cap of a Chevy Truck is a 1939 Plymouth with a 5.0 liter Ford V-8 engine in it. See the full car here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103063_DrjP7KQ">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103063_DrjP7KQ</a><br /> <br /> Here's the full 1951 Chevy Truck with the actual chrome wheel cap:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440102950_pmKbB7J">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440102950_pmKbB7J</a><br /> <br /> Two other reflections that I took and liked are:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440107219_98QGhWB">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440107219_98QGhWB</a><br /> In that one you see city buildings on a chrome air filter cap but they are quite abstract.<br /> <br /> And there's a neat reflection in this chrome head light too:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440102053_7Cj9Gzg">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/CarShows/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440102053_7Cj9Gzg</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments on my chrome shot from yesterday and a special thanks to those of you who had a few minutes to look at the car show gallery...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/21/11 - What am I?<br /> <br /> For a hint, go here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103175_GNSqk5W">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103175_GNSqk5W</a><br /> <br /> I went to the Capital City Car Show in downtown Raleigh yesterday. They cars lined up in the Convention Center (which I didn't look at) and outside on the Fayetteville Street Mall (which I walked completely). Great turn out. Reasonable temps. Awesome cars. FUN! To get a feel for the size of the outside part of the show, look here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440724551_VWcGkSg">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440724551_VWcGkSg</a><br /> The car went all the way to the Capital building.<br /> <br /> I saw a few Cadillacs and thought of Carole and Larry and the 1966 and 1976 I used to drive. This is a 1964:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103425_KQ3RhgS">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103425_KQ3RhgS</a><br /> <br /> As I was shooting, I was definitely thinking about how Lgood takes her car show shots and tried to apply some of what I like about her style to my shots. I went with my friend, Don, and he knew a lot about the cars, so it was really fun hearing about what I was seeing. I used to drive a 1966 and then 1976 Cadillac in my high school/college years, so the car show brought back my own memories too. My 1976 Caddy was affectionately called The Klingon Battle Cruiser since it had a 126" wheel base:-) <br /> <br /> I have a gallery of the event featured on my homepage and here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440099454_nXRNjDS">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440099454_nXRNjDS</a><br /> <br /> Don took a few shots with his iPod Touch and finessed one of them using Picnik in Picasa which is here:<br /> <br /> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/117054353195908041796/ClassicsAtTheCapitalCarShow2011#5643079340059782626">https://picasaweb.google.com/117054353195908041796/ClassicsAtTheCapitalCarShow2011#5643079340059782626</a><br /> 1951 Ford F-1 with neon filter.<br /> <br /> Favorite reflection shot of us during the day:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103298_NK828cb">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/Capital-City-Car-Show-082111/18640155_3d6cvd#1440103298_NK828cb</a><br /> <br /> I may share another car show shot tomorrow. I had a few that I liked.<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on my food collage. Yes, there was mayo in the cake (vs. sour cream). And, yes, the okra was grilled after being dipped in some sort of oil/marinade. I'll ask Danny for more details. He didn't overcook it, and it was pretty firm and yummy.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/20/11 - A Meal Fit for a King<br /> <br /> I had the pleasure of eating a meal with friends at Madi's house (the Kidd Family) last night. Let me tell you it was good! Steaks, okra, onions, and potatoes from the grill. A wonderful fresh salad. Fresh butter beans from Porters cooked with country ham. And, let's not forget carrot cake with mayonnaise, crushed pineapple, pecans, and fresh grated carrots. Oh, and the frosting has real cream cheese in it. Let's just say I'm not in any rush to eat any breakfast or maybe even any lunch today;-)<br /> <br /> Me happy:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1439409955_fCzvfkQ">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1439409955_fCzvfkQ</a><br /> <br /> A man about ready to enjoy a steak!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1439409622_pD73BN7">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1439409622_pD73BN7</a><br /> <br /> Pretty candles for mood after dinner:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1439409556_k38HFQ2">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1439409556_k38HFQ2</a><br /> <br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on my pink 'Buddy' morning glory shot from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 08/19/11 - A Bud and His Friend<br /> <br /> Taken on the edge of a tobacco field this morning:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1438060206_kpjvXv5">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1438060206_kpjvXv5</a><br /> <br /> Just me running late again today but I swear as of tomorrow I'm back on track;-)<br /> <br /> Madi is such a good homework helper and reading buddy:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1437428775_k6j94Cj">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1437428775_k6j94Cj</a><br /> It's a book adapted from the Cars 2 movie.<br /> <br /> The 'face' spiders are all over my yard. They have the coolest webs!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1438060332_jFgRSfQ">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/August-2011/18330920_7pCmrW#1438060332_jFgRSfQ</a><br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on yesterday's blue morning glory shot.<br /> <br /> TGIF!<br /> Maryann
  • 08/18/11 - Morning Glory!<br /> <br /> Another late daily taken on the way home from dropping the kids off at school. This fence is pretty close to the road with a ditch and poison ivy:-( But, I got a few shots I liked, and this one was my favorite of the batch. Behind the fence is a beautiful grassy field. <br /> <br /> We're enjoying slightly cooler temps:-)<br /> <br /> Thanks for your comments on my texted yellow flower shot from yesterday...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann

  • 100987laurajohnson

    on August 29, 2011

    Cute collage. :-)

  • paulbellinger

    on August 29, 2011

    Very cool!

  • RuSu

    on August 29, 2011

    What fun! Love apple crisp. Great collage.

  • webstersway

    on August 29, 2011

    What fun, great collage!!!

  • photofreak

    on August 29, 2011

    Looks like you guys found a good way to pass a rainy day. Nice collage of activities. Glad you weren't hit too hard by the storm, I wasn't hit too hard here in maryland either... we were lucky!

  • billiejean

    on August 29, 2011

    I'm so glad to her that you're all safe and sound. The apple peeling looks like so much fun (love those curly Cues). It looked like a fall culinary event that's for sure and it's just around the corner.

  • Tom Reichert

    on August 29, 2011

    looks like a cool tool mom !

  • Jeff Graham (JeffreyGraham)

    on August 29, 2011

    Looks like some great fun !!
    Jeff

  • sharkbayte

    on August 29, 2011

    Oh that looks very cool, awesome collage and what a great thing to do during a storm! The boys look like they are having a great time. Glad you had little damage as well.

  • Lgood

    on August 29, 2011

    How fun!!!!!! Glad that you made it through the storm. Kids are great aren't they?

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