tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81209269048378377452024-02-19T02:45:48.474-05:00eptitude...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-40740345679958504722010-11-18T01:05:00.004-05:002010-11-18T01:16:10.342-05:00Now the next challenge...<div>... you remember Sam... well, at the beginning of October - he was diagnosed with bone cancer. It's a bone eating/generating cancer that is in his left shoulder.<br /><br />He has been my initiation into dog ownership (partnership) and the lessons he's taught have been many. I am just hoping to have enough presence of mind to 'know' when the time is right to allow him to rest.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpujrz9zZTBeBSycqzHcHqQPwm7MJnV2CVMialERCQ2ZOmi2DAlyB5UrHZMu2XrgO55gC5n6r_sJnruWpu50nN1FX6Lbyqs-XmWy-vD08zvBuVPGNeJGRwcpSpylcjrv45Kn1aTwwo0Q/s1600/SamHealingRays10.12.2010DryBrush.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpujrz9zZTBeBSycqzHcHqQPwm7MJnV2CVMialERCQ2ZOmi2DAlyB5UrHZMu2XrgO55gC5n6r_sJnruWpu50nN1FX6Lbyqs-XmWy-vD08zvBuVPGNeJGRwcpSpylcjrv45Kn1aTwwo0Q/s320/SamHealingRays10.12.2010DryBrush.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540767146823611522" /></a>His love is selfless and constant... and his joy of simple pleasures an inspiration. His short tenure of a little over 9 years, so far has left me many memories and pleasures. Why are we blessed with the keepers so early on, for they surely spoil us for any that hope to follow?...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-29124997067814061492010-08-06T13:40:00.001-04:002010-08-06T14:12:42.235-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-GbL6LrDH1GA1_mRkfJ3imSAeH1kgcs86rpkRPR7_IQTmNw6eTfZUPbdF1fASvBr-alKu0e7kwKLWjuu6K831JltJsPBudT4buyofy65BHNL3m6os5s7Zci9Ery3Z0ZMckOS0LgNaEk/s1600/IMG_4087+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-GbL6LrDH1GA1_mRkfJ3imSAeH1kgcs86rpkRPR7_IQTmNw6eTfZUPbdF1fASvBr-alKu0e7kwKLWjuu6K831JltJsPBudT4buyofy65BHNL3m6os5s7Zci9Ery3Z0ZMckOS0LgNaEk/s400/IMG_4087+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502353839794659202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1QRF96UL5b0UZAohezj2kTTyLqqhu_rDape1joB_SZUSgQkX6IVAlBesDRtRg0NTH62ik1hlhoUkPFRvHwi6vT5qgJDmELfoCInK8cEteBL7WmPU5_nrcWHiQhH9ZjMwKLVSJUX66-g/s1600/IMG_4024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1QRF96UL5b0UZAohezj2kTTyLqqhu_rDape1joB_SZUSgQkX6IVAlBesDRtRg0NTH62ik1hlhoUkPFRvHwi6vT5qgJDmELfoCInK8cEteBL7WmPU5_nrcWHiQhH9ZjMwKLVSJUX66-g/s400/IMG_4024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502353837666427602" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-52857627353581151412009-09-09T20:50:00.001-04:002009-09-09T20:51:41.651-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHUEThwMejoCptg1QrC1415gIsrDmPzoNY5E3mljsvAsr5KsJwVU1eD-QZSUVPAFnmvhBnmRofStvbJYoqvkX5EwDA-YBsYfwhpBGRcBWZPRe-zZQcFZesyo_4r49I6z_N-GoCpF55d0/s1600-h/Sam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHUEThwMejoCptg1QrC1415gIsrDmPzoNY5E3mljsvAsr5KsJwVU1eD-QZSUVPAFnmvhBnmRofStvbJYoqvkX5EwDA-YBsYfwhpBGRcBWZPRe-zZQcFZesyo_4r49I6z_N-GoCpF55d0/s400/Sam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379634961483310498" border="0" /></a><br />It's just been awhile... and he wanted to make his presence known......http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-70877213065535486132009-02-19T22:34:00.001-05:002009-02-19T22:36:24.553-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RoVT-ZmNM77KeWVUBb7YcboPFObaMI7k2mXC5EGta5ZvvXXE9GdnlWUudnVueolvur0hCakBoNMmaRkDkteUUMqWylryrujvKPd09E6zuHrBdARk4SXgeB3jLbU_ibum-zF3VYchh5o/s1600-h/treeFilteredLIght.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RoVT-ZmNM77KeWVUBb7YcboPFObaMI7k2mXC5EGta5ZvvXXE9GdnlWUudnVueolvur0hCakBoNMmaRkDkteUUMqWylryrujvKPd09E6zuHrBdARk4SXgeB3jLbU_ibum-zF3VYchh5o/s400/treeFilteredLIght.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304718040723638050" border="0" /></a>It may be small (2 megapixels) but the iPhone camera is mighty! This was shot<br />in the early morning - during a walk in the woods with the dogs... filtered sunlight<br />through the trees... pretty magical effect, eh?...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-80026047849937018052009-02-09T07:23:00.004-05:002009-02-09T07:26:49.423-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR9LYdQ9sczxcFVNoo3NCiuNbbTC47Z-_NAt_nq2SncDIpHVRngJZsjuUnP8mI9bA2AfSOvFgik6rDf2aMQXSDyCcy_dJ85n0JL34WNX7SNsUNyStvOD-FfUw9mD4De7T4oUiLpXbMT4/s1600-h/barkandTwistTree.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR9LYdQ9sczxcFVNoo3NCiuNbbTC47Z-_NAt_nq2SncDIpHVRngJZsjuUnP8mI9bA2AfSOvFgik6rDf2aMQXSDyCcy_dJ85n0JL34WNX7SNsUNyStvOD-FfUw9mD4De7T4oUiLpXbMT4/s400/barkandTwistTree.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300772243520447458" border="0" /></a>Into the age of 'instant gratification' this was taken with an iPhone. I love the fact that I always have the camera with me, and it is capable of capturing my imagination. This photo was taken in B&W with an application that makes it look like an old time photo. How cool is that? Plus - the bark is especially textural - and the vine wrapped tree in front is just an additon to the cool factor. Can you tell I love it?...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-57365418322785619352009-01-10T22:48:00.004-05:002009-01-10T22:53:52.196-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPyDZuBr7XIip2r-_CUPS8cpajLyJBwuFbQWrCoXhozQS0oej8L-yGoGtGeeKVuGnPoLbixuiVHnkiue-jkwL32qGdgq5RVHXUZeGUx14HotiRyrDqfX2dhcMnRENd2lhozH9N6IueAw/s1600-h/Aubie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPyDZuBr7XIip2r-_CUPS8cpajLyJBwuFbQWrCoXhozQS0oej8L-yGoGtGeeKVuGnPoLbixuiVHnkiue-jkwL32qGdgq5RVHXUZeGUx14HotiRyrDqfX2dhcMnRENd2lhozH9N6IueAw/s400/Aubie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289878157573871842" border="0" /></a>Meet Aubie. She came over for a visit today, and posed ever so pretty on this stump. Actually, I have to admit that I followed her around for quite awhile as she scampered here and there scratching this and that.... but just wouldn't hold still... UNTIL this shot. It's like she teased me then found the perfect spot and decided she'd pose. I had cats for many many years - I'd forgotten how sweet they are, I mean - who wouldn't think she was pretty darn cute!!? OH, yeah - you just have to click on this picture, and be ready to say Awwww......http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-57064973372557243732008-12-31T22:05:00.003-05:002008-12-31T22:11:23.839-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsxuYAfKIznjjI4c8pJRpM2e7I7r7YwsAGz66MR01YlGmWUIKfNZwSUqQQ9rXd2DT0QQSigMiXeAHRt2qngqasuqi7WDVxAS84fkdbCMkDF-gp1piocHjlE0lm-q9vEoR8Gc5pyQjaJ4/s1600-h/SamNCassie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsxuYAfKIznjjI4c8pJRpM2e7I7r7YwsAGz66MR01YlGmWUIKfNZwSUqQQ9rXd2DT0QQSigMiXeAHRt2qngqasuqi7WDVxAS84fkdbCMkDF-gp1piocHjlE0lm-q9vEoR8Gc5pyQjaJ4/s400/SamNCassie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286157214838723714" border="0" /></a><br />Since the last image was of Cassie and Pooh - Sam thought he should be front and center... using Cassie as a pillow. He's doing great after the knee surgery *TPLO* I'm floored to think that it was only 9 days ago! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNjD-gt1dXghe2zOWxwWNGmMLArPhGOZeOVKgcsB81G-RWNfpFG70UeBOBG8zhrS7i9OdHMIy_Isbx3ABUzgM7y8ulzTr-LSaJh-1_Osdl8qbguUNm7OUeA0yiHzupKcHSsEU4R4CzHU/s1600-h/Sam2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNjD-gt1dXghe2zOWxwWNGmMLArPhGOZeOVKgcsB81G-RWNfpFG70UeBOBG8zhrS7i9OdHMIy_Isbx3ABUzgM7y8ulzTr-LSaJh-1_Osdl8qbguUNm7OUeA0yiHzupKcHSsEU4R4CzHU/s400/Sam2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286156991555525762" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-46128399388485938082008-12-08T23:30:00.003-05:002008-12-08T23:31:42.737-05:00I have gained a new respect for my laptop. I used to live in fear of it crashing... but my new best friend is the 'reset point'... if something goes wrong I tell it to go back to the last save point and reset... it's like a magical UNDO button... and I'm up and running - feeling bulletproof once more. <br /><br />I feel EPT!...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-42953489832805645812008-11-28T12:35:00.003-05:002008-11-28T12:37:09.951-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaic81v1Z5g7FXA4IpgPJ2uHbkH5hhG_b9c3dn5Su3UlzHkrYmuKau-UqPdQyXUFSnw_NskS_pA7a5STsf_6SV1H2yeaCdGIaJbq9pWZvYRnX0S4SguKCvNvWe_SxNE7-wBxj6vBNJxw/s1600-h/CassiePooh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaic81v1Z5g7FXA4IpgPJ2uHbkH5hhG_b9c3dn5Su3UlzHkrYmuKau-UqPdQyXUFSnw_NskS_pA7a5STsf_6SV1H2yeaCdGIaJbq9pWZvYRnX0S4SguKCvNvWe_SxNE7-wBxj6vBNJxw/s400/CassiePooh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273763473288098434" border="0" /></a><br />No matter where they are - Pooh is close by. I just sent him through a wash/dry cycle, as they gum him and he gets kinda stinky... but for the most part - they both find him comforting and are either snuggled up with him or resting their chins on him. He serves as both pal and prop for both Sam and Cassie....http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-87118665660953120682008-11-26T21:49:00.002-05:002008-11-26T21:57:51.753-05:00Have you ever started to view 'machines' as almost human and worried?<br />I know most of us have a fine line between humans and pets - but... a 'time machine' that is placed each night so that it can communicate with the Great Time Clock... and check the accuracy of its settings! <br /><br />What I'm talking about is more commonly known as a WATCH! This demanding little thing has to be placed, nightly, so that it has a direct line of communication to access some sort of information beams outside - it updates itself & checks timekeeping accuracy with some link out there that tells it what time is 'right'.<br /><br />I come to expect to see it hanging in between the slats of the blinds... craning its 'neck' to reach out to this invisible beam. When it travels with him, I miss its presence, and take some comfort when it comes home to roost. Does saying goodnight to it make me odd?...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-79255372335207137132008-11-25T14:52:00.003-05:002008-11-25T18:23:10.039-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBy4Uw6kJGK5mnfGCay8XmcwFJG3heP-IWh2qeKJ4upl4cdf-NzC8NNCNvnA1fmTakNyT_Wi200CoGFJ6EPJ_0gPhyphenhyphenNzgeJf7nR3vxMZJpq_a9MB5ioz6E6U3BWsOUtcmUSnnC3Pd47c/s1600-h/webDroplets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBy4Uw6kJGK5mnfGCay8XmcwFJG3heP-IWh2qeKJ4upl4cdf-NzC8NNCNvnA1fmTakNyT_Wi200CoGFJ6EPJ_0gPhyphenhyphenNzgeJf7nR3vxMZJpq_a9MB5ioz6E6U3BWsOUtcmUSnnC3Pd47c/s400/webDroplets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272685712848415634" border="0" /></a><br />I think it was mentioned that although droplets on the flowers are cool - web inspired droplets are just so much cooler!<br />OK, this is not your average web, nor expected average web droplets - this was on a odd web - with a long chute/tunnel that the spider would retreat down. So - these droplets are hanging down underneath the web... click the pic and see what I mean.<br /><br />do these rate?...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-67288469428454282812008-11-22T18:40:00.003-05:002008-11-22T18:54:39.515-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjEn2uvWxQIS7sWp1R9Bg03mOP2in9aVpRPuzUzHlvWGzbhpxHSvMDVuwSOMcU7sbctjF3FjN01Rz5RP96mfdPlTZIHt2Lf0a0p_ewhQ8YDW7RpACNbHeQoRj1Mu3DuHkw0uVAOpsI4g/s1600-h/solution.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjEn2uvWxQIS7sWp1R9Bg03mOP2in9aVpRPuzUzHlvWGzbhpxHSvMDVuwSOMcU7sbctjF3FjN01Rz5RP96mfdPlTZIHt2Lf0a0p_ewhQ8YDW7RpACNbHeQoRj1Mu3DuHkw0uVAOpsI4g/s400/solution.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271634060537798418" border="0" /></a><br />SO - today - after driving by this for about 1 1/2 years, I FINALLY had my other camera - the pocket Canon Power Shot with me. (yes... it's another blasted Canon camera... ((she ducks)).<br />This photo proves to me that there is always another solution to every problem.<br /><br />The tree had grown around the wire - so rather than risk cutting the live electrical wire from the tree... they simply cut down the tree - leaving the enclosing segment to 'dangle' from the wire. I just have to laugh everytime I see this... : )<br /><br />No picture to back it up - but I filled up the car today for $1.73 gal - can you believe it?...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-51835637403431564812008-11-15T23:39:00.002-05:002008-11-15T23:46:59.582-05:00This evening we went to see the new James Bond movie - and as the tickets were being purchased I wandered into the lobby. The theater is relatively new and as I was walking in - I was taken by the pattern on the floor - much like you'd expect to find under some grand rotunda in a government building. This one had a rather stylized bullseye and I was drawn right to the center - when I reached it, I looked up to meet the eyes of another woman who was sitting at a small table on the edge of the lobby. She said something to me - I couldn't hear her clearly - so went over. She said that she'd been watching people for awhile now - and although she'd seen many kids use the graphics on the floor - walking in the 'lanes' of the bullseye etc. I was the first adult. <br /><br />It was one of those huh... moments. Feeling triumphant in a funny sort of way - as I felt almost as if I hadn't had a choice in my actions. More of being magnetically drawn to the center... but on the other hand, feeling a bit embarassed that I got 'caught' doing it....http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-67276933006909614152008-11-03T13:10:00.003-05:002008-11-03T13:15:29.911-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4A2SVSk5qJBD9aDgMrkUlMHZOY6V1OwT6eEOGkfX3tXO3N0SqnLlHEuiRfqV7Qre7RksV9J8gDrNCqRncc89rc0RJ0XINajvESkaeJI3Hd4R6qblZjC0bx1ovlIRs0MdqhOqokMdqzA/s1600-h/whtRoseSnippet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4A2SVSk5qJBD9aDgMrkUlMHZOY6V1OwT6eEOGkfX3tXO3N0SqnLlHEuiRfqV7Qre7RksV9J8gDrNCqRncc89rc0RJ0XINajvESkaeJI3Hd4R6qblZjC0bx1ovlIRs0MdqhOqokMdqzA/s400/whtRoseSnippet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264495395541241938" border="0" /></a><br />This single solitary rose caught my eye this morning in the early light. Such perfection - in packaging, design and execution. I changed it from a photograph of a rose into a 'virtual painting' with Photoshop's Dry Brush effect. <br /><br />Even with the change - I bow to thee, Mother Nature....http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-22980385027577049152008-10-25T15:54:00.002-04:002008-10-25T15:57:31.554-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PCs63OxDyY-Fy7a4u4UPhYbU27iGes3hQ_IIxQi8NF8cTqVGSmVlavVhLBmRNzNkIZGUEVeN204DVkVv0PDCaDx7mp3pyB1EMLGyqOyfqlMqqPLsKKHzTEmv7wYqjTkMnZoK6SOFOxE/s1600-h/PansyWhite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PCs63OxDyY-Fy7a4u4UPhYbU27iGes3hQ_IIxQi8NF8cTqVGSmVlavVhLBmRNzNkIZGUEVeN204DVkVv0PDCaDx7mp3pyB1EMLGyqOyfqlMqqPLsKKHzTEmv7wYqjTkMnZoK6SOFOxE/s400/PansyWhite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261182507789195938" border="0" /></a>Hearty, yet delicate - the pansy. I planted these last week and greet them each morning as we head out to walk - it's always surprising though how much of a 'dressing up' a little rainshower can do. I know you're probably tired of droplet photos - but - they do influence my muse... and I think they're perhaps some of my very favorite things!...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-16066095209559648742008-10-15T14:13:00.005-04:002008-10-16T19:22:16.516-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDuxXhX3CdNEQ-FagTQNLEBgT4tc-7_ycTpa_tIMBu-Wr31G1EGSN8hz01NIpeuOaNQuV9bqO-kdR70DpCICgj99RbeWMj07_DKr7dcBKIHGWxp2DomFzBRnETEUvVstsDF8EbfR_eIg/s1600-h/GasGoingDown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDuxXhX3CdNEQ-FagTQNLEBgT4tc-7_ycTpa_tIMBu-Wr31G1EGSN8hz01NIpeuOaNQuV9bqO-kdR70DpCICgj99RbeWMj07_DKr7dcBKIHGWxp2DomFzBRnETEUvVstsDF8EbfR_eIg/s400/GasGoingDown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257895486559877138" border="0" /></a>What a refreshing sight! I went with a friend to take her daughter to college - we drove for almost 11 hours (round trip)... aside from the gorgeous fall colors creeping out - we took note of the amazing difference five hours driving distance can make in gas prices! I was paying close to $4.09 and looky what we found! Since this time, I've noticed that locally gas is going for $2.99 - wish I had a larger gas tank!...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-35379033235660123042008-10-11T20:36:00.009-04:002008-10-11T20:54:52.301-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtM_t7I_kylxLX1yVZ08m_psaM90bStglKamxaPSRlF2Wq0NDb3-QjynvI3dYrqe0E6-LcBQ4V3D0_PdB_y0jsuk4W5WFmq4bdrKDqXkS22IKnQ-sva1GM7holIPGGh1JmehviwBOr58/s1600-h/IMG_1472B.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtM_t7I_kylxLX1yVZ08m_psaM90bStglKamxaPSRlF2Wq0NDb3-QjynvI3dYrqe0E6-LcBQ4V3D0_PdB_y0jsuk4W5WFmq4bdrKDqXkS22IKnQ-sva1GM7holIPGGh1JmehviwBOr58/s400/IMG_1472B.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256061394928490354" border="0" /></a><br />I have started to write twice about this event that occurs locally... but it's a lot to explain - and I gave up. But it's quite fun, so I'll attempt to tell you again.<br /><br />Twice a year our church hosts these nights, once for middle school and another night for HS. It's sort of a military event - where the kids are split up into teams, and the idea is to get from one end of the playing field *at night, uneven terrain* to the command post at the other - without being captured and WITH a set of 'orders' to be stamped upon completion. Sounds easy, eh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQPCkqljyErN8HtmiMtupZpP6cphAp4jxa36akVHYINNR30jMUi12jPD-k3WKCZfW43OPReZ1xBckn8H4txrk6Y9R7KnUU-2GddrcPZ7t_tGIsac8bbS9iV3HcB_stRFErS5mDtn-0e4/s1600-h/TornUP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQPCkqljyErN8HtmiMtupZpP6cphAp4jxa36akVHYINNR30jMUi12jPD-k3WKCZfW43OPReZ1xBckn8H4txrk6Y9R7KnUU-2GddrcPZ7t_tGIsac8bbS9iV3HcB_stRFErS5mDtn-0e4/s400/TornUP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256063450525240578" border="0" /></a><br />Well, peppered on the darkened field are rangers *dressed up in camoflauge* that are just waiting to capture you and tear your orders in half. Once captured, you can only be 'sprung' by a team mate giving up a stamped set of orders. Imagine all this going on - with search spotlights scanning the sky/ground... and a sound track of air raid sirens... The object is to be the team with the most stamped orders at the end of the evening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIag_Vc73_H9hBD2b9Ub1d3zpcQKA2tY2cecAAMtqQBMBaeK0KFjgutu05bRDH7Ry41huSBd4pS8xUCePWtn3c_hHfEtQTVW0CuCIHlcxDmeeVIGmMRuTyt5lEigNxuJJu1SvnsXqIsc/s1600-h/jail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIag_Vc73_H9hBD2b9Ub1d3zpcQKA2tY2cecAAMtqQBMBaeK0KFjgutu05bRDH7Ry41huSBd4pS8xUCePWtn3c_hHfEtQTVW0CuCIHlcxDmeeVIGmMRuTyt5lEigNxuJJu1SvnsXqIsc/s400/jail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256064074600846706" border="0" /></a>The kids LOVE it and the adults LOVE acting like kids for the night! Winning team gets a commemorative T-shirt....http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-28951498270382119162008-10-09T10:00:00.003-04:002008-10-09T10:03:17.887-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTzZpYX69ZxXQ7CRu2vC-LITnECujnq65Mnzlrk2WGoeyq1ejyV36evORGbtbTQFnMyhONbs5zguIWML_PKQo-YoalJUk_pyQlyaqq51waQH6SpmEBA9qHswVvX0teC-jm9aoxn3D70w/s1600-h/Jan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTzZpYX69ZxXQ7CRu2vC-LITnECujnq65Mnzlrk2WGoeyq1ejyV36evORGbtbTQFnMyhONbs5zguIWML_PKQo-YoalJUk_pyQlyaqq51waQH6SpmEBA9qHswVvX0teC-jm9aoxn3D70w/s400/Jan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255153812719563490" border="0" /></a>This photo is dedicated to my pal out in Midland - Jannn. She just loves the lens effect and I think of her every time I take a photo like this......http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-65980246290910583772008-10-08T12:00:00.003-04:002008-10-08T12:04:06.353-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfGRtyI1LRobGcICnSLIuu8LqCE8Ba98IubLJaK_7mBzVkdLpCHKTwqHGh_beXX5QERGC0GXyDGejhXXOW78M0q1c0kIaVDQoGU7ZttTk5fYAZqnYpdr0WiwsuNdR27q7t5W179owLv0/s1600-h/Rain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfGRtyI1LRobGcICnSLIuu8LqCE8Ba98IubLJaK_7mBzVkdLpCHKTwqHGh_beXX5QERGC0GXyDGejhXXOW78M0q1c0kIaVDQoGU7ZttTk5fYAZqnYpdr0WiwsuNdR27q7t5W179owLv0/s400/Rain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254813738883997618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Long dry spell. Guess what today's theme is?<br />yep...<br />- glorious, drippy, droppy, wet RAIN -<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzinc6BztlDNNckexuBALcgLThc70cR7kOmIUbsto1eaxTPBvmp0Y_IEdBY9YqpOUmpxP28CecxosKp_PSAnkh-x5DmXHzRx1Cvg4q3Q3M87iubGeafNjNdoHy-ZcVftCJXb5Yg4hfVnQ/s1600-h/Rain1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzinc6BztlDNNckexuBALcgLThc70cR7kOmIUbsto1eaxTPBvmp0Y_IEdBY9YqpOUmpxP28CecxosKp_PSAnkh-x5DmXHzRx1Cvg4q3Q3M87iubGeafNjNdoHy-ZcVftCJXb5Yg4hfVnQ/s400/Rain1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254813945092774786" border="0" /></a><br />this next photo is a bit odd, but work with me. It's a droplet hitting the surface in a pot - making the indentation on the surface before the ripples get sent out...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFrAwvJNqP6_pOE68UK1jCGahJH7G1p1ghrBJFgr2U8EtsYl8IkWNhDsPdVl2_695C_G2lqQ3IeuxaWO04OUkD8X96d_Ah7n1Bumkn2TRxbdsQsGnfac350BbarDCr5m53XYxOiBsQg4/s1600-h/Rain2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFrAwvJNqP6_pOE68UK1jCGahJH7G1p1ghrBJFgr2U8EtsYl8IkWNhDsPdVl2_695C_G2lqQ3IeuxaWO04OUkD8X96d_Ah7n1Bumkn2TRxbdsQsGnfac350BbarDCr5m53XYxOiBsQg4/s400/Rain2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254814448568384050" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-6577990279885086242008-09-24T10:44:00.003-04:002008-09-24T10:52:52.294-04:00What a task! We are only a few days into teaching the furry beasts how to recognize the flags on the wireless fence. For it to be effective, you have to either lift them over the 'invisible barrier'... or drive them over it when you go for a walk. Sam is around 100# so that's not going to happen... now my morning routine has changed some, we pile into the car and drive off somewhere to go for a long walk. <br /><br />I can't tell you how many times Cassie has decided to come from the very back to come sit in the front seat. NOT GOOD. I'm not all about having fur and footprints all over the inside of my car. SOOO<br /><br />I just got done installing a wire barrier system we had purchased for our old Expedition... I thought it was specifically for only that model - but as luck would prove, it fits beautifully in my Volvo. No more wandering clay-footed-furrry-monster-flying Cassie wandering around the inside of the vehicle!...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-33550665434564112982008-09-17T15:33:00.003-04:002008-09-17T15:44:55.129-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8Er14war91pL-iGtEQCr6sf8ZDRIZH4px5-pddU6lG_S2xvZCw7s405ZskYVAznB1W2TgX55XLmz7dvLago3X85rc3_T_zRByYZajEhhs69rebjhOARwzxxNZisTJpX6ahGNmeFbcg/s1600-h/beautyBerries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8Er14war91pL-iGtEQCr6sf8ZDRIZH4px5-pddU6lG_S2xvZCw7s405ZskYVAznB1W2TgX55XLmz7dvLago3X85rc3_T_zRByYZajEhhs69rebjhOARwzxxNZisTJpX6ahGNmeFbcg/s400/beautyBerries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247075697131939986" border="0" /></a><br />Doesn't this just scream 'Made in China' at you in a high pitched a wail? It just doesn't look like something produced by Mother Naure. <br />THIS is the glass color that lampwork artists hunger for. It's growing in the woods - on a rather unassuming bush at a gentle curve of the walking path. I've been stalking it for months now - waiting for the berries to turn... and since my earlier attempts to capture a fitting image have proved unsuccessful (you try balancing two dogs and a camera), so today this branch segment came home with me. Currently living in a vase - to be admired on a whim (many whims). As I recall - QTFISH had identified it as an <a href="http://www.enature.com/flashcard/show_flash_card.asp?recordNumber=TS0348">American Beautyberry Bush</a>... Very pretty!...http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-38828254825699099622008-09-16T21:03:00.002-04:002008-09-16T21:07:25.359-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_aB5rprUh7lF7kdtmJ-NibqBM65g7ZmlR9G7TaetFO88vice3uFJTABXZpY1ETJC3U46FJxZOlXyObx-bGyieDP3e7Ada5CQhyphenhyphen7-FxLxWVLgUhiEuzT3ZqLH1AvKLb4CS2GUlCSbvUg/s1600-h/golfcartparking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_aB5rprUh7lF7kdtmJ-NibqBM65g7ZmlR9G7TaetFO88vice3uFJTABXZpY1ETJC3U46FJxZOlXyObx-bGyieDP3e7Ada5CQhyphenhyphen7-FxLxWVLgUhiEuzT3ZqLH1AvKLb4CS2GUlCSbvUg/s400/golfcartparking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246789794137568018" border="0" /></a>Is this not a hoot? Outside our favorite burger joint there is a micro-parking lot. Solely for golf carts... Imagine - even smaller than the Smart cars... able to leap tall buildings in a single bound... and be driven by teenagers. Scary thought....http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-50106319861290411782008-09-04T22:50:00.002-04:002008-09-04T22:52:05.814-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5_drI_rIA-yBoT1VnHjH9B8ygFh7dq-Mc8abzHDdYyBnqugO_sTi0ES5OimLZq5KUwTZ2t5YILbUbspkePM5GXMO4de3hk-HyiNIUg0J43YhF27NbcIH_oNDaqcAmcXiuQDRWvX-kc0/s1600-h/midnightVisitor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5_drI_rIA-yBoT1VnHjH9B8ygFh7dq-Mc8abzHDdYyBnqugO_sTi0ES5OimLZq5KUwTZ2t5YILbUbspkePM5GXMO4de3hk-HyiNIUg0J43YhF27NbcIH_oNDaqcAmcXiuQDRWvX-kc0/s400/midnightVisitor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242364228131228834" border="0" /></a>See who was outside last night as the dogs went out for the final time. He was about the size of a red globe grape......http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-59721802129105408342008-08-31T13:14:00.004-04:002008-09-03T06:45:36.514-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJbNEvgQyOSh3mYwthaKSqofQAvnaXInSjYyAwi8kV6njYzgCuEcjAhIwTDCy53lRLS96L4KHCCmXGWokcU0nICCF-QrwwkmMZfi13_GM_HYHTmQbzyWInvCWT-ZdSLl27Fzfl-_qkqE/s1600-h/BullwinkleFlower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJbNEvgQyOSh3mYwthaKSqofQAvnaXInSjYyAwi8kV6njYzgCuEcjAhIwTDCy53lRLS96L4KHCCmXGWokcU0nICCF-QrwwkmMZfi13_GM_HYHTmQbzyWInvCWT-ZdSLl27Fzfl-_qkqE/s400/BullwinkleFlower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240794294290003426" border="0" /></a><br />Do you know the Bullwinkle plant I was talking about a few posts ago? Well - here's a surprise, it FLOWERED! Anyone out there know what this is? It's on a long thin stem - and is very papery... but also very pretty....http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120926904837837745.post-9262352203062246142008-08-03T23:19:00.002-04:002008-09-03T06:47:07.122-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDgUWc9rgy6YQSlSy0n9VS96aOOglu9dvxJrs8dceG1tH8fbuU776SvXkBDd5L7QEgK2xhsSCweBxER7ATKmadkK3wOtU2QJjUdq4eNSdDDzekMW6PqN7AUnwQ35ETh_2WkfBB0K8zoI/s1600-h/MooseHorns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDgUWc9rgy6YQSlSy0n9VS96aOOglu9dvxJrs8dceG1tH8fbuU776SvXkBDd5L7QEgK2xhsSCweBxER7ATKmadkK3wOtU2QJjUdq4eNSdDDzekMW6PqN7AUnwQ35ETh_2WkfBB0K8zoI/s400/MooseHorns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230497333416835778" border="0" /></a>Why does the name Bullwinkle pop up when I spotted this?? If you click an enlarge the image it has the subtle furriness of the moose antlers......http://www.blogger.com/profile/14354737428847568687noreply@blogger.com3