I'm always on the lookout for easy, healthy recipes. The fact that this recipe utilizes my crockpot makes it a win-win-win! Chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, 3 T maple syrup, salt & pepper.
The original:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!
39/366
I'm always on the lookout for easy, healthy recipes. The fact that this recipe utilizes my crockpot makes it a win-win-win! Chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, 3 T maple syrup, salt & pepper.
The original:
I'm always on the lookout for easy, healthy recipes. The fact that this recipe utilizes my crockpot makes it a win-win-win! Chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, 3 T maple syrup, salt & pepper.
The original:
Full Moon
38/366
I had to run to the grocery store yesterday evening. This is what I saw when I opened my door.
The original:
I had to run to the grocery store yesterday evening. This is what I saw when I opened my door.
The original:
Monday, February 6, 2012
7 Bean Soup
37/366
In an effort to produce a healthier dinner & keep the cost down, I began searching for meatless meals. I stumbled across this fantastic recipe for 7 Bean Soup. It was easy to make; it was low-cost; it was delicious! I'll be making it again & again.
In an effort to produce a healthier dinner & keep the cost down, I began searching for meatless meals. I stumbled across this fantastic recipe for 7 Bean Soup. It was easy to make; it was low-cost; it was delicious! I'll be making it again & again.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
No-bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
36/366
These are SO EASY to make! And have a wonderful peanut butter flavor. I think...wait....yeah, I do have an unhealthy relationship with peanut butter. Peanut butter Rice Krispy Treats, PB&J sandwiches, honey-peanut butter popcorn, peanut butter on 'Nilla Wafers......
These are SO EASY to make! And have a wonderful peanut butter flavor. I think...wait....yeah, I do have an unhealthy relationship with peanut butter. Peanut butter Rice Krispy Treats, PB&J sandwiches, honey-peanut butter popcorn, peanut butter on 'Nilla Wafers......
Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread
35/366
I tried a new recipe for banana nut bread that is delicious! Cream cheese. Who knew?
I tried a new recipe for banana nut bread that is delicious! Cream cheese. Who knew?
Bulletin Board
33/366
Today's photo is one of Miss M's bulletin board. I wish I had a picture of the bulletin board I had when I was her age. <sigh>
Today's photo is one of Miss M's bulletin board. I wish I had a picture of the bulletin board I had when I was her age. <sigh>
Yellow
31/366
This is another photo from my neighbor's yard...still playing with my macro lens.
Original:
This is another photo from my neighbor's yard...still playing with my macro lens.
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Monday, January 30, 2012
Pansy
30/366
Today I had a little fun playing around with my new macro lens. I figured a flower would make a good subject. Since I don't have any flowers in my yard, my neighbor let me photograph some of hers. I can't wait for Spring & the opportunity to photograph bees, spiders, & other creepy crawlies.
Instead of before & after photos, I've posted the macro shot and then a wide angle shot of the subject.
Wide angle:
Today I had a little fun playing around with my new macro lens. I figured a flower would make a good subject. Since I don't have any flowers in my yard, my neighbor let me photograph some of hers. I can't wait for Spring & the opportunity to photograph bees, spiders, & other creepy crawlies.
Instead of before & after photos, I've posted the macro shot and then a wide angle shot of the subject.
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| 1/180 sec. ISO-400 (I know. I REALLY need to change this!) f/13 |
Samford University
29/366
I'll be honest...this photo wasn't taken Sunday. Miss M had a seizure about 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave for church, so she konked out for 2 1/2 hours. Then we ended up not even leaving the house the rest of the day. Saturday was a CRAZY day...began at 6:30am & ended at 11:50pm, so it was nice to stay home and relax for the whole day Sunday. I didn't even feel like looking at my camera, much less picking it up & using it. This photo was one I snapped Saturday while we were at Samford University for Miss M's basketball game. I placed the original photo first today because I had a little fun editing this one & have posted three different edits below. :-)
The original:
The edits:
I'll be honest...this photo wasn't taken Sunday. Miss M had a seizure about 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave for church, so she konked out for 2 1/2 hours. Then we ended up not even leaving the house the rest of the day. Saturday was a CRAZY day...began at 6:30am & ended at 11:50pm, so it was nice to stay home and relax for the whole day Sunday. I didn't even feel like looking at my camera, much less picking it up & using it. This photo was one I snapped Saturday while we were at Samford University for Miss M's basketball game. I placed the original photo first today because I had a little fun editing this one & have posted three different edits below. :-)
The original:
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| 1/350 sec. ISO-400 f/16 |
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| This preset's name is "dark horse." Makes sense...adds contrast. |
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| This one is "HDR effect - heavy." I like how it makes it look like a painting. |
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| This one has a retro style edit. Actually, "retro style" is the name of the preset. |
Mr. & Mrs.
28/366
OK, so I didn't actually take this photo, but I did edit it. I'll give Miss M the credit for snapping the photo. If I hadn't been such a dimwit, it wouldn't have needed so much editing. You can see what I mean by looking at the original photo. I forgot, as I often do, to change the ISO when we moved from indoors to outside. Duh! One day maybe it will be second nature for me???
The stinkin' original:
OK, so I didn't actually take this photo, but I did edit it. I'll give Miss M the credit for snapping the photo. If I hadn't been such a dimwit, it wouldn't have needed so much editing. You can see what I mean by looking at the original photo. I forgot, as I often do, to change the ISO when we moved from indoors to outside. Duh! One day maybe it will be second nature for me???
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| 1/350 sec. ISO-400 (!!!) f/5.6 |
Friday, January 27, 2012
Gifts!
27/366
My birthday gifts from The Husband arrived in today's mail! Yippppeeee! I knew what I was getting, but I was still super anxious for them to get here. He gave me my first off camera flash, a flash diffuser, and a wide angle/macro lens. I can't wait to play with my new toys!
The original:
My birthday gifts from The Husband arrived in today's mail! Yippppeeee! I knew what I was getting, but I was still super anxious for them to get here. He gave me my first off camera flash, a flash diffuser, and a wide angle/macro lens. I can't wait to play with my new toys!
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| 1/90 sec. ISO-400 f/5.6 Cropped, WB, adjusted colors |
Thursday, January 26, 2012
41 years
26/366
Today is my 41st birthday! Below are a couple of my birthday cards. The Husband's birthday wish for me was, "I hope the next 41 years go slower for you than the first 41 years." Ain't that the truth?!
The original:
Today is my 41st birthday! Below are a couple of my birthday cards. The Husband's birthday wish for me was, "I hope the next 41 years go slower for you than the first 41 years." Ain't that the truth?!
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| 1/60 sec. ISO-400 f/2.8 Cropped & used preset "Alive." |
The Babies
25/266
Below is a picture of two of our dogs. I call them our "babies." Sisters, Mango (L) & Apple (R) are a Chihuahua mix and have brought lots of laughter to our house. We have another dog, Gizmo, a miniature German Schnauzer. We adopted him through the Humane Society 6 years ago in an attempt to give Miss M an animal to bond with & grow up with. Well, that pretty much backfired, and he wants to have very little to do with her now. He prefers adults, males specifically. So, 2 or 3 years ago, we decided to adopt another dog through PAWS Humane. On our first visit "just looking" we found Mango & Apple. Miss M fell in love with Mango, so we decided to adopt her....but felt guilty for splitting up the sisters. However, we could only afford the $200 adoption fee for one animal. Once the people at PAWS realized we were serious about adopting Mango, they told us that we could take Apple at no additional charge because they didn't want to see them split up either.
OK, I was NOT prepare to go home with TWO dogs, but they were ours...no doubt about it. It has been a joy to get to know them & their distinct personalities. Apple is the princess. She's also the instigator of all of their bad ideas & attempts to escape the backyard. Mango is the chow hound. If there's a morsel of food anywhere, she's going to find it. She's also more content relaxing on the couch than doing anything else...unless it involves eating. Hmmm, reminds me of us! :-)
The original:
Below is a picture of two of our dogs. I call them our "babies." Sisters, Mango (L) & Apple (R) are a Chihuahua mix and have brought lots of laughter to our house. We have another dog, Gizmo, a miniature German Schnauzer. We adopted him through the Humane Society 6 years ago in an attempt to give Miss M an animal to bond with & grow up with. Well, that pretty much backfired, and he wants to have very little to do with her now. He prefers adults, males specifically. So, 2 or 3 years ago, we decided to adopt another dog through PAWS Humane. On our first visit "just looking" we found Mango & Apple. Miss M fell in love with Mango, so we decided to adopt her....but felt guilty for splitting up the sisters. However, we could only afford the $200 adoption fee for one animal. Once the people at PAWS realized we were serious about adopting Mango, they told us that we could take Apple at no additional charge because they didn't want to see them split up either.
OK, I was NOT prepare to go home with TWO dogs, but they were ours...no doubt about it. It has been a joy to get to know them & their distinct personalities. Apple is the princess. She's also the instigator of all of their bad ideas & attempts to escape the backyard. Mango is the chow hound. If there's a morsel of food anywhere, she's going to find it. She's also more content relaxing on the couch than doing anything else...unless it involves eating. Hmmm, reminds me of us! :-)
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| 1/750 sec. ISO-200 f/3.5 Cropped & used a preset named "Alive." |
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Just a Sliver
24/366
I REALLY thought today was going to be the first day I failed to take a photograph. However, at 7:15 this evening I opened my front door, looked into the sky, and saw a beautiful moon. I grabbed my camera & a tripod and started shooting. The moon is not in the sharpest focus that I would've liked, but for an amateur shot from my front porch, it's good enough. I love how a plane was captured moving across the sky. That's the streak on the right side. :-)
The original:
I REALLY thought today was going to be the first day I failed to take a photograph. However, at 7:15 this evening I opened my front door, looked into the sky, and saw a beautiful moon. I grabbed my camera & a tripod and started shooting. The moon is not in the sharpest focus that I would've liked, but for an amateur shot from my front porch, it's good enough. I love how a plane was captured moving across the sky. That's the streak on the right side. :-)
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| 15 sec. ISO-800 f/8.0 Cropped, WB, exposure, brightness, contrast, adjusted the blacks |
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| I totally forgot to adjust my ISO since I used a long exposure time. Thank goodness for Lightroom! |
Monday, January 23, 2012
Choice?
23/366
Yesterday marked the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling. I believe January 22, 1973 was the day when our great country lost favor in God's eyes, and I don't believe we will be a blessed nation until that ruling is overturned. When it is legal to kill a country's most innocent & defenseless citizens that country has no hope. I have never had an abortion, nor have I walked that path with a friend, but I do have friends who have experienced the pain, emotionally & physically, of abortions performed years ago. However, they have been redeemed by the grace of God and now use their lives, their experiences to help other women who have been through the trauma of abortion or those who are contemplating that decision.
Today the annual March For Life was held at our Government Center at noon. I have made it a point to be a participant in this event every year since God placed this issue on my heart. I started attending the March way back when Miss M was still in a stroller, and now she accompanies me & walks with me. Today is the fourth day in a row of rain for area. I'll be honest with you, I had an internal struggle about going to the March today. It was raining cats & dogs, and I just didn't want to get out in it. In the end, though, I couldn't justify NOT going. What kind of example would I be setting for my daughter by not wanting to be bothered with it? Is my devotion to this "fight" so weak that I'm going to let rain stop me from going? No, it's not. We ended up getting a great parking spot and had a great big umbrella to keep us dry as we walked into the Government Center. We heard a wonderul testimony of a woman who chose abortion as a teenage, & we both were blessed by having attended. The walk downtown was cancelled because of the weather, but I would've walked anyway...rain & all.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139 13-16.
Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. God's works are wonderful! His eyes saw our unformed bodies. All of our days were written before one of them came to be.
The original:
Yesterday marked the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling. I believe January 22, 1973 was the day when our great country lost favor in God's eyes, and I don't believe we will be a blessed nation until that ruling is overturned. When it is legal to kill a country's most innocent & defenseless citizens that country has no hope. I have never had an abortion, nor have I walked that path with a friend, but I do have friends who have experienced the pain, emotionally & physically, of abortions performed years ago. However, they have been redeemed by the grace of God and now use their lives, their experiences to help other women who have been through the trauma of abortion or those who are contemplating that decision.
Today the annual March For Life was held at our Government Center at noon. I have made it a point to be a participant in this event every year since God placed this issue on my heart. I started attending the March way back when Miss M was still in a stroller, and now she accompanies me & walks with me. Today is the fourth day in a row of rain for area. I'll be honest with you, I had an internal struggle about going to the March today. It was raining cats & dogs, and I just didn't want to get out in it. In the end, though, I couldn't justify NOT going. What kind of example would I be setting for my daughter by not wanting to be bothered with it? Is my devotion to this "fight" so weak that I'm going to let rain stop me from going? No, it's not. We ended up getting a great parking spot and had a great big umbrella to keep us dry as we walked into the Government Center. We heard a wonderul testimony of a woman who chose abortion as a teenage, & we both were blessed by having attended. The walk downtown was cancelled because of the weather, but I would've walked anyway...rain & all.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139 13-16.
Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. God's works are wonderful! His eyes saw our unformed bodies. All of our days were written before one of them came to be.
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| 1/125 sec. ISO-400 f/1.8 Cropped, reduced the red. |
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Odyssey
22/366
Odyssey. According to Merriam-Webster an odyssey is a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune. Well, our Odyssey has certainly seen her share of voyages. She has been as far south as Florida and as far north as Pennsylvania and to most of the states in between....more than once. Thankfully, we have escaped the "many changes of fortune" part of the definition during her life with us. There have been many oil changes, a few sets of new tires, a new transmission, a new quarter panel on the left front after I hit a deer, and lots of other minor maintenance things done over the years, but she keeps on running....faithfully shuttling us from place to place on a daily basis. She has over 205,000 miles on her. Most of those miles hold happy memories for our family.
The original:
Odyssey. According to Merriam-Webster an odyssey is a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune. Well, our Odyssey has certainly seen her share of voyages. She has been as far south as Florida and as far north as Pennsylvania and to most of the states in between....more than once. Thankfully, we have escaped the "many changes of fortune" part of the definition during her life with us. There have been many oil changes, a few sets of new tires, a new transmission, a new quarter panel on the left front after I hit a deer, and lots of other minor maintenance things done over the years, but she keeps on running....faithfully shuttling us from place to place on a daily basis. She has over 205,000 miles on her. Most of those miles hold happy memories for our family.
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| 1/8 sec. ISO-200 f/8 |
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Arrested?
21/366
The Husband is responsible for today's photo of the day. We saw several of these signs today when we went to Miss M's basketball game. They cracked us up...enough to warrant a photo. :-) I blurred out the names & phone numbers.
The original:
The Husband is responsible for today's photo of the day. We saw several of these signs today when we went to Miss M's basketball game. They cracked us up...enough to warrant a photo. :-) I blurred out the names & phone numbers.
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| 1/350 sec. ISO-800 (Yeah, too high, I forgot to check it.) f/8 Cropped, WB |
Friday, January 20, 2012
Fire!
20/366
Today has been cold & rainy. I spent the afternoon watching a movie & reading in front of this wonderful fire...and plan on spending the evening doing the same thing.
The original:
Today has been cold & rainy. I spent the afternoon watching a movie & reading in front of this wonderful fire...and plan on spending the evening doing the same thing.
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| 1/180 sec. ISO-800 f/1.8 WB & boosted the color a bit |
Underdogs
19/366
Miss M had a basketball game yesterday. I took a nice shot of her at the gym for yesterday's "photo of the day." However, this scene awaited me when I got home from spending the evening out with friends. This was on her bedroom door. It cracked me up so much I had to photograph it! Um, yes, we homeschool. No, we aren't going to talk about "looser" instead of "loser." Anyway, I don't believe her team has won a game this season, but all of the players seem to be taking it in stride. Well, with the exception of this display. Notice what she has written? "Turn that ROAR into a meow." I think we need to talk about keeping a positive attitude???
The original:
Miss M had a basketball game yesterday. I took a nice shot of her at the gym for yesterday's "photo of the day." However, this scene awaited me when I got home from spending the evening out with friends. This was on her bedroom door. It cracked me up so much I had to photograph it! Um, yes, we homeschool. No, we aren't going to talk about "looser" instead of "loser." Anyway, I don't believe her team has won a game this season, but all of the players seem to be taking it in stride. Well, with the exception of this display. Notice what she has written? "Turn that ROAR into a meow." I think we need to talk about keeping a positive attitude???
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| 1/125 sec. ISO-800 f/1.8 Cropped, WB |
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Cupcakes!
18/366
Sadly, today's photo isn't one of actual cupcakes. But! It is a photograph of my new wall calendar of cupcakes. Today was one of those crazy, busy days...no time for thinking about a photo. So, I had NO IDEA what I was going to take a picture of. Then I spotted my new calendar. Now I'm dreaming of making February's red velvet cupcakes. Mmmmm.
The original:
Sadly, today's photo isn't one of actual cupcakes. But! It is a photograph of my new wall calendar of cupcakes. Today was one of those crazy, busy days...no time for thinking about a photo. So, I had NO IDEA what I was going to take a picture of. Then I spotted my new calendar. Now I'm dreaming of making February's red velvet cupcakes. Mmmmm.
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| 1/2000 sec. ISO-400 f/2.0 Cropped, WB, boosted the colors |
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Light
17/366
At the end of this morning's walk, I looked up & saw a lot of dark gray clouds. Yes, I noticed the clouds first....maybe because part of my last mile was done in a light sprinkling of rain. Then I saw the sun shining from behind & the beautiful blue sky coloring the space between the clouds. Immediately, I realized what a perfect picture that was of our troubles up against the beauty of God's grace & mercy. Even those dark clouds looked pretty with the sunlight reflecting off of them. It reminded me that even though my life has seen its share of dark, gloomy clouds in recent months, I want people to see the beauty of the "Sonlight" reflecting off of me. I want God's grace on display so those around me don't notice my gray clouds, but they notice the Light.
The original:
At the end of this morning's walk, I looked up & saw a lot of dark gray clouds. Yes, I noticed the clouds first....maybe because part of my last mile was done in a light sprinkling of rain. Then I saw the sun shining from behind & the beautiful blue sky coloring the space between the clouds. Immediately, I realized what a perfect picture that was of our troubles up against the beauty of God's grace & mercy. Even those dark clouds looked pretty with the sunlight reflecting off of them. It reminded me that even though my life has seen its share of dark, gloomy clouds in recent months, I want people to see the beauty of the "Sonlight" reflecting off of me. I want God's grace on display so those around me don't notice my gray clouds, but they notice the Light.
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| 1/180 ISO-200 f/16 Cropped, boosted the blue |
Monday, January 16, 2012
Flooded
16/366
I've been doing my morning workout in our neighborhood the past two weeks. I don't know if it's because of the cold weather or the dark hour, but walkers at the park have been absent. It was a nice treat to be able to go over there a little later than usual this morning since The Husband had the day off. However, I couldn't wait to get my walking (and a little bit of running) over with so I could take some photos. I've been wanting to capture this shot for a couple of weeks. This area floods every year about this same time & then becomes occupied by ducks & their ducklings in the spring.
The original:
I've been doing my morning workout in our neighborhood the past two weeks. I don't know if it's because of the cold weather or the dark hour, but walkers at the park have been absent. It was a nice treat to be able to go over there a little later than usual this morning since The Husband had the day off. However, I couldn't wait to get my walking (and a little bit of running) over with so I could take some photos. I've been wanting to capture this shot for a couple of weeks. This area floods every year about this same time & then becomes occupied by ducks & their ducklings in the spring.
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| 1/1000 sec. ISO-200 f/1.8 Cropped & used a preset |
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Life
15/366
Today at church we recognized the board, staff, & volunteers of Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic. The women who work & volunteer at Sound Choices are mighty warriors in the battle for life. I love & respect each of them!
While I have, in the past, volunteered there as a counselor and later as a receptionist and still help with decorating for the Gala every other year, I was not expecting to be recognized as part of the "team" during this morning's worship service. But, I was, and I received this beautiful rose as a "thank you." I knew driving home from church it would be the subject of today's photo.
The original:
Today at church we recognized the board, staff, & volunteers of Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic. The women who work & volunteer at Sound Choices are mighty warriors in the battle for life. I love & respect each of them!
While I have, in the past, volunteered there as a counselor and later as a receptionist and still help with decorating for the Gala every other year, I was not expecting to be recognized as part of the "team" during this morning's worship service. But, I was, and I received this beautiful rose as a "thank you." I knew driving home from church it would be the subject of today's photo.
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| 1/90 sec. ISO-200 f/1.8 Cropped, B&W, boosted the red & green. |
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Potential Energy
14/366
My thoughtful Daddy brought us a load of firewood this afternoon. Our fireplace has not seen it's first fire of the season...yet. Tonight's the night, though. Actually, it's gonna happen as soon as I finish this post. ;-) It's either been too warm outside or too warm inside...blasted insulation!...to have a fire, but another reason is that up until a few days ago we didn't have the first piece of wood to burn. A sweet friend brought us a bundle of wood...just enough for one fire, but we just couldn't get our timing right to burn it. We certainly didn't want to waste our one & only fire! Now, though, we have enough for lots of fires, so burn baby burn!!!
My thoughtful Daddy brought us a load of firewood this afternoon. Our fireplace has not seen it's first fire of the season...yet. Tonight's the night, though. Actually, it's gonna happen as soon as I finish this post. ;-) It's either been too warm outside or too warm inside...blasted insulation!...to have a fire, but another reason is that up until a few days ago we didn't have the first piece of wood to burn. A sweet friend brought us a bundle of wood...just enough for one fire, but we just couldn't get our timing right to burn it. We certainly didn't want to waste our one & only fire! Now, though, we have enough for lots of fires, so burn baby burn!!!
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| 1/20 sec. ISO-100 f/2.0 Cropped & changed to B&W |
The original:
Friday, January 13, 2012
Clouds
13/366
Miss M & I met my mom for lunch/knitting at Altanta Bread Co. this afternoon. The food, the knitting, & the companionship were great. I told Miss M on the way home that I needed to capture today's photo, but I didn't have any ideas. As I was unlocking our door I looked up at the sky & saw these interesting white clouds against the pretty blue sky. I knew I had today's photo right there at my door.
The original:
Miss M & I met my mom for lunch/knitting at Altanta Bread Co. this afternoon. The food, the knitting, & the companionship were great. I told Miss M on the way home that I needed to capture today's photo, but I didn't have any ideas. As I was unlocking our door I looked up at the sky & saw these interesting white clouds against the pretty blue sky. I knew I had today's photo right there at my door.
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| 1/180 sec. ISO-100 f/16 Cropped & boosted the blue |
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