Lil Bits Project 365 +1 - 2008 through my eyes

Icy & Fuzzy

2009-02-07T22:10:00.001-05:00

One of the ice sculptures on exhibit in downtown Frederick's First Saturday Fire in Ice event.

Some of you may remember my fuzzy friend at the ice cream shop and his seasonal changes of attire, here and here. Apropos of the upcoming day, the big fella is sporting a snazzy Valentine's vest.

Winter in the park

2009-01-30T16:31:00.002-05:00

See? I told you I'd be back. :D

Until yesterday, I hadn't taken one picture. Not a one. Hadn't even been tempted to take one. Instead, I've been thoroughly enjoying a leisurely, obligation-free beginning of the year. I needed to recapture the spontaneous fun with my camera instead of allowing it to become a burden.

I don't know how I'm going to do this, but I'm here now and have some photos to share of our trek to Baker Park yesterday. I was in my bench mode again...

the fountain is still, the lake ice-covered...

most feathered critters have migrated elsewhere...

the benches sit in their lonely emptiness...

waiting, patiently waiting...

guarding the still beauty...

until the warmth of the sun and friends return.

I'm baaaack...

2009-01-30T00:30:00.003-05:00

... well, almost anyway. Soon, soon... :)

Day 366!! - Another year, another picture...

2008-12-31T17:46:00.005-05:00

Well, we've made it through another year of photos. Yay for all of us 365ers and congratulations to you all!!

First, I'd like to thank all of my visitors who have been kind enough to stop by and share their thoughts with me this past year. Your comments and the new friends I've found have helped make this such a worthwhile and fun project.

Secondly, I also want to give a huge shout out and thank you to Karin at Frozen in Time for providing us with a fabulous list of weekly themes for the entire year. I can't tell you how many times it helped me stick with it when the last thing I wanted to be doing was trying to think of one more thing to photograph!

Lastly, I am definitely taking a break (and I mean it this time!) I've really struggled these last few weeks and think I'm just "camera'd" out. Taking a picture every day for the past two years... well, every day except one this year but it's a leap year so that means I still did 365 days which is normally a year, right? ;) LOL... anyway, where was I?? ... is really more pressure than I'm willing to deal with again anytime soon. I'll still be taking pictures, but I haven't yet decided how often or how/when I'll be posting or even what my game plan will be. I will, of course, still be around and posting on my regular blog, Lil Bits of Me. I hope you'll come see me there.

In the meantime, a most Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year to you all and many thanks again for sharing this project with me.

Stay tuned, I'll be back... eventually. :)

Oh, and here's 2008's final picture!

A toast to 2009

Day 365 - I'm melting! melting!

2008-12-30T23:34:00.000-05:00

I made a snowman round and fat
And on his head I put a hat,
He sat out in the sun all day
And slowly melted all away.
But I can tell just where he sat,
Because he didn't take his hat.
unknown

Day 364 - Is it Wednesday yet??

2008-12-29T23:44:00.001-05:00

Oh lordy, I am having such a hard time coming up with something to photograph! I definitely think I've lost all motivation here. Thank goodness there's only two more days!

Anyway, I'm planning to include this letter in a picture wall arrangement... if I ever get around to it. I have to choose photos, buy frames, yada, yada, yada. One of these days...

Day 363 - Still another ruminant

2008-12-29T00:55:00.005-05:00

Struggling to come up with new subject matter, Lew jokingly suggested I do a deer a day. Not feeling terribly creative, I took him up on it! So, here's another of our Christmas decorations. This one's grazing on dust particles atop the buffet. ;)

Day 362 - No Rudolph here...

2008-12-29T00:47:00.006-05:00

... red nose or otherwise! The glow from the overhead accent light made this little gold guy sparkle.

Day 361 - What will they think of next?

2008-12-29T00:36:00.008-05:00

One of our gifts was this technological marvel -- a digital picture frame. I haven't quite figured it all out yet, but I think I'm gonna have fun with it!

Day 360 - Merry Christmas!

2008-12-29T00:23:00.007-05:00

I missed the grandkids desperately, but we enjoyed a lovely, though quiet, Christmas together.

In his colorful holiday finery, Lew fiddles with the choo-choo.

Lew found this darling new ornament for the tree that changes colors! I just love it!

Day 359 - Traditional treat

2008-12-29T00:01:00.007-05:00

The most I had to do to finish Christmas preparations was to bake one of our favorite holiday goodies, a rum cake. As it came out of the oven, above...

... and the finished (poked with a bazillion holes) glazed product. Sooooo good!

Day 358 - Frigid foraging

2008-12-23T23:12:00.001-05:00

These little guys had their feathers all puffed up against the cold as they searched for some leftover munchies among the leaves.

Day 357 - As he dreams by the fire...

2008-12-22T22:24:00.001-05:00

Nothing epitomizes domestic tranquility more than a cat warming itself in front of a cozy fire. As the temperatures dip down into the teens, we lit our first of the season tonight.

Day 356 - Ready for reading...

2008-12-21T23:38:00.005-05:00

When I'm ready to crawl in under the covers, my bedtime reading awaits. I'm very fond of the saying on the bookmark my grandson gave me several years ago. :)

Day 355 - Christmas light

2008-12-20T23:16:00.001-05:00

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away;
While quite unselfish, it grows small.
Eva K. Logue

Day 354 - Away in a manger...

2008-12-19T20:52:00.002-05:00

We shared nativity photos today on a message board I go to, so I figured it could do double duty and be my 365 photo too. I love the whimsy and cuteness of this set, and the cow always cracks me up...

it looks like it's high on fermented hay or something. ;)

Day 353 - Little bitty pretty one

2008-12-18T20:20:00.002-05:00

I picked up this lighted mini tree at a craft show in Hershey, PA a few years ago. Not that we needed any more Christmas decorations, but it was so pretty, you know? ;)

Day 352 - "Beary" old

2008-12-17T23:27:00.004-05:00

As I was taking this photo, it dawned on me that this ornament is about 40 years old. I used to think the ornament I have that was my mother's was old... now the ones that I bought as a young mother are getting that old! Shoof!

Anyway, I always like to nestle it in next to a red light to give it a little glow.

Day 351 - Not your usual Christmas tree

2008-12-16T23:54:00.002-05:00

Tonight was haircut night and it's always interesting to check out my hairstylist's very unique keychain tree. His clients bring them to him from all over the country and the world. He presently has about 150 of them,

including this one from me... a carved wooden camel our daughter brought back from Baghdad, Iraq when she was deployed there.

Day 350 - Mantle lights

2008-12-15T23:32:00.001-05:00

Been a long time since I've had a mantle to decorate ... not since my first house 30-odd years ago... so I'm enjoying decorating this one, lights and all.

Day 349 - I blew it...

2008-12-14T16:15:00.000-05:00

I don't screw-up often in the kitchen, but I managed it majorly today. Check out my regular blog for my tale of woe (and a recipe link too, Laurie.)

You might think this doesn't look too bad, but ...

...it's supposed to be a nice, yellowy gold... not a tarnished, brown one! ;)

P.S. It actually tasted pretty good, not as bad as it looks. I'll try it again sometime.

Day 348 - Holiday baking

2008-12-13T22:25:00.001-05:00

Now that I have the missing ingredients needed for a holiday eggnog loaf I want to try, all I have to do is bake it!

Day 347 - Friday night movie

2008-12-12T23:32:00.001-05:00

My entertainment for the evening -- a biopic about singer Bobby Darin w/Kevin Spacey. Not only can he act, but he did his own singing too -- the guy is good!

Day 346 - Chubby critter

2008-12-11T18:25:00.005-05:00

Been awhile since I've photographed our resident rodents, and boy, have these guys put on the pounds!! Well... ounces, anyway. Lookit the bulk on that beast! Clearly they've been feasting well.

Day 345 - Shiny and bright

2008-12-10T22:20:00.003-05:00

Since these pretty sparklies haven't found their decorative home yet, I used them for an interesting macro shot instead.

Said sparklies make up this festive garland.

Day 344 - Snowfolks

2008-12-09T23:41:00.005-05:00

These non-functional, purely decorative pair of nutcrackers have taken up residence on our mantle for the holidays.

(I've really been struggling for subject material recently, so yea for Christmas decorations!)

Day 343 - Gimme a little kiss, will ya, huh?

2008-12-08T23:06:00.001-05:00

A modernized version of a kissing ball, I haven't found where to hang this little one yet. Back in the day they used to include mistletoe, but I haven't seen real mistletoe in years and years. I think it's toxic so I suppose it isn't politically correct to have around anymore. *sigh*

Day 342 - Noisemakers

2008-12-07T20:40:00.001-05:00

*sigh* Well, my nice cozy sleep was most unceremoniously interrupted this AM by these guys and their obnoxiously loud JACKHAMMER!! Ugh! I know I should be (and really, I am) grateful that we have people like this who are willing to brave frigid early Sunday mornings to repair broken water mains, and I'm beyond grateful that it didn't affect OUR water, but still... a terribly rude awakening from a perfectly sound slumber!!

Day 341 - Almost there...

2008-12-06T22:55:00.000-05:00

Just a few finishing touches and the mantle will be as done as it going to get. The trick now will be to keep beastie boy Buster from jumping up and destroying it all. Even artificial greenery isn't safe with him -- the goofy cat likes it!

Day 340 - Wrapping

2008-12-05T23:05:00.001-05:00

Wrapping and putting the finishing touches on four Christmas gifts.

Day 339 - From pumpkins to pinecones...

2008-12-04T17:02:00.002-05:00

... and gourds to greenery, we're well into decorating for the season. For this joint project, I conceived and supervised while Lew implemented. ;)

Day 338 - Heads up

2008-12-03T23:12:00.002-05:00

We're getting stuff ready for decorating the mantle, and our whimsical four-headed snowman figure works perfectly for this week's theme.

Day 337 - Piece work

2008-12-02T23:20:00.001-05:00

Pieces of a decoration my ever-so talented hubby is putting together for outside.

Day 336 - Goofy weather

2008-12-01T20:20:00.002-05:00

sleet [sleet]
–noun
1. precipitation in the form of ice pellets created by the freezing of rain as it falls

sleet (slēt)
Precipitation that falls to earth in the form of frozen or partially frozen raindrops, often when the temperature is near the freezing point.

But, but... the temperature was only 43 degrees. Weird!

Day 335 - Frustration

2008-11-30T22:26:00.001-05:00

Grrrrrr! My regular blog has the old template version so I have to mess with the html code a good bit when I want to add or change things. Blogger gave me fits tonight while I was switching it over to a holiday theme and kept removing my changes! What should have taken maybe an hour took a couple, few... grrrrrr!

Day 334 - My blue-eyed girl

2008-11-29T16:05:00.002-05:00

At a loss for a photo today, Zoey stepped up to the plate... well, jumped up on a chair... and cooperated somewhat.

Day 333 - Outdoor decor

2008-11-28T15:56:00.003-05:00

Time to replace our fall Indian corn, gourds and pumpkins with some winter greenery, pinecones, and... I dunno, maybe berries. This bag of pinecones will get us started.

Day 332 - Sweet ending

2008-11-27T15:50:00.004-05:00

One of our traditional holiday desserts is Watergate salad, a mix of mini marshmallows, crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding, nuts, and Cool Whip. It's decadently sweet and outrageously calorie-laden, but oh, soooooo good!

Wishing you all a very...

2008-11-27T00:48:00.000-05:00

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown~

Day 331 - Pre-prep the day before the day...

2008-11-26T15:11:00.006-05:00

I got smart this year and planned ahead for more and better gravy/soup base. Bought some turkey wings (they were ginormous!!) which I roasted until nice and brown and then simmered into a delicious stock.

p.s. oh my! the gravy was wonderful!!

Day 330 - Gobble gobble

2008-11-25T14:59:00.004-05:00

Since it's just the two of us this year, our Li'l Butterball will be more than enough. I see lots of turkey leftovers in our future!

Day 329 - Still going strong

2008-11-24T14:45:00.003-05:00

Amazingly, my birthday bonsai is still blooming in November! Must be doing something right. :)

Day 328 - AAACKK!!!

2008-11-23T14:39:00.006-05:00

I don't believe it. I totally FORGOT to take a picture today!! Never even crossed my mind!! Must have been my preoccupation with my friends.

Shot the hell out of my perfect two-year record, but... oh well! Missing only one day out of 693 isn't really all that bad, is it??

Day 327 - Kompany Kitty

2008-11-22T13:55:00.006-05:00

Sorry to have been MIA - it's been a full, though photographically unproductive, week. First I wasn't feeling well, then we had weekend company, and then it was time to get ready for the Bird Day.

Anyway, dear old friends (we were pregnant together!!) stopped by for a visit on their way from Tennessee to Massachusetts, along with their kitties. Pretty and very well-mannered beasties, that's Mr. Blue above but I didn't get a good shot of his companion, Precious.

Day 326 - August stone

2008-11-21T23:08:00.003-05:00

per⋅i⋅dot [per-i-doh, -dot]

–noun Mineralogy.
a green transparent variety of olivine, used as a gem.

Day 325 - Popping pills

2008-11-20T23:00:00.004-05:00

Been feeling poorly and popping pain pills the past couple of days so my productivity with the camera has been shot all to hell. I'll be back to my regular self soon.

Day 324 - A red pot

2008-11-19T22:37:00.003-05:00

I've wanted an enameled cast iron dutch oven for years but refused to pay the exorbitant prices these things fetch. After finding a good deal on a Lodge pot on Amazon, I finally broke down and bought one. It arrived today and became a pretty good mineral camera subject.

Day 323 - Country horses

2008-11-18T20:34:00.000-05:00

A lovely horse is always an experience....

It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words.
~ Beryl Markham ~

Day 322 - Backyard beasties

2008-11-17T21:44:00.003-05:00

For this week's animal, vegetable, or mineral theme, our resident critters were very accomodating.

In addition to the normal squirrel and blue jay activity, a couple of occasional visitors showed up...

the little guy on the left is a downy woodpecker,

and this red-headed beauty is... are you ready??... a red-BELLIED woodpecker. Go figure, huh?

Lew captured some great bird shots on Lew's Pics.

Day 321 - Somber stone

2008-11-16T19:17:00.001-05:00

The gloomy, overcast day made a fitting backdrop for b&w photos of solitary buildings along the country roads of Frederick.

This forlorn run-down structure might have enjoyed a lovely pastoral setting...

...back when someone cared.

Day 320 - Moody sky

2008-11-15T23:25:00.001-05:00

Though outwardly a gloomy shroud,
The inner half of every cloud
Is bright and shining:
I therefore turn my clouds about
And always wear them inside out
To show the lining.
Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler

Day 319 - Old friends

2008-11-14T23:12:00.001-05:00

Lew's comfy old shoes now relegated to yard work since being replaced with a new pair.

Day 318 - Light and shadows

2008-11-13T18:50:00.001-05:00

The soft shadows cast and the glisten of reflected light off this stein brightened up an otherwise drab, dreary, and sunless day.

Day 317 - Egg white

2008-11-12T20:48:00.002-05:00

I have GOT to get me some kind of lightbox! Playing around with reflection and shadows of white eggs on a black plate, I had a devil of a time keeping reflection of the ceiling out of the picture.

Day 316 - Smoky marbles

2008-11-11T22:17:00.007-05:00

The streaks of color inside some marbles remind me of wisps of smoke...

Day 315 - Game pieces

2008-11-10T23:24:00.006-05:00

I rarely use the black & white option on my camera... I just forget... so this week's black & white theme will give me good practice.

Day 314 - Fall perspective

2008-11-09T23:25:00.006-05:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
~ Albert Camus ~

Day 313 - Snack

2008-11-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

I'm doing my part with leftover Halloween candy...

Day 312 - Cycle of color

2008-11-07T21:45:00.004-05:00

As it progresses from gold to blushing orange to a leathery russet brown, our maple delights us with its array of color.

Day 311 - Sneaky little bugger

2008-11-06T21:24:00.000-05:00

Our resident squirrel was up to its antics again today. Apparently, it had hidden an acorn in my flowers and got hungry ...

so dug it out and proceeded to sit a spell for a munch or two.

Then it unceremoniously went on its merry way, leaving a mess of soil and shells behind.

Day 310 - Curvy

2008-11-05T20:51:00.004-05:00

When shot in macro, the curves and swirls of a contemporary vase take on a totally different perspective. (You can get a peek at the entire vase here.)

Day 309 - Election Day

2008-11-04T18:11:00.004-05:00

None of the predicted lines at our polling place. Most of the people you see above were electioneers. At 11:00 am, the whole process took us about 15 minutes. I'm sure the after-work crowd will have a different story to tell.

Day 308 - Hurry up shot

2008-11-03T23:40:00.007-05:00

Totally a last minute shot -- I was busy watching the Redskins lose to the Steelers. *sigh*

Anyway, for this week's theme, this was taken from a different perspective than I usually do. I just sat the camera down on the flat surface of a book, focused, and snapped this table decoration. Kinda interesting angle.

Day 307 - Munching

2008-11-02T23:50:00.005-05:00

The squirrel was busy munching on a found acorn...

while Zoey watched and wished she could do a little munching herself.

Day 306 - More fall colors

2008-11-01T23:33:00.009-04:00

This past week of chill has really brought out the colors and today the weather was just glorious, so we took off again looking for more fall eye-candy. This little pretty lives right up the street from us.

Back in Cunningham Falls State Park, we found a spot where we were able to get down closer to Hunting Creek.

On the way back home we stopped near Buckeystown to enjoy the scenic Monocacy River.

BOO!!

2008-10-31T20:46:00.000-04:00

Day 305 - Aack... leftovers!

2008-10-31T20:45:00.002-04:00

Oh nooooo, I wasn't expecting to be taking another picture of candy! Usually, I'm rather fond of leftovers, but in this case... not so much. The little (and big) ones weren't as numerous tonight as they've been in past years -- only about 65 compared to about 100. *sigh*

Whatever shall we do with allll this sweet stuff? Dear me, we may just have to, uhmmm... cougheatitcough. ;D

Day 304 - Quiet stroll

2008-10-30T18:24:00.003-04:00

Not a terribly exciting picture, but I'm glad to have my treadmill working right again. It had developed a most obnoxious thunk/squeal kind of noise and had made what little exercise I get a very unpleasant experience. The fix-it man came yesterday and did... fix it, that is.

Day 303 - Electric pumpkins

2008-10-29T22:30:00.000-04:00

Some folks in our neighborhood really get into the spirit of Halloween. This was a clever decoration -- the head (with two faces) on the big one turns around and the lid on the smaller one lifts as a black cat rises up -- cute.

I'm still not too good with nightime photos so these aren't the best quality, but I couldn't resist -- with and without flash.

Day 302 - Chawwwklit

2008-10-28T23:21:00.004-04:00

The little munchkins will be getting chocolate goodies on Halloween... minus a few Snickers and a Milky Way or two... or three. ;)

Day 301 - Intense

2008-10-27T21:34:00.000-04:00

The blue jays were fighting over acorns in the yard and my beastie girl Zoey went into attack mode. 'Course, having a glass door between them presented the birdies with not a whole lot to worry about.

Day 300 - Majestic maple

2008-10-26T21:10:00.003-04:00

Our maple is finally glowing in all its autumn majesty. If the weather stays clear and relatively calm, in another few days it will canopy the front yard in a beautiful golden shade.

Lew's Pics has another lovely view.

Day 299 - You talkin' to me?

2008-10-25T19:05:00.004-04:00

Though much needed, this gray and rainy day wasn't the best for outdoor autumn photos. I was trying for the rabbit that at one point scampered onto the patio and yep, stopped to look at me through the patio door. Of course, I couldn't get the camera on quick enough before it hopped on its merry way leaving me to once again settle for yet another squirrel shot. *sigh*

Day 298 - Decadence

2008-10-24T22:21:00.005-04:00

I.Love.This.Stuff. Totally love it. From Macaroni Grill, it's called Lemon Passion... a lemon cake soaked in sweet cream then topped with lemon mousse and whipped cream and served with tres leche sauce. Pure decadence. :)

Day 297 - Leaves

2008-10-23T22:12:00.001-04:00

Seeing as I didn't venture far from the house today, these leaves on the deck were as autumnal as I got. :)

Day 296 - SSDD

2008-10-22T22:20:00.001-04:00

Now, now... be nice. I'm talking about Same SPOT, Different Day. ;)

I took several photos of squirrels and bluejays today, but they all turned out crappy so I deleted them but I did fulfill my project duties of taking a photo a day. Instead, I'm posting a couple I took recently when we were at Cunningham Falls State Park.

These were taken at the same spot but a week apart at different times of the day and under different weather conditions. Note the change in foliage color.

Hunting Creek Lake, Cunningham Falls State Park
October 11, 2008 on a crisp, clear and still day

Hunting Creek Lake, Cunningham Falls State Park
October 17, 2008 on a crisp, partly cloudy and windy day

Day 295 - Benches

2008-10-21T18:34:00.003-04:00

We enjoyed another crisp, clear, and windy day with a drive to what's become one of our favorite spots, Baker Park. The bench among the fallen leaves in front of the Schifferstadt Museum made a pretty autumn scene...

as did the color-changing foliage of this little tree on the side of the building.

The chilly winds didn't deter the geese from taking their afternoon swim,

but the park wasn't as populated with sitters and strollers like it usually is on such a beautiful day.

The focal point of the park, Culler Lake, was named in honor of Lloyd C. Culler, who served seven terms as mayor of Frederick in the 20's, 30's, and 40's.

Day 294 - Autumn leaves

2008-10-20T13:39:00.003-04:00

Whew! Glad Karin chose Autumn for this week's theme because as much as we've waited for fall to finally explode with color in our parts, it just hasn't cooperated. Last week was probably the best for color as the winds are leaving the trees barer this week.

However, our sugar maple, though not the gorgeous golden color it usually is, is still holding on to most of its leaves. Karin, this one's for you! :)

Day 293 - In the shadows

2008-10-19T17:13:00.004-04:00

Apparently the critters are enjoying the dogwood berries. The big tree is almost berry-less and the smaller one looks to be following suit but I found some hiding for today's photo.

It's a blessing... at least they're not eating mulberries and pooping purple all over the place! ;)

Day 292 - Chasing colors

2008-10-18T23:22:00.005-04:00

We took advantage of another glorious day -- chilly and windy, but beautiful -- and drove up to Greenbrier State Park on South Mountain looking for more fall colors.

There are patches of beautiful color throughout the park, but a lot is muted and there's still a good bit of green showing. I think what we're seeing is what we're going to get this year rather than the vivid panoramic views we had hoped for.

I'll enjoy it while we can though before the winds blow it all away. Lew's Pics has more pretty views of our day's doings.

Day 291 - Old Man and the Lake

2008-10-17T23:46:00.004-04:00

Initially, I was frustrated that the elderly gentleman was "in my way" for a clear shot of the lake, but after looking at the photos, I really liked those with him better than those without. He added a sense of pleasing tranquility to the already peaceful scene.

Day 290 - Light, lamp... whatever

2008-10-16T15:42:00.000-04:00

Complete with dust, the speed light* from Lew's old film SLR camera accounts for my word discovery of the day. (I'm sure grateful for digital cameras -- I can't imagine going back to film!)

*electronic flash, also referred to as speed lamp

Day 289 - Prehistoric plaything

2008-10-15T14:01:00.003-04:00

While perusing the page between "dinarchy" and "diorthosis," I discovered "dinosaur." Slightly above that I found "dinky." So, I had Lew rummage through the kid's toybox to find...a dinky dinosaur! :)

Day 288 - Politics

2008-10-14T17:24:00.001-04:00

My discovery word from the dictionary today could have been "policeman" or even "polka dot" but since I don't have anything dotted and couldn't quite see myself convincing the local constabulary to strike a pose for me, I chose the timely "political" instead. Definitely no shortage of political anything around nowadays... ad nauseam!

Day 287 - Discovering the beauty

2008-10-13T13:22:00.001-04:00

Oh boy, this week's theme of discovery is going to be fun! Per Karin's instructions, I randomly opened the dictionary and discovered, believe it or not, the word kaleidoscope. Well, those who know me know that I just happen to collect kaleidoscopes! How's that for karma?? It was meant to be. ;)

This recent addition to my collection was a most thoughtful Christmas gift from my wonderful son and daughter-in-law.

Day 286 - Season's end

2008-10-12T20:29:00.001-04:00

"Corn and grain, corn and grain
All that falls shall rise again."
Wiccan harvest chant

Day 285 - Standing out

2008-10-11T21:36:00.001-04:00

We drove back up to Cunningham Falls State Park today to check out the Hunting Creek lake area -- we want to make sure we don't miss the peak color season. There's still a lot of green but the leaves are slowly changing and we found patches of color here and there. This orange beauty caught my eye as soon as we got to the lake parking area...

... another view from the side.

Day 284 - Bits of fall color

2008-10-10T22:48:00.001-04:00

Little by little the colors of fall are starting to appear. This branch on our backyard oak shows off a pretty array of green, yellow, brown, and rusty orange.

Day 283 - Stripes

2008-10-09T23:25:00.003-04:00

I'm really grasping for photos lately and this throw pillow close-up is the best I could come up with today. At least it's an orange stripe.

Day 282 - Simple sauce

2008-10-08T19:52:00.007-04:00

Ever have one of those nights when you want some pasta but just don't feel like messing with spaghetti and meatballs or even a meat sauce?? Try this ridiculously simple but tasty tomato sauce from Marcella Hazan.*

All it takes is 2 cups of good canned Italian tomatoes w/juice (San Marzano are recommended), a medium onion, peeled and cut in half, 5 tablespoons of butter (not margarine,) and a bit of salt if you like. Put it all in an uncovered pot, bring to a boil, let simmer for 45 minutes or so, remove the onion, and there you have it... a pure and simple red-orange sauce for your pasta. Oh, and serve with generous amount of paremsan reggiano. :)

*Marcella Hazan is a noted Italian cookbook writer and authority on Italian cuisine.

Day 281 - Basket o' gourds

2008-10-07T13:51:00.002-04:00

More orange color spills out from a fall basket decoration on the porch bench.

Day 280 - Splash of orange

2008-10-06T17:42:00.001-04:00

Our front porch fall decorations, (relocated to the new bench,) abound with splashes of orange for this week's theme.

Day 279 - Evening light

2008-10-05T21:36:00.006-04:00

Couldn't resist yet another shot of the bench and flowers in the evening glow of sunlight and shadow... it's just so peaceful.

Day 278 - Feeble falls

2008-10-04T21:22:00.005-04:00

Even though it's a little early, we went for a drive up to Cunningham Falls in the Catoctin Mountains to see if we could catch some fall color. The falls are almost as scant as they were when Lew took the boys in July, and the leaves are still pretty green. Looks like it'll be another couple of weeks or so before they put on their display.

Day 277 - Matching set

2008-10-03T18:04:00.001-04:00

Oh joy! We were so pleased with the bench we got last year, that we decided to get some matching pieces -- a small table and another, slightly shorter (3 ft instead of 4 ft) bench. They came yesterday so Lew spent this afternoon sanding the rough spots and putting them together. Tomorrow he'll put the water seal on and they'll be good to go.

Dayy 276 - Ooops, I did it again...

2008-10-02T23:47:00.001-04:00

Another quickie last minute shot before the stroke of midnight. Lew watching the news as Buster poked open his eyes to see what I was up to.

Day 275 - Pots of pretty

2008-10-01T18:33:00.001-04:00

When we finished decorating the front porch, we thought a little fall color on the patio would look nice.

After taking a picture of the dogwood branch yesterday, the bright yellow of this leaf lying in the grass caught my eye as I walked back to the house.

Day 274 - Red Leaves

2008-09-30T17:30:00.005-04:00

"Everyone must take time to sit
and watch the leaves turn..."
~ Elizabeth Lawrence ~

Our pink dogwood presents a pretty fall display of red berries and leaves.

Day 273 - Wind blown

2008-09-29T13:23:00.001-04:00

So I walk into the dining room this morning and this leaf sticking to the outside of the window caught my eye. Cool beans, I thought -- there's my "leaves" picture of the day. On closer examination, I could see that it was actually stuck in a spider web (which explained all that gross, uhmmm... bug stuff... on my nice clean window. Ewww!)

Day 272 - Can you stand another deer pic??

2008-09-28T22:20:00.002-04:00

Y'all are going to get sick to death of deer photos, but they finally figured out the obvious so I had to record it. I took them from our bedroom window, so they're not that great, but they're the only ones I took today.

Anyway, while the fence between our yard and the field, rusty, rickety and falling apart as it is, still provides a bit of barrier, my next door neighbor took down some of the fence in his yard so he could tackle the weeds more easily. So, there's a large gap in the fence that's been there for a couple of years. Today these younguns finally figured out they could get to that nice green grass on the other side by just bounding into his backyard... which they could have done ages ago!

If you look closely, you can see red things lying on the ground. My neighbor has an apple tree, but apparently they could care less about the juicy, tender apples and preferred munching on the surrounding vegetation instead.

See Lew's Other Pics for a few more shots.