11 August 2010: Lake Love

Since I haven't been to the ocean much this summer, I am learning to love the lakes again!

1 July 2010: They Grow Up So Fast

My brother in law gave us a few Japanese Red Maple saplings a few years ago and this one has been doing well in it's new home. It is about time to replant it in a more permanent location as it is getting too big. I love the red leaves!

30 May 2010: The Balloons Are Coming

Yes another whirly thing...but this one doesn't make noise! But the balloons that are coming for the Balloon Festival will make noise - only a couple of weeks away! http://www.syracuseballoonfest.com/

10 May 2010: Don't Be So Crabby

We have two apple trees in the yard...the flowers always look so pretty and plentiful and then the apples are just crabby!

7 May 2010: Dead Wood

I just like how the storm clouds moving in worked with the dead tree in my neighbors yard.

20 April 2010: The Tree Path

I have driven by these trees several times on my way to and from Burlington and today the morning light was perfect.

19 April 2010: Burlington Beauty

There are certain places I will never tire of taking photos and Burlington is one of them.

9 April 2010: The Bee's Knees

Can you see them? Her knees are furry! I am always intrigued by the origin of words and sayings and here is what I found out about the phrase...the bee's knees:

A bee's "corbiculae", or pollen-baskets, are located on itstibiae (midsegments of its legs). The phrase "the bee's knees," meaning "the height of excellence," became popular in the U.S. in the 1920s. Also popular was "the cat's whiskers" (possibly from the use of these in radio crystal sets), "the cat's pajamas" (pajamas were still new enough to be daring), and similar phrases which made less sense and didn't endure: "the eel's ankle", "the elephant'sinstep", "the snake's hip".

So I hope you think this photo is the bee's knees or the eel's ankle!

17 March 2010: Looking For Leprechauns

Happy St Patrick's Day. This not a very St Patty's type picture at first glance, but there is a leprechaun hiding behind that tree. Can't you see him?

10 Feb 2010: Snowmageddon?

There was a lot of hype about the snow storm that was supposed to hit New England. It didn't happen. It was pretty but not "snowmageddon" - at least where I was!

26 January 2010: Not So Green Mountains

I got to Vermont in the late afternoon and was greeted by this picturesque shot of a bare tree branch and snow capped mountains.

21 January 2010: On The Road Again

Week one down after a long hiatus. It felt good to be back on campuses, talking to students and seeing my road warrior peeps again! Another day...another campus tree!

9 January 2010: Frozen Tundra

We ventured out today for a drive because the sun actually came out for a bit and the sky was blue.  Amazing after 12 straight days of snow!  It was frigid out.  I had a hard time getting the camera to work, not to mention my fingers.  The pains of photography are never-ending...first I broke my ankle and now frost bite!

23 December 2009 Photo: Snowman Tree

Ok...so I am a little obsessed with the tree ornaments. Funny how both my sister and I have an OVER abundance of snowman tree decorations.

22 December 2009 Photo(s): The Spirit(s) Of Christmas

I finally have caught the Christmas "spirit"! It only happened a day or so ago but was kicked into high gear when I arrived in RI to see my family today. This is the one (usually) guaranteed time of the year when all of my siblings are together, along with spouses, children and assorted extended family. With six of us spread from GA to NY to MA to RI that is never an easy feat. As you can see in the photos above my sister, Anne Marie, is the Gaming Queen!

It has been quite a year for us - my brother was in the hospital during Christmas last year, my sister had kidney cancer in the spring, my nephew broke his arm, I broke my ankle and assorted other aches and pains as we get older. Luckily this Christmas season we are all relatively healthy (or at least healthier) and will be gathered in a few days to celebrate the season.

As we enter into this year's Christmas festivities, I am happy to have my family around me and remember those that are not here. Today would have been my mother's birthday and while she is not here with us physically, I know she is here in my "spirit" of Christmas!

19 December 2009 Photo: Retro Christmas

I remember growing up with ceramic items always around for the holidays. My mother and her friends were always "going to ceramics" and I never knew what that meant. However, I still have several pieces from my childhood, including an Easter basket. When I met Bill, I was amazed to see this ceramic Christmas tree in his belongings. It is our only Christmas tree this year as we never got around to getting our real tree - partially due to weather and partially due to my foot issues. I had to put out some holiday decorations and glad we had this one to pull out! Only a few days until Santa comes down the chimney. I hope he brings me new lenses, a new computer, renovated bathrooms, a puppy and some Christmas spirit.

13 December 2009 Photo: O Christmas Tree

We have yet to successfully find a Christmas tree. We went to the place down the road from our house but didn't find the right tree. Yes I am picky! :0)

11 November 2009 Photo: I Just Can't Stop Myself

As long as there are leaves left on the trees, I just can't stop myself from taking pictures of them!

7 November 2009 Photo(s): Glowing

We took a ride to Onondaga Lake Park just as the sun was going down. Despite the fact that Onondaga Lake was the most polluted lake in the United States, it is still pretty to look at; however, I wouldn't do much more than look or you may come out glowing. To see a bit about the history of Onondage Lake, check out this website: http://www.upstatefreshwater.org/html/onondaga_lake.html

26 October 2009 Photo(s): Ghosts On Parade At Green Lakes

So bear with me since there are many pictures on today's post...I got out of the house yesterday afternoon and headed to one of the NY State Parks. I also finished the ghost cakepops early this morning so I felt I needed to include them in here as well.

Bill and I went out to Green Lakes to check out the fall colors as it was a beautiful sunny Sunday. It is a great place to go hiking but since I couldn't do much hiking, I hobbled down to the lake for a bit and then we drove around and stopped on the side of the road so I could take some photographs. The tree pictures that look like someone was laying on the ground to take the pictures were our attempt of couple photography. I saw the picture I wanted but since I was unable to get on the ground to snap it, I metered the picture and set Bill up in the position I thought would get the shot I wanted. He did a great job! I love them and thanks to Bill for laying down on the wet leaves!

And the Halloween cakepops are FINALLY done. The ghosts are cute and as each time I have made these, I learn something new that would make it easier. If you want a cakepop, come on by to visit.