14 April 2009 Photo: Daffodil Days

Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society's oldest and most beloved fundraising programs. As the first flower of spring, the daffodil represents hope and renewal. To the American Cancer Society (ACS), the daffodil symbolizes the hope we all share for a future where cancer no longer threatens those we love.

Each spring, the Society offers daffodils to donors in appreciation for a contribution. By sending bunches of daffodils to friends, family members, and people touched by cancer, you are sharing a message of hope and raising funds and awareness to help defeat cancer.

This little daffodil is in my yard but had broken or something was trying to eat it. I picked it up and put in on our fence and it made a lovely photo of the day. Even though official daffodil days that support ACS are over, buy someone a bunch of daffodils and make their day! And you can still give to ACS in other ways... http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp?level=0

13 April 2009 Photo: Rebirth

The tulip tree (a type of magnolia) in our back yard is starting to bloom. When I was walking up the driveway this morning, I noticed the first bit of color popping out of the pods. I am going to try to document this particular pod during it's growth process so here is the first picture of it. I love this tree but it is really messy several times a year but the beauty of it when it is in full bloom makes it well worth it. I am sure there will be more pictures to come as the rebirth of our tulip tree continues!
UPDATED April 16th: Here is the bud's progress!


UPDATED April 19th: We had some rain last night and there were a few water droplets on my bud...it should be blooming by the time I get back from VT.

UPDATED April 24th: Not quite open yet but the tree is certainly going to be beautiful when it does.

UPDATED April 26th: In full bloom!
UPDATED April 26th: The Whole Tree!

UPDATED APril 29th: And It's Gone... My bloom has run it's course. The tree is already starting to drop it's flowers and soon the leaves will start.

12 April 2009 Photo: Peep Show

OK so this is not the best example of photography, but I could not let the yearly CNY Diorama Contest go by without a shout out to the Peeps. I look forward to this every year, well it's only the third year running but still I wait with anticipation. It brings me back to my childhood when making dioramas was the best class project ever and I was good at it!

This year's winner in Syracuse was call St Baldpeeps Day which was based on St Baldrick's Foundation. St Baldrick's Foundation (http://www.stbaldricks.org/) is an organization to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. It's great cause with events that run all over the country. Check it out!

And if you want to see more Peeporamas check out these websites:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/plenty_of_peeps_try_out_for_20.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/09/AR2009040903818.html

Happy Easter to you and yours! Thanks Easter Bunny...BOCK BOCK!

11 April 2009 Photo: S.W.A.K.

Today was supposed to be tax day at our house but the day got away from me and they did not get done. The days are few between now and April 15th so I better get moving. Since I do them on line these days, I can't S.W.A.K. (Sealed With A Kiss) them on the envelope but perhaps I can attach this photo to send along to them. Here's hoping the NY State does not screw up my taxes for a third year in a row - S.W.A.K. NY State!

Update 4/14/09 Taxes are SWAKed and sent!

10 April 2009 Photo: Watching Grass Grow

So my obsession with grass continues...this morning it happens to be all about the frost on the green stuff. It was cold and sunny this morning and I captured some ice crystals on our lawn. My husband is not necessarily ready for the grass to start growing again because that means the 2 hour weekly mowings will commence again; however, I am ready for grass growing, flowers blooming, and baby birds hatching.

If you click on the pictures to make them bigger, you can see the crystals a bit more.

9 April 2009 Photo: Glowing Global Glass

This morning when I walked out side, the sun was hitting the stained glass earth my sister JoAnne made me a few years ago. It was almost glowing. Because of my job, I am able to travel to many amazing places and encourage college students to study abroad. I am a firm believer that we should all explore new places whether it is the next town over or on the other side of the globe. The more we understand about our neighbors, near and far, the better off we will be (in my opinion). Ok...stepping off my soap box before I am pushed off.

8 April 2009 Photo: Wagamama

If you love noodles and have never been to Wagamama's, find one and go! There really are not very many in the U.S. at this point so you may have to go the the UK. Hey, it's a great excuse for an overseas trip! The first ones in the States opened in Boston a couple years ago and I try to get there when I can and suggest you make the trek. Wagamama's YUM!!!!

http://wagamama.com/

7 April 2009 Photo: Red Sox Opening Day

I was down at the Colleges of the Fenway on the opening day of the Red Sox season. Luckily I avoided the crazy fanatical Sox fans as my meeting was done before the game began. This photo was taken from the 6th floor of the Mass College of Phamacy looking down Huntington.

6 April 2009 Photo: Here's Comes Peter Cottontail

...hoppin' down the bunny trail. It that time of year again - children being forced to sit on the giant scary Easter Bunny's lap to capture a picture. Too many times, I see kids screaming bloody murder as they are placed on the lap of this crazy looking bunny. Who can blame them, if you were made to sit on the lap of something that is 100 times the size of what it should be wouldn't you be frightened? Thanks Easter Bunny...BOCK! BOCK!

P.S. If a bunny eats lots of carrots and carrots are good for your eyes, why is Peter wearing glasses???

5 April 2009 Photo: Easter Chicks (and Hens)

The weather warmed up today and as we were leaving Bill's parents, I saw these hens and chicks (it really is the name of these plants) enjoying the warm sun. Then I got to thinking about Easter chicks and why are chicks a part of this holiday tradition. It took me a few minutes to realize it was because of Easter eggs...ok sometimes I am slow. Just a small glimpse into my thought processes - scary I know!

4 April 2009 Photo: ¿Dónde está el sol?

We got home on Friday after a week in NYC. It was nice to be home and sleep in my own bed; however, when I woke on this fine Saturday it was cold and rainy. Within a few hours, the rain switched to snow. It wasn't the kind of snow that stuck on the ground but there were flakes on my car. I thought it was spring! My tulips are coming up outside (at least they were), the grass is turning green, the trees are budding and snow snOW SNOW was falling.

Luckily the sunflowers that my sister, Anne Marie, sent for my birthday were still alive in my house. Even though I did not have any sun outside, the bright yellow flowers inside made my day a little brighter.

3 April 2009 Photo: Two Cool Dudes

So technically this picture was taken late last night (not quite April 3rd) but close enough and I just could not let this classic photo go without making it the photo of the day. Bill and "Lady" Liberty were chillin' in Time Square. A week in NYC is just not complete without a cheesy touristy photo.

2 April 2009 Photo: The Grass Is Always Greener

I love this photograph! As I was walking to a meeting this morning near Lincoln Center, I saw this grass growing with the dew still holding on late in the morning. In a city like NYC, with the tall buildings and concrete, it is easy to lose sight of the beauty of the green grass. I stopped immediately to take some pictures and captured the drops on the blades. If you look really closely, you may be able to see my reflection in the water droplet.

1 April 2009 Photo(s): Window Dressing

So I quit my job today. While I was in New York City this week, I have been inspired by all the fun window displays I have seen and decided to throw caution to the wind and try my hand at a new profession as a window dresser. Here are some of the displays that pushed me down that road!

P.S. April Fools! But I have enjoyed the windows of Manhattan... maybe someday!