Whimsy and Dreams

A Bit Windy

2006-03-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

A Bit Windy
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

There are just days that go like this.

2006-01-16T12:07:00.000-05:00

Ripped off from Shirl.

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Sheryl!

Sheryl is actually a vegetable, not a fruit! Tell that to some people.
Some birds use Sheryl to orientate themselves during migration. I knew I was good for something.
More people are killed by Sheryl each year than die in aeroplane accidents. So watch your step.
Apples are covered with a thin layer of Sheryl. There isn't a thin layer of me anywhere.
Sheryl is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. I finished it off.
If you lace Sheryl from the inside to the outside, the fit will be snugger around your big toe. If you lace Sheryl from the inside out, see #3.
Europe is the only continent that lacks Sheryl! Poor Europe.
Until the 1960s, Sheryl was not allowed to enter Disneyland. And it warped me for life.
The most dangerous form of Sheryl is the bicycle! See #3.
Sheryl will become gaseous if her temperature rises above -42°C. That's where all the gas comes from.

2006-01-12T19:31:00.000-05:00

My daughter is a big fan of Japanese animation so when I saw an ad that Turner Classic Movies Channel is showing films by Hayao Miyazaki on Thursdays this month, I knew she would be excited.

Doing a bit of exploring, I found that the sudio which makes these films is coming out with Tales from Earthsea from the books by Ursula K. Le Guin. I read the first three books in this series for children many years ago. I have read many of her other novels also. The film is due out in July, 2006. The director, Goro Miyazaki, has a blog about making this film here.

A Bit Early

2006-01-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

BitterSweets

2005-12-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!
SEASONS GREATINGS !!!

Sad Side

2005-12-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

Sad Side
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

There is another side of Christmas. A darker side. Memories and wishes.

To all my Blog friends, Happy Holidays.

Sorry I haven't had much time this month.

2005-11-23T06:58:00.001-05:00

HAPPY
THANKSGIVING
!!!!!!

Water Llly

2005-11-23T06:58:00.000-05:00

Water Lilly
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

From my Saturday at the gardens.

2005-11-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

This has been a very busy month and it shouldn't be.

I took last week off. Not because I was doing anything or going anywhere, just because I needed to take the time off before the end of the year and this was the only option.

First I had to get a lot of work caught up so I could take time off. It has been very busy and some of my time I had to waste visiting 'City Hall' making sure work on the property goes correctly. Just a lot going on. On top of that, I wanted to get all the regular monthly paper work done. I did make it and it was time for a week off.

Monday I slept in. Didn't plan on that, it just happened. Had a Girl Scout meeting. I have teens and they are learning to sew. This meeting was learning to use a sewing machine. We had lots of fun making jokes about how each girl used the pedal and what kind of driver they were or would be.

Tuesday I had to go into work to meet with someone from our home office. Ah well.

Wednesday I managed a 3 mile hike on the state trail near my house. Enjoyed it a lot. Our trail is considered the most rural in Florida. 29 miles of nothing. It goes through no towns.

Thursday I managed to lock my keys in the car when I was 15 miles from home. My daughter falls to pieces when these things happen and she was with me. Fortunately, a kind neighbor came to the rescue. While we were waiting for help, I put my camera away as my daughter needed my attention. About this time, a bald eagle flew low over us, as low as I've ever seen eagle flying.

Friday we travelled up to another state trail. The spot where we stopped was too closed in by swamp to see anything so I thought I'd drive along the trail to find a more photogenic area. I got lost on a dirt road. The spot made our trail look like it was in an urban area. Finally found our way to civilization and stopped to eat. Had a greasy meal and they were out of half the stuff.

Saturday saw a bald eagle on an utility pole on the way to breakfast. Pulled over, hey, I was on vacation and could do that. Spooked it before I could get a shot.

However, breakfast was lovely. The city workers putting up decorations on the light poles in town came to the resturant parking their trucks out front so I got to see trees, palm trees, stars, presents and the like up close. Spent a couple hours in the gardens photographing flowers. Nice day.

Now the reason I gave myself for taking the week off was cleaning house for Thanksgiving. As you can see, there wasn't any house cleaning last week. So this week I'm back at work, much more paper work as showed up, and cleaning like mad at home. Unfortunately the belt on the vacuum broke and I have to order those but everything else is shaping up. I dragged out a folding table, we will have 3 tables, and some fold chairs.

I've also made the chex mix and the cranberry relish. Tonight I'll make the turkey stock for the stuffing, cook the potatoes and sweet potatoes for the savory potatoe swirl and clean everything that someone has dirtied since yesterday. Tomorrow, the stuffing, turkey, finish the potatoes and make the gravy. Everyone is bringing something too.

Very Funny

2005-11-14T00:18:00.000-05:00

You Are 25 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Jazz Night

2005-11-04T14:16:00.000-05:00

Jazz Night
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

Many things are going on with my photography. I traded this photo for one by a photographer in NY. His is hanging on the wall by computer to inspire me. Mine is hanging in his office. Someone he works with bought a copy from me. It is the first photo I've sold an to a stranger.

I had already put this in 8X10 format but I quickly learned how to mount and matte it. Great learning experience. The woman who bought it for her father, was thrilled.

Some people who had seen some portraits of my neices on my sisters work desk wanted me to do beach portraits for them that they could use for Christmas. Fortunately, that fell through. Light on a beach is not good portrait light. The portraits they saw were done in shade.

I shot a car show in October. The event organizer has approached me wanting to use some of the photos in pre-publicity literature for next year's show. This is in negotiation.

I realize this all adds up to my selling just one photo so far but I'm still so excited I wish I were Tigger so I could bounce.

Swingers 2

2005-10-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

Swingers 2
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

My daughter, in glasses, took time off work to follow me around taking photos of cars and then going on to a family dinner for my birthday. She put up with swinging cousins, sun burn and allergy problems because my sister has so many animals in her small place. She is miserable in the photo. Gotta love her.

Birthday

2005-10-27T11:14:00.000-04:00

I sorry to say I missed Kim's birthday on Monday. I was going to remember but we were having a hurricane that day. It wasn't as bad here as further south but lots of rain and wind and lightening so wasn't on the computer. Still, that's no excuse for forgetting it until today. Go over and if you can get his comments to work, wish him well.

Dad Fishing

2005-10-27T11:13:00.000-04:00

Dad Fishing
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I love this photo of my dad with his fishing buddies. He is on the viewer's left. It was taken August, 1922 and he would have been 11 then.

1957 Isetta

2005-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

1957 Isetta
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I had never seen one of these before and searched the web trying to figure out what it was. I finally found micro cars which lead me to BMW Isetta. Then I read the license plate, 57 iseta. Duh.

Lake Mirror Classic Car Show 2005

I went to the car show early Saturday morning. My favorite restaurant had a table waiting for us and coffee, they don't open until 8:00am but put out a table just for us. I parked the family and started walking around and taking photos. They were just bringing in the cars and I could get some pictures without a lot of people or other cars as distractions.

Back to the restaurant for breakfast. The cook/co-owner made us something special, an omlette with with ham, bacon, sausage, onion, peppers, mushrooms and cheese. It was almost too big to get a bite of everything. mmmm.

Then I was back taking pictures. It was a huge show, over 400 cars, with just a small portion on the lake so we walked into town.

There was about every kind of car, from the really old horseless carriages to a 50s navy ambulance to hot rods to new Eurocars.

There were costumed characters walking around the main downtown area. I don't know but they could be mascots from the colleges. A woman was walking by a gator with two very small dogs on leashes. The dogs got all excited and started barking. The gator was bowing and pleading for mercy which gathered a small crowd of laughing people.

The people showing the cars were very nice. One gave me a photo of his car. Another made sure I knew that his 1929 Ford had the original license plate on it, with a current sticker on it. A man offered to close the hood on his car because he thought I was a pro and a pro last year made him close it.

It was starting to get warmer and more crowded so we went back to the restaurant for lunch. They were doing a brisk business but we managed to get my favorite table. I like it because of the chairs which are metal, outdoor looking, high back, with thick cushions and the chairs rock. I had a BLT on a dark WW and terra chips, my new favorite snack.

I did a few more photos, went to see the Bat Mobile and a model of the Titanic, and then at one, it was time for the boat show, photos coming. They had old wooden boats and amphibious cars from the 60s on a lake where they don't usually allow boats. Cool.

I managed to take almost 500 photos at the show and I never saw everything. I working through the photos now.

We had to leave, had to get home, make a dish to pass and go to my sister's for supper. We were supposed to be there by 4pm but were a half hour late. Took photos of my nieces mostly. My sister found some sugar free candie for me.

It was a long day but I enjoyed it.

Snowy Egret

2005-10-14T23:08:00.000-04:00

Snowy Egret
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

This egret is getting started on its breeding plummage, the long feathers on the back. Snowys, which are smaller than the great egret, get spectacular.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, egrets were hunted for their breeding feathers which were used on women's hats. Their numbers were greatly deminished. They have made a come back since that time.

The breeding feathers are one of the differences between egrets and herons.

My Mother about 1941

2005-10-07T07:13:00.000-04:00

My Mother about 1941

Jeannette Anne Daggett
I believe this is her graduation picture so she would have been 17.
When I first saw this photo as a child, I was shocked the my mother would go out in public with her hair in pin curls. She never learned to use rollers or hair dryers.

Morning Egret

2005-10-02T17:02:00.000-04:00

Morning Egret
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I haven't shared a bird for awhile.

First Meeting - long, sorry

2005-09-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

I attended my first meeting of a local camera club on Monday evening. I was way early. I would have been even earlier but I had to turn around and back track twice as I was unsure of the roads. I have my Girl Scout meeting until 6:00pm and the club meets at 7:00pm but the girls and other leaders rushed me out early thinking the traffic would slow me down at that time of night. It didn't. I stopped at the store for a drink and something to nibble and still arrived before 6:30pm.
I hadn't sat there long when other cars, they had people in them, started arriving. A couple of elderly couples took photos of each other in front of the church, the club meets at a church. I'm used to people being late for meetings so I thought maybe there was also another function at the church that started at 6:30pm as more people got out of their cars and headed up the sidewalk.
I decided I should get out and take a look.
I tagged behind some people up to the entrance with the sign proclaiming the camera club met here. As a gentleman was behind me, I slowed a bit and held the door for him. Then I couldn't open the next door. He opened the door beside the one I was working on and graciously allowed me to enter ahead of him. I thought, good first impression, I can't even open a door.
There were racks in the front of the room marked beginner, intermediate, advanced and computer enhanced. These must be to display your work, I thought. There were a couple of matted 8x10s in place already. I was anxious to see what people thought of my work.
I knew I had to be a paid member to show my photo and got in line where I paid and signed up. Then I move on to the sign in table. One signs in as a visitor or member and I proudly signed up as a member. Then there were sheets to sign as a beginner, etc. like on the racks.
I asked a man standing there if I were supposed to sign one of those sheets.
He said, Only if you are competing.
Are there any requirements? I asked.
Yes, the photo must be a matted 8x10, he said in a rather snooty way and he turned away.
I sadly looked down at the carefully printed 5x7 in my hand and went to find a seat.
Actually, many people didn't know about the requirements, they were in the information sent to new people and the requirements were relaxed for this meeting only. But by the time I knew this, toward the end of the meeting, it was too late to enter something.
There was a good turn out. A young man with a very young daughter sat beside me. He brought his photos on his computer. I got to see them. He was full of enthusiasm. He asked the "Pro" What equipment do you use? To me, that is a very male questiong.
A man talked about getting into gallery work. Actually it was a plug for his seminar this Saturday on the subject. He owned gallerys in northwestern Florida and New Orleans and is relocating due to damage. No way I could make such a thing by this Saturday.
Then the resident "Pro" gave a talk on doing landscapes. Very basic. Maybe there will be more to come. The theme of the competition for next month is landscapes and there can't be anything man made in them.
Last the "Pro" judged all the photos. This was time consuming. I realize that it is a good learning experience but I would have liked to meet more people and find out if we could set up some field trips or something. The pro is a nice young man and had trouble really being tough with people. He did select a 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category. Points are kept track of through the year to select photographer of the year at the end. I think I would have liked some feedback on the photos from others in the group too but that would have taken a lot of time.
By this time, it was after 9:00pm and the meeting adjourned. I must admit, I left feeling disappointed. I don't know how it could have been different but I came away not feeling connected or anything. We'll see what the next meeting brings.

The Price of an Education

2005-09-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

A local high school has found that it had an illegal alien attending classes. He had forged papers to make himself 17 instead of 27. Josue Oswaldo Ramirez-Mejia, who is from Guatemala, says he only wants a good education. He entered this country illegally to this end.
He has been arrested but his fate is undecided. There is a pole on the local news station website where people can vote what should be come of him. Deportation, prison, let him go back to school or make him a Florida School advocate. 51% of the people vote to deport him.

2005-09-28T08:42:00.000-04:00

Tomato is what I taste like.

I taste like nothing, except a tomato. I'm sometimes sweet and sometimes tart; sometimes juicy, sometimes crisp. The roles of a tomato are many and varied. I am an exception to all the rules. What Flavour Are You?

Frog in a Yellow Rose 2

2005-09-26T08:31:00.000-04:00

Frog in a Yellow Rose 2
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

Or how I started my Monday morning.

2005-09-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

What is it?

What is it? Early morning fog

Does it entertain? Smell of lilacs

Or get one there faster? Campfire's light

Does it make one look cool? Lone eagle flying

Or get one ahead? Tiny hand in mine

Does it assure success? Hurricane's might

Or make one powerful? Sad tear gently dried

Most important, does it make money? Shadows on Grave Stones

It Is

Hard Days Jazz Night

2005-09-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Jazz Night
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I seldom do this much work on a photo. I've shot these items about 8 different times trying to get one good photo. Think I'm getting there after the shoot last evening.
I tried painting with light. I've never tried it before but it was surprisingly easy after one false start with too large a flashlight. I lit up the whole room.
Because this is done on a tripod, I could combine many shots to get the light I liked best on the bell, the black album and so forth.
So far, it has been suggested to lose the picture album, back light some, and pile the change as if it just came out of the pocket the next morning. I'm interested in any other suggestions.

Florida Leaf-Footed Bug

2005-09-15T19:29:00.000-04:00

I cut off part of the antenna.
The insect is named for the way the hind leg flattens out.

Blues

2005-09-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

Blues
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

A friend wondered why I used CDs in this as they are from the wrong time. I didn't think about 78 picture records looking like CDs, but he's right, they do.
Someone else thought I could shoot it on a table rather than the floor because of the lines. It is on a table, one with a leaf in it.
I think I'm going to give up on this idea, I fix one thing and something else goes wrong.

2005-09-08T20:10:00.000-04:00

A friend sent me a link to some photos of a hummingbird in its nest, Hummer Nest '05. Very well done.

Regrets

2005-09-07T21:28:00.000-04:00

I read an article on regrets over at 3 Quarks Daily. In the article, the author argues that while we would go back in time and change things we regretted if it were free to do so, we might be more hesitant to change if there were a price on changing things. Then again, he muses, perhaps regrets have helped to make us who we are. By definition, we can't regret who we are, just what we've done. His wife suggests that the literary symbol of regret is the road not taken. It is an interesting article.

So off goes my mind in search of thoughts on regrets and the first thing it stumbles on are some words in a song. "My Way" by Paul Anka, etal, which has the lines:

I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and ev'ry highway

And:

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention

The song suggests a person who didn't care what others thought and did it, life, his own way and has ended up with few regrets. This seems to support the idea of regretting who you are is related to regretting things you have done.

Then my mind runs right into Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" because there it is, the symbol of regret. But I find, as I reread the poem, that it makes something you regret not so much something you want to go back and change, rather our choices have brought us to where we are, have molded us. With different choices, we would be fundamentally different. Making the choices we have made have made "all the difference". Seems this is rather like looking back and wanting to be 18 years old again, not that you really do but you can't help but wonder what would have happened if you had gone a different road.

I suppose a question that could be asked here is what prompts a person to stop, look back and examine his or her choices. Does it happen more as one ages? It seems to me, older people who have deep regrets are also not going forward into a new time of life as easily as someone who doesn't look back as much.

I'm not sure I've gotten anywhere exploring regrets and I hope you don't regret reading this.

Frogs and Toads

2005-09-07T06:25:00.000-04:00

I have been asked for the difference between a frog and a toad as I put put a photo of what I called a frog on this blog. To be honest, (oh no, not that! What does one do with honesty?) I slapped the term frog on that photo without a second thought, come to think of it, perhaps without even a first thought. However, you, gentle reader, have paid good money and worked hard for this so I feel I owe you more than a possible misidentification. Web surfing here I come (catch a wave, catch a wave, one shouldn't listen to oldies while blogging).

Actually, (how much honesty can you handle in one small post?) I do have an idea about the differences between a toad and frog and I still think mine is a frog. We shall see.

First stop is Lindsey's Frogs & Toads Page. That was easy, wasn't it? Perhaps too easy so I'll do a bit more digging.

Here are photos of common Frogs and Toads in Florida. I'm thinking spring peeper for my little ones, what do you think?

Because Shirl, who asked the question, lives in Michigan, I thought she should look at this page too. Michigan's Frogs & Toads

For those readers who have read this far looking for something fun, (well, it could happen) and/or educational, Frogs and Toads at Enchanted Learning. They also have a page that compares frogs and toads, hmm, could I be wrong about what's in my photo?

Frog on the front of the rose

2005-09-06T18:48:00.000-04:00

I try to keep my rose bushes trimmed. I was pulling the stem away from the house to cut off when I found a frog. I didn't cut the stem and went inside. The stem was tall, about 5 feet, and in front of a window so I looked at the rose through the window and saw the frog was there. I thought it had moved. I went back outside and there was the frog. I finally figured out there were two frogs on the rose, one on each side. Later in the day, they both ended up on the same side and then one disappeared, never to be seen again. Must have been the male.

Shirl Paddling Her Own Canoe

2005-09-04T22:52:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm in the canoe too.

Shirl pattling her own canoe

Shirl and Friend

2005-09-04T22:34:00.000-04:00

I've had fun today exploring a site called Square America. It is a site about old, square photos which goes up to about 1973 near as I could see. If there aren't enough photos there for you, check the links page.

I had hauled out some old photos the other day and in talking to Shirl, I was reminded of a shot I took of her when we were in our teens, the famous watermelon shot. She says she'll get even which wont be difficult as she was the photographer most of the time, not me. I did crop this as I had lots of nothing in the frame but I put back the border.

Shirl and Friend

2005-09-04T07:51:00.000-04:00

In Case anyone was wondering what they could do, this was passed on to me from an elist I'm on.

1. Mennonite Disaster Service is an exceptional relief organization run by the Mennonite communities (run by 3000 Amish, Mennonites, and Brethren) who focus on helping out as quickly as possible with little overhead. They mobilize labor and supplies in the clean-up effort. They have begun providing hands-on assistance in the clean-up effort in Mississippi and are headed toward Lousiana. Donate online at http://mds.mennonite.net/Donate/Online_Giving. You can specify where you want your donation to be used. They are extremely reputable.

2. Network for Good lists dozens of charities that provide supplies and services. Please visit their website at

http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/animal_environ/hurricanes/?source=CNN&cmpgn=CRS

for a listing of preferred charities.

3. Focus America will pass along all donations in their entirety (plus as much matching contributions from our own funds as possible) on the behalf of all donors. Send contributions to Victims of Hurricane Katrina, c/o Focus America, PO Box 267, Convent Station, NJ 07961.

4. Check with your company or church to see if they are doing anything. Companies may match donations and churches may be organizing massive transportation of goods or supplies.

These are just a few options. I strongly encourage everyone to consider who they are donating to. Please make certain that it is a reputable charity. I also strongly encourage you to donate. These charities need the financial resources to mobilize volunteers, ship supplies, and maintain on-going operations.

I just watched news coverage that literally showed an infant child...an American infant...dying in his mother's arms. It's an image that will haunt me forever. This simply cannot and should not happen in this country. These people need our help.

Shelly Zimmerman

President, Focus America

szimmerman@focusamerica.org

Tattered Butterfly

2005-09-03T20:07:00.000-04:00

Tattered Butterfly
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

One wonders how it flys.
A butterfly I can identify with.

Breakfast Scene

2005-09-03T19:43:00.000-04:00

Breakfast Scene
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

This is where I am most Saturday mornings.
Very inexpensive, breakfast and a pot of coffee for 2, about $11, people are nice and the view is peaceful.
Come visit me and I'll treat.

2005-09-03T19:00:00.000-04:00

Something I picked up from Shirl.

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything.
You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey.
You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Green Heron Hunting

2005-09-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Green Heron Hunting
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I had no idea the bird could reach so far, out of the frame, and still stay on the branch.

2005-08-29T21:03:00.000-04:00

I've never done this kind of thing but if Shirl is doing it, I'll give it a try.

A. Go to http://www.musicoutfitters.com.
B. Enter the year you graduated from high school in the search function.
C. Bold for the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and underline your favorite. Do nothing to the ones you don't remember (or don't care about).

1. Hey Jude, The Beatles
2. Honey, Bobby Goldsboro
3. Love Is Blue, Paul Mauriat
4. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay, Otis Redding
5. People Got To Be Free, Rascals
6. Sunshine Of Your Love, Cream
7. This Guy's In Love With You, Herb Alpert
8. Stoned Soul Picnic, Fifth Dimension
9. Mrs. Robinson, Simon and Garfunkel
10. Tighten Up, Archie Bell and The Drells
11. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Hugo Montenegro
12. Little Green Apples, O.C. Smith
13. Mony, Mony, Tommy James and The Shondells
14. ~~Hello, I Love You, The Doors~~
15. Young Girl, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
16. Cry Like A Baby, Box Tops
17. Harper Valley P.T.A., Jeannie C. Riley
18. Grazing In The Grass, Hugh Masekela
19. Midnight Confessions, The Grass Roots
20. Dance To The Music, Sly and The Family Stone
21. The Horse, Cliff Nobles and Co.
22. I Wish It Would Rain, Temptations
23. La-La Means I Love You, Delfonics
24. Turn Around, Look At Me, Vogues
25. Judy In Disguise (With Glasses), John Fred and His Playboy Band
26. Spooky, Classics IV
27. Love Child, Diana Ross and The Supremes
28. ~~Angel Of The Morning, Merrilee Rush~~
29. The Ballad Of Bonnie And Clyde, Georgie Fame
30. Those Were The Days, Mary Hopkin
31. Born To Be Wild, Steppenwolf
32. Cowboys To Girls, Intruders
33. Simon Says, 1910 Fruitgum Company
34. Lady Willpower, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
35. A Beautiful Morning, Rascals
36. The Look Of Love, Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66
37. Hold Me Tight, Johnny Nash
38. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, Ohio Express
39. Fire , Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
40. Love Is All Around, Troggs
41. Playboy, Gene and Debbe
42. (Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls, Dionne Warwick
43. Classical Gas, Mason Williams
44. Slip Away, Clarence Carter
45. Girl Watcher, O'Kaysions
46. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Aretha Franklin
47. Green Tambourine, Lemon Pipers
48. 1, 2, 3, Red Light, 1910 Fruitgum Company
49. Reach Out Of The Darkness, Friend and Lover
50. Jumpin' Jack Flash, The Rolling Stones
51. MacArthur Park, Richard Harris
52. Light My Fire, Jose Feliciano
53. I Love You, People
54. Take Time To Know Her, Percy Sledge
55. Pictures Of Matchstick Men, Status Quo
56. Summertime Blues, Blue Cheer
57. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
58. I Got The Feelin', James Brown and The Famous Flames
59. I've Gotta Get A Message To You, Bee Gees
60. Lady Madonna, The Beatles
61. Hurdy Gurdy Man, Donovan
62. Magic Carpet Ride, Steppenwolf
63. Bottle Of Wine, Fireballs
64. Stay In My Corner, Dells
65. Soul Serenade, Willie Mitchell
66. Delilah, Tom Jones
67. Nobody But Me, Human Beinz
68. I Thank You, Sam and Dave
69. The Fool On The Hill, Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66
70. Sky Pilot, Eric Burdon and The Animals
71. Indian Lake, The Cowsills
72. I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
73. Over You, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
74. Goin' Out Of My Head / Can't Take My Eyes Off You, The Lettermen
75. Shoo-Bee-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day, Stevie Wonder
76. The Unicorn, The Irish Rovers
77. (You Keep Me) Hangin' On, Vanilla Fudge
78. Revolution, The Beatles
79. Woman, Woman, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
80. Elenore, Turtles
81. Sweet Inspiration, Sweet Inspirations
82. The Mighty Quinn, Manfred Mann
83. Baby, Now That I've Found You, Foundations
84. White Room, Cream
85. If You Can Want, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
86. Cab Driver, The Mills Brothers
87. Time Has Come Today, The Chambers Brothers
88. Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Dionne Warwick
89. Scarborough Fair / Canticle, Simon and Garfunkel
90. Think, Aretha Franklin
91. You're All I Need To Get By, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
92. Here Comes The Judge, Shorty Long
93. I Say A Little Prayer, Aretha Franklin
94. Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud
95. Sealed With A Kiss, Gary Lewis and The Playboys
96. Piece Of My Heart, Big Brother and The Holding Company
97. Suzie Q., Creedence Clearwater Revival
98. Bend Me Shape, American Breed
99. Hey, Western Union Man, Jerry Butler
100. Never Give You Up, Jerry Butler

Still Life With Trumpet 2

2005-08-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

Still Life With Trumpet 2
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

My Father's trumpet, wow wow mute and records. Sugar Blues features a wow wow mute. Wish I could play it.

Secret Garden

2005-08-27T21:37:00.000-04:00

Secret Garden
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

In the narrow space between two buildings down town.

Me

2005-08-27T20:31:00.000-04:00

Me
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I was standing outside this door today waiting and thought, why not? So you see me tnrough a glass more or less darkly. I'm a bit cut off because I couldn't see what I was shooting.

What?

2005-08-25T11:28:00.000-04:00

What?
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

Help! I like this but can't think of a good title. There must be one.

A blog

2005-08-23T15:33:00.000-04:00

I have found an interesting blog:
3 Quarks Daily
It is rather like a magazine with three permanant editors, about 4 other editors and many guest writers. The posts I looked at today included some links to a photographer in Syria, some thoughts about Kim Jong IIl and a link to a review of a book about him called Kimworld, a discussion of blogs about terrorism to illustrate John Stuart Mills' ideas, and the business of selling virtual items for real money. The site seems to explore in whatever direction the writer wants to go but stays intelligent and knowledgable. You may not agree with what you read but the posts will challenge you.

Sunset

2005-08-22T08:25:00.000-04:00

Sunset
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I'm learning to use my flash in these situations where the subject is back lit and would appear too dark. Thanks Kim.

grackle

2005-08-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

grackle
Originally uploaded by trykemom.

I now have a flickr account. I put up some small birds so Shirl can see I don't do them well. However, I rather like this grackle.

August in Florida

2005-08-21T15:08:00.000-04:00

I could not resist as it seems this is true of many places this summer.

You know it's August in Florida when:

The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Even with the wheelchair I do this.
Hot water now comes out of both taps.
I honestly keep water in the refrigerator.
You can make sun tea instantly.
You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron!
I'm forced to use one of those dorky looking windshield shades.
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
You discover that in August it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
Up north you warm up the car in winter, here you cool down the car in summer.
You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
If steam took weight off, I would be difficult to find.
Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up
lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
It's too hot to actually cook. Good excuse anyway.
Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.
The cows are giving evaporated milk. Ah, what a place to call home.

2005-08-21T10:18:00.000-04:00

It is rather funny I came up with this. I like Bryn's better but really wanted state of confusion.

Gators, tourists and talking mice, hmmm, do you think they should all be lumped together?

Florida - the sunshine state, full of gators and
tourists and talking mice

What State Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Meals on the Go

2005-08-19T23:12:00.000-04:00

This anhinga seems to be showing off his fish in the sunset.

And this Green Heron has a breakfast of dragonfly. Sorry Bryn.

2005-08-19T22:36:00.000-04:00

As seen at Shirl's and I am another twin.

Your easy-going personality is best represented by
the bow and arrow. You probably dont like the
spotlight too much, and would much rather be
backstage making sure everything is working
right. You have a cool, level head and a broad
perspective on life. This combination makes
you an excellent advice-giver.

What sort of Weapon best Represents your Personality? (anime pics!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Monday Madness

2005-08-15T08:18:00.000-04:00

A bit of Monday Madness:

This week's questions are all about you! Nothing personal; just for fun...

1. On what day of the week were you born? I honestly don't know
2. Do you look forward to birthdays? Yes and no.
3. How do you usually celebrate your birthday? Big family picnic in the park.
4. Do you like surprises? Very much.
5. Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party? No
6. How many family and friends' birthdays can you remember right off the top of your head? Unfortunately, very few.
7. Do you send cards to your family and friends on their birthday? Sadly, I often forget and am late.
8. What kind of cake do you like? I make a mean 6 layer mocha with chocolate cream filling and chocolate icing with melted chocolate drizzled down the sides or a pineable upside down layer cake with pineapple cream cheese icing just on the sides, or lemon, blueberry cake with blueberry filling and lemon cream cheese icing, or... Unfortunately, I can no longer have cake. Did I mention the strawberry carrot cake?
9. What kind of ice cream goes best with it? Depends on the cake but usually vanilla.
10. When is your birthday? (You don't have to share the year with us if you answer this question.) October, one of the loveliest months either in Michigan or Florida.

With Flash

2005-08-14T12:58:00.000-04:00

This is for Kim as he advised me to try flash. The butterfly didn't mind at all. Unfortunately I cut some off.

Fun With Birds

2005-08-07T11:09:00.000-04:00

This Double-crested Cormorant seems cleared for takeoff.
I saw this bird from across the road and had trouble crossing because of traffic. I finally got across and looked through the viewer, very funky. I had my polarized sunglasses on with the polarized filter. Back across the road to get my other glasses. Lots more traffic but the bird waited for me. ;-)

This Great Egret seems to think it is a hunting dog.

Fluffy, not stuffy. This Tri-color Heron, aka Louisana Heron, took some time off from searching for food to shake out its feathers.

More Double-crested Cormorants. Coming down the runway here, showing off the latest fashion in feathers. We seem to have a bumper crop of these birds this year.

Another Tri-color Heron. Not a good photo but still amusing.

2005-08-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

As seen at Shirl's;

You're living the movie Scary Movie!

?? Which Horror Movie Are You Living ??
brought to you by Quizilla

Polk Theatre in Lakeland, FL

2005-08-01T20:02:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to figure out a wide angle lens.

This is my favorite with the shadow of the palm tree.

In case you wondered what it looked like in color.
What's showing?
Ladies in Lavender

2005-07-25T16:08:00.000-04:00

I'm trying a new subject for pictures, dragonflies. I'm learning that I have a lot to learn.

I never realized how many different dragonflies there are and how many different colors.

This is an especially small fly, I thought it was a hornet at first. These are all true dragonflies and not damselflies, something I also just learned.

I'm surprised just how close these insects will allow you to get. Basically if you stay still in an area where they are, they will land close by. Focusing in on them is another thing.

I'm told by Shirl that Bryn loves butterflies, so this post is dedicated to her.

2005-07-21T08:11:00.000-04:00

You Are A Maple Tree

There's not anyone in this world quite like you.
You are full of imagination, ambition, and originality.
Shy but confident, you hunger for new experiences.
You have a good memory and learn easily.
You are sometimes nervous and always complex (especially in love).

What is Your Celtic Horoscope?

Rainy Evening

2005-07-13T15:43:00.000-04:00

We bought McDonalds and went to the park to eat. Storm! So I took out my camera as Shirl had challanged me to do rain photos.

I'm still trying to decide if the photos are any good but at least they do look wet.

It was like we were surrounded by a moat of water and the grass was very wet.

I was surprised that as soon as the rain let up a bit, birds were out and about.

This wet, bedraggle female grackle took shelter on the trash can in our shelter.

2005-07-13T14:58:00.000-04:00

Swiped from Shirl's. I learned I talk funny. This adds up to 325%, hmmmm.

Your Slanguage Profile

Aussie Slang: 75%

Canadian Slang: 75%

Southern Slang: 75%

Victorian Slang: 50%

New England Slang: 25%

Prison Slang: 25%

British Slang: 0%

What Slanguage Do You Speak?

Open Message

2005-07-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know about putting this here but I need to say it.

I saw you park your car in a spot reserved for vehicles with handicap parking permits. You jumped out of the car and ran inside. Maybe it was raining, or the parking lot was very full, or perhaps you were only going to be a minute, or you just didn‘t like all that walking from further out in the lot. I don’t know if you don’t understand why those places are there or if you just don’t care but I wanted to explain how your decision affected me.

In my car is a wheel chair and my husband who goes with it. You probably don’t know that vans with wheel chair lifts are very expensive and no one gives them to you but that is why we drive a small car. But just like a van, those wide special parking spaces help me open doors on both sides wide open and have enough space to struggle to get the chair out on one side of the car and my husband into it on the other. Yes, I used to put it in the trunk but I’m short and it is difficult to lift the chair that high. Plus that puts me right out in traffic and cars don’t want to be bothered going around a person behind a vehicle. The blue lines between the special spaces are now narrower so fewer people can justify parking there and so there is room to do what I have to do.

Handicap parking is often right by the building so those using them don’t have to try to cross a lane of traffic to get to the building. All those cars are in a hurry and don’t want to wait for someone to cross who cannot run and I can’t run pushing a wheelchair carrying over 250 pounds. It isn’t about the weather being bad because by the time I have got the chair out, got around the car, put my husband in it, I’ve had my share of the weather.

One more thing, often handicap parking is near a ramp and a ramp is what makes the building assessable to a wheel chair. I have to be able to get to the ramp. When you crowd the line, I can have difficulty getting around your front bumper to use the ramp.

Perhaps you wonder why I bother to take my husband out. Because he needs to get out and do things. Being stuck at home is like being in a prison. Perhaps you work outside the home, perhaps you think nothing of running to the store or mall or park or bank or restaurant or where ever you go in a day. But it isn’t that easy for him. He can’t get out when I’m working. He is home alone, a day filled with TV and computer solitaire. He needs human contact and I need him to have that contact.

So maybe you had many reasons for taking a handicap spot, but maybe compassion will allow you to leave that spot next time.

2005-07-10T09:14:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged by Shirl and this is a difficult one.

What I was doing ten years ago: 1995. We had been in our house a year. I started volunteering with Girl Scouts. I quit smoking after a 6 year old said to me, doesn't anyone love you enough to tell you to stop smoking? I love you.

What I was doing five years ago: 2000. I was working the same job I have now. I was into my first year home schooling my daughter and looking to home school high school in the fall.

What I was doing one year ago: 2004. Took my Girl Scout troop to the Smokies to do white water rafting. The girls I started with had just graduated from high school. My daughter graduated from home school after dual enrolling in the Community College for advanced Algebra.

Yesterday: Stayed home as the feeder bands from hurricane Dennis swept through. Felt some cabin fever so we were going out for a bit in the evening; then the wheel chair broke. We spent the evening combining pieces from a couple of chairs to make one that would work.

5 snacks I enjoy: (sigh, with my health problems, almost everything is off limits but these are better than nothing.)
1. popsicles - number 1 and I eat way too many
2. carrot sticks
3. half frozen crystal light drinks so they are slushy
4. a small handful of potato chips so I don't feel too deprived
5. I'm open for suggestions

5 songs I know all the words to:
I know way too many so I'm picking one from a certain group and leaving out many good ones.
1. Bridge Over Troubled Water/Sounds of Silence (can't decide on just one)
2. Peace I ask of thee oh river
3. Secret Agent Man - TV theme
4. Hey, Look At Me - One of the ones I wrote. I don't always remember the words to those, sadly, plus I'm more apt to write music to old songs than write new things now.
5. To Dream the Impossible Dream

5 Things I would do with $100 million:
1. buy a house that is more accessable.
2. buy all the camera equipment I want
3. pay for my daughter's college
4. have the best Girl Scout troop for low income girls
5. pay to have lawn work done so I don't weed wack the wire to the air conditioning

5 locations I would like to run away to:
1. Bali
2. Alaska
3. Singapore
4. Cross country in a motor home
5. Kenya

5 bad habits I have:
I have to limit this to 5?
1. Procrastination
2. not putting things in the same place all the time so I can find them
3. too sensitive
4. spend too much time on the computer
5. driving on automatic

5 things I like doing:
1. taking photos
2. playing with photos on the computer
3. hiking
4. reading
5. learning (I left out the n first time. With my terrible spelling that could have come out leering)

5 things I would never wear:
Have you ever noticed that saying never is a dangerous thing? It often becomes the next thing you do.
1. Stiletto heels - swiped from Shirl
2. tank tops
3. nothing that bears my middle
4. pierced rings anywhere but my ears
5. a wig

5 TV shows I like:
You have to realized that I'm weird
1. NOVA - pbs
2. Digging for the Truth - History Channel
3. Catherine Crier Live - Court TV
4. Jeopardy
5. Good Eats - Food

5 Biggest joys of the moment:
1. My family
2. My new camera
3. Hiking
4. Woman's night out with my daughter
5. Friends

5 Favorite toys:
1. New camera
2. Computer games
3. computer dark room
4. musical instruments like fife and bones
5. anything interesting for still lifes like old photos, lace, coins, etc

Next victims:
Any takers?

2005-07-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

Something I found while surfing. All you do is enter your birthdate and there you go.

CelebMatch.com uses the scientific method of biorhythms to calculate the compatibilities. Use CelebMatch.com to calculate your most compatible celebrity love

Your best matches

Jeremy Irons	99%
Bill Elliott	98%
Zhang Yimou	97%
John Ratzenberger	97%
Jerry Seinfeld	97%

2005-07-05T21:11:00.000-04:00

I find that I've been called all kinds of things in my life.
When I was in Junior High and had Biology, my lab partner said if I did all the physical part of the experiments, she would do all the paperwork, and that worked very well for us. I was thrilled because everyone knows the paperwork is not the fun part. I didn't even check what she was turning in for me until one day I looked at a paper after it was handed back. The name, written in the upper left hand corner, was written - Sheryl "the nut". I was so embarressed. I couldn't imagine what the teacher thought and I never knew, not being one to ask. Now it seems mildly amusing.
Why this should pop into my mind, I have no idea but it did following an recent incident. I had a not pleasent job to do at work. When it was finished, I awoke one morning to spray paint on my driveway at home. There is a long, black arrow pointing up the driveway and letters printed under it. The letters? BITH (sic). Maybe I find this amusing because it could have been so much worse, the person could have remembered the c. One of my friends has decided to add this word to her reserved names. I keep thinking I should be more upset.
Does anyone else bring home work in quite this way?

Happy 4th

2005-07-02T19:39:00.000-04:00

Evening Light

2005-06-30T23:05:00.000-04:00

2005-06-21T15:29:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged by Shirl and Bryn so I guess I'd better get this done.

The first part of this meme is to list the 5 things from your childhood that you miss the most. So my 5 things are:

1. The endlessness of the time. The way life spread out forever and days past lazily especially in summer. And we were mostly on our own in summer. All spring my sister and I would bake cookies and hide them in the freezer from the rest of the family. Then when we stayed 6 or 8 weeks camping, my father would bring a fresh supply on the weekends. Great glass pickle jars of them. Then when we came in from swimming or picking black berries with our legs scratched up and our mouths purple, our hands would be in the jar, oarmeal? chocolate chip? Sometimes my dad would arrive with some kid who lived in our neighborhood who would stay a week. The girl who lived next door became a fixture at least one week every summer. She even started bringing her own cookies. Lovely thick shortbreads.

2. The relatives. My grandparents. Grandpa always had gum in his shirt pocket when they came to visit from Florida and he wore summery shirts that I thought of as Florida shirts. He told such stories of a childhood that seemed to me very long ago like when the medicine man came to town and his Sunday School teacher who was the town undertaker. Grandma loved Florida and I grew up thinking, among other things, that there was no dust in Florida, furniture stayed clean. Her mother was about the oldest woman I knew. Aunty Grandma and Uncle Grandpa who my father lived with after his father had a stroke. Aunty was really his sister. Other Aunts and Uncles who are all dead now and cousins who are now scattered to the wind. My Grandma and her Sister-in-law dancing the shottish in our backyard. And my parents. So many times I would have liked to ask, how did you do this when I was young when my daughter was little.

3. The neighborhood. The 35 kids that lived on our block long road and a few others nearby. Ours was the last house on the street, then came a small woods and a farmer's field. It was like living in the city next door to the country. My place was a tree on the edge of the field where I could watch the sunset and have private dreams away from my younger sister and brother. Because of its location, our house was a meeting place, starting place, for wars between the boys and girls, digging up dinosaurs which was probably a cow, putting on fairs and plays. All of us walking home from school down the road. The neighbor boy hit me over the heat with his zippered notebook loaded with books permanently bending my new glasses. Staggering back, I threw up my hand and caught him under the chin with my metal lunchbox putting his teeth through his lip.

4. Church camp in high school. I loved the prayer tower but it was thorn down my last year there so they could build a new one. I never got to see the new one. But most of all, I met Shirl there! I miss her most as she is so far away. I'm so thankful for the internet.

5. Meijers Trifty Acres which is rather like a Super Walmart. In high school, Shirl and I would each set out walking until we met halfway between our houses and then walk to Meijers. We inspected everything and then would go to the balcony to share an order of french fries.

Part the second:

Remove the #1 item from the above list, bump everyone up one place and add your blog's name in the #5 spot. You need to actually link to each of the blogs above and below, so everybody gets the benefit of other people checking out their blog.
Three blog-people to pass it on to: TAG! You're "It"!

Wandering Willow
Bread Crumbs
Always a Dreamer
Other Side
Whimsy and Dreams

If anyone wishes to be tagged, please do.

2005-06-20T22:43:00.000-04:00

I found this laying around at Shirl's:

You scored as Cultural Creative. Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.

What is Your World View? (updated)
created with QuizFarm.com

2005-06-19T14:43:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged for a book meme by Bryn.

Number of books I own: About 300. I try to take them to the used book store but I have so much credit built up now they have asked me to not bring in so many for a while.

Last book I bought: Flatterland: like flatland, only more so by Ian Stewart.

Last book I read: Good Harbor by Anita Diamant. A wonderful friendship novel sent to me by Shirl. I read it right after Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell which was such a downer that I needed an uplifting book.

Books that mean a lot to me: Oh my, there are so many. A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle, all time favorite, Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L'Engle, The unexpected Hanging: And other Mathematical Diversions by Martin Gardner, Taran Wanderer; Fourth novel in the five-volume chronicle of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. Cane by Jean Toomer, and Pro Techniques of Creative Photography: Methods of the Thinking Photographer by Ian Bradshaw.

Would anyone out there like to be tagged?

2005-06-19T14:29:00.000-04:00

I was taking photos this morning of a Purple Gallinule in a tree. I was sitting on the ground. I had a feeling something was looking at me, sure enough, on the ground below the tree was the Purple Gallinule chick.

And as for the parent:

Evening

2005-06-12T09:11:00.000-04:00

Graduation 1897

2005-06-04T20:39:00.000-04:00

Thinking about graduations. The date on the card is 1897, unfortunately, I don't know the woman the cards is from. The woman in the photo was born in 1898. The negative is of her younger brother who graduated in 1931. He was my father.

Memorial Day

2005-05-30T22:18:00.000-04:00

2005-05-29T20:49:00.000-04:00

Okay, I've been tagged by Shirl:
I know Shirl will be disappointed because I'm not a movie watcher. I have trouble sitting through a whole movie.

Total number of films I own on DVD/Video:

A bunch of children's videos from when my daughter was young. I don't own a DVD except on my computer so I only own one of those, an instructional one on my new camera.

The last film I watched:

In a theater, Finding Nemo, on TV, Michael. What can I say?

Five films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me:

Fantasia: having grown up with bits and pieces of it, I wish there were more like it.
The King of Hearts: who would have thought I would like a movie with subtitles.
Shadowlands: actually, I saw an earlier version than the one I own and loved it then too.
Fame or Dances with Wolves: because I saw them with Shirl.
Testiment: not because of the story, because the scenes were so powerful that if I think of one now, years after seeing it, I cry all over again.
Not really a film, in fact I think it was an after school TV special but I saw it as a movie. I cried through it and was ready to stand up and cheer at the end, Molly's Pilgrim.

Saturday in the Park

2005-05-21T11:54:00.000-04:00

We had a family picnic in the park. You know the kind that has that really summery feel? These are a couple of my nieces.

The only people who didn't make it was my sister's husband. He is a truck driver. Even my niephew who is also a truck driver made it. He stopped over an extra day.

We had homemade four bean salad, cole slaw and of course watermelon. This is my brother. It was interesting to see who picked out the seeds and who knows how to spit.

Everyone was there almost. Sister, brother, brother's family and in-laws. This is another niece hanging with my husband.

It was the kind of a day when anyone can drop by. A park friend named John clean the tables for me. Some are more welcomed than this alligator.

We took boat rides in my brother's boat and played games. We had to explain to these two that we didn't mean hit that kind of birdy. This is my daughter and 'the boy friend' as the nieces call him.

There were abundant tadpoles in the lake. My nieces were very good at catching them and putting them in their cup.

They also managed to catch a catfish. They were careful to add habitate, the weeds. When the fish started having problems, they returned it to the lake.

Mostly, we just had fun hanging out.

My Favorite Captain too

2005-05-20T08:42:00.000-04:00

Swiped from Shirl's.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard- You are the thinking
person's captain. You contemplate everything
before putting it into action. While you are
indecisive at times, you do so to insure an
equatable solution no matter what the cost.

Which Star Trek Captain are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Spring Babies

2005-05-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, it is a metal dome.

In late spring baby birds are getting big enough to venture from the nest. It is a fun time to go looking for them.

Common Gallinules, AKA moorhens or swamp chickens, are a chicken like bird that live in the grasses along the shore. The babies in this shot are very young which means they are little black fluff balls with a dab of red on their heads and a red beak. I took lots of shots but they tend to stay in the grasses and are difficult to see.

Both parents take part in caring for the young so it is difficult to tell if you are looking at a male or female. Here, the other parent is just off side.

Just after this shot, the one parent went out to the grass and the other came closer to shore. The babies, this family is a bit older than the other and some of the chicks have lighter beaks, group together looking one way and then the other. Then they broke into two groups with part following one parent and part the other. The male builds several nests which the family uses at night.

This Limpkin youth started life in a nest in the tall grass. Early on, the babies stay near the nest hiding in the grass. I do have some photographs taken a couple of weeks ago but again, high grass makes the babies very difficult to see. The babies will peek out if the parent isn't close but as soon as a the parent comes back to the nest, the babies scatter.

Limpkins eat shell fish especially snails but clams do nicely. The young bird looks much like the parent, again, both parents take care of the young, but this one and its siblings still have baby feathers on their heads.

Limpkins leave their young on shore while they look for food. While they don't go out to deep water or anything, they are able to move more quickly without the young.

This young bird was one of a group on the shore. Then can hunt on their own but the parent will bring back food too. They keep moving up and down a bit of shore. Mostly they are only out in the morning.

Great Blue Heron and Clouds

2005-05-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

I lost my polarizing filter off my camera. Not sure how I did that, just found that it was gone. I take so many photos around water that I couldn't go with out one. I found a used one on the web at B&H and ordered it. It came and turned out to be much nicer than the one I had. I just had to go out and try it.

2005-05-02T08:01:00.000-04:00

The world looks different when you are young. Did you have any things you used to believe? Here's a site about things "I used to believe: the childhood beliefs site".

Something completely different. Here is a map of the world. You can click on different areas and see photos from there that people have summitted. Lots of pictures from Europe but there are photos from most areas in the world.
Woophy -- I have no idea what the name means.

Ever wonder where your dollar goes? Where's George? Here you can track that money. Actually, my Girl Scout troop received a bill with this site on it about two years ago so we logged it. Unfortunately, only one person logged it since.

2005-05-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Just some spring color, snapdragons!

Spring Blossom

2005-04-28T22:44:00.000-04:00

One of the first Magnolia Blossoms I've seen this year. Usually they aren't this perfect.

2005-04-28T22:32:00.000-04:00

As seen at Shirl's

You're a little gold key, and you unlock other
people's hearts. Your kindness and willingness
to be there for those you care about lets
people open up to you knowing they will be
accepted. People will rely on you, but be
careful not to give more than you have.

What sort of key are you and what do you unlock?
brought to you by Quizilla

2005-04-25T22:47:00.000-04:00

Does this make you feel better Shirl? I'm just 57% (Dixie). Barely into the Dixie category.

Southern Dialect Quiz

Tricolor Heron

2005-04-16T21:16:00.000-04:00

This tricolor heron, aka Louisiana heron, has just caught a fish. These birds rapidly walk, or even fly very low, along a beach to fish. They seldom stay still.

Seeds Floating Away

2005-04-16T11:17:00.000-04:00

I don't know if anyone will like this as so far, it has had a lot of critism but I like it so I'm inflicting it on all of you.

Nice Surprises

2005-04-16T10:40:00.000-04:00

This week I came home from work one day to find two packages waiting for me. I hadn't ordered anything so it was a real surprise.

One was a photo of a Piping Plover, wonderful shot. I was critiquing the photographer and said I'd like to hang the picture on the wall so he sent it to me. They are so much nicer when you hold them in your hand.

The other package was from my friend Shirl. She had sent me some books I've been wanting to read and some scrapbooking stickers. Wow, a care package. I feel special.

Snowy Egret

2005-04-16T10:36:00.000-04:00

This snowy egret spent a long time preening.

But finally was ready to party.

2005-04-16T09:07:00.000-04:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

55% General American English

20% Dixie

20% Yankee

5% Upper Midwestern

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

2005-04-10T21:18:00.000-04:00

Copied from Shirl.

I Am Maui

You love life and you're determined to live to the fullest. You use your bag of tricks to protect those you care about and to teach those who mess with you and yours a lesson, but you're not unreasonable. You're a tinkerer and an inventor, you love to build stuff. You enjoy hanging out with good friends or being out in nature. Like the Hawaiian Trickster Maui, your amiable nature fools those who think you're an easy target. You're not.

Which Trickster Are You?
Take the Trickster Test at www.isleofdreams.net.

Art

2005-04-06T21:10:00.000-04:00

My daughter and I were driving down the road the other day when I saw something.
"Hey," I said, "What's with the blue guy with the pink hammer?"
My daughter said, "Huh?" (We have some pretty intelligent conversations.)
"There was a statue of a blue guy with a pink hammer."
"Where?" as she looked around for it. By this time it was about 5 miles back.
So I decided to go take a look this evening and bring her back a picture. How she ever missed it, well...
I also decided to share it here, lucky you and let you know it really isn't called Blue Guy with Pink Hammer. It is call:

Portrait of the Artist Doing Philosophy

Fred Nagelbach (Evanston, IL), Portrait of the Artist Doing Philosophy (See Friedrich Nietzche Essay on “How to Do Philosophy With a Hammer” in Idol of the Gods), 2004, Polyester resin and fiberglass, 9’ x 7’ x 15’

2005-04-05T18:32:00.000-04:00

As seen at Shirl's.

Mo... Molybdenum
You scored 50 Mass, 30 Electronegativity, 63 Metal, and 0 Radioactivity!

I like to think of you as the miracle worker in The Princess Bride...
you can do anything and you do it for the betterment of society.
Just because you can raise the dead and make flying wagons
and stuff doesn't mean that you show off about it though. You
are capable of forming bizarre webs of relationships in which
individuals are accomplices, lovers, coworkers, and so on all at
once. I once saw you hanging out at the center of a
cycloheptatriene... it was completely freakish and bizarre, and
I'm not sure I've known what to think of you since. But hey,
to each their own. Oh, and stay away from the carbon monoxide...
you suck that stuff up.

Link: The Which Chemical Element Am I Test written by effataigus on OkCupid Online Dating

Art Festival

2005-04-03T11:12:00.000-04:00

Yes, it is a metal dome.

A DAY WITH THE ARTS

The City of Bartow, Florida, our county seat, has an art festival going on this weekend. Yesterday, my sister, my daughter and I decided to check it out. We thought it would take a couple of hours and then we could probably grab a bite of lunch somewhere after.

The festival centered around the old court house which is a museum now. We started there as they also had a quilt show going on.

The old court house is one of those lovely, domed and pillered affairs with its own block. There are four clocks around the dome and just below the metal part, blue swags are painted. The steps are wide and inviting as you can see.

The quilt show itself was upstairs. I signed up for a raffle of a quilt and was handed a plastic glove and a ballot to vote for my favorite quilts. Yeah right.

There were pieced quilts, as small as 1/4 inch squares, appliqued, embroidered, etc. Every kind that you could imagine and then some. And the stitching was wonderful. Since I had on the glove, I could look at the back of the quilts to see just how nice the stitching was.

The inside of the courthouse has been lovingly restored. The swag and other motif you see here looks to all be hand painted. This is goes all around the first floor in the halls and center area just below the crown molding.

I also like the glass over the dark wood framed doors. Reminds me of school, at least some of the old ones.

Some of the rooms downstairs show the history of the area including a cracker house with whip and ancient crocodilian skulls found in the mines in the area.

Unfortunately, all the art tents were white and it was mid-day, not to mention how crowded it was, so taking photos of the displays I didn't do. There were painters, photographers, basket makers, potters, jewelers and many others. Since this was art and not craft, all too pricey for me.

I stepped up onto the sidewalk behind some of the displays and took this photo. On the left, you can see some pictures hanging in a tent.

We ate at a small place always downtown, a coffee shop. Dark, older interior with great detail and just a bit too small for the crowd. They had bag lunches consisting of wraps, chips and drink which my daughter had and my sister and I had raspberry chicken salads and really good ice tea.

There were many food booths like this one for arepas, acouple of sweet corn pancakes put together with mozzarella cheese. It was big enough to split three ways.

There was also a car show going on. We saved that for last but that was a mistake. We started looking at 3:00pm, just as all the cars started leaving. Too bad because there were some old cars too, not like these which I can remember. Sigh, you know you are getting old when the cars don't look all that old.

Actually, they weren't all old. The man who own this one, fussed around making sure every thing was out of the shot so I could get a good one of his Masada. I felt like I had to post it. And it was my last as my feet had had it and we headed home.

2005-04-02T08:59:00.000-05:00

This building in Lakeland, Florida has been undergoing renovation for almost a year. The hurricanes set back the schedule. It is almost ready for tenants now, it has become an apartment building. You can see some the frames around the windows need painting yet. The part of the second floor you see is all one apartment renting for $2200 a month and already taken. This overlooks a small lake.
This is by no means the most expensive apartment. There is a two floor apartment at the top of the nine story building that also includes an old bell tower above it. My brother has worked on the air conditioning for the building for almost a year and fortunately discovered from the blueprints that the show piece apartment had no door going into it.

Spring

2005-03-25T20:46:00.000-05:00

Another spring photo. This is an flower from my garden.

2005-03-25T20:36:00.000-05:00

Do we ever come to terms with death?
That hole that is left when some
Are too suddenly ripped way
Promises of young lives not kept?

A year goes by and then another
Finally a time for trials and sentences
Revenge is fed but does not abate
More friends and families crumble

Though this should be an ending
A truth fights my heart bringing
A place that will never fill or go away
They still aren't coming back, not ever.

Spring

2005-03-24T22:02:00.000-05:00

This is a palm in bloom. The 'flower' is the wheat colored branch coming out to the left into the clear blue.

Wood Duck and Gull

2005-03-23T22:50:00.000-05:00

The Joy of Nature Photography

2005-03-20T10:28:00.000-05:00

Nature photography has its dangers. As I scramble down banks and off paths, chiggers and fire ants come to mind. Sitting down on a bank in shorts can lead to welts in uncomforable places. And all of this can be distracting when trying to get the 'perfect' shot.
However, there is another danger. Yesterday as I was trying to sneak up on an egret, I've often wondered if isn't so much that I sneak up as the bird is too busy laughing to fly, I had to put my hand on the ground for balance as I went down a bank. I was in a good position and brought my hand up to push the zoom button. It was as my finger made contact with my camera that I realized I felt something smush between my finger and the button. I looked and it was a brownish smushing.
Camera comes first so realizing I would probably miss the photo, I carefully cleaned off first my finger and then the camera.
The bird waited for me, probably to laugh.

2005-03-20T08:41:00.000-05:00

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

Stink:: Pelicans
Renewal:: Rest
I remember...:: Too much
Loneliness:: in a crowd
Ooooh:: yum
For real:: nothing
Titanium:: metal
Get down:: boogy
Rupture:: break
Dramatic:: great contrast

White Crane kung fu

2005-03-20T08:18:00.000-05:00

OK, So it's an egret.

Spring

2005-03-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

I now know that spring has arrived, the motor homes are flocking and heading north. I was stuck at the corner for awhile as a flock moved up the road trailing matching vehicles behind. I counted 9 in a row before I was able to turn, pretty good size flock. They don't always travel this way, sometimes you will see a lone home driving.
So Snow Bird season is about over. Now for a little more than a month of quiet before the tourist season starts.

Five Questions

2005-03-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Randy to answer five questions.

What was your motivation to begin blogging and what keeps you motivated to continue? My friend Shirl thought I would enjoy it and talked me into it. Shirl and I became best friends in high school but now we've been living in different states for 18 years. I like being able to meet some of her friends and meet others too.
Does your family know you're a blogger and what do they think of your hobby/obsession? They know but I don't think they have any idea of what it is.
When you aren't blogging how do you entertain yourself? Interesting turn of phrase. I like taking photos especially of nature. I write some. Like to camp and canoe and hike, those things. I do a lot of volunteer work.
What book and/or movie has had the most profound influence on you and how did it effect you? This is difficult because it changes. For the way it is structured, Cane by Jean Toomer. For its introduction to Welsh mythology, Evangeline Walton's The Maginogion Tetralogy. The Unexpected Hanging and Other Mathematical Diversions by Martin Gardner for making math fun. A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle because I love it.
Is photography an art or a craft? Explain why. You ask tough questions. Both. Art because some photos can evoke an emotion in the viewer, make that person think. I think of craft as working at and polishing what you do. The craft part is learning to use the tools so they will do what you want them to. I'm working at it as a craft. I don't think I'll ever produce art.