One of my daughters is getting married!  I can't believe I'm typing this... I'm so excited for her and my future son in law.  I also can't wait for the wedding planning to begin.  But before any of that can take place, there needs to be a date!  We were scouting out possible places for the wedding reception on a beautiful Sunday a month ago.  One of the places we looked at was indeed beautiful and had a lot of what she is looking for.  But this location just wasn't meant to be.  While looking at what was offered for the bride and groom, I took many photos.  What better way to remember the day than by looking at the memories of the day.  I recently posted this on my daughters facebook page since they have yet to pick a date, theme, or location..  well anything at this point. haha

So I patiently wait for her, I wait with all the excitement and anticipation for the big day in one of my children's lives.  I know that it will be a beautiful day for them, no matter where the reception is held.  As long as they have each other, it will all be good.

Snow and red berries

Upon arriving to work this morning I saw where we had a fresh layer of snow that was very sparkly with the morning sun.  There are a few red berries left on the bushes out in front of the store and the snow in contrast to the red was quite pretty.  After adjusting the settings on my camera, I came up with this photo.  I really like it and will probably print and frame it.

My sons

I've been watching tutorials and reading up on different ways of lighting a subject. I thought I would practice what I've been learning. I had my boys pose for me one Saturday afternoon and I came up with these photos. I am very happy with the results and have since printed the photos out to hang on my wall here at work.

Hydrangea

I have this thing with taking photo's of my Hydrangea bush.  It is such a pretty plant. The one that I have is called "Hydrangea Arborescens, Annabelle".  It is very hardy where I live and has grown quite large.  I may try to transplant part of it this year.  Which means I need to do some research on the correct way and  time to do this.

I took this photo last year and after playing with it a little bit, I ended up with a photo that I love and will be printing, framing and hanging on my wall!

Apple Blossoms

Today was a picture perfect day.  When I arrived home from work there was just enough fog to make it lovely out.  I grabbed my camera and headed out doors.  The birds were singing and chirping in the trees and my dog was running around the lawn.  Well I guess using the word running isn't actually correct.  She is old, so she was  walking around the lawn.

The apple tree on the side of my lawn is starting to bloom.  When it is in full bloom it is lovely.  I can't wait for it to get to that point.  I have a photo shoot coming up on Thursday with two adorable little girls.  I am going to have them in front of the tree if possible.  It will depend on how the lighting is the time of day that they are here. This is for a mother's day present from them to their mom so I hope it turns out as it is pictured in my mind.

Taraxacum a.k.a Dandelion

Today's post is on a weed.  Although it is a weed and is rather annoying to people who want a perfect lawn, this plant is pretty.  Have you ever looked close up at one.  It is amazing to see.  Unfortunately the photo that I wish to put on here to show you what I mean, isn't on this computer.  Actually not sure where it is.  Could be on my husbands computer or it is on my external hard drive that houses 90% of my photo's.

After dinner I went out to compose a photo but the wonderful New York weather changed my plans.  I only had a few moments before it started to rain on me.  So I took what I could and came in and played around with a few photo's.  Here is today's photo with a little added "highlights".

Upon reading about this plant, I discovered that it has more uses than just eating... Not that I enjoyed eating the greens as a child.  But their leaves are full of vitamins, their roots contain a drug that is used in treating the liver and you can make wine from the flowers.  Wonder what that tastes like.  Hope it doesn't taste like the greens...Their seeds are eaten by many birds.  Oh and it isn't a native plant here in the United States.  It came from Europe.

Cub Scout Derby Race

Tonight was the derby race for our sons cub scout pack.  The boys made their cars pretty much by themselves,  they had very little help from anyone.  Overall they did a good job.   But there is only one winner and neither of them was that person.  At the end of the race it is heartbreaking to see all the young boys with their sad faces and some even crying because they didn't win. There were parents trying to console their boys but it really wasn't helping.  Telling them that they are winners for just competing.  Didn't really cut it in the boys eyes.  They see the big and shiny trophy and dream of taking it home with them only to have their dreams dashed.  But the boys took it better this year than last and are already planning on what they are going to do different next year.  Since only one boy out of 50 or so will win for having the fastest car, they are shifting their sights for one of the other trophy's...  fastest looking, most patriotic, or most original.  It would be nice if they could get their little block of pine a little sooner so they could be working on it and taking their time.  They waited so long to get going this time that the last coat of paint was going on three hours before it was time to be at the race for weigh in.  Next year things need to be done a bit different.