City Saloon

Red Squirrels

2011-11-27T06:40:00.000-05:00

Red Squirrels are very shy and very FAST. These guys can travel at the speed of sound, I swear. But this guy was chomping on his lunch, and sat still for a few seconds for me. If you look closely, you can see pieces of his walnut flying through the air. He was on a mission.

This guy also posed for me.

I guess lunch time might be a good time to capture these tiny critters. They make a rattlesnake-type sound so be on the lookout for them on your next walk in the park.

I'm in Love.

2011-11-06T18:20:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true. I'm in love. With Deer. And when you can get close enough to them to get a half way decent picture, it thrills me to the bone. Today was one of those days. The males were chasing the females, and it was fun to watch. But then, they would grow tired, and stop long enough to have their portrait taken, then off they went again.

This guy was very determined.

Waiting....

Resting.....

And this guy seemed to have something on his mind for sure. I decided not to stick around. The noises they make can be a little threatening.

And then there was this guy peeking through the tall grass.
Yes, Deer. They are absolutely awesome creatures.

Big Bucks

2011-10-29T19:18:00.000-04:00

Last evening, I visited a local park that is known for having not-shy deer. If you know where to look, and are quiet and move slowly, they will let you photograph them. I have been there several times and found females. But yesterday, I was informed that there were several males at one end of the park, so we checked it out and found some beauties. The sun was setting fast so we went back early this morning and here's what we found.

Some of the females were smoking! Oh MY!

This one just turned around to pose.

It was rather chilly and you could see the breath on a few of the Buck.

They like to jump up and eat trees.

Some of them just stroll along the path like they own the joint.

I don't think I will ever grow tired of seeing a deer in the wild.

The moon

2011-10-09T22:54:00.000-04:00

It's not a full moon tonight, I don't think, but it sure is pretty.

Even when it rains...

2011-09-25T18:09:00.000-04:00

It was a good weekend. The forecast was for rain, but I don't let that stop me. Yesterday, while it was raining, the sun came out. For the second time in a month, I got to see one of these! I never saw a full one before!

And today, when it was time to come home, I glanced in an open field and saw these guys.

And these guys.

And when this guy saw my camera, he said "buh bye".

Some guys just don't like to be photographed.

Snake in a Lake

2011-09-23T10:56:00.000-04:00

There is a park in the area that I've never really explored. Yesterday, with a friend, I did. It was beautiful. There were mushrooms growing out of trees....

There was the occasional turtle, covered with tiny little green leaves.

I saw a dragonfly or two..

And then... all of the sudden... what is that in the distance?

It's slithering and moving fast! And getting closer!

A SNAKE!!!

But he was on a mission, and went on his merry way. I was never scared for even an instant. Honest!

Webs

2011-09-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

Monday, I was fortunate enough to be in a beautiful park in Indiana. Pokagon State Park has always been known to me for it's beautiful Lake James in the Summer, it's toboggan run in the Winter, and camping probably year around. But if you get off the beaten path, you will find some amazing nature. One of these places was a swampy area with beautiful spider webs that hang from the trees so gracefully, especially early in the morning when the dew drops are still clinging to the webs.

Spiders can scare me if they get too close, but they sure can build a great house.

There were birds...

and wood ducks...

And through the misty air, I even spotted a few horses.

It was a very fun day.

Rainbow!

2011-09-10T08:37:00.000-04:00

This morning when I woke up it was raining. And that made me a little sad. But then the sun came out. However, it was still raining. And, well, you know what that means!!

Birds

2011-07-12T08:38:00.000-04:00

There is a little island on our lake that houses many species of birds. This past weekend, I got up at the crack of dawn, and decided to try and photograph a few. I found this Black-crowned Night Heron.

He saw me. Then he made his exit.

He thought he could sneak around in this tree and I wouldn't see him.

But I saw him alright.

And he sat there like a statue for the rest of the morning, waiting until night time when they start their day.

And then I saw this Eastern Kingbird. He had a pretty voice.

But my favorite find of the day was the Green Heron. I normally will hear them cackle from above, and finally found a few resting in the trees. They are amazing to watch.

They can sit and look pretty.

They can stretch their very long neck out to make them look like an entirely different bird.

Or they can stretch their neck out just a little and pose for a portrait.

They can dance. (well, not really)

The color of their feathers really brightens up once the sun hits them.

I want to be a bird when I grow up.

Raccoons

2011-06-28T08:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was an exciting day in my back yard. My dog managed to find two baby raccoons living in the bushes. After cornering one of them, and scaring the poor thing half to death, I was able to call off the dog, grab my camera, and begin to make a couple of friends.

They were scared and very shy at first.

After a few minutes, they figured I wasn't going to hurt them, and they posed for me.

But then the sun came out. They looked at each other and decided to head for the woods. It was their bed time.

Angry Bird

2011-06-02T18:07:00.000-04:00

She is a beautiful Bird, the Great Blue Heron.

There is a park in town that is beautiful. It has birds and ponds and flowers and ducks and waterfalls. There is a Great Blue Heron that likes to sit by the waterfall and wait for dinner to swim by. Yesterday, I tried to get a great picture of this guy and there was a fish jumping out of the water. It was a very LARGE fish. So large, in fact, that it looks fake in this picture. But it's not fake. I got this guy jumping out of the water.

She can ruffle her feathers like the best of them. And dive in for food.
But don't get in her space. If you do, she gets ANGRY.

The Geese found this out the hard way.

Then, off she went.

Mamma duck and her little ones were minding their own business like a good duck family should.

Walking through the Park

2011-05-25T14:58:00.000-04:00

I love frogs. Maybe because I rarely see them, but I love them. Yesterday I found this guy on my walk through the park. A dragonfly found a nice place to rest.

Then, I saw this guy. Have you ever seen the rear end of a Great Blue Heron? It looks like he is wearing jazzy pampers. I think I scared him away.

This Chickadee stopped to strike a pose.

And then there were a few deer. It was dinner time!

Baby Ducks floated by.

And geese played in the pond.

I just love a walk in the park.

Be Warned

2011-05-09T17:47:00.000-04:00

There was a swan sitting on her nest at the island in our bay this weekend. The geese seem to be pestering mom and I caught dad letting the goose know who's boss. I was a very loud event.

Dear oh Dear

2011-05-09T17:43:00.000-04:00

There is a park in town that has many deer. They hang out in large numbers and if you are very careful, they will stay put while you snap a picture or two.

Some will let you get very close. Some will dance.

Some of the little ones are just curious.

And some lift their head from their afternoon nap just long enough to check you out.

Muskrat

2011-05-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

It's not uncommon to look out on the water and see a muskrat swimming around. But lately, this guy and a few of his friends have taken up residence in my yard. I'm afraid to lift up the row boat for fear of finding an overly crowded muskrat condo.

Stormy

2011-05-06T15:15:00.000-04:00

For some reason, I take more pictures in the summer time. And since this is a photoblog, my winter posting is limited. I'm going to attempt to correct that. At least for this summer.

This was the sky earlier this afternoon. It got wicked, and I would have taken more pictures, but I was hiding in the basement.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2010-11-30T16:39:00.000-05:00

I was in a festive mood today, so I decided to play with Christmas stuff.

I love these Hershey's Cherry Cordial Candy Kisses. I ate way too many today.

Light Writing

2010-11-17T08:51:00.000-05:00

Brit and I tried our hand at light writing a few weeks ago. We used small flashlights and it was so much fun!

Dragonfly

2010-08-16T14:31:00.000-04:00

I don't know why, but these bugs fascinate me.

I'm Hiding

2010-08-03T08:24:00.000-04:00

This guy was trying to hide from me. I guess he's camera shy.

A mini Lake Michigan trip

2010-07-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

A mini vacation was taken this week. And I've decided that I love the water more than the average person.

We had so much fun taking in the beauty and capturing some of it with our Nikons.

The next day, we found this extra large boat heading out to the lake.

And we even found a few butterflies!

I love the Lake

2010-07-28T21:42:00.000-04:00

I LOVE LAKE MICHIGAN!!

Ribbit!

2010-07-24T13:51:00.000-04:00

Look who stopped by to see me last night.

Blue Damselfly

2010-07-10T11:56:00.000-04:00

My sister is very good at capturing dragonflies out in Arizona and I've always wanted to get a shot of one. Well, I finally found one in my yard today and was very excited that she sat there long enough for me to get her portrait.

Dusk

2010-07-07T08:07:00.001-04:00

Last week Brit and I ran into town. Sitting at a stoplight, Brit noticed the beautiful color the sun was casting on the Brooklyn water tower. I jumped out of the car and snapped a few shots.

Then we raced back to the lake to catch the Sunset.

July 4

2010-07-06T14:45:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a great July 4 weekend!

Towels

2010-06-30T08:39:00.000-04:00

On a hot summer day, these hooks are full of brightly colored beach towels.

Mister Turtle

2010-06-26T17:33:00.000-04:00

This morning, I found a very large turtle in my driveway. My husband quickly took him down to the water before I had a chance to photograph him. Later, I went out in my kayak to grab a picture of a flower I had seen earlier, but came across this guy instead. He looks better here than in my driveway.

You Light up my Life

2010-06-20T22:19:00.000-04:00

I always find it amazing when I catch two bugs in the act. But finding two lightening bugs going to town was a first. I believe she is registered at "Bugs R Us".

Nice mutton chops

2010-06-19T14:53:00.000-04:00

Don't you be eyeballin' me!

Snack Time

2010-06-19T06:57:00.000-04:00

A time to eat..

And a time to rest.

Breakfast

2010-06-10T20:49:00.000-04:00

Rather than having fruit on my cereal, I decided to have cereal on my fruit. And yogurt.

Slurp!

2010-06-10T20:39:00.000-04:00

I didn't have the new food in the feeder 5 minutes and this guy stopped by for a drink.

home sweet home

2010-06-10T20:23:00.000-04:00

Someone is building a nest.

Big Blue Bird

2010-05-30T14:33:00.000-04:00

No matter what I'm doing.... Even if I'm on long distance with my sister... When I see this Blue Heron arrive at the shore, I drop everything and grab my camera. I just love these birds.

Another Beautiful Sky

2010-05-28T21:58:00.000-04:00

This time of year I can get a great view of the Sunset from my dock. There have been some nice ones this week. Also, I hung my hummingbird feeder today. Maybe they will find it tomorrow. I hope.

Peace.

Sunset 5-27-10

2010-05-27T22:12:00.000-04:00

This is the time of year that the greatest sunsets can be seen from the end of my dock. Tonights was probably the best I've ever seen.

A walk in the park

2010-05-12T19:43:00.000-04:00

Going to the park is always fun. But what's extra fun is when you can see beautiful creatures like these.

And this little guy was hiding, but we saw him!

Little butterfly

2010-05-04T21:38:00.001-04:00

This guy was hanging around my yard this afternoon. I have no idea what kind of butterfly it is. I bet my sister would know. She knows everything about butterflies.

Dandy Lions

2010-05-02T15:06:00.000-04:00

Dandelions can be so pretty. Why does everyone want them dead?

A "Great Blue" treat

2010-05-02T13:12:00.000-04:00

As I looked up from weeding my garden, I saw this beauty at the end of the dock looking for an afternoon snack.

Spring Color

2010-04-22T18:49:00.001-04:00

The Fiddle heads are a sure sign of spring.
And Oh my Bleeding Heart!

Lady

2010-04-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if this is a real lady bug or not. But she was visiting my porch today so I took her portrait.

A sign of Spring.

2010-04-08T20:33:00.002-04:00

Picked from my back yard.

Quote the Raven....

2010-04-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

This large.... VERY large bird visited my yard today and brought along several friends. What is it?

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree

2010-04-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

I found this little seedling today and figure that by December, Charlie Brown will love to decorate it with lights.

Signs of Spring

2010-03-19T20:12:00.000-04:00

I have an indoor plant that knows when it's Spring because it blooms without fail. And it's such a pretty color of pink.

And outside in the yard, there are dozens of these little yellow flowers that are the first to bloom in March. Spring makes me happy.

Caught Ya!

2010-03-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

I thought I could sneak a picture of Mister Squirrel snacking on an acorn, but he caught me and quickly ran away.

Slowly it melts.

2010-02-28T19:57:00.000-05:00

I love snow. It's beautiful to watch it fall to the ground. It's fun to play in. And it's gonna happen in the winter in Ohio, so you must accept it. However, tomorrow is March 1. And at this time, may I kindly ask that the existing snow melt away slowly, and bring us Spring.

Night snow

2010-02-27T20:55:00.000-05:00

Last night at about ten o'clock, it was snowing so beautifully and it was so bright, I was compelled to take this photo out of my back window.

Basil

2010-02-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

A week ago, I planted some very tiny Basil seeds. Today I found lots of little plants sprouting. Can't wait for them to get bigger!

Icicles

2010-02-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

I really love icicles.

A Walk in the Basement

2010-02-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

I was looking for something to photograph the other day, so I took a wander through my basement.
There was this old fan....

Some items were were loaded with dust.

These keys from a 1905 burroughs adding machine caught my eye.

And this just made me ask myself, just where does the time go?

Winter Evening

2010-02-09T21:02:00.000-05:00

Last weekend this train begged me to photograph it.

And then I saw these weeds.

And then the Sun went down and I saw this.

And it took every bit of self control not to walk in here for a cool one.

Longing for Summer

2010-02-09T20:47:00.001-05:00

Since we had a snowstorm today, I thought I'd stay inside and photograph things that reminded me of Summer.

snow love

2010-02-04T12:41:00.000-05:00

I found this guy on my picnic table this morning.

Fluffy and White

2010-01-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

The snow is falling.. and it's so very pretty.

It's all about Santa!

2009-12-27T08:02:00.000-05:00

Christmas Blooms

2009-11-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

You know Christmas is not far away when the Christmas Cactus blooms.

Squirrel Crazy

2009-11-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

Maybe I've been hanging aound my dog too long, but I'm really loving squirrels these days. I haven't started chasing them yet.

Sophie

2009-11-10T18:33:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I just have to let you see my doggie. She is the sweetest dog in the universe.

These boots are made for somethin..

2009-10-28T20:39:00.001-04:00

I photographed a Senior the other day and fell in love with her boots!

Fall

2009-10-22T19:14:00.001-04:00

The temperatures yesterday and today have been in the high 60's. Perfect.

So, I took a walk this afternoon and decided to throw my little camera in my pocket in case I saw any owls, hawk, deer or other strange happenings. But what I found was breath taking.

Every corner I turned seemed to be more beautiful.

And as I walked I was a little sad that this beautiful color is only here for a short time.

But I was lucky enough to get out on this warm day and enjoy it. Then, I turned one last corner.

And I realized that Dorothy was right. There's no place like home.

Pretty Kitty

2009-10-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

For the past few days I've been in Photoshop playing with texture. So far, my attempts need major help for some reason. I guess I need practice. However, I rather liked this one.

Texture

2009-10-16T17:27:00.004-04:00

This guy was a little afraid of me and my camera. He ran up the tree and hid for awhile. But that's not why I'm posting his picture.

I'm learning how to add texture to your picture and I've been playing with different ways to do it.

I still need some practice, but until I master the "texture technique", I'll enjoy these little squirrels that are taking over my yard.

Who Said?

2009-10-14T13:03:00.004-04:00

Who said kayaking was just for Summer? My sister and I enjoyed a nice autumn trip around the lake last week.

Acorn Time

2009-09-25T17:19:00.005-04:00

We have lots of Oak trees in our yard. And they produce lots of acorns in the fall. And that brings lots of squirrels. And nothin's cuter then watchin a squirrel eat an acorn, then bury another.

I love their little fingers.

Thief!

2009-09-11T20:02:00.001-04:00

When you throw a cracker out for the ducks, and a gull comes along and snatches it, you just go get another cracker.

Sleepy Swan

2009-09-11T19:07:00.005-04:00

The swans looked happy today. They were friendly and almost looked as though they wanted me to photograph them. So I did.

This guy tried to look mean, but he was the picture of beauty. But then he looked like he was getting tired of the whole thing.

And he started to nod off....

And went right to sleep.

Good Morning Glory!

2009-09-11T09:37:00.003-04:00

This little morning glory just opened up. It still looks a little wrinkled from it's sleep last night. Not that I'd know what that feels like.

sun and moon

2009-09-04T22:24:00.005-04:00

My neighbors asked me to join them for a sunset boat ride this evening. It was beautiful. The moon was on one side of the lake...

And the Sun was setting on the other side of the lake.

I hate to see summer come to an end.

Crosby

2009-08-25T20:49:00.003-04:00

I went to Crosby Gardens this evening. I love that park. They changed the name a few years ago, but it will always be Crosby to me.

Cute little bug

2009-08-24T22:15:00.001-04:00

I found this little guy on my window this afternoon... he's cute. Probably because he was on the outside looking in.

Relax

2009-08-13T21:09:00.002-04:00

Sipping a glass of wine and watching the sunset listening to ducks and crickets. What more could anyone want.

hello pita!

2009-08-01T21:40:00.004-04:00

I've tried to make pita bread in the past, but could never get the "pocket".

Today, however, I did it right and made a pocket.

Then we filled it with scrambled eggs.

And it was good.

Angels

2009-07-28T09:57:00.006-04:00

Some people don't like cemetaries. I find them peaceful for some reason. I love wandering through older ones and looking at the stones and the dates.. wondering why so many young children had such short lives so many years ago. While visiting a friend, I found these angels in the cemetary next to her. While grave yards might not be your thing, who doesn't love an angel?

Fish!

2009-07-18T23:15:00.001-04:00

Some dark clouds were in the sky today. I see a little guy doesn't care, he wants him some fish!

stormy

2009-07-18T16:50:00.003-04:00

Is this what they mean by "partly sunny"?? Because it looks partly scary to me. Complete with a hangy down cloud.

Mandala

2009-07-17T15:00:00.004-04:00

I just learned how to make a Mandala in Photoshop. My first attempt. I may be hooked.

Flower Day

2009-07-10T16:23:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd snap a few pictures of the flowers in bloom. Summer is finally here!

LIfe is Good

2009-07-09T14:44:00.001-04:00

This is pretty much my favorite spot.

stairway to heaven

2009-07-08T22:31:00.002-04:00

I saw this Sunday night about a half hour before sunset. In the Northeastern sky.

Hello Beautiful Bird

2009-06-28T09:59:00.002-04:00

Why do I never tire of looking at this beautiful creature.

MIS

2009-06-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

You know there is a race going on over at MIS when you see the GoodYear blimp.

HOW?

2009-06-14T15:25:00.001-04:00

How do you get a giant toad to look at you so that you can take his picture. "Here Toad" doesn't work.

Messages

2009-06-13T13:49:00.003-04:00

I have always wanted a chalk board on my kitchen wall. And now I have one.

breakfast

2009-06-13T13:44:00.003-04:00

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. When dinner leaves you with too many left over mashed potatoes, make potato pancakes for breakfast. Then add an egg to make it interesting.

One hundred pennies...

2009-06-12T11:34:00.002-04:00

I just love the Dollar Store. These little ice cream cone bubbles screamed "buy me and take me to the lake". And the chalk, well, who can resist sidewalk chalk in pastel colors... for a dollar.

bug

2009-06-07T22:16:00.002-04:00

This little white bug was on our barn. No idea what he is, but he wasn't scared of me cuz I had to get pretty close to get this.

blue blue blue..

2009-06-07T08:30:00.006-04:00

This beautiful bird was just walking along, minding his (or her) own business..

La la la... i think I'll find a fish for dinner.. la la la

Wait. What was that noise? I think I'll double my height by stretching my neck to see...

Not gonna chance it. I'm outta here.

up side down

2009-05-31T19:39:00.002-04:00

In our yard, we have a tomato plant. Only it's growing downwards instead of upwards. Wonder if the tomatoes will be up side down too.

Missy the Kitty

2009-05-26T16:09:00.001-04:00

My neighbors at the lake got a new kitty. Could she be any cuter??

babies!

2009-05-24T11:22:00.000-04:00

Not much is cuter than momma swan with her babies.

Turtle Sex

2009-05-15T12:52:00.001-04:00

What more can I say?

E-I-E-I-O

2009-05-12T19:35:00.009-04:00

Mom and her baby.

Baby April, as she was born April 1.

It was a beautiful day, and beautiful country.

These guys are best buds.

I went out to the country today to take pictues of a little baby horse. And her mommy. But found mules and ponies and lots and lots of horses. I love animals.

color

2009-05-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

I love my yard in the spring.

Sophie

2009-05-12T15:04:00.000-04:00

I just love my doggie.

Flowers

2009-05-10T12:37:00.002-04:00

I picked myself a bouquet of lilacs today.

A few more spring flowers

2009-05-05T19:00:00.005-04:00

Lilacs have to be my all time favorite flower of the spring. There is nothing that smells quite as good as this flower. Except maybe the lily of the valley. And they are not quite in bloom. Maybe tomorrow..

From the Dogwoods...

to the little purple flowers (that's what I call them because I don't know what they are)

to the violets

And the cluster of trillium. You know it's spring when you see these flowers pop up magically in your yard.

And my hen's and chicks made it through another winter on my back porch. yea!

And we can't forget the bleeding heart..

Along came a spider...

2009-05-05T17:45:00.003-04:00

As spiders go, this is probably a very pretty one. But I got the creeps really bad taking his picture because I had to get VERY close to him. And I was afraid he was going to jump at me. But he didn't. p.s. he was huge. HUGE I tell ya.