Spring on the River

The colors of spring are a most welcome sight after a long winter.

And this year was no exception.

The river was running a little high.

The trees were starting to bud.

The warm day had a slight breeze that kept the annoying black flies away.

It was such a treat to take a stroll through the field that led to the river.

The bees were happily buzzing from one dandelion to the next - the first food flower of the season for them.

Little May flowers and sweet violets grew in patches in the shorter grasses.

The maples were sending out their seeds as the birds called their spring songs from up in the branches.

Mother Nature sure knows how to bring joy to the soul.

Each season has its own special gifts, and this day was one of Spring's finest.

 

Winter in Rye Harbor

This photo was taken about four years ago on a winter trip to the ocean at Rye Harbor.

Part of the State Park system in NH, we have visited here at least a couple times a year for as long as I can remember.

This past year we were never able to make the trip and the ocean was surely missed by us both.

No matter what time of the year, there is nothing like smelling the salty fresh air and seeing the everchanging beauty of the water and waves as they rush along the shore.

The sea gulls, ducks, and sand pipers that are numerous in the summer are no where to be found in the winter.

But if one is really lucky, there are a couple of Snowy Owls that have been known to visit the area.

To them, this is their "south" as they nest and breed in northern Canada each spring and summer.

I have never been able to get a decent photo of one of these beautiful owls, but I was lucky enough one winter to see one.

He was easy to find though - the group of tripods and photographers were a dead give away that something interesting was going on down by the shore.

They were respectful and kept their distance as not to scare him away so we could all enjoy his winter visit.

 

 

Frozen Lake

We spend a lot of time during the summer at the lake.

A daily swim is not unheard of for us two old timers.

Our winter visits to the lake are usually short and we only go a couple of times during that season.

On a recent visit, we were surprised to see that the usually snow covered lake was missing it's snow.

It was solid ice and was just beautiful.

And so smooth too.

In all the years we have been at this lake, I have never seen it in this condition.

It was a treat, and as it was a sunny day - it just added to the enjoyment.

I didn't have my dslr with me, but my phone sure worked overtime that afternoon.

Workshop Participants

We recently participated in a day long workshop that was run by one of the top colleges in our state.

Scientists, teachers, and students put together a probable scenario about the climate in our area in the year 2100.

Using statistics from the past 40 years, they were able to project what the climate would be in 2100, and how it would effect our land uses and water needs as the population of our state tripled in numbers.

Let's just say it was not a pretty sight.

The water was disappearing at a rapid rate, and what was around was polluted.

What few farmers there were were growing on polluted land and only the very wealthy could afford their produce.

And the climate - just forget it - we were dying of heat with our extended summers.

We weren't getting the snow cover we do now in the winters which affected the water supply.

The extreme heat affected the water supply also by evaporation.

Many small factors that we don't even think about were being affected too.

We have plentiful maple trees that supply syrup and fall foliage - both big tourist draws to our state which brings in income for many industries.

Those trees had all died off from the heat and the maple tree line was now well into Canada.

The run-offs from the rivers into the ocean had made the environments along the coast incapable of supporting life which affected the availability of food for us and other sea life.

And the list went on.

The whole purpose of this exercise was two-fold.

We were considered a civilian jury and had to all come to an agreement in the end, after much deliberating, which was the most important in the year 2100 - water, climate, or land.

My group chose water, with climate being right on it's heels.  We just couldn't convince the last guy that we could eventually adapt to the climate, but we could not go with out water.

My husband's group chose water also with climate second, but not as important as it was to our group.

The results from all the groups will be sent to us in November.

The second part of this exercise was the civilian jury format itself.

This was the first time it was used and they wanted to get the views of the community which could be used to make decisions for the towns and states.

I found the whole workshop to be very interesting in all regards, and was very happy to be selected to participate.

Listening to other's thoughts and everyone working to come to an agreement opens the mind and makes you feel good when it's all finally resolved.

Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat - I hope we get the chance!

Phone Camera

I am finding that as I get older, lugging around all my photo gear is really quite tiring.

I hate the idea of being without my camera, and I have set aside some of the lenses to make the bag lighter.

Not only is the weight a problem, but the thought of somebody conking me over the head and running off with my gear has also been a worry.

Neither my husband's or my reflexes are what they used to be.

And the white hair does make us more a target.

With all the money I have invested in my gear, I really don't want it ripped off.

So, as an alternative, I find myself using the camera in my iPhone more and more.

And many of the photo agencies I contribute to will accept the images.

Very easy to upload from the phone while on wifi with the various apps that are synced with my accounts.

Way too cool. Way too quick.

And most of all, way safer for my camera and me.

There are many instances where only my dslr will do the job, but these phone cameras have really come a long way.

Now, I just need to find my glasses so I can see the photos on the phone screen! 

Winter Hanging On

It has been one of the coldest, and certainly, the longest, winters that I can remember.

And I have been around for a few.

We have had some late season storms, but they usually came and went quickly.

They have never hung on as this winter has.

But there is hope.

The edges of the lake are beginning to melt.

The robins have been here for weeks now even though the poor things still have no grass to forage in around here.

It may only be a short spring - one month instead of three.

But I know it will be the most appreciated one in years.

Especially by two people here in New England.

New Old Stuff

There is always so much to do.

My photo website has taken a back seat for a while now.

And it will probably be that way for a while to come.

Life has a way of doing that - throwing one curve ball after another.

I do have images that were processed a while ago that still need to get uploaded as well as new stuff from the past year that I haven't even had a chance to look at yet.

Heck, some of it is still on the camera needing to be uploaded to the computer.

And the poor camera - it hasn't been used in months - the battery was so low it wouldn't even turn on.

 But, when I do get a few minutes, every now and then, I will be trying to upload what I have to my website, and to several of the microstock sites that I contribute to.

Most of it is a couple years old now - but it's all still new here.

Through the Dry Grasses

All of the wildflowers and grasses along the ocean's edge have prepared for the winter ahead.

A few sprigs of green grass remain there as well as in our yard.

They even withstood the heavy frost that we had a couple of nights ago.

The ocean is beautiful no matter what time of the year.

Each season has it specialties, and as much as the cold seems to get to us each year, we wouldn't want to be any other place.

Leaves Underwater

The colors weren't as vibrant this year as in years past.

And the leaves are pretty much all down now - it seems a bit early for that too.

Caught some colorful ones sitting on the bottom of the lake about a foot down under the water.

The polarizer on the lens cut through the reflections to capture them below the surface.

That  is my favorite filter - I have one for each lens.

As you turn it you can see the effects it has on your subject.

And if you don't want to use it, then there is a position for that too.

It does have a bit of an effect on the exposure though.

But with today's digital software that is something that is easily fixed during the post processing.

Website Finished

It has been about month since I started to redesign the website that hosts my images for sale.

I have been picking at it, changing little things here and there - both on the website and the blog.

I still have a couple of small cosmetic issues that I need to work out with the website, but overall I am pleased with the results.

The slideshow was pretty easy to set up once I figured out how to do it.

Uploading new images could be made easier, but perhaps that is something that will be worked on by the host as time goes on.

I like the clean, new design, and the gray color is different for a change.

I fixed the blocky look on the blog, and streaming a slide show on the side bar worked nicely too.

Check it out if you get a chance - I would love to hear what you think!

ABC Wednesday - S is for Sea

It is calling.

 It is the Sea that's calling.

I grew up beside it, and there isn't a time I remember it not calling me.

I have been away from it for over thirty years - going back a couple times a year to breathe in it's salty air and smell it's ocean scent.

It never leaves you once you are under it's spell.

It's always calling, and it is getting close to answering it once again.





This is the twelfth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details. 

ABC Wednesday - R is for Ramp

It has been a while since I have contributed to the ABC Wednesday, but I do have a moment to make a post for this week.

Not a spectacular post, but an R one nonetheless.

This little ramp is located along the edge of the river by the mouth of the harbor.

It is right off the road, and to be honest, I really don't see how anyone cold use it without tying up both sides of the road - and the corner it is located on.

Bet there are some annoyed drivers when someone is launching a boat on this ramp!

This is the eleventh round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Light Snowfall

It is that time of the year again.

Time for autumn to begin her change into the next season - winter.

The first light snowfall has already arrived, but the remains only lasted a couple of days.

A small taste of what is to come.

The seasons come and go quicker now.

And as much as the cold sinks more into the bones as one gets older - I wouldn't change it for a warmer year round climate.

Although it does seem tempting at times.

Mother Nature's beauty abounds at all times, and how glorious the spring season is after the winter one takes it's leave.

ABC Wednesday - E is for Estuary

ABC Wednesday - E is for Estuary

The Great Bay Estuary is one of the largest estuaries along the Atlantic Coast.

It is broken apart into two areas - Little Bay and Great Bay.

This image was taken where Little Bay ends, and Great Bay begins.

Home to over 162 species of birds, fish, and plants, the estuary was once the commerce hub of many seacoast towns.

Pollution ended many of these activities in the mid 1900's.

Great Bay has a very dramatic tidal range - over 50% of the bay is exposed at low tide.

The tide was over 1/2 way in in the above image.

Quiet on the Blog

Quiet on the Blog



 

It has been a bit quiet around all my blogs lately.


The summer has been a hot and busy one.


And we are another year older and don't move as fast as we used to - especially in the humid heat.


It sometimes takes twice as long to do something as it used to.


But we have been enjoying this time of the year - a swim at the lake each afternoon has become a welcome ritual.


The bones and joints sure appreciate the weightlessness that only being in the water can bring.


Hope you all are finding a way to enjoy this summer season too!

 

ABC Wednesday - W is for Woo-Hoo!

W is for Woo-Hoo!..........




 

Today is the first day of summer - that is plenty to be excited about!


It's the longest day of the year - in daylight hours, that is.


And here in our little spot on the globe it is 96 degrees.


Pretty hot for this time of the year - we don't usually see these temps until the end of July or beginning of August.


Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter.


Good thing we have the refreshing coolness of the lake to go swimming in.


Headed there as soon as this gets posted.


Woo-hoo for summer!!

 

This is the tenth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

ABC Wednesday - P is for Pier

P is for Pier..........




 

So very long is this old wood pier at the ocean.

The wood has been weathered by the rain, sun, and salt air.

Every so often you feel a soft, rotting plank as you walk along.

And here and there you will find one missing.

The park people work on it a couple times a year to replace the rotting and missing planks, but that is not what worries me the most.

It's all those supporting beams underneath that have me concerned.

They are old, the water is very deep, and I don't believe they get any care.

I am glad to see they are thick, but the wiggling gets to me each time I see them moving in the water.

I would think they would ban us from going out on it if it got to be too dangerous.

Until then, I enjoy it and keep a cautious eye on the whole situation.

 

This is the tenth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

ABC Wednesday - G is for Gull

G is for Gull..........




 

This gull had the whole beach to himself, besides us of course.

The day was so hot, I wonder if the cool water and wet sand felt as good on his feet as it did on ours.

Our presence didn't bother him - I am sure he is quite used to having people around.

But when those dogs start coming around, as they usually do at this beach, I am sure he is no where to be found.

I was actually pretty glad they weren't there too - the camera doesn't go well with shaking wet dogs that are only too eager to visit.

 

This is the tenth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

ABC Wednesday - B is for Boat

B is for Boat..........




 

Stranded under some downed trees in the swim area earlier in the summer, this abandoned row boat managed to get itself freed.

The very slight current that keeps the water flowing over the top of the dam brought this little boat to it's edge.

Luckily the floating buoy line kept it from going over the top.

It was half filled with water from the holes along it's side, and a storm eventually blew it back over within reach.

We pulled it on land, and the next time we went down to the lake, it was gone.

Perhaps the owner rescued it, or the town had it removed before somebody tried to use it.

We'll never know but hopefully it was fixed to be enjoyed again.

 

This is the tenth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

ABC Wednesday - Q is for Quest

Q is for Quest..........




 

We are going to my most favorite place to be - the Ocean.

And you had better believe I will be on a quest.

A quest to fill the memory card in my camera will lots of photos.

And my husband will also be on a quest.

The bait is extra smelly and ready to be used on the fishing pole.

Hopefully he will catch the "big one" and I will have the photo to prove it!

 

This is the ninth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.