Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Rain, Rain, Go Away





Man oh man! It has been two weeks now, and only two days of sun.

This week's weather forecast is calling for rain all week again.

The grass is growing ridiculously fast - no chance to mow it as it is always wet.

Our nightly fox visitors are so confused with this lack of light that I caught one of them trotting though the yard this morning at 9:13. I am hoping it was on it's way back to its den to sleep the day away - I know I certainly felt like doing that.

The camera can't go out in this weather and no jaunts anywhere either - much to wet for that.

Where fore art thou summer - we are eagerly awaiting your arrival!

Friday's Photo Tip - Keeping the Camera Steady

Friday's Photo Tip - Keeping the Camera Steady









Camera movement - something that ruins many a good photo.

Nothing can be done to fix it no matter how much one spends on post processing programs.

Sometimes even taking a breath will cause just enough movement to blur the image.

Other than using a fast shutter speed that will capture the image really quick, the best thing to have on hand is a tripod.

Or a monopod, or a bean bag, or even a table or tree to steady the camera against.

I have used them all and even more in times of need.

The photo above is a mini tripod that I use for typical stock items. It's a table top model that works just perfectly for those indoor close shots with the white backgrounds.

When I need a steady shot, and I am outdoors and have the time, my regular size tripod comes in real handy. It is heavier and larger and takes time to set up correctly - not something I use unless I am staying put for a while.

My best traveling "pod" is a monopod with a floating ball head that allows quick movement.

It is lighter to carry around and much easier to maneuver when outside.

But one of the handiest "steadiers" I have used is a small beanbag filled with rice that I whipped up just for this purpose.

And when I forget to bring any of the above, a small empty ziplock bag (that I carry in my camera case) filled with sand or small pebbles works just fine - especially for the low, macro shots that I like to take outdoors.

And when all else fails, a tree trunk, table top, car roof, knee, or just holding my breath has worked too.

Necessity being the mother of invention - I try to keep an open eye and mind for all that is available.

ABC Wednesday - W is for Weathervane

W is for Weathervane............







This one is really hard to see - so look real close.

See that weathervane on top of this old barn?

It is in the shape of a cricket, and from the green color that it is, I would say it was a shiny copper color when it was placed up there many years ago.

I have been looking for weathervanes more than I have in the past, and one thing I have noticed is that it isn't just the old barns that have them anymore.

There are many new houses that have them now - perhaps as a decoration would be my guess.

And some of them are really unique.

I would stop to take pictures of them, but I don't believe the owners would appreciate me aiming my camera at their house.

I'll keep my eye peeled, and if the opportunity should arise, I will snap a few.



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

Window Boxes

Window Boxes





The pretty window boxes caught my eye right off. The deep purple was unusual but it fit perfectly with the gray colored clapboards on the old house. Even the flowers match.

The small orange gourds above the doorway were also a nice touch. Somebody took the time to arrange them just right.

You don't see these decorative additions on the newer houses of today.

This house is located right along the sidewalk - not even a little bit of room for a strip of grass or a row of flowers.

The doorstep is right there - no room for a container plant outside the front door either.

Determined to have her flowers, the owner chose the only option left and she did it well!

Female Hummingbird at the Feeder

Female Hummingbird at the Feeder









We have been feeding these little birds for years.

And for years I have also been trying to get a decent photo of them.

Not counting all the film I went through before digital cameras came along, I would say I have easily snapped close to 500 images of them.

Most of them are totally unrecognizable as a hummingbird, or they are completely missing from the photo itself.

They move so quickly - better have a fast lens and shutter speed to catch them.

This is the only decent photo I have at this time, and it was taken a couple of summers ago with my point and shoot digital camera - how I wish I had had my DSLR back then. I haven't been able to get as close to them since.

I have a new plan for this summer though and it includes my son's blind that he purchased this spring for hunting.

I have a hummingbird feeder hanging in my backyard, and I am going to set up that blind within 15 feet of it - right next to a tree.

I will be crouched on a pillow behind it with my camera on a tripod, my 200mm zoom lens in place, and I will watch for them and try to capture a decent photo.

If mother nature can provide me with a nice sunny day so I can use a fast shutter speed, then I should be all set to hunker down for a couple of hours.

With a can of bug spray and sunscreen by my side too!

ABC Wednesday - V is for Viper

V is for Viper............







We spotted this one as soon as we pulled into a parking spot.

It was all by itself, parked in the grass where no other car could park next to it.

And there was no one around it.

Just perfect - I could grab a couple of photos while we admired it's beauty.

Fearing even a small vibration would set off it's alarm, we kept a respectful distance - good thing I had on my telephoto lens!

Such a beauty it was, and you would never guess that it was in an old boat yard, with tall sailboats and work boats balanced on their boat stands all around it.

Very out of place for sure!



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

Even the Feet

Even the Feet









I didn't give them much thought at all, but in hindsight I really should have.

It has been many years since I have worn the skirts and dresses that are hanging in the closet.

Having worked in a bank for many years before, I have been lucky enough to work out of my home for the last ten years - jeans and sweats and shorts are all that I need now.

Until today that is.

We needed to attend a funeral today, and knowing that what was in the closet was not going to fit no matter how hard I tried, I broke down and purchased a new outfit.

Now, I also have pumps, heels, and flats to go with all those dresses and skirts.

All dressed and ready to go, I reached in for my black flats.

Yikes! I don't know what happened to them - there was no way my feet were going in them.

On to the next pair - low pumps that might work with my outfit.

No luck there either.

My favorite pair of well- worn heels were my last choice, and they just barely made it on - good thing that the pantyhose were smooth and silky.

So let this be a warning - when the weight goes on - it isn't just the waistline and the behind that increase in size.

The feet do to!