Meadowgrounds Lake

We went for a short drive earlier this evening to check for ducks & geese on a nearby lake. Clouds & fog were present, but I took couple shots anyhow. Color was lacking in the scene, just a little brown from the ground, everything else was grey or black. I really like black & white photos & this seemed to be a good time to do a couple.

Reaching for the stars.

Outside My Window

This is another view from my window taken yesterday. Incredible, what can be seen by just looking. Off to do some shopping..................................

ICE

In southcentral PA we have been blessed this week by 2 ice storms. One reason I say blessed, is my family has remained safe & warm, the other is because I can never look at this crystal world without a feeling of awe. Add a little sunshine & double the WOW factor. I did venture out with my camera for a few shots. Pretty cold, but well worth it. I am sharing a couple of those photos. One is the view outside my office window of an icy tree limb backed by the county courthouse, another shows the view that I unexpectedly caught working at my computer this afternoon, a third shows a close up of pine needles.

I'm excited!!!

Got an early Christmas gift this year! A Fujiflim S700 7.1 megapixels 10x optical zoom/4.8x digital zoom with image stablization. Best of all, my favorite feature is macro & supermacro. Love doing the close up shots. This camera is near enough like my old one that I am familiar with how to use it, but has new stuff to learn also. So, of course weather has been cloudy & ugly since the Friday night purchase. Not so good for outdoor stuff, but I practiced a little on the babies & my christmas tree. Today, my job took me to the Roaring Springs area, so I stopped to "shoot some ducks". I played a little, tried some different settings, & all in all I am quite pleased & am posting a few of the shots.

A day with Granny

Spent yesterday with a grandson. I am sharing on of our quieter moments. He celebrated birthday #1 in early November & believe minutes like this are few & far between. He reminds me much of his father as a small one. Lots of chattering, growling, & activity.

Cold weather

Along with all the good things (Thanksgiving, beautiful views, deer season) this time of the year brings it also brings cold weather. Winter clothing is out. Gloves are nearly a necessity in the early morning. Fuel must be purchased & burnt. Babies are bundled warmly. Darkness comes soon after work. It is nice to sit down & look at vacation pictures & remember. Wondering why being hot on a 90% day with high humidity was so miserable! My husband & I try to get away at least once during the late summer - to me that is the most beautiful time of the year, everything is so vibrant, full of color & of life. Mountains in West Virginia are a favorite spot. This past summer we stayed in PA & traveled north to Bald Eagle State Park. We stayed in a beautiful camping cabin. The park was even equipped with a beautiful lake to keep Andy busy chasing fish while I was lazy & reading in a hammock. We made a side trip to another of our favorite spots - Benzette in Elk County hoping to catch sight of a few Elk. The guys must have been busy elsewhere, but a few of the ladies were more than happy to pose for us. Thought I'd share a few images from those days so you too could enjoy a little summer.

Snow!

We had our first snow of the season last evening. Unfortunately, down here in the valley there was none, but the surrounding mountains were breathtaking. My husband & I crossed a mountain after having our supper out last evening & was able to enjoy the scenery on that route. Then this morning after my husband & father-in-law cut firewood another magical scene was discovered. When he finished the firewood we went back up the mountain with our cameras. The mountain side was pretty foggy, while Andy cautioned it could be a problem, I though the fog provided a softer look to the photos.

I kinda liked the contrast of the autumn leaves with the winter snow on a couple of these.

Hello all

I have been enjoyed pictures & writings posted by others for several weeks & decided it's time to try my hand. Perhaps you can help my photos improve as my camera & I stumble along. I got my first camera many years ago (Polaroid Land Camera anyone!) My Dad & my Aunt always captured family events on film of one sort or another. Many cameras & (years) later I am using a digital Fuji purchased on Ebay spur of the moment. I like to record nature in any form & have been enjoying outings to capture spots of Pennsylvania beauty. Right up there with nature are photos of my grandchildren. Have you ever tried to capture three babies, all near a year old, all at once? What a job! My flower garden is a favorite spot also. Oh, & occasionally I manage a shot or two of my husband. So here goes......