A Beautiful World

In "My World" winter has been making it's presence know. We have been pretty lucky here at the foot of the mountains, ice has not affected us as of yet, but driving to work late last week the mountain tops on both sides of McConnellsburg had a definite line where ice ended. It was beautiful! A glistening palace on both sides. It was neat watching how the sparkle changed through out the day, depending where the sun was (or wasn't)at that time. I did not need to travel anywhere that was icy, although on Saturday I made a trip up the mountain to get Nolan cause Mom & Dad both needed to work. What us locals know as Robertsdale Mountain was unbelievable! Snow & ice on the trees backed by a blue sky was just fantastic. I didn't leave early enough to do much photography on the trip up, but on the drive back I took some quick shots - didn't want to spend alot of time cause Nolan was with me. When you are "2" being strapped in a car seat is not fun even if your Granny is bouncing around taking pictures. The weather forecast calls for a wintry mix tomorrow which should give me another chance.

The shots shared here were taken in that icy mountain world. This was the perfect opportunity to try out the star filter I purchased a few months ago. I really like the effect. Thanks for looking. Click here to join in.

Deer Hunting in PA

After being absent a week I need to say I am sorry to all the folks I did not answer last time. I was on vacation last week & it seems I had less time than when I work! Please accept my apologies, I'll try to do better this week. Hope all celebrating Thanksgiving had a wonderful one.

Hunters are in the PA forests & fields for the next 2 weeks trying to "get a deer". Of course, everyone wants the big buck that the PA Game Commission has promised will be around this year. Others, are happy to fell a doe. In my short history of hunting it was quite cold, so I wore lots of clothing & carried a pack with lots of hot tea, lunch (& snacks), a blanket, & a book. I did carry a rifle, but I'm not sure why - I never used it! My hunt was for a good spot to read & enjoy nature. I remember one year in particular my sons & I were at the edge of a field of round hay bales. Josh & I had the best time climbing the bales & sliding back down. Another early morning, son Joe and I went to the back field to wait for a buck that we knew was there. It was quite dark yet, so we settled along the edge in some trees to wait. Well, the buck was in the trees lying down nearby, he snorted & took off, giving us a BIG scare. Needless to say we headed for home empty handed. Most hunters are more serious than I (& more successful), but it was fun. Venison is quite good. I like it canned then made into a gravy with onions & mushrooms, and served over mashed potatoes. YUM! We ate that often when my kids were growing up. Andy enjoys the steaks, loin, & bologna that he makes each year. Hunting is a very big part of "My World". Andy hunts and helps capture the sportsmen who think they are above the law.

I am hoping to not offend anyone with this shot of Andy & the 10 point he stumbled across this morning. A 10 point is a trophy that earns bragging rights for years to come. Join us here to enjoy many worlds or to share yours.

Antietam National Battlefield

This one of my favorite shots taken on our recent trip to Antietam National Battlefield. We started up a small hill, the silhouette of the tree & fence contrasted so nicely with the amazing blue sky.

It is so nice to be able to share & view so many beautiful skys with my Skywatch Friday friends. I encourage you to join is by clicking here then following the instruction provided

Robin Hood

Andy's daughter, Sierra, was an old widow in the middle school musical "Robin Hood" this past week. After practicing since early September this group of kids, in grades 4 - 6, did an excellent job singing & dancing. They did the entire musical Tuesday evening for parents, then did part of it Wednesday for school students, then a performance Friday evening, Saturday evening, & Sunday afternoon. To have the energy of youth!! It exhausts me to think about it, let alone do it! About the only other thing I can say is GREAT JOB guys. Enjoy these shots of "My World", then visit this meme to see what is happening in worlds from all over. Feel free to share your world, it's often the only way we visit your area.

Sunrise

Sunrise is something rare for me to photograph. It seems I'd rather be tucked in my bed at that hour! Andy, somehow, managed to get me up & moving this past Monday morning. Actually the bribe of breakfast out worked well. We went to the top of Tuscarora mountain to watch the sunrise. The cloud cover was pretty heavy, but we managed to capture some lovely colors anyhow. Enjoy those colors with us for this week's skywatch. To post your sky or view what others have posted join us by clicking here.

Thank You .... for My Free World

I had a planned to share more of my family with "That's My World" friends.... but Andy & I enjoyed a day of each other's company & explored with our camera's in hand. We visited Antietam National Battlefield. The images are from today in honor of those who died for (my)our freedom. Join in this wonderful meme that allows us to share stories & photos of our world by clicking here

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOLAN

Nolan's "biggest & best smile"

Nolan turned 2 today! We celebrated on a beautiful last Saturday to meet everyone's schedules. Everyone got to play outside. His cousins were all present & he got lots of great stuff . His dad had issued warnings to all that none of the gifts were to need put together, some were cooperative, others weren't! Granny met half way with an easy to put together indoor frog tent that would make a perfect hideout. Really cute! Of course, we enjoyed pizza from Pizza Hut (his mom is a Pizza Hut store manager) & some really yummy cake & ice cream. Nolan's favorite, Thomas the Train was the party theme. Happy birthday little one!

Skywatch Friday

Today's Skywatch was taken at one of my favorite areas. A few weeks earlier, I shared a summer shot from this overlook on Sidling Hill. Recently I went back to capture fall images while preparing for a local photo contest. I did not enter this one only because it looks better on the monitor rather than flattened on paper. I really the patchwork of the land, and how the sun highlights the mountain tops. Do you have sky pictures to share or do you want to view skies from all over the world? If so, join us right here.

Golden Show

Very soon the wonderful colors of fall will be only a memory to be enjoyed with the help of my many images. As I sit at my computer I can see a wooded area. Through out this year I have enjoyed watching nature's display with each season. It is amazing how much more I "see" since the Fuji has become a constant companion. Of course I noticed how few trees were left with leaves & how the few remaining maples had a lovely golden glow. I grabbed my friend & headed out to capture the final shots. This maple tree is providing a grand finale to a brilliant show.

My World; My Grandchildren

For the next couple "That's My World" post I think I will share those so very important in my world. Lets start with the little guys. On & off I have posted about each of my grandchildren in this blog, but not since meeting my "my world" friends. The first, Trinity, was 8 on October 23. She is my son, Joe's, child. Trinity is in second grade & does very well in school. Her beautiful hair is waist length. For many years she was THE princess, she has grown to be Hannah Montana Fan. Easy to tell since nearly all her clothing displays the sparkling star! Next we have Madyson, Trinity's sister. Madyson turned 2 in early July. Shortly after she started talking & hasn't stopped since! Mady is a handful. For Halloween, she dressed as Tinkerbell. I can not imagine a less likely fairy. Then we have Nolan who will be 2 this week. Nolan is my son Josh's little one. He is one of what I like to think of as my miracle babies. He was born about 2 months early & weighted 3# 6oz. He spent a couple weeks in the Hershey Medical Center growing & learning to survive in our world. How sad it was to see this little one attached to tubes & wires. Thankfully Nolan has grown & developed normally & is the typical busy 2 year old. Finally we have Levi, my daughter's child. Levi also joined us about 2 months early & weighted 3#6oz. His birthday is February 1 - he will be 2 in 2009. Just like Nolan he spent some time in the NICU with wires & tubes, along with constant supervision. He too has grown & developed normally. Levi is the dark haired & dark eyed contrast to the light colors of the other 3. He watches the world go by very seriously much of the time. To watch these little guys grow & change has been amazing. I look at preemie baby clothing in the stores & can't imagine they were so tiny! As you can imagine holidays & birthday parties can be pretty wild at Granny & Pap's house with so many the same age. But how wonderful that confusion is. This Granny would not have it any other way! Do you want to share your world or explore others? Feel free to join us here

Learning Elements - Still

I was able to do some post processing over the last couple days. Photoshop Elements & a few clicks can give some amazing results! Addition of a spot light can give a shot a whole different perspective. Pretty cool! The fence is "old photo" and as always I love black & white! Three of the following images are from our Gettysburg trip. The final is an early autumn shot across from my house with the addition of a faded frame. I really like all 4 effects & hope you do too.

A Welcome Break from Chores!

Thanks to my Skywatch friends who visited my blog & left comments last week. I looked back into files to get this weeks shot. After the cold, windy weather this week I considered a beach shot to help remember the warmth, but we will look at that another time (maybe during a snow storm). I remember an evening in August when I pulled myself away from my computer to attend to household chores. The first chore was loading the dishwasher. Approaching the sink I could not help notice the neighbor's trees & how the ruffled silhouettes were backed by the beautiful colors of the sunset. I grabbed the camera & ran. Now, I really do not like using a tripod, but I know how important it is in low light situations. Since I did not have time to mess setting up the thing I did next best. My car roof made a wonderful steady (& expensive) tripod. Not too many of this series turned out well, but I do like this one. Enjoy. To the sky from everywhere or to share your's click here.

Penn State Mont Alto

Thanks so much to all of your nice comments last week. It is such fun to "travel" through your eyes to visit all the places I may never see otherwise. This past Sunday I traveled to Penn State Mont Alto. My daughter is a student at that campus, just beginning the long journey to a nursing degree. She had told me there were some really colorful trees in the area - unfortunately the wind got there before I did, so I caught partial trees, but no worries they were still very nice. If by chance you are a college football fan you will recognize the Nittany Lion as Penn State's mascot. At the Mont Alto campus he is surrounded by a beautiful garden, including benches for weary students & Mom photographers to take a break. The other shot is the chapel located on campus. It too, is surrounded by a lovely garden with benches & a good number of trees to provide shade on sunny days. This college campus is small, appeared very clean, & was so peaceful during my visit. I would be interested in returning on a week day to watch the hustle & bustle of students hurrying everywhere. To share your world or enjoy other join us by clicking here. GO PENN STATE! (sorry, couldn't resist!)

Happy Birthday, Trinity

We celebrated Trinity's 8th birthday last evening at my house. "Hannah Montana" was the theme & was carried thru in her gifts. Seemed like this small house was bursting at the seams! All the babies were here. I really wanted a shot with all 3 shown & looking at me. Of course, that didn't happen! I was lucky enough to get 2, but not the 3rd. Next Saturday we celebrate Nolan's 2nd birthday & I get a second chance. Anyhow, we ate pizza, cake, & ice cream. She got lots of gifts. What fun being 8! Here is a snap of Trinity on her special day.

A Beautiful Ending to a Beautiful Day

Last Saturday, as I was waiting for the tractor pull to begin, nature displayed a fantastic show. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous. Blues, pinks, & purples deepening & darkening until it finally was dark. WOW. I loved it, even made it worth sitting in the cold. The images are not the best. Darn power lines! Can live with um, can't live without em. Please enjoy. If you'd like to share your sky or view others click here.

"MY WORLD TUESDAY"

I am sharing more of our busy weekend on the first My World Tuesday. My corner of the world is located in south central PA. A beautiful mountainous area. Please enjoy some more images from the fall folk festival celebrated over last week end. I am sharing more of the TRACTORS as mentioned yesterday, a shot of Mady in the petting zoo, & a one of the spectacular light show put on by the steam engines. Enjoy.

If you would like to share your world or take a peek at other worlds go here

Big Weekend

Each year Fulton County celebrates the arrival of fall with the Fulton Fall Folk Festival. It begins on a Thursday, continues Friday, Saturday, & wraps up on Sunday. Our tiny county bursts at the seams with crafters, fleamarketers, food, & TRACTORS (Lots of them!). Saturday morning begins with a parade with county bands, a few floats, & TRACTORS. This parade lasts about 2 hours. The street is packed with people. Locals find a spot & mark it the evening before to get a good seat. Andy assists the local fire police with traffic control so I enjoyed this event with Mady & Trinity - we let their mom & Dad attend too. We then took a tour of the fairgrounds, just one of the food, craft, & flea spots. It's also where the TRACTORS are shown. Later that evening two of my sons, Trinity & I attended the TRACTOR pull. A friend of Caleb's pulls & is pretty good at it. He got a first place in his class. Pretty interesting, the steam engines put on a beautiful show with sparks flying (grounds lights off to highlight the sparks). This was the only day I took part in any of the events. It began at 10:00 with the parade & ended at 11:30 last evening with a couple more TRACTORS to go. Very tiring, especially for a homebody like me. Also was quite cold. Of course my camera went along & I got to take some shots with Andy's new DSLR. I plan to share a variety of images this week. Today will start with a steam engine shot from the parade, Mady & Trinity bundled up till the sun warmed us a little, & the loot they gathered during the parade.