Seeing Stars

Icicles on my front porch this morning. Can you tell I love that star filter? As annoying as this slippery stuff can be, it sure makes interesting pictures!

Another Storm!!

It finally snowed this past week! But then, yep, you guessed it, MORE ice! A solid layer of ice right on top that beautiful soft snow. Anyway, this gave me a reason experiment with the star filter again. The first shot is the field across the road from my house. The second is the icy snow in my front yard. I did clean #2 up a bit in PSE & increased the blue tones.

A Summer Skywatch

Since alot of us have had snow & ice this past week I thought a summer sky taken during last year's vacation would be a reminder that warmer days are coming. This night time shot was taken in June 2008@ Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. To enjoy beautiful skys, no matter what the weather, join the gang @ http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/.

Green Hill Church & Cemetery

Last fall, riding around one early evening looking for shots portraying Fulton County I stopped at a place I have passed often but never took time to explore. Green Hill Presbyterian Church was erected in 1835 & is located on a small wooded knoll along the Lincoln Highway. The cemetery beside the church contains old as well as new grave sites. On this September evening it seemed like a very peaceful area to pay respects to friends & relatives who are deceased. One cannot help but to admire how well the church & cemetery are maintained. I do not think services take place at the church since the lane does not appear to be traveled - in fact I did not see the lane entrance until I walked up the hill. I have always been interested in older buildings. Several years ago a friend & I decided to explore an old house located on another friend's farm. That was quite a trip, thru the cow pasture with curious bovine following along, then climbing in a window because we could not get in the door. I can't remember what we found, but seem to recall at least old newspapers... but that journey sure was fun! Doors that open are necessary for exploration now, since window entrances are way beyond my abilities, so many years later!! I have noticed many of the older buildings had 2 doors to enter/exit. Does anyone know why that practice was followed? To get out quickly after a long service? Safety precautions because of possible fire? Guys one door, girls the other? What are your thoughts? During this visit I did not attempt to open the doors, not sure why, but that gives me a reason to go back! Click here to enjoy visits to other places & to share the special parts of your world.

Necessary Items at a Bird Feeder

Someone to check the bucket...............Hey, need more corn here!!!!!
someone to deliver the food..........

a handsome blue jay.....................

a couple squirrels.........

birds............

and a guard......... Hey you over there, get going, NO crows allowed!

Winter Sunset

For the first time, about a month ago, I stopped to look at a winter sunset. Well, the colors really caught my attention - the blues, pinks, purples, yellows, just amazing. The location suprised me also, much further to the east (I think). Walking
& driving around with my Fuji has opened my eyes to so much that nature has to offer. Of course, I seem to want to capture all of it to enjoy another day. Why not stop by http://www.skyley.blogspot.com & take a peek @ beautiful skys from all over the world.

Bird Watching

We added a second birdfeeder just outside my window. The birds were so excited they nearly ganged up on Andy before he got everything set up. I continue to experiment on how to get good images & remain warm! I experimented in PSE with these shots. Not bad, but not so good either.

Restored Log Cabin

So sorry I was not able to answer or share comments last week. I am always glad for you to visit my world & leave a comment or two. Will try to do better in the future.

I really had planned to get out & around town to take new shots....then the COLD weather hit! So, back into the archives to share images of a cabin located one block off the Lincoln Highway. I am sorry I don't know the history of the building (something for me to work on) but it has been restored in memory of a local physician. I was pretty happy upon touching the handle & the door opened so I could peek at the lovely stone foreplace & rough log mantle. The wooden shingles are really neat & I just could not resist the shot of flowers as I watch huge snowflakes drift by the window.

Thanks to the team that hosts "Show Your World". Click on the link to join in the fun & maybe even learn a few things along the way. http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Winter Color

In my search for a bit of color to photograph this winter I have turned to the birds in my backyard. I was given a birdfeeder for Christmas & feed to go in it. Andy set it up beside the corn feeder outside the window where my computer is located so I can keep an eye on what's going on. (Andy even keeps it full for me). It is necessary to shoot thru a window & a storm window, which makes good clear shots a problem. Thanks to the magic of post processing I am able to get some pretty good shots, a little contrast & some sharpening gives me some pretty good images.

McConnell Park - An Icy Stroll

McConnell Park is a tiny public area located in the McConnellsburg borough.

The park is bordered on one side by the historic Fulton County Courthouse.
This memorial is a recent addition to the park & is dedicated in memory to those who are fighting the war on terrorism. It joined three other memorials, located just under the flag poles, in remembering those who fought through history to preserve our freedom. That area is landscaped & planted with beautiful flowers from spring to fall with red, white, & blue petunias featured in the warm summer months.
Park benches & picnic tables allow townsfolk to enjoy a meal at the park. During a June weekend this area serves as host to the annual Strawberry Festival. Strawberries & yummy strawberry desserts, sandwiches, & fries are available to festival goers. Craft vendors line nearby West Market Street. Usually during the Fulton Fall Folk Festival in October some type activity takes place here. Following Memorial Day & Veteran's Day parades speakers are featured in front of the courthouse. Occasionally school children will enjoy a short program in the park. Church groups host musical events in the bandshell along with an occasional ice cream social. Sometimes you will see a county employee enjoying an outdoor lunch or a weary juror taking a break.
Pigeons overseeing county buisness on an icy day.

On the opposite side of the park you find the Neighborhood Services building where a variety of county agencies are located, including the Area Agency on Aging, where I spend my weekdays. From my office I can watch the park change from ice & snow to fresh spring green, then onto lovely summer, & finally bold fall colors before the cycle starts over. A minute to gaze out the window or a quick stroll can do much for an attack of bad attitude!

This is only a small glimpse of what our historic area has to offer. I am hoping as time passes I can introduce you to more sights & stories in this area of Pennsylvania in "That's My World". Come view many areas of the world, read the stories, even share your world at http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Icy Tuscarora Mountain

Andy & I headed for the top of Tuscarora Mountain for a quick photo shoot this afternoon. The ice is still very much present & still makes beautiful images.

Mady & Levi

Time to get out of the ice & share a couple of my babies. Mady's shot was taken while we enjoyed big sis Trinity's Christmas program. Levi was visiting with his mom just before Christmas, so I took a few shots. I used a couple new (to me) features in PSE & overall am pretty proud of both images.

Following Yet Another Ice Storm!

Hi to skywatchers everywhere & a happy safe new year to all. Just when I got to thinking I would never get out & about with my Fuji to get new images the holidays ended & we got another ice storm. Here in the valley this one wasn't so bad. The ice accumulated mostly overnight. Travel in the areas nearer town was good, even walking was safe. During my lunch break I spent some time outside taking shots here & there around the courthouse. Then after work I headed for the mountain top. Ended up at a pull off down the mountain by an old house cause the top was really foggy. I dread hearing predictions of winter ice storms, but I love the crystal palace feel afterward. The trees, bushes, & grasses are beautiful! Just as I left my office the sun broke thru - it was AWESOME. Blue skies, white clouds, & sunshine, all reflecting on the thick coating of ice. Enjoy your visit to my "crystal palace" & share your summer, spring winter or fall sky with us at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/