12-JUL-2008
July 12, 2008 - Double Header
Bright sunny day with highs near 90. I was out doing a little yard work this morning and saw these mushroom. I selected this one. I used my 100mm macro lens on this one. I still don't think it's working properly. I will probably be in the market for another soon. This photo constitutes the end of a year PADWIC. I haven't had the time to post as many photos this year as I would have wanted. I will probably wait a few days and decide if I want to start another one. I appreciate everyone who has left comments.
July 6, 2008 - Kara and Kevin's Wedding
Partly sunny today and warm with highs in the 80's. I took photos at Kara and Kevin's wedding yesterday afternoon. I particularly like this pose with existing light. I also thought that black and white suited it well. I love the 17-85 lens for portrait work.
05-JUL-2008
July 5, 2008 - Moth on the porch railing
Cloudy again today, and we're expecting storms this afternoon. Highs are expected to me in the mid-70's. I was walking up the stairs to the porch this morning and saw this moth attached to the railing. I hurried in, got my camera and locked the animals in the house, and came out and got this shot. Once again, it was a low light situation, and I had to do some post processing. But I think it turned out ok.
04-JUL-2008
July 4, 2008 - House Finch
Rainy today, with highs expected in the mid 70's. A damp independence day here, and limited light. This was about the best I could do on this guy. Happy birthday, America.
June 30, 2008 - Yellow Butterfly
Cooler today and stormy, with highs in the low 70's. It was storming this evening, so I didn't get to do much shooting. So I posted this one that I took recently. These little guys are very wary and it's difficult to get them to hold still on a stationary object. I did get this one though, after chasing him over half of a meadow.
29-JUN-2008
June 29, 2008 - Female cowbird or starling
Warm today, but not as hot as yesterday. No storms today (so far). I spent some time on the back porch watching the feeders late this afternoon, and this lady came in. I'm not sure if she is a starling or a cowbird, but I do know she was hungry, and she found something to eat. That was the important thing.
28-JUN-2008
June 28, 2008 - Bald Eagle
Rain early today, then partly sunny this afternoon. Very humid with big storms this evening. Highs in the mid to upper 80's. We went to West Virginia's wildlife rehab and sanctuary in French Creek. This bald eagle had been injured and probably will never be returned to the wild. There were birds from the surrounding forest that were calling, and he didn't like it very well. Probably best we didn't know what they were saying to each other.
27-JUN-2008
June 27, 2008 - Lily in the shade
Storms early this morning, then partly sunny and humid the rest of the day, with highs in the mid 80's. I decided that while I was taking my walk this evening, I would carry my camera with me. I got a few decent shots, including this lily in the shade. I liked how the dark background helps bring out the color of the flower.
24-JUN-2008
June 24, 2008 - Sometimes you just crash
Warm and sunny today, with highs around 80. I took this one this evening and I think it's the epitome of how we feel sometimes. Some days, when we get home, we just need to crash on the couch, just like Madison's dog Bud did here.
20-JUN-2008
June 20, 2008 - My friend's yellow rose
A brief shower this morning, but sunny and warm this afternoon, with highs in the low 80's. I took this one at one of my good friend's house, who is just as sweet as her rose. It was difficult to get the exposure right, with the high contrast of the flower and the background. This was about as good as I could do.
June 19, 2008 - It's Lilly time
A delightful day today, with sunny skies and highs in the mid 70's with low humidity. I didn't get to spend much time outside today, so I posted this one that I took recently. the lillies are blooming everywhere, and I really liked the vibrant color of this one.
16-JUN-2008
June 16, 2008 - Madison's Birthday
A few storms around today with highs around 80. Today Madison turned three, and we had her birthday party this evening. She wasn't in the best of humor (most ladies aren't when they have a birthday), but I did get this shot, which really shows her independent spirit (and her red hair).
14-JUN-2008
June 15, 2008 - Dramatic Lighting
Sunny and very warm today, with highs in the 80's. It as a beautiful Father's Day here, and I was busy with several things, so I posted this one of a clematis that I took yesterday. I really liked the detail and the dramatic lighting that my camera captured.
14-JUN-2008
June 14, 2008 - Dirty Bee
Off and on showers today, with highs in the 70's. I went in to the office for a little while today, and then slipped around the block. I found these bees working the flowers between rains. The pollen was really sticking to them.
12-JUN-2008
June 13, 2008 - First Cutting
Another hot day today, with a few showers around this evening. Expecting a better chance of rain tomorrow. Highs were near 90. This is the field right below my house. It looks like the first cutting is good, but with all the rain we've had in May, it has been difficult for farmers to get their hay put up. They were going full tilt when I took this shot yesterday evening. I also have to watch when they cut the meadows, because the run the snakes out (and sometimes up to my yard).
12-JUN-2008
June 12, 2008 - Little Blue Butterfly
Another very warm dry day today, with highs in the upper 80's. I took a little walk this evening, and came upon this little guy visiting the flowers along the roadside. He decided to light upside down, so I shot him in that position.
09-JUN-2008
June 9, 2008 - Donna's Rose
Hot and humid today, with highs in the 90's. I was waiting to meet up with some of my relatives this evening, and stopped by my friend Donna's house. She had beautiful roses in full bloom. I shot this one, even though the lighting wasn't perfect. It still turned out ok.
07-JUN-2008
June 7, 2008 - Barney Impersonator
Another hot and sunny day today, with highs in the 90's. I went over to the Wood Festival today and took pics at the parade. One of the attractions of the parade was this guy, a Barney Fife impersonator, who along with a Gomer impersonator drove their vintage police cruiser in the front of the parade. They were very entertaining, and also very cooperative for photographs.
06-JUN-2008
June 6,2008 - Asiatic Lilly
Sunny and hot today, with highs in the mid 90's. I made a pass through the Wood Festival today, and one of the vendors was selling these lillies. I was able to get a decent angle, and shot this one.
June 5, 2008 - Wood Festival Royalty
Sunny and hot today, with highs in the 90's. I went to the Wood Festival this evening, and took this shot of this beautiful young lady. She was very gracious and allowed me to take this photo of her.
June 2, 2008 - Layers of Pink
Warm and sunny today, with highs in the low 80's. I had a busy day today, and didn't get to do much shooting, so I posted this one I took a few days ago. I really liked the layers of pink in the rose.
01-JUN-2008
June 1, 2008 - Multiple beauties
Sunny this morning, but storms this afternoon, with highs around 80. I took this one growing beside the house of one of my best friends in the world. I'm not sure what it is, but there were multiple blossums on this fairly large bush. I love the yellow centers in the white flower.
May 29, 2008 - Red Rose
Another beautiful day today, with sunny skies and highs in the mid 70's. I shot this one yesterday with the 17-85mm lens. I like the symetry of it.
28-MAY-2008
May 28, 2008 - Rose Closeup
Warm and sunny today, with highs in the low 70's. A beautiful, clear day today. I got out early this morning while the rain drops were still on everything and shot some of the roses near my office. This was one of them near the back door of my office. I tried using the 17-85 lens, and it worked pretty well.
27-MAY-2008
May 27, 2008 - Future WNBA Star
Rainy part of the day today, but a few peeks of sun this afternoon. Highs in the low 70's and very humid. I went out for a few minutes with the camera this evening, and when I came back, Madison wanted me to take a picture of her basketball. I did, and her too of course.
May 26, 2008 - Third Time is the Charm
Expecting sunny skies today and highs near 80. As I was travelling from one of my offices this past week, I saw a beautiful scene with a horse eating in a field of yellow flowers. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. I went to church yesterday morning in another location, and saw another shot similar to the one earlier this week. I had my camera with me, but no time to take the shot. But yesterday evening, I left early for church, planning to visit the same spot. The horse cooperated, and the third time was the charm.
May 25, 2008 - Bethel Baptist Church
Sunny this morning, with highs expected in the 70's. I was out visiting my ancestors (decorating for Memorial Day) and stopped by this old church. When I was a boy, a attended revival meetings at this church. Obviously, it has been closed for a long time. The cemetary below this church has the graves of several of my relatives from my mother's side of the family. I thought the black and white served the photo well.
May 24, 2008 - Eating in my Dad's Garden
Expecting sunny skies and warm temps with highs to be in the 70's. I posted this one a little early because I have a big day planned. I stopped yesterday evening at the place where my Mom and Dad's house stood, and this girl was eating in the area that used to be the garden. It wouldn't have been a good thing for her if my Dad was still around.
22-MAY-2008
May 23, 2008 - Reluctant Model
Expecting a warm sunny day today, with highs to be in the low 70's. I got my little buddy Nate to hold still for me so I could take a shot of him. The shot may not be significant, but what I used is. This is my first post with my new Canon XSI and the kit lens that has IS. Just like my purchases of Canon Digital cameras in the past, this one will take a little getting used to.
18-MAY-2008
May 19, 2008 - Horse portrait
Sunny today but a little cool with highs in the mid 60's. Expecting rain tonight and tomorrow. I shot this one while I was out yesterday. I've been wanting to get some horse photos, and this is my first try at a horse portrait.
18-MAY-2008
May 18, 2008 - 1949 Ford Pickup
Rain this morning, then a mix of clouds and sun in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 60's. I was out running around this afternoon and drove past this pickup. I turned around and went back to get a shot of it. The owner was there and was happy to put his truck up for display.
May 17, 2008 - Hills Creek Falls Number 2
Sunny most of the day today, but clouding up early in the evening. Expecting more rain. The highs today were around 70. I took this one last week on my trip to Hills Creek, and at first didn't think it was very good. But as is the case some of the time, a couple of days away from it and I decided to work on it. This is the result.
May 16, 2008 - Painted Trillium
Cloudy and cool this morning. Expecting more rain today, with highs in the upper 60's. I went to Cranberry Glades looking for these flowers specifically. There were several blooming in the bog, and I got this one with enough light to show off the streak of red in the middle.
May 15, 2008 - West Virginia Delicacy
Cloudy this morning, with showers expected this afternoon and highs around 70. I took this one while in the mountains. I was looking for flowers when I saw this morel mushroom. These, along with ramps, are true spring delicacies in West Virginia. I have a lot of trouble seeing them in the leaves, so I was pleased that I found this one. My son, however, was very disappointed that I didn't bring it home with me to eat.
13-MAY-2008
May 14, 2008 - Marsh Marigold (I think)
Cloudy this morning. Expecting showers this afternoon with highs around 70. I shot this one yesterday at Cranberry Glades. There was a carpet of these growing, but they are so waxy that they're very difficult to get get exposed correctly. This was the best I could do with them.
13-MAY-2008
May 13, 2008 - Hills Creek Falls Number 3
A beautiful sunny day today, with highs in the low 70's. I made a trip today into the southern mountains, and got this shot of the third falls at Hills Creek. We had a lot of rain over the weekend, and there was plenty of water in the creek.
12-MAY-2008
May 12, 2008 - Wet Daisey
Cool and wet today, with highs around 60. Not many photo ops today, with rain at a drizzle most of the day, and very cool temps for this time of year. I did manage to get this shot of a wet daisey. I used black and white for the most part, but restored a little color for the center.
May 11, 2008 - Mother's Day
Cloudy and cool this morning. Expecting rain today, with highs to be in the low 60's. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers who visit. In keeping with this theme, I decided to post this shot of a momma bluebird, who was hunting for bugs right off my back porch yesterday. I was impressed with how diligent she was, and what sharp eyes she had.
10-MAY-2008
May 10, 2008 - Female Grosbeak
Cool and sunny today, with highs in the low to mid 60's. Birds were plentiful today, and this female grosbeak showed very little fear around me, allowing me to get fairly close to her. I hope her mate comes visiting soon.
May 9, 2008 - Ill Scented Trillium
Rainy most of the day today, with highs in the upper 60's. No time today for photos, so I posted this one that I took recently. This is the more common form of ill-scented trilliums.
May 6, 2008 - Wild Geranium
Warm and sunny today, with highs in the mid 70's. I didn't get to do any shooting this evening, since it is supposed to rain soon and I had yard work to do. So I decided to post this one that I took a few days ago. It was breezy and difficult to get a still shot. But I managed this one.
May 5, 2008 - Dwarf Larkspur Blossum
Cool this morning, but expecting highs in the low 70's today and sunny skies. I took this one yesterday while up inspecting the area where the lady slippers grow. Things continue to be behind what they normally are, and the lady slippers are still not blooming. But I saw no snakes, and enjoyed a nice walk.
May 4, 2008 - A rare find
Cloudy and cool this morning, but expecting a little warmup this afternoon, with highs expected in the mid 60's. I dodged between the showers yesterday and found this rare flower. Of all my years roaming the woods here, I had never seen one of these, and had a difficult time identifying it. I finally found it in my Audubon flower book and also on the internet. This is an ill-scented trillium, but a rare yellow-green flowered one. These flowers are usually dark red. I found this one thanks to J.P. (they were right where you told me to look).
May 3, 2008 - New Visitors
Warm and damp this morning, with showers expected and highs in the 70's. A soft, misty morning this morning, and the birds were in early. This little Carolina Wren won't come in very often, but it was one of the first to show up today. From the looks of it, I wondered if it had a nest nearby. I am hoping so.
May 2, 2008 - Old School (I think)
Warm and sunny most of the day, with some hazy clouds rolling in this afternoon. Highs around 80. I saw this old building when I went to church last weekend, and I had never noticed it before. I liked the fact that the dogwood tree was blooming beside it. I thought the touch of septia and black and white was a pleasing treatment.
April 30, 2008 - Crusty ole Grackle
Cool and foggy this morning, which probably protected us from frost. Expecting partly sunny weather today with highs in the low 60's. I took this one last weekend of this grackle that came in and dominated my back yard. He wasn't a very pleasant bird, and ran off some of the little birds who were already there. I think these birds have very strange eyes.
April 29, 2008 - Indigo Bunting
Cool and rainy again today, with highs expected in the 50's. Many people do not do this, but I feed my birds all year. In the spring, we start getting different species who come for a little added fuel. The last couple of years, these shy little fellows have made an appearance. They are extremely skittish, and I feel very fortunate to catch a shot of him. But he is a beautiful little bird.
April 28, 2008 - An Unexpected Find
Rain today and cool, with highs in the 60's. My son, daughter-in-law, and I went hiking yesterday to see if the yellow ladyslippers were blooming. They were up but not blooming yet, but I nearly stepped on this little guy as we were walking down an old haul road. As you can see, he wasn't very happy with us disturbing him. It isn't the best photo, but it was as close as I wanted to get to him (the photo has been cropped).
26-APR-2008
April 27, 2008 - Surprise visitor
Partly cloudy and cooler today, with highs in the 60's expected. I shot this one yesterday of this white-throated sparrow. I don't see many of these at all, and few or any around my feeders. But it is a beautiful little bird.
26-APR-2008
April 26, 2008 - A Spring Tradition
Warm and muggy today, with storms this afternoon. Highs near 80. It was sunny this morning, but the clouds rolled in this afternoon and storms arose. I shot this one while there was still good light. Dogwoods are a beautiful addition to the spring forest, and I always love the layered look of their flowering branches. I liked the contrast between the flower and background on this one.
25-APR-2008
April 25, 2008 - Crested Iris
Warm and partly sunny today, with highs in the upper 70's. It's been a very busy week, but I did get off work a little early this afternoon, and discovered that the crested iris patch below my yard was in full bloom. I had originally started out planning to shoot birds, so I used the 70-300 lens. It did very well, I think.
April 20, 2008 - One of the few survivors
Cloudy most of the day today, but a few peeks of sun this evening. Highs in the mid 60's. A cooler day, and I didn't have time to get anything shot today. So I posted this one of what I believe to be either an Anemone or a sharp-lobed hepatica. Either way, they were fortunate to survive the recent freeze.
19-APR-2008
April 19, 2008 - Apple Blossom
Sunny this morning, then clouding up with showers this afternoon. Highs in the low 70's. I had errands to run today, but had enough time this morning to shoot the apple blossoms that were opening on my red delicious apple tree. It's too early for them to be blooming, so I imagine the frost will get them. But they are pretty.
18-APR-2008
April 18, 2008 - Golden Ragwort
Sunny and warm today with highs near 80. A beautiful day, and I hurried home from work in time to shoot some wildflowers since it's supposed to rain tomorrow. I shot this golden ragwort, but thought it was interesting as a black and white. They are difficult to shoot because they are on tall stalks that move with a whisper of wind.
April 17, 2008 - Toad Trillium
Warm and sunny today, with highs in the 70's. I've been away on a work trip this week and just got back home today. We had a couple of days of hard freezes, and it took its toll on the flowers. I took this one last weekend of a flower that is relatively rare around where I live. It gets its name from the leaves.
12-APR-2008
April 12, 2008 - Long-spurred Violet
Warm and sunny today, with highs around 70. Warmer than I had anticipated today, and much better weather than the weatherman predicted. A little breeze was blowing though, which made for difficult flower photography. I did manage to get this one to hold still long enough to shoot it.
10-APR-2008
April 10, 2008 - Pear blossum
Warm and sunny today, with highs in the 70's. Many flowers are blooming, and, according to the weatherman, cold weather is on its way. So I'm glad I had a chance to get out and shoot for a couple of hours today. These are blooming in my yard.
06-APR-2008
April 6, 2008 - Trout Lily
Rain very early this morning, then turning sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the low 70's. Finally, some springlike weather. After church, I went up to the place where these bloom. They come out quickly and disappear just as fast. This one had just come out. With a little breeze blowing, it was difficult to get a good clear shot. But this one came pretty close.
04-APR-2008
April 4, 2008 - Coming out
Rain this morning, but high overcast this afternoon, with highs in the 60's. Perfect shooting light this afternoon, so after I got home from work I went back to the bloodroot patch. They are coming out in full bloom. Unfortunately, the rain predicted tonight will probably beat the petals off the flowers. But I did get a shot of this one before any damage occurred.
01-APR-2008
April 3, 2008 - Another newcomer
Gray day today, with wind and eventually rain. Highs in the upper 40's. I was in meetings all day and didn't get a chance to shoot, so I decided to upload this one that I took a couple of days ago (when it was warm). I like the detail in this little guy. This flower is only about 4 inches high, and a dime would cover the flower itself.
01-APR-2008
April 1, 2008 - Bloodroot coming out
Warm, partly sunny and windy today, with highs around 70. A pretty day, but the wind made it rather difficult to take flower photos. I did catch this bloodroot coming out before the wind blew the petals off or the rain beat them off.
31-MAR-2008
March 31, 2008 - Madison gets a new hat
Partly sunny today with highs in the 60's. Judy, one of my staff (or as Madison says, one of my "peoples", bought Madison a new hat. Madison likes hats, and agreed to model for me.
28-MAR-2008
March 28, 2008 - Portrait by request
A rainy day today, with dropping temps, into the low 40's by evening. Madison came in very late last night and insisted that I take her picture. And, of course, I was more than happy to oblige.
27-MAR-2008
March 27, 2008 - Rainy Day
The rain came again this morning, with highs expected to be in the 50's. In between showers, this little downy woodpecker made a visit. It was unusual for him to light in the branches, but it gave me a good angle to shoot.
March 26, 2008 - Cardinal Closeup
Mostly sunny today, with highs in the low 60's. Expecting rain and a little cooler temps tomorrow. I took this portrait a couple of days ago. I love the look on his face. It's like he's saying "I got the right seed this time, baby."
24-MAR-2008
March 24, 2008 - Another sign of spring
Clear and frosty this morning. Expecting highs in the mid 40's. I caught this robin this weekend, and it's another sign of spring. It can't get here soon enough to suit me.
23-MAR-2008
March 23, 2008 - Eye on the Sky
Sunny and cool today, with highs in the upper 40's. Happy Easter everyone. We got some quiet time this afternoon and got the chance to shoot some feeder shots. This female cardinal was watching the sky, because I could hear a hawk call on occasion. All the birds were a little timid today, and I suspect the hawk's presence had a lot to do with it.
22-MAR-2008
March 22, 2008 - Spring Neighbors Moving In
Intermittent clouds and sun today, and windy. Highs to be near 60. Our neighbors have come back and are building a nest in the bluebird box. They are very shy, so I had to do some major cropping on this one. It had taken me a couple of weeks to get them used to the truck sitting in the yard (which I used as a blind).
17-MAR-2008
March 17, 2007 - Chickadee Portrait
Sunny part of the day, but clouds rolled in this afternoon. Highs were around 50. I took this one this past weekend. I waited for several minutes until this little guy presented a good pose. They move so quickly, I had to shoot fast. For once, my timing was pretty good.
March 16, 2008 - Transition time
Cloudy this morning, but the sun came out this afternoon. It is cool however, with highs in the low 40's and some wind. The finches are starting their transition from winter to summer plumage, as evidenced by this guy's yellow throat.
15-MAR-2008
March 15, 2008 - Peeking through the branches
Rain early this morning, but partly sunny this afternoon. Highs in the upper 50's. I caught this fellow peeking at me through the branches. He was waiting for his turn in the feeders. It's good to see some cardinals coming back. They had been few and far between for awhile for some reason.
08-MAR-2008
March 11, 2008 - Madison in nightwear
Warmer today, and a lot of the snow went away. It is starting to look a little more like March. I got Madison to pose for me before bed the other night.
08-MAR-2008
March 8, 2008 - Madison posing
Lots of winter weather today, with rain, sleet, ice, snow and wind. Fortunately, we didn't get the blizzard that hit Ohio, but it was about as bad a weather day as we've had this winter. I shot some bird shots out the window today, but this little bird wanted her photo taken. She's becoming a real ham in front of the lens. I decided to go with a version of high key treatment with it.
March 2, 2008 - Curiosity
Warm and sunny today, with highs in the 60's. What a welcome day it has been. It felt like the sun hadn't shone for a month. I shot this one yesterday. As I was waiting in the window, this little guy flew over and stuck fast to the porch bannister and looked at me as if to say, "Hey bud....what are you doing?"
01-MAR-2008
March 1, 2008 - Like a Lion
Cold and windy today, with snow flurries and temps in the 30's. March is coming in like a lion here. I've had one bug after another this winter, but managed to get in my "blind" (bathroom window) and catch this hearty soul who likes to bully the other birds out of the feeder. The Yellow Bellied Woodpecker wasn't impressed with him, though.
02-FEB-2008
February 2, 2008 - Red Belly returns
Warm today and sunny, with highs near 50. Although it's Groundhog Day, I didn't get up early enough to see him, and besides, I think I saw my shadow. Anyway, a red-bellied woodpecker finally returned. I enticed him in with berry-flavored suet.
27-JAN-2008
January 27, 2008 - The Acrobat
A little warmer today. We had snow flurries this morning, but partly cloudy this afternoon, with temps in the upper 30's. It was warm enough to sit outside and wait on my little friends to show up for some seeds. These little guys normally come in and hang upside down to get something to eat. They are quite entertaining to watch. A simple joy in a busy world.
21-JAN-2008
January 21, 2008 - Enjoying the sun
Warmer this afternoon, after having temps in the single digits this morning. I've struggled to get rid of my cold and still have some problems, but I am feeling better. As I drove home this afternoon, I spotted a large red-tailed hawk sitting in a tree near my home. But, as is often the case, when I slipped back with my camera, he was gone. So since I was already in the shooting mood, I watched the feeders for awhile, and this little guy came in, perched, and quarreled at me for being around his food.
05-JAN-2008
January 5, 2008 - Change in the Weather
Warmer today, with highs in the 40's and rain. After a cold snap, the weather is moderating today. But with the warmer temps rain has arrived. We had lots of wind, and it blew down one of my feeders. I just managed to get it back up today, since I've been nursing one of the worst colds I've had in several years. But with the front moving through, the birds returned, including this blue jay who acted like he owned the place.
01-JAN-2008
January 1, 2008 - A new year, and winter returns
Temps have been dropping all day, and it is snowing. Expecting some accumulation tonight. Winter has returned with the new year, and with it the juncos, which my mother always called snow birds. There were several around the feeders this afternoon before the snows started, and although it was rather dark out, this photo of one of the females turned out ok.
31-DEC-2007
December 31, 2007 - Closing out the year
Unseasonably warm and sunny today, with highs around 50. We are expecting a cold front to move through and possibly give us some snow. Well this is the last post of this year, and it was such a nice sunny day that I spent some time out around the feeders this afternoon. This little chickadee gave me a decent pose, so I shot him. Hope everyone has a safe and prosperous new year.
27-DEC-2007
December 27, 2007 - The return
Unseasonably warm today with a couple of showers around. Highs were around 50. I hadn't had the chance to feed the birds as much as I normally do, so my bird population was down. After a tremendous wind storm the other night, one of my feeders blew down, so I've had to kind of regroup. But we've got things back up and operating, and the birds are returning, including this little guy who really liked the grey-striped sunflower seeds.
26-DEC-2007
December 26, 2007 - A visit from a fairy princess
I was off work today, which was a good thing so I could rest up from the holiday. But while I was resting, I was visited by a little fairy princess. It was a good visit, even though she wasn't feeling the best.
December 10, 2007 - Decorating is Exhausting
Rainy and gloomy again today, with highs in the 50's. After Brad took his nap yesterday evening, he decided to decorate. But you know, it's hard work and he really got tired before he finished. So he decided to lay back for awhile and admire his work.
09-DEC-2007
December 9, 2007 - Brad's Christmas Dreams
Rainy but moderate temps today. Gloomy with highs in the 50's. Brad couldn't wait for the Christmas tree to be finished so he could get under it. I thought black and white added a little touch to it.
06-DEC-2007
December 6, 2007 - The Rathbone Well
It was very cold this morning, but moderated slightly during the day. Highs were in the middle 30's. I traveled to one of my offices today, and stopped by the oldest producing oil well in the world - the Rathbone Well in Burning Springs, WV. The state has made a historical park around this well, with some cool old machinery there. In the background is the Little Kanawha River.
December 5, 2007 - Chickadee
We got our first snow today. Nothing overly significant, but the ground was covered and some slick places on the roads. Highs stayed in the 30's. I took this one earlier this past week. These little guys are quick and difficult to capture the "eye." I had this offering to show for my efforts.
03-DEC-2007
December 3, 2007 - The finches have turned
A cold, windy day with snow flurries and highs at best in the low 40's. A sure sign of winter is when the finches turn. This one had already, and they were very hungry with the approaching cold front. They didn't pay much attention to me.
02-DEC-2007
December 2, 2007 - Madison Ready for Church
Warmer today, but snow is supposed to be on the way. I posted this one early because I have a busy day ahead. Madison picked out her outfit for church, then went in and found this flower and was carrying it around. A model waiting to get in front of a camera. I took advantage.
01-DEC-2007
December 1, 2007 - Madison helps in the leaves
Sunny but cold today, with highs in the 40's. Madison and I decided to rake a few leaves, and she helped by carrying a few and putting them in the pile. Of course, she ended up in the middle of the pile. I remember doing the same thing when I was small. It is a rite of autumn, I think.
November 28, 2007 - Madison in repose
Cold and breezy today, with highs in the upper 40's. I took this one recently of my favorite model. She's to the point now that when I pick up my camera, she laughs and runs and poses. She likes to see herself in the LCD screen. She's starting to put sentences together, but is still learning the concept of "me" and "you" so a conversation with her is delightfully unpredictable.
November 21, 2007 - Chickadee
Warm and breezy today, with highs in the low 70's. Too warm for this time of year. A front is supposed to move through tonight and drop the temps 30-40 degrees. Welcome to West Virginia. This little guy was in eating before the weather moved in. They are quick, so I had to take several shots to get one of him holding still.
20-NOV-2007
November 20, 2007 - One last look
Cloudy, breezy and unseasonably warm again today with highs in the 60's. Expecting rain and cooler temps tomorrow. I slipped out around the feeders this afternoon and caught this little fellow with his favorite food - gray-striped sunflower seeds. He took one last look at me before he flew away, and I caught him just before he took off.
19-NOV-2007
November 19, 2007 - Almost still life
Unseasonably warm today and partly cloudy, with highs around 60. I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted here, but my new job has taken up most of my time. But I'm off this week, and Buster decided he would squeeze into this little basket. He doesn't like to have his photo taken, as you can see as he looked away with disdain.
October 22, 2007 - Crupperneck Bend
Partly cloudy and continued warm today, with highs near 80. But we are expecting a couple of days of rain, which we need desperately because of our drought. I got to go out late last week to shoot some of the fall color. It seemed that the leaves turned overnight, and I suspect that the rains that are coming will bring a large portion of them down. This overlook is near Craigsville, Nicholas County. I loved the touch of yellow in the distance.
08-OCT-2007
October 8, 2007 - Eight-legged Scout
Hot and dry, with highs in the low 90's. Record heat here, and so dry that the creeks are drying up. I walked along the edge of the creek bed this morning, and caught this guy scouting out the area for water, I suppose. I like the multiple eyes.
03-OCT-2007
October 3, 2007 - Miranda
Another endless day of warm, dry weather. We haven't had any rain to speak about for weeks. My daughter-in-law Miranda recently won a local beauty contest and wanted me to take a couple of photos for her. They don't do her justice, but this was one of them.
22-SEP-2007
September 25, 2007 - Little brown beauty
Another dry and hot day, with highs in the low 90's. I was in meetings all day with my new job, so I decided to post this one I took a few days ago. These were beautiful little butterflies (or maybe moths). They were a little camera shy, but did open up and pose eventually.
September 25, 2007 - Little brown beauty
Another dry and hot day, with highs in the low 90's. I was in meetings all day with my new job, so I decided to post this one I took a few days ago. These were beautiful little butterflies (or maybe moths). They were a little camera shy, but did open up and pose eventually.
22-SEP-2007
September 22, 2007 - Grasshopper
Very dry and hot today, with highs in the 80's. Very much more like summer than autumn today. I chased this guy all over a field before he finally held still long enough for me to get this shot.
September 17, 2007 - A Cascade on Sandstone Falls
Cool this morning, but sunny today with highs around 80. Still very dry. I started my new job today, so was kind of busy, but had a good day. I decided to post this one that I took this past weekend. Sandstone Falls has so many cascades that you could spend hours on end shooting them. I liked this isolation of a single cascade.
September 16, 2007 - Red Dragonfly
Cool and sunny today with highs around 70. I took this one yesterday near Sandstone Falls. They were everywhere but in constant motion. I finally caught this one when he paused for a moment.
15-SEP-2007
September 15, 2007 - I spy
Cool today, with highs in the low 70's. Bright sun though. I made a trip to Grandview State Park today, and I was the first person into the park this morning. There were turkeys and deer everywhere, and I caught this one as she took one last look at me before heading for the brush.
September 14, 2007 - Picking up Lunch
Cloudy with a little rain around this morning. Highs expected in the 70's. I caught this young mockingbird the other day after he had just found his lunch. He just paused on the fence for moment, and I just snapped off one shot before he flew. Fortunately it turned out ok.
13-SEP-2007
September 13, 2007 - Looking Up
Cool this morning, with temps in the mid 50's. Expecting a sunny day with highs around 80. Thursday's Informal Transglobal Challenge was the theme "looking up." This is what I saw as I looked up this morning coming in to work.
12-SEP-2007
September 12, 2007 - Great Blue Heron
Much cooler today and sunny, with highs in the mid 70's. We finally got rain after several hot days, and a cold front blew through. It gave me the opportunity to take one last walk along the river before I soon change to my new job. My fellow pbaser Cecil Gardner has been seeing and shooting these herons along the river, and I was fortunate enough to catch up to one of them.
07-SEP-2007
September 7, 2007 - Moonflower (I think)
The beat goes on (or perhaps the heat goes on) with sunny skies and temps in the mid 90's. Most green things are getting brown outside, but I did find this one in a shaded area. The sun hadn't done much damage to it yet.
06-SEP-2007
September 6, 2007 - A touch of Color
Another hot, dry day (sounds like a broken record), with highs expected in the mid 90's. I took this morning glory, and decided to do a little selective monochrome in order to fit the Thursday Transglobal Challenge. I liked the way it turned out.
05-SEP-2007
September 5, 2007 - Honeysuckle
Another dry, hot day, with highs expected in the low to mid 90's. In keeping with my tendancy to want to do black and white recently, I shot this one this morning before the heat really started setting in. I liked the contrast of shades here.
September 4, 2007 - Last of the Black-Eyed Susans
Very warm again today, with highs around 90. The weather has been rough on the flowers of late, with high temps and no rain. I looked through a large clump of these black-eyed Susans just to find one to shoot. I liked the feel of the B&W presentation.
September 3, 2007 - It's a tough life
Warmer and sunny today, with highs in the upper 80's. I caught Madison's cat Brad sprawled out in front of the air conditioner this weekend and got this one. He was oblivious to everyone and everything. He'd found the place to get, and he was staying there.
September 1, 2007 - Splash of Color
Sunny and much cooler today, with highs near 80. It actually feels like the first of September. I liked this closeup and, in particular, the splash of color.
31-AUG-2007
August 31, 2007 - Yellow Rose in full bloom
Cloudy this morning and cooler. Expecting highs in the low 80's today. A good time to shoot this rose, with the bright overcast morning allowing for a little less glare.
August 30, 2007 - Black Butterfly
Another hot day expected, with maybe some storms. Highs expected to be in the 90's. I shot this one yesterday evening. The black butterflies never seem to hold still long enough to get a good shot of them. This one did, however.
29-AUG-2007
August 29, 2007 - 1940 Chevrolet
Another just plain hot day, with highs in the mid to upper 90's. My neighbor down the road has several antique vehicles that he restores and sells. He had this one out sunning itself this afternoon. It is a sharp looking vehicle and it is for sale. Contact me if you would happen to be interested.
August 28, 2007 - Up close and personal with the pistol
Another hot humid day, with highs expected in the mid 90's. I decided to shoot this one before the heat scorched the flower. I liked the individual detail.
27-AUG-2007
August 27, 2007 - OK boys, I'm going in.
A little cooler this morning, but expecting it to get very warm this afternoon, with highs in the upper 80's. I had church meetings all weekend and didn't get to post anything, but got out early this morning and caught this little guy heading into a huge white flower (I think it's a moon flower).
August 24, 2007 - Little Skimmer
Another hot, humid day with highs in the 90's. This little guy was very difficult to capture since he didn't want to hold still. Also, there were several of them and they chased each other, so they were very skittish. But he finally held still long enough for me to get a couple of shots, including this one.
August 23, 2007 - Robber Fly
Temps around 100 today and high humidity. It was just too hot to go out, along with the fact that I was tied up in meetings at work. So I posted this one that I took yesterday. This guy really liked his location. I kept scaring him, and he would come right back to the same area. I finally got this one before he flew off for good.
22-AUG-2007
August 22, 2007 - A monarch (finally)
It rained and stormed all morning, raining out my trip to the mountains. But it cleared this afternoon and got really hot, with highs in the low 90's. I've been trying unsuccessfully recently to catch one of the monarch butterflies. They are so busy, however, that I haven't been able to capture one of them. This one is as close as I've come.
August 21, 2007 - Same pose, different butterfly
Warm with storms around today. Highs in the mid 80's. I'm watching my granddaughter today, so I didn't have much time for photography. I decided to go ahead and post this one. It is a similar pose that one took recently, but it is a different butterfly.
August 20, 2007 - Hill Grapes in Black and White
Hot today with a couple of showers around with highs in the mid 80's. I had a hectic day, so didn't get to post this until late. I really liked the way it turned out.
19-AUG-2007
Swallowtail - up close and personal
Warm and hazy today, with highs around 90. I had a very busy day, with church and then my uncle's funeral. But I did get a chance to go out late this afternoon for a little while. I thought I would try the zoom for some close ups of the butterflies. I liked this one.
August 18, 2007 - The Bud Bloomed
Warm today, but much cooler than it has been recently, with highs in the 80's. I took this one yesterday of the rose that had budded earlier and I posted. It turned into a beautiful rose. But with the scorching heat, they don't last long.
August 17, 2007 - The struggles with dog days
Record highs yesterday with temps of over 100, but after big storms last night, we will have somewhat cooler temps today and partly cloudy. The heat was very oppressive - so much so that Nate was just rung out with his day of patrolling the yard and playing with Bud.
August 16, 2007 - Rose Bud
Another hot, dry day with record highs expected. I took this one a few days ago, because I wanted to catch it before the sun scorched the petals. I liked the color in this one.
15-AUG-2007
August 15, 2007 - Resting Butterfly
Another warm and dry day, with highs in the low 90's. The butterflies were either fighting or maybe something else, but when they got tired of going around and around, the would choose a flower top and just lie down. I caught this one doing that very thing.
August 14, 2007 - Busy Bee
Another warm sunny day, and starting to get dry again. Highs expected around 90. I haven't had much luck with bee photos this summer, but caught this guy visiting the large yellow flowers that I photographed earlier. I liked all the pollen on his coat.
August 13, 2007 - I finally got one
Warm sunny day today with highs in the upper 80's. I had a busy weekend and didn't have time to post yesterday. But I did have time to catch up with this viceroy butterfly. He was pretty shy, but I did eventually catch up with him.
11-AUG-2007
August 11, 2007 - Little blue butterfly
Bright, sunny day and not quite as hot as it has been recently, but still expected to get close to 90 this afternoon. The humidity is a little lower, however. I went out early this morning to see if I could catch a few shots before it got hot. This little guy was sitting quietly while the sun dried off his wings. He made a good subject.
10-AUG-2007
August 10, 2007 - After the storm
A little cooler today, but still very hot, with highs expected near 90. We had a couple of storms blow through last night, so I got out early this morning to see if I could get a shot or two with some raindrops on them. I liked this one because the shallow DOF really plays well with the lighting and background.
August 9, 2007 - Another Rose
Continuing to be extremely hot and humid, with highs near 100 and high humidity. I took this one the other day, figuring I had better get these shots before the heat kills them. It is a beautiful color.
August 8, 2007 - Sunflower
Even hotter than yesterday, with highs expected to reach the mid-90's and high humidity. It is nearly unbearable outside, but I'd been driving by these sunflowers for some time, and decided this morning to stop and get a few shots of them. I'm glad I did.
August 7, 2007 - The center of the rose
Another hot, steamy day today, with temps in the 90's and high humidity. I love the color of this rose, but zoomed in a little closer and really liked the layers of color in it.
06-AUG-2007
August 6, 2007 - Rose of Sharon
Cloudy and humid today, with some showers possible. Stifling heat with very high humidity. I've attempted several photos of these, and never could get one that suited me. This one comes fairly close.
05-AUG-2007
August 5, 2007 - Big yellow flower
Cloudy today, with off and on showers. Still humid but not as hot. I dodged the rain showers to slip out and get a shot of one of these very large yellow flowers. They grow taller than I am, and are quite striking.
August 4, 2007 - Crayon Time
A carbon copy of yesterday - hot, humid and sweltering. One of the advantages of having my granddaughter around is the interesting things I have to shoot. I've been wanting to play around with these, and so late last night, I did. Then I took a photo of them (grin).
03-AUG-2007
August 3, 2007 - Unusual Butterfly
Hot and more humid today with highs in the mid 90's. It's getting hotter each day, so I went out early to shoot this morning. This is a very unusual butterfly. I don't know that I've seen one this particular color. I had to maneuver for about 20 minutes to get into position to take this one.
August 2, 2007 - Spiderwort
Extremely hot with temps in the 90's and high humidity. With this post I begin my second round with a PAD, but only when I can. I love the beauty of these flowers, but have found them to be difficult to photograph for some reason. This one is not my best work, but was adequate I thought.