Isaac

So taking a turn in the nursery has its perks. The light is horrible, the rug is dirty, I haven't mastered my D40, but one takes the opportunities that arise. This is Isaac, a 7 month-old who is one of the happiest kids around. I know, I know...I should have taken a photo that captures his happy countenance.






Tweaked in photoshop which I also have not mastered.

Reflection

So I stayed up most of the night babysitting our pool pump during a rainstorm that dumped 7" in one night. It was awesome. On my way to the bathroom I saw this reflection. Yes, I know...a thorough dusting would be a welcome addition to the scene.

Messing with Gimp - not Kristen...the photo editing progam

James took us to San Juan Island and it was a feast for the eyes. I decided to edit this photo using Gimp. then I realized it is Paint and not Gimp but the title is almost clever and I'm sticking with it.



Perhaps I went a bit overboard with the editing. I changed it to B&W, messed with the contrast, added noise, and then sepia tone.

Butterfly

Scenes from the Strayer Homestead

Jon and Sherry recently acquired a new home and with it came all sorts of interesting things some living and others rusting.


I love the way this lone flower is blooming alongside this rusted saw.

I don't know what this is but I liked the texture.

Ditto.

Rustique

I love this old barn and the two rusted wash basins hanging on the side.

Raindrops

It rained this morning. This was the beauty left in the aftermath.












This pool toy is wet most of the time. The doll has never looked better.

Backyard Hydrangeas

I think hydrangea leaves are among the most beautiful on earth. I love the subtle hues of these flowers.

This lavender one has a different shaped flower from most others.

We have spent years and not a small amount of money on Holly Tone to enhance this mop-head hydrangea's color.

Front Yard Hydrangeas

This hydrangea is unlike any I have ever seen. It reminds me of Christmas peppermints. The bush is also different than most others.



Ken and Brenda told us we could have this hydrangea if we were willing to dig it out of their front yard. It has taken a few years to come back to size because I trimmed it too early one spring.

Ponytail

Julia got a pony tail right before she left.

It was very cute.

Go to your room! Really, Missy was telling her the direction I wanted her to face.

Polka Dot Flip Flops

Julia came to visit this week and she brought a fairly colorful wardrobe.


I enjoyed some shadow shots. Check out FB for some more.

Summer Flowers

Gallardia is an excellent flower. Beautiful colors, drought resistant, a perennial that blooms season-long...what could be better?
Day lily
Veronica Speedwell
Bumble Bee

Early Morning Wake-up Shots

I went outside to check on the pool before 8:00 am. It rained last night and raindrops still lingered.
I love petunias - they have a beautiful shape, they smell wonderful, and the colors are vibrant. These pink petunias with yellow centers are my favorite.

Spider Web

While I was gathering my laundry this glorious day I noticed a spider web on the posts. I thought I better knock this down because the 24 guests from the school in Lynden are coming for dinner. Then I thought the better of it and got my camera and my 35mm lens.

Lessons I've Learned for Using my D40

I took this photo just for practice and noticed that it was too dark. I adjusted my EV (the button directly behind the shutter release button) and took this much better photo.


I couldn't get a good shot of Weston in front of the door so I just snapped this.


After reading my new Field Guide I discovered that you can fix backlit photos by using the D-lighting under the Retouch Menu. I used the high setting and saved both copies. Why not wait and do this in a photo editing program? Perhaps you want to e-mail it right away or you want to have a slide show presentation while on vacation.

Spring Views in the Gibsons' Yard

This is an evergreen bush at the side of the house.



This is a holly leaf and it is just as dangerous as it appears. Very prickly.



We bought this tree in October 2005. Giz's co-workers gave him a gift certificate to a nursery when his mother died. He has always wanted a Japanese Maple .




This is similar to an old post except I used Kris' 35 mm and cropped it. I like how the colors contrast better. I ordered my 35 mm on Monday.