The Halls Are Decked

This is the first year in ages that I've really decorated my livingroom. I've put up maybe a few but no tree for over 15 years. I have to thank some friends for some of my decorations. They have spent hours making them and I truely love them.

The above tree wallhanging and potholders were made by my friend Mary out in MA. The barn wallhanging that is on the right is also a gift from her. Mary has made me so many things over the years we've been friends. What a blessing she is to me.

Here's my tree. I splurged last year on New Year's Eve and bought this pre-lit tree. Three of the decorations on it are shown below. They were cross-stitched by my friend Karen in NJ. She's given me one each year since we've become friends. They are a treasure as is she.

I have this thing about snowmen and Santas. And bears too. The hanging Wedgewood is new this year. It's from my friend Mike. No, he didn't make it, but I love it anyway. He has really good taste.

2008

2009

2007

A new lens

For a few weeks months I’ve been wanting to buy a new zoom lens for my camera.  I finally was able to purchase one.  (I sold my old d-slr.) I bought a 70-300 zoom.  I think my first shoot came out pretty good with it.  I had some willing subjects and some not so willing.

 

 

 

 

 

I found a spot overlooking Grand Rapids that is great for taking pictures.  I’m sure I will return many times.

A long time coming

It was brought to my attention last night that it had been 3 months since I last posted.  Boy time sure flies.  Much has happened since the last post: a couple of vacations, a stay in the hospital (while on vacation) from which I have completely recovered, Thanksgiving weekend with a trip to OH, a big snow storm today for our first significant snow of the season.  There was anywhere from 4” to 15” in the area depending on where the measurement was taken.  I got maybe 7” or 8”. 

A couple weeks ago was the first night of the Christmas tree display at Meijer Gardens.  One of my favorite exhibits of the year there.  The other is the butterfly exhibit in March/April.  It was a great night for photography and I had a great time.

The above picture was taken in the conservatory part of the gardens.  That’s also where the butterflies come alive in the Spring.

This is a section of the lights in the ceiling of the restaurant.  Pictures don’t do them justice at all.

 

One of the many trees inside the building.  I think there are about 50 trees on display.  Each is decorated for a country. Can’t read the sign for the country this one represents.

 

I had rained off and on most of the day so the walkways were wet and reflected the lights perfectly for taking pictures.  The rain had stopped and the temp was not too bad.

 

Leonard DaVinci’s American Horse is probably my favorite sculpture in the gardens.  I have no idea how many pictures I have of it taken at various times throughout the year.

Another sculpture in the gardens is this one of Fred and Lena Meijer.  The gardens are named for them.  They have donated a very large amount of money for the gardens and continue to do so.

 

My morning walk today

Friday evening I went for a walk on a nearby bike path and saw all these wonderful wild flowers and berries. Of course, I had not brought my camera. Silly me. So I got out this morning before the sun was very high (or hot) and took pictures. You can click on the picture to enlarge it.

This one above is an experiment with zooming while taking the picture. I needed a tripod. It was in my trunk about a quarter mile away.

To see more of my pictures click Here

Photography is so much fun

Last month a friend of mine and I went to Frankenmuth, MI which is a Bavarian city on the east side of the state. I took lots of pictures. I'll only post a few. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

If you want to see more you can check out this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2029778&id=1024935020&l=e7a387aa5a

July 4th weekend 2009

I was able to take lots of pictures this weekend. I was in my glory. Friday morning I spent some time with a friend who showed me some of the things she's been learning in her photo classes. We practiced together and then when we had to part, I headed to Meijer Gardens to practice some more. Then to downtown Grand Rapids just because. Well, I wanted to scope out locations to take some night shots of the city.

Then it was over to Holland to board my brother's sailboat and head to the other end of Lake Mac and watch the fireworks. Great show. Late home. No pictures. Hard to take night shots from a sailboat that is gently bobbing.

Saturday was a trip to my girlfriend's in Three Rivers for a day of crafting -- card making. Those cards are worth lots of money... if our time is worth anything. Then it was off to the fireworks in Grandville. Yes, I took pictures.

Here is a link that I hope will take you to my photo album.

God's surprises

This morning after church I took my bike up to the White Pines Trail and rode from Belmont to Rockford and back. I had planned on stopping at Dam Dogs for a hotdog and then riding over to Rocky's for ice cream. Well, Dam Dogs is not open on Sunday and Rocky's didn't open for another hour. Look at all the money I saved. But that being the case I started back earlier than planned.

And because of that I saw a doe and her two fawns cross the trail about 30 feet ahead of me. They just sauntered across. How cool. A couple coming from the other direction, although farther away, saw them too. We all thought it was so neat. In addition to the deer there seemed to be a lot of butterflies on the way back also. All different kinds. A great ride to enjoy God's creations.

Pretty Posey

I just love Gerbera Daisies. And this one after the rain is one of my favorite flower pictures that I've taken. And what makes it even better is that it is on my back patio. I only wish flowers would last longer.

A Busy Saturday Morning

My day started early. I couldn't sleep and noticed that the sky was kind of pretty.

Then I decided I should take advantage of the beautiful morning and go for a bike ride. I logged 6.5 miles in about 40 minutes. I was home by 7AM. Fixed breakfast. Got ready to go out for the day. It seemed like a good day to go to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek.

The walkway to the tram to the African plains had all the flags of the African countries. I thought it was really cool.

It is so much fun getting so close to the giraffes. They seem so gentle. The zoo is really nice. Lots of room. BUT no lions and tigers.

Pemberton, NJ

Before we actually came to Pemberton, we stopped at the Friends Meeting House.  It was built in 1775.

A very interesting tree on the grounds of the meeting house.  I see a lion's head.  You?

The cemetery on the grounds.  Most of the dates on the tombstones were unreadable.

 

Karen turned me loose in Pemberton.  She had choir practice and seeing I don't sing, I walked. This is the Pemberton Baptist Church "organised" in 1764 and erected in 1861.  This is Karen's church.

Yup, it is the front door.

 

 

Grace Episcopal Church.

As I wandered around to the side of the church, I came across this statue. 

No, it is not Fall.  The way the sun was shining through the leaves, it really brought out the red.  I think it is some kind of a Maple but not sure.

 

Looks like they found a new use for the fire department.

 

I need help on this church too.  Had an interesting grave yard and a great salute to those who sacrificed.