Happy 2010 !

Hope everyone has a ball!!!

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year

Christmas Leftovers

This Christmas I not only cooked a ham, but lamb as well. Unfortunately the lamb did not make it to the dinner table. I don't know why, but my lamb took way longer than my cookbook said and dinner was done before it was. I enjoyed some lamb with mint jelly as a late night Christmas snack, however I did not want to eat it that way for days on end. The gyros with tzatiki sauce hit the spot for a dinner and a lunch.

The herbed lamb stew warmed me on yet another cold night. Of the 2 I preferred the gyros even though they were not as good as the ones I've had while visiting my sister in N.C. . And of course I made navy bean and ham soup.

There were gingerbread men, but no house this year. Cherry bon-bon cookies, but no homemade candy. Pumpkin pie, but no cheesecake. The one thing I really wanted for Christmas no one can give, time. If I only had more time ......

So That's How He Does It!

The on lookers are wondering how they can get cloned so they too can get everything done for the holidays.

Fresh Brewed

Ahh... a fresh cup of coffee to greet your day, to warm you up from the cold, to dip your Christmas cookies in as you chat with friends. Kaylee painted this steaming cup with coffee. Can you smell the aroma as the steam wafts into the air encircling your nose?


Kaylee was on creative high last night when she painted this picture. It was good to see her all sparkly and happy as she skated the brush onto the paper releasing her imagination.

It inspires me to create some cookies. What inspiration or memories does the painting evoke in you?

I love Herons and Kaylee drew this lovely picture for me. It needs a frame, as does most of Kaylee's art. A router would be a practical tool to own as I think making frames would be fun. I like creating, although I'm only slightly artistic. When engaged in the creative process worries are replaced by ideas. There is a sense of satisfaction when others enjoy what you have crafted. If the holiday season has you stressed create something, anything, and give your worries a rest.

Nuttin' But Stringz... and a Good Time

Kaylee and I went to a performance of Nuttin' But Stringz and had nuttin' but a good time. I love the violin, the depth and range of emotions that the instrument can evoke is phenomenal. Want to relax the violin can soothe, or kick up your heels the violin can do that too. The only bad thing about the performance- it was too short! Damien and Tourie are very personable young men and took the time for a meet and greet after the show.

Kaylee with her friends and Nuttin' But Stingz, Tourie and Damien Escobar.

Red, Yellow, Orange

We had many rainy days this fall and although the colors should pop against a gray sky without the sun they don't. I prefer to see the foliage awash with the sun. I enjoyed many a car ride to work through a forest ablaze with color, but never managed to get any photos of the trees basking in the sun.

Memories of Summer

The days are growing short and I miss the glorious summer sun.

Emily

This is Kaylee's friend Emily. Kaylee painted this from a photo and gave it to Emily for her birthday. Emily is blowing bubbles which seems appropriate as Em can be quite bubbly herself.

And the Lucky Winner is Me!

I received my lovely prize I won from Mark Highton-Ridley's September prize draw and couldn't be more pleased! The print really captures the essence of floating amongst the clouds. I need to have the print custom framed as it is not a standard U.S. measurement.

This print couldn't have come at a better time- My work schedule is incredibly hectic and time consuming, I feel like I've been sick forever, and I've had more migraines in the last 6 weeks than I've had all year. So, here is my little bit of joy that brought a smile to my face when I laid my eyes upon it. Once again thanks Mark - I love It!

Can I Have a Bite ?

One of the best things about fall is the abundance of crisp tart apples. Apple dumplings out of the oven with vanilla ice cream is a family favorite. I would love to make some chunky applesauce like my grandma used to make, hopefully I'll find the time.

Thank You Highton-Ridley !

I recently had a post about photographer Mark Highton-Ridley's blog and contest to win one of his photographic works of art- well yippee for me I was one of the 3 lucky winners ! This was wonderful news to hear at the end of a horrible week. I am so looking forward to receiving my prize and when it comes I'll let you know.

I encourage my readers to visit Mark's blog, visit his online gallery, and enter his October contest per his requirements. Entering is easy and you never know the next winner could be you. The best part of all is you choose what you win!

Once again Thank You Mark

A Beautiful Place to Rest

This interesting insect made its way into my house and unfortunately for him met my husband's hand. I loved the markings on the translucent wings and the body. My orchid will soon be nothing but green sticks so it seemed natural to pair the two.

Renewed Bradford, PA

This was once Bradford's City Hall and has been renovated into an office complex. Years ago the city sold the building for $25,000, the new owner did nothing with the building, and years later it was bought back by the city. More than a million dollars later this is the result. Old City Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Next to old City Hall is the former Pennzoil building. The original building had been added on to over the years, but those additions met the wrecking ball. The building now houses 2 doctor's offices. My husband had a hand in the restoration of this building- his business was the HVAC contractor.

Bradford's Old Post Office sat vacant for years. Carolyn (Boser) Newhouse, owner of Super User Technologies, had the vision to turn this old building into something grand. The building houses her very successful business, the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau, and other businesses as well. My husband was the plumber and HVAC contractor on this building and I was able to bring my son's Cub Scout Pack on a tour when it was a work in progress. Out front is one of the few remaining sections of brick road still left in town. The sunshine was welcome, although it didn't make for a great photo.

The former Carnegie Library Started the trend of re-purposing old buildings. Due to the library not being handicap accessible Bradford built a new one. The structure now houses the restaurant Beefeaters. The tables have old newspaper clippings under polyurethane that make for interesting reading while you wait for your meal.

Bradford has been acquiring quaint street lights as result of the national Elm Street grant program. The upgrades do not include Bradford's Elm Street- The grant got its name, because apparently almost every town in America has an Elm Street.

We now know when we can and can not cross the street thanks to these handy signs. I must say I feel this to be a big waste of money and electricity. Bradford's population has been on the decline for decades and not using the crosswalks is common.

Celebrate Black and White

I follow a blog of a photographer who chooses to shoot primarily in black and white and the contrast helps to create a mood in his photos. http://www.Highton-Ridley.co.uk is Mark's site and his photographs have been chosen for a BBC Devon website. Mark shares his love of photography by having a monthly give away of his work. You can enter his monthly drawing by going to http://www.Highton-Ridley.co.uk/blog/2009/09/september-freebie-prize-draw-now-open.html and following the entry requirements. You should visit his site and peruse his photographs - I personally like Canadian Pine and Hot Air Balloon Stack. Good luck to those who enter.

Nap Time

School has begun and so has Kaylee's art projects. This sleepy fella is an oil pastel, which is not Kaylee's preferred medium, but turned out quite well nonetheless. I give it an A.

Hide and Seek

Trying to capture wildlife with essentially a point and shoot camera is very frustrating. Awhile back when looking for possible blackberry picking sites we came across turkeys. I photographed them down the dirt road with the 5x zoom I could use before the photo quality would become grainy. Well needless to say unless you zoomed in on the photo you weren't sure what they were. I drove slowly down the road and the flock scurried across a log right next to me and all I managed to get was the tail end of the last hen in the group. Can you find it?

I don't know why, but I have a love of Herons. While in the shower my husband comes in , "You're never gonna believe this , but there is a heron out back.". I've never have gotten out of the shower so fast in my life! As I stand in a towel dripping wet peering out the back door in awe I'm like, "Dam I lent Kaylee my camera! I've always wanted a picture of a heron, THIS SUCKS!". My husband got within 10 feet or so of it and tried using his cell phone, but it didn't turn out. I hurriedly get clothes on and creep up to my visitor and this crappy shot is what i got- can you find it? I apparently got too close and he took off flying in the opposite direction from which he was facing.

The picture quality was better, I had taken off the zoom, but this was all I could capture. Once again can you find it? I walked up the hill trying to find my friend, but no such luck.

Chipmunks scurried about the forest floor while we were at Cook Forest. This little fella was relatively close and even at 5x's zoom this was all I could capture. Can you find it?

The pond at Griffis Sculpture Park had some fish and I somehow managed to photograph one. My screen looked black when I looked at the water so, taking this picture was an educated guess as the fish swam about. Can you find it?

More from Griffis

Garret studied this face naming parts that it was made from
There has been debate whether cougars are found in the wild in our area

Taking a load off

Shady retreat, move over leprechauns

Relaxing after hiking

(Not a flattering picture, but oh well)

Griffis Sculpture Park

Hi there, welcome to the sculpture park

http://www.griffispark.org
Garret ponders, " What is it?"
Stacie comments, "A person sitting with knees drawn up, arms encircling the legs." "Oh."


Stacie is beautiful with or without wings


Nice day for a swim

We chuckled when we came upon this sculpture as someone saw fit that the lady should have some modesty and gave her a flower.

Today was perfect for a visit to the sculpture park- not too warm and a nice breeze. Although Garret had been there before he didn't remember. I enjoyed sharing this little adventure with my son and his girlfriend. I'll share more photos of our artful afternoon next post.

Cook Forest

I've got my eye on you!
Ruffles

Without Flash-Spooky

With Flash-Eerie

With out stretched arms my husband lends some perspective on how big this tree really is

Hanging on for dear life

An afternoon stroll in nearby Cook Forest made for a relaxing afternoon. I'm always looking at trees and this old growth forest is a wondrous sight.

India Fest 2009

Today I purchased cumin,turmeric, chili powder, garam marsala, and coriander from India Fest. The spices were so beautiful i couldn't resist using them to make a picture.

Kaylee is having the symbol for Hindu applied in henna.

Kaylee is enjoying her chickpeas and rice, along with some delectable samosas, and chai tea. She looks forward at trying her hand at making samosas at home.

Wish Upon A Star

I won these beautiful handmade sterling silver earrings from entering a contest on jewelry artist Peg Cherre's blog http://www.healing-gems.blogspot.com . The earrings were made to honor the Perseid's Meteor showers. The picture doesn't do the earrings justice, but i tried photographing them several times and that was the best i could do! In order to show off these lovely gems i'd need to wear my hair up or you'd never see them! I discovered Peg several months ago at Routes to the Arts and I bought several of her talismans which i gave to family and friends. Check out Peg's blog - she has a monthly give away and you may just win a lovely treasure of your own!