Oars in the Water

Self Portrait- Kaylee

2012-02-17T17:39:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy this self-portrait of Kaylee however as it is shown above it's not complete

This is the portrait as the artist intended

I think my daughter is beautiful so I prefer it without the surrealism

Barren

2012-02-04T19:29:00.005-05:00

When you're stripped of what feeds your soul,
gives your life color...

You feel barren

Beautiful October Sky

2011-10-31T07:02:00.001-04:00

The sun is always welcome

One of the Best Places for Reflection

2011-10-08T07:19:00.003-04:00

Kayaking is a good place for reflection

Gotcha !

2011-09-26T19:30:00.002-04:00

After 2 summers kayaking on the Allegheny River I finally got a good pic of my favorite bird the Great Blue Heron

Sleeping Dinosaur

2011-09-10T15:15:00.002-04:00

To me this rock looks like the head of a happy sleeping brontosaurus.
Do you see what I see ?

Route 6 Mural

2011-09-05T08:46:00.004-04:00

This mural along Route 6 in Mt. Jewett, PA depicts the history and heritage of the area. Mt. Jewett was settled by Swedish immigrants as depicted by the ship.

In Elk and Forest Counties is the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi River

The Kinzua Viaduct when it was constructed was the largest train viaduct in the world. An F-1 tornado took most of the historic structure tumbling to the valley below.

The mural is showing signs of age; hopefully there is a plan in place for maintaining this beautiful piece of roadside art. If you are traveling in the area be sure to visit this beautiful mural.

Canning Season

2011-09-03T10:29:00.002-04:00

Loved this time of year as a girl when my grandma would begin canning

The old stove in the basement used to make the currant berry jelly, chunky applesauce, and canned pears. The aroma would fill the house.

An essential tool for sealing the jars as something else was being prepared. Miss you grandma

Last Painting on the Easel

2011-08-24T18:34:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow Kaylee leaves for college at Edinboro and this is the last painting on her easel

Always Excited to Kayak

2011-08-21T10:08:00.002-04:00

Summer is winding down and I was so excited to get on the river;
the Allegheny River is my salvation

Can never get enough fast water, still need to whitewater

Watching fish in clear water, deep breaths of fresh air, and the majesty of seeing blue herons in flight is what makes living here worthwhile

Lady in Red

2011-08-18T18:58:00.003-04:00

Visitor to the back deck that I had to photograph through the screen door so I would not scare her away. She is such a very pretty lady.

Oh My Deer

2011-08-11T20:39:00.002-04:00

Ah a refreshing drink of water

What you looking at ?

Dang Paparazzi

I'm out of here !

Wilted Wildflowers

2011-08-11T07:56:00.001-04:00

It has been one dry hot summer. Finally seeing some relief from the heat and the rains have come.

What 4 Wheel Drive Is All About

2011-08-07T18:26:00.004-04:00

Women who don't take their SUVs off road don't know what they are missing.
Enjoying the woods in my jeep on a sunny summer day.

A Dandy Lion

2011-05-15T09:37:00.002-04:00

Try and pull me and I just might bite !

On Display

2011-05-02T20:49:00.003-04:00

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford had an emerging artist show and Kaylee had 3 pieces of her work on display

Mixed Media

Acrylic Painting

Pencil

I can't wait to see what direction her creativity will go once she begins college and formal art instruction.

Ramp Up the Flavor

2011-04-26T20:18:00.004-04:00

Its that time of year again to dig leeks in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The ham bone from Easter is going to make tasty ham leek potato soup. My family enjoyed my leek spread over the holiday and it is my favorite food I make with leeks. I made chili tonight and also sauteed greens in butter which I was told was better than spiniach. Think I'm going to try something new and make humus with leeks. Bradford's Leek Fest is May 7th and can't wait to have Betty's leek dumplings from Chu Lee Garden : )

Never had a wild leek, you don't know what you're missing !

Easter Flower

2011-04-22T20:59:00.001-04:00

That Takes the Cake

2011-04-02T23:47:00.003-04:00

Made my first hypnocake today
this before baking

and this is hypnocake ready to be devoured

Walking Around Cleveland

2011-03-26T09:26:00.002-04:00

A glimpse of soldiers' memorial

Entrance to the subway

If you just open your eyes and look around their is so much to see
and its all free.

Inside City Tower Cleveland

2011-03-23T20:07:00.004-04:00

Skylight in City Tower

The details in architecture of the past are amazing
To see this in person is a sight to behold

Rock N Roll Will Never Die

2011-03-21T10:30:00.005-04:00

The 3D theater at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio
U2 3D was Awesome

This historic marker declares Cleveland as the birthplace of rock n roll for the first use of the term on a local radio station

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Cleveland, Ohio

Only the good die young

The Hall at Night
(Unfortunately not the best quality pic)

The inductees theater

Lovers of Rock N Roll should plan a trip, but no photography is permitted of the collections

Will It Ever Be Spring ?

2011-03-12T21:09:00.004-05:00

Once Upon A Time
Memories of warmer days

Please Snow More !

2011-02-19T12:20:00.000-05:00

Even the snowman says ENOUGH ALREADY !!!

Good Morning Sunshine

2011-01-28T23:29:00.003-05:00

Everyday should start like this

Don't Rock the Boat

2011-01-25T21:57:00.002-05:00

Trying to take a photo from a ship on choppy seas made for an interesting pic

Oil Over Oil

2011-01-18T21:32:00.003-05:00

Kaylee's second attempt on this canvas as she did not like what she had originally painted. This painting is absolutely nothing like the first. She is enjoying the art history course she is taking at Pitt. My baby will soon be leaving the nest; she'll be graduating high school and will be off to college full time before too long.

Tickled Pink

2011-01-17T23:32:00.002-05:00

Wisps of pink in the tropical sky

Tropical Sunrise

2011-01-15T07:11:00.002-05:00

The start of a new day

Come Sail Away

2011-01-12T21:09:00.003-05:00

Catch a breeze and sail the seas, St. Maarten

This Little Light of Mine

2011-01-10T20:35:00.002-05:00

Lighthouse Paradise Island, Bahamas with the Atlantis Resort in the background

Reflecting Moon

2011-01-08T22:21:00.002-05:00

The moon upon the ocean

Family cruise December 2010

High in the Trees

2010-10-12T20:44:00.002-04:00

High above the forest floor
The bridge to a beautiful view

With a little help you can fly

I enjoyed the zipline on a my trip to Asheville, NC

Just Hanging Around

2010-09-24T20:38:00.003-04:00

Smile pretty for the camera
Who needs a hammock

Just a little fella

The Path to Craggy Pinnacle

2010-09-08T21:49:00.002-04:00

The Sheltered Path
Standing Guard

Twists and Turns

The path to Craggy Pinnacle, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville North Carolina

Waves Upon the Land

2010-09-05T21:34:00.002-04:00

Layers of mountains undulating across the earth
The blue waves cresting to the sky

The pinnacle

The winding road

A recent trip to Asheville, North Carolina was good for the body, mind, and soul

In the Garden

2010-08-10T09:06:00.005-04:00

The first blackberries from the bush i planted this spring
Squash blossoms are not only pretty, but pretty tasty as well

Can't wait for BLTs

Addicted to the River

2010-07-19T21:19:00.002-04:00

I have been kayaking on the Allegheny River every chance i get. I find it both relaxing and exhilarating. If i could do this every day i would.

Wildflowers along the shore are just one of the beautiful wonders to behold. I have been fortunate to see my favorite bird, the heron, on all of my trips on the river at least once. Like a statue standing along the shore patiently waiting for the unsuspecting fish and then majestically flying to the sky when I've come to close. I've tried unsuccessfully to photograph this magnificent animal, but my camera is not so great and by the time i get my camera ready its too late. One of these days I'll get a good shot.

On a trip down the river someone commented how this driftwood looked like a woman sprawled out. This trip i decided to snap a pic. Hmmm, not to be crude, but they were mistaken its a man !

On the Water

2010-06-23T20:22:00.005-04:00

I have been enjoying life on the water this summer, although not as much as I'd like. After years of wanting a kayak I finally have one. In fact the name of my blog was inspired by my desire to be on the water. I may not use an oar, but I thought it had a better ring to it than Paddles in the Water. I've put on 20 lbs the last couple of years so maybe I can just paddle my ass off !

,I spent a lot of summers camping at Willow Bay with my family as a child. Dad would take me and my sisters out on the the boat and we'd zip along the water, the spray hitting our faces on hot sunny days.

The pace in the kayak is mostly mellow, but not always. This is my friend Tina Riel Philips going for another round over the fast water we encountered on the Allegheny River. She was amazing- her first attempt landed her in the cold water, but she kept her sunglasses, paddle, kayak, and her composure. I hope to have many more adventures on the water this summer. Now if only i had a good water proof camera to capture the herons and other glorious sights along the way.

Visitor to the Garden

2010-06-16T17:21:00.002-04:00

I think this visitor enjoys my hydrangeas as much as I do

S'more Fun

2010-05-30T10:06:00.004-04:00

It may not be chicken, but it's still finger lickin good
Having more fun than you can poke a sharp stick at

Connor and Evan had a fun time making s'mores, but I was a nervous wreck trying to keep them a safe distance from the fire ! When it got dark they tried to catch the sparks that flew in the air, crazy boys !!!

Inspired By Nature

2010-05-26T08:15:00.003-04:00

Kaylee took a ceramics class at school this year and she recently brought home these projects.

The rhinocerous beetle is very life like.

The catus is very beautiful and has amazing detail. Too bad a few spines broke off in transport.

Kayaking at Sunset, Willow Bay

2010-05-24T19:59:00.003-04:00

After much anticipation I finally had the time to take my new kayak out. The wind made the water a little choppy, but that just meant I had to work a little harder. This is a new venture for me and a friend, but one I plan on enjoying for years to come.

Hospitals Smell Funny

2010-04-24T18:59:00.003-04:00

What a hectic last few days. My father was transferred Tuesday from our local hospital to Hamot in Erie for what they thought was a stroke. After MRIs, CAT scans, x-rays, sonograms, ecocardiagram, heart monitor, blood work, blood work, and more blood work we know he didn't have a stroke, but don't know the cause of his "episode". He felt weird and fell which resulted in 2 compression fractures of his vertebrae. He had slight facial palsy upon smiling, couldn't track with both eyes, and had double vision. On Thursday those symptoms were all gone. They discovered his bladder doesn't empty, but they don't know why ! All these tests seem to tell us was what wasn't wrong. No stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, tumors, or enlarged prostate. His cholesterol is very good-HDL high and LDL low. He did have a bladder infection so he needs to return Monday to have "cement" injected into his vertebrae because they wanted him on antibiotics for a few days. Dad said he felt kinda wobbly when he walked to the house from the jeep. His back hurts, but hopefully after Monday's procedure it won't. I'm relieved my father didn't have a stroke, but I don't like the unanswered questions ! One good thing- he's not smoking, hopefully he stays a quitter !

I See Spring Has Arrived

2010-04-13T15:00:00.002-04:00

Kaylee worked long and hard on this amazing drawing. The photograph doesn't do it justice- the eyes lose that sparkle and the colors don't look as vibrant.

Gone Wireless

2010-04-09T19:48:00.003-04:00

This is my new computer and my old cell phone. The old computer went all viral and although I wanted to wait until the back to school sales I bought a laptop and wireless printer. Loving the ability to pick up and go anywhere. After a lot of work Jason got the old girl going again and now Kaylee has her own computer and won't be touching this one! Also got a new hard drive for the old laptop last Friday, Garret put it in, and low and behold she works too ! Garret is home from school so went from no computers to four !

Monday there was no school so thought I'd do some cleaning and plunk-cell in a bucket of water. We all got new phones- Garret's didn't ring most of the time, Chris was using an old one since he gave up his to Kaylee when hers stopped working (after being dropped too many times) then she did the same to his so, I bought her a used razor. Kaylee and I both got LG Neons, a phone for texters. Well, don't like the phone so much. In fact after 3 1/2 days in rice the old girl works and my sim card is back in. I did finally figure out the important to me features on the new phone, but as a phone its weird. Don't Know if I'll just pack the new one away and save it for later or what I'm gonna do.

I don't have much patience to figure new things out- probably because i just don't have the time. Laptop is windows 7 and the old was XP- I would just rather use what I already know. I do like the webcam-Kaylee and I had a riot when we checked it out for the first time.

A lot has happened and I need to get caught up and post the goings on-hopefully soon.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T08:38:00.003-04:00

Kaylee explored new techniques to decorate eggs. She painted the black egg and did a little etching and embelishment. The other egg she dyed in coffee and painted. My little artist is at work now making more.

My kids may not be little, but the Easter Bunny still pays a visit. Wish I had time to make my own candy...maybe next year.

Everyone have a Happy Easter!

Rest in Peace Computer

2010-03-07T17:39:00.003-05:00

2010 has not been a good year for my computer. First a virus reeked havoc and then well who knows. Shannon's fiance' is trying to resuscitate the ol' girl. Didn't plan on upgrading to a new system until the back to school sales, but may not have a choice. The situation isn't as dire as say the loss of a washer or dryer, but i do miss having access to my own computer! So i'm out of touch, not in the loop. Never had much time to blog, but if i really wanted to at least i could! So i haven't dropped off the face of the earth i'm just in a dark cave trying to find the entrance!

Happy 2010 !

2009-12-31T16:37:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone has a ball!!!

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year

Christmas Leftovers

2009-12-30T19:18:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-12-22T21:02:00.003-05:00

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

Fresh Brewed

2009-12-05T10:12:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-12-01T07:44:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-23T22:23:00.009-05:00

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

2009-10-28T07:14:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-23T21:56:00.002-04:00

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

Emily

2009-10-21T21:41:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-20T11:06:00.005-04:00

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 ?

2009-10-11T18:19:00.002-04:00

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 !

2009-10-03T17:00:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-22T21:10:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-20T14:28:00.013-04:00

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

2009-09-18T20:04:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-14T06:52:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-12T07:33:00.008-04:00

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

2009-09-08T07:04:00.008-04:00

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

2009-09-06T17:52:00.010-04:00

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

2009-09-04T20:48:00.008-04:00

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

2009-08-30T04:35:00.007-04:00

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

2009-08-28T11:25:00.004-04:00

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!

Whimsy

2009-08-26T08:22:00.002-04:00

This is one of my favorite paintings of my daughter Kaylee

Twisted

2009-08-22T12:12:00.008-04:00

This thing was in the parking lot of the eyesore across the street from my house. My shack can be seen through the center twist.

Thought i'd try shooting from different angles and see how it looked.

I used to be able to see the mountain from my house, but now the eyesore blocks my view, now that's TWISTED!

Eyesore in the background.

And here is the whole thing.
The vast parking lot was once a pasture that i miss!
Can you tell i'm not impressed with the new neighbors.

From The Forest

2009-08-20T06:08:00.007-04:00

After the Rain

Blooming Sunrise

Lying in wait...when is dinner?

Waiting on a Friend

Out of the Shell-Turtlehead Blooms

Yum !

2009-08-19T07:06:00.004-04:00

Evan ate the berries as fast as he picked them!

Conner was not as eager at first since he tasted a not so ripe berry, made a face that was priceless, and unfortunately i didn't get a pic of. Once Nana gave him a plump ripe berry there was no stopping him and it was hard to get him to leave!

Natural Beauty

2009-08-17T21:04:00.002-04:00

You can find beauty where you least expect it

Black Beauties

2009-08-14T06:42:00.003-04:00

At last the blackberries are ripening and are awaiting a gentle hand to pluck them away to be transformed into something delectable. The bears have been a major problem in populated areas in my neck of the woods, but i've never seen one while foraging in the forest. Our neighborhood bear has been in my yard, but never tried to fight the blueberry netting. Hopefully i won't be fighting a bruin for my share of the forest's bounty!

Blue at Last!

2009-08-11T20:44:00.003-04:00

Finally blueberries are ready for picking and luckily I have my grandmother's recipe for cottage pudding.

The start of great things yet to come - mmm... the possibilities!

The net not only keeps out the birds, Evan can't keep seem to get his hands on them either!

Heaven and Earth

2009-08-09T14:49:00.006-04:00

The moon and star - pilfered from the quarry

What would you do with a big pile of rocks ?

Raindrop Footprints

No two are alike- just like people

Time for Reflection

2009-08-07T22:51:00.001-04:00

Ouch !

2009-08-05T20:51:00.004-04:00

If i was a tree, this would be me on a bad hair day! Its amazing what a bolt of light can do- Lightening 1: Tree 0.

Wild

2009-08-03T22:16:00.012-04:00

Bee Balm

Mystery Flower ?

Cone flower

Spotted Touch-Me-Not

Wild Bergamont

Steeple bush

Queen Anne's Lace

Purple Flowering Raspberry

Turtlehead

Monkey Flower Not

On a quest to find blackberries I found an abundance of wildflowers. The berries aren't ready to be enjoyed so instead I partook to feasting with the eyes.

Time for Me to Fly

2009-07-26T07:44:00.006-04:00

Like many teenagers that aren't successful the first time they take their drivers test this little fella had some troubles. My husband found him in the yard and because the nest was inaccessible it was time to come up with a plan or Dee-Dee would have made a snack of him !An Easter basket filled with straw was placed out of Dee-Dee's reach in the tree where his nest was. The rescue has been successful so far as mama robin has been tending to her fledgling with worms and berries.

Trying to get the nerve to take to the skies my son and I watched and waited, but alas it would not be. Young Bobbin Robin is still there this morning getting breakfast from mom. I've had my eye out for the cat and I see she had a successful hunt last night as an unlucky mouse lies on my porch.

I've watched mama robin chase away birds that have come to close to the nest and its interesting to hear the difference in the chirps Bobbin Robin makes when mama approaches with a tasty morsel. The little fella is preening now so maybe soon he'll try his wings again.

Sweet

2009-07-23T07:21:00.002-04:00

The sweet tastes of summer are just begining !

Interesting Insects

2009-07-11T07:47:00.004-04:00

The nectar was so scrumptious that the bee paid no attention to me.

Taking time for a little reflection and prayer does a body good.

A Sight to See

2009-07-08T07:14:00.007-04:00

Garret and his girlfriend Stacie enjoyed spending time together in such a tranquil piece of the world.

A Favorite Place

2009-07-05T16:44:00.008-04:00

Rimrock in the Allegheny National Forest is one of my favorite places close to home. Today was a perfect day for a visit since the temperature was 70 degrees and if you are doing any climbing you can work up a sweat.

You can catch a glimpse of the Allegheny Reservoir standing atop of one of the enormous rocks that has a railing to keep you secure. I spent a lot of time on the reservoir boating and camping in the forest with my family as a child - aah those were the days!

I enjoy climbing the rocks and ascending to the top of the behemoths that are scattered about the forest. Some of the giants can only be admired from the ground for they reveal no obvious way up unless your spiderman.

Having a camera in tow made climbing a little treacherous and I had to set it down on more than one occasion in order to get a secure hold to pull myself up. More photos to follow next post.

My America: Hometown Icons

2009-07-04T22:45:00.006-04:00

As a child my school bus passed by this oil derrick on the way to my elementary school and it was easily seen from the playground. I never realized what a rarity it was until it was destroyed in a tornado and it needed to be rebuilt.

The refinery in my hometown has the distinction of being the oldest with 126 years of continuous operation. We also usually have the highest gas prices in the state! On the day of this post we were paying $2.69 a gallon. Our local roads are full of pickup trucks and SUVs, but with the high cost of food nobody could afford to fill up as evidenced by the lack of vehicles on 219.

If you have ever owned a Zippo, it was made in my hometown. Before my sister Kathy moved to Florida she worked there for 10 years or so. The above photo is of the museum which is just down the road from the factory and can be seen from 219. The economic downturn has resulted in hundreds of layoffs and its sister company Case cutlery announcing in today's paper another 45 laid off.

Jaws Isn't So Scary

2009-06-30T06:48:00.003-04:00

This was an art project Kaylee made at school. At home she usually paints, but sometimes doesn't finish what she starts, because she gets bored! She promises to draw me a heron, so I hope she doesn't get bored with that, and if it ever comes to fruition I'll post the result.

Taking a Nap After a Long Night

2009-06-26T00:12:00.005-04:00

This Luna moth was kicking back on my porch when i came home from work. He apparently partied too hard last night at the bonfire. Shannon came home late from work and discovered him on the front door and she introduced him to Kaylee and her friends. They were intrigued having never seen this beautiful creature before.

Graduation Roadtrip

2009-06-20T18:10:00.004-04:00

I traveled recently to North Carolina for my nephew Aaron's graduation. In route from the hotel to my sister's house we came upon a street festival in Benson. This little fella was crafted by one of the vendors and captures the feeling I sometimes have when driving on a heavily congested interstate zipping along at 75mph. The nearly 600 mile drive was much better than expected and construction delays at a minimum.

Prettiest Tree in the Park

2009-06-08T21:29:00.003-04:00

The tulip poplar blossoms are so beautiful they brought a smile to my face. They were a welcome sight on an overcast day.

Monster in the Lake

2009-06-06T20:18:00.002-04:00

If you're on the trail after the sunsets and the moon casts its glow upon the lake beware of the monster for its appetite is insatiable!

Unofficial Start to Summer

2009-06-05T22:44:00.003-04:00

We enjoyed a cookout and fire with friends over Memorial weekend and I look forward to many more. Today was the first day of summer vacation and I my grueling work schedule is finally over!!! Well sort of... I'll be leaving next week for my nephew Aaron's graduation and have to cram my work hours into a few days, complete my paperwork early (since its due when i'll be gone), and complete a training the day before i leave.

I am so looking forward to seeing my sister and the rest of the family. After all these years its still hard not having them around. I miss the cookouts, watching the kids having fun together in the pool, and just actually seeing them. My sisters' kids are now grown up and my youngest is 16... time has just slipped away.

I have a feeling when i have an empty nest it won't be easy. Garret will be graduating tech school in December and he wants to seek employment anywhere, but home. Kaylee has no intentions of living here either after she graduates college (and those 6 years will be here before i know it!). Shannon and the grandkids are here for now, but who knows. So enjoy the time you have when those you love are near.

Tiny Treasures

2009-05-31T09:09:00.004-04:00

A place to put a special ring, a place to put little things, joy and happiness the talisman will bring, treasures bought on a jaunt in spring

Routes to Art

2009-05-25T19:00:00.006-04:00

Recently I was out and about for the Routes to Art a regional open studio tour and these are some of the wonderful things that i saw. My daughter, Shannon, likes frogs so, this pottery caught my eye.

This colorful display had a diverse aray of subject matter by the same artist, Joan Pingitore.

All of this amazing art, created by Marsha VanVlack, finds its home on ceramic tiles.

I went solo on my little jaunt and bought a few treasures, which I shared and will share on my blog next time around.

Anticipation

2009-05-20T20:52:00.004-04:00

Although I must wait to enjoy the feast the bees hungrily suckle the nectar from the blossoms of my blueberry bushes.

Beauty at My Feet

2009-05-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

Emerging from the leaf litter welcoming the spring

Sprung

2009-04-18T04:26:00.004-04:00

You know spring has sprung in NW PA when its time to dig leeks! Digging the pungent wild "onion" is right of passage for many and foraging in the forest for them after a long winter is a simple pleasure. The blue wild flower knows a good thing as it cozies up to my aromatic friend. Apparently leeks are also known as ramps in other parts of the country and for those who envision the grocery store version when a leek comes to mind haven't got a clue! Leeks are infamous for their odor. Garlic breath has nothing on leek breath! Well loved, but forgone during the work week as not to offend. There are 2 kinds of people - those who love and those who hate leeks - never met anyone in between. Everyone clamours to make dip and at the Stinkfest in May variety abounds in the leek dip contest. My ham leek potato soup hit the spot as I began running a fever the day after my quest and am still recovering (with the help of antibiotics). Leek chili will be on the menu this weekend and maybe a meatloaf to freeze to enjoy when the all to brief season of leeks is over. Grab a shovel, a bucket, and go get dirty!

Leaving the Nest

2009-04-10T06:37:00.007-04:00

We took Garret to Wyotech on March 31 and he was so excited. He never expected to go away to school since he hated it sooo much. School had always created great strife between Garret and I since he was so apathetic towards it. He is smart and can learn anything when he is interested, but most of high school was pure drudgery for him. It tore me up how he just didn't care -when I knew he had so much potential.

If it hadn't been for the alternate schooling program our school district offers he probably would never have graduated. The whole social dynamic, popularity, cliches, - Garret found repulsive. With Wyotech being an automotive repair school the female presence is sparse, so I hope the culture is nothing like high school.

All I can say is i'm proud that my son is finally using his potential. I know he will do well and hope he makes friends.

Frosty Spring

2009-03-21T09:00:00.007-04:00

It may be spring, but that didn't stop Jack Frost from paying a visit. The ice crystals on my jeep were beautiful and with the help a piece of black paper i attempted to capture their delicate features. Not being a photographer or having a good quality camera i didn't quite achieve what i intended, but for those photographers out there you should give it a try! Happy Spring!