Climbing the Digital Mountain One Step at a Time

Work Verification and My Problems with It

2012-02-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

In the last month or so, I have found that the “word verification” words and letters have taken on a new format and are next to impossible for me to decipher. There have been many times when I have tried at least 5 times before finally giving up and moving on to the next blog. That is a shame because in these instances I really did want my comment to go through. I could handle - sometimes with difficulty - the old format with the one grouping of letters, but this new one is way out of the ballpark. It looks like the one I copied and pasted below. After 6 tries I finally got something I could read and duplicate correctly. As far as spam goes, I have received a couple of questionable comments - nothing rude or crude - in my “comment moderation” list, but I have simply dropped them directly into the “spam” folder. I have had no problems since starting this many months ago. By no means am I trying to get you to change what you are doing. I just wanted to share my experience with you.

This is what the new “not a robot” looks like. Similar ones used to appear every once in a while, but now it is almost always.

Happy Hump Day......genie

Edit Genie said...: This is one gorgeous sky. Your capture is stunning in its beauty. Lovely photography. genie
February 22, 2012 11:52 AM

Please prove you're not a robot

_______________________________________________

I first read about not using the word verification while visiting:

http://beatricebanks.blogspot.com/2011/03/cute-as-button.html.

Here is her button which I have on my blog. You will find it and the HTML code under the button on Beatrice’s blog :

The following is quoted from Beatrice’s blog:

"For those of us who like to comment a lot, word verification is a pain. Some bloggers will not even comment if they must go through the deciphering process. And believe me, it is a process. One mistake and it's back to the box with letters harder to decipher."

Help spread the word by identifying your blog as a "word verification free blog." It's a courtesy to those who take time to comment on your posts. “

~Beatrice

It’s Snowtime on Route 60 West ~ Our Road

2012-02-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

This is another shot of the road which runs in front of our house. I posted it last week, but just a few days later it looked quite different after the snow. The new pictures were so pretty I just had to post one of them. The snow started late Saturday afternoon and lasted until the afternoon on Sunday. We had no school on Monday, and then today it was all gone...the perfect snow...beautiful, wet and heavy so it stayed on the trees, and short lived.

I processed this with RadLab. It looks as if it is nearing dusk as the sun is setting. For me, experimentation with different processing programs is such fun.

“There are only two mistakes one can make
along the road to truth;
not going all the way,
and not starting."

~Buddha

This post is linked with "Our World Tuesday.”

Snow Bonnet

2012-02-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up,

snow is exhilarating;

there is really no such thing as bad weather,

only different kinds of good weather.

~John Ruskin

This post is linked with "Macro Monday"

and "I Heart Monday.”

Our First Snow of the Winter of 2012

2012-02-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness I have a little Acer Notebook computer as a back-up. The problem is my fingers do not do well on those little keys, but at least I am able to get up my barn photo from this weekend’s snow. This is the barn across the road from us which I have used in the past but not with snow. The picture was taken during my morning walk. It was gorgeous on our road. Hope I get the iMac and Macbook Pro back up and running properly soon, and I am able to get all of my photos found and reorganized. Please forgive my delay in commenting...at least, I am looking at your posts while I am waiting.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret it patience.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This post is linked with Tricia’s Barn Charm.

2012-02-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

BAD NEWS!

If someone needs an expert to mess up their Apple computer, then I am the on to call. My iPhoto library on the MacBook Pro went bonkers this afternoon while I was trying to drag one event into another, and all 9,000 photos are now OUT of their events and helter skelter in iPhoto. Well, the saga does not end here... there is more bag news. I then went to the big iMac and the same thing happened there, but this time it was 22,000 photos helper skelter in one event instead of 100 or so events. Again, many photos are missing. Have been on line with Apple Care for hours, and we are going to continue trying to start back tomorrow after I get home from school to reconstruct my iPhoto on both computers. Wish me luck because I am going to need it! The part that really upsets me is this was our first foot of gorgeous snow and I was out as the sun was coming up photographing this morning and then again this afternoon, and all of the shots are gone. Being my silly self I froze myself half to death making a snow angel “selfie”. It is nowhere to be found, either. So, now I am off to bed totally frustrated and furious with myself as it had to be me and not the computers. As soon as I am up and running I will go back to commenting on your photos.

A Piece of Me ~ {in the picture} ~ 52 in 52 ~ #8

2012-02-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

Taking selfies is really difficult. Here I am in my “cellblock” without any discipline referrals. My principal allows me to read, knit, or do hand work...even mess on my computer when I am not inundated with students. The decorations on the OLD blackboard - the only one in the building - are drawn by my little 6 year old granddaughter, Eloise. I am working on the hand stitched and stuffed Valentines I gave to people for Valentine’s Day this year. I haves the Rebel set on timer, and it is sitting in front of my at another desk.

This post is linked with FLickr’s {in the picture}.

Standing Guard

2012-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

We finally got our long awaited snow....at least 6 inches. Oh, Happy Day!”
There is NO SCHOOL. Oh, Happy Genie!"

“Birds are a miracle because they prove to us there is a finer, simpler state of being which we may strike to attain.”

~Doug Couplan

Thanks to a suggestion by Kim Klassen, I downloaded the free, 30 day trial of RadLab and am having the best time playing with it textures.

Just a Country Road ~ Our Road

2012-02-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

Route 60 West ~ Our Road ~ Rockbridge County, VA

SOOC

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth;
not going all the way, and not starting."
~Buddha

This post is linked with Shadow Shot Sunday 2
and Flickr’s SOOC.

Always Choose the Road Less Traveled

2012-02-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

“I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. “

~Robert Frost ~ 1874-1963

This post is linked with "Weekend Reflections.”

The Bridge at Chestertown, MD

2012-02-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Chestertown, Maryland, is one of the nicest little towns we have ever visited. So much history is there in addition to the Chester River. It you look closely, you will see the controller’s house where he raises and lowers the middle span so the larger boats can go through. I have never been there when it was open, but maybe one of these day we will get to see it happen.

This post is linked with Weekend in Black and White and Sunday Bridges.

A Piece of Me ~ {in the picture} ~ 52 in 52 ~ #7

2012-02-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

I am one of those older women who has to constantly watch her weight. It is either walk before I leave for school in the mornings or drag myself out on the highway and walk after I get home in the evenings. This was taken with me fully dressed for work this morning about 6:45 at my 1/2 mile point The minute I got back to the car (my 14 minute mile complete) I took off the sneakers and put on my school teacher shoes. Then I pulled off to drive the 30 minutes to my school. Today it was beautiful so I was able to walk another mile when I got home this afternoon. I am not doing very well with my iPhone photos, but at least I am keeping my bargain of 52 photos in 52 weeks in 2012.

This post is linked with A Piece of Me ~ {in the picture}~ on Flickr

Tru Ade vs Fanta Orange

2012-02-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

We purchased "Fanta Man" at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD.

We found the True Ade thermometer

in one of our old outbuildings. FYI...The hair is made from steel wool!

“An esential aspect of creativity

is not being afraid to fall."

~Edwin Land

(I need to continually remind myself of this!)

This post is linked with Lesley’s Sign, Signs.

Carvin’s Cove ~ Roanoke, VA

2012-02-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

Carvin’s Cove ~ Near Roanoke, Virginia

Somehow I cannot get rid of the black line on the right side of photo. Hope to figure it out before too long. I have given up for now.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. “

~John Muir

This post is linked with "Watery Wednesday.”

Two Silos and a Tree

2012-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

The barns on this farm are being used, but it appears that these silos are not. What I found interesting was they are brick and are the first I have seen since becoming a part of Tricia’s Barn Charm.

This post is linked with Tricia’s "Barn Charm.”

Happy Valentine’s Day 2012

2012-02-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

From my world to your world...

Happy Valentine’s Day to All of You

When I am not taking and processing pictures, I have a needle and thread in my hands making little things and some larger ones. I adore creating gifts for the different holidays, and I love quilting. For years I was an ODC cross stitcher and knitter, but Mr. Arthritis in my thumbs put an end to that. These are stuffed hearts I made for a Valentine’s Day swap sponsored by my friend, Debby, over at The Cozy Blanket.

Here are three of the valentines

I received in the swap.

This post is linked with
"Our World Tuesday."

Hangin’ On

2012-02-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

You never know what you’re going to see when hiking in the woods. This was definitely a first for us...a piece of a tire attached to a tree up high in the woods on our property. Like I mentioned in an earlier post...”No Trespassing” signs do not do much good.

This post is linked with Macro Monday,

and I Heart Macro.

Always Be a Dreamer

2012-02-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

"Dreams are the seedlings of reality."

~Napoleon Hill

"Memory...is the diary that we all carry

around with us."

~Oscar Wilde

This post is linked with "The Creative Exchange.”

Three Legged Tree

2012-02-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with SOOC Sunday.

Footbridges over Tinker Creek

2012-02-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with Shadow Shot Sunday 2 and Sunday Bridges.

Reflections in Color

2012-02-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

This shot was taken during our Christmas visit to MD. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this colorful reflection in the water. Sorry I did not get more of it in the picture, but I got as close as I could and shot with my telephoto lens. I think it would have taken standing on a firetruck ladder to capture the entire image.

This shot is linked with Weekend Reflections.

Weekend in Black and White ~ 2-11-12

2012-02-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

All Alone

This post is linked with Weekend in Black and White.

More Fences from Rockbridge Baths, VA

2012-02-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

Last week I posted 3 photos with fencing from one lovely home.

Here are a few others I took that same day.

Dog Fences

Mini Fences

Cottage Fences

Winding Fences

Horse Fences

This post is linked with Friday’s Fences.

Sunset over Lake at Douthat State Park

2012-02-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of those unusual shots that is SOOC. The lake is being partially drained for maintenance, but off in the distance it is much deeper.

This post is linked with SkyWatch Friday.

Signs from Douthat State Park

2012-02-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

How many hikers does it take to read the sign? My answer to that one is “more than these three.” They did not read it correctly and we ended up going the wrong way and having to turn around and go back.

Don’t guess the park rangers wanted us to read this one.

Do you know what this is? I didn’t.

Here is your answer.

My birthday present box that Eloise decorated for me. The grandchildren call me Baga...but Eloise changed it to Lady Baga!

This post is linked with Lesley’s Signs, Signs.

A Piece of Me ~ {in the picture} ~ 52 in 52 ~ #6

2012-02-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Selfie #5
February 7, 2012 ~ 73rd Birthday

I think my feet look lots better in shoes than without.

This post is linked with Flickr’s {in the picture}

Stop ~ Look ~ Listen ~ Give Thanks

2012-02-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

Sunrise on Kerr’s Creek

Each morning take a moment and stop to look, listen, and give thanks for the beautiful world in which we live.

This post is linked with Texture Thursday.

The Waterless Dam

2012-02-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Dam at Douthat State Park

Much of the lake has been drained for maintenance so there is no water running over the dam. There is still water at the lower lever, and there you can see reflection in the water. The area behind the dam is a beautiful field of grass with a walkway above the lake. We were so disappointed that the lake was not its beautiful self, but we understand that maintenance during the slack months has to go on as usual.

This post is linked with Watery Wednesday.

Forest Surprise

2012-02-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

British Soldier Lichen

This post is linked with Lisa Gordon’s "The Creative Exchange."

{I used 2 layers of Kim Klassen’s “framed.”}

Way Down Muddy Lane

2012-02-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Rockbridge County, VA, is an area of rock, hills, mountains, rivers, and lots of farms. I found this one last week and wish I could tell you which way the cows were going...to the old barn atop the hill, and just rambling down the hill. Maybe they were just grazing in more or less of a line. Who knows? I do think they add personality and charm to the pictures. I do know one thing....barns, cows, and old farm houses are definitely my world way out here in the county.

This post is linked with Tricia’s Barn Charm and Our World Tuesday.

Dancing on the Waters

2012-02-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

Look closely and you will see two what looks to me

like two people dancing.

The fellow is very tall and the girl is short with pigtails.

This post is linked with Weekend Reflections.

I’ve Got a Hammer

2012-02-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

I am posting early because Bud and I + Gene, Patti, and my 6 year old Eloise are off to celebrate the old 73rd birthday (actually Feb. 7) at Douthat State Park. This is an annual pilgrimage we make for my birthday. Will get caught up on Sunday night when I get back home.

Just another of my relatively small and mundane

objects that does a very big job for me.

(This reminds me of Peter, Paul, and Mary singing “I’ve Got a Hammer.”)

This post is linked with The Weekend in Black and White, Shadow Shot Sunday 2, and {simple things} Sunday, and Macro Monday.

Friday Fences from Rockbridge Baths

2012-02-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Three Views of the Fencing on

a Farm in Rockbridge Baths, Virginia

This post is linked with Friday’s Fences.

A “Difference” Experiment with PSE10

2012-02-01T18:38:00.000-08:00

Since I really do not know what all the blending modes do in PSE, I decided to try to learn a bit. After reading the instructions given on the “Pixel Dust Photo Art” site, I transformed the original shot into the series below using textures from Pixel Dust Photographic Art, Kim Klassen, and RH West Photography. I used the “difference” blending mode on all of them, modified each one with a solid color layer adjusting the opacity.In the end I did a bit of levels and hue/saturation tweaking. It was a fascinating experience which has given me a much better understanding of what can be done when using the “difference" blending mode in PSE10. The way the coloration changed almost blew me out of the ballpark. I could not believe my eyes! They are definitely different, but there is something about them I find very appealing.

This post is linked with Texture Thursday.

Signs from the Dumpsters

2012-02-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

A while back I posted pictures from our dumpster site which showed bags, furniture, recyclables, tires, and garbage all over the place. This day it was spiffy clean...the best time to get there with your delivery.

Nothing on the ground...

No furniture, mattresses, or brush stacked up...

Cardboard tucked in nicely in its container

OOPS....I missed these....someone left 3 unused toilets and an empty Aristocrat - probably vodka - box for the taking...

And here is the final shot....I could not resist having Bud sit on one of the johns so I could take his photo. NO! Buddy did not go with the toilets, but when we came back by an hour or so later all three were gone...and Buddy was with me!

This post is linked with Lesley’s Sign,Signs.

The Fishing Hole ~ Rockbridge County Style

2012-01-31T19:17:00.000-08:00

I pass this pond in the afternoons on my way home from work if I drive the interstate. Not until I was wandering the back roads near my school looking for barns to photograph did I actually come upon it. There is a little dock on the upper right with a seat on it for the fishermen. It does not look anywhere as large here as it does from the highway. It is a good sized stocked pond and as pretty as it can be.

This post is linked with Watery Wednesday.

{The Simple Things} ~ Patricia

2012-01-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with “{the simple things}”

A Piece of Me ~ {1n the picture} ~ 52 in 52 #4

2012-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Seflie #4 ~ Month 1

At the Computer in My In-School Suspension “Cellblock” Room
Rockbridge Middle School
Fairfield, Virginia

This post is linked with Flick’s {in the picture}
sponsored by Urban Muser.

Final Installment of Swannanoa Estate

2012-01-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Swannanoa which I found on Wiki. I only had my telephoto lens with me so was unable to get a complete shot. Maybe this will better show you the size of the home and its architectural style.

These three pictures are of the signed Tiffany chandler hanging in the Gentlemen’s Smoking Room

This delicate mural is over the fireplace in the Smoking Room

These are the double stairs up to second floor.

Tiffany-like large stained glass window at the head of the stairs. As you walk in the front door, it almost knocks you off your feet. It is absolutely gorgeous with the light coming through it. The woman is a representation of Mrs. Dooley, the beloved wife of the builder and original

owner of the estate.

The following are pictures I took of some of some of the

detail work in the home.

This is an article which was on a table in the home.

This post is linked with Our World Tuesday.

To Whom or What Do I Belong?

2012-01-29T16:49:00.000-08:00

Do you all have any guesses as to who or what might have left these prints? Bud and I are just not sure. We saw hem up on the Blue Ridge Parkway so they are NOT ours.

This post is linked with Macro Monday.

Deserted and All Alone

2012-01-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with Tricia’s "Barn Charm."

A Camera View of the World

2012-01-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

I found this old camera at our local antique/flea mall and could not resist getting it. The bottle was a dollar and the fake flower another dollar from the Dollar Store. Made a white box out of an old wooden milk carrier, and found a spot in the house upstairs that get wonderful “natural" light. In Kim Klassen’s "Beyond Layers" class we are working on simplicity and lighting combined with the use of textures.

This post is linked with Flickr’s "Beyond Layers" sponsored by Kim Klassen and Lisa Gordon’s “The Creative Exchange."

What Do You See?

2012-01-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with Kim Klassen’s Class “Beyond Layers”
and "Friday’s Fences” with Jan and Jer. I am testing your eyesight - there really is a fence...
just look closely.

You Are Beautiful

2012-01-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

"The world is glittering with gold, and yellow streamers of sunlight wind through the tree boughs like God was throwing a party.”

~Christine Anderson

This post is linked with Texture Thursday and Mellow Yellow Monday.

Tree in Black and White

2012-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

Trees

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is preset

Against the sweet earth’s flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately ives with the rain.

Poems are made by tools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

~ Alfred Joyce Kilmer

Sgt. Joyce Kilmer, as a member of the Fighting 69th Infantry Regiment, c.1918

Born - December 6, 1886

New Brunswick, New Jersey USA

Died - July 30, 1918

near Seringes-et-Nestles, France

Occupation - poet, journalist, editor, lecturer, soldier

Nationality - American

Period - 1909-1918

Genres - poetry, literary criticism, Catholicism

Notable Works - Main Street and Other Poems (1913)

Trees and other poems

Notable Awards - French Croix de guerre

Purple Heart Medal

This post is linked with Weekend in Black and White.

Skywatch Friday in the Mountains

2012-01-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Sun Setting on Whiterock Tower Trail Hike

This post is linked with Skywatch Friday.

Busted Knuckle Garage

2012-01-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with Signs, Signs.

Ice on the Creek

2012-01-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ice on Mill Creek

Rockbridge County, Virginia

This post is linked with Watery Wednesday.

{In the Picture} ~ 52 IN 52 ~ Week 4

2012-01-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Who is that mad woman behind the mask?

Why, it’s Genie on another “Forced March” through the icy woods. I am really NOT a grump. I laugh and have fun all the time. It is just HARD taking a picture of yourself with an iPhone in freezing weather.

This post is linked with the Flickr group {in the picture}.

A Wee Bottle

2012-01-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with

Beyond Layers on Flickr and 52 Weeks of Happiness.

North Mountain and the Rime Ice

2012-01-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

Rime Ice atop House Mountain

Rockbridge County, VA

January 22, 2012

This post is linked with Our World Tuesday.

A Bit of Days Gone By

2012-01-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with Simple Things Sunday.

Think Pink

2012-01-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

Click on mosaic to enlarge.

This post is linked with:
Your Sunday Best,
Mosaic Monday,
Kim Klassen’s Beyond Layers,
The Creative Exchange.

Lots of Footbridges from Maryland

2012-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Footbridges of the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Preserve

Rock Hall, Maryland

This post is linked with

Louis LaVache’s Sunday Bridges

More from Swannanoa Mansion

2012-01-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

Arbor...walk at your own risk.

A View and a Reflection

Elevator

Living Room

Original Tile Roof

Entry and Double Staircase

One of the Fireplaces

Side View of House

Fireplace in Smoking (Gentlemen’s) Room
The signed Tiffany chandelier is in this room.

Room upstairs where the store the tiles when they come loose or fall off.

Caretaker’s House

Sink in Caretakers House

This post is linked with:
Shadow Shot Sunday 2
Weekend Reflections
Scenic Sunday

Forcing Winter Flowers

2012-01-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with Flickr’s “Macro Monochrome”, and "Shadow Shot Sunday 2”.

The Rexrodes Homeplace in Black and White

2012-01-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

Looking up at the homeplace from the barn...

Back side of barn...you can see the house from here...

Old basketball hoop on the side of Mr. Rexrode’s barn is a reminder of the children growing up in the country...

Frontside of barn which is really messy...this is where the children “tried" to play basketball...

This post is linked with

The Weekend in Black and White

and a black and white entry for Barn Charm.

Barns and Fences

2012-01-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

Riverjack Farm ~ Route 39 ~ Millboro, Virginia

Old Dairy ~ Rt 220 ~ Hot Springs, VA

This post is linked with Friday Fences

and Barn Charm.

Memories

2012-01-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Beyond Layers Class ~ Week 1

I am taking Kim Klassen’s eclass called "Beyond Layers.” Our assignment this week was to take photos and think “LIGHT”...the location of the light in reference to the subject being photographed and “LIGHT” when it comes to texture and processing work. This one was a bit difficult being that I love the darker oil paintings and photographs, so this old dog is having to try to learn some new tricks. “Memories” was darker than it appears here, but until I can master the mouse over, you will just have to take my word. The texture I used was Kim’s “awaken.”

This post is linked with Beyond Layers.

Skywatch from Swannanoa Mansion on Afton Mountain, Virginia

2012-01-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

I promised some more pictures from Swannanoa Mansion on Afton Mountain so here are a few of them. I am posting some tonight,

and I will post some more tomorrow for Weekend Reflections

and then on Sunday for Shadow Shot Sunday 2.

Steps at Rear of Estate Leading up to the Arbor

Looking from one Tower to the Other

View of the Shenandoah Valley from the Tower

The Bell Tower Located up on a Hill behind Mansion

Another View of Bell Tower

View of the Blue Ridge Mountains

View of Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains

This post is linked with Skywatch Friday.

Here Lies Jefferson

2012-01-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Late one afternoon over Christmas, I decided to go out for a walk along the main street of tiny, little Still Pond, Maryland, I discovered this R.I.P. tombstone in the front yard of a lovely old home. I cannot imagine where you would have room to put a horse down to rest because the driveway is right there to the left and the sidewalk and street are directly to the right. Needless-to-say, I did not knock on the door and ask questions. I just stopped and took these two pictures.

This post is linked with Lesley’s

" Signs,Signs”.

Virginia Driftwood

2012-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

Waters at Roaring Run Furnace

This post is linked with Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday.

Eloise + Little = LOVE

2012-01-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

Eloise and Little Playing with Grandma Baga’s iPad

This post is linked with

and

http://likechristmaseveryday.com/

A Piece of Me ~ {1n the picture} ~ 52 in 52 #3

2012-01-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2012

I have always found the signs of aging in others to be a beautiful thing, but when I look at my feet...well, you know the answer: wrinkles, bunions, enlarged joints, scaly bottoms, yucky toe nails, veins bulging, and oh, so many wrinkles. This foot surely has done a lot of work these last 72 years... this foot was definitely made for walking.

Country Life

2012-01-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

What in the world is Genie shooting now?
Fence Posts piled up ready to go.

This post is linked with Our World Tuesday.

In the Picture ~ {a piece of me} ~ 52 in 52 ~ #2

2012-01-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2012

This post is a part of:

Round and Round It Goes

2012-01-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with I Heart Macro, and Macro Monday,

Indian Rocks on Blue Ridge Parkway

2012-01-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

Indian Gap

Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia

January 2, 1012

When you walk up the path , you have no idea of what is in store for yourself. There is a huge what seems like circular area of the biggest rocks I have ever seen. They would make a professional basketball player look like a short little child. Even if it did feel like 10 degrees below zero up there in the wind, it was worth the agony, and I cannot wait to return with our picnic basket, camera, and a quilt. To me the rock all have Indian-like faces to them. Maybe that is how they became called Indian Rocks. Go to this site to see some photos of the area. The article says the origin of the name in unknown.

http://www.cnyhiking.com/BRP-IndianGapTrail.htm

This post is linked with:

Mosaic Monday and Scenic Sunday

A Maryland Barn

2012-01-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

Another fly by barn shot on our Christmas trip to Maryland...but this time it was a white one...goodie,goodie! It did not appear to be in use, but it is far from falling down. Since my DIL was driving our car, I got to shoot to my heart’s content. Gene, my son, was driving Bud in the other car Bud did not have to listen to my constantly yelling our “barn alert...slow down!” Little Eloise was riding with us and play endlessly with my iPad.

This post is linked with Tricia’s Barn Charm.

Mutt and Jeff

2012-01-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

I would love it if you would give me your title for this shot.

Mine is Mutt and Jeff, but I know there are far more clever ones out there amongst all of you. When I searched their names on the internet,

I found endless pictures from the old comics.

Mr. Mutt and Mr. Jeff

This post is linked with Shadow Shot Sunday 2, I heart Macro,
and Macro Monday.

Bridge at Wigwam Falls

2012-01-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Last week I told of our freezing hike to Wigwam Falls where I chickened out and returned to the car. Workers with the Blue Ridge Parkway have done much work here to help restore this section of the railroad track.

Here are the steps you have to climb to get up to the old railroad tracks.

Here I am in all of the gear which did NO good!

This is where you start walking across the bridge.

This is the section over the water coming down from the falls.

Here you have a view of the water coming down from the falls up above.

Close-up of bridge section.

This is my final shot taken looking down at the bridge just before

I started back across it and to the warmth of the car.

This post is linked with Louis LaVache’s Sunday Bridges.

Puzzle Pieces of a Bike

2012-01-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

This post is linked with Weekend in Black and White.

Swannanoa Mansion

2012-01-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

Swannanoa Castle ~ The Lost Haunted Home on the Hill

Pond at Swannanoa Mansion Atop Afton Mountain ~ Virginia

This shows the pond with the beautiful old steps around it. They are now in terrible disrepair, and you travel at your own risk.

Stay tuned for more pictures of my two visits to the mansion. These include a bell tower, a gorgeous stained glass window, a signed Tiffany chandelier, carved woodwork....and the list goes on and on.

This post is linked with Weekend Reflections.

Little Shed

2012-01-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

I think this is a little shed out from the main house, but I like to think of it as a playhouse for a little girl or boy.

This post is linked with Friday Fences.

Neighbor Down the Road

2012-01-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

One of Our Neighbors Down the Road

On this day he had his eyes on he girls and would not leave them alone...now, I m assuming it is a boy from his behavior out there in the field. Remember, I am a city girl who has lived on an old farm 33 years out of her total of 72.

This post is linked to “With Me As A Mother~Black and White Wednesday.

Back Road Signs

2012-01-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

Now, you decide....which came first...the mattress or the liquor?

This post is linked with Lesley’s Signs, Signs.
http://www.signs2.blogspot.com/

For the Love of Texture X 4

2012-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Treasures in the Woods

Abandoned Cabin

Leaves Refusing To Leave Their Home

This post is linked with Texture Thursday.

The Charm of Two Old Barns

2012-01-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is a drive-by shot. My DIL was driving, and I was in the passenger seat snapping pictures. When I saw this one coming up, I almost flipped out. None of the structures appear to be in use, but they seem to me to be holding their own. It would be so sad to lose these

wonderful old structures.

This post is linked with Tricia’s Barn Charm.and Lisa’s Creative Exchange.

I used Kim’s “The Red Barn” recipe from her Test Kitchen book. It called for a black to white gradient map, an ivory solid adjustment layer, and then her “scripted” texture for the final one.

The Flag at Fort McHenry ~ Baltimore, MD

2012-01-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

These shots were taken during our visit to the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. The entrance to the museum is directly across the street from Fort McHenry so I was able to shoot these close up shots with the trusty old telephoto. That American flag was huge!

God Bless America
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

~Irving Berlin

Fort McHenry ~ War of 1812

This post is linked with Skywatch Friday.

Stop and Enjoy Nature ~ It’s Simple

2012-01-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Stop what you are doing.

Put on a coat if you need one.
Walk out the door.
Close it behind you.

Pull up a chair.
Look at all that surrounds you.
Take in the wonderful aromas.
Listen to the beautiful sounds.

Enjoy the precious gifts of nature.

Don’t let them pass you by.

I'm joining with Rebecca at Simple Things for {simple things sunday

Shadows on Bridge to Somewhere

2012-01-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Shadows on our “Bridge to Somewhere” taken just before the trees lost all

of their leaves. You can see the front end of Bud’s truck on the left ~ "Big Blue ~ and the bay window of our living room in the background.

SOOC

This post is linked with Shadow Shot Sunday 2.

More Bridges from Baltimore

2012-01-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

Road Bridge

Train Bridge

A Twofer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOW A LOOK IN BLACK AND WHITE

This post is linked with Louis LaVance’s Sunday Bridges.

Gears and Pedals

2012-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Gears and Pedal on Bud’s Yellow Bike
More of small things that do the big jobs.

This post is linked with Macro Monday.

Bud’s Mr. Yellow in Black and White

2012-01-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

Mr. Yellow at Rest by Our Creek after a Long Workout

This post is linked with Weekend in Black and White.

The Reflections of Rock Hall, Maryland

2012-01-06T14:27:00.001-08:00

A Walk Down the Main Street ~ Rock Hall, MD

OOPS....I just realized I posted the same photo twice. Tried to change it out, but Picnik was acting up terribly and doing all sorts of weird and irritating things. After multiple tries, I just decided to leave the “Java Rock” coffee shop in double duty. As I have been telling my students for years and years...”Oh, dear, it’s the first mistake I ever made.” Their reply...”Oh, sure...give me a break, Ms. R!"

This post if linked with Weekend Reflections

and Mosaic Monday.

In the Picture ~ {a piece of me} ~ 52 in 52 ~ #1

2012-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

WEEK 1
of
{in the picture}

This iPhone shot represents an important piece of my daily life...me sitting in my car for the 30 mile drive to and from work each day. So what better a way to start this year’s self-portrait challenge than a picture of Genie plopped in the front seat on New Year’s Day. We were going over to my best friend’s house to eat lamb, brussel sprouts,sweet potato pie, black eyed peas and rice (Hoppin’ John), collards, and watch our poor old Redskins lose once again. When this picture appeared on my computer screen, I was shocked at all of my wrinkles. For some reason they do not show up like this in the mirror over my basin. Ah....getting old is such glorious fun.One happy note...the strand of beads I am wearing were given to me by my principal this Christmas. They had belonged to his grandmother, but now they are a true treasure of mine. I’m still awed by his generosity and kindness. They are absolutely beautiful.

Here are the words of our “{in the picture}" leader:

"For this month's theme I thought I'd start us out gently. How about "a piece of me"? When you think of a self-portrait, it doesn't always mean you have to show your whole face. Some of the most interesting portraits can be of an eye, lips, a hand, or shot from an angle that doesn't show your face or your whole body. Remember, themes are optional (and only monthly) so if you have another idea or you are shooting weekly or daily selfies, feel free to think outside the box and go your own

"way. This project is all about your self-expression.

Flower Garden behind the Old White Fence

2012-01-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

These pictures of of my daughter’s precious little flower garden and the fence that surrounds it. In the winter it is a bit dreary, but let spring arrive and it becomes a magical little spot to go and sit.

Into every life there comes a bit of color....

This is the HUGE field behind her home and the fences are on the property next door.

This post is linked with Friday Fences hosted by Jan and Jer.

Happiness Doesn’t Mean Everything Is Perfect

2012-01-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

Let Us Have Some Fun and a Good Laugh Tonight

Girl’s Port-a-John Signage

Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge ~ Maryland

The Lovely Facility

I visited BEFORE the cleaning lady arrived for the day :-)

This post is linked with Lesley’s Signs, Signs.

My Runner-Biker-Hiker Husband

2012-01-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

Bud in his all weather protective hat he got for Christmas. Searching back through my shots from last week, I chose this one because he just looks so funky and cute in it. Since you cannot see just from looking at the black and white, I will tell you he has big, beautiful blue eyes, and he is the kindest and most laid back guy in the world...never says an unkind word about anyone. He runs 8 miles a day, bikes another 10 or so, and on every free day he hikes. He has hiked both the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail through Vermont to Canada, and now he is readying himself for the International Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Me, I teach school, sew-quilt-knit, and take copious number of pictures . I do love hiking with him, but that is as far as it goes. None of that long term endurance stuff for this gal! Happy Hew Year to all.

This post is linked with Show off Your Shot.

52 Photos Project ~ Week #37

2012-01-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

No more do I think about what our old farmhouse looks like after living on the property for 33 years, but today I actually stopped at the head of the driveway to study my surroundings as if I was seeing then for the first time. When I looked at the picture on the screen tonight, I was really pleasantly surprised. For being 110 years old, it looks pretty good, and my "half evergreen" does not look so badly after all. The power company cut out all the branches on the side where the lines run to the house. So, welcome to our

Home Sweet Home.

This post is linked with Bella Cirovic”s

“52 Photos Project.”

Taking’ a Hike by the Ice

2012-01-03T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more shots of our January 2, 2012, frigid hike up Wigwam Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a “questionable" way to start the new year...hiking in 24 degree weather, way up high, and the wind blowing wildly. The water was flowing, but there was not nearly as much as there could of been if we had had more rain.

This post is linked with Watery Wednesday

and Black and White Wednesday.

First Hike of 2012 ~ Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

2012-01-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

Every year, either on the first or the second day of the new year, we try to go for a hike and look for letterboxes. Yesterday we did not make it, but today we did. It was terribly cold...24 degrees but with a wind chill that made it feel lots colder. The good news is we did fine one new letterbox.

We were on the Blue Ridge Parkway (3,140 feet above sea level) at Wigwam Falls. There you will see a sign,“Yankee Horse,” marking the location where a hard-riding Union man’s horse fell and had to be shot. When you go there, you can see a reconstructed spur of an old logging railroad. I had on long johns, turtle neck wool sweater, wool jacket with hoodie, fleece vest, a down jacket, face mask, hat, gloves, and a woolen scarf, and I still thought I was on Mt. Everest waiting to die.

I wasn’t fooling about all the layers. Buddy was kind enough to take this ridiculous picture of me as proof of the “inclement” weather. It snowed on us all the way home, and there have been wrecks up and down the interstates tonight. Maybe our first day back to school will be delayed in the morning...only in my dreams!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM VIRGINIA

This post is linked with Our World Tuesday.

The Shield’s Barn on Kerrs Creek

2012-01-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

This is the Shield’s Barn which is located about 4 miles from our place. My 46 year old son was great friends with their son. All the guys out here on the creek hung out together through their teenage years and had a great, low key style of life together. It was a wonderful time. This is still a working family barn and in pretty good condition.

This post is linked with Barn Charm, The Creative Exchange,
and Texture Tuesday.

Bridges of Baltimore

2012-01-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

I was not driving...rather, my daughter-in-law was behind the wheel.

This post is linked with Sunday Bridges sponsored by Louis LaVache.

Grandchildren Being Grandchildren ~ Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

For what more could a grandmother ask at Christmas than to be with four grandchildren? Well, the answer to that question would be all six of them. Unfortunately I had to settle for four this year, but every minute of it was Heaven on Earth. I wore one continuous smile. Here they are just being themselves ranging from 6 years of age

all the way to 20.

The "Tickle Torture” ~ The Six Year Old Can Hold Her Own!

Brothers Wrestling on the Sofa

Third Brother Watching the Others Roughhousing

Santa Requires Clean Teeth before Bed

Gotta read “The Night Before Christmas” before turning out the lights.

Taking a Short Rest from all the Fun and Games

Finally, TIme for a Family Game of Apples to Apples

Yes, the simple things of life are
by far the very best.

This post is linked with The Simple Things.

Friends Just Hangin’ out on New Year’s Day 2012

2012-01-01T05:35:00.001-08:00

This post is linked with:

Macro Monochrome, Macro Monday, I Heart Macro.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Hiking through the Shadows

2011-12-30T16:21:00.001-08:00

People who do not go hiking or walking in the woods certainly miss out on so much of the beauty of our planet. In 2012, take some time out and...

“GO TAKE A HIKE!”

This post is linked with:

Shadow Shot Sunday 2