Christmas Day, 2008

Our day started off this morning with a phone call to Leah in Kenya. She was surprised and pleased. It was good to hear her voice. My son's phone has a "speaker" setting on it, so we all gathered 'round and talked with her that way. Very fun.

After the phone call, while I was waiting for everyone to get ready to open presents, I wanted to see what things look like from the cat's perspective. Interesting.

While we were at Jessica's, Caleb willingly let me take this photo while he posed as The Thinker. Whether he actually looks like it or not, I was happy he was agreeable to the photo.

At church last night, Lauren had on her green princess dress and these cute shoes. I'm in the middle of reading, "Wicked", about the wicked witch in The Wizard of Oz, and all I could think of every time I looked at Lauren was Glinda and the magic shoes. I kept waiting for Lauren to click her heels together. Cute.

Melodies of Christmas, 08

Every year Friehoefer's and WRGB cohost Melodies of Christmas at Proctor's in Schenectady. Proceeds are donated to the child cancer section of Albany Med, and according to the statistics given on the show tonight, in the past 29 years, they've raised over 5 million dollars. AWESOME!

The Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorale perform. They are amazing musicians and vocalists.

When Leah was entering 8th grade, I took both her and Caleb out of school to homeschool them. That year Leah decided she wanted to be a volunteer usher at Proctor's. I, too, volunteered. If I had to drive her to Schenectady, I needed something to do while she was ushering, and that was as good as anything.

Among many other productions, we attended the Melodies of Christmas for the next three years. It's a beautiful evening, and quite the tear-jerker when children from the cancer center take to the stage.

While Leah was in college, she would come home every Christmas. Several times we attended the Melodies as part of the audience and several times we watched the presentation on TV, but when she left for Hawaii she was unable to see it. So I would tape it and send her the VHS tape. She loved it.

Now, what to do now that she's in Kenya and doesn't have a VHS player? I've got it! Tape it and then find someone to transfer it to a DVD, or, see if there is a DVD to purchase. Eureka, I can't wait to send it to her--I really think she'll be surprised. Don't you love to surprise people?

So these are some scenes that I photographed from the TV. Not great quality, but I think it gives a good idea of the presentation. FYI it will be broadcast again on Christmas Day on WRGB (CBS) from noon to 1:30.

Dakota

My husband's dog, Dakota. Too complicated to explain why I'm posting his picture. Suffice it to say that even as unkempt as he looks, he still takes a better photo than I do.

Two days till Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.

Brrrrr!

Brrrr, it was cold today. I had some important errands to run today, so I went to town pretty early this morning. Good call. It was cold, but not windy. By the time I returned home, things were quite different--almost white-out conditions at times.

So I started a pot of chili, baked a pie and hunkered down in the house for the duration of the day. It occurred to me that this was another day for "comfort food". Praise God for our blessings.

Chili and pumpkin pie on a cold and blustery day. Yum.

A Walk Through Glen

Well I did it. I finally got out for a walk, and my timing was perfect. The snow had stopped, the roads were pretty easy to walk on and there was no wind. Come along with me and see some of the things I saw while on my Walk Through Glen.

Snow, Snow, Snow!

So it's only 11:30 on Sunday morning. No church for me today, I'm long past thinking that there will be a crisis if I don't attend church/meeting/whatever in spite of the weather. Life goes on, and I'm much more content with it going on with me being safely and peacefully at home instead of being on the road, hyperventilating.

I haven't gotten out of the house yet today, but trust me, this WILL happen. Cabin fever is setting in big-time and I hear my camera calling my name and telling me to get my butt moving and "do something creative". BUT, I did manage to take a few shots through the window this morning.
Enjoy the SNOW, SNOW, SNOW...

An Empty Space

I should have posted this before I looked at the other posts today. It's pretty boring compared to them, but the reality of it is awesome to me.

After our snowstorm yesterday, I decided that I wasn't going out on the roads today, and for some reason I got really motivated to clean. As mentioned in previous posts (I think), I'm purging this house.

When you look at the corner of this hearth, what do you see. Pretty much nothing, right? THAT'S MY POINT--NOTHING!!!! An Empty Space. This morning, there was about 1.5 feet of books and papers and junk. Now there's an empty space. I LOVE empty spaces.

Five days till Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS my friends.

White Christmas

Some people have been singing, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas". Others have been hoping for a white Christmas.

This year their dream will come true. Snow on Sunday and then again on Christmas Eve.

Off the Beaten Path

While on my drive today, I passed this stream and decided to get a photo of it. Everything along the road was dirty and ugly, but just a few feet off the beaten path was this stream with pristine white snow on its banks. The image isn't an award winner, but as I drove away I began making the connection between the scene and people. Confused? Good. I don't normally wax philosophical when I photograph, but this time the thoughts just popped into my head.

Look off the beaten path to find the beauty within those who appear grungy, cranky, unpleasant, etc. This is a great season to start the habit. It's usually contagious, too. Merry Christmas.

At Morette's

Okay, so I'm beginning to do a lot of repeat images, probably because I do a lot of repeat activities. Tonight was photo club night, and as usual some of us met at Morette's for dinner first. Not only was this the last night for the next three weeks due to Christmas and New Year's, but it was the last night for me until the middle of next April. So it was somewhat bittersweet.

When I first sat down I noticed a beautiful wreath hanging on the wall. I tried to photograph it without flash, but the shutter speed was too slow, so I deliberately moved the camera to get this creative?? look. It's not "awesome", but it's kind of interesting--and it was definitely fun to do.

Then I put the camera on the table and guess what? I couldn't resist trying some more shots, also without flash, so this next one isn't quite sharp. But I like it too.

I think I'm kind of getting into this photography thing. I might just keep it up. Actually, since my friends have joined me in this "Post A Day" thing, and I purchased my very own point-n-shoot, a fun avocation/vocation has become even more fun. So once again, thank you everyone for joining the challenge.

Another One

Here's another one of my few concessions to Christmas decorating. I can't even remember when/where I found these stacking boxes, but I really like them. They're so simple, but so "happy". Besides that, what I really like about them is that when the "season" is over, I don't stack them inside each other, I store other decorations inside them.

What I'm wondering, though, is what in the world are we all going to do for photo ops once the Christmas season is done and all the decorations and lights are put away?

They're Framed!

I bought these ornaments many years ago to use for props. I once made an image with them, planning to use it for Christmas cards. I never did. But Steve's image from yesterday reminded me that I had the ornaments tucked away in a closet, and I decided it was time to get them out and once again, Frame Them.

Through the Hurricane Lamp

This morning we had a different teacher for Sunday School. I needed to take some photos to put in the historical records. Once I took the "traditional photos" I put the camera on the table in front of me. So how could I resist experimenting.

This is through the hurricane lamp. I think it's interesting.

By the way, I was paying attention to the lesson.

A Step Back in Time

I'm sitting here watching It's A Wonderful Life. A step back in time.

This is a new photo even though it might look familiar. I photographed this same house a few weeks ago, and said I'd like to try again when it wasn't so dark and when I had my tripod. Well, it wasn't so dark today, but once again I didn't have my tripod. Anyway I think it's better with some ambiant light than it was when it was pitch black. Again, I'll say it reminds me of a Gingerbread house--a step back in time.

When my husband was a boy, his father and uncle owned and operated separate dairys. One delivered in the Fonda area, the other delivered in the Amsterdam area. He worked for his father delivering milk. We have several bottles with the family name on them. Another step back in time.

It's easy to think that things were so much better "back in time". Maybe they were and maybe they weren't. I just know that when I see/hear about the good parts of those long-ago times, it soothes my soul

Eclectic Thoughts

It's still snowing. Much fodder for photos.

While watching CMT this morning (yes, I'm a HUGE fan of Country Music), they showed a video of The King. Couldn't resist this shot. I still get sad when I see him or hear his music. His beginning was so different from his end. I could wax very philosophical & melancholy, but suffice it to say that we all have choices in this life. The right ones bring blessings, and the wrong ones, well, you know.........

Then there's my cat, Bella. All she asks for is some love, some food and a soft place to sleep. And what she gives back is "priceless".

What's Taking So Long

When I got to work this morning I took my camera out and left it on the desk in the hopes that I'd pick it up and photograph something. No such luck--things just got more and more crazy at work and then the snow started piling up on the roads and the terror of driving home on icky roads began taking over. So no photographs!

When I got home (I hitched a ride with my son who drives a nice, safe Saab, and left the car I'm using--a Caravan--which by the way, I consider to be a death trap on snowy roads--in the driveway at church) I was very relieved, but I got busy doing some things and completely forgot about taking any photos. I'm not at all motivated to take photos of snow.

Then while working on the computer my husband turned on the tv news, and oh,,,my,,,gosh,,,am I depressed now. On top of snow outside, which alone is enough to depress me on my best day, and the weather report of all the bad weather everywhere (it seems), one unhappy story after another was being told. Did I get up and leave the room? No. I thought about it, but I was working on the photo club newsletter, and didn't want to stop in the middle of it. So I tried not to listen.

In addition to that, it gets dark at 5, probably 4:30 today. And the first day of winter hasn't even arrived yet! Sigh.

Well, some happy thoughts. Three of my photography buddies will probably have a snow day tomorrow--I'm glad for them. I have absolutely no obligations tomorrow, so driving in this mess isn't even a consideration. My daughter doesn't have to go driving tomorrow either, so I know she'll be safe. God is in His heaven and is still on His Throne, and that's probably the best of the news. We are all safe, warm and healthy. It just keeps getting better, doesn't it?

But!!! I still haven't taken today's photo. Aaargh! What's taking so long?

Okay, it's an hour later and after strolling around the house aimlessly looking for a subject, I decided to show you the next book we're reading for Bookgroup. I'll let you know how it is when I finish it.

Wednesday Night Again

It's Wednesday night again. Photo meeting night. Morette's night. Talking, breathing, eating, seeing photography, waiting-all-week-for-it-to-get-here-again night.

I arrived at Morette's way early tonight, so I decided to take some photos. There's a mirror on the back wall, and every season the "mantle" in front of the mirror is decorated for the season.

We have the cutest waitress. She's been waiting on our group every Wednesday night for about the last two years. She knows what we each drink, how often to bring refills, and most of the time knows what we're going to eat (since we're all pretty much creatures of habit, and usually have the same thing every week).

Wednesdays just wouldn't be the same without Morette's, Tabitha and the Photo meetings.

The Pressure's Off

All day long the question kept swirling around in my head, "Who would win the coveted Blogging Award tonight?" Remember, there were 5 of us in the running. "Who would it be, could I (we) bear it if Trish won again, would my blogging life be over?" As we gathered for our meeting at Bridget's house, the tension eased a little as we smelled the wonderful dinner she had prepared for us. We talked and laughed during dinner, we cleared the table, and then the moment of truth arrived.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO..... Me! Now remember, this trophy is not for image quality (although there have been some really great images posted by all members)--if that were the case I would have been drummed out of the group on several occasions--but it is for T E N A C I T Y. How tenaciously, voraciously, determinately, faithfully, painstakingly we take a photo and post it EACH day.

So for tonight, the pressure's off. In a few weeks the trophy will travel with me to Hawaii--it may find itself the object of several beach shots.

As we were getting ready to leave Bridget's, I turned around and there was this great cat. My first thought was "the Cheshire Cat himself" although this one's a little cuter. I couldn't resist taking a parting shot of him on this great Victorian chair in front of the lace curtain.

Ahhh, I can sleep easy tonight, but starting tomorrow, the pressure's back on--59 more days of a photo and a post per day.

Christmas Blocks

I've noticed that in the past bunch of years that I'm becoming more and more Scrooge-Like. Bah, humbug, I don't want to bother with any of it--decorating, the tree, baking. I'm still into giving presents--I love to do that, but all the rest seems like way too much trouble for what it's worth.

Well, anyway, today I stayed home and got a lot done. I wrapped presents, ordered some presents, cleaned the house (I even finally got motivated to put the storm windows on the storm doors--after all, it was 2 degrees this morning--thought it was about time) and then I even went so far as to put a few decorations out.

I found these blocks at a great little gift shop last year and couldn't resist. I love wooden blocks and am sad that kids don't play with them anymore. So in an effort to take a step back in time, I display these on my mantle.

So, ignore my Scrooge-ness, remember the Reason for the Season (Jesus' birth) and Merry Christmas to you all.

Victorian Stroll in Troy, NY, Dec. 08

Steve and I went to Troy today to do some photography at the Victorian Stroll. I've never been to one before, but it seems like they're popping up all over. Just last week I heard of one in Saratoga, and Steve told me that there had been one in Johnstown.

We really lucked out with the weather. We arrived in Troy around noon, and there was hardly any wind and the temps were tolerable. I didn't know what to expect, but I was a little disappointed. I thought there would be more people "strolling" around in Victorian dress.

Well, we managed to get some shots, and although I'm basically disappointed with my images as a whole, I'm satisfied with these.

We stopped for lunch, and by the time we got back to Amsterdam, the wind was really blowing and the temps seemed colder and of course the sky was greyer. But we had a good time and I'm not sorry we went.

Encounter of the Windy Kind

This afternoon I was in Target shopping, when I decided to use the facilities. Well!!! I was just about blown away when I used the hand dryer. Remember when Trish did her post about the hand dryer practically blowing her away? Well, now I understand. The skin on my hands was rippling... Very funny.

Earlier today I went to church with several other people to decorate for the Christmas season. So here's another picture of another (several) tree with another set of lights. The picture doesn't really do it justice.

Backing up a little, last night I went to bookgroup. There was an awesome cat there. He was so lovable and friendly. But while we were standing around talking, before bookgroup actually began, he decided he would show off his skill of drinking out of the fishbowl. It was very comical. He didn't even try to get the fish--and the fish stayed well out of his way (at least as much as the limited space in the fishbowl would allow)--by staying as close to the bottom as possible.

So not only was bookgroup great, as usual, but we were well entertained by the cat.

Yum!

I went to a great little tea house with some friends for lunch today. It's in Ballston Spa and it's called "The Whistling Kettle". It's a great place, and I was psyched, not only 'cause I was going to lunch with friends, but because I was sure I'd get some great shots for my post.

Well, dontcha know, in the course of lunch and conversation, I completely forgot to take my camera out of my bag. When I did remember, I thought I'd get some shots of the outside of the place. Sure enough, we got into the car and drove off and THEN I remembered that I wanted to take some photos.

Sigh!

So instead of a photo of a darling little eatery, you get a shot of some M&Ms. But wait!! They're not just ordinary M&Ms, they're mint M&Ms. Totally yummy.

So once again, nothing profound, nothing artistic, nothing earth-shattering. No deep, psychological meaning, but darn, they sure are good!

The Windows

When approaching Amsterdam on Rt 30 going north, you're usually greeted at the main intersection by a red light. To the left is a beautiful old building with these arched windows along the side of the building. All summer, from spring on, the windows are decorated with window boxes filled with red geraniums. They're always red. I've never seen another color, it's become an icon/landmark.

Today as I entered Amsterdam, I slowed down for the inevitable red light. I glanced to my left and saw the widows, now decorated for Christmas with wreathes at the level of the half lowered shades, and window boxes with greens and mini-white lights. I thought, "aw, how beautiful". As I sat there, it finally occurred to me to "take a picture, you slacker, this might be the picture for your post today". So I grabbed the camera and hurriedly took this shot, and as I hoped to get another shot better composed and better focused, you guessed it, the light turned green and there were cars behind me waiting to go.

It's a good thing I got this one, because there wasn't another opportunity all day for a photo. So, shabby as it is, I think it tells the story of the attractive sight that greets all drivers entering Amsterdam.

The Tension Mounts

Okay, so it's only 6 days until we find out who is the next recipient of the coveted "Blog Award". My head is spinning, will it be me, or Steve, or Bridget, or Phil, or Jayme, or, OH NO!!! it can't possibly be Trish again!!! Whatever will we do if she wins again? There will be no living with her......

So as you can see, I'm no artist, but I think this tells the story. At first I thought I'd better reshoot so it wouldn't be so fuzzy, then after I rethought it, (get it? reshoot, rethought--it seemed clever to me) I decided that it very clearly displays how I, we, all feel about the upcoming "moment of truth" next Tuesday.

By the way, just in case any of your are thinking about letting your guard down, even though Monday was our 2-month anniversary at this agonizing, stressful, sleep disturbing, punishing, greuling "Post Every Day for 365 Days" thing, we still have 10--yes TEN more months to go. I'm exhausted!!!

Another Picture of Lights

The old dilemma reared it's ugly head again today. What, oh WHAT??? am I going to photograph for my blog post today. First thing this morning I took my son's truck to the car dealer to have the speedometer replaced. As I was sitting in the showroom, I thought, aha!! I can photograph the price sticker of that very, Very, VERY expensive car. But, since there were two other people also waiting for their cars to be repaired, I wimped out--didn't want to seem too eccentric, like that has ever bothered me before!

Then I had to go mow a lawn, yes that's right, mow a lawn, for a house inspection I was hired to do. Okay, the wind was blowing, the grass was ugly (but long), and I was still aching from all the yard work I did yesterday at the same house. No photo ops there.

Then I went to work, still aching and now with a headache (from not sleeping well), and having to train a friend of mine to do the office work for when I go away this winter. Maybe there were photo ops, but I wasn't in any frame of mind to see them, or care.

Good grief!! my head was really pounding by the time I left work and I still had to go to the store, go home, cook dinner, and get back to town for Bible study. Argh!! No photo ops there. Now I was starting to panic, just a little, thinking, "okay, I'll just shoot something really boring in my house when I get home".

So off we went, no photo ops on the way back to town in the dark. We arrived at Bible Study, and eureka!! there was this great Christmas tree. Okay, so I photographed something really boring at someone else's house, just another picture of lights, a cliche, typical of the season, but by golly, it's a picture and it's a post. So there!!

Gingerbread House

Every Christmas season, this house is decorated like this. It's amazing--I wonder how many hours it takes to get this house ready to look like this? It always reminds me of a gingerbread house. I'm going back another day at dusk with my better camera and my tripod.

The Stein

I saw a photo of a beer stein in a magazine and remembered that I had one, so I decided to use it for my post today. No particular meaning, message or lesson associated with this post. I acquired the stein when I went to Europe with Leah on her National Honor Band Tour. Not knowing what else to bring back for the "guys" we left at home, I purchased a couple of these. They've been collecting dust every since 01. Oh well, I tried.

Some more trivia from "Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me"

**They'll remember you if you're the best reader in class--or if you throw up at lunch.

**Don't jump out of the apple tree with cardboard wings.

**It doesn't matter how fast you're running with the football if you're going in the wrong direction.

Do-Over!

Just two days after celebrating the official Thanksgiving, we had a Do-Over. We got together with my daughter and her family at her house. When I arrived, Lauren greeted us at the door dressed in her finest princess outfit. After all, it was a special occasion, and she wanted to look special.

She decided to help mommy peel potatoes. She actually did quite a good job considering she's only 4.5. Nice going Lauren.