Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

A little bit of snow goes a long way...but not too much, please!

a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Let's see...

The last time that I posted something on my blog was back in June when the temperatures were nearing 95 degrees.  Today it barely reached 30 degrees and I realized that I sorely neglected both my blogging and my photography.  A lot of drama has occurred these last few months but I think I've turned the corner and can once again focus on those things that I love.  I decided to add to my snow village this year and this house was one of the three buildings that I purchased.  My old village was nothing special.  But last year I discovered the magic of Department 56 and all that it has to offer.  This house is especially cute- the lights are so bright- I am thinking it must be LED illuminated.  I also purchased a water tower and my dh bought me a house that has a little train running around it.  Will probably have to set up a special table to display it all next year as the top of our piano is running out of room.  Tomorrow is December 31 and true to form I may take all of the Christmas decorations down.  Just wanted to get a picture up on the blog to show that I have returned!

Early morning

Early morning, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Early in the a.m. at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Few people were out as it was pretty early in the morning but I always feel it is better to beat the heat than have the heat beat me.  Haven't been to the garden in years but I felt so at peace as I walked among the flowering plants and trees.  I observed many people sitting on benches reading newspapers or sipping cups of coffee.  These benches were unoccupied but were tastefully placed in front of this amazing array of colors.  Who wouldn't want to sit here?

For Empty Chairs in Empty Places.

Begins with D....

Begins with D...., a photo by scookster on Flickr.

The name of this plant is "Deep Blue Wishbone flower,"and it was one of many plants that I saw during my visit to the Botanical Gardens.  It's such a beautiful place to visit and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the gardens are in such great shape. Even with the drought that we are experiencing the plants and flowers are proliferating.  Today's assignment was to find something beginning with D, and even those these flowers look purple I was using their name literally.

For Our Daily Challenge: Begins with D

Eastern American Toad

Eastern American Toad, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

This guy was a little camera shy. Not very often that I find any wildlife in my backyard besides the usual squirrels and birds- usually the dog scares them off.   Came across this toad accidentally and it continued to hide out in my backyard for several days- finally decided I had enough when I discovered it hiding under my lawnmower.  Figured it was time to relocate it to our nearby creek with it's abundance of insects.  Not entirely fond of creatures that jump or have a million legs, I was able to catch the toad in a bucket.  He wasn't too active so maybe he was grateful for the move- I was just appreciative that he didn't jump around too much.  Had he jumped out of the bucket I would have encouraged him to go on his own- from a distance that is.

For our daily challenge: camouflage

Beached

Beached, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Macro Monday: From the Sea

Camouflage

Camouflage, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Try as he might to blend in with the surroundings I know that he is there, crushing several of my cherished perennials. He is lucky that I love him so and can overlook his indiscretions.
For Our Daily Challenge: Camouflage

T is for tree

T is for tree, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Or topple or timberrrrrr..... And so it goes when the wind blows. Not my tree; nor my house. Occurred in one of our western suburbs last Friday and again they had a huge storm today, just as tree cleanup began. I on the other hand have a huge tree in my backyard that I fear one day will land on my house. Too expensive to take down and gives us ample shade which are the reasons it still stands. Am hoping I have moved onto a better place before that happens.

For Our Daily Challenge: Begins with t

chicago skyline

chicago skyline, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Decent shot of our Chicago skyline. The weather was perfect as was the tour guide on this particular architectural tour ride. Unfortunately I was too busy photographing and could not quite keep up with the various descriptors. Guess I don't multitask as well as I thought I did.

For Our Daily Challenge: across the river.

All about the shadow

Not sure which one I like better.

Mother's Day Flowers

Mother's Day Flowers, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

for our daily challenge: bottles

Lockporte Illinois

Lockporte Illinois, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

High atop the bridge crossing the Des Plaines river, I encountered the perfect view of this church's roofline and steeple. Traffic was inching along, so I thought I'd take advantage of that and shoot this photo. Of course, looking through the viewfinder while trying to drive was not the brightest idea. I was a little apprehensive that the driver in front of me would stop suddenly, so decided to place my camera on the dashboard and shoot away. Couldn't get much lower as the railings along the bridge would have interfered with the look I was trying to achieve. For that reason I got more of the sky than I wanted. The bridge span is fairly long and high so I was glad I got through this challenge relatively unscathed. For our daily challenge: city or town view

Macro Mondays: Water Play

Macro Mondays: Water Play, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Reflection of Japanese maples leaves in drops of water.

Just My Size!

Just My Size!, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Can't wait to grow up and when we're grown we wish we were young again. Right now all she cares about is clomping around in my shoes. Sure hope she doesn't inherit my big feet.

For Our Daily Challenge: Story In a Picture

For Our Daily Challenge: Signs of the Season

For Our Daily Challenge: Signs of the Season, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

It must be spring!

Picture perfect

Picture perfect, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

A moment of calm after a busy day. For Our Daily Challenge: favorite sight.

Soo-weet Sweet Corn of days of yore

Soo-weet Sweet Corn of days of yore, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

For Macro Mondays: sweet

Spring Day

Spring Day, a photo by scookster on Flickr

Empty chairs in empty places.

Road to Nowhere.....

Road to Nowhere....., a photo by scookster on Flickr.

For Our Daily Challenge: paths and pavements

Have a seat but beware the branch

Have a seat but beware the branch, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

For Our Daily Challenge: perpendicular

 and

For Empty Seats and Empty Places

Saving for a Rainy Day

Saving for a Rainy Day, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

I have been saving tons of change for something. I don't know if it's for a rainy day or for the day when the containers finally crash through the floor. Each can weighs many kilos and the cans keep multiplying. I guess someday I will cash the change in for some real money, although I may need a wheelbarrow to bring the cans to the bank. Perhaps then I will take that long awaited trip or buy that very fancy lens.

For our daily challenge: change

Lights on branches

Lights on branches, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Was scoping out the local craft store with my camera, but before long I was sent on my way (at least I was able to take this picture before the security force accosted me). Guess I need to ask permission next time. But they told me I could use my phone to take pictures if I wanted to. Go figure.

For Our Daily Challenge: ten or more.

Dinner

Dinner, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

On the rare occasion that I feel like cooking I opt for salmon.

For our daily challenge: recipe

Country Living

Country Living, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

For Our Daily Challenge: on the street where you live. Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part, but this is what my former city son sees every day when he leaves his subdivision. There are often three in the pasture and are some of the friendliest horses. Every time I stop to take pictures they gallop over to say hello. Just a little concerned that they think my lens is something edible.

washing

washing, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

For Our Daily Challenge I give you washing.   I even polished my toes for the event!  My feet are not my best feature, attribute or appendage.  For that reason you should be mighty thankful that they are covered in bubbles.  But actually I am enjoying my foot bath.  I never take baths nor do I soak my feet after a long day, but the bubbles smell delightful and the water is refreshing.  Perhaps even the rough spots will soften up after this feeble attempt at pampering.  But alas, I have too much to do and can not afford such luxury.  I guess my glamor attempt will have to wait until another time.

Early morning sky

Early morning sky, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Not often that I get a chance to see the lightening sky. It is usually dark when I leave my house to head off for work. Early this week I was able to see the sky begin to lighten in the east and because I always have my camera with me,I was able to get this shot. Makes you appreciate those early mornings.

Above the Rest

Above the Rest, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Not sure what kind of perennial this is. Low shrub, early flowers, and obviously one that is reaching to stand out and be noticed above the rest.

Spots and Dots

Spots and Dots, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Here's looking at you!

Villain on the putt putt course

Villain on the putt putt course, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Just for once, let me look at your face with my own eyes.

Bottom Half

Bottom Half, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Our Daily Challenge....Which of course belongs to my better half. Don't know why he picked this bright green color. I would have opted for a more neutral color. it does make me the most popular teacher when I drive it to school. They can't believe an older teacher would actually drive a cool car.

Our Daily Challenge: Symmetrical Petals

Our Daily Challenge: Symmetrical Petals, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Received this plant from my son for Easter. Some kind of begonia that should flower for eight weeks, depending on the care that I give it. No sun, water gently, pray. It can be planted outside but I don't know if we are in the correct zone.  Will keep you posted as the weather warms.....

Our Daily Challenge: Crooked

Our Daily Challenge: Crooked, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Stacking firewood is a puzzling adventure. No two pieces fit together to make an even row, which is a headache for someone with ocd. But this grouping lends nicely to today's assignment. Because of our mild winter I have quite a few pieces leftover. They should season nicely over the summer and be ready for the fireplace next winter.

Our Daily Challenge: Hiding

Our Daily Challenge: Hiding, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

I'm not sure if she found the egg or was hiding it but I am pretty sure that she was happy nevertheless. I followed a quick "how to make color pop" youtube video today and was quite happy with the effect. The blue jean jacket and easter basket were not quite so colorful. So amazed at the attributes of photoshop. It is my new favorite toy.

Our Daily Challenge: DIY

Our Daily Challenge: DIY, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

I have a multitude of crocheting projects and none of them finished. I really love making afghans but of course it takes time and time is of the essence. I prefer to make them during the winter but spring is here...so once again my basket will fill with unfinished projects. Winter will be here before I know it so no need to fret.

Macro Monday: Sideways, Upside-down or Backwards

Macro Monday: Sideways, Upside-down or Backwards, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

For your cleaning pleasure, I bequeath to you my seldom used feather duster.  Little did I know that I could order a purple feather duster too, which I am sure little E would love to have.  I found a website years ago whose major purpose was to get us wanna be organized people on the right track.  I've yet to figure it out but I do like listening to the "Flylady" and her cohorts.  Maybe after I retire I can find a way to organize my disorganization.

Our Daily Challenge: From the Sea

Our Daily Challenge: From the Sea, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

or Lake Michigan, or Hobby Lobby and my sandbox....whatever comes first.  I actually like this shot a lot, although it hasn't gotten too many views or comments on Flickr.  What I think I like about this view is that it looks like the starfish is actually at the bottom on the ocean, when in reality it's sitting in the kid's sandbox.  I used my macro lens and for some reason the background came out dark.  There was no reason for that to happen- it was sunny and really no shadow in the sandbox itself.  But it looks more realistic so I have no complaints. Besides, it only cost me $3.99 cents and an hour of my time.

Our Daily Challenge: In the Middle

Our Daily Challenge: In the Middle, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

I so do like this eclair cream. Not so fond of chocolate but I guess if you twist my arm I might finish it.

Our Daily Challenge: F

Our Daily Challenge: Beginning with F, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

F is for the frog you find in the science lab.

Our Daily Challenge: myriad of cubes

Our Daily Challenge: myriad of cubes, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

A collection of inlaid cubes in the drain in a public bathroom. Am thinking the cleaning crew needs to utilize a toothbrush to clean each nook and cranny. Just something to add to their never ending list I suppose. Makes me want to rethink using the bathrooms though.

Our Daily Challenge: ovals

Our Daily Challenge: ovals, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

A myriad of colors in my paperclip container.

ODC: Perfect Place to Sit

ODC: Perfect Place to Sit, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

What's up with that turtle on top? He/she certainly rose to this challenge.  It's a self contained lake and I can't imagine that the waves go high enough to lift him up or lift him down. He just saw a perfect opportunity to get a suntan without having to worry about tan lines.

Macro Monday: White Background

Macro Monday: White Background, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Difficult assignment to do. Tried using manual and then aperature, flash vs none and still my background has a bluish/grey tint. Looked better in my viewfinder so it's obviously something I'll need to keep working on. Like the detail of the orange though, so I guess the picture is not a total disaster.

Our Daily Challenge: Stereotype

Our Daily Challenge: Stereotype, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Courtesy of my "sugar daddy", although he was only carrying twenties at the time. Usually he has bigger bills which take care of my needs. I guess I can blame the economy on this one.

Our Daily Challenge: Marine

ODC:Marine, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Hard to believe that these white water rapids are not far from suburbia, although I must admit they are man made. I had an enjoyable time watching these two kayakers try to make it back up the rapids from whence they came. Sat there for about thirty minutes and neither kayaker had any luck. One of the two kept flipping over but did it with such relative ease that I figured he was not a novice. Couldn't stay there forever but I'm hoping they had some success.

Our Daily Challenge: Connections and Attachments

ODC: connections and attachments, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Not one to take photos of people, I attempted to discreetly take this picture yesterday. Of course, I am sure the couple knew I was taking a photo of them even though I pretended to be taking a picture of the surroundings. The couple happened to be under an area that was shaded so I opted for a black and white to at least showcase the theme.

Our Daily Challenge: Medicine Cabinet

ODC: medicine cabinet, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

have container will travel

Our Daily Challenge: Mono filamente

ODC: Monofilamente, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Monofilament fishing line (shortened to just monofilament) is fishing line made from a single fiber of plastic. Most fishing lines are now monofilament because monofilament fibers are cheap to produce and are produced in a range of diameters which have different tensile strengths (called "tests" after the process of tensile testing). Thank you Wikipedia!

Our Daily Challenge: Shadow

Our Daily Challenge: Shadow, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Nothing exciting here. Went to Lake Katherine and the only thing I could find were shadows of trees. Took this photo and fooled around in Photoshop a little bit- experimenting with the different filters. This one is called "colored pencil" and it reddened the layer a little. But no matter what I chose the green weeds on the right remained.

Our Daily Challenge: Street Scene

ODC:streetscene, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Usually leave for work when it's still dark out. A co-worker of mine saw the sun coming up and thought it was worth taking a second look at. Had this vibrant sunrise two days in a row. Too bad the trees were in the way but I like the way the sun reflects off of the telephone lines.  I could have gotten in the car to find a better spot to shoot but pretty difficult since our town is fairly flat and we grow tons of trees.  In fact we have the name "forest" as part of our town's name.  I have to go pretty far west now to get out of the line of trees if I want to get some decent sunrise or sunset.  What a pain.  To think I grew up in a suburb where trees were rare, except in my yard, where my dad must have planted 50 trees along the property line.  So over the years I could tell where our house was from a distance, as we were the only ones in the neighborhood with a forest in their yard.  But now that I am living in the same area where I grew up the trees have overtaken and horizon photography is at it's poorest.

Macro Mondays: Periodic Table

Macro Mondays: Periodic Table, a photo by scookster on Flickr.

Copper
Cu
Atomic Number 29
Brought my macro lens to school today thinking I could find something of use in the science lab. I was able to find some sodium and mercury in its original form but it wasn't as interesting as this copper wire.  We tried getting some good shots of the sodium when it was first cut.  Here's a photo of that:

The pieces are shiny once they are first cut but then the air oxidizes the surface quickly.  So difficult trying to get a shot with auto focus as the auto zoom keeps zooming in and out and I'm not confident enough in my vision to deselect that feature of the camera.  But then Mz Science teacher decided to see if we could capture the reaction when a piece is dropped in water.  Wasn't too sure how close I could get to pick up the action but here's what I caught:

But then I decided to check out the supply of mercury.  Remembering all of the times that I played with mercury on the floor- break a thermometer and watch the mercury roll from one end of the room to the other.  But now we must protect ourselves from the dangers of mercury.  Well ventilated, don't breath and shoot the picture.  So with kid gloves I pour a small amount in a bowl and watched it roll into the center of the dish.  That too was less than interesting.  But here it is anyway:

Wish I had thought to place it on a different background but I was too worried about getting the shot and holding my breath at the same time.  Glad I didn't pass a little gas.  We could have bottled that up too and displayed it as an element.