Cloud Cross

An interesting view with the cloud behind the cross.

Portraits Using Flash

R. Allen

I was working with lighting and backdrops and had no one to pose - so, I posed my self.  That's a bit challenging to get, not only the lights right, but to sit in the right place, smile, and remember to keep my head down to avoid glare in my glasses.  I shot at least 100 photos until I got 3 that were ok - which turned into the one above [I didn't dress up].   I was rescued by Andrea, my oldest step daughter who agreed to sit and pose while I putzed...  much better looking than the original subject!!

Andrea Beth

Mr. Blue Bird

Our friends in Mount Vernon, Iowa live in the country and I felt like a kid in a candy store with only  dime to spend - what do I take a picture of - there were sooo many gorgeous images.  This little bird and I played hide and seek.  It turns out I was a bit more patient then he was 'cause he gave up and decided to have his supper.

Hay Making

Making Hay Mt, Vernon, Iowa

We are visiting with friends in Mount Vernon and this was the view near sunset.  Good friends, good food, good time, and excellent coversation.

Nectar Tea

On our trip to Galena we visited a couple of eclectic shops filled with a host of "stuff".  In one shop there were four t-pots - three were silver and the 4th red.  I changed the photo to black and white - with the exception of the red t-pot - it seems to fit better...

Ms Lady Cardinal

Ms Lady Cardinal visited today.  She is normally very skittish, but today she stayed long enough for me to go and get a camera, turn it on, set it up, focus and shoot.  She stayed still for a couple of poses - as if posing for a portrait.  No if I could only get Mr. to sit still...

Riff-Raft

Floating Down the Mississippi

Helen and I went to Galena, Illinois [to discover a lot of the shops are closed Mondays and Tuesdays], and then on to the Port of Dubuque where we visited the recently renovated river museum and aquarium.  As we were purchasing tickets the girl at the desk said, "$36 please".  I inquired about a military discount and she said they had one for active duty, and asked if I was active duty.  I was flattered to think that she thought this old fat fart was still on active duty, but I told her, "No, but that I did 30 years of active duty".

"Oh my...", she said, paused and then continued, "It's a stupid rule - $12 please."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep...enjoy the museum."

I will say she was the highlight of the day.  We watched the 4D Film on Sharks and that was, well, interesting.  Oh - what is the 4th D?  You feel it - when the sharks get close, in addition to the 3D effect - the seat wiggled and water sprinkled...!!  I do wish they had forewarned me BEFOREHAND as I had a camera in hand and didn't appreciate getting it wet.  Helen threw her body over the camera to protect it, so all was well. [I'm kidding about Helen throwing her body...]

Boy - did I digress from the photo - the couple pictured is floating down the Mississippi on the "Riff-Raft" and canoes.  They stop along the way to explore, camp and meet people.  Their craft doesn't look very river worthy, but they seemed determined.

Barn At Golden Hour

Barn Precisely At Sundown

As we driving back from Des Moines the Sun was setting so I quickly got off of the interstate and took this photo - note the golden glow on the barn, grass and plants.

Barn 1 Minute Later

Not one minute later the golden glow had subsided... 

Juggler

Juggler At Iowa State Fair

I tried to get all 3 in the air but never quite got it...

Phosphate Dispenser

Our favorite spot at the State Fair - The Malt Shop...

2010 Iowa State Fair

Black, White and Yellow

Concert Violinist Tricia Park

Tricia Park

This is photograph of Concert Violinist Tricia Park who was part of the Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival which was held in Waterloo/Cedar Falls August 9-15.  I took this during a rehearsal for the last concert - the Fire Concert.  Additional information can be found at http://www.cvcmf.com.  

Sunset August 17th, 2010

I came out from a church meeting last night and the sun was just disappearing.  The day had been a rainy day and the beauty of this sunset had a cleansing affect.  It had been a good day.

Another Butterfly

Walkers In A Line

We had a concert yesterday as part of the 2010 Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival.  The attendance was about 130 - and after everyone had settled in this view just caught my attention.

Sisters

There are several photos - equal time don't ya know!!

Emily's Sister Ania Helps With Her Hair

Or is it helping??

All Combed Out

Ania

Grandpa's Crafts

Craft Table

We've had 2 granddaughters all week and for the most part Grandma has been in charge of crafts and entertainment.  (Although Grandpa was in charge of taking in the "snake show" [refer to my other blog for details]).  Last night Ania and Grandpa worked on making photo weaves - she's better than grandpa, or at least quicker.  The granddaughters will be taking home a lot more "stuff" than they came with, but that's what grandparents are for...

Today they tell me that a hawk was chasing one the finches who feeds at our feeder.  I think the finch knew what he was doing, but he took at dive at our picture window with the hawk right on his tail and at the last moment veered away from the window.  The hawk, on the other hand, not knowing the window was there, plowed right into the window making a big thud and left feathers floating in the air.  He shook it off and went to hunt elsewhere.  Sure wish I'd been here to get a picture - but who would have been ready anyway.  Will miss the girls when they go - it's been fun and they've been good.

Church Softball League

Every chance he gets Noah is on the field with his Dad.  You can tell he is anxious to play...

Sitting Eagle

I was walking in a building and felt this "presence" above me.  I turned, and what did I see, but a sitting eagle....

Ok, so it wasn't a real one, but hey, I gotta shoot 'em where I see 'em!!

White Butterfly

I chased this little guy and he just wouldn't open his wings - just wanted to suck nectar...  I swear I can see him smirking...

Static Ball

Didn't want to get too close - was afraid it'd zap my camera.  But, it did look cool...

Waterloo Center for the Arts

Exhibit Art The Waterloo Center for the Arts

Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival

The Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival kicked off their 5th Season yesterday with a free concert at the Waterloo Center for The Arts in downtown Waterloo.  There were about 80 people in attendance.  The photograph is NOT one of the audience but is an art exhibit - one of those stuffed people...

Busy As A Bee

Ania Sorting Photographs

We have granddaughters staying with us this week and Ania decided it was time I got "organized".  I thought I was - I had them in a pile here, a pile there... basically I knew where they were.  But, now I will have labeled boxes and files so there will be no doubt where I can find them.  We're both a bit confused - where do you file a picture of a girl standing in front of a tree holding a purple flower? -  nature, portraits, trees, flowers, purple flowers, or leaves?

PS Don't tell her but there are probably 6,000 photographs (I have 20,000+ digital)...maybe we should count them?

Wilsons Glove

Church softball league last night...

Red Berries

Ity Bity red berries in my back yard.

 

Green Glass

White Rose

A Tough Life

Looks like this guy has had a tough life - battered and torn - pieces missing...perhaps he landed here for his last moments...

Guess not...

Red Parachute

I went out to the Hawkeye Junior College Arboretum to take MACRO Shots of flowers and butterflies.  I was looking for a Monarch butterfly, but they seemed to be everywhere except in front of my lens.  I imagine there's a technical name for this flower, but I'll just call it the "Red Parachute".