Photograpy Anyone #3 :)

[SharonA]

Good point, Tracey...:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Jane...MuShu looks so cute. Is it just my imagination or did you change his white to pink? :confused:

[traceann]

Very clever Tracey!! Yessssssssssss we can keep them guessing whether or not we are the same person....mwahhhhhaaaaahaaaa *evil laugh*:evilsmile

And Sharon, Trace works just fine for me, lol. When I was in highschool, my girlfriend's grandma could never remember my name - but I didn't care she could call me anything just don't stop the supply of cookies!! LOL She called me, Lacey, Stacey and I think there was one other but can't remember it now, lol. I need more boat pics, the only ones I have taken are actually while ON the boat, lol. I need some actual pictures of it so I can do some scrap pages... I had a really sappy one in mind for a page in my "Me and Him" book - to get a picture of him on the boat from the dock point of view and an icky-sweet caption like "who says Prince Charming only arrives on a white horse" - since the boat is white, lol. Eeewwwwwww, I know - sappy!!!

Tracey I got laughing at the thought of poor Mollie being dressed up and scared, poor baby! But I bet she looked fabulous in her scarf!!! :smile tee

And I must say seeing MuShu there definitely gave me a giggle! Between Tracey's visual images in my head, and then seeing MuShu way too cute! And on a good day for needing all the giggles I can get - I have had nothing but crabby-people calls today, and one from a friend of my hubby's who is a customer here. And, let me tell you what, the next time I see him out, he's gonna hear it from me.

Normally I am a keep your mouth shut at all costs kind of girl cause I tend to let people walk on me, lol, but the attitude I got from him (cause he wasn't happy with service) when I tried to get info that might help diagnose the problem, well, as Flo would say "he can kiss my grits!" I even got one of the snotty sarcastic "Hello!?" statements from the guy! Now, I have no idea what's got into me but, my first reaction was "oh you did NOT just say that to ME did you?" I didn't say it, but after that I became a lot less willing to help him solve his troubles, which if you ask me aren't internet related - sounds like a general software glitch to me...but according to him "he's not stupid" - oh ok. Speaking to your buddy's wife like that really doesn't rate too high on the smart-o-meter....:rant: So, I'll have my day when I have my say....:evilsmile

Oh, did this just turn into a rant?? LMAO!!!!!

[Claredale]

My cousins still call me Stacey or Sissy. That is so funny. My brother called me sissy for such a short time since I was in no way a sissy when I was little. So it's so funny to hear my cousins calling me that. They have a sister and don't call her sissy. Weird family!!! Of course, I have an Uncle Bubba!!! I didn't realize how funny that sounded until I was grown. Only in the south!!

I will post pictures of Mollie tonight. It was hard to get her to pose since she was so worried about those people coming up to our house. She was still investigating this morning!!!

[traceann]

LOL, Tracey - Uncle Bubba huh? Well, let me tell you, a very good friend of mine (like a surrogate brother, as he's brother of one of my good friends) has had the nickname Bubba for ages! His real name is Brian, but I guess as a kid he was called Bubba, it went away for years - fell out of fashion I suppose, lol, then when he started working where I do, we started calling him Bubba - not realizing that that was a previous nickname for him - and yep - his neice and nephew call him: Uncle Bubba!!! ;)

Oh yes, do post pictures!!!!!! :)

[Claredale]

So it's not just a southern thing!!! I went to his work one time and they asked me who I was looking for. When I told them Bubba, they said which one. We have several. It was soooo funny!

[traceann]

OMG Way too funny!!! Bubba's sister is here to visit now!

[Rosalie]

Thanks Tracey and Sharon for the explanation of those photos. While we may know quite a bit about your country ( through films and TV shows mainly:lmao:), I was very interested to hear details about the pyramid. From what you say I assume it has turned out to be a bit of a 'white elephant'?
Doesn't it make you cranky when such buildings are waisted and idle? It happens here too, of course. And, Sharon, your 'mighty Mississippi' comment shows how proud you are of such an American icon, as well you should be.
Now Trace,(hmmmmmmmm it will take me a while to get used to that) I think you idea for a scrapbooking page is gorgeous! Doesn't sound corny to me at all. Its very cute.
Janie your MuShu is just way too sweet. His little face makes me laugh. The look in that pic is "Ok mum, if you must!':lmao:
It has never been part of our culture to celebrate halloween here but is starting to creep in.... more about the commercial dollar than anything else. I did have two little girls in angel costumes knock on my door. I didn't know what to do!

[Janie Miranda]

http://www.pbase.com/jane_alexander/image/69835591/large.jpg
Went to see the wonderful, Dr. Ragi today in knoxville. Here is a photo I took from the car as we zoomed along at 80 miles per hour!! I was experimenting to see what kind of photo i could get if i set the shutter speed up really fast.

[Rosalie]

Interesting photo Janie. I wish I could see it up close.
These pics are of the flowers I was given for my birthday last friday. The gerberas are from my dear friend Wendy and the roses form my gorgeous daughter Hilary. I am a very lucky lady!
http://static.flickr.com/115/291279011_34a6e64158.jpg
I have never had long stemmed roses before. They are 80cms long!


http://static.flickr.com/116/291279015_4963fa6a4b.jpg

[traceann]

Oh I love the gerberas! Those happen to be one of my all-time absolute favorite flowers ever!!! Oh wow, I can't remember the last time I got roses...that's pathetic! LMAO!!! Those are some beautiful ones there too, do they smell as lovely as they look??? And next year when the costumes come knocking, just toss some candy at them! LOL Well, not at them, but in their little containers... we used to use pillow cases when we went trick-or-treating! We only had 3 this year, total!! :)

Lovely photo Janie,the colors are so pretty!! I love this time of year... I took some on my way to work the other day, yup D it was a drive by 'shooting', as I was driving whilst I was shooting, lol. Just haven't put them up yet, ugh.

Janie, I know this is being lazy, but what camera do you have again - the one you just got, it's a point and shoot right? Looks like hubby is looking to get me one for Christmas, and I found one at Walmart of all places that I really liked alot, danged if I can think of it, but it was a Canon - and he was with me so he knows which it is, lol. He's been talking about it - I told him I wanted a really awesome printer for Christmas (it will print from negatives, etc) and he said something about getting me a camera, I said "well send it back! I didn't pick it out! That would be like me picking out equipment for you for the boat! " LMAO! It was pretty funny.... So after that conversation we were in Wally World and I spotted this one.... ;)

So, who wants to start a new thread? This one is gaining in length again... lol

[Janie Miranda]

Like Tracey, I love those gerberas too. They are my favorites as well and I have a few types planted in my garden. I just didn't know the name of them!!
Both are lovely bouquets, Rosalie! Oh and by the way, I hope you had a happy birthday!!
Rosalie, I changed the photo of the trees above to a bigger size so you can see it better.
Tracey,
I have three cameras. My best one is the Digital Rebel. It's not a point and shoot- but rather a DSLR. I have a number of lenses for it. It is a great camera but it was a bit of a steep learning curve for me to get any good with it. The first year i had it I kept it on manual settings and I got horrible photos with it. Now I've learned to manipulate it better and my photos are improving. If anyone wants to view my online photo galleries send me a PM and I'll send you the link to see them.
My two point and shoots are:
Canon A620 (Love it and the A610 is good too and cheaper)
Fuji Finepix 30 - great very small camera that is terrific in low light situations.

jane

[Janie Miranda]

http://www.pbase.com/jane_alexander/image/69933316/medium.jpg

[traceann]

Ok, that is the cutest picture Janie! Is that a new trick Mu's learned??? :)

Thanks for the info too!!! :) Hubby wanted to get me a dig SLR this year, but I told him right now, $$-wise I'd rather have the point and shoot, and then the next camera to be a SLR. And I am glad to hear you like the Rebel as I am torn between that one and the Minolta I like that is pretty close. It has the antishake feature, lol, and I certainly can use that! But, my normal SLR is a Minolta, so I could at least share lenses - but that Rebel keeps calling my name... lol. The point and shoot I am after, and have read good things about and is hefty enough that hubby can use it (he's got big hands and my little Olympus proves very frustrating to him - I think it's hilarious!) is a Canon Powershot S3 IS w/12x dig zoom... I think I ruined the one at Walmart from drooling on it! LMAO!! In your camera experiences have you heard anything on it???

I still haven't uploaded my "drive by shooting" pics, ugh!! I must get to work this evening when I get home from work...

[Janie Miranda]

http://www.pbase.com/jane_alexander/image/69969763/medium.jpg
Yesterday was a perfect fall day!

[Janie Miranda]

http://www.pbase.com/jane_alexander/image/70047266/large.jpg

Finally got my kitchen put back together after having new countertops put in and then painting done too.

[SharonA]

Your kitchen looks so pretty. I love it. :)

[traceann]

OMG, Janie it's BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

[Janie Miranda]

Thanks Tracey and Sharon! We did a mini "make over" of the house. We painted the whole house, got rid of some old furniture and added a new chair in the hearth room and then of course we got the new counter tops which we've been thinking about for a long time. It almost feels like a new house. Now I just need my carpets steam cleaned and I'll be all ready for Thanksgiving. Except for one small thing . . . my husband's brother is bringing his new girl friend to our house for Thanksgiving and she is a proffesional chef that does catering for a living. My hubby says she is a fabulous cook. Talk about pressure!!! Hope she likes good ol' southern country cooking modified to be IC friendly LOL

jane

[Claredale]

Jane, your kitchen looks absolutely beautiful. I know that you are glad it's all done!

I am so jealous!!!

Tracey

[traceann]

Amazing what a little paint and some furniture sprucing can do - well, and there's the kitchen overhaul, lol!! It's so pretty, *sigh*

And you will do just FINE and she will love the food. I bet she makes more fussy foods all the time and it will be a treat to have good home cooking!!!!!!

[Janie Miranda]

Thanks Tracey about your kind words about my kitchen. I do like it a lot better now.
Here is a photo of a rose that is trying to hang on in my garden despite the fact that we have had a couple of light frosts here already.
http://www.pbase.com/jane_alexander/image/70283342/medium.jpg

[Rosalie]

Janie, your kitchen looks fabulous! I am SO jealous. My bench tops need replacing too. They have started to swell and lift where moisture has gotten in under the seals. When I first bought the house I ripped out the old kitchen and put in a new one. I can't believe that those 26 years have gone so fast that the 'new' kitchen is now the 'old' one again :lmao:

Roses are my favourite, you can post as many pictures as you like, frost or no frost. I have never had any luck with them and yet everyone else in the street has no trouble at all! Perhaps we should have a 'gardening' thread for the green thumb dystexics like me.

[SharonA]

What a great idea about a gardening thread, Rosalie. I am afraid my thumb is brown and I don't know much about plants. Okay...Which one of our gardening pros here is going to start this? :D

[Janie Miranda]

I'm with Sharon, I have the brownist of brown thumbs. Somehow my garden here in TN manages to survive with the benign neglect that I give it!!
During the hottest part of summer everything looks frightful because I don't water as often as i should but in the spring and fall we get just enough rain here that everything looks gorgeous.

What a great idea about a gardening thread, Rosalie. I am afraid my thumb is brown and I don't know much about plants. Okay...Which one of our gardening pros here is going to start this? :D

[dg2901]

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2007!.....

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0515.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0532.jpg

[Janie Miranda]

and a BIG Happy New Year to you Diana! Loved the pix!

[Moonheart]

and a BIG Happy New Year to you Diana! Loved the pix!

Is that fiddleback or something similar that your cabinets are made of? Beautiful wood!

[traceann]

Happy New Year right back!!! Nice to see you D!! :)

Funny, I was just thinking about this thread as I was playing with my NEW camera!! Yay!!! It's so dang cool, I am in love, lol. It does everything but dishes and laundry, lol. I got the Canon S3 IS. Haven't done too much snapping yet, still reading the manual, lol. That's enough to keep a girl occupied for weeks.... ;)

[dg2901]

Hi Tracey! :hi:

So you've gotten yourself a new toy huh?..:woohoo: You'll have to put down the manual for a few minutes and take some shots so we can all share in your new found love..haha

Will be waiting patiently for pics...........................................
Hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday!

Snap soon :D
D

[Claredale]

Hi Tracey,
I am glad that you are enjoying your camera. What do you mean you are reading the manual? I just make my hubby read it and then tell me what to do. LOL! I took alot of pictures over Christmas. We got ours in the summer, but we got my son the newer version of ours and I want to switch with him since it has some neat features. It even makes people look like cartoons!

Tracey

[dg2901]

Tracey aka Traceann, and Jane

Here's my most treasured Christmas gift...have y'all seen this? Its her newest book and its a must have for anyone who has any interest whatsoever in photos. Ms. Leibovitz, in my opinion, is the most talented photographer in the business. If you haven't had a chance to look through this book, I highly suggest taking a trip to your local bookstore--call first though to make sure its in stock..Barnes and Noble couldnt keep it on the shelves for more than a few hours.

D
PS--PBS is airing a documentary on Ms Leibovitz tonight (Weds, Jan 3) at 9pm. She very rarely does interviews, much less allow people a look into her personal life, so this ought to be interesting viewing.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0503-2.jpg

[Claredale]

My sister in law got that book for my niece. She truly loves it!

[dg2901]

Tracey83,

If you havent already, take a few minutes and flip through it; incredible pics!

take care
diana

[Annie2]

It's been awfully quiet on this board! Anyone awake? How about sharing some holiday pictures?

Traceann, how wonderful you got your new camera! You must be thrilled with it!!! I'm anxious to see some pics now.

My daughter is currently living in London while doing her post graduate studies at University College London. She was able to come home for the holidays and spent a little more than 2 weeks with us. It was wonderful to have her around! How I miss her now that she is back in the UK. Thank goodness for Skype!


Since she was little, my daughter has adored sheep. Though her field is art (curatorial science), she always said if things didn't work out for her in her field, she would move to Scottland and become a shepherd. She's a unique one, for sure. You don't hear of very many children in the US these days who say they want to grow up to be shepherds! She has quite a collection of sheep figurines, stuffed sheep, etc....even a ewe-coo clock that goes baa at the top of the hour. All of that is in storage with the rest of her belongings while she is living abroad. She misses her sheep. I started teaching myself to knit this summer and found a pattern for a darling little stuffed sheep so I plunged into a pattern a little more advanced than my skills and knit a pair of them for her for Christmas. Now she has them in her flat in London and is no longer sheepless. Don't look too carefully as you may spot mistakes, but I thought I'd share a couple of pics I took of them.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/353368054_a9632a4f54.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/353368058_322ccf7e25.jpg

[SharonA]

Annie...They are so cute! So very cute!

[dg2901]

very cute sheep!

:)
diana

[Rosalie]

Annie, I love knitting toys! You have to give me the recipe Hahahaha...knitting instructions would be good too!

[Claredale]

I have a funny sheep story...My family went to England in April of 2000. We went with a group of mostly older retired women. I called it the "Daughters of the Revolution Tour" since most of the women were older. They were sooo interesting and been all kinds of places.

Anyway, we were on a tour bus with about 35 people. Me and my family road at the back of the bus and the tour guide was telling us all kinds of tidbits as we were driving through the Codswolds. We saw sheep after sheep herds. One of the older ladies asked Gunter (our guide) why some of the sheep had paint on them. He was trying to delicately say that the farmers like to keep track of what male sheep is "servicing" the ewe. He said that the male sheep have little bags of paint color on their "undersides" and when they perform their service, it's documented since he used different colors for different ones. I then piped up with my question. I wanted to know what it meant when the female sheep had multiple colors. Of course everyone laughed and Gunter was flustered for a moment. He ended up saying okay Smiths, anymore questions like that will need to be written down for later discussion. We had such a ball on that trip. That day I found this card that had a sheep with actual sheep wool on it. I got some markers and colored it up and slipped it under Gunter's door and made a comment about it being a "popular" ewe!

When we were in London near the end of our tour, my husband and I were sitting at the front of the bus. My husband was filming and I overheard the lady behind me. She was about in her late 80s and had been to well over 60 countries. She mentioned to her seat partner that she was a member of the "Daughters of the Revolution". I cracked up so loud. I love to pull out that video!

Hope ya'll enjoy the story. It was such a treat to travel to England!

Tracey

[traceann]

Ugh, ok, not a lot of pictures taken - yet. Why do we have to get the fun stuff in the worst time of the year? It's like getting a bike for Christmas when there's 2 feet of snow out there, or a sled for Christmas and no snow, lol. Not a whole lot around my house to snap pictures of. Kitty just does NOT cooperate at all, always wants petting, grrrr!!!!

I am just beside myself with all that it can do, holy moly. I definitely want a book on dig photo taking just to get some new ideas etc, my old photography book deals mostly with regular film etc. Granted all the techniques are basically the same, but I just want as that little robot would say "MORE INPUT" - what the heck movie was that from? My brain just drew a blank! ;)

Oh yes, must read the manual - my hubby has no patience for that sort of thing - besides he might think he actually gets to touch/use it! LMAO!!

MINE MINE MINE MINE! ;)

Oh boy, guess I need to start trying to grasp all the aperature and shutter settings and their relation to one another etc etc etc. Really, I could just use all the pre-programmed stuff, but what fun is that? Always wanted to seriously learn that stuff, so I guess here's my kick in the patootie to do it! :)

Oh, love the sheep Annie! You just learned how to knit and are doing that stuff?? AMAZING!! They are soooo adorable!!

Tracey, I got laughing at the Rainbow Colored Ewe, that's just too funny.

That reminds me that a few years ago, my hubby and BIL were talking that if they ever got a new boat, one name they entertained was "See Youz!", as in "we're out of here", well, my SIL and I thought it would be much much funnier if it was "Sea Ewes" instead. They so did not see the humor in that. But we did, still makes me giggle....

[dg2901]

clickable thumbnails......

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_DSC_0610.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/DSC_0610.jpg)
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_DSC_0597.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/DSC_0597.jpg)

[Rosalie]

Hi All
Great news.... my daughter, Hilary got offered a place at the Photographic Imaging College here in Melbourne. She is very excited and eagerly awaiting information on her start date.
It wasn't her first choice but after a few tears at not getting into the Victorian College of the Arts, she now believes this is the better place for her, although she will probably reapply for VCA again next year.
I am so proud of her as only around 10% of applicants to all photographic colleges actually get a place.
This should be a great year for her. Her band recently played a gig that was filmed and 'Miss White and the Diamonds' are going to be on telly!

Tracey, when are we going to se some shots from the new camera? And don't go pulling the old 'I'm still larning how to use it' line Hahaha

Love the sheep story!
And Diana... where did you take the panda shots?

[dg2901]

This thread, while once quite active has become extremely quiet!--what gives? I personally took a hiatus, however I'm back and anxious to see everyones photo's once again. This thread was a breath of fresh air as it took our minds away from why we're all here in the first place.

Rosalie, the panda pics were taken at the National Zoo in DC a few weeks ago. They were taken through glass and hurriedly due to time.

Traceann, how's that new camera? Got it all figured out yet? And I have to agree with the above poster about not using the "learning how to use it" bit!:tsk: :biglaugh: Do me a favor, please get yourself a rechargable battery! :idea: That seemed to be your favorite line in months past..:biglaugh:

Jane, I'm sure your Fuji and Canon are missing capturing all the photo-ops around you..:D

I have to admit, I had a good photo-op today and didnt take advantage :tsk: .a friend of mine bought herself a new Honda 650 Cruiser and stopped by to show it to me. Would have made for some interesting, and possibly comical pics! :)..next time, definitely!

Ciao' for now!
:hi:
D

[Janie Miranda]

Diana,
Loved the cute panda pix. Where did you take those photos?

I'll try to post some photos soon.

Rosalie, congratulations on your daughter's school. That is very exciting.
jane

[SharonA]

Rosalie...That is such good news about your daughter.

d...Love the Panda shots.

[Kara29]

My Husband gave me this camera for Christmas. Canon Power Shot SE3IS with 6.0 mega pixels. I am just learning how to use it. I have never taken photos for any reason other than to take them, but I am sort of iterested in it as a hobby. I am too sick to take a course in it.

I took some photos of our ice storm today.

http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/Karalynnree/

The first 12 photos are from the Canon. I used to have a Nikon.

I haven't joined this thread because I felt that I was in no way good at it. However, I am starting to enjoy it and would love to join your community if I may.

Kara

[dg2901]

Jane..:woohoo: , how are ya? Can't wait to see your pics once again. Remember those cute panda faces when you think about posting those insect pics...ok?? please??..hahaha...Or atleast give me a warning...:biglaugh:

Sharon....:hi:

Kara..:hi: .I see you made it over here...:woohoo: I cant speak for anybody else, though I simply take pics as a hobby, with very little instruction. Fortunately theres this wonderful age of digital--if it doenst look good--delete!..hahaha.. As far as taking any courses--I have taken a couple of courses years ago in high school (film cameras)-they were mandatory as I joined the yearbook staff as a "photographer". I've also recently gone to a couple of classes, sponsored by Nikon, with a friend of mine. Other than that, its simply relying on the old standby, practice makes perfect, whatever "perfect" means..:)
Canon offers alot of support, ideas, tips, tricks, etc on their website--you might want to check it out.
Just glad to see another "face" over here getting their mind off their bladder issues if for just a few minutes..:D

:hi:
D

[traceann]

Rosalie - give her a big congrats for me, ok? That's fabulous, absolutely fabulous!! :) Yeah, yeah yeah - I know, I gotta get snapping. Trouble is I have nothing to snap at, lol. Lots of crappy white stuff outside right now, I need some subjects... Not a whole lot indoors to take pics of that's for sure. It's actually driving me crazy, like I said before it's like having a new bike in winter, or a new sled with no snow to be found...

D - I totally forgot to tell you... I finally got rechargeables!! YAY!!! I love love love them! I got the 15 min charge type, fabulous. I also got a card reader for Christmas (so that helps save battery power by not having to hook up my camera, lol) and a PhotoBank - basically a 40GB external small hard-drive. It's meant to be taken with you so when shooting and your card fills up or whatever, you can download to it and keep on trucking. Very cool. But I am loving the rechargables, wow.

You're right D, practice practice practice eh? I do want some more reading material on all the stuff, but the best tool of all is just to do. Trial and error - gee where have we heard that before? LOL I did give my inlaws a couple photos of mine framed this year for Christmas, one of my hubby and one of the orange coneflower I took this summer. I bought cool frames and popped them in. Apparently she's been showing everyone who comes in the house, lol. Now, if I could only make some money by her showing everyone, lmao!! ;) Call it my "gallery opening", lol!!

But I too am loving my Canon S3 IS, it's a pretty nifty little camera! ;) Yikes! Ok ok, I know, all talk no action here, geesh! LMAO!!!!

[dg2901]

Tracey, :woohoo: you got rechargables!..:bow: Now I must ask, what size battery(ies) does the camera take? Mine takes a specific battery--I bought two so i'd always have one charged.
And arent the card readers wonderful? I've had one for a couple of years now-slot faster and a heck of lot more convenient than having to plug in the camera when uploading to pc. :)
I'm going to have to check out this PhotoBank. Its alot easier to upload pics to something small and very portable than having to lug around a laptop. I've never used up a card before (have a 1g) so I probably wont be able to justify buying one..haha
Its a bummer you havent had access to any "subjects"..haha..have you been whining like the kid who got the sled and no snow?..hahaha.Perhaps if you whine loud enough that someone will volunteer to be your subject:help:

I took some pics of the dreary day we're having...grrrrrrrrrr! Who sent the cold temps this way? It was upper 70's F yesterday and today its currently in the 40's and dropping. :cussing: Oh well, guess I shouldnt be thankful that theres no snow and ice like in some parts of the country.

Til next time...
D
PS..Tracey, heres my "gallery opening" shot..;)..this church is located on the Hague-the western arm of Smith's Creek-in Norfolk, VA. I've lived here all my life and have never known the name of this church....

clickable thumbnail....
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_359806236_e86586eb92_o.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/359806236_e86586eb92_o.jpg)

[SharonA]

Kara...I really like the 1st one you took of the ice on the tree branches. I think it is very good. Glad to see you posting on this thread. You have probably noticed that I have not, as yet, posted any pictures that I have taken and everyone is still nice to me. This is a great group and I enjoy looking at everyone's pics. It is great to get to know another side of people here.

:) :) :)

[dg2901]

Kenneth on the set of Paula Deen's show "Paula's Party"....
Traceann, Paula Deen's gonna be in my neck of the woods-at a food festival- in February. I plan on going and taking lots of pics (if cameras are allowed). I also plan on getting something for you (if possible/available) to replace that key ring I bought you--that mysteriously vanished!

clickable thumbnail...
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_00fee883.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/00fee883.jpg)


:D
D

[Rosalie]

Hi Kara, great to see you over here on these threads. Love your photographs especially the closeups of the ice laden trees.. Hahaha I don't often get the opportunity to photograph ice and snow! Please show us some more.

Jane I hope to see some more of your work here. This thread has been a bit too quiet lately. I suppose we were all caught up in the Christmas New Year festivities but that should mean lots of interesting shots? right?
And Tracey, I'm starting to think this new camera of yours is just a myth.... no pics at all?

And who am I too pick on all you girls Hahahaha... I haven't been too busy with the camera either. However, I recently visited my sister Helen in Paraparap near the coast south west of Melbourne.
Very naughty,I know, but I took this while travelling the highway.That is smoke from bushfires making everything hazy. The fires are hundreds of miles away but we are choking in the smoke.These fires have been burning for over 50 days with no end in sight. Naturalists fear that a number of animal species will have been wiped out and with a prediction that this could go on for many many more weeks, I wonder at what will be left of my beautiful state.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2416.jpg

[Rosalie]

Ok, so now on a brighter note. This is the entrance to Helen's home. She lives on a Buddhist centre set in the bush. The gardens, once listed on the open garden scheme in Victoria(for public viewing) have been ravaged by neglect by the previous owners of the property and now by the drought. However some sturdy plants and trees are trying their best to survive, with a little help of bucketed water from the sole surviving dam.
This is my daughter Hilary, opening the gates to the drive. Hahaha "Please don't do that mum!"
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2428.jpg

The agapanthas are doing surprisingly well.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2452.jpg

One of the statues shipped from Tibet, waiting to be put in place.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2440.jpg

[traceann]

Hey girls, lol it's me...nope no photos yet, I am hoping to get to play this weekend, and if not next week as hubby's on a different shift and I will have some time to myself to fiddle around with it! It may just be some pics of some candlesticks, lol...

Hey D, it takes regular AA's. Now, my Minolta SLR (non-digital) takes one of them funky square batteries, that cost like an arm and a leg to replace, lol. I am totally hooked on rechargables now, omg, what a whole new world, lol. Hubby may take the old camera (won't let him take the new one) to work and get some shots from there. He works in a quarry, and drives things during the winter that are as big and wide as our house, the trucks are like 24-ft wide. And I still can't get them to let me drive one...bummer. I keep trying though!

Oh oh oh! You'll get to see Paula?? Hmmm, how about them hottie sons of hers? Any one of them divorced yet or looking for a girlfriend on the side? LMAO!!!! Just teasing....heh heh heh *evil grin* I am still laughing about that mysterious keychain disappearance, that's crazy when things like that happen. Husband lost his grandfather's ring that way, we never have found what happened to it or found any trace of it...weird. Gnomes I tell you....

I did have fun with the video capabilities of the camera though, got a good video of my MIL "cooking" Christmas dinner - in other words, opening the packages from HoneyBaked Ham and putting them in the oven, lol. She's so funny, she HATES to cook, they go out to eat every single night. That's about it so far....

Hey at least we are all gabbing again, pictures or no pictures eh? LOL!!!

[Claredale]

Okay Tracey, I am looking forward to some pictures on this thread over the weekend. Once I get used to the photobucket thing again, I will post a couple. I really don't have anything interesting either, but I will see if I can come up with something artistic like candlesticks! LOL.

[SharonA]

Hey Rosalie...You guys drive on the wrong side of the freeway. :tsk:
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Those flowers made me pine for Spring and Winter (burrrrr) has just begun. :shake: No fair...

I took some pics of the inside of my house before Christmas to post. Hubby downloaded them and I can't find them. Guess I'm going to have to handcuff him to my computer so he can find them for me. I am useless when it comes to computers. *Sigh*

Handcuffs...Hmmmmm...Now that sounds interesting. :lmao:

[Janie Miranda]

Rosalie, that fire sounds horrible. I hope it didn't wipe out any species as some think it may have done. What a tragedy if it did.

The Buddhist gardens will be lovely with the statues in place. What beautiful flowers.

[Janie Miranda]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k88/tojanetoo/72407951.jpg

Haven't been taking too many photos lately but did take this shot at Christmas. My hubby and daughter bought a new artificial Christmas tree fthis year. The darn thing is massive and almost too heavy to drag up to the attic even in two pieces but it did look lovely, I thought! LOL I'll try to dig around for some more photos to share.

[Janie Miranda]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k88/tojanetoo/mushuonredforphotobucket.jpg
Photo of my arrogant little Shih Tzu.

[traceann]

LOL, I can't believe myself D that it takes reg AA bats, it's a miracle! LOL When I was researching what camera I wanted, that stood out to me in one persons "review". Now to just put it to good work so that I can wear 'em down and charge them up! YAY!!!! ;) Maybe there's a Paula Deen Curse or something....something to ponder, now isn't it???

And I am really glad everyone pointed out to Ro that she's on the wrong side of the road, I was going to say the same thing, that silly girl!! Which, by the way Ro, love the photos, the one of your daughter is classic and now I too am worrying about the poor critters in harm's way, definitely sending prayers their way...

Sharon - Handcuffs hmmm? Get the kind with the fur cuffs so he can type comfortably, lol!! ;) We don't want any sort of chafing, now do we? *giggle*

Janie - Lovely tree! Absolutely gorgeous, nice work! ;) I too took pics of our tree this year, I will have to dig them up, with the old camera of course, but still quite "interesting" to say the least...heh heh heh. And that pic of Mu is so cute, look at the attitude with his little bad self!!! LOL

I have decided (which reminded me after seeing Janie's backdrop) that I am going to turn my upstairs bedroom that will be ulitimately my craft/whatever room (yes, ladies, hubby still keeps saying he'll get to it, ugh) into my studio. Gonna get some white sheets for backdrops and hit the material sales, lol. Then just have to con some subjects to be my victims...lol.

[Janie Miranda]

Tracey,
I have to admit I cheated on that backdrop photo of MuShu. That photo was actually taken of him in our backyard and I used photoshop to extract him and placed him on the backdrop photo which i had purchased from bigstockphoto.com. I really need to make some of my own backdrops too. You'll have to let us know how (and show us pictures) of the studio you set up.
Jane

<<I have decided (which reminded me after seeing Janie's backdrop) that I am going to turn my upstairs bedroom that will be ulitimately my craft/whatever room (yes, ladies, hubby still keeps saying he'll get to it, ugh) into my studio. Gonna get some white sheets for backdrops and hit the material sales, lol. Then just have to con some subjects to be my victims...lol.[/QUOTE]>>>

[dg2901]

Great photos Jane-even the one you "cheated" on..hahahahaha. The Christmas tree looks enormous w/o you even having to attest to it.

Tracey, you dug your Christmas pics up yet?

I didnt take many pictures over Christmas so really have nothing interesting to share.........Didnt get out to take any pictures today due to the nasty weather you guys out North sent this way..grrrrrr!..haha..My bladder still isnt happy so perhaps having good weather wouldnt have made a difference.

Sharon, hang on to those handcuff keys!

Ciao' all
diana

[dg2901]

Took my camera with me on my adventures today and came up with the following. It was too cold for me (brrrrrrrr!) to be out and about so these are quick snapshots with no worry about how they were going to look..haha...

Clickable thumbnails..

US Flag display in honor of all soldiers who've fallen during this war; 3000+..
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_IMG_0505-4.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0505-4.jpg)

Close-up of the US Flags on diplay...
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_IMG_0511-2.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0511-2.jpg)

St. Marys church in downtown Norfolk--its name escapes me at the moment....
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_IMG_0523.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0523.jpg)

The MacArthur Memorial in downtown Norfolk. My husbands grandfather used to paint the flagpost...
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_IMG_0527.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0527.jpg)

Norfolk city jail...
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/th_IMG_0530.jpg (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/dg4832/IMG_0530.jpg)

:hi:
D

[Janie Miranda]

Really nice photos, Diana.
The photo of the flags brought tears to my eyes just thinking about the people they represent. Thanks for sharing the photos.

[dg2901]

Hi Jane,

The flag display, if i'm not mistaken is making its rounds across the US; it just arrived here a few days ago from, I believe, CT. (note there is one flag for every person who's given their life). The church where this photo was taken hit quite close to home as the minister has served as a military chaplain in Iraq, and just recently a local soldiers name was unfortunately added to the list. Theres a board with all the soldiers names and where they're from also displayed; due to the glare I couldnt get a decent picture. I'm hoping to get by there at night as the display will be lit.

:)
Diana

[Rosalie]

Oh you silly sausages! It can get tricky driving on the 'wrong' side of the road hahahahaah! It must be because we are upside down that we get our directions all muddled up..:lmao:
There are hundreds of fires and most are still burning. However, cooler weather and a little rain has eased the situation for a while. I fear that there isn't much hope for so many of our smaller animals. It is very distressing to see photos of them in the media. Many of the native trees and plants actually need fire to geminate and therefore can recover quite well. Not so for our little furry friends.
Nice pics D. The ones of the war memorial are very sad indeed. Seeing so many flags gave me a cold shiver to realized that so many have died.
Hey Janie, love your work with the photoshopping! I didn't pick it at all. And your christmas tree was gorgeous. What was the shutter speed you used and did you need a tripod?
Sharon and Tracey, I had to laugh at those fluffy handcuffs! Hilary wanted to buy some recently for a photography shoot idea. Of course she wasn't going to go into 'Sexyland " to purchase them! Oh No ! I had to do it.... What unnerved me most was the casualness of the salesperson.. "sure, they are all over on that wall"... "What colour are you after?" Hmmmmmmmm "these will do". I couldn't get out of there quick enough.

[Rosalie]

These pics I also took on my visit to my sister's place. They are of two of the three dams on the property. It amazes me that any of the plants have survived at all with the water situation as it is.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2467.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2468.jpg

However, long range forecasters are predicting that this ten year drought will end end Feb/early March. One has even given a date...23rd Feb! Hope he's right!
Although, my sister-in -law is remarrying on 10th March. She reckons "thats would be bloody right, hahaha a ten year drough has to end on all over my garden wedding!"

[SharonA]

Hi Rosalie...We have actually had news reports here about your fires. The reporter said that it could be weeks before they are all out. I had just shown Hubby the pictures you had taken right before the news came on. I can't stand the thought about all those animals being lost. We as humans can get out fast with our cars but those wee creatures can't move that fast.

BTW...the threat of the handcuffs hasn't worked yet. Poor man, when will he realize all he has to do is download my pictures. :lmao:

[dg2901]

Rosalie--the flag display surely makes one think. Theres a board with all the service members name's and location on display as well. This display is going around the country; I'm not sure if its making its rounds through all 50 states or not. The minister of this particular church served as a chaplain to the soldiers and also to the Iraqi people for the past couple of years, and has just recently returned home. I'm sure its a bittersweet honor for him to have this displayed on his church grounds.

Now, on a lighter note, did anyone take a picture of you dodging in and out of "Sexyland"? If you felt dirty and unclean after making your purchase you could have scooted on over to my neck of the woods and gone to "Washland"-a local laundromat chain--to clean up a bit..:)

Sharon--I cant believe your husband hasnt felt threatened by the handcuffs. Perhaps you need to come up with another strategy..:D

:hi:

[traceann]

Yes the thought of the critters makes my stomach very nauseous, it breaks my heart - after all, I am the girl who "saves" mice from my kitty.... :(

Jane, I too wouldn't have guessed you shopped him onto the background, lol. Very cool and thanks for the idea, it's brilliant!!! LMAO!!!! Yup, will report when I finally get that room set up, figured just a couple cheap white flat sheets would work nicely to start with as a background....

But, I did get a chuckle out of the thought of Ro dashing into Sexyland for some 'cuffs. LMAO! My luck, coming out of the store with a big old bag that said "Sexyland" on it, I'd run into my MIL or something who happened to be shopping in the same shopping center or something. Then, I'd stumble all over myself trying to explain "oh no, they're not for me blah blah blah" and just totally eat my foot, shoe and all...LOL Reminds me of a time I ran into a girlfriend in a drugstore one time, and I had my mom with me. We must have just been Seniors or something in highschool, cause I know we were young. But a mutal friend was getting married and she was throwing the shower/bachelorette party and needed plain, unlubricated condoms for some crazy project. That's why she was there. But she couldn't bring herself to actually pick them up and buy them, so we got my mom to do it, lmao!!!

Found my "tree" pictures...heh heh heh....(clickable thumbnails)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/ethereal_24/th_Dec222006004.jpg (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/ethereal_24/Dec222006004.jpg)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/ethereal_24/th_Dec222006007.jpg (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/ethereal_24/Dec222006007.jpg)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/ethereal_24/th_Dec222006017.jpg (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/ethereal_24/Dec222006017.jpg)


It's a total of about 12 inches high, and let me tell you, I was wore out when I got done decorating it! WHEW! Hubby had a heck of a time setting it up too - getting it out of it's little plastic tube was tough stuff! LMAO!:lmao: This year we didn't have room for the usual tree, as we have the antique pie safe his parents gave us in the "tree spot", lol.

[Claredale]

Beautiful tree pictures to Tracey and Janie!

Tracey, your story reminded me of a very embarrassing moment for me! I had gone to one of those "fun" parties with some of my co-workers. We were all given tags with our names on them. The tags were in the shape of "what you use condoms on". Anyway, after the party, I stopped by the grocery store, then went to pick up my boys from my MIL's house since she was babysitting. When I got home, my husband asked me if I had a good time and of course what did you buy!!!! I was bringing in the groceries and I was very confused. That is when he pointed out that I was still wearing my name tag. I was sooo embarrassed! LOL!!!

[traceann]

LMAO!!! Omg, that is way too funny!!! Reminds me of when I got married the first time, and my bachelorette party, my girlfriend had me wear a penis pin, and had one of those things that you put in water and grows - she put it in my drink. I also had to wear condoms pinned to my shirt, numbered 10, 11 & 12 - as if I'd already gone through 1-9, lol. It was mortifying!!!!

One of my girlfriends had one of those parties, gosh, forgot about that - it was a long time ago!!

[Janie Miranda]

Oh my gosh, Tracey!! That is a hilarious story!
Tracey your tree is just gorgeous. Such a warm and inviting place you had there for the holidays.
Rosalie, I was just reading some news on Yahoo today talking about Australia and how they expect the temperature to continue to rise over the next 50 years or so with disastrous consequences. I imagine we are in for the same in the dryer parts of our country.

janehttp://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1090/3/55/92/94/63/6/663949255303_0_ALB.jpg

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1499/3/42/73/51/84/5/584517342303_0_ALB.jpg

[traceann]

Why thank you Janie! I tried to do what I could sans tree, lol. Just no room for one this year - bummer.

Also wanted to let you all know why I have been here lately hit and miss - My mom's having serious kidney problems, well on our way to dialysis and last week it gave her lung complications, by not working propery, fluid backed up into her lungs and put her into a Congestive Heart Failure/COPD situation. So, we have to get past this hump then get working on the kidneys. My days have all run into one another, had her at the doctor Monday, and Tuesday. We now have home oxygen for her and she has to do the Nebulizer treatments - plus all the the other meds to help this out.

This is so difficult, I hate seeing my mom this way, I mean, just the week before she was active and working etc. Then wham - knocked on her butt and in a big fat serious way. I am doing my best to keep up, make sure she has what she needs or wants (although, sometimes I think I am being taken advantage of ;) ) and to remember all the doc's orders... I guess I haven't really had time to be sad, I have my moments but then something else needs to be done and off I go again....

So, hope things settle down so I can look at my camera again....

Hugs!
XOXO

[Claredale]

Tracey, thanks for sharing about your mom. I will keep your mom and your family in my prayers.

Hugs, Tracey

[traceann]

Thank you Tracey!!!!

XOXO

[SharonA]

I am so sorry to hear about your mom, Tracey. Hope things get better for her and also for you. :kissing:

[traceann]

:kissing: Thank you Sharon, me too!!!!!!:pray:

[dg2901]

Tracey,

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's situation. I sincerely hope things turn around for her very soon!

Thinking of you....
Diana

[Janie Miranda]

That's awful Tracey. You mom, you and your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Has your mom been having kidney problems for a while or did this come out of the blue? I hope she makes a quick turn around and feels much better soon.

[traceann]

Thanks D and Janie, all prayers welcome and encouraged, lol. She's been seeing her kidney doc for a few months now, and he's been monitoring her levles and function. I guess a couple weeks ago he told her that at some point "down the road" she'd need dialysis. But we (ok, me) really didn't think things would take this sort of turn so fast. I think (just my non-medical degree opinion) that she caught that crud going around and it just weakened up her body enough for all hell to break loose.

She is so not happy about having to be on home oxygen (that's for old people you know, ugh), but at least she's following doc's orders and wearing it. And I know she's chomping at the bit to go back to work, yikes. It's a lot of pressure to remember to get her medications in her, the breathing treatment, taking my meds etc... It's one foot in front of the other at this point, for myself and for her!! ;)

Thanks for keeping her (and myself) in your prayers! I keep trying every day at work to pop in here to take a mental "vacation", lol...

BIG HUGS!
XOXO

[Janie Miranda]

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3016/4/75/10/39/16/3/316391075403_0_ALB.jpg
Snow PuP!

[dg2901]

Jane, did you delete the picture, or is it my 'puter?

:hmm:
diana

[traceann]

Nope not just you D, I can't see him either! :(

[dg2901]

Well thats a relief that its not just me who cant see it..haha.

Hey Jane (or anyone else for that matter), are you familiar with the "reverse lens" technique? It allows for macro shots w/o having to pay the price for a macro lens. Its just what it sounds--you attach the lens the "wrong" way, keeping your hand on the lens at all times to keep it from backing away from the camera allowing light to come in. Note: you cant change the aperture due to the lens being detached.

:hmm: learn summin' new everyday!
:)
Diana

[traceann]

Hmmm, sounds very interesting! Unfortunately, "grace" here would most likely have a horrible lens catastrophe...LMAO!!!

[Janie Miranda]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k88/tojanetoo/316391075403_0_ALB.jpg

Aggravating photo service. Apparently they don't allow hot linking to the images despite the fact that I pay an annual fee to keep my photos there! The image showed up for a little while but they must have caught the hot link and somehow took it down.

Anyway, put the photo up at photobucket so it should be good now.

Diana, I have heard of that technique before but haven't tried it. I get fairly good macro images with my big telephoto lens on my Canon Rebel and my littlle Fuji FinePix 30 gets pretty good macros. I will have to try your technique suggestion though. Be a fun experiment!

[dg2901]

MuShu looks like he's having fun in the snow..haha..Does he like to chase snowballs? My dog goes bonkers when it snows--she cant get enough snowballs thrown her way.:)

Jane, if you try that technique be sure to upload the pics so we can see. I've come across some pictures taken using this technique--very cool.

:D
diana

[Rosalie]

Tracey, I am sorry to hear that your mum isn't well. I hope things settle down for you all. I am keeping you in my prayers and sending postitive thoughts your way:pray:

Janie, that snow looks awfully cold. Just as well MuShu has a furry coat on :lmao:

Jan 26th was a public holiday here for Australia Day and we had our usual picnic. Unfortunately my daughter who works part time in hospitality had to work. The first time we didn't have all four of us there.
My son Campbell sure knows how to relax!
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2570.jpg
I thought you might like to see some Aussie bush.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2560.jpg

And here is my favourite Eucalypt, the aptly named 'Stringybark'

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f130/gyspyrose/IMG_2554-1.jpg

Diana, can you tell me again how to post pics as 'clickable thumbnails'? I used Photobucket for these shots but can't find anything to help me on that site.

[dg2901]

Rosalie......go to Photobucket; select the picture(s) you want to post: scroll down the page and click on "generate HTML and IMG code": a new page will open--copy the link "IMG clickable thumbnails for message boards".

Diana

[SharonA]

Rosalie...Sorry I missed wishing you a happy Australia Day. I hope you had a good day. It sure looks like you son did.

The pictures of the trees reminded me of my past. I used to live in California before moving to Tennessee. Many years ago, someone brought over the Eucalyptus trees from Oz and transplanted them in the San Joaquin Valley (also known as the Central Valley). They are abundant, now. We used to have some in back of our house when I was growing up. I love them. They are a spectacular tree and smell so good.

[Claredale]

When I was taking pictures of Mollie on our snow day. Janie and I had the same idea, my hubby kept telling me that I was "touching" the lens! I guess it was okay that I was out there in my pjs and my snowboots when I am supposed to still be wearing my boot for my broken foot. I will post some pictures of Mollie in the snow when I am not at work.

Rosalie, loved your pictures!

Tracey

[traceann]

Thanks Ro! All good thoughts appreciated, that's for sure! And wow, great great pictures! I can't wait until I can turn my thoughts back to some "hobby" type activity, and play with my new toy!!!! :)

[Photoboy61]

Titled "Forest"

[traceann]

Welcome to the crazy picture taking gang photoboy61, lol. And what a beautiful animal!! Keep em coming, we love it!

;)

[SharonA]

:welcome:

[Rosalie]

:welcome: Photoboy. great to see a new face on these posts. Come on over to the new thread!