Hostess with the mostess

After yesterday’s INSANE winds (that snapped one of our patio umbrella poles in half and the umbrella wasn’t even open!), it was so nice to have a calm, sunny, blue sky day today. 

"Pink Sno-ball" (Azalea mucronulatum 'Cornell Pink', Pink Manchurian Azalea) Nikon D300, 105mm, F/7.1, 1/400s, -0.3EV, ISO 400

I was chasing the bumble bees (with my lens, thank you) that were madly scouring the Cornell Pink azalea but with only bee butts to show for my efforts, I turned my focus to the luscious pink blooms instead.  

Upon seeing this shot on-screen, my first thought was of a favorite childhood treat – the Hostess Sno-ball! A creme-filled chocolate cake covered in marshmallow and smothered in pink-tinted coconut - yum!

Sing a song

"Songbird" (Song Sparrow, Adult Eastern Form, Melospiza melodia) Nikon D300, 1000mm (600mm w/1.7x teleconverter), F/6.7, 1/250s, ISO 200

This adorable Song Sparrow seemed quite pleased with itself after a quick dip in the birdbath!

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

I totally forgot I photographed some signage for the park series! What a find on this crazy weather day. (So far we’ve had sun, showers, more sun, clouds, rain, HAIL (!), more rain and now it is sunny but very windy and chilly - geesh!).

"Grate Sign" (Park Dept Sign) Playground Series (#20) Nikon D300, 62mm, F/4.8, 1/320s, +0.3EV, ISO 200, 'Old West' Toning Action

Anyways, I digress…  

"Hours of Play" (Park Hours Sign) Playground Series (#21), Nikon D300, 65mm, F/5, 1/640s, ISO 200, 'Old West' Toning Action

I really didn’t think much of it at the time when I shot these – it was merely a ‘while I’m here’ sort of thing. Now, I’m so glad I did as I think they will help to paint a complete picture of the childhood playground experience!

White-throated sparrow? Check!

Still adding to my catalog of local birds and happy to report a fine capture of a White-Throated Sparrow!  I’d been following this species for quite some time and finally all the elements (composition, lighting, subject) came together. 

"Looking Back" (White-Throated Sparrow, Adult White-Striped, Zonotrichia albicollis) Nikon D300, 1000mm (600mm w/1.7x teleconverter), F/6.7, 1/60s, ISO 640, Selective Silver Efex Pro Sepia Toning

The males and females are identical so we shall never know which sex is shown here, but no matter. You can choose whatever one works for you.  

I chose to apply selective toning (once again) for this image but this time in sepia since it nicely supports the bird’s natural coloration. 

Now where’s that male Cardinal…?!!

New addiction

"Radiant" (Apricot Tulip) Nikon D300, 105mm F/2.8G Macro with 3-ring Extension Tube Set, F/8, 1/100s, ISO 400

Okay, so the extension tubes have really opened up a whole new level of macro photography for me. Just look at the details of the center of this tulip!  

Here we can actually see the pollen dust - amazing! And not sure if this will come across on the web (so you’ll have to trust me on this) but, the very tips of the stamens are a lovely violet color. Who knew? 

I fear this could become addictive very easily so someone better find me a 12-step program!  

Sunday funnies

Seeing that it is sunday, I thought I’d share a couple of comical chipmunk captures.

Enjoy!

"Say What?!" (Eastern Chipmunk) Nikon D300, 1000mm (600mm w/1.7xteleconverter), F/6.7, 1/200s, -0.3EV, ISO 2500

"Hiya!" (Eastern Chipmunk) Nikon D300, 550mm (200-400mm F/4G w/1.4x teleconverter), F/13, 1/40s, -0.3EV, ISO 800

He’s still the one

Eighteen years ago today, I married my best friend.   

I felt like a princess on that day, complete with horse-drawn carriage and handsome prince charming by my side. Unlike Cinderella, however, my dream didn’t end at midnight and I’ve been living the fairytale ever since.  

"Love Charms" (Dicentra spectabilis aka Pink Bleeding Heart) Nikon D300, 105mm F/2.8G Macro, F/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 640

Has it been easy? Nope, of course not! Keeping a marriage alive and well takes constant vigilance, but the trying times are long forgotten as we’ve made it well past the growing pains. Life is good.  

He promised to make me laugh and he does so every single day.  

He promised to take care of me and he does that better than anyone.  

He promised to support my dreams and he’s been the greatest fan of my life.  

He promised to love me and chooses to do so even on the days I make it oh-so-easy not to!  

He promised to always be mine and he makes me feel like I’m the only woman on earth.  

I love you, babe. Now and always. 

Happy Anniversary!  

P.S. I’d still say ‘Yes‘.