Fun With Bubbles! (August 5, 2009)

Yesterday was a very hot day! There were thunder storms out on the desert and that brought humidity along with the already existing heat into our valley. We spent a good part of the day in the water in our backyard. Chase likes to play in his little "blow-up" pool. We enjoy the big pool too, but, he likes to pour water into containers and play with the hose in his own little pool on the patio. He also likes to make lots of bubbles with his "Gymboree" bubble blower! He learned about putting his fingers in his mouth after using the bubble solution! YUK!

I Was Desperate for a Waterfall! (August 5, 2009)

After seeing my friend's photographs of a beautiful waterfall in Japan, I decided it was time for me to learn more about the "shutter speed priority" setting. Unfortunately, the abundance of waterfalls, here in southern California, are lacking! We'll be lucky to get a rainy day before November... I could have done some thinking and visited a fountain somewhere...but, I chose to pull out the garden hose and attach a sprayer instead. These shots were taken around my backyard. I used the 1/4 and 1/6 shutter speed! It's not the beautiful water curtain that my friend, Kenkichi, produced...but, it's a start! His blog is listed on those that I follow!

Janelle, Sara and Chase (August 3, 2009)

My brother's daughter, Janelle, will be leaving next Sunday to go to school in Nashville, Tennessee. We had a family dinner this evening to celebrate one more week before she leaves. She is really excited about this huge change in her life! Good luck, Janelle! I know you will do well, as you always do!

These pictures show my 2 nieces, Janelle and Sara with my little grandson, Chase. Janelle is the blonde and Sara the brunette. That leaves Chase as the little one. =)

Freight Trains and Graffiti (August 3, 2009)

I went out last night in the hopes of getting some shots of something related to our local commuter trains or freight trains. I waited too long and I missed the prime light. The use of a tripod on the railroad tracks was a bit daunting to me, so I gave up the idea for the time being. This afternoon I tried again and went out to the tracks south of my home where the freight trains roll through town. It is apparent that some of them sit too long unsupervised, perhaps? It seems the train cars serve as the perfect canvas for graffiti artists. Actually, they are quite colorful. I tried a shot in "sepia" tone. I really like the clouds!
I'm not sure what I think of the graffiti, but, I can say it amused me in a big way today!

A Walk on the Pier (July 31, 2009)

A walk on the pier is always without disappointment...people, ocean, sky, clouds, light, sea-life...always changing. Here are a few pics of our walk yesterday during the early evening hours. just before sunset. All of these pictures were taken from the pier. I love my 55mm-250mm lens!

Late Day at the Beach

We have walked on Huntington Beach Pier so many times. We have walked on the sand beneath the pier so many times. And, so many times the camera was left at home. Not this time! I really do love these shots!

Our Water Dog! (July 31, 2009)

Ask Madison if she wants to go swimming and she is out the door and headed for the pool! She waits until the toys are collected and then tossed into the water. She is a retriever, so that is just what she does. Summer is the best!