Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Still Morning
I'm starting to feel hints of fall, The mornings are chill and it takes a while for the day to warm up. Leaves are starting to show hints of red and orange. And the sun is slowly sliding lower on the horizon, changing the quality of light, No longer the harsh, flat blaze of summer light, there is a softer feel to daylight.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Riding High
Today was a beautiful day and Rebecca and I got to enjoy it. I had a meeting with my dog club and I decided to take advantage of the fact that a friend who has horses was just 5 miles further out. Rebecca and I grabbed our riding gear and tossed it in the van before heading on out.
We were done with the meeting in short order and were out the door for a little fun. Unfortunately our friend couldn't stay, she had plans, but we were welcome to take the pony out.
I showed Rebecca how to properly groom a horse, which seemed to take forever in her mind. However, when I pointed out the small stone in the hoof she realized I had a point. Then it was out to the ring for a bit of a ride. They pony has a very sweet temperament so Rebecca could ride bareback with just a halter. I like the idea of her starting this way so she can get a true feel for how to sit.
Rebecca was very comfortable riding at a walk and was ready for more. I led the pony into a trot and soon Rebecca was able to manage all on her own. If fact she did so well she accidentally managed to get the pony into a canter. It was a shocking development for Rebecca and she quickly slowed the pony down. I explained what happened and Rebecca regained her composure and was brave enough to canter a few more times. It was, I think, an exhilarating day for my girl.
When Rebecca was finished I had her ride just a bit more at a walk as a sort of "cool down." It wasn't totally necessary, but it is a good idea to instill in her now. I want her to think about the needs of her ride and not just herself. Then it was a quick rub down with a further inspection of the feet and the pony was returned to its field.
It was a wonderful way to spend part of beautiful fall afternoon.
We were done with the meeting in short order and were out the door for a little fun. Unfortunately our friend couldn't stay, she had plans, but we were welcome to take the pony out.
I showed Rebecca how to properly groom a horse, which seemed to take forever in her mind. However, when I pointed out the small stone in the hoof she realized I had a point. Then it was out to the ring for a bit of a ride. They pony has a very sweet temperament so Rebecca could ride bareback with just a halter. I like the idea of her starting this way so she can get a true feel for how to sit.
Rebecca was very comfortable riding at a walk and was ready for more. I led the pony into a trot and soon Rebecca was able to manage all on her own. If fact she did so well she accidentally managed to get the pony into a canter. It was a shocking development for Rebecca and she quickly slowed the pony down. I explained what happened and Rebecca regained her composure and was brave enough to canter a few more times. It was, I think, an exhilarating day for my girl.
When Rebecca was finished I had her ride just a bit more at a walk as a sort of "cool down." It wasn't totally necessary, but it is a good idea to instill in her now. I want her to think about the needs of her ride and not just herself. Then it was a quick rub down with a further inspection of the feet and the pony was returned to its field.
It was a wonderful way to spend part of beautiful fall afternoon.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Project MCP: Favorite Fall Activity
There are lots of things I like to do in the fall, but I think my favorite is the morning dog walk. I love heading out in the brisk fall air and the walk seems to be a bit easier. The sun sits lower now and seems softer, no longer the cruel mistress of summer.
The colors are more vivid with the added bonus of little splashes of color here and there from new plantings and fall foliage. And if I'm lucky there is the smell of freshly turned earth when people have their lawns aerated. Later on I get to smell the fragrant smoke as fireplaces get pressed into service.
Everyday there is something new on the walk as we transition from one season to the next and that makes for a great walk.
The colors are more vivid with the added bonus of little splashes of color here and there from new plantings and fall foliage. And if I'm lucky there is the smell of freshly turned earth when people have their lawns aerated. Later on I get to smell the fragrant smoke as fireplaces get pressed into service.
Everyday there is something new on the walk as we transition from one season to the next and that makes for a great walk.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Yay Slippers!
I love the weather we are having now, low seventies during the day and falling down to the mid forties at night. The brisk mornings are far more pleasurable than the swampy sauna that we greet me each morning in the summer. The best part is that I get to wear slippers again.
I had a lovely purple pair that Larry got me, oh about two years ago. Unfortunately the dogs liked them as well and ate one. I couldn't find the same pair again, but I did find an acceptable replacement at Kohl's. So now I get to curl up each morning with my feet in a cozy pair of slippers.
Hooray for fall and the attendant lower temps and hooray for slippers!
I had a lovely purple pair that Larry got me, oh about two years ago. Unfortunately the dogs liked them as well and ate one. I couldn't find the same pair again, but I did find an acceptable replacement at Kohl's. So now I get to curl up each morning with my feet in a cozy pair of slippers.
Hooray for fall and the attendant lower temps and hooray for slippers!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Project MCP: Fall Leaves
The third Project MCP photography challenge for October was "Fall Leaves."
Now back in Vermont this would be a snap, a friend of mine from high school has been posting on Facebook wonderful shots of fall foliage. However I'm in central Virginia and I can't magically transport myself up north. I have to wait for the far more subdued palate that nature uses around here later on in the season (we are roughly three weeks behind). Add in the dreary wet weather I haven't been able to do much until now.
The first two pictures I took during Rebecca's soccer practice. It was late afternoon and the sun was at just the right angle to add a wonderful luminosity to the leaves. I sent Rebecca on ahead so could slowly meander over to her practice field, taking pictures without an impatient 11 year old by my side.
Of the two I think the second one is my favorite. I like how I got the picture depth just right, the focus is just on the spray of leaves in the foreground. The other picture captured interesting details in the leaf, you can see a small area where insects have nibbled away leaving a filigree of veins.
I am so glad I remembered to grab my camera on my way out the door. The weather is perfect and I got an inkling this morning during the dog walk that I should keep my camera handy.
The final picture here is from that walk this morning. I stuffed my cell phone in my pocket just in case Nate, who was home sick, needed to know where I was. He never did call, but I did use my phone to take this picture. The contrast of the bright orange leaf on the black road really caught my eye. I also like the shadow cast by the leaf and the slight curl to the edge. The picture is far from perfect, but considering it's from my basic smart phone it is pretty darn good.
All three are straight out of the camera with the very tiny exception of the image rotation of the middle picture. No cropping, sharpening, or color correction was needed. I was able to compose my shots in the viewfinder and present them as is.
Now back in Vermont this would be a snap, a friend of mine from high school has been posting on Facebook wonderful shots of fall foliage. However I'm in central Virginia and I can't magically transport myself up north. I have to wait for the far more subdued palate that nature uses around here later on in the season (we are roughly three weeks behind). Add in the dreary wet weather I haven't been able to do much until now.
The first two pictures I took during Rebecca's soccer practice. It was late afternoon and the sun was at just the right angle to add a wonderful luminosity to the leaves. I sent Rebecca on ahead so could slowly meander over to her practice field, taking pictures without an impatient 11 year old by my side.
Of the two I think the second one is my favorite. I like how I got the picture depth just right, the focus is just on the spray of leaves in the foreground. The other picture captured interesting details in the leaf, you can see a small area where insects have nibbled away leaving a filigree of veins.
I am so glad I remembered to grab my camera on my way out the door. The weather is perfect and I got an inkling this morning during the dog walk that I should keep my camera handy.
The final picture here is from that walk this morning. I stuffed my cell phone in my pocket just in case Nate, who was home sick, needed to know where I was. He never did call, but I did use my phone to take this picture. The contrast of the bright orange leaf on the black road really caught my eye. I also like the shadow cast by the leaf and the slight curl to the edge. The picture is far from perfect, but considering it's from my basic smart phone it is pretty darn good.
All three are straight out of the camera with the very tiny exception of the image rotation of the middle picture. No cropping, sharpening, or color correction was needed. I was able to compose my shots in the viewfinder and present them as is.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Project MCP: Fall Colors
The final September challenge for Project MCP was to photograph a fall color scheme, which is a rather tricky assignment down here in the south. I have found flashes of color, but for the most part the foliage is stuck in late summer mode. Lucky for me the stores pay no heed to the weather and start putting out the fall decorations at the beginning of the month.
For today's photo I roamed the aisles of my local Walmart with my camera in one hand as I shopped. I took pictures of pretty fall themed kitchen towels, various centerpieces, mums in bloom, and so on. Frankly I was amazed that my photography garnered no comment from the staff.
The winner for this week's picture was this pretty flower arrangement. I found it just as I was finishing my shopping in the produce section and was ready to check out. The colors are just right, they are truly evocative of fall. Thank you Walmart for being so helpful this week.
For today's photo I roamed the aisles of my local Walmart with my camera in one hand as I shopped. I took pictures of pretty fall themed kitchen towels, various centerpieces, mums in bloom, and so on. Frankly I was amazed that my photography garnered no comment from the staff.
The winner for this week's picture was this pretty flower arrangement. I found it just as I was finishing my shopping in the produce section and was ready to check out. The colors are just right, they are truly evocative of fall. Thank you Walmart for being so helpful this week.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Project MCP: Signs of Fall
The third Project MCP challenge for September is "signs of fall."
I had a few ideas on what to shoot, but never really got a chance this week. Between Rosh Hashana and various people being sick I was unable to get out much with my camera. However the signs of fall did find me in the shape of a tree branch practically smacking me in the face.
I was escorting the dynamic duo to their respective soccer practices (conveniently located on the same field) when I had to duck past this branch. I didn't think much of it until the bright scarlet leaves caught my eye.
Eureka!
I had found my signs of fall.
I had a few ideas on what to shoot, but never really got a chance this week. Between Rosh Hashana and various people being sick I was unable to get out much with my camera. However the signs of fall did find me in the shape of a tree branch practically smacking me in the face.
I was escorting the dynamic duo to their respective soccer practices (conveniently located on the same field) when I had to duck past this branch. I didn't think much of it until the bright scarlet leaves caught my eye.
Eureka!
I had found my signs of fall.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Deer Track
This picture was a close second for my MCP Project 52 entry. In the end I decided against it since there really wasn't that much water in the picture, even after pouring a bit of water into the deer track.
Anyhoo, I like the picture so here it is.
There were actually quite a few sets of tracks in our lawn Friday morning. I noticed them as I walked along the edge while trying to find just the right spot to photograph water droplets on the blades of grass.
As for the presence of the tracks, they were far from unexpected, especially since a doe ambled out of the woods as I was mowing the other day. She was unconcerned about my riding about on the noisy tractor and she just glided across the lawn, snatching mouthfuls the leaves as she moved along.
Anyhoo, I like the picture so here it is.
There were actually quite a few sets of tracks in our lawn Friday morning. I noticed them as I walked along the edge while trying to find just the right spot to photograph water droplets on the blades of grass.
As for the presence of the tracks, they were far from unexpected, especially since a doe ambled out of the woods as I was mowing the other day. She was unconcerned about my riding about on the noisy tractor and she just glided across the lawn, snatching mouthfuls the leaves as she moved along.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
MCP Project 52: Muted Tones
Oops! Almost forgot to post this!
Anyhoo, this week's theme was muted tones. I immediately thought of Virginia's (well at least around here in central VA) muted fall palate. Having grown up in New England I've been spoiled by the richness of nature's splendor up North. Around here it is rather bland, with the notable exception of Winged Euonymus' (aka Burning Bush) brilliant scarlet foliage.
So I happily snapped away under my dogwood catching the light filtering through the leaves in a lovely kaleidoscopic pattern. This is pretty much straight from the camera with a bit of cropping.
I also considering taking a picture of Jake playing his trumpet with the mute in place, but... It had already been done. I looked through the Flickr pool for MCP Project 52 and saw just exactly that. And decided to stick with my dogwood leaves.
Anyhoo, this week's theme was muted tones. I immediately thought of Virginia's (well at least around here in central VA) muted fall palate. Having grown up in New England I've been spoiled by the richness of nature's splendor up North. Around here it is rather bland, with the notable exception of Winged Euonymus' (aka Burning Bush) brilliant scarlet foliage.
So I happily snapped away under my dogwood catching the light filtering through the leaves in a lovely kaleidoscopic pattern. This is pretty much straight from the camera with a bit of cropping.
I also considering taking a picture of Jake playing his trumpet with the mute in place, but... It had already been done. I looked through the Flickr pool for MCP Project 52 and saw just exactly that. And decided to stick with my dogwood leaves.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Mosaic
Yesterday morning when I was walking back from the bus stop I was struck by the beauty of the leaves illuminated by the morning light. I was passing beneath a dogwood tree and the light is shining through the leaves. Quickly, I went inside to grab my camera before the light shifted.
I am standing under the tree's canopy and shooting towards the sun. I love the interplay of light and shadow on the leaves' surfaces. The leaves are just starting to turn and that adds a nice bit of color to the composition. It was one of those moments when I just happened to be looking at the right place at the right time.
I am standing under the tree's canopy and shooting towards the sun. I love the interplay of light and shadow on the leaves' surfaces. The leaves are just starting to turn and that adds a nice bit of color to the composition. It was one of those moments when I just happened to be looking at the right place at the right time.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Mummy's Girl
Today was our neighborhood's Fall Festival. It's a cute little get together that features fun games for the kids, a hay ride ride, and a chilli competition. This year they even had a cupcake/cookie competition.
The cupcake thing alone was enough to get Rebecca interested. So Sunday morning I whipped up a batch of cupcakes for us to decorate. I wasn't sure if it was a decorating contest or a tasting one, either way I knew Rebecca would want to do her own thing.When I was out getting supplies I picked up an assortment of Gummi Halloween shapes that I knew she would like. It was a good call, Rebecca loved them and happily used them all, including the spider which is pretty major since she can't stand arachnids.
As for my cupcakes, I stuck with simple shapes and sprinkles. Not very exciting, but I was pretty happy with the end results. The pumpkin (which is upside down in the photo) was a lot of fun to make. I utilized the ridges left from the decorating tip to simulate the lines. I had actually made an even better one, but I forgot to photograph it (I had picked that cupcake for the judging).
And hey, I don't mind not having it, because I got second place! Woot!
Not bad for an impulsive last minute entry.
As for the rest of the afternoon, Rebecca and I had a good time together. Her brothers declined to accompany us ( a decision Max regretted later), so we got to have a girl's afternoon out. I watched her run around and try her hand at all the games. We did the cake walk together and Rebecca won a plate of cupcakes. Then we did the tp mummy wrapping. I wasn't the fastest wrapper, but dang it we had the best (and neatest) tp mummy. Good enough to garner to snow cones. Then we ended the whole thing with a hay ride.
It was an excellent way to spend a fall afternoon.
The cupcake thing alone was enough to get Rebecca interested. So Sunday morning I whipped up a batch of cupcakes for us to decorate. I wasn't sure if it was a decorating contest or a tasting one, either way I knew Rebecca would want to do her own thing.When I was out getting supplies I picked up an assortment of Gummi Halloween shapes that I knew she would like. It was a good call, Rebecca loved them and happily used them all, including the spider which is pretty major since she can't stand arachnids.
As for my cupcakes, I stuck with simple shapes and sprinkles. Not very exciting, but I was pretty happy with the end results. The pumpkin (which is upside down in the photo) was a lot of fun to make. I utilized the ridges left from the decorating tip to simulate the lines. I had actually made an even better one, but I forgot to photograph it (I had picked that cupcake for the judging).
And hey, I don't mind not having it, because I got second place! Woot!
Not bad for an impulsive last minute entry.
As for the rest of the afternoon, Rebecca and I had a good time together. Her brothers declined to accompany us ( a decision Max regretted later), so we got to have a girl's afternoon out. I watched her run around and try her hand at all the games. We did the cake walk together and Rebecca won a plate of cupcakes. Then we did the tp mummy wrapping. I wasn't the fastest wrapper, but dang it we had the best (and neatest) tp mummy. Good enough to garner to snow cones. Then we ended the whole thing with a hay ride.
It was an excellent way to spend a fall afternoon.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Fall Color
Here are some of the pretty, pretty leaves out front.
The dark red is Japanese Maple and the more washed out red and orange is my waaaay past peak Burning Bush (winged euonymus). Then down below there are bright splashes of red berries amongst the green leaves of my Heavenly Bamboo.
Interestingly two of the above are considered invasive species and should have never been planted in the first place. Which is a pity with the Burning Bush. I've haven't had any problems with it and I'm fond of the bright red it produces in early fall. The Heavenly Bamboo, however, I could happily rip it all out if it weren't so well established and... well invasive.
As for the bright orange pumpkins on the steps, they should have been tossed last weekend. They make for a pretty picture, but the insides are nightmarish to say the least.
The dark red is Japanese Maple and the more washed out red and orange is my waaaay past peak Burning Bush (winged euonymus). Then down below there are bright splashes of red berries amongst the green leaves of my Heavenly Bamboo.
Interestingly two of the above are considered invasive species and should have never been planted in the first place. Which is a pity with the Burning Bush. I've haven't had any problems with it and I'm fond of the bright red it produces in early fall. The Heavenly Bamboo, however, I could happily rip it all out if it weren't so well established and... well invasive.
As for the bright orange pumpkins on the steps, they should have been tossed last weekend. They make for a pretty picture, but the insides are nightmarish to say the least.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Best Part
I really love fall. The cooler temperatures, the crispness to the air (well not so much today- it was rather warm and humid down in old Virginny), and the splashes of color that grab the eyes as you drive down tree lined streets. But the very best thing is cider.
I love an ice cold glass of full bodied cider. The best ones have a bit of effervescence that somehow enhances the whole experience. Apple juice is such a pale shadow, it only vague hints of its apple origins. A good cider boldly proclaims itself and, if you are lucky, you can even tell what the varietal used.
I very rarely bought apple juice for my children, it's nutritionally bankrupt and is closer to sugar water than fruit juice. Cider, however, is a whole other ball game. We all look forward to cider's return each fall.
I love an ice cold glass of full bodied cider. The best ones have a bit of effervescence that somehow enhances the whole experience. Apple juice is such a pale shadow, it only vague hints of its apple origins. A good cider boldly proclaims itself and, if you are lucky, you can even tell what the varietal used.
I very rarely bought apple juice for my children, it's nutritionally bankrupt and is closer to sugar water than fruit juice. Cider, however, is a whole other ball game. We all look forward to cider's return each fall.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Brilliant Fall
I think autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the crispness in air from the cool nights and warm days. I get to wear my funky boots and jackets again after the long insufferably hot Virginia summers have passed.
And then there are the colors.
We don't get quite the vast stretches of brilliant fall foliage like up north, but it is around if you keep your eyes open. The Winged Euonymus, aka burning bush, is one of my favorite plantings we have on our property. Come fall it never fails to delight the eyes with is scarlet color.
So I raise my glass of cider (mmm cider another fall favorite) to you autumn.
And then there are the colors.
We don't get quite the vast stretches of brilliant fall foliage like up north, but it is around if you keep your eyes open. The Winged Euonymus, aka burning bush, is one of my favorite plantings we have on our property. Come fall it never fails to delight the eyes with is scarlet color.
So I raise my glass of cider (mmm cider another fall favorite) to you autumn.
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