No more pencils:

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers...
This is me today on my very last day of school. I can't believe it's finally over. And to think it only took me 30 years to get my BA in Biology! Now on July 1, I start my teacher certification classes. Than I guess I have to start being a "big person" and get a job!

I need your advice:

(sticky post)

From everything I read and everything I hear a tripod is an essential piece of equipment for a photographer. I don’t consider myself a photographer however, I do really enjoy taking photos and sometimes I get lucky. I am always critiquing my photos and looking at those of others with the thoughts of finding what I like about the photo and what I don’t. I hope this will help me to focus on the image I want to capture before pressing the shutter button. However, I have found more times than not, I have captured the image but to my dismay the shot is not as sharp or clear as I would like. I decided to take the next step in the procession, of hopefully, taking better photos and purchase a tripod. I have started looking around.
What I know I want is one which is sturdy, light weight, easy to set up, and it must have a quick camera release. Am I asking too much? I question how often I will use it. Do most of you carry a tripod around with you? It seems as if it would be a hassle to lug around. What features should I be looking for? What do you like or dislike about your tripod? Can you recommend a brand or model? I would really appreciate any help in making this decision. Yes, I am asking for your two cents. I plan on purchasing one prior to my trip to the refuge for the spring migration.
Thanks ~ Trish

Odd Shot Monday:

hummmm... I can still see you!

Weekend Snapshot:

My birthday with a side of studying for my calculus final.

Camera Critters # 4: Murphy

Eight years ago, when it was time for one of our Seeing Eye puppies to be returned and my older son was leaving for boot camp, I decided it was time for another fulltime dog. I suppose I was suffering from “empty nest syndrome.” Furthermore, Orlando needed a friend. I wanted a female yellow Labrador, went to the shelter to look at a collie and came home with Murf!
Murphy is our “middle child,” and displays all the symptoms: he has to fight for attention and often feels ignored. He is the best babysitter for all of puppies. He has the silliest ears. In addition, he is the mellowest dog you will ever meet. He is, indeed, one handsome boy. And his striking markings, frequently inspire the question: “what kind of dog is that?” I generally respond with, “a good one.”

Sky Watch: Bayview Sunset

Yet, another reason I enjoy living "down the shore."

A Gift from Mother Nature:

When I moved to this area of Jersey, more than 30 years ago, there were few homes and even fewer businesses. We had the privilege to having plenty of open space. This land was filled with many varies of wildflowers. Tigerlilies lined the streets and wisteria decorated many trees and structures. Perhaps because lilacs are one of my favorite flowers and because it graces me with its presents at the time of my birthday, it was among one of flowers I noticed all those years ago. Standing at the end of my block was one beautiful large lilac bush. As the years have passed, many of the wooded lots have been replaced with homes, large box stores and strip malls, but this lilac bush as been spared and, in fact, has thrived. It now stands easily over 12 feet tall and no less than 20 feet around. No picture I could take would show its grand size. Each year I think about taking a few clippings, however I never do, always thinking, if everyone clipped just one flower, no one would be able to enjoy the beauty of this giant with the hundreds of fragrant blooms. Even in a gentle breeze the aroma can be detected for what seems a mile away.

Our town is undergoing a major growth spurt and I fear “my” birthday bush will soon fall victim to a bulldozer. Last evening under the cover of dark, B, LW and I, with pruners in hand, walked down to this beauty and in what seemed like a quite ceremony cut several blooms. I fear it will be the last year I receive the gift of sweet beauty from this flora.