Old Bullbunky posted an ornament photo and associated history. In stealing his idea (imitation is the sincerest...and laziest form of flattery), I thought I would post an image of one of my favorite holiday tree ornaments . This is an ornament that my mother got for me from Hallmark a few years ago. It is a fit Santa riding a mountain bike. Of course I took it into Photoshop and played for a while...until something kind of comic book like appeared.
Well it started off to be a beautiful morning and as the day progressed a front moved in. When I left work it was windy and snowing. It had snowed almost 1/2 inch by the time I left work and they canceled evening classes. I picked up Mexican food for dinner and by the time I arrived back on Sesame Street there was almost an inch on the ground. They have already delayed the opening of the college tomorrow until 10:00 a.m. It is clear that we are no longer in Vermont !!! An inch of snow...please :-)
The baby is growing and Christine is glowing and barely sleeping since our addition seems to be kicking, grabbing, and moving all the time.
Walking the dogs this morning was a visual treat. Usually we can't quite see to the real Smoky's, but this morning you could.
It had been a few days since I posted anything, so I thought I would put up a couple of experimental shots that have been highly adjusted in Photoshop. Truth be told someone who knows what they are doing can probably accomplish this stuff with two clicks of a mouse, but I dilly and dally taking the long way home.
I also have been meaning to post two books that I highly recommend. Of course one has been out forever and I just got to it in my stack. The World Is Flat [Updated and Expanded]: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century by Thomas Friedman. He made a strong case for what needs to happen for companies to be competitive in the global economy. I really enjoyed the case studies and personally I learned a lot about the computer industry and the ever flattening world. Not that I agree with it 100%, but I think it should almost be required reading for anyone studying management today.
The Fall color outside is rapidly waning, but fortunately I have a job that allows me to work with plants all year. The greenhouse provides and endless source of subject matter.
Foliage shots are always a lot of fun for me and the variety of pigmentation found on leaves is astonishing.
The closer you get the more interesting things become.
You think he would tell his neighbor to floss...as not to scare of the next meal.
What happens when an Agave gets gloriously out of control in the conservatory.
I guess if I had to come up with a common thread for this Thanksgiving it would have to be 'catching-up'. I was able to visit with my parents, the neighbors, new friends, and catch up on the phone with three old and dear friends from the University of Florida that I hadn't spoken to in awhile.
I just got out and enjoyed the weather today and took a few pictures of things that caught my eye.
Is it just me? or does this tree trunk remind anyone else of "The Scream."
Yes that is poison ivy! (Toxicodendron radicans)
This picture comes from the The Museum of Hoaxes and it makes me laugh. Appropriate.
On a more fun note, the student's studying Forestry have a Timber Sports Team. As part of an opportunity showcase they put on demonstration for county high school and middle school students.
Many of the competitors wear this cool modern day armor so that they get to keep all their fingers and toes in the case of a mishap. As you can imagine, Timber Sports are not the most forgiving when it comes to injuries.
(THE LINK for your viewing pleasure)
Christine put up with me taking a few images this evening. I thought this one was particularly interesting and I spent a little time with it in Photoshop.
I needed to get out from behind the computer and it was another great day, so I took a walk around campus and had some fun with my camera. I cropped the picture above out of a shot of some red leaves.
Photo of window outside the old grist mill. The window on the opposite side of the building interrupted the reflection.
Grist mill in motion. This resulted in a weird visual effect. The wheel came out looking warped. It is as round as a 100-year-old water wheel can be.
Finally a more traditional fall photo.
On Saturday (It was 75 F) I finally caught up with several projects that I had been putting off. First, I mowed the lawn, for what will hopefully be the last time this season. Then I assembled a crib for the new baby that my folks ordered for us (everyone has been so generous, we are very thankful and lucky). Finally, I fixed a connection to one of our gutters to the underground pipes that take the water away from the house and out into the backyard. The Indian summer ended last night and we awoke to the mountain peaks being covered with new snow....first of the season.
I saw this car parked at the gym today...all I can say is that this is very Bothersome. Who finds this funny in our world today ??? So many kids frequent the gym...I know the owner probably had no real malicious intent, but why even kid about stuff like this. I don't know too much about guns, but the one in the gun rack did not look like anything you would normally use for hunting game.
Finally, ever been driving along enjoying the view out the window and then splat!!! I am glad to see the birds are eating well :-)
There are still a few persistent leaves, but for the most part they are all on the ground. I took the dogs out for a frosty (16 F) but pleasant walk this morning and was treated to a nice ice show.
I'll admit it. I am fascinated by leaves. You would think I made my living off of plants or something?
Official winter is still off 7 weeks or so, but it is starting to feel a little more like it here everyday.
Yellow is a bright, cheerful color, often associated with happiness and peace.
