Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday's Reflection

It's getting time to start camping again. For me, being alone in the forest with my family is the best part. I love watching the kids cook hotdogs and burn marshmellows. The fire pit is the central part of any good camping trip. We gather around it to eat, of course to cook, but also at night just to talk. What would a trip be without a crackling fire?

I spend a lot of time photographing the fire. The images it forms always tell a story. If you look at this one, it's obvious that a dragon was near by. Can you see the image in the flames? He's leaning back his head and breathing fire. What do you see in the fire? Is it the dragon I see?

Wordless Wednesday

Camera Critters #162

While waiting for the prom kids to show up at our town's gazebo, I found a new little model and had fun watching him running around the tree. Since it's time for Camera Critters, it was perfect timing!







To see more animals from around the world, stop over at Camera Critters Central at http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/ to see them.

2011 Senior Prom

Last night was the senior prom for many teens throughout the nation. My daughter was one of those lucky kids. Sadly, the school refused to allow her boyfriend to attend because he was the ancient age of 21.

Nothing could keep her from attending this right of passage though, so she went with a couple of her friends and had a blast. My parents and Trevor went with me to take photos of her and her friends. Our last chance to see her before the dancing melts her make up.


There are now only two weeks left before she graduates from high school and another milestone in her life. I have to enjoy the last few minutes before she's officially an adult and ready to head off to college.

Local church receives a face lift

I think I can let the genie out of the bottle and post a few photos of the uber secret renovation work done on a local church. I doubt many of the parishioners or even local residents regularly read here. If I'm wrong, make sure to drop me a note. :)

I just finished the article for the morning's paper and was going through the photos to pick the one that will go with it. I realized just how gorgeous it was and had to share with others. The rest of the town won't be able to see it until April 14 at their re-dedication ceremony, so consider yourselves special insiders!

The ceremony is open to the public and begins with a Mass at 7 p.m. A meet and great is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. in their social hall. If you're going, please let me know. Would love to add your photo here and maybe in the paper (If you'll pose with the Bishop).

The church is St. Leo Magnus Roman Catholic Church and the $1 million renovation was thanks to the generosity of Rose and Denny Heindl. They are very community-minded and regularly donate to the school, community and their church. They are also just nice people. I talked to Rose this morning when she called about my health. Not something that is necessary, but she's just such a sweetheart.

So, enough of that and onto the photos:

Two bloggers meet

We always hear stories about how small the world is, but until you experience something like I did today, you don't really understand just what that means.

I've been writing a blog for many years. Started out as a paper and pen diary, but quickly progressed to the internet as soon as this was available and I found it. I'm a writer by profession, so it's only natural for me to keep track of my life this way.



I was surfing around one day and saw a photo of Warren, PA. That's not too far from where I live, so I followed the link to a page and there was Linda Gross' blog called Linda's Photo Journal. We started exchanging comments on our blog posts and promise to get together for coffee some day. Never thought that some day would be in the middle of the northwestern PA winter, but it did!

Ridgway hosts a huge, international carving gathering every February. It is the largest non-competitive gathering of these extreme artists in the entire world and it gave the town the name of "Chainsaw Capital of the World." It draws hundreds of carvers and upwards of 40,000 visitors stopping by the see what chainsaw art really is. Walking through town, we saw plates from New York, Ohio and several other States. If you've never seent this extreme artform done in person, you really need to check it out. How they can look at a log and "see" the animal or whatever in it is way beyond me.

I had posted about it last week for Camera Critters and not long after, Linda sent me a note saying she hoped to get here and would I be around. Of course, I'd be here, just depends on whether or not I could get out of bed. Arielle got up since I had to take some photos and interview a few of the carvers, creators and visitors for ny article. When it was time to leave, I just took an extra pain pill to let me keep moving a few hours. Trevor took me over to the carving grounds and stuck beside me to make sure I didn't get bumped or fall and hurt myself. It's so embarassing that I need my 16-year old to walk beside me and hold my hand at times to keep me from falling. My balance is really off these days. (Keep your fingers crossed the new neurologist in Pittsburgh can help)He isn't one of those teenage boys who won't be seen with their mother. He's had to help me walk or get up for several years, so he doesn't think anything of it. I know the kids snicker at him and call him "Mommy's boy" and worse, but he just pretends those mutants don't exist and he does what he knows is right.



We had just got to the carving lot and I get a call from Linda who she says she and her husband Bob were about 12 miles outside of town and asked where can they park. The town is REALLY full because of the gathering. About 10 minutes or so later, she calls again. They're there! While I try not to get nervous meeting new friends for the first time, I can't help it. I lose words and have trouble following the conversations at times. I look like death warmed over many days. Thankfully, it was a decent morning pain-wise and I was able to smile and enjoy the day. Trevor and I walk down to where they're waiting and there is Linda's smiling face walking towards us. That is what told me we're going to be great friends. If you've never seen her blog, you owe it to yourself to stop by and see her gorgeous photography. Her photos are a reflection of what a wonderful person she truly is, both inside and out.

We walked around the carving grounds, stopping to take many photos. Bob beat me to posting a photo of Linda and me, but I'm glad he did. The photo turned out really nice. Linda and I share the same passion for photography, so we had plenty to talk about. She had her new camera with and is just learning how to use all the features. I'm sure her photos will turn out beautiful!

After seeing everything we wanted to, we went to the best Italian place in town - Patalano's Place II. I always take new visitors there. We talked and talked and laughed a lot, too. Our time together was far too short, but we'll meet again and this time Randy or the kids will drive me to Warren and she can show me around.

Thank you, Linda and Bob for stopping by and for making my afternoon a very good one. Lets do it again soon. :)

Camera Critters #151

Time for my favorite weekly meme! Yes, it's Camera Critters time!!!!



All the photos were taken at this year's Ridgway Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous. It's their 12th year and everyone I interviewed has said this was the best year ever. It was cold and snowy at times, but the variety of animals carved is unreal. There were many carvings I would have loved to bring home, but they were way out of my price range. At least, I have the photos to remind me of the beauty that can be created with a log and a chainsaw, talent and a lot of imagination!



If you want to see more of the world's best animal photos, stop over at Camera Critter's central

Wordless Wednesday

Camera Critters #146

It's Sunday, so it's time for my other favorite meme - Camera Critters!


This cheerful little guy was out looking for a treat when we left the Capital building in Washington D.C. on our way back to the hotel in Georgetown. We didn't have any peanuts along, but happily shared our snacks we had in our backpacks. After a 20 minute ride to the next station,I sure understand why everyone we saw had on a backpack or messanger bag. I'd go stir crazy with nothing to do.





If you want to see more of the cutest photos of animals with fur, fins and feathers, stop over at Camera Critters' headquarters for links to check them all out.

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 28

This is a view from the Speaker of the House's balcony. I took it Wednesday afternoon while we were touring the Capital building in Washington D.C.

If you're interested in other photos of sky shots from around the world, stop over at Skywatch Central at http://www.skyley.blogspot.com/

Our Washington DC Trip

One of the requirements for students at my children's high school is that they job shadow someone in an occupation they are interested in their junior and senior years. Most kids pick an easy local person or family friend and rush through it. My kids are a little different, thanks to my job. Arielle job shadowed with the State Governor's office her first year and with the local sheriff the second year. Trevor wanted to job shadow the President, but I have no contacts at the White House, so he had to pick someone else. In the end, he decided to be with Congressman Glenn Thompson, the representative for the 5th Congressional District of Penna.

We left for Washington DC on Tuesday morning and he was scheduled to spend Wednesday with the Congressman, then we drove home yesterday. The six-hour drive is too much for me to do in one day, so staying was mandatory. We found a nice hotel in Georgetown. It wasn't near the MetroRail line, but the hotel provided a van to drive us there.

We went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner on Tuesday night. I love to collect their pins and charms, so I couldn't miss the opportunity to add to my collection. Of course, my charm bracelet was stolen at Holiday Valley, so I had to buy a new one and now try to replace all the charms that were on it. Anyone who lives near a HRC or travels by one, I'll gladly pay all costs for a guitar pick charm to add to the bracelet.

I spoke with his staff several times before we arrived. They put together a full day of meetings, tours and an interview with the Congressman. They suggested we use the MetroRail rather than try to drive. It was a first for Trevor to ever use a system like that. He looked so handsome in his new suit and newspaper. Like the young gentleman he is, he stood and let me have the seat. The trip took about 15 minutes and let us out right below the House of Representatives' office building. After going through security, we found the right off and were greeted by everyone. The Congressman was in a private meeting for members only, so they sent us down to get breakfast in the cafeteria. When we got back, Trevor was given a brief history of the Capital and House.

Randy and I were ready to go off to tour the City while Trevor worked when Glenn walked in. He smiled and said he never put the name together to realize Trevor was my son, but he was happy to have him there. He then asked if we'd like to tour the Capital with them. He had a meeting that would take about an hour, so Trevor was going in there and Randy and I went to the gift shop to spend some time. We got a call that the tour had just started, but they were going to escort us to meet Trevor and Glenn.

The tour was wonderful. We were in the private gallery to hear debate on healthcare. Glenn gave his thoughts on the issue and then left the floor and continued the tour. Being with the Congressman allowed us to go places the rest of the public couldn't go. We went out on the Speaker of the House's balcony. What a gorgeous view! It's the best in the City, we were told and it sure was true. After that, he took us for lunch in the private members only resteraunt. The food was excellent!

Trevor was given a half hour to interview Glenn and ask anything he wanted. Randy and I sat in with that session and also added our questions. As a reporter, how could I not take advantage of that opportunity and Randy also had some questions for one of the most powerful men in our State. After that, he had one more meeting that Trevor sat in while Randy and I spoke to the press liasons. That was a great way to spend time.

After the meeting, Glenn gave Trevor a few little mementos of his visit and off we went. There was a protestor outside the Capital harassing Congressmen as they went into the building. A police officer with a riot shotgun was present to make sure the protestor only used words. Coming from a small town, it's not something we're use to seeing, but brings home exactly how dangerous their jobs could be.

We got on the MetroRail and decided to see the White House and get a few photos. The front was comletely blocked off. It took us a few minutes to walk to the back and there were riot police there as well. The Chinese President was in town and there were dozens of protestors there. They were shouting and holding signs urging President Hu to let Taiwan be a free country. There were snipers on the roof of the White House. Another very scary sight for small town residents.

International press were all over the area taking photos and interviewing the protestors. I took a bunch of photos as well, but didn't have time for interviews. My Mandarin Chinese isn't very good to begin with, so I stuck with images only. Some of the protestors covered their faces, Randy explained to Trevor that they were doing that to protect their families back in China and Taiwan. Living in America, we don't have to worry about our families being punished or killed if we protest against anything. That's what living in a free country is all about. There are too many countries where people don't have that right. They can't do something as simple as log onto the internet and read the latest Hollywood gossip on Perez Hilton's blog. Our country might not be perfect and there are a lot of things that need changed, but at least we have a basic sense of freedom. We have the right to protest and not worry about being beaten to death. I'm a reporter and can write what I want and not worry about ending up in prison when I offend someone in power.

We didn't have the chance to visit all the fun places we wanted to, but it was still a wonderful trip. We were given the chance to tour the House of Representatives and the Capital building in ways most visitors never will. Something as simple as buying a parking ticket was new for us.

New Update with work photos

Just have a second before I run out the door. Have to go photograph a log cabin that burned early this morning. It's about 50 miles round trip.

My MIL is doing well. She's healing and getting around. Thanks to everyone who left words of encouragement as well as all the prayers. I do appreciate all of you!

I'll post photos from Christmas when we get home later tonight.

Here are a few of the photos from the fire scene. Pretty sad to see a family lose everything right after Christmas. :( It took about an hour to find the place, after driving through back roads. One was even named "Bob's Road", yes, I said that. Thank the electronic deities who created GPS or I'd still be roaming the woods trying to find the place and my way home again.

Camera Critters

Athena checks out Yuri. It looks scarey, but the hamster is in no danger. Athena doesn't have a taste for hamster meat apparently.

To see more of the cutest animal photos in the global universe, just check out Camera Critters' home page.

Wordless Wednesday

Skywatch Friday

We had to go pick up our dog's arthritis meds this morning, so daughter and I jumped in the car and off we went. It was soo cold! I still can't get warm. The sky shows what's on the way. I don't even want to think about it, but it appears winter is going to ruin Halloween this year.



If you want to see more gorgeous sky scenes, stop over at:
http://skyley.blogspot.com/ for all the links.

Camera Critters #132

Once again, it's that time of week when I get to show off my favorite models - animals!!!



My choice for the day are several beauties from Pennsylvania's elk herd located in Benezette. This is the largest free ranging elk herd east of the Mississippi.

While I was there for the ribbon cutting on the brand new multi-million dollar elk viewing area, I found a buck and his harem of cows. They always strike me as the most beautiful animals when I see them. I never get tired of the magic of seeing these huge animals up close. I know they're wild and unpredictable, so I try to respect that and stay far enough away to just observe them and not try to turn them into petting zoo inhabitants.


If you want to see other examples of critters around the globe, just click on the following badge.

Wordless Wednesday - Baseball Theme

Weekend Reflections #6

Another of my favorite photos memes is Weekend Reflections. This is my daughter in her kayak. This is one of our family activities. We are fortunate enough to have a river running right through town, so we are able to enjoy a wide variety of activites around the water.


If you'd like to see more photos, the link is on the badge.

Camera Critters #129

Sunday is here again, so it must be time for my favorite photo meme - Camera Critters!



I think mascots count as critters, so my offering for this week is Ike the Spike (State College Spikes' mascot) with me at the last Thursday game of the season. The Spikes are a minor league baseball team. It was a good game, what I saw of it. I was on deadline and had to write up the coverage of an arson court case. I had my laptop and sat there for the first 4 innings writing.

If you want to see other examples of critters around the globe, just click on the following badge.