{ New Beginnings }

On Sunday my Honey's vacation was winding down. It was a beautiful day for January. Almost sixty degrees, which is unusual for winter. We decided to go for a walk at the lake. One of our favorite places.

I think a lot of other people wanted to get outside too. You never know when the cold weather or snow will hit us, so we were all enjoying this lil bit of spring.

I decided to bring along a thermos of hot chocolate with a secret stash of marshmallows. =) We walked two miles to the end of the path and sat at a picnic table by the small waterfall left over from a grist mill.

We were the only two people in our little spot. It was so quiet. We were hoping for a pretty sunset but the clouds started moving in. We decided to head on back. It was a long two miles in the other direction.

About half way back, a gentle rain started. I don't think we have ever walked in the rain. I was kind of special, holding on to my Honey's arm as we strolled along. We made it back to the truck and sat there for a few minutes. We sat and watched a huge flock of several hundred seagulls flew over the lake. They looked like diamonds in the sky. A perfect ending to a perfect day~ Days like this are treasures.

xo,
MaryAnn

{ First Snow }

Our first snow came very early this year for our area of Pennsylvania. Too early, at the end of October. We haven't even done our fall clean up yet. Six inches of heavy wet snow with the leaves still on the trees. The first Nor'easter of the year as we call them.

The photo abovie is taken from my front door. Looks different with some of the leaves still on the ground.
Below:Three miles from my home is a beautiful grist mill. My Honey and I decided to jump in our truck and go for a walk.

Grist Mill pond, desolate and beautiful.

Little smoke house

Wagner Grist Mill in Hellertown PA

Snow covered field. We were the only people there. So quiet and beautiful

Saucon creek, the dark water against the white snow was beautiful. Saucon is an Indian name, from local Indians who used to live here.

Walking along the Rails to Trails, this beautiful farm is one of my favorites to photograph. I love the little smoke house.

I don't remember having snow this early ever... We lost power for over 24 hrs. I enjoyed the quiet time with my Honey. But, I did really appreciate having electricity and my computer back... =)

MaryAnn

{ The Giving Pond }

The Giving Pond~ my favorite place to spend a day. Beautiful, serene. So quiet you can enjoy the birds and butterflies. I'm to grateful for this beautiful place to spent time at. To photograph, to simply enjoy~
Textures by Kim Klassen

Linked at:

[ Ricketts Glen State Park }

The other weekend my Honey and I went to Rickett's Glen State Park. It was our first time visiting this beautiful park. The park is in upstate Pennsylvania. A touch of fall was just showing up in the area.

I did some research on the park. The gorge along the creek is home to many "old growth" trees. By counting the rings on fallen trees, some have been found to be 500 to 900 years old.

There are two main trails along the falls. We only were able to hike a little more than half way down the Glen Leigh trail. This trail has eight waterfalls, with names such as Onondaga, F.L. Ricketts, Huron, Ozone, R.B. Ricketts, B. Reyonalds, Wyandot.

Because it was late in the day, we were only able to view five of the falls. We made it down to Ozone.

There were many small tubling falls inbetween. Most of the trail was easy to hike until you can to the falls.

Late in the day we sat by a quiet peaceful lake and watched the sunset. Mostly we were the only people there. It is a magical place. I can't wait to see it again in all its fall splendor.

Days of Thunder

Days Of Thunder
Textured Tuesdays- Movie e-dition
One of my favorite things.......... Nascar. Yes, along with the frills, lace and other things I love. Nascar is my addiction. Combine that with photography, scrapbooking and collecting. I have every thing covered. =)

This photo is of my favorite Nascar driver Carl Edwards. He is a sweetheart. Taken at Pocono Raceway.

Textures used: Canvas Magic and Lifes Good by Kim Klassen
Frame: Grunge by Isabella LaFrance
Action: Seventies by Pioneer Woman

Linked at:



Sweet Shot Tuesday

Simple Summer Pleasure~

Bike riding and taking photos with my Honey. Covered bridge along the Delaware Canal

Info:
Converted to Sepia
Texture: Pumpkin Grunge by Kim Klassen Soft light 30%
Action: Velvet Truffle by The Coffee Shop

Linked at:



Black and White Wednesday

Edwin McCain at the Steel Stacks

Last Friday night I got to see Edwin McCain for the first time in concert. The concert was held at a new local art center called the Steel Stacks. They are named that, because behind the center are the huge reminants of the Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces. The whole side wall fo the building is all glass. The furnaces are lit up at night in red.

My son, the view behind him was awesome. Sorry for the lousy photo but you weren't allowed to use a flash and it was dark.

Back to Edwin McCain. A friend of mine got me tickets to see the show. My son Chris was nice enough to go with me. It was dinner and a concert. I've been listening to Edwin for about a year now. His Best of Edwin McCain cd. I love his ballads. "I'll Be" and "Walk with you" are just beautiful. Hearing them is person was amazing. He is also wrote the song "Say Anything". His show was just wonderful. The stories he tells about his songs and his family are fantastic. If you get a chance to see him, GO, it is definately worth it.

I got to meet him after the show. What a humble man he is. The other two guys in the group Larry Chaney and Craig Shields were so nice to talk with also.

Covered Bridge

Processing photos from our recent trip to the Trexler Park Game Preserve. My Honey and I hiked 10 miles. Most of it up hill. It was hot and humid. Looking forward to going back in the fall.

Playing with this photo in CS4

Linked for Black and White Wednesday

Went for a long bike ride with my hubby today, along the river and the canal. First time riding in that area. I couldn't believe how many turtles we saw sunning themselves on dread tree branches. We were riding all afternoon. Round trip 14.9 miles, the farthest we have ridden yet. What a fun thing to do on the holiday weekend. Seems like biking is the new hobby, so many people riding, single people, couples and families. A lot of dog walkers along the way too. Biking is so much fun, you get good exercise and it's fun to do~