My Shutter Speed

The Largest Aquarium ever!

2011-05-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

Taken: Canon Ixuss, around June 2010

Wow, it has been a while. I've been busy. This is a photo I took at Atlanta Giorgia's Aquarium. The biggest aquarium ever. It was so relaxing watching the creatures inside. I wish I had my better camera but this will suffice.

Just another mushroom

2009-11-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

A walk in the woods with my boys led us to a huge number of this kind of fungus. I think they are actually dead or dying. It's autumn not a lot of mushroom thrive when it is almost winter.

Pine

2009-06-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Killarney

2009-06-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Recently, my family and I went camping in Ontario. We had a good time even if we were eaten alive by black flies and mosquitoes. This photo was taken just before we paddled off to check Lake George for the second time. Our youngest son was so keen he was in the canoe the minute it was on the ground.

Devil's Spring

2009-01-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico

Frozen rain

2008-12-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

Altamonte FLORIDA

2008-12-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

On thanksgiving week we packed up and headed for Orlando. Our eldest son had been asking us forever when he could go back to Disneyland. Well, Cali is far and Orlando is just a drive away. So early morning on friday at 5 we left our quiet neighborhood and headed for Florida through VA, NC, SC and GA. We stopped at Savannah for the night and toured around but it was a great disappointment nothing much there. After doing all the necessary theme park at Disneyworld for a pre school kid we visited our friend who lives in Apopka. His wife is a nurse who duties at night so when we came she was asleep. To keep the kids screams and laughter from waking her up we took them to this lovely community place in Altamonte to feed the birds, fish and some turtles. The kids had fun and we did too. Have you ever tried feeding seagulls and blackbirds in the air? It was cool the way the can catch the bread crumbs being thrown in the mid space. The sunset was beautiful too. It was cold then, apparently quite unsual for Florida that time of the year. We were surprise too we thought we get some warmth a break from cold Maryland.

Woolly Moth

2008-10-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Fern

2008-10-26T10:22:00.002-07:00

Wintery Wooly

2008-10-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

It has been a while. I have been very busy.

We went camping last weekend at West Virginia hoping to see the autumn leaves. We did but they were all on the ground. We were two weeks late it seemed. I was hoping to take pictures of mushroom but we saw heaps of caterpillar instead. This is a moth caterpillar. I don't know which one but they do look pretty and prepared for winter.

This could be the Tussock Moth Caterpillar but I could be wrong.

Coprinus micaceus (Mica Cap)

2008-07-16T19:03:00.001-07:00

I am not 100% sure with description but it is pretty close. I took this shot today during my walk through the woods.

Devil's Snuff-Box

2008-07-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Lycoperdon Perlatum

I am pretty sure this is the Devil's Snuff box according to the description I found in my research unless anybody proves me otherwise.

'Shrooms Amanita

2008-07-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

I took this shot in RED Creek Campground at Dolly Sods (Monongahela National Forest) West Virginia during our camping trip last weekend.

"Bwisita"

2008-06-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

"Bwisita" is a composite word from "Bisita" (visitor) & "Bwisit" (Badluck). Here this squirrel has become a menace to our veranda, knocking several of my spice potted plants, killing some. I hid behind the blinds for almost an hour waiting for a good shot. I used my Macro lense as it gets me a little closer. I am saving up for a telephoto lense.

"Itay"

2008-06-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Nag bibigay ligaya ang bahagyang makasama ang ama.

Photo taken at Centennial Park Columbia Maryland. Pictured here is of father and son in the afternoon. Perhaps afterwork.

HPPAY FATHER'S DAY Y'ALL!

"Kalayaan"

2008-06-17T09:07:00.001-07:00

Kalayaan (Freedom).

Sa murang kaisipan nga mga batang eto sila ay sa kasalukuyang malaya sa mga problema ng ating mundo.

(Kids seen playing at the beach at Sandy Point Maryland)

Chameleon

2008-06-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

This chameleon is a local resident at the Washington DC's Smithsonian Zoo. It took me about 20 shots I guess to get a few good ones.

Ang Serena bow!

2008-06-07T17:02:00.001-07:00

She was getting married. I wonder what she was thinking. She didn't mind me taking her photo. I am not very good with people photo and I only share photos of people when their faces are not obvious to protect their privacy and I also don't want to get sued.

Her Teva

2008-06-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

A young surfer!

2008-06-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

I took this photo the last time I was in Philippines. I have posted this one here but I think in color. I tried BW it seems to work as well. The young surfer made do with a tiny little surf in one of the local beaches in Central Philippines. There a few of them that was showing off especially when I started taking photos. I just had my point and shoot camera which is what I carry now most of the times.

H. Majordomo

2008-06-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Borderland

2008-06-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

These are one of the last hobby photos I took while in Nepal. Taken during the early hours of the morning. A flower with due drop makes it look more dramatic. Not all of content in this pictures are in focus but together they created an eye pleasing piece.

Borderland Resort is where this picture in taken. We went off with friends for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the polluted city in Kathmandu. The resort is only a few miles away from the Tiber Border hence the name Borderland. It sits near a class 5 rapids.

Nepali Dinghy

2008-05-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of the few dinghies available for tourist to use if they want to enjoy the lake in Phokara. I took this photo just after I went off myself for winding back after a long trek in the Lower Mustang in the Himalayas in Nepal. I don't know much about paddling and all but I was fine made out and back. It was one of the best time in my life. It is amazing how nice "quiet" is. I took off very early in the morning before everyone else in my company woke up.

"Ihip ng Hangin"

2008-05-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Eto ay kuha no'ng nakaraang linggo sa Boston (Cambridge to be specific) at Charles River. habang lulan kami sa tinawag na Duck Boat (Duck Toars). Eto ay isang Amphibious Vehicle, originally from WW II. Habang pinag pa drive ng tour guide ang anak kung limang taong gulang ang sailboat na eto ay muntik ng bumangga sa likuran ng Duck Boat namin, sila yung sumalubong nalang bigla. Medyo malakas ang hangin kaya maraming sailboat ang naki agaw sa Duck Tours sa kahabaan ng Charles River. I wish I was able to take a better photo peru yakap yakap kung aking bunso na medyo pagud na at aburido kasi gumagabi na at buong araw na kaming. namamasyal. Nalibang naman ang aking panganay at naka pag drive daw sya ng Amphibious Truck. Below is a photo of the Duck Boats.

Look no head!

2008-05-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Taken at the Smithsonian Zoo in downtown DC. Petty about the vine spoiling the scene but anyway I thought it looked cool. I couldn't find where the head was and the snake wasn't giving any indication that it was going to say hello soon so I took the shot. About a few minutes later my husband to a photo of the same snake with his head out. He got the best shot of that day. Below is the photo he took. I was kicking myself a little bit for being impatient.

He loves me he loves me not!

2008-05-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you want to do this game this is a perfect flower for you, easy to pick and only a few, you'd get it over and done with in a jiffy, hopefully the odds are on your side but why use a flower why not ask him instead . . .

This shot I took at the Smithsonian Zoo in Washington DC one Saturday afternoon last year. Using our new macro lense.

"Tubig"

2008-05-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Medyo nahuli sya peru heto na ang lahok ko. Mga butil ng tubig nag papahaba ng buhay sa mga halaman.

- - - - -

I 've been always fascinated with macro shots ever since I held a camera. Since I am not really creative on composition macro shot seems the best focus. This before I bought my Sigma Macro lens.

"Umaapoy"

2008-05-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ito ay isa sa mga pinaka unang litratong kinuha ko ng mag simula akung mag ka interesado sa pagiging litratista. Kuha noong taong Jan 2001 sa Lijiang China sa isang kainan.

This photo was taken during my holiday in Lijiang China, one of the UNESCO's World Heritage Site. In a restaurant having dinner. The first few photos I took when I started photography. I had an SLR but it was too complicated for me to really start enjoying photography so I got a digital camera. I now have a DSLR but still complicated to use but I am trying to learn.

Replies:

You are perhaps right. I remember playing with the new camera a lot

Buge said...: Napakaganda naman ng iyong larawan. Very dramatic ang dating!

Karaniwan nga yata sa mga litratista ay kumukuha ng larawan ng apoy kapag bago pa lamang sila. Sigruo at tinetesting nila ang exposure :)

Magandang Huwebes sa yo!

I started photography back in college using SLR, didn't learn much but sparked an interest, 2nd chance was an SLR, started an interest in Macro shots, bought a digital point and shoot with strong macro feature, the candle and few other photos were the first macro shots attempt . . . yes baby step. . .

meeya said...: di bale, chrys. practice makes perfect. :) i'm using my husband's dslr too ang there are still so many things i need to learn. :) baby steps!

"Mahal Na Ina"

2008-05-08T03:53:00.000-07:00

Ang larawan sa itaas ay kuha sa Kathmandu Nepal. Ipinasyal namin minsan ang isang bisita sa Hindu Temple kung saan ginagawa ang pag sunog ng kanilang mga yumao. Ang matsing na ito ay isa sa mga residente sa nasabing lugar at sagrado. Ang larawan sa ibaba ay actual na seremonya habang inihahanda ang pagsunog ng kanilang mga yumao. Just to show you guys what I am talking about.

Note: I lived in Nepal for almost 3 years and this is one of the places we take our guest to visit. Something where most of our friends have never seen before. I didn't normally go here only when there is a guest who wished to come and observe. Foreigners and tourist are allowed to observe but only on the other side of the holy river (where I took the photo). The other side is considered sacred and only Hindus are allowed in. Notice a body wrapped in white garment covered with marigold flower on the left is the pyre where later they will put the body on to burn. There are two sides of this area. The one you are looking at is for Royal families and for Government People , the other side which is not shown here is for common people. Most days you'll see about 3 to 4 burning ceremonies. It is a bit morbid for me so I avoided coming here. There are a huge number of free range monkeys that live off people's discarded food. Since they are considered as sacred they don't have natural prey except for ocassional vehicular run over and sickness so they are kind of prolific. They generally stay a good distance to people. These mother and baby was on the side of the walk path. The mother was scowling at someone, warning them while I was taking photos.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

Buttons

2008-05-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

These fungi I found in the woods of Catoctin National Park. The trees had almost no leaves, The color was yellow every where. The area looked a little desolate and I was very happy to find the color below. I would try to find what sort of mushroom this is but it takes a lot of energy to search on the net and often you don't really get just in one day. So I will do that later if I do not forget. In the meantime I'll have this on here.

I didn't do any alteration at all whatsoever. As I have mentioned before I don't have any photo editor except iPhoto in my iMac. The image is not as sharp as I would have liked it to be. If you notice closely the mushroom is not actually in focus but the part of the log it is on behind it.

I am really very happy with little Canon Ixuss, with a good light and the right functions I do get good photos. Most of my recent photos are taken with this little one because it is easy to carry around in my bag or in my pocket.

Don't Touch Me

2008-05-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

These photo I took several years ago when I was on a holiday in Australia. The very first mushroom photo I have. Since then I am on the prowl to get shots of gorgeous mushrooms and the like around. It is not easy to find something that is different than the usual. I am still trying to find which mushroom this is.

"MALUNGKOT"

2008-04-30T15:02:00.001-07:00

Libingan ng mga Bayani

Robert "Bob" Francis Kennedy

Ito ay kuha nung nakaraang taglamig sa Virginia Arlington Cemetery. Libingan ng mga nasawing sundalo at iba pang mga importanteng tao sa US. Sa di kalayuan ng unang litrato ay nakalibing ang pamilya Kennedy (JFK, dalawang anak at ang yumaong asawa na si Jackie O). Ang libingan ng kapatid na si Bob ay nahiwalay sa di masyadong magara na landmark (kompara sa kay JFK na may enternal flame). Base na rin eto mismo sa hiling ni Bob sa nabubuhay pa.

Note: JFK Jr. and his wife were cremated and his ashes were spread somewhere else.

Added (later):
The image above was taken using a Canon Ixuss. As of now I don't have a good Photo Editor, still saving some cash to get one so I am using what comes with Mac Os X Computer, iPhoto, there isn't much you can do really. The first image I under expose it one click to make the trees and the tombstones pop out a little bit. The second image I changed to BW but it doesn't look that way. ANYWAY, it was quite overwhelming being in that place. While I was there a funeral was in service of one casualty from Iraq. It made the visit even more desolate plus it was really cold, minus zero. JFK's grave (38 52'53.51"N 77 04'17.38"W) quite grand as it was on a hill almost overlooking the mall, the capitol and all those landmarks in DC. Then there is this eternal flame. His brother's grave (38 52' 52.13"N 77 04' 17.94"W), Bob, pictured here, is not too far from JFK's. JF Kennedy is one of the only US presidents buried in Arlintong, most of the US Presidents are buried in their home state.

"Ala ala"

2008-04-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

"Ala ala"

Mga canyon ng alaala sa mga nasawi sa civil war. Kuha sa nakaraang taom (2007) sa Maryland.

- - -
Looking at his canyons from the distance reminded of how many dies during the war for freedom. Like they said Freedom is not Free.

Got to "Litratong Pinoy"

War Memorial

2008-04-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Morchella

2008-04-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

An edible mushroom called morel my son and I found on the side of the road during one of our walks in our area. At first I thought this is poisonous but after searching on the internet to know what it's called I discovered that this is actually an edible one and well sought after for that matter. These are prized by gourmet cooks. Commercial value aside, morels are hunted by thousands of people every year simply for their taste and the joy of the hunt. Morels contain small amounts of toxins that are removed by thorough cooking, and morel mushrooms should never be eaten raw. There are anecdotal reports that morel poisoning is more likely to occur if consumed alongside alcohol.

Frog of colors

2008-04-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

This image above is taken by my husband at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

Cayman Crocodile Thru Glass

2008-04-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Not particularly a clear shot but I kind of like it.

Creepy Crawly in my backyard

2008-02-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

I took this photo in my backyard when I lived in Kathmandu with my first Digital Camera, my last year in Nepal. I'm almost always happy with the result of this camera's shot. I do have to take hundreds of course. It's my old faithful macro gadget. Since I got the a small canon that fits in my pocket I have not carried the Sony around that much anymore.

That Tree

2008-02-26T11:49:00.001-08:00

Taken at The Great Falls National Park on Virginian side.

Brothers' Hands

2008-02-11T06:16:00.001-08:00

Assateague Natinal Park, MD

2008-02-11T05:08:00.001-08:00

A Penny For Your Thought?

2008-01-30T13:55:00.001-08:00

World War II Memorial

In Washington DC at the end of the reflection pool on the other side of Lincoln's Memorial

Creepy

2008-01-30T13:45:00.001-08:00

Reflections

A reflection of trees on the paddle along the mall in Washington DC. It was a nice day with some clouds.

New York

2008-01-18T08:58:00.001-08:00

Took this photo from the ferry on our way to Staten Island. It was overcast we didn't think we'd get some good shots but there was a bit of nice sunlight coming through the clouds.

Just with my little Canon Ixuss. I didn't have time to fix this photo, crop or adjust colors whatever, displayed here in its originality.

That Luang Vientiane Laos

2007-12-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

Since I lived in Laos for at least 6 years I considered Viantiane, its capital city as one of my homes. I've left a few close and good friends there and one time a younger sister who worked in one of the International school in the city. Since I left I've visited twice. This photo was taken on my last visit, October 2005. The gate above is the entrance to the Country's national landmark and symbol. I darkened the contrast a little bit using Adobe Photoshop editor to enhance the silhouette efffect.

Blue sun

2007-12-02T11:48:00.001-08:00

Limasawa Island Afternoon

Late afternoon shot in the island called Limasawa, southcentral Philippines. I edit it a little bit with Adobe Photoshop, change the color.

The Blue Mountains

2007-12-02T11:46:00.001-08:00

Petty about the size. I should fine the original shot. Taken about 3 years ago I think, on one my holidays in Australia.

St Louis Landmark

2007-11-26T11:58:00.001-08:00

As we were leaving the area. Took some last minute shots. This turned out to be okay and focus even if the car was moving.

Reflections

2007-11-26T11:49:00.001-08:00

Somewhere in St. Louis near the arch. We were looking for a parking. I was inside the car, those were reflections on the building and the car window.

Sunflower Morning

2007-10-30T12:51:00.001-07:00

A Hospital Cheer!

I took this photo 3 days after a major surgery. A bunch of sunflowers someone very special brought to my hospital room. One of the night shift technician woke me before sunrise for my pain meds, waited for the sun light through the windows, decided to take a photo. It was gorgeous. I was in some pain yes but apparently standing up and walking around would help.

Orange beautiful

2007-10-09T08:03:00.001-07:00

The same one from the previous post, only with petals this time. I love the contrast between the orange and green. This photo is a little blury . . .

Flower at the park

2007-10-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

I think this particular one has lost its petals or perhaps is starting to bloom.

Muktinath at 4000 meters

2007-10-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Muktinath, Lower Mustang, Nepal
December 2005

This photo I took after 10 days of walking. This structure is about a meter and a half. I don't remember exactly what this is for. I thought this looks okay. No alteration whatsoever.

The Wild

2007-10-01T13:01:00.001-07:00

A photo I took last August while walking with my son through the woods. I took several shots but still didn't get a spectacular one. I've discovered that being heavily pregnant makes it difficult to get macro shots . . . well . . . a challenge anyway.

Once a year - flower!

2007-09-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

This flower blooms only once a year. When we just moved in Kathmandu some of the flower pots that I have inherited from the previous tenants of our new house had this one single flower. In my entire 2 years and a half in Kathmandu that was the only time I say these planst bloom. The rest of the time, there were only hints but didn't actually flower. I didn't get the name of this one! I tried searching on the internet but it just to much hardwork when you don't know much.

Nepal - candles

2007-09-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

Prayer candles ready for pouring in the butter
photo taken in 2004
Swayambunath Temple

This little brass or bronze container would hold melted butter and devotees (Hindus and Buddhist alike) would buy this to offer in the temples. The containers then will be reused for the next patrons.

NEPAL - Pashupatinath

2007-09-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

In the Grounds of the Holy Temple
Photo 2004

Pashupatinath is the most important Hindu Temple and one of the most important Shiva Temple around this region of Asia, many Indian Devotees come and visit here annually. It is located on the banks of Bagmati River. Shiva is the destroyer god of Hindu beliefs and comes in many form. One of his pleasant form is Pashupati the lord of the beast. Bagmati River is a holy river and this is where locals burn their dead in a Hindu ritual. The primate picture below is of one of the permanent resident around the area. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the Pashupatinath temple.

Line of Shiva Temples

Free Range Monkey

Primate

2007-09-03T10:27:00.001-07:00

Golden Lion Tamarin
(one of the adult)
Smithsonian Zoo, DC
Photo 2007

(One of the babies, not a good shot but I think this shows what they look like.)

This is one of my favorite display at the Smithsonian Zoo. These monkeys, during summer, are on free range exhibit. They put them back inside a warm area during winter. When they are inside enclosure you can view them closely (and gosh they are so cute) but when they are free range they are so happy that they are all over. Of course a few handlers are around keeping an eye on them in case the patrons misbehave or the animals itself. The zoo has quite a few of them but only a handful are on free range. I was hoping they have the pygmy marmoset on display but none yet, next time perhaps.

Both photos were enhance significantly, boosting the colors with Mac's iPhoto software. I don't have any other software, not yet anyway! Although am thinking of buying Photoshop sometime.

More info here

Behind the Glass

2007-09-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

A Dragon
Nikon D70

I think this is the "Australian Inland Bearded Dragon" though I am only about 90% sure (LOL). One of the displays at Washington DC Zoo at Reptile Discovery Center. No alteration on the photo whatsoever. I kind of like it this way, almost just the eye in focus.

Self Portrait

2007-08-29T13:25:00.001-07:00

Pregnancy Shadow
Canon Ixuss55

Sifting through my old photos I found this one. I thought this is interesting. A self portrait on concrete road backdrop somewhere in Shenandoah Valley. A few twix on "Iphoto" editor, and this is what I have come up with!

Dancing Lady

2007-08-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

Orchid - Dancing Lady
Sony DSC85

This orchid is called Dancing Lady because as you notice or look closely each flower looks like a lady dancing or doing a flamingo.

The image above is one of the first macro shots I took. I was quite happy with how this photo turned out. This shot was taken from my mums flower garden, one of her collections.

Sundara

2007-08-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sundara or Bhimsen Tower
located: Central Kathmandu, near the Post Office

This mosque looking like tower is of no big significance structure in Kathmandu but a very useful landmark. This was hugely damage by an earthquake in the 1930s. It is believed that one time one of the female Royal member or someone broken hearted has jumped off the top, the story has never been confirmed. Today, there are a few who tried, some were unfurtunately successful.

Pinoy Surfer

2007-08-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

This kid is trying to get surfing in a very little wave on his handmade surfboard. It's made out of ply, smoothen and then varnished. I've appreciated the persistence of this kid and his friends. With very limited chances and small wave still got them some fun. As soon as they noticed me taking photos of them, they where all into it!

Mango and Soy sauce

2007-08-23T08:56:00.001-07:00

Sweet and Salty

Nikon D70, Sigma DG Macro 105mm 1:2.8
20 August 2007

I grew up eating mango when it's raw with soy sauce, a good "pinoy tuyo" (soy sauce). A friend once said it is a crime when we don't let the mango reach is prime (ripe) and taste the ultimate mango flavour. I reckon you should enjoy mango in every possible way you can, eating it raw, in a salad (they do that in Lao) with salt or "tuyo" (soy sauce) or with vinegar mixed with garlic and salt.

This photo is a little grainy. I took it inside the house and it was overcast outside, no lights and no flash. I just love the color.

Silhouette 2

2007-08-17T12:02:00.001-07:00

Taken at the same place (Sleeping Bear Dunes) I have no idea or cannot remember what this is. It can't a mail box because this out in the "bush". Perhaps for notices etc. I love the shadows that footprints have created. I suppose I could have cropped it a little bit . . . mmnnnn

Silhouette

2007-08-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I love silhouette shot. This is my recent one last June at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. While we were waiting for the sunset (it turned out to be nothing special) our son was keeping himself amuse by jumping and us taking photos of him. It was a good time even though I was cold.

Heavily Customize Truck

2007-08-17T11:34:00.001-07:00

This photo was taken somewhere between Indiana and Philadelphia!

Nikon D70 with the same macro lense.

Autumn

2007-08-14T13:07:00.001-07:00

I still haven't figure out what this is, didn't really look into it. These are fallen fruit/nut during the fall of last year. Picture was taken at Centennial Park near Columbia on one of our family walks. Maybe you guys can tell me!

Back in the woods

2007-08-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Common Daisy
Nikon D70
EX sigma DG Macro 105mm 1:2.8

This kind of flower is a friend of mine because every time I take a photo of one I feel happy and seems to get a better picture compared to the others. Although this one is not really that focus. I still love it though!

Wild Flower

2007-08-08T08:23:00.001-07:00

Hardware: Nikon D70
Macro Lense: EX Sigma, DG Macro 105mm 1:2.8
Software: Mac's iPhoto

Swing

2007-07-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Tot's Swing
17 July 2007

The metal chain from the nearby Tot's Lot's swing. Still practicing how to use the Macro Lense and the DSLR itself.

The Color of Sweets

2007-07-30T13:48:00.001-07:00

Tic Tac Mints Fruit Fantasy
limited edition

A trip to Bed bath and Beyond got us these colorful mints. I love the colors. They taste nice too. Sometimes I use one to bribe my son, just one and it always works.

The Symbol

2007-07-19T06:57:00.001-07:00

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis

The Arch is the tallest national monument in the United States at 630 feet; it is the city's best known landmark and a popular tourist attraction.
Construction began February 12, 1963 and the last section of the Arch was put into place on October 28, 1965.

More info in Gateway Arch Riverfront Site

Gettysburg

2007-07-19T06:54:00.001-07:00

A History Harder to Forget!

Civil war re-enactment at Gettysburg Pennsylvania not too long ago. Actual tents where the participants slept for 3 days I think.

Herpetarium

2007-07-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Shake Rattle and Roll
a resident of St. Louis' Herpetarium
14 June 2007

This is an Eastern Diamond Rattle Snake. It must have been very hungry because when we got there (his cage) he was moving around, very restless. My husband and I took turn on taking the photos, like we were almost in competition who gets the best one, ha ha ha ha. I am still practicing with my macro skills and how to use the camera.

According to the Herpetarium management:

This impressive, heavy-bodied snake may exceed eight feet in length, making it the largest of the rattlesnakes. It makes its home in the burrows of armadillos or gopher tortoises. Range around Southeastern United States and the Florida Keys most commonly found in woodlands; abandoned agricultural and logging areas.

Destruction of its habitat threatens this species, especially in Florida. Another growing threat in the Southeast are rattlesnake "round-ups." Zoos and other conservation groups have long been critical of these events, and support their regulation or prohibition. Did you know that this snake is venomous?

Somewhere out there!

2007-07-07T14:18:00.001-07:00

One of the shots I took while trying to get used to the macro lens we just got for our DSLR. It's harder than I thought. A tripod would be useful. Anyway, this seems to turn out okay! I am happy with it anyway.

Red Squirrel

2007-07-07T14:11:00.001-07:00

Red Squirrel
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Nikon D70
June 2007

I had to crop way much for this photo, a macro lens is not really ideal to take wildlife shots. This little guy was trying to stay still as much as possible so that we won't notice him, so he thought.

A flower for you!

2007-07-06T08:21:00.001-07:00

A day's Lily
Battle Creek Michigan
16 June 2007

Camera: Nikon D70, EX/Sigma DGMacro 105mm 1:2:8
Software: iPhoto

a spring's confirmation
life is here after a dull's earth tone

This flower is called "Day Lily". Each flower only last a day hence the name. These flowers can be found on roadside, meadows, borders, and blooms from May through July. It reproduces from its roots, and the entire plant is edible. The flower buds (the green buds, not the open flowers ) taste like green beans when cooked and served with butter.

Tropics in St. Louis

2007-07-04T12:05:00.001-07:00

Indonesian Wax Ginger
7 June 2007
St. Louis Botanical Garden
Camera: Canon Ixuss55

This on is called TAPEINOCHILUS ANANASSAE, native in Indonesia and Australia, taken at St. Louis Botanical Garden at the Tropical Plants display. This plant is sometimes called Indonesian Wax Ginger, resembles an upside down pineapple.

Father of the Country

2007-07-03T11:30:00.001-07:00

The Obelisk As It Stands, 122 yrs later
Washington DC
22 January 2007
Camera: Canon Digital Ixus55
Software: Apple's iPhoto
Editing: No alteration done

The Obelisk, popularly know as "The Washington Monument" was completed in 1844 constructed for George Washington recognized as the father of the country. The photograph was taken on January in the middle of winter.

Where the bear lies!

2007-07-03T07:19:00.001-07:00

Sleeping Bear Dunes
Saturday, 2 June 2007
- took this photo while waiting for the sunset
- same camera

The park is named after the Chippewa legend of the sleeping bear. According to the legend, an enormous forest fire on the western shore of Lake Michigan drove a mother bear and her two cubs into the lake for shelter, determined to reach the opposite shore. After many miles of swimming, the two cubs lagged behind. When the mother bear reached the shore, she waited on the top of a high bluff. The cubs, exhausted, drowned in the lake, but the mother bear stayed and waited in hopes that her cubs would finally appear. Impressed by the mother bear's determination and faith, the Great Spirit created two islands to commemorate the cubs, and the winds buried the sleeping bear under the sands of the dunes where she waits to this day. The location of the "bear" is a patch of dark sand, which once covered the entire bluff top and was visible from the lake. Wind and erosion have caused the "bear" to be greatly reduced in size over the years. Visit Wiki for more info.

Aerial view of the Sleeping Bear Dunes
Photo borrowed from Wiki.
More info in www.michigan.org
Click image for bigger view

Out of Town

2007-06-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

I should have more photos later when I get back. I have left the web world for a while to fulfill something "important" he he he he . . .

Kayaks and Canoes

2007-05-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

Kayaks and Canoes

Camera: Point and Shoot, Canon Digital Ixus55
Software: iPhoto Editor
Alteration: no cropping but boost color and edge blur effects,
and sepia effect for the next image

I took this shot outside an outdoor gear shop last Memorial Day. I was tired from walking, in fact I have taken off my shoes while inside the shop to give my fat little feet a break from a new pair of walking sandals. Outside the shop, resting on a patio chair which was blue, these "heap" of kayaks were in front of me. There is really nothing special with this photo just rich in color so I thought why not. I've also discovered recently that I like monochrome color especially with BW or sepia, so I have one in, converted into black and white or rather sepia tone to compare which one looks better. You be the judge!

- the original shot, click photo to view bigger image.