Day #366 That's All Folks

Only those that have taken the challenge can really understand the joy of finishing what will be a never ending journey.............

Day #365 What A Journey It has Been

The things I have seen. The things I have done. The things I have learned. It has been an amazing adventure with my camera this year. While I started this project to learn how to use my new DSLR it slowly opened my eyes to the world you take for granted. The sky and clouds are amazing and I fell in love taking sunset and sunrise pictures. The grass, flowers, trees, and yes weeds took on a whole new meaning. Insects who takes pictures of spiders, bees, butterflies, and Praying Mantis? I did and had a blast doing it. I traveled near and far looking for my picture of the day and always found it , although not always what I went for. I need to thank my husband for putting up with what turned into an obsession. My friends and family that tagged along on some of my outing and at times became my POTD. While I don't plan to religiously take a picture a day this coming year I will always be taking pictures because it's something I love doing. A normal year has 365 days but I happened to pick leap year for my project so actually one more to go.......................

Day #364 Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Didn't get much done today but took tons of pictures. Got deer out back before the snow, headed to the path during the snow and lots of birds shots out the window on and off all day. Come Tuesday my days won't revolve around getting a picture. One year ago I wouldn't have known how to capture falling snow and if it wasn't for this wonderful stranger and his dog not sure you would be able to tell it's snowing in this one. Took a big ziplock bag and cut a hole for the lens, put camera on tripod and headed to the path with my umbrella. It was so much easier shooting the birds from the inside of the house.

Day #363 Way Down upon the Swanee River

With snow excepted tomorrow if the weatherman is right I got all the outdoor christmas decorations back up in the attic with Bobs help. Had lunch out with girlfriends and a stop by Blackhills to fill one feeder and two suet holders. After I grab my camera and start heading to the lake. I see something big and white on the lake. Oh my goodness I think it's a swan and head diagonally down to hopefully catch him swimming by. My first wild sighting of a swan (I think). He's all the way across the lake so even with my zoom he's little. Two hours before sunset and light was fantastic.

Day #362 The Winds After The Snow

What a difference a day makes. The precipitation has ended for now but the winds are howling and the birds and squirrels are no where to be found. My backyard windmill ornament is spinning away so I go grab my camera not knowing if I will head out today. I did go out later in the afternoon and dropped by Blackhills to check on the feeders. Got a few nice shots but I'll stick with this one. Thankfully I can always count on some kind of picture from my backyard if all else fails.
Three days and a leap to go.....

Day #361 Baby it's Cold Outside

Having a relaxing day at home with Bob. Watching movies and the view from our slider. It has snowed, rained and sleeted today. As I stare at the Christmas tree and wonder when I will tackle the holiday take down.
Four days to go if you don't count leap day.....

Day #360 Merry Everything and Happy Always

Family gathered at my brother house for Christmas dinner. Boy did I eat too much. They had a ham, turkey and a turducken plus sides galore. First time I had Turducken and it was very good. Hard to believe another Christmas is almost over.

Day #359 Rise And Shine

Woke up early and it looked like the sunrise might be a good one so I headed out. Being Christmas Eve  I headed to a church for my sunrise picture. I set my tripod up and enjoyed the rising sun. A gentleman out walking his dog with the rising at his back turned to see what I was photographing . He came over and said he had no idea what was going on behind him. Made his morning. Around two o'clock it started snowing . WE GOT SNOW FOR CHRISTMAS !!!!

Day #358 Mountains Of West Virginia

Woke up at Carols with sunrise on my mind. Actually after the last couple of world wind days I was hoping to get my POTD out of the way early before I headed home to crash on the couch. While I did get pictures around sunrise the view as I was leaving Carols development caught my eye so I pulled over and snapped off a few shots. Wasn't the first time this spot caught my eye, the last time it was full of withering corn stalks.

Day #357 Holiday Mayhem

What a day !!! A six hour car ride to New York City . Six hours of exploring the city with thousands having the same idea and a six hour car ride back. While crowds are not my idea of fun, I wouldn't have missed the chance to see the city in all it's holiday splendor. Got lots of pictures but the most memorable thing that stick in my head was all the people.........

Day #356 Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Last week my sister in law Carol mentioned that her family were heading up to New York City tomorrow for the day so I invited myself. Not much I won't do for a chance at a good picture. I'm spending the night at Carols so I can get an extra hour of sleep and not have to drive up in the dark early tomorrow morning. With no pictures yet and the sun setting I swing by Harpers Ferry to grab one. Seeing no signs that say I can't stand in the middle of the tracks I quickly set up my tripod and snap a few. So excited for tomorrow's adventure and hope for some great Christmas shots.

Day #355 Tail Trails

With rain expected later today and maybe tomorrow I stopped by Blackhills to check on the bird feeders a day early. Feeders didn't need filling and got a couple shots of the birds before heading to the lake to check out the ducks. Aren't these guys cute? First time they didn't take off as I walked to where I could see them. Ten days to go.......

Day #354 Where Am I

Okay my day started at 5 this morning and it's 11:30 p.m. now and I need to pick a picture. Got home from D.C. a little after 10 and have been looking through my shots. We started out at the Capitol and had a guy named Peter come up to us and ask if we wanted a buggy bike ride somewhere for ten dollars. Looking at each other we decided why not if you can take us over to the Washington monument. He was a great tour guide and we were both happy with our ride. Next stop was the National Tree which is surrounded by a tree for every state. Under the National tree is a huge village and a train that goes all around the village and tree. The weather was wonderful for December and the crowds weren't too bad. Well time for bed . Hope everyone had a great day.

Day # 353 Through The Crystal Ball

Finally remembered and bought a string of colored lights today. Had two shots in mind and both came out pretty good. Just some fun bokeh shots. Plan for tomorrow is to hop on the metro and head to Washington D.C. to get a night shot of the National Christmas Tree. Hope that plan fans out....

Day # 352 Snowballs For Sale

Mailed my cards and a package today at the post office. They say today will be the busiest drop off day of the season. I parked across the street and took some pictures of the foot traffic thinking maybe it would be my POTD. Kind of felt like a private eye taking pictures from my car. Was a foggy morning and at one o'clock it was just getting worse instead of better so took some fog shots on the way home. The view from my window at home was kind of neat with the fog so took a couple shots of my snowman. Not too many more shots and the madness will be over.

Day #351 Wishing You A Happy Holiday

Bob and I made this wishing well a little after we moved into the house so 20+ years ago. It was a lot of work at the time but we sure have enjoyed having it in our front yard. Not having a real idea for a shot today thought I'd put my wishing well in my project.

Day #350 Christmas Color Blur

Finished cleaning up from last nights party. Got some shots of the birds out back. Finally wrote my annual Christmas letter and wrote out the cards. Can cross that off my list Monday when I mail them. Got an idea for a christmas shot and this definitely wasn't it but it's different and I kind of like it.SOOC except for the crop.

Day #349 A Little Silliness To Help The Sadness

My annual Holiday Bonco game is always a blast. I think we might have had a little too much Gingerbread Martini's.  A night of catching up with good friends to kick off the holiday. For a few hours I think we were able to forget the horror that happened in Connecticut today. I just don't understand how someone can take so many innocent lives.  

Day #348. O Christmas Tree

Had a wonderful day at the National Harbor with two of my girlfriends. We went for the ICE show which was in a big tent full of ice sculptures. This years theme was DreamWorks' Shrek the Halls. Got plenty of pictures and my camera did fantastic in the 3 degree temperature. I lasted about an hour as my girlfriends waited in the gift shop wondering how in the world I was still in there. This shot is from the inside of the Gaylord Hotel looking out a huge picture window. It is a beautiful hotel. They have hung this flat tree in the window that catches the light of the sun. Was my first visit to the harbor and I will definitely go back.

Day #347 Lights Camera Action

I drive by this home all the time . It's located on the main road through town and it's on my way to and from work. They have a separate fuse box just for the christmas lights and I believe they start this massive project in October. They put up signs this year saying pull up in the grass or driveway and enjoy the lights. So I did although I did it across the street on the shoulder with my blinkers on so it would all fit. It's a very busy road so I waited till eight p.m. Did get my first trail lights from the passing cars but this shot is prettier.

Day #346 I Heart U

Bob and Margaret are headed back to the West Coast. It was a short but wonderful visit. Stopped by Arlington Cemetery and had a wonderful lunch at a lebanese restaurant in Pentagon City before dropping them off at Reagan National Airport. They were so great humoring me every time I asked for a picture.

Day #345 Backyard Fog

Woke up once again to fog. Took some shot out the slider and had some breakfast. The fog seemed the be getting worst so I grabbed the camera and headed to the path for more pictures. After looking at them all I liked my first shot from the house best. Oh well I did get a walk in.

Day #344 Family Fun

Celebrated the Ippolito Family Christmas at Bob's brothers house today. Took a couple of test shots with my family while we waited for the football game to end. As I sat on Bobs lap I fell over and must have hit the clicker so it turned into a candid shot of real smiles. The football game went into over time so we quickly piled 20 more family members and four dogs into this spot and got a couple shots before overtime started.

Day #343 Geese Crossing

Knew I was going to be waking up to fog so up early and out the door I went. Got lots of great pictures and I ended up at Blackhills. As I was walking to get a long shot of the lake I could hear the sound of geese even though I couldn't see them. They came out of the fog on one side of the lake to fly over the street to the other side. Liked the composition of this one the best and you can still see the fog so here is my POTD.

Day #342 Ho Ho Ho and Away We Go

Not to bad for beings 20+ years old. Bob and I cut these out of sheets of plywood . They're been repainted at least three times. We made a herd of deer and gave them as Christmas gifts the next year. Used to do a lot of wood working not so much now.

Day #341 Who Let The Dogs OUT !!

Target Department Store had a new dog this year . Took awhile to find him but knew I wanted him for my collection. I also found these socks there the same day. Have a FedEx delivery today that I don't want to miss so I'm stuck at home. Well 11:30 am and my POTD is out of the way. Now to clean up...

Day #340 Tree Time

Well finally starting to put the ornaments on the tree I get an idea and grab the camera. I sure do get distracted easily. Well, back to the tree.

Day #339 Another Chance

Where last Tuesday I didn't know his name and he was the first person I actually asked if I could take his picture. Today he was back and as I left work he said "look I have my whole uniform on today". I said it was to bad I didn't bring my camera but don't be surprised if I don't come back. As you can see I did and I'm so glad I got another chance with the nerves gone. Last week coat, scarf and gloves. Today the temperature rose to 70. Oh, his name is Earnest and he has been with the Salvation Army 21 years.
I asked when he'd be back and he said " I go where they need me "so I went across the street to Walmart and printed him a few shots.

Day #338 Giving Back

Well, it's been a process but see my new hat?  After spending the year visiting Blackhills State Park looking for my picture of the day and always coming away with one I saw a sign last month that they needed volunteers to fill the bird feeders one day a week during the winter. What a great way to give back for all the wonderful visits I've had here. Had an interview with the director of the park this morning and walked away with a volunteer hat, t-shirt and keys to the big bins that store the birdseed.After the interview of course I headed for a few pictures. These two large pipes are sitting in the gravel parking lot by one of the ponds. I need to find where I put my clicker yesterday because it wasn't in my camera bag and I had to set the timer and run like a mad woman. Do they remind you of the camera lens? Tis the Season for Giving.....

Day #337 Walking Toward The Fog

Woke up at six thirty and turned on the news. Weatherman saying how foggy it is outside so I look out the window and sure enough it is. Didn't head right out which was a mistake for the fog on the path behind the house had lifted high in the trees. This path is a lot higher and it leads down to the main path I think. It's the first time I noticed it as I parked the car to walk. More Christmas decorating today and Christmas movie watching.

Day #336 Temple Lights

Finally started Christmas decorating in and outside the house. Don't know why I feel I'm behind it's only December first. Bob asked what I was doing for my POTD and I asked if he'd take me to the Mormon Temple after dark. Have wanted to get this picture from the interstate because it is so impressive but I'm always driving. The grounds and visitors center are open to the public right now and my brother mentioned awhile back how nice it looks with the lights and he was definitely right.

Day #335 Enter The Night

Clouds were pretty interesting about one o'clock as I left work. Decided driving home I'd get some things done around the house and then head out to Blackhills for some sunset pictures. Took a few bird shots just in case the sunset bombed because clouds come and go. Well the sunset was Da Boom and it took me longer to chose the picture than to take them. I have learned that sunsets change minute to minute. Make sure you stay for the whole show because sometimes the finale is amazing although my choice was the beginning............

Day # 334 Light The Light

Woke up at five a.m. and thought wonder if I can see the moon?  Looked out back and there it was shining through my trees. Took a couple shots outside the slider and then moved back inside and took some shots out the picture window next to the slider.  Turned the lamp on to get everything set up and took a practice show. The lamp is the reflection in the window. Thought it looked pretty cool and was different so chose this one for my POTD.

Day # 333 Jupiter Stalks The Moon

The moon has been awesome the last couple of days. Goggled what time it would rise and walked out of the house at five ( rise time) and no moon. Did talk with the next door neighbor who was walking her dog. Tried again a little later and here it is with Jupiter. Still low enough this it hasn't totally cleared the trees. Have a shot with it behind lots of limbs but like this just touching the moon better. Jupiter looks so tiny but you can fit 1,000 earths inside it.

Day #332 Tis The Season Of Giving

Okay not a great shot but it was a first for me so I had to put it in my project. Walked out of work to the bell ringing Salvation Army greeter. It's a cold and rainy day out today. I thought he really fit the picture with his look and hat. He's right outside the front door so the only way to get a shot would be to ask. Had my camera in the car so as I walk to it I keep telling myself to grab the camera and go back and ask. Well got in the car and drove by the front telling myself park and ask, park and ask. Why this is so hard for me I don't know but I DID IT. Walked up and asked him if he'd mind me taking his picture.  Only took two shots . Think I was still in shock that I asked and he was happy to humor me. Dropped a donation in his bucket . He said bless you and I said thank you.

Day #331 Twilight Moon

Out getting my POTD when I happened to notice the moon . Scrap the pictures already in my camera because it's a cloudless sky and the moon sure looks full. The sun is starting to set behind me and is adding colors in front of me.

Day #330 Rockin The Rail

Glanced out the slider this morning to so much bird activity that I decided to grab the camera. Took quite a few pictures before heading back to my now cold cup of tea and oatmeal. Still a pretty cold day outside so decided I'd just stay indoors. Still hoping to get the motivation to put away the Thanksgiving decorations.

Day #329 Depart

Looks like Lisa choose well for her flight home because the crowds haven't arrived yet. I walked her in while Bob circled round to pick me back up . Another Thanksgiving has gone by too quickly. Hope everyone that traveled for the holiday arrives back home safely.

Day #328 Light The Night

How did the week go by so fast? Lisa heads back to Houston tomorrow. Went to see the movie SkyFall this afternoon . Bond James Bond ..The mall was packed with shoppers for Black Friday which I guess is great for the economy. Stopped by Brookside Gardens on the way home just after sunset.  They have turned it into a wonderful walking christmas light paradise. Lots and lots of different displays and I think this one was my favorite. First try at christmas lights with a DSLR camera.

Day # 327 Hawk Alert

                                                                           I took a short break from Thanksgiving preparations when two crows caught my eye out the slider. I pointed them out to Lisa and OMGosh what's that ? There sits the hawk I saw the other day on a branch by the crows. Quickly grabbed the camera, changed the lens and very slowly peeped over the couch to try and get a picture. Success this time and I even was able to get close to the window without spooking him/her. I am thankful this hawk has made it into my project and I even got a shot of him flying to another branch. 

Day #326 Spin

With the help of a friend I found a playground merry go round, thanks Arline.  Thought I'd go try and copy a shot I saw with Lisa as my helper. Since Thanksgivings tomorrow I grabbed one of my turkeys to be the star. It took a while and a ND filter but I got it. Lisa went to the swings as I fooled with the camera and noticed a rainbow in the fountain of the pond. You had to be standing in certain spots to see it. Will go back so I can try and add a rainbow to my project. Hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving tomorrow...

Day #325 Sisters and Friends

Got a couple of good ocean shots from early this morning but it's nice to be able to add Lisa to my project. Before we headed back home I grabbed Lisa and my tripod and headed to the water. For ten days every year we are the same age at least that's what we would argued about growing up. I would say no you're not and she would say yes I am...... funny memories

Day #324 Weathered The Storm

Did a lot of walking today. My pedometer says 8.2 miles. A good bit was the boardwalk and so much repair is going on because of super storm Sandy. So many streets down that way are lined with big dumpsters and ruined household propery. It's just sad and I couldn't bring myself to document it with a picture. Was pretty surprised to see this cement pier survived .

Day #323 View From The Top

My sister and I headed to Atlantic City today. First stop was the Absecon Lighthouse. It's New Jerseys tallest Lighthouse at 171 feet tall and the third tallest masonry lighthouse in the US. After traveling up 240 steps you have an amazing view of Atlantic City. This is one view from the outside at the top. The lighthouse sits about a block and a half from the water and hurricane Sandy brought the ocean all the way to the lighthouse bringing sea water into the bottom of the lighthouse.

Day #322 Barn in a Field

This could definitely be a filler day if I did that but 322 days in I'm not going to start now. We picked my sister up from the airport today . Hurray but liked this barn drive by better than the quick luggage carousel picture I snapped looking for her. Thought maybe I would get some pictures at the Landon House Ghost Civil War tour that we went to tonight but that was a bust to. Oh well tomorrows a new day and Lisa and I take off for two days in Atlantic City.

Day #321 Seeing Red

I noticed two trees yesterday reaching their peak in fall color. Most are nearing the I'm bare for winter stage at this point so they really stood out. I sure enjoyed autumn this year. Wasn't sure which tree to choose but red won over yellow today. This tree really brightens my neighbors yard across the street.

Day #320 Easy Pickings

Well, there was some kind of hawk on the deck this morning. So excited and boy was he pretty. Grabbed the camera and guess he saw me as I tried to get his shot through the window. Oh well maybe he'll be back . Put some birdseed and peanuts on the rail and got some pictures of the birds.

Day #319 Help I'm shooting WEEDS !!!

  I have passed by these gone to seed for at least two months now. If the sun is shining it's a pretty stunning view for weeds. They are right beside the road with a cornfield in the back drop. I kept telling myself you should try and capture this so today on the way home from work I finally stopped. I really need to start cleaning the house but here I sit again in front of my lap top.....

Day #318. Eat More Chicken

Can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. I though I had one more week so I better step it up because I have hostessed thanksgiving dinner forever. I put Tom Turkey in the yard right before dark hoping it could be my POTD. Funny story behind Tom .

Years ago my husband and younger son were out and passed a yard with a Tom Turkey sitting in it. My son turned to my husband and said thank goodness we don't have one of those sitting in our yard only to pull on our street and come face to face with my Tom. They were laughing so hard as they walked in the house. A year ago I wouldn't have thought to shot from the ground looking up.

Day #317 Field Trip

Another trip out of Blackhills this time to Bombay Hook Refuse in Delaware. It's hunting season so two sections were closed. We didn't hear any gun shots till the sun was setting. Saw plenty of shore birds, geese, heron, and quite a few eagles. The place is wonderful and the trees still had some color. It was hard to pick a shot but it's been a long day so eenie,  meennie, miney, mo.