Spring Sightings

Late in its arrival this year, Spring has finally arrived on the VA eastern shore as in many other places.

Some things that have also come with warmer temps have been  unwelcome, especially the invasive wildflowers weeds (henbit, chickweed, birds eye speedwell, cornflower) that now cover the yard.

Other sights are very welcome – ROBINS. We see them everywhere, backyard patio, lawn, rooftop and trees. Hope you’re seeing some pleasant signs of spring too.

End of Day

Often, the most striking photos happen quite unexpectedly as in the case of this late day series of photos taken today. Another great reason to always have a camera handy, even if considered a "point and shoot" type. These shots were taken with a Canon Powershot S130 with a built-in 12X zoom capability.


Special effects such as fish eye, black and white, and vivid color were applied "in camera" with no post-processing applied — are these considered as straight out of the camera (SOOC)?


Which photo did you find most effective in conveying the mood?

Tech Savy Already

We know that children today learn about electronic gadgets at such young ages. This trend is so apparent when we visit our grandchildren. Granddaughter "inherited" big brother's Leap Pad tablet and knows how to get sounds and music, even if she doesn't understand everything.

And, she is equally comfortable finding things on mom's iPad.

And, she is good with smart phones too.

So, the next time we have a question about how to do something "techy," we're asking the grands. Grandpa has already started.

Friday Funnies

Shades of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol — updated for modern times ?

Best Place to Eat

Do you have a favorite local old-fashioned type of eatery — one that's open early with breakfast specials and a board outside letting you know about them ? The Sunrise Luncheonette on Main Street in Somerville, NJ, is just such a place — open only for breakfast and through lunch, and it's in a great corner location, directly across from the county courthouse. 

We frequent IHOP when traveling, but not IF we can find a local place which is our first choice — folks are friendly, seats are well-worn, coffee is very good with plentiful refills.

PLUS, breakfast is bountiful and soooo good — there were no leftovers (as you can see).

Medical Emergency

Oh well... Just when we thought all was going well here disaster has struck. Remember that cute Easter Bunny that was not harmed during our celebrations????? Last night he started acting funny after we came back from a great Fish & Chips dinner at The Peddlers Daughter. His ears were a little droopy, funny colored, and a little weepy.

Today we took him to the Chocolate Candy Factory for a check up. Sure enough he had contracted a severe ear infection and both ears were completely clogged with of all things..... PEANUT BUTTER!!!

The head Chocolateer said that there was only one thing to do to save Bunny........ A Radical Earputation!!!!!!

And now that last Carmel Egg, the one that was oozing Carmel, might have to go too!!!!!
Grenville

Posted with Blogsy from Nashua NH

Rear Window Shot

My previous post titled Road Vistas, included this final photofun shot AND I asked if anyone knew how it was taken. 

Some bloggers responded with their best guess, others said they had no clue or were not good at guessing. So, here's WHAT it was . . .

Cloud reflections shown in a rear view window in a parking lot; my hand and camera were reflected in a shot and the image was cropped.

Road Vistas

Road trips can always provide great photo "opps" — especially when traveling (as a passenger0 with a digital camera. Many cameras have special effects for straight out of the camera (SOOC) shooting. These photos were taken with a Canon PowerShot SX130, a point & shoot camera with an extended telephoto.

Like playing with color settings for poster effects, vibrant color, and color swap.

Another choice is switching to black and white (B&W) which works great with lots of cloud effects.

Fish eye effects can also be a lot of fun too.

There are scenes as seen through other things, like this tanker truck.

And ones that make you wonder like this one:  How do you get a gorilla into the bag AND more importantly why would you want to ?

Can you figure out how this photo was taken ? (Hint - it was not taken in a car or while driving)

NO Injuries Reported

Here it is the day after Easter. Company is finally gone, left overs are stored, and the dishwasher is on its final rinse. Beatrice and I would like to allay some concerns that have been voiced by you our loyal followers.

"NO candy Easter animals, or Chocolate Eggs were injured during this holiday."
BUT the bunny has developed some hearing problems and may need his ears amputated. AND the chicks have lost their 'peeps' and may require some chew therapy. BUT the good news is the egg seems fine, even with the leaking Carmel.
We hope all of you had a nice Easter.
Grenville
 

Posted with Blogsy from the Frog & PenguINN

Exiting the Bunny Trail

Maybe that post title should have read Eggsiting the Bunny Trail. Sorry for the puns but it was a fun play on words (at least for me).

It's true, that we had a grand time visiting with grandson and granddaughter. However, the Easter celebrations and fun stuff are done until the next holiday time. They had fun at another egg hunt on Easter Sunday thanks to Patrick's aunt.

They also spent time with grandma and grandpa and connected with their aunt through FaceTime.

The "Easter Bunny" left some non-candy fun treats . . .

And, of course, some sweet ones too.

Thanks for your Easter comments — We hope your holiday was wonderful — Spring is coming !