Macro

Aunt Mary gave me a beautiful dahlia out of the garden last night.  She was cutting them all because it was supposed to frost over last night.  I don't know if it actually did or not.  I got to sleep in 'til 6:30 AM today.  May not seem like much but it sure felt good.  I had to work a couple of hours today even though it is my day off.  After that I went to my chiropractor, then the laundromat, got an oil change for my car and went to the grocery store (phew!).  I'm home again and took a few photos of my dahlia.  I will have to explore the macro setting on my little point and shoot more in the future.  My first try with it didn't work out right - I had focusing issues.  This time it worked.  I like the results.  

So, I am looking to get a real camera within the next 6 months (hopefully).  I have a good Nikon that got me through all of my photography classes -- but it is a film camera.  Although I love film, I am lacking a darkroom.  Two years ago I got a Canon PowerShot A530.  All of the images on this blog have come from that camera - it does a nice job I think.  I'm just growing out of it.  I want a REAL digital camera -- with a couple good lenses.  Actually, I'd really love one of those medium format cameras with the option of film, digital or polaroid backs -- but now I'm dreaming.  So, any of my photo-taking readers have any suggestions for a good camera?  How about a good photo lab that will still process my black and white film or my medium format color film (shot with my Holga)?  I have a pile of film that needs to be developed by can't find a place around here that can do it.  I'll have to mail it somewhere I guess.  

Much needed change of scenery

Mom and I took a vacation together this past week and I'd like to share a bit about it.  We had a marvelous time!  We went to the Traverse City, Michigan area and stayed in a quaint bed and breakfast near Torch Lake.  Most of our time was spent cruising around in Mom's convertible.  The weather was awesome staying mostly sunny and in the mid 70's.  I even got a little suntan on my face -- not bad for late September.  

The first image is of a little dirt road we took.  We love exploring -- especially in Mom's convertible.  

We spent some time wading in Torch Lake at this little beach.  It is supposed to be the third most beautiful lake in the world (I wonder where the 1st and 2nd place lakes are).  It was nice, but Lake Michigan is still my favorite.

We drove out on Old Mission Peninsula (just North of Traverse City).  It is one the most scenic drives I have ever been on.  It is covered in apple and cherry orchards and numerous vineyards all over the rolling hills.  Beyond that you have a great view of the bay.  

We stopped at a few wineries and sampled plenty of amazing wines.  In fact, besides one piece of artwork that I couldn't pass up, the only things I bought on vacation were fancy foodstuffs.  I got 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of cherry port, a local cheese, chocolate covered dried cherries, pear preserves, pumpkin butter, and hot masala (indian spice) chocolate.

We did much more than that, but I think you get the idea of how pleasant and relaxing our vacation together was.  I'm so happy that Mom and I have such a good relationship with each other.  

Officially Autumn

I guess it is official now.  Autumn is here.  Fall is my favorite season.  I love harvest time and the beautiful colors on the trees.  I like a cup of hot cider and a warm sweatshirt.  The only thing I dislike about Autumn is that Winter comes too quickly after it.  I got up this morning and took a few photos around the farm again.  Here are some soybeans...

And there goes Uncle Dave to pick some corn.  In the front of the image are decorative squash and pumpkins.  Then tomatoes and corn.  Then beyond that soybeans.
If the pigs only knew what was in store for them, they would figure out a way to hop the short fence.  They are getting big and it won't be long... : (  
And here is Mama cat (notice her extra toes - so cute) and her three babies.  They are still very shy.  They didn't know I had snuck up on them while they were eating the food I set out for them.  Mama seems to trust me quite a bit.  She went on the walk with me this morning around the farm - meowing the whole way.  She just wanted me to give her some real meat.  She persuaded me to give her something good.  I grabbed a bag of frozen shrimp that Charlie wasn't going to eat and thawed them and tossed them down to her and the babies.
Now I am going to clean the apartment up a bit.  Then the fun part of my day.  I have to pack my bags and get ready to go on vacation.  Charlie and I are taking separate vacations this year.  They just didn't line up right.  He went with his family to Minnesota for their family reunion (and a few casinos along the way).  I miss him and feel awfully lonely right now.  He gets back tomorrow night and then I leave Tuesday morning (after working 7AM-8PM on Monday - yuck).  I am going up north to Traverse City and Petoskey with my Mom.  We used to do these trips every summer when my Dad and brother went to Oshkosh, WI for an air show.  Since I got married, we haven't really done anything like that so this ought to be fun.  I will take lots of photos and blog when we get back.  

By the way, thanks to everyone who leaves comments on my blog.  I always appreciate your feedback on my photos or what I write about, even if I don't always reply to your comments.  Sometimes it is just nice to know who is reading this.  I hope you all enjoy Autumn as much as I do.  Have a great week!

Above are some scenes from the Farmer's Market that I go to when I can

Dave and Mary on their tractor... and some of their flowers.

These are two of the barn kitties we have this year.  The Mama has finally started to bring them around.  I believe there are three total.  This was shot in the upper storage area of the barn.  They ran and hid as soon as the flash on my camera went off.  They are too cute though, don't you think?

Scenes from the Farm

I thought I would show a few of the photos I shot today.  The first one is a view of the farmhouse from the back yard.  We rent the upper level.  These are gladiolas to be taken next door to Joanne's house.  Dave and Mary (farm owners) and Joanne all work the farm and run a market stand out of Joanne's garage.  

Aren't glads gorgeous?

This is the sign out front of Joanne's house.

Tasty produce...

The epitome of summer...

Wonderclean!

I have tried out my new time-saving, non-electric, handy dandy new gadget that I got.  "What is it?" you ask.  It's the "Wonderclean"! 

It is a miniature washing machine that works with hot water and a good seal.  You throw some clothes in, add a little soap and the right amount of hot water.  Close it up nice and tight and pressure builds up inside.  Then you crank the handle for about 2 minutes.  Voila!  The clothes are washed.  Well, almost.  Then you have to rinse the soap out of your clothes, wring them out, then hang them up to dry.  

I have been frustrated with having to go to the laundromat.  Sometimes I only need a clean pair of jeans or some underwear.  The laundromat is expensive and boring and takes up my valuable time.  But up until now it has been inevitable.  Then I saw the Wonderclean in the Lehman's catalogue (they have cool stuff for living off the grid or self sufficiency).  I thought it was worth a try.  It was only $45.00.  I think it will pay for itself quickly.

So, my first experience was interesting.  Things I learned:  Wash darks alone -- they will bleed for sure (maybe my water was too hot), be prepared for some water getting spilled, rinse the soap out well.  I wish the base was a little sturdier.  It would be great if I could mount it directly to a laundry room sink (if I had one) so it didn't wobble around so much.  

On the positive side:  I don't have to spend 2-3 hours at the laundromat when I need a few clean clothes.  I will save money.  I'll use less electricity.  This would have been handy during my time in Mali.  I'd like to find a good quality, good for the planet, powdered soap.  Any suggestions? 

Overall, it won't replace the laundromat for my big laundry days, but it will definitely help.

Refreshing weekend

After work on Saturday I headed to Grand Rapids.  I had to go.  I couldn't stay away any longer.  I've been missing my friends and family severely.  Unfortunately Charlie was working and couldn't come with me this time.

It was dark by the time I got to town, but I went over to the farm.  My friends Rich and Jen and Amy are helping fix the place up and get it running.  Jenna and Brian will be farming it.  Actually, it has become quite a community project so far and I foresee great things for the farm.  There are better photos and news about the farm here and here.

This is a photo of Jen and her youngest child, Daisy.  Rich and Jen just got this camper.  It is really quite nice for being somewhat vintage (1976 -- made the same year I was).  My favorite thing about this photo are the two dreadlocks sticking out like Pippy Longstockings).

We hung out in the camper a while then headed out to the fire.  This photo is of Jenna and Brian after a long day of work.  They have their jobs cut out for them with the farm!  

It was a nice evening outside and we had good conversation.  I wish I had more time to spend over there to help out.  

On Sunday I spent the morning with my Mom.  We took a quick ride in her convertible - our favorite past time.  I had a nice dinner with my family - corn on the cob, summer squash casserole, and zucchini bread.  

Then I went out for a cup of coffee with my friend Dawn.  We mostly talked about her trip to Mansfield, OH to the prison there with their group - Mystic19.  They were there looking for paranormal activity.  This is the group's website.  Interesting stuff.

I feel so much better since my visit.  I feel mentally and emotionally refreshed.  I feel like I can face my week and maybe not take my frustration from work out on my husband.  Ahhhhh.... it is refreshing.