The other day Mike and myself were just sitting around when we decided to pack up and head down to St. Augustine for a few days. First BIG trip for Rocky, and the first since Niki’s accident. All did well….Niki better then expected. There are stairs in the house we rented….she mastered with very little help from us (just supervision). Rocky on the other hand needed a few days to become accustomed to them….now he is a pro going up and down them. Gemma, what can I say…..never any problems with Gem.

The trip was really to see my parents and of course getting the pups used to going places. As so often things happen when away from home….my camera has decided to go berserk. The lenses are not focusing….now with my vision problems I have thought it was me….nope, not me. Also…not matter what the setting….metering system….white balance in extreme lighting situations (like the dogs at the beach) the images are terrible. So….today is the drive home (if I ever get packed). Here is one of the images from the beach….more on that adventure a little later.

Gustav….seems to be huge. There were on and off storms yesterday (in Fl, east coast) that they said were bands from this huge storm….stay safe my friends!

Last couple of days has found the Atlanta area with storms rolling through due to Fay. She has not yet fizzled out. We do need the rain so no complaints in that area….we can all do without the Tornado watches and of course the warnings. Sun is out at the moment so hopefully she has moved through.

Today found me standing in line at the local DDS for my license is about to expire. I could have done this online, however I forgot all about it until it was too late. So….standing on line and I noticed a young girl with her Mom. The young girl seemed so excited and very happy….seems she passed her test and was about to get her license. She was adorable and I so wish I had a camera for her expression was just priceless. I asked the Mom if her cell was a camera phone….why yes she replied looking at me very suspiciously. I smiled and said that a genuine look of happiness should never be wasted….as soon as she was given her license Mom should take a few photographs. The Mom smiled and said she had not even thought of that….out came the cell and a few photographs were taken.

Once back home I had so many things to do that, well are just not fun. Paperwork…sending out files to be printed…cooking a pot roast and making time to dust off the flash….something I just do not use that much and getting a few practice shots inside for I will have to use it this weekend. I have wonderful models If the weather holds out and sun continues to shine I will have to take them out back for some fill flash test shots. Always take a few practice shots when dusting your flash unit off…if it has been a while use fresh batteries….really, you will Thank me for that bit of advice

The above images are right out of the camera (just resized then cropped). Nikon D300, sigma wide angel and Nikon Flash.

Today found me in front of the PC finishing off a few portraits. Then it was time to turn my attention to the dogs, out for some fun…yippee. I brought my camera with me for the hawk has been hanging around and I would love to get a decent shot of him. Today was not to be that day for it seems the dogs are camera hogs. I mean really….why oh why would I photograph anything else but them

No matter where I went, or how I positioned myself…there they were front and center….just waiting for me to photograph them.

It always amazes me just how easy the pups make me smile… a good laugh is always had when we are just hanging out. I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon…can you

Nikon D300 and Sigma wide angle lens.

As for the hawk…tomorrow is another day!

I saw a tee shirt the other day and simply fell in love with it so did a very quick scribble and used Rocky as the model….yes indeed, he earned a cookie for being a wonderful model I am now sipping my tea in style.

**Please know that I would be more then happy to design something for your mug, however this design is not for sale. I will search the web to find the artist who so cleverly came up with the original

What can I say about Jin…to look into her eyes you just fall in love with her. She is a beauty and so true to her breed…fun, lively and oh so very curious about everything. Just look at those legs….she just makes me smile Converted the above file to a B/W file for the family to view for tee shirts and coffee mugs (available in sepia, color and B/W).

Took a close look at my calender today…can you believe the Holiday season starts in just a couple of weeks. Well…mine does anyway….remember to all those that will be wanting a photo session and or a Painting….be it a gift for someone special, or a gift for yourself…now is the time you want to get this done. It takes about six weeks during this time…and if I am verrry busy it could be longer to get something for the Holidays…add to that an early cut off date (will post more on that a little later). Gift Certificates are always available.

Earlier today found myself and my ever faithful pack wandering the yard….camera in hand and ready to stop and photograoh those findings that are interesting. The last of the lilies….seems such a short season however I know that this is due to me not feeing well and not making use of the camera and taking the time to enjoy the flowers in my yard.

While in the agility yard I watched all three dogs…last night I had a student from about 10 years ago stop by to introduce me to his new GS pup. What an adorable puppy Sasha….but then I have a thing for GS’s….love them. What a smart puppy, as she will again be stopping in next week and I will have a few pictures of her to post. Being a puppy she made use of the grassy area in the agility yard….while none of my dogs met her….they knew she was in their yard and this morning just had to investigate. Each had to reclaim what is theirs as they stopped at each location the little pup had urinated.

As all of my pups are now full grown we have been thinking of eventually adding another. Keep thinking something will just come along for in the past that is how we have gotten most of our dogs….or maybe another Golden for how can you just have one

The Wild Hibiscus that grows in between my house and the neighbors house has been in full bloom the last few weeks. I have longingly viewed from a distance…almost missed the chance to get a few photographs when Michael went and cut one for me the other day. Not the way I enjoy photographing them….but since the old joints, tendons and ligaments have been so sore as of late, not to mention my ability to focus due to the inflammation in my eyes has also been a bit of a bother I have opted to just look from a distance. So…dusted the camera off and got a couple of shots. You must have the ability to bend to get good shots….you just can’t stand there

So…there is light at the end of the tunnel as slowly…with each passing day I feel a little better. Oh so very tired but that too in time will improve. Just a little flare up. I have to admit I have missed my painting….and I must also be so very Thankful to several clients that have been so very patient waiting for their portraits to be complete as a few have been on the back burner for a little while. Please hang in there just a little longer.

During my down time I purchased a new vacuum cleaner…don’t you just love the Internet. Ordered online and within three days or so it was at my front door. I had a Dyson canister…the first type that was placed on the market….they were short lived for soon after they were no longer available (although there is a new improved version is back on the market)….and I know why. Unlike the uprights the canister clogged (the newer model the canister is much larger)….the handle was too thick (well for those with arthritis anyway). Still, when I purchased it I had a six pack (four goldens a pit bull and a Bogie). I got used to having to stop unclog for it did such a wonderful job in the clean up. Not so as of late, time for a new one so this is my first upright. So far I am pretty pleased with it….the dogs however… find it to be an evil machine, no doubt due to all of the cursing and fighting with the old canister. Posed them next to it to get the above image….look closely at Rocky (Golden) and you will notice him leaning away from the vacuum…Gemma went into the bedroom where she remained until our little photo shoot was over. Hmmmmm….wonder how long it would take to train them to clean up after themselves

As I have not been feeling well as of late it was a very nice surprise to look out my front door and see that UPS left me a pretty nice sized box that had GODIVA stamped all over it….what a big smile I had on my face. A nice tin of Godiva Biscuits, box of candy and a tin of Hot Chocolate. I immediately made a nice cup of green tea, grabbed the biscuits and retreated in my office where I sipped my tea and nibbled on a few biscuits….life is good A Birthday gift from my sister, her husband and thier beloved cat Scruffy. I had also received a lovely gift from my Mother In Law….and it is not even my Birthday….yet (a few more weeks).

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