2.27.11 Round

What's round and takes a really beating?  I don't think this is a Timex but it sounded good.

I really love the homey downtown feel of little rural towns.

2.26.11 Through a Window

Chuckers!  I have been waiting and waiting for the right time that this family group would hold still long enough for a photos.  Still trying to get a better shot at them, one that isn't quite as blurred.  But this is what you get when you are shooting through 2 panes of window glass plus a screen.

2.25.11 Critters

When I saw this billboard that had gone to the dogs, I just knew that I had to have a photo.

I only have a dream of being able to get a shot like this for real.  Something that is just so unbelievable is the small size of these sled dogs.  I had always envisioned a sled dog as being husky type, nope wrong.  Small boned and wiry is what these critters are but boy are they fast.  Averaging between 8 - 12 miles an hour on a good days run.  I can't get over how many blue eyed dogs there are in these dog teams.  I heard it said, don't know how true it is, that blue eyed dogs are better around.
Think I will have to get my girls (doggies) some blue colored contacts ans they all have dark brown eyes.

2.24.11 Interaction

A girl and her dog, what can be better than that?  You certainly can't find this kind of real interaction and enjoyment from the mall.

Try as I might, I couldn't hide that I was photographing them.  Looks like to me they have had this done before. Coming all the way from northern Idaho just to be involved in the dogsled races.

2.23.11 Heartwarming

Hurry, grab the camera!  I'm Hopeful that everything is set right.
SNAP, SNAP, SNAP!
I just LOVE candid shots of children, each has a story to tell without even having to hear a word.

Sometimes the questions are complicated

and the answers are simple.
-- Dr. Seuss

2.21.11 Letters in Architecture

This image is brought to you by the letter "M"

Wonder why we aren't so detail oriented in our building now days?  Back in the day they really new how to build thing to last.

02.20.11 Evolution

Who would have thought that we would get where we are now with modern equipment?  You sometimes have to step back in time to really realize just how far you've come.

I can't even imagine having to thrash grain with this monster looking machine.  That would have taken weeks on end where now it only takes days.
Looks almost like a dragon when you look at this contraption from this view point.

2.19.11 School

You never know!  Nope you never know what you will find just around the next corner.
I would never have guessed that someone would have thought to park some very old vintage buses out in the open dry farming area.
Wonder why they choose this place?  There aren't any schools up here, no children for miles.
How did they get them here, what were their plans for them once they got here?

Looking at this old bus gives a new perspective on "The Wheels On the Bus..."
I don't think that this old buses wheel will be going round and round any more.

2.18.11 Tri Colors Snow Sculptures

This day has gone to the dogs, literally.  Ashton, Idaho had their annual winter dog sled races and I went to take some photos of all the actions.
I don't know what I was expecting.  Perhaps lots of winter folks milling about perhaps in their best winter getup.  Dogs running through the streets as the sound of  "Mush Doggies" is yelled to go faster.  Food, lots and lots of warm inviting comfort food.   Snow Sculpture mater pieces of every shape and size imaginable.
Needless I was a bit disappointed.
There were dogs running the streets but most were either being carried by their owners.
There was people but I didn't see much milling about going on.
There was food but it wasn't the carnival comfort food that I was hoping for.
And Snow Sculptures, Well here is the only entry that I could find.  Are these guys colored couch potatoes or what?

 For a small town of only 2100, I guess you can't expect miracles.  Or can you?

2.16.11 Joy

Simple JOYS, what are yours? 

My top ten list of Simple JOYS are -

1. Warm fuzzy socks
2. Hot Chocolate with marshmellows
3. Camp fires
4. Soft mattresses
5. Vests
6. Polor fleece
7. Baby animals
8. Spring buds
9. Newly turned earth
10. Holiday Candies

 I tried out "The CoffeShop's" new photo action on this photo.  Trying to make my photos a bit more un-appealing for those that like to right click and save.
What do you think about the new look,

Do you- 

• Yes, I like it
• No, I like seeing the original photos
• Other comments

2.15.11 Chocolate

What do you do when you have forgotten to get a Holiday gift for your loved one?  Well, if you are me you go into your Holiday Candy stash.  You know that one where you statshed all those after holidays sales candies.  Good idea, RIGHT?

DH will never know that the waxy coating that is covering some of the Chocolates isn't suppose to be there.  He will eat them and love them.
Must be something wrong with his taste buds.
I wonder if the really good chocolates turn out looking like this after a year of storage?
Must take a trip to Switzerland and find out sometime.
Can there ever be such a thing as BAD CHOCOLATES?

2.13.11 Flight

So Much to Learn from Birds in Flight

The geese flew

In a perfect

Vee,

In turns

They led and followed,

Then just like that

They turned as one

Into the

stiff north wind,

They hovered there

In brisk mid-air

The vee in perfect view,

This strange bird dance

So sweet so pure,

A tantalizing balance,

What caused

The geese to pause in flight,

Why take a break mid-air?

Then looking back

It all made sense,

Such lovely

Perfect sense,

A single goose

In rapid flight

Honked out his lonely plight,

Please wait,

I wish to join your team,

To fly as one tonight,

As he approached,

They turned as one,

Lone gray hooked on the end,

The group intact,

They turned due east,

To travel forth again,

So much to learn

From birds in flight,

Look out for all your kin,

Stop flight and wait

For those in need,

And then set off again,

Just wait

Then start

Again.

2.12.11 Animal - Wild Elk in a Head Lock

Two bull elk trying to find their place in the normal order of things.
Not to far from where my home is, I can drive and see these beautiful animals.  This isn't there normal winter range but do to a higher snow pack, wild animals or construction, they have come off of the winter feeding range. 
Massive, strong and majestic but life can only be had for the stronger animal.

"Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong - sometimes it's letting go."

2.11.11 Eyes

Yah it's Bair again.  I caught him eying the camera.  If you look real close your can see me and my camera in his big brown eye.
Wonder what's he's thinking right now? Could it be....

I only have eyes for...

Seeing a way to Sneak into the house when no one is looking.

My doggie dish, just wish it were full.

My soft blankie that is usually by the corner table,  hey someone moved it.

Spotting the neighborhood dog when they come trespassing into my territory.

Chasing cows, horses and an occasional two wheeler.  Huh, huh, huh.

Sleep, lots and lots of dogie shut eye.

Here's look'n at you babe.

02.09.11 I love...

I Love...the smell of freshly dug dirt in spring.

I Love...watching sunrises and sunsets.

I Love...playing with my grandchildren outdoors.

I Love....watching my hubby as he works.

I Love...a real good chocholate bar.

I Love... Diet Coke.

I Love... steak medium rare.

I Love...just sitting and watching my dogs play

I Love... new born calves

I Love...the mountains, spring, summer, fall or winter

I Love...my family most of all.

And...

02.08.11 Friendships

Friends come in all shapes and sizes.  I have friends that I consider to be my TRUE THROUGH and THROUGH FRIENDS.  These friends there when ever I need them.  They laugh with me not at me.  They cry with me not for me.  They enjoy life with me, not leaving me to do it alone.  They learn from me as I learn from them.  They aren't afraid to share not only their worldly goods but they also share their spiritual goods.
Friendship, IMHO, is a two way street.  You get out of it as much as you put in.
Around Valentines Week my mind turns to my Dear Friends. 

Thank you my dear friends.  

Thank you for your friendship, your support, 

your love and your strong shoulder which I have use these past few years.

02.06.11 Car Parts

They sure don't make them like they use to. That can be a good thing or bad, depending on how you look at it.
I love old auto. Cars, truck, tractors, if it had a motor and some age I love it.
I came across this old truck this weekend while I was snow-machining. I had seen it before out in the distance but time never allowed me to get up close and personal.
One thing I don't understand is why parts of history have to be used for target practice. I could say that it's a guy thing but I have seen many a female unload their guns on items that aren't theirs. Makes me want to go unload on their mail box.
Any way here is my photo for today - CAR PARTS. You can mouse over the photo to see the before and after.

Roll your mouse over the photo and you can see the "Before Edit" version.

Wondering how you to can add a rollover image on your blog?  Here is a nifty little tutorial on how it's done -
How to make a image rollover or Try Blogspot Tutorials or How to Spice Up Your Blog
HEY! Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a great day.

02.05.11 Wheels

Blessed is he who talks in circles, for he shall become a big wheel.
Frank Dane

02.04.11 Neglected

Each day is a new canvas to paint upon. Make sure your picture is full of life and happiness, and at the end of the day you don't look at it and wish you had painted something different.
-- Author Unknown

 Bonneville County Homestead.  Back when this area was being settled, the families would stake out their calm.  You would find homestead dotting the stream.  The area was harsh, down right brutal.  The men folk would build their families as comfortable as possible, living quarters.  They then before the snow got to deep, would head for lower ground in search of winter work.  Work that would help support the family for another year.  This also meant that the women and children were left to fend for themselves through the harsh winter.  The homestead had to have someone occupying it 12 month of the year.  Stories are told of children being followed by packs of wolves as they made their way by foot to the community one room school. 
People of the Hills, as they were called were a rugged bunch.  Reading and hears their life stories makes me ever grateful for my life of ease.
Daily, we are each given a new canvas, it is up to us what we'll paint.  At the end of the day hopefully our paintings will be without "what if , if onlys or neglect ".

02.01.11 Together

"Slow down!"  I am streaming
"No, FASTER, hurry!"  "Can't you go any faster, they're going to get away?"
"I don't see this every day, ya know."
Two red tail hawk, male and female hanging out in my trees.

Still dressed in 3 inch heel, I grab my camera, my 300mm lens and tripod.  I must be crazy!  I make trails through the snow to find a great spot to set up.  Darn tree branches, why do they always have to been the wrong spot.  I am being watched very closely now, is she friend of foe?  The male takes flight, he's had enough of me.  The female stays for a bit longer, then she is gone.
I make my way back to the house through 6+ inches of snow and ice making sure not to slip and fall.
Darn hills, why don't they put better tread on the bottoms of these things.  Next time I am going to make sure I am not in a dress, have on my snow boots and I have a coat.
Oh what we will do for the sake of getting the shot.  Good thing DH wasn't taking pictures.