Troubled Hummer

Barbara said she had seen a hummingbird at the feeder this morning with something hanging from it's bottom, so after dinner this evening I set up watch. Sure enough, the little gal came back. This was the sharpest image I could capture and I still can't tell what kind of trouble she got herself into. Anyone want to venture a guess as to what is entangled around her feet?

06-30-11

Moaning Ash

We have two Ash trees in our backyard that are dying because of an infestation of the dreaded Ash Borer. In this photo, I can't help but see two squinted eyes, a nose and mournful mouth as the tree slowly succumbs to it's ultimate fate.  Firewood.

06-29-11

Two Old Hippies

My "Photo of the Day" was not taken by me, BUT.. it WAS taken with MY camera by cousin Ralph, so technically it's still my photo.

Anyway, I went to a Randy Stonehill concert this evening and you might think that I stood in line to get my photo taken with him, but I did not. Instead, I opted to stand in line to get my photo taken with the legendary Mr. Rich Fout of WCVO "Final Flight" fame. 

Rich and I go way back.  It was the early 1980s when I found his radio program. My son JT and I would throw our pillows up against the stereo cabinet (you know, those long pieces of furniture that held a turntable, radio and eight track player?) at 10pm on Friday nights and listen to Rich play all the latest music in Christian Rock. He and I would lay there often to 1:00 or so listening to the likes of Mylon Lefevre, Steve Camp, Rick Cua, Stryper, Barren Cross and Messiah Prophet. 

Rich Fout. He touched a lot of lives, including mine. My life has truly been blessed by him and his ministry.

06-28-11

Pizzeria Inspired

Compliments of the local Sunbury, Ohio Pizza Hut.  As I drove by, I was immediately attracted to the bright colors of the stucco siding and yellow awning. The tree shadows gave a sense of depth and softness to the view. Thanks Pizza Hut!

06-27-11

Lake Reflections

I love the reflections on the little lake down at the AEP Recreational Lands here in Ohio. The waters are so green and clear. In fact, I think I see a few fish swimming around in the photo!

06-26-11

Fireflies

This is a hand-held shot at dusk, trying to capture a few fireflies. There are some in the lower right side of the photo and others that are more difficult to see. I actually like the surreal feeling I get from this photo and I think hand-holding the long exposure time is what contributes to that.

06-25-11

Rusty Works

Close-up of an old rusting valve.  Again; Color, Texture, etc. Just interesting stuff to look at.  :-)

06-24-11

Fuzzy Time Slots

Shooting from across the room, I came up with this... "thing". This photo is for anyone who can't seem to commit to a set time for appointments.  Hence; "Fuzzy Time Slots".

06-23-11

Patio Flowers

Here is a close-up of some potted flowers that my wife has growing on the back patio.

06-22-11

Golden Reflections

I liked the abstract imagery that was mirrored in the brass trim of glass table that we have. I thought the colors worked together nicely as well.

06-21-11

Riding With Paul McCartney

On the way home and stuck in a lonnnnnnng line of traffic. But that's okay. Paul kept me company. The CD is called "Never Stop Doing What You Enjoy".  Encouraging.

06-20-11

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day and I spent it at my daughter and son-in-law's annual Father's Day/Birthday BBQ. It was a GREAT day. Weather was perfect. Along with Kevin and Tonya,  my mother was able to be there with my sister Debbie, my first wife Cindi and her husband Chuck, our son JT and of course my wife Barbara. Along with the DA Concert the night before, my kids blessed me with a couple of cards, a cookbook and FOUR winning lotto tickets (Still can't retire so I'll be in to work on Monday)! We had footlong hot dogs, Marion DQ Coney Sauce, BBQ Pork, beans, salads, chips, etc.  Oh.. and cake too. :-)  I'd have to say it was one of the best Father's Day I've had in a very long time. I am truly a blessed man.

06-19-11

Daniel Amos Concert

My daughter Tonya and I went to Wilmington, Ohio this evening to catch the Daniel Amos (DA) Reunion Tour. It was a great evening and the band rocked the house. That's Terry Taylor (lead singer/song writer) in the hat but the 2nd guy from the left, the bass player, is the one that stole the show in my opinion!

06-18-11

A Tiny Egg

Found this little broken egg on an old abandoned road today. This egg isn't any larger than the finger nail on my pinky finger. My guess is, it is a hummingbird egg. Kind of sad.

06-17-11

Delicate Vine

Not much to say on this one. I like the delicate simplicity of the vines against the hardness of the scarred and grainy wood and the way the shadows give it some depth. Other than that, not much to say on this one.

06-16-11

Fallen Leaf

I'm not sure what kind of leaves these are, and it's probably natural for them to be falling but they've got to stop it. Reminds me too much of Autumn and it's only June!!

06-15-11

Tiny Bouquet

Found this little bouquet along a trail. Kind of reminds me of a heart. I like the delicate stems and shoots that surround it.

06-14-11

Sunbury Garden Reflections

While waiting for my client at Sunbury Gardens I grabbed my camera and took a handful of photos. I enjoy these photos of reflections in a couple of the Garden Pools or Ponds that he sells. I posted two because I couldn't decide which one I liked better.

Rusty Bell Reflection

Ball Pedestal Reflection

Sunny Gonder Scroll Vase

This is one of my favorite Gonder Ceramic Arts vase. It is the #863 Scroll Vase in Red Flambe glaze. I took this photo because I liked the way that the sun shinning through the blinds enhanced it's color and created an interesting shadow.

06-12-11

Blue Heron, Mt. Gilead

I believe this to be a Blue Heron. Not sure. We went to the Mt. Gilead State Park to fish and this big ol' bird was hanging around. I like the way his refection shimmers in the water.

06-11-11

Lost Yellow Softball

On my way home from work on Friday, I spied this beautiful yellow softball lying along the curb of East William St. in Delaware, Ohio.  At 5pm, that is a mass exit route out of town and most certainly on a Friday afternoon! I actually stopped a car from pulling forward in the traffic line so that I could step out into the lane and snap a few photos. I know others have watched me shoot Lost Balls and I can't help but wonder what they're thinking when they see me doing that. LOL

06-10-11

Rusty Burn Barrel

This a close up of the inside of an old rusting burn barrel.

06-09-11

Hot Day Blues

Hot day, today. Mid-nineties. Everything melts in that kind of weather. Especially vibrant blue bubble gum. I feel sorry for the person who stepped in it.

06-08-11

Spring on Alum Creek

We live along Alum Creek. Here is an early evening shot looking downstream. Even though the creek runs through suburbia and even under a major highway, when you're down along the banks you can almost imagine yourself in the wilderness.  Almost.

06-07-11

Sunburst

The sun was setting fast and as it did, it shot through the trees to create this golden spotlight of sun on the opposite bank.  Pretty cool.

06-06-11

Suicide Doors

Yeah. I know. More rust. But hey, it's BEAUTIFUL! This is a close-up of the Suicide Doors on an old junkyard car. I'm enjoying the rusty colors, the shadow play and of course, the splash of vibrant green. Can you see the beauty in this photo? 

06-05-11

Red Wagon Wheel

How rustic can a photo get? A rusty red wagon wheel leaning up against old weathered wood.  AND.. I actually like that little burst of green on the wheel's hub!

06-04-11

The Red Hinge

Colors, texture, composition, this little photo has it all. I love the way the earth tones are carried throughout the photo.

06-03-11

Tractor Seat

As some of you know from previous posts, I enjoy photographing rusty things. The oxidation can create not only beautiful colors of reds, browns and oranges, but also interesting textures.  I really like this composition!

06-02-11

Funky Fungus

Hidden behind some low growth at the base of a tree I found this interesting specimen. I have no idea what kind of fungus this is, but it's shape is pretty interesting. I've never seen one like this.

06-01-11