Oh, I Am Getting Too Smart For My Pants!

March 15, 2013

It's 6:30 a.m., cool and quite dark outside.  Su and Pogo are still sleeping and I have been quietly sitting here making my list of things to do before it's time to pack up the suitcase again.  There is a UPS store down the road a ways that I want to check out today.  Perhaps I can mail a few things home to lighten the suitcase a bit.  We'll see.

Yesterday we stayed in and played on the computer.  Su was not up to par so we decided to do the flea market today.  This was good for me because I had the chance to learn a few more things in Photoshop.  Su is super smart with Photoshop, and has been teaching me so many things. 

Remember the photo that I posted a few days ago showing the view from my porch?  Well, I used that photo for my learning project.  I added some plants, flowers and birds, then put Audrey and Pogo in the picture too.  (Their photo was taken out in the parking lot near the dumpster)

I was able to learn shadow and lighting techniques, as well as improve on extractions.   I even had to remember to put the "screen" on the new items.  (I took the original photo from inside a screened porch.)   All in all, I was quite happy with my "new" picture.  Can you find all the "new" things that I added?

I also spent some time trying to do "photo blending" but was not very successful at following the tutorial.  Later today I will give it another try.   I also worked on a new "photo manipulation"  project that Su is teaching at Digital Whisper.   Alas, I cannot do just a little bit and then stop.  So I kept going until I had my project picture finished. 

Here is a preview showing the pictures that I used, the artist names, and the steps that I took to make my picture.   All except the yellow rose and the sea gull were downloaded from Deviant Art.

And here is my finished project.  Again, I was able to use the lighting, shadow and extractions skills and more.  Not too shabby, I think, for my first attempt.

I'm just hoping that I can remember all this good stuff that Su is teaching me later when I get home and she is not close at hand to help me.  I do write it all down, but sometimes I forget what my notes mean. 

My friend Nani at The Chronicles of Nani was asked if she could write a limerick about herself.  So, I thought I might try my hand at it too.  Here's my first try (and maybe my last!).

Me and my little dog Pogo

Are always on the go go

Especially if the day has sun

Then we can have a lot of fun

But when it rains we no go.

 

Yes I know, it's quite corny, but it was fun trying.  I haven't done this since I was a kid.  Back then, it was easy to think up a little rhyme.  When you get older, you think too much on how it sounds, so then it becomes a bit more difficult to write the limerick.

 

Now it's time to make another cup of coffee and start my new day.  Rhoda, if you are reading this, it is 7:19 a.m. and daylight is just beginning.  lol.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

 

Hugs, Edna B.

Having Some New Creative Fun

March 14, 2013

Good morning.  Today is sunny, but cooler.  Not quite 70F today.  Still, for us this is nice.  Today, I will take a walk to the dumpster with a bag of trash.  Now be honest.  Doesn't this sound like a lot of fun?  lol.  Actually the walk will be fun.  Also it means that the legs are behaving much better.

I re-joined a group I used to belong to, Digital Whisper.  (If you want to join, it costs around $25 a year)  They have a some great artistic projects going on there.  I joined the Photographic class and worked on getting caught up with their challenges.  A favorite of mine was the Black & White challenge.  Take a color photo and improve it by changing it to black and white.

I'm also going to use this image for Photo Art Friday.  (even if I am a day early.)   First I'll put up the original photo, then the black and white image.

I also have a fun photo of one of the tourists out for a ride on a nice day.  I thought this big guy had a rather interesting face.

Later today, or maybe tomorrow, Su and Pogo and I are going to the flea market.  I think I'll pick up an extra pair of flip flops to take home with me.  The best part of this, of course, is the walking exercise. 

After that, I'll do a bit more on my knitting project before I start the next project for the DW forum.   The 'thing" that I'm knitting is beginning to look like a shawl or a lap blanket.   I don't know how my aunt makes one of these a week.  I'll probably still be working on this next Christmas.

Ooooh, I almost forgot!  Deanne sent me a photo of some snow people that she and Eddie and the kids made after this last snow storm.   These snow folks are supposed to be Dee and Eddie.  Aren't they just adorable?

Pogo is a bit perturbed with me because I have shut the patio door and closed the curtains.  He was having himself a grand old time barking at the maintenance men who are outside pruning the trees.   Now that I've spoiled his fun, he's curled up on a blanket and taking a nap. 

Now I think it's time to put some clothes on and maybe get started on this gorgeous new day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Daylight Comes Late Here

March 13, 2013

Gosh, this daylight savings isn't so great in the morning.  It's after 6:30 a.m. and it's still very dark outside.   I liked it much better when daylight came very early.  It sort of gives the new day a great start. 

Ah well.  This morning we'll have to be doing a bit of grocery shopping.  The cupboards are looking rather bare.   Just like my vacation photo folder.  Sad to say, I haven't taken very many photos while I've been here.   I thought for sure I'd go home with the folder overflowing.  However, I just haven't seen very many birds or flowers yet. 

I'm watching the Weather Channel, and it shows the hot temps returning here beginning next Saturday.  When I leave to go home, the temps here will be in the mid to high 80's F.  But that means that the temps back home will be getting warmer too.  And that means that it will be time to do a bit of pruning in the garden and shopping for new plants.  Yes!

This year I want to buy some new Citrosa and Lemon Thyme plants for both gardens.  Crushing the leaves of these plants and rubbing the oil on your skin helps to keep the mosquitoes away from you.  Rub some on your pets too.

Today, I have photos of Hibiscus to share.  These plants are beginning to bud and blossom now that the temperature is getting warmer.  I think these are just beautiful.

I just looked out the patio door, and it is still very dark out there.  There is just a slight hint in the sky that daybreak isn't too far off.  Wow, I don't remember it being dark like this at 7:05 a.m. before.  Usually, daybreak gets earlier every morning this time of year.  I think.  Wow, I need to get out from under my little rock pile more often.  Nature is changing constantly.

I've been checking emails to while away some time to see when daylight starts.  Now it is 7:25 a.m. and daylight has begun.  I definitely do not remember daylight starting this late before.  Is it just me?  Has anyone else noticed this too? 

Pogo is still sleeping.  Poor little fellow had to get up in the middle of the night to bark at Su, who had come downstairs to get something.  He's getting a little bit used to her, and only barks at her if she moves.  Seems weird because he normally takes to women right away. 

Well now I'm going to make another cup of coffee.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EDDIE

March 12, 2013

Good morning.  It's cloudy and a wee bit wet this morning.  But that's okay.  It did not rain yesterday.  Instead, we had a fabulous day.  But the flowers and critters do need a bit of watering, so the rain is just fine with me. 

Yesterday I managed to get in a couple of little walks.  Hopefully, tomorrow, I will be able to take a longer walk around the whole place here.   I miss the walking and seeing all the different flowers everywhere.

Actually, I'm beginning to long for my own comfy home.  I love the weather here, but after you've done the flea markets and the local sights, it tends to get a bit boring.   There are only a few channels on the TV, with not many programs to choose from.  Thank goodness for having Xfinity on my laptop because I was able to watch a couple of my favorite programs. 

I'm beginning to sound like an ungrateful brat, huh?   I guess I just miss my family and my own bed.  Today is SIL Eddie's birthday.   Happy Birthday Eddie!  I hope you have a fabulous day.

Yesterday, I was treated to a lovely song from a cardinal.  He was sitting on a branch in the tree across from my unit, (first photo) so I tried to get a photo of him.  Once he heard the camera clicking away, he flew to the tree nearest me (second photo).   Here's a couple shots of him.

Later, on my short trip to the office, I saw this Mockingbird resting on a high wire.  He did not stay long once he noticed that I was trying to take his photo.

I think if I come back here again next year, I will leave Pogo with his foster mother (from the rescue agency) and then I can take a few side trips to places like Wild Animal Kingdom and Cypress Gardens.  Unfortunately, they do not alow pets.   I'm not complaining though, because I've already seen these places, and I'm enjoying having Pogo here with me.

Now I think I shall take me a nice shower, and then retire to the porch with my knitting.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a  fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Mandarin Orange Monday And A Freebie

March 11, 2013

Good morning.  It's early yet (only 7:30 a.m.) and Pogo is still sleeping.  Today is going to be a warm one (low 80's) with some rain part of the day.  So, it will be a perfect day to set back and do the laundry and get a bit more knitting done.

Today is Mandarin Orange Monday, and I have a few "orange" to share.  This first one is a sunset that Audrey photographed outside her home.   Must be wonderful to have a view like this!

My next photo is also one that Audrey took.  I have never taken a really nice shot of a rainbow, but this one is just wonderful.  Great job, Audrey!  (Another great view from her porch!)

My last "orange" photo is a shot of some of the flowers that are blooming around here.  Because of the unusually cool weather here this winter, there aren't so many trees and plants blooming yet.  Boo Hoo.  I was so hoping to go home with tons of flower and bird photos this year.  Oh well.

This week I think I am going to just stay close to home and relax.  I'll be doing a lot of sitting out on the porch and either reading, knitting or playing on my laptop.   I'm just not in the mood to be driving around looking for photo ops.  Besides, my body and my breathing have not been really keen on doing a lot of walking lately. 

I do have a freebie for you today.  I've made a series of "Deer Ones" papers and QP's that might be good for scrapping that "outdoorsy" man of yours.   Each folder holds a QP and a background paper.  I surely hope you can use them.  All of the backgrounds are made from my photos.  Here's a preview and link for today's set.

Here's your download link:
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Miss Su is still asleep, and I don't know if she will be posting today, so you can check her blog later.  This week she is on vacation and resting.  Good for you Su!

I think today might also be a good day to catch up on one or two photo class assignments.  Right after I drive the trash down to the trash dumpster.  Normally I would walk there, but this year I'll pamper myself and drive.

Now it's time to rustle up some breakfast for Pogo.  He has been so very patient, waiting for me to finish posting.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Reminds Me Of A Little Poem

March 10, 2013

Good morning.  It's just wonderful here, sunny and warm.   Gosh, I can hardly stand it!  lol.  Well this morning, Pogo and I went with Audrey to wait for her shuttle bus that is taking her to the airport.  She's only been gone a little while, and I already miss her.  You have a safe flight Audrey.

This morning while Audrey was enjoying her coffee on the porch, she came running in all excited, grabbed my camera and ran out the door.  She came back all happy, with photos of a hot air balloon that had passed over our place.

I brought my coffee out on the porch to enjoy our last little "sit down" together.   Can you tell how much Pogo loves his Auntie Audrey?

Now Su, who arrived late yesterday afternoon, is another story.  Pogo barks at her every chance he gets.  If she wants to move off her chair, I have to pick Pogo up first so he won't go after her legs.  Of course, he can't bite her, but he sure can make her pants legs a bit sloppy and wet from chewing on them.  This is really strange because Pogo normally loves most all women and girls.  Go figure!

Last night, we had DiGiorno Pizza for supper.  What a surprise we got when we went looking for the pizza pan.  There is none.   At this point, we went into creative mode, and got out the large roasting pan.  We settled the pizza in the roasting pan, and popped it into the oven.  Worked pretty good if I must say so myself!

Seeing Audrey off this morning has put a bit of a blue note on the day.  I'm a sentimental old fool when it comes to seeing my babies off on a trip, whether it be by land or air.  Reminds me of many moons ago when we all went to the airport to see Audrey and her new Swedish and Norwegian friends off.  She was going to be spending a month in Sweden with one, and a month in Norway with the other.  I was so melancholy when I got home, I sat down and wrote her a poem.  It started out ....."Today my little bird has flown......".

Good Lord, let's not get me started here.  lol.   Well I won't write any poems today.  Instead, I'm going to package up some freebies to post for you tomorrow.  This month, we're taking a break from the kits, and Su and I will be posting you some freebies each of the next three Mondays.  After that, we'll get back into "kit" mode.

Now I'm off to catch up on my emails and have another cup of coffee.  The sunshine out on the porch is sooooo inviting.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Gosh, Where Has The Week Gone?

March 9, 2013

Do you believe that it's already Saturday?   I have been enjoying Audrey's company tremendously, and now we only have one day left to play.  Boo Hoo Hoo. 

There have been a couple of scrapbook moments this past week.  The other day, we stopped by "JoAnn's Fabric Shop " to check out the fabrics and notions.  My legs were already quitting on me, so I decided to use the "electric" cart provided by the store. 

I've never ridden one of these in a department store, and I must say that this turned out to be quite an experience.  Thank goodness I look rather elderly because people just smile and get out of my way.  I found that it was not so easy to turn a corner without taking a customer or two with me.  Audrey spent a lot of her time there directing me and making sure the other customers stayed clear of me.  Gosh almighty!  I sure did have me a ton of fun!  (Audrey took this photo with her phone.) By the way, Pogo is inside that carry bag in the basket on the cart.)

Yesterday afternoon, we stopped by "Old Town" (one of the local sights) so that Audrey could check out the rocks and beads.  Pogo and I just meandered slowly around doing a bit of people watching.  When we left here, we headed back to one of the flea markets to pick up a couple of things.

One vendor had a few little "soft-sided" doggie house/beds, and I wanted to get one for Pogo.  The one I had ordered for him a while back did finally arrive back home a couple of days ago, but we can use two of these.  As soon as we got back to the condo, we set up the little dog house. 

I have to tell you that we laughed so hard we were crying at Pogo's antics with his new little house.  He walked around it, sniffing every inch of it, then had to stomp it down a few times.  After this, he went inside and tried attacking it from in there.  

Because the house is made of padded fabric, his actions kept making the little house roll over.  Eventually, he decided that he rather liked his new little house and crawled in and had himself a long nap.  In this first photo, Pogo is trying to chew Auntie Audrey's finger off for laughing at his antics.  Folks, this was the best ten dollars I've spent in a long time!

 Today we'll probably go for a walk, or just sit out on the porch and relax together.   Su was going to try to get here by today, but I haven't heard from her in a couple of days so we shall see.  It looks as though I'll be getting caught up on some of my photo classes.  But that is a good thing too. 

Well, that's all the news for this morning.  Pogo's hinting that it might be a good idea to get breakfast started.  lol.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.