It's 10:45 P.M. And I'm Still Trying To Fix My Blog Problem.

January 4, 2013

This is one of many test posts to see if I can upload any photos to my blog.  I have been advised to install Google Chrome, which I have just done.  Now to try to upload a photo.  This is the photo art that I tried to post this morning for Photo Art Friday.

Well, what do you know?  Success at last!  Everything looks different though.  I think this is going to take a bit of time to get used to.

I used a photo of one of my pink roses.  I separated the rose from the background, and applied my texture #8043 to the background (beneath the rose), then applied the "Hard" blend mode in PS at 90%,  I put the rose back and applied  PDPA's Golden Bokeh texture ove the whole picture, using the "Hard" blend mode at 31%.

Now I have to hop on over to PDPA and post my photo there.  Thank you for your advice, Andrea.  As long as this thing works, I'll be happy.  Y'all have a good night.

Hugs, Edna B.

Where Is The World's Largest Desert?

January 4, 2013

The sun is shining, and there is still plenty of the white stuff on the ground.  It's 23 degrees F, working it's way up to 34.  Wow!  A winter heat wave!   There is a very large desert in China that is covered in snow.  No kidding! 

I'm watching the weather channel (what else?).   I learn a lot of very interesting things from watching this channel.  Like, do you know where the largest desert is located?  I didn't, but now I do.  It's the continent of Antarctica, which is the world's driest place.  The Sahara is the largest hot desert.

Learning has always fascinated me.  I've had a love affair with books and reading since I was big enough to pick up a book.  During the war (WWII), when I was a little girl, we didn't have much money so my folks would shop rummage sales for a lot of our things.  You could buy a whole box of books for very short change.  Every trip to a sale brought me a new box of books.  Except for my sweetheart, the handsome little boy living across the street, books were my best friends.

This brings me the topic for Photo Art Friday.  We are to make a piece of photo art that features a word to inspire or guide us through this new year.  After much thought, I've chosen the work "Seek".  I am so aware of the beauty all around us, and I want to be able to capture as much of it as I can with my camera.  I want to learn more about all this wonderful technology that we have.  I just want to keep on learning. 

I've just erased all the info pertaining to my photo art for today.  When I am able to post photos, I'll re-post the info.    For some reason, I cannot upload any photos to my blog.  Please bear with me while I check on this problem.

SORRY FOLKS,  NO PHOTOS TODAY.  I just took a look at Blogger's help posts, and it seems that I'm not alone with this problem.  There are quite a lot of folks looking to Blogger to fix this problem.  There is no "browse" box for us to upload our photos.  I added my inquiry to the list, and now I will just have to wait and see what happens.  If and when the problem gets fixed, I'll get caught up with my photos.

Well, I think I'll just have me another cup of coffee and try to unravel my rather annoyed nerves.  I used to be so good when problems arose, but sad to say, I'm not so patient any more.  I'm going to play with Pogo and maybe do some laundry.  That seems to have a soothing effect on me.  lol.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Brrrrrr! Baby, It's Cold Outside!

January 3, 2013

Good morning on this sunny, but cold (11 degrees F)  third day of this new year. I've been watching the weather channel all morning.  They've been talking about how low the Mississippi River is, and the really bad impact it will be making on the people and businesses along it's banks.  This, in turn, will impact many more businesses all over the country. 

They are talking about maybe diverting some water from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River.  Gosh, I know I sound redundant, but how bad to things have to get before the decision makers decide that maybe it's time for some water pipelines.  With all the flooding that we get, we should be able to pipe a lot of this excess flood water to drier areas. 

They also showed where Southern New Mexico is having snow.  The map also showed snow falling in Mexico.  I never knew that this part of the country got snow.  Next week this area of the country will warm up a bit, and will have some rain.  It's called "climate change".

To answer Debbie's question (from yesterday's comments),  yes, Pogo was rescued by New England Poodle Rescue right around the beginning of this past July.  He was almost six and a half years, and I'm the lucky person who got picked to be his forever Mommy.  He's been with me for a little more than five months, and now I can't imagine life without him.  He is such a pleasure, and brings so much joy to everyone who meets him. 

For anyone out there in blogland who might be thinking of getting a new furry kid, please consider adopting from an animal shelter.  There are so many fur babies waiting for someone to love  them.  You can't imagine the joy awaiting you when you adopt from a shelter.  And while we're on the subject of fur babies, here's another photo of my Pogo.  Goodness, I think he's ready for another visit to the groomer.

Last night, there was another huge article about "the wise words and ways of elders".  I just love these articles.  It gives me hope that I can still have fun and play on my computer when I'm 100.   The article highlighted four amazing elders.  One lady who will be 100 in a few months, and still works part time in her local library's archives.  Another lady, aged 97, sells her watercolor paintings, and has enjoyed a recent joint art showing with her daughter.

A retired judge, aged 93, is still active and joins his friends every morning at a local coffee house.  Last, but not least, we have another charming lady aged 103 who lives a very active life and still maintains her indepence.  The author of the article said that she stopped by one day to visit with this lady, and found her out in the yard picking flowers from her garden.  God bless our elders!!

I find these articles very inspiring.  If interested, you can see video interviews with these wonderful elders at Patriot Ledger.com.  At the top right corner of the page, type "A Good Age" in the search box and hit the search icon.

I have another pretty photo to share with you.  This photo was taken just before 7 a.m. the morning after Christmas.  I was getting ready to go home (from work)  and notied how bright the moon was even behind snow clouds. 

I've been taking a lot of photos with my new point and shoot.  Even thought the photos aren't quite the same as with my DSLR, they are still pretty good.  I can't wait for my new manual to get here.  I ordered it online, and it has already been shipped.  Who knows?  Maybe it will come today? 

My one last thought to comment on is all this hubbub about Congress and their failure to act on helping our disaster victims from Sandy.  The politicians have been playing games and holding up the needed aid so that they can fatten their own "pork" interests.  SHAME ON YOU!!!!! 

A few politicians have been very vocal on TV about their disappointment with this shameful lack of responsibility.  I'm glad to say that it has made a difference.   HOWEVER, Congress only did a partial fix.  A little of the money will be processed and  released for the victims, but the bulk of the funds is still awaiting a vote.  Hmmmm - why can't they just get rid of all the pork and help these very needy folks.

YOO HOO, CONGRESS!  These are OUR PEOPLE, and you will be needing THEIR VOTES again in the near future.  It's time to OUTLAW PORK in all legislation!

Okay, that's enough of my bandbox for today.  Now I'm going to see about maybe doing a bit of vacuuming, and play with Pogo.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B. 

A Lazy Start To A Brand New Year

January 2, 2013

Good afternoon.  I confess, I've been very lazy yesterday and today.  Just hanging around in my fuzzy blue robe.  It does feel good.  But sooner or later I will have to get back to my normal everyday routine.  Actually, I would like to be a bit more energetic this year. 

So, I think I shall take Pogo to visit with my sister in law this week.  She is such a sweetie and I haven't seen her for quite a while.  There is a great little car parked right outside my door; and I think I should use it for more than just traveling to and from work.

I also think I will try to go on a photography workshop this year.  There are quite a few good photographers who offer some really nice trips.  Pogo's foster mother (from the rescue agency) has offered to babysit Pogo for me while I attend the workshop.  This will be fun for all of us.  Actually, I bet my sister in law would love to babysit Pogo too, but the last time she and her hubby babysit a little doggie for me, they kept my dog!!  Can't have that!

This month, my first project is to get my taxes in order.  Then I shall buckle down with my photo and camera learning.  I should also etch out some time to rearrange some of the clutter in my house.  Oh yes, I am really very good at cluttering.  But now I think it's time to cut back on saving things.  The problem is what to give up.  Hmmm, this will take a bit of thought.

I have a very interesting photo that I took in my little garden near the shed.  It's the remains of a bush (or tree) that was cut down some time ago, and this stumpy root was left.  I'm not sure why it was left, but it is rather interesting.  (Photo was taken on 04-16-12)

I'm watching the weather channel, and they are saying that we can expect lots more snow heading our way.  They are just not saying how much, when, and where.  Actually, one of the forecasters has just got a fit of giggles and finally had to walk off the stage.   Hmmm, whats so funny about snow?

It's time for me to sign off now.  Pogo is wanting some attention and has been climbing all over me.  Do you think that's a hint that he wants to play?  lol.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy New Year 2013

January 1, 2013

Happy New Year everyone.  Did you get to watch the ball drop in Times Square?  How about the fireworks?  Weren't they  great?   I finally shut the TV off around 12:30 a.m. and succumbed to some very welcome sleep. 

Before the festivities though, I put together another texture freebie for you.  This one is made from a photo of flower petals.  I hope you can use it.

And here is your download link:

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Ever wonder why I number the textures instead of naming them like other designers do?  Well, it's because I just can't always think of an appropriate name for them.  So I leave them with the image number.  It works for me.

I also have an early morning photo to share.  This one was taken on December 26, 2012 shortly before daybreak.  I'm not sure which planet we are looking at, but it might be Venus.  I will have to do some research online.

Does this look familiar?  I took another very similar photo one early morning back on November 25, 2012.  In almost the same spot too!  Remember this one?

Last night, I decided against the Chinese take out for supper.  Instead, Joe had cooked some chicken for Pogo, and I made do with whatever I found in the freezer.  (It wasn't very hard, my freezer is always well stocked.)

I had a wonderful chat with Su yesterday, and once again she taught some new things about Photoshop 6.  Su will be putting up some new tutorials pretty soon, and will most likely start posting her parts to "A Child's Christmas" by next Monday.   I will make some new freebies to post on those days when she is posting kit links. 

Now I think I'm going to try to catch a few more winks.  It's still early, only 5:15 a.m.  So, till tomorrow, I'm wishing all of you a Very Happy New Year.  Y'all have a wonderful day now.

Hugs, Edna B.

Say Goodbye to 2012

December 31, 2012

Well, the year is just about over.  Only a few more hours till we start a brand new year.  Do you have plans to go out and make merry, or will you be staying in and enjoying a nice quiet evening with snacks, good company and maybe a good movie? 

Pogo and I are staying at home, curled up on the sofa with a fleecy blanket and a snack,  We'll probably watch the Law & Order marathon on TV, and if we're awake at midnight, we'll get to watch the ball drop in Times Square.  (on TV, of course)

I was never one for going out and partying on New Year's Eve.  There are always too many drunks out on the roads, and I like to wake up on New Years Day healthy and in one piece.  So a quiet evening in works really good for me.  Most years I work on New Year's Eve, but this year I can stay at home with Pogo.

This morning, just as day was breaking, I  went outside (at work) and took a photo of the snow to share with you.  It was such a pretty, serene picturesque landscape, don't you think? 

Did I mention that it was a wee bit on the chilly side this morning?  Actually it was more like "froze my fingers off trying to take the photo".  We don't often get polar bears around these parts, so finding this many of them was quite a surprise. 

Okay, you got me!  Actually, when I took this photo of the snow outside, it was a close up and looked like huge snow hills - rather mountainous.  So of course I needed to find me a few polar bears (thanks to Google)  to make the picture complete.  Well anyway, I had a lot of fun doing this. 

I read a bit more in one of my photography books, so today I have some new things to try on my cameras.  One of my resolutions for the new year is to get better at photography, and get more familiar with all the buttons and settings on my cameras.  There is so much to learn, and I'm looking forward to it.

I should probably make a resolution to lose weight, but it never works so this year I will be more realistic.  My resolution will be to maybe exercise more.  That right there will be good for me, and might even shed a few pounds.

Okay, enough chit chat.  I have a new texture freebie for you.  I made it from one of my snowfall photos.    I hope you can use it.  Here's my preview and the download link.

http://www.mediafire.com/?p1e8r8tocwi7ybt

Pogo and I had scrambled eggs with green peppers and bacon for breakfast.  Mmmm, what a nice way to start the day!  I'll have to give some thought to something special for supper tonight.   Hmmm, maybe Chinese take out? 

I hope all of you has an enjoyable New Year's Eve, and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Waking Up To A Winter Wonderland

December 30. 2012

Good morning on this rather snowy morning.  Unless we have more snow coming our way, we did not do so badly.  The snow started coming down yesterday, and stopped sometime during the night.  We ended up with several inches, which Joe has been busy shoveling away.

Yesterday, I took pictures of Pogo's and my new toys so that I could make a little video to share with you here.  However, the first video was too difficult to upload so I erased it.  I'll just show you the adorable toys.  First is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  This is Pogo's and it plays Jingle Bells.  Well, it will again when I replace the batteries.  (we played a bit with it already)

Next we have the Christmas Story Bear.  This one is mine, and recites "Twas The Night Before Christmas".  We played a lot with this one too and had to replace the batteries. 

While the snow was falling yesteray, I took some photos to share, but when I looked at them, I decided they would make great textures.  So that's what I did with them.  I'll get them wrapped up and post them for you tomorrow and Tuesday.

I also want to show you the adorable framed photo that my friend Mary Ann made for me.   I love the doggy bone mat.   Note, the shadows across the picture did not come with it. Those are my fault.

My little tree is going to have to come down and be put away during this upcoming week.  I need the table to work on my taxes.  Janet will come by to help with them, and hopefully everything will be done before the end of January.   Well, actually it has to be because my appointment with the accountant is the first week in February.  I made an early appointment in order to get the taxes done and over with early.

My little mini vacation is all over today, and tonight it's back to work.  I did enjoy my days off though.  I'll have to do this every once in a while.  It helps to get me energized.  Not enough to be like the big pink bunny, but just enough to keep me perky. lol.  On that note, I'll leave you and make myself another cup of coffee.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.