Monthly Archives: May 2013

A new camera for Debbie

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For my birthday, I got a new camera. It’s beautiful and very fancy, at least for me. I was never happy with my old camera. It did not take good pictures, no matter how hard I tried. I guess Mike was tired of hearing my complaints and decided to get me a better camera.

Mike loves to spoil me and enjoys buying me things. I know I am very lucky. This time he consulted his friend,  a professional photographer, who suggested the Cannon Powershot  S110. It was his everyday camera and took good quality photos and he claimed that it was not very complicated to operate. That was said by a man who made his living taking pictures.

I decided to read the manual first, which I actually rarely ever do, but the camera intimidated me.  The manual was divided into a section that had a diagram of component and identified the parts (2 pages), basic guide/how to assemble and use (13 pages), Wireless LAN guide (42 pages), and then there is of course an advance guide (PDF manual). After the first 20 pages, I put it down and took the camera out for a walk. It was too overwhelming for me.

My new camera has wireless capabilities! I don’t even have a data plan for my phone. I try to live a simple life and use minimal technology. I think that is all about to change.

Tell me what you think.

My first photo with my new camera

My first photo with my new camera

Buddhagarden sunLuis Fabia Mike going for bike ridetulips and grape hyacinthMathew is overjoyed since he “decided” he was going to get my old camera. In less than ten minutes he found operational tools on my old camera that I never knew existed. I guess I know who to talk to when I am having issues with my new camera.

 

Spring Blossoms

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Yesterday was the first day of May and it screamed for me to go for a walk in the woods. The weather was perfect; not a cloud in the sky and the temperature was in the 60s. I went for a hike with a friend in one of our local state parks, where we saw signs of spring everywhere. So, I decided to take photos of all the wildflowers along the trail and share them. Perhaps it will help you identify them on your next spring walk.

Early Saxifrage

When we walked out of the woods we came across Early Saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis)  growing among the grass in a field. It was so abundant.

Kidneyleaf Buttercup

Then we came across Kidneyleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus) growing inside a root ring. It looked like a fairy garden.

Round-lobed Hepatica 2 Round-lobed Hepatica

All of a  sudden we saw Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana) everywhere. The flowers were white or white with a hint of purple. I tried to get a good photo of the leaves as they help for easy identification but the flowers emerge before the leaves and it was still a bit early.

white trillium

Then we had the honor of seeing White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) along the trail.

coltsfoot

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) screams spring. It looks similar to dandelion but unlike dandelions the coltsfoot flower blooms before the leaves come out.

Blue Violet

I was delighted to see some Common Blue Violets (Viola papilionaceae).  I love adding the tender young leaves and blossoms to our salads. They are tasty and  liven up an average salad.

As you can see, I’m not such a good photographer or the wind moved the flowers while I was taking their pictures so the pictures are not as good as I hoped.  I almost scrapped the idea of blogging this walk but I thought what the heck, it’s what happened and part of the blog is about what happens. I guess I could have gone out and to try and get better pictures but I am trying to be authentic here and some things work out well while others do not… that’s life. Regardless, I think you have gotten a good idea of what the blossoms look like.

I hope you have the opportunity to take some spring walks. Every day there are new things to see. Isn’t life glorious!