First Sign of Spring

While in the basement today, I found a little ladybug. I think she may be a survivor from last year, but even so, she helped me realize that - after all this snow, we just might have spring again. I brought her upstairs and put her on the amaryllis that is blooming on the windowsill and took her picture.

Snow Again This Morning

More Snow

We woke up to another dusting of snow this morning. Not enough for a two hour school delay, but just enough to make Valley Forge a beautiful winter land. Here are two quick pics from today's catch. Click on the bottom photo to see that little man hiking away.

Dreams of a 400mm Lens

I have been dreaming lately of getting a really long lens - maybe a 400mm. The only problem is - they cost more than a house. So.... back while we were in Japan I purchased a wonderful, very inexpensive little gizmo called a 2X extender. It is just a little piece of glass that attaches to the back of a lens on one end and the camera body on the other. When attached, it provides twice as much focal length to the original lens. In other words, it makes my 200mm lens into a 400mm lens. Now there are drawbacks. It slows down the focusing and you need more light to get a good sharp image. But instead of buying the house, I put my little gizmo on my 200mm lens and yesterday went hunting for turkey vultures. These beautiful birds (beauty is in the eye of the beholder) often sit at the top of a some 40 foot trees in Valley Forge. Before yesterday, all I could get were tiny pictures of them and rarely could I see their faces. Well, yesterday, only one bird was resting at the top of the trees, but one was all I needed. I parked my car, hiked through the woods to the tree and pointed my new 400mm lens up to Mr. Turkey Vulture. Here are two portraits of him as he looked down at me and one with him as he took off into the air. Oh such fun...... (Click on the photo to get a really good look at that funny face.)

Dancing Deer

While in the woods today, taking photographs of trees and and watching the hawks overhead I looked - and there right in front of me were two deer standing on their hind legs - belly to belly - just slapping each other left and right. I was thrilled to see such a site. I got a few fuzzy shots - so you too might share in this little bit of wonderful nature. Have fun.....

Starlings Have Arrived

We had a starling attack yesterday in the back yard. Everybody and his brother were here taking over the bird feeder. Here are a few action shots.

Japanese New Year's Party

Yesterday was the New Year's Party sponsored by the Japanese Association of Greater Philadelphia. Great time had by all. Ken sang in the chorus. Yumiko and Sally teased Ryan. And I ate way too much chocolate.

A Little Snow at the Homestead

Yumiko Gets Honorable Mention

One of Yumiko's photos from the Nutcracker won 4th place in a December photo contest - Wuuu Huuuu....