Photography

I went to Kalamazoo this morning.  First I went to the camera shop there to see if I could get my telephoto lens repaired.  It's not broken as far as function, it still works perfect but the rim that the lens cap snaps onto broke.  Jordan won't admit it but I think she dropped it.  Anyway they wanted $110 to fix it and if that wasn't a shocker enough they said it would have to be sent away for 8 weeks!  8 Weeks!!!!!!  I couldn't possibly live without my telephoto lens for 8 weeks.  It's spring time, the birds are arriving, things are turning green and starting to bloom, Jordan's tract meets are starting, etc, etc.....  I'd go into withdraws without my lens for 8 weeks.  Needless to say I left without leaving my lens and determined to find some other way to fix it.  But something exciting did come out of my visit to the camera shop.   

While I was there I decided to look at other cameras and lens (no I didn't buy a new camera) just to see what prices were.  The salesman wanted to see my camera and struck up a conversation with me.  For some reason he said "You don't use automatic settings on your camera, do you?"  I didn't answer right away because I knew I was going to look like a fool.  Yes, I admitted I do.  He wasn't rude but his response was..... "You know you have a fantastic SLR camera and you use it as a point and shoot, you really should learn how to use the settings for some amazing photography".    

He's absolutely right and I've known that for a long time.  Although, I love my camera and the photos it takes I know I am only a wanna be photographer and when I look at some nature/photography blogs of real photographers I am blown away.  So..... I signed up for a digital SLR camera/photography class.  I am so excited.  I've wanted to do this forever.  My class begins the beginning of May.  I'm going to learn white balance, focus modes, RAW vs JPEG, shooting modes, ISO, depth of field, exposure..... and lots of other stuff.  I've had my camera for almost 2 years now... it's about time, wouldn't you say?    

Then on the way home I stopped at the Kalamazoo Nature Center and spent a few hours walking the trails.  That's were all the photos came from in this post.  That place is awesome.  After two hours of walking the trails I still had only seen a fraction of the grounds.    

And another exciting thing.... I signed up for a bird photography class at the nature center.  How cool is that!!!!  The instructors have the most amazing photography.  Their business is called "Glances at Nature".  Check out their website and their photography.  I can hardly wait.  I'm on my way to becoming a better photographer..... I hope.   

Spotted in Chicago

According to the hummingbird migration map a hummingbird was spotted in Chicago yesterday.  And since we live directly across the lake from Chicago I'm thinking mine will be here soon.  Last year the first sighting in my area was April 15th but just in case they want to make an early appearance this year I'm going to hang up one feeder starting this weekend.  When they start arriving then I'll hang up the other two feeders.  Has anyone south of me seen any hummingbirds yet?    

Photos for you

My friends Chuck and Delores sent me these photos in an email today.  I just had to share them with you.  Several of you came to mind as I was looking at them.  

Margaret.... This one is for you.  Do you think you could knit my trees some of these?  I'd like mine to be orange so it will attract my orioles.  

And this one made me think of you Shellmo.  With you and your bird butt photos I thought you would like this one.  Do you think this is Bob the Dove?  

Here's one for Pigeon.  Think you could get a shot of Rikki like this?  I bet you could.  Your photos with your new camera are wonderful.  

This one made me think of Jen, who just recently learned to love birds despite her dislike of bird poop.  I wonder what the bird poop looks like under all those birds.  

Dad, I want you to find a rooster like him.  How cool is he??!!

Craig, I know you LOVE the snow but I'm sorry, I don't think I could ever live in a place like this.  

And one more for you Craig.  Our wood pile is getting low.  Could you make our wood pile look like this?  

Happy Birthday Bailey and Lauren

Yesterday we celebrated Bailey and Lauen's Birthday (our nieces).  And what better way to celebrate than with an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen.

Bailey is 9!!!!

And Lauren is 5!!!!

Happy Birthday girls.

I wish....

Check out this laundry room photo I found.  I would LOVE to have a laundry room that looked like this!  I do have the same washer and dryer as in this photo but let me tell you my laundry room looks nothing like this.  My washer and dryer are crammed into our downstairs bath.  You have to be careful when you open the bathroom door that the door doesn't slam into the washer and dryer.  What I wouldn't give to have a dream laundry room like this.  I actually enjoy doing the laundry and if I had a room like this I'd be looking everyday for stuff to wash.  I guess I should just be grateful that I even have a washer and dryer..... if you think about it... I bet over half the people that live in this world don't even have a washer and dryer.  Suddenly my little bath/laundry room seems adequate.  

Jordan... You are amazing

Jordan came home tonight exhausted and stressed.  It doesn't happen very often but the last few days have been nothing but one activity/obligation after another.  It's only 9:00 and already Jordan is up in bed for the evening.  A good nights rest will do her good.  

Here's a sample of Jordan's life.....

Last week was the end of the marking period.  She pulled off yet ANOTHER 4.0, in advanced classes I might add.  Not a day goes by that she isn't studying something.  Oboe lessons are Monday afternoon followed by symphony practices on Monday evenings.  Saturday is her state solo and ensemble judging in Holland.  Track practices are every day after school.  Yesterday she had a track meet at Grand Valley of which she returned home at 12:30 AM from.  Thursday evenings are dance classes.  Church on Sunday mornings and youth worship on Sunday evenings.  And she finds time for family, friends and a new boyfriend.  

You are amazing Jordan!  Your passion for life and your love of God is what makes my heart smile.  I love you!       

Bird Houses Galore

It's spring time and the birds are starting to sing.  Can you tell that I'm excited?  I'm excited for the birds to find mates and start nesting.  Craig and I put up 6 bird houses this weekend!  The above two are wren houses on a 4X4 in the middle of the back yard.  I'm not sure how functional they will be as they are more decorative than anything else but who knows, maybe some wren will take a liking to them.  I picked these two up at a craft show for $6 each.  The guy that made them was practically giving them away.  I wish I would have bought more than 2.  

And here is my attempt to attract blue birds.  As most of you know, my Dad was successful in attracting 3 broods of blue birds in his houses last year, much to my envy!  I am determined to have my OWN blue birds this year.  I placed this one out in the field behind the house where supposedly blue birds like to nest.  And below on the pole I placed a little side feeder for meal worms.  What blue bird wouldn't just love this house?  

Here's a little wren/chickadee house I put on one of the pine trees in the front yard.

And look at my hubby way up high in that tree!  

He's hanging my woodpecker house.  We hung two woodpecker houses along the tree line of the woods.  I can't wait to see what happens with all the houses this spring/summer.  Wish us luck in attracting some Momma and Daddy birds.  

Seadra was a naughty girl today and got into a fight with two big dogs that were being walked down the road by their owner.  Yes, Seadra was the instigator.  She was banned to jail for the rest of the day on the front porch.  She doesn't like being confined to the porch when I'm out in the yard.  "You can get out of jail Seadra when you learn to be a good girl."  

First Day of Spring

Last night, in honor of the first day of spring, we had our first fire of the year outside.  

Bring on the spring!!

Hummingbird Migration Map

Just a quick post for my friends who love hummingbirds.  Did you know there is a website for hummingbirds that tracks and posts the migration of hummingbird north to their breeding grounds.  Last year southwest Michigan arrival was around the 15th of April.  This maps shows the latest reported sightings as of today.  Click here and check it daily to see when your hummer friends will be arriving by you.  I can't wait for mine to arrive!  

Symphony Debut

To my faithful blog followers... I'm sorry for my lack of posts this past week.  I could bore you with all the details of being sick, working late, etc, etc.  but I'm putting that all behind me.  Instead I'll post a few pictures of Jordan after the symphony concert last night at the Mendel Center.  Last night was her debut with the symphony and it was awesome!  She's so excited to be a part of it and we are really proud of her!  I couldn't take photos during the concert but the above photo shows all her friends that showed up to support her.  Wasn't that wonderful?  She's got the best friends in the world.  It meant a lot to Jordan that they were all there.  

And here's another reason for Jordan's big smile.  Meet Ian, Jordan's new friend.  It's great to see Jordan so happy.

Craig couldn't make it to the concert last night because he was en-route home from a trade show in Indy so Ty's Mom Dawn came with me.  Thanks Dawn for being my date.  

The weather is going to be in the 50's and 60's the next few days.  After church this morning we are going to be outside working in the yard for the rest of the day.  It's going to be a good day.    

A walk around the yard

I took a walk around the yard this morning.  First I saw a Robin sitting in a tree so I ran into the house to get my camera.  The Robin didn't stick around for a photo shoot.  

I looked around for something pretty to photograph.  It really was quite depressing to walk around and look at the yard.  It's a mess!  The change of seasons between winter and spring is one of the ugliest times of the year for me.  Maybe because I am so anxious for green and flowers.  I couldn't even find a thing sprouting up yet.  

So in the absence of anything beautiful and interesting to photograph I was drawn to these two adorable mugs.  

I love you Zo-Zo!

And I love you too Boo-Boo, even if you won't pose for the camera like Zoe does.

The Jeep is getting an overhaul

This is the latest project going on in the garage.  Now that the snow has melted and the snowmobiles are put away until next winter Craig and Caleb are onto the next project. 

Meet Craig's '83 CJ7.  Craig has always been into trucks and 4-wheelin.  He purchased this Jeep in 1996.  As Craig put it, it looked like swiss cheese when he purchased it.  This project in 1996 turned into something that the whole family has loved for the last 13 years.  I've lost count on how many times we've taken this Jeep 4-wheelin to Silver Lake sand dunes, 4-wheelin in the state forests, 4-wheelin in the ravines on my parents property... just to name a few.  But without a doubt the most pleasure I get out of it is the rides we take on hot summer days/nights with the top and doors off.  During the Jeeps 13 year history with us we have had a few conversations about selling the Jeep but the conversations never last very long because none of can bear the thought of ever parting with the Jeep. 

So..... Craig and Caleb have decided that this is the year to give the Jeep an overhaul.  Craig celebrated his 25th year of employment at Lanes this last fall and in celebration of that event the Lanes gave Craig new wheels and tires and new seats for his Jeep and a few other accessories as well.  This really got Craig and Caleb excited to get working on the Jeep.  They have big plans including a new paint job and new motor.  As you can see from the photo they are well on their way. 

Now that warmer weather is on the way they are on a time frame as well.  We'll be anxious to get it out on the road.  I'll post updates occasionally as progress continues.     

There Baaaaaaaack......

I woke up this morning and looked out my upstairs bedroom window into my neighbors back yard.  I saw three birds hopping around.  Could it be Robins?  Sure enough!  Within half an hour they made their way into my yard.  Welcome back my friends!  

"Oh no!!  It's that crazy lady again that chased us around with that camera last summer!"

You are invited....

.... to view my new blog.

I've been contemplating starting a new blog for sometime now.  In the past I've had "Through the Viewfinder" and "Seadra and Zoe's Blog" both of which I haven't been blogging on for the last year.  Both of these blogs have been incorporated into my main "Five Pines" blog and have been deleted.  

My new blog is titled "The Thrill of the Hunt".  It will feature my passion for antiquing, second hand stores.... The Thrill of the Hunt.  In the past few years this has grown into a hobby for me and is something that I really enjoy.  I thought being able to blog about my finds and share them online would add to the enjoyment.  I'm hoping to find some blogger friends out there with similar interests as well. 

Let me know what you think.  Click here to visit "Thrill of the Hunt".   

Florida/Sea World

Just got home this afternoon from Florida.  Here's a photo of Jordan at the airport when we were leaving to go down.  Can you see the disgusted look on her face?  We had over a 4 hour delay because of the fog which resulted in sitting in the airport for 6 hours waiting to board the plane.  But the worst part was that my only chance to visit the "Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge" was going to be Thursday afternoon.  Needless to say the delay ruined my plans for that.  But despite that we had a great weekend.     

Kay and Roger (my in-laws) took us to Sea World Saturday.  Having them with us was like having our own personal tour guides.  They love Sea World and visit there so often that they know exactly how to get around and where all the best shows are.  They made sure we had a good time and it was great spending a few days with them.  They winter in Florida and we miss them during these months.    

Jordan, Grandma and Grandpa.  

Grandma and Jordan

Jordan watching the dolphins.

We went to see the "Shamu Killer Whale" show but Shamu was having a bad day so the show was cancelled.  We did see the dolphin show and it was awesome.  

The post below is our visit to Busch Gardens....

Busch Gardens Photos

On Friday we visited Busch Gardens.  Jordan, my Mom and I along with my niece Mandy spent the day together there.  Above is one of the Budweiser horses.  They are so beautiful!!  

Gram, Mandy and Jordan

Jordan and Gram on the train ride.

Gram feeding the birds.

Jordan and I feeding the birds.  This was so much fun!!

Mandy