Dot's Photo Blog

Christmas Eve Sunset

2011-12-24T19:43:00.001-05:00

Mom and I headed to the Sanibel causeway to catch the sunset for Christmas Eve...the beach had quite a few folks doing the same. The sun was huge and such a contrast to the cool blue water. Merry Christmas to you and your families! May you all be blessed.

Dark Sky

2011-11-25T21:48:00.001-05:00

This was taken a couple summers ago from the water at the Sanibal lighthouse beach. Clearly there was a storm brewing...but it was so awesome in the water...we (along with a lot of others) stayed until the rain came. But I just had to get a photo because the dark sky against the blue/green water was too much for me to resist.
To see more skies from around the world visit Skywatch Friday.

Leafy Structure

2011-11-21T22:17:00.001-05:00

This is another taken at the Fairchild Tropical Gardens. There were a lot of these plants with HUGE leafs...like big elephant ears...they were such a beautiful green (I love green!!) and when I looked at them against the sun, I could see this cool pattern...I didn't notice the couple of little nicks on the leaf I selected...I'm kind of sad about it...BUT I became a member that day...so I'll go back again and get another shot of a more perfect model.

Hobie Beach Trees

2011-11-20T18:41:00.001-05:00

This beach is on the south side of the Rickenbacher Causeway on the way to Key Biscayne. It's called Hobie Beach. It used to have a bunch of pine trees...alot of shade to sit under and people would bring their dogs to the beach...really a cool place to park at night and just listen to the waves lap along the shore. About a year ago, the city started a project to improve the beach. The trees are all gone, except for these two...which stand in the water most of the time. Not sure this is an improvement...I'm sure the contractors think so.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens - 3

2011-11-18T21:46:00.000-05:00

This one was taken of a plant during my recent visit to Fairchild Tropical Gardens. I really like it...the colors...the direction of it...but I have to say...the mix of teal, green and pink reminds me of this hideous couch we used to own...totally 1980's...but it did the job :o)

Angel Wing - Skywatch Friday

2011-11-17T19:32:00.001-05:00

Last weekend on Key Biscayne...the clouds formed this beautiful angel's wing...totally loved it! To see more skies from around the world...click on the title of this post to visit Skywatch Friday - enjoy!

Bat Flower

2011-11-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

This is another from my recent visit to the Fairchild Tropical Gardens. I remember the volunteer pointing me toward this one and calling it a Bat Flower. Tacca chantrieri, or Bat Flower, is a dramatic and exotic plant native to the jungle regions of Southeast Asia. When growing the Bat Flower it is important to keep in mind that you’re trying to recreate the jungle‐like environment in which it thrives.

Fishing Silhouette

2011-11-14T22:24:00.000-05:00

On Friday, after walking one length of the Key Biscayne bridge, I spent some time on the fishing pier...a section of the old bridge left for folks to fish and shrimp. I saw this guy pull a few in...I couldn't catch him with a fish because they were moving to quickly...but I caught him blocking the sun...and this little guy in front trying to get as lucky with a catch of his own. Some times I add some contrast to my photos...but this one is completely untouched and uncropped...you're seeing it exactly as I did.

Smoky Mountains National Park - 2

2011-11-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

This was taken during our drive through the Smoky Mountain National Park and starting to descend.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens - 1

2011-11-12T20:59:00.000-05:00

I've wanted to go to the Fairchild Tropical Gardens here in Miami for the longest time. Today, I finally went and became a member so I can go back all year. It was a beautiful place and so peaceful. I know I'll be back again soon. Today, I took quite a few pictures...so I'll post them every now and then. I have NO idea what I was taking pictures of...just anything that appealed to my eye...so I'll just title these after the Gardens until I get more educated on what they have there.

Show Off Seagull - Skywatch Friday

2011-11-11T21:54:00.002-05:00

Today was Veteran's Day...a day to celebrate and appreciate those that have fought for our country and have thankfully returned. After lunch with my best friend and her husband, I spent the day on Key Biscayne...walking the bridge and playing with my new camera. I need to go to a class to be able to use the features besides "auto"...but I still got some interesting photos today. There were A LOT of seagulls around today...a lot of people fishing so they were hanging around for a little snack. Between our recent trip and today...I finally have some new stuff to post :o) Be well everyone...and to see sky photos from around the world...click on "Skywatch" in the title of this post to visit Skywatch Friday.

Smoky Mountains National Park

2011-10-30T21:01:00.000-04:00

This was taken as we drove north on US 441 through the Smoky Mountain National Park last week on the way to a family wedding in Gatlinburg, TN. I just got a new camera and had alot of opportunities to test it out during the vacation. So I finally have some new material to post :o)

Watching the Sunset with a Cop - Skywatch Friday

2011-07-16T20:34:00.000-04:00

Headed to one of my favorite spots to catch the sunset...and found a police officer parked in my spot. I wasn't detered...I pulled up next to him and got out of the car. He laughed when he saw I was there to photograph the sunset...said we both had the same idea. Of course I wasn't smoking a cigar while I was watching the sun sink into the sky...so I guess it wasn't exactly the same idea :o)

To see more skies across the world...click on the link and visit Skywatch Friday!

Winfsurfing Sunset

2011-07-05T20:48:00.001-04:00

Mom and I were on the Sanibel causeway catching the sunset a few weeks ago...and this parasailer was enjoying it in a whole different way. He was gliding back and forth parallel to the shore...so he interjected himself into my photos quite a bit...but I didn't really mind :o)

Yikes...look at those spikes!

2011-04-09T23:02:00.000-04:00

I see these trees as I drive along US1 in Miami and was dying to get a closer look. Today I was out running errands for work, was in the vacinity so I finally stopped. They look bizarre! Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it...

The silk floss tree (Ceiba speciosa, formerly Chorisia speciosa), is a species of deciduous tree native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America. It has a host of local common names, such as palo borracho (in Spanish literally "drunken stick"). It belongs to the same family as the baobab and the kapok. Another tree of the Ceiba genus, C. chodatii, often receives the same common names.

The natural habitat of the floss silk tree is the north-east of Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It is resistant to drought and moderate cold. It grows fast in spurts when water is abundant, and sometimes reaches more than 25 metres (82 ft) in height. Its trunk is bottle-shaped, generally bulging in its lower third, measuring up to 2 metres (7 ft) in girth. It is studded with thick conical prickles which serve to store water for dry times. In younger trees, the trunk is green due to its high chlorophyll content, which makes it capable of performing photosynthesis when leaves are absent; with age it turns to gray.

I sure do miss posting like I used to...it felt great to be out taking photos today :o)

Broward Sunrise - Skywatch Friday

2010-12-31T23:10:00.001-05:00

Took this one a few weeks ago while I was up in Broward County waiting for a place to open before an event. I was anxious to get inside and get set up for the meeting, but it was a nice wait watching the sun coming up. I wish you all a happy, healthy new year! May God Bless us all in this new year.

For more photos from skies around the world, click on the link above and visit Skywatch Friday!

Tube of Clouds

2010-12-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

This was taken over a year ago. I posted another photo from that night...with the Biltmore in the shot. But often I'm able to zoom it out of the shot and if I didn't look at the sequence numbers of the photos, I'd never even know it was from the same place :o)

Christmas Glitter

2010-12-28T23:13:00.000-05:00

Every year I can't resist taking a few pictures of the Christmas lights in my Mom's house. This year she had a new electric candle with floating glitter. So this one is from that. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families!

Layered Clouds

2010-11-27T18:28:00.000-05:00

This was taken awhile ago...looking over west Miami...that's Baptist Hospital on the left.

Smoky Sunset - Skywatch Friday

2010-11-26T22:57:00.000-05:00

Love the contrast...looks like sooty smoke to me but of course it's not. Thank God there's a sunset everynight...I just can't get enough! Click on the header and take a look at more skies from around the world at Skywatch Friday! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Another Biltmore Sunset - Skywatch Friday

2010-11-11T21:34:00.000-05:00

Still working late hours...and occationally catching something from the building worth running to the balcony for. I just love a firey sky. Click on the link above to visit more skies from around the world at Skywatch Friday. Happy Veteran's Day and many thanks to all those that have served the United States. Your service and that of your family's is appreciated more than you can know.
Have a great weekend.

Blanket of Clouds - Skywatch Friday

2010-08-19T21:40:00.001-04:00

One night trying to catch the sun...but this huge black cloud just hung over the horizon and the rain filtered the sun to a blazing ball in the sky. For more photos of the skies around the world, click on the title and visit Skywatch Friday.

Fan of Clouds

2010-07-20T21:39:00.000-04:00

Here's one I took a few months ago while watching the sunset on the Sanibel causeway. The sky was amazing that night and changed dramatically over and over...I think I took over 150 photos that night.

Ewwwww

2010-07-19T22:57:00.000-04:00

This gross stuff grows on the trunks of the palm trees around here. I have no idea what it is...but it looks nasty. A little something different from my regular skies.

Farewell to My Little Girl

2010-07-16T23:18:00.000-04:00

I lost my little girl yesterday to kidney disease. My heart is broken for the loss, but what a blessing she was for the years she was with me. She was so sweet and loving...a comforting companion. We both fought her disease as best we could, but eventually it was just the right and merciful thing to do to let her go. At the end, she was exhausted but just as beautiful as ever. I will miss her and remember her forever as I still do her partner Shadow. Farewell my sweet, beautiful little girl...I love my girl.

Sunset Flight

2010-07-12T23:44:00.000-04:00

Was capturing the sunset from the building recently and it's now setting more north than I'm used to...so I'm getting alot of planes coming into Miami International Airport. Can't imagine how beautiful it looked from the window seat...

Burst of Color

2010-06-26T22:51:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love about orchids are their vibrant colors. They're so intricate and perfect. When mine bloom I feel it is such a gift and I enjoy them so much. These weren't mine, I saw them at someone's home but couldn't resist to capture them for myself :o)

Sanibel Dawn

2010-06-25T19:09:00.000-04:00

This was taken one morning on Sanibel island at the lighthouse beach...waiting on the sun to arrive.

Skywatch Friday - Sunset Close Up 2

2010-06-24T22:15:00.001-04:00

More from a few nights ago. I was so pleasantly surprised by the bottom shot when I saw that I had captured a couple birds. It's photos like that, that make me race home to see what I got...what a thrill :o)

To see more skies from around the world click on the link to visit Skywatch Friday!

Blue Sunset Turns Color

2010-06-23T22:23:00.000-04:00

This was taken a few shots after the Blue Sunset...it was an eventful night.

Sunset Close Up

2010-06-22T22:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my blog buddies for welcoming me back! It's good to have something fun to do at the end of the day again...hope I can maintain :o)

Got out of work a little early tonight so I headed to one of my high spots to catch sunsets and waited it out. Funny thing, when I got there, there were 6 green parrots on the ledge...they walked along and then totally took over my corner...before strolling back down the wall and then flying away...was kinda cool. I got some pics and a video. I'll post them another day.

The sky wasn't as dramatic tonight as some other nights...so I zoomed in to catch the little drama there was. I love the contrast...the dark clouds against the firey colors.

Blue Sunset

2010-06-21T00:07:00.000-04:00

Hi there to anyone still checking in on my site :o) I've been away so long I hesitate to post because I know it'll be difficult to post regularly...so I just took the "daily" out of the title and posted anyway.

This one was taken from the building I work in...of course. But what a surprise! It was so dark and the sky so varied that I got a lot of items out of focus or the exposure was too much or too little. But like the little bear said...this one was just right :o)

I love the blue captured in the sky and cast on the buildings...cool. Hope you enjoy it and I hope to be posting again soon!

Pink on Grey Sky

2010-02-28T19:10:00.000-05:00

Working late again and got this beautiful sunset...was a little late getting to it, but enough to catch some of the color. In the one below you can just barely see the sliver of moon, like a smile from God, toward the top.

Blue Heron and Friend

2010-02-20T09:55:00.000-05:00

While recently taking photos of the sunset over Sanibel Island, my Mom called out to me and when I turned I saw hug wings beating their way past me and all of a sudden the bird landed and this graceful, beautiful heron appeared. I'd actually never seen one of them fly before...their wingspans look huge! Anyway, he hung out to watch the sunset too with a little friend. It was nice to have the company!

Clouds...Really! Final - Skywatch Friday

2010-02-18T07:18:00.000-05:00

Right before the firery sun shown itself...the clouds were dark and ominous...these on the top of the photo looked like sooty smoke from a fire to me. Wishing you all a wonderful Skywatch Friday! For more views of the sky from around the world, click on the title and checkout the Skywatch Friday site :o)

Clouds...Really!

2010-02-17T22:51:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but this doesn't even look like clouds to me. If I hadn't taken the pic myself I probably wouldn't have made it out. Looks like abstract art to me. But...it is a shot of the clouds. Same morning I took the "firery sunrise 2" (see below)...but facing SE...so was getting a completely different sky. That always amazes me...something so dramatic and dark...then something like this...same sky...weird but cool :o)

Firery Sunrise 2

2010-02-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

Super cold the other morning, but I saw the colors through the window, threw on some warm clothes and headed out. I was in a hurry because it was already so far into the sunrise, so I just headed to the top floor of the hospital parking lot and got it by zooming in between the buildings. I waited till it was over...my fingers felt like frozen breakfast sausages...but I was happy with what I came away with. I'll post some of the others over the next week or so...they look so different you won't even know they're from the same morning :o)

Sanibel Sunset - Brrrrrrr!

2010-02-14T20:12:00.000-05:00

Went to the Sanibel causeway tonight to catch the sunset. It was cold...didn't seem to big a deal...but an hour into it I felt like I was up north and forgot to bundle up! Yikes! But...it was worth it. Looked so the same for the longest time...and then just minutes before it got really dark...I got this phenomenal sight. Amazing...I never did see the sun, but the color tonight was awesome :o) Happy Valentines Day!

Rays on the Bay - Skywatch Friday

2010-02-11T23:03:00.000-05:00

I'm not a morning person, but a sight like this makes it worth it to get out of bed early! The rays of the sun are shining down onto Biscayne Bay in Miami and without looking at a map, I believe the land on the other side of the Bay would be Key Biscayne.

For more beautiful skies from around the world, click on the title of this post and visit the Skywatch site! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Morning Miami Skyline

2010-02-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is about Florida skies...they just seem so vast and amazing to me. Maybe it's because the land is so flat? But I love the skies I see day in and day out...they're a gift and I just can't get enough :o)

Cluster of Palms

2010-02-10T05:53:00.000-05:00

Went to the movies over our "girls weekend" and when we came out I spotted this cluster of palm trees and the sky behind...just had to stop and take a few pics. Lucky my "girls" understand my compulsion so they just patiently waited for me to return to the car. It's a beautiful thing when the people in your life support your habits and love you anyway :o)

Sinking Sun

2010-02-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

This is another sunset from my building. You can't see it, but the Biltmore is lurking...but I zoomed in right past it. I was really pleased with how the sun was captured without any glare on the lens...almost like I had a filter on...but not. Just lucky :o)

Sun Hanging Low

2010-02-05T23:03:00.000-05:00

One evening I took a ton of photos of a sunset on Pine Island...this was taken on the way as we drove our way to the water's edge. We were racing to get there...afraid we were going to miss it...but I just had to stop and catch this one just in case I didn't make it...but I did and this sky transitioned into one of the most awesome and memorable sunsets I've captured so far :o) I read once that when you're dealing with the sky...you have to be patient...incredible sights can develop out of a sky that looks like nothing special. That advise has served me well.

Palm Silhouette - Skywatch Friday

2010-02-04T00:31:00.000-05:00

Caught this one evening driving through my neighborhood...just had to stop :o )

To see more skys from around the world, click on the title and check out the Skywatch Friday gang!

Sun Shines Through

2010-02-02T22:21:00.000-05:00

This sunset was taken one evening at Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island and as you can see there were rain showers off shore. I've been back there several times...sometimes to swim and do the beach thing and other times just to watch the sunset. It's interesting that right around sundown there's a lot of people with the same thing in mind and they gather on the beach and just sit and watch...it's kind of cool being there with all those people experiencing the same show :o)

Moon Over Miami

2010-02-01T21:37:00.000-05:00

This was taken one evening as the full moon was rising over the city of Miami.

Indecisive Sky

2010-01-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

This morning as the sun came up, seems the sky couldn't figure out if it wanted to be black or white, stormy or clear. I like the drama of it all.

Wolf Moon

2010-01-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

The biggest, brightest full moon of the year happens tonight. Tonight’s full moon also happens to be the first of the year which is called the wolf moon by Native Americans. The wolf moon is 14% wider and 30% brighter and tonight it had a beautiful halo around it.

Angry Clouds

2010-01-28T21:55:00.000-05:00

I saw this patch of clouds back in December after a rain and zoomed in to capture the part that appealed the most. I like the drama! Of course I added a little more by increasing the contrast a bit :o)

Happy Skywatch Friday! To see more skies from other parts of the world, click on the title and visit the Skywatch Friday site!

Birds on a Wire

2010-01-27T22:49:00.000-05:00

Here's something different! I took the picture of the birds some time ago...but I just wasn't feeling it to actually post it. So last night I was looking through my photo cards for something new to post and found this. I decided to play with the contrast, etc to see if I could bring something special to it...then played with the color and tada...I think it's kind of creepy but interesting too. Anyway...it's NOT the Biltmore...so it's got that going for it :o) Hey...Skywatch Friday coming up...hmmmm...will we see the Biltmore again? Let's see...

I Really Need a Vacation :o)

2010-01-26T21:23:00.000-05:00

When all I'm taking is photos of the sunset from my building because at work so much ...I know it's time for a vacation. I love the sunsets from my building...but even I'm getting tired of seeing the same scene over and over. Although I really did like how the blue came through in those high clouds. Hope to post something new and exciting soon :o)

Heading out of town for a girls weekend...woohoo!

Christmas Light Effect

2010-01-23T21:33:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I like to mess with moving my camera while taking photos of bright items...especially Christmas lights because the colors are so bright :o)

Tonight's Sunset

2010-01-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

Moved to another floor in my building at work...got a nice window infront of me that faces north...nice light during the day...then another on my side that faces west. This was my reward this evening for a hard day's work. God is awesome! I know not, but I often think He creates these sights just for my enjoyment :o)

Pine Island Sunset 2 - Skywatch Friday

2010-01-21T21:20:00.003-05:00

On the evening I took photos of the sunset from Pine Island, I took over 200 shots. So from time to time, I will post another with a little different piece of that phenomenal sky. I was really an amazing night!

To see how the sky looks in other parts of the world...click on the title of this post and visit the Skywatch Friday sight! Happy Skywatch Friday Everyone!

Ball of Fire

2010-01-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

Another Florida sunset :o)

Dome at St. Peters Basilica

2010-01-19T23:16:00.000-05:00

Rome is one of my very favorite places! This was taken while in the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica. It's an astoundingly beautiful place! The opulance is over the top and quite sad when you think of the disparity of wealth in the world, but I tried not to think of it but just enjoy being there and observe.

Fussen, Germany

2010-01-17T01:19:00.000-05:00

This was the little town that we stopped in on our way to the Neuschwanstein Castle. I think this is where we got the carriage that took us most of the way up to the castle before we had to get out and walk the rest of the way. Anyway, we had been in Germany over a week and I had expected it to be snowing the entire time or at least have snow on the ground...but it actually snowed only our last two days there...this one was clearly one of those days. I was in heaven! I love snow!

Warm Sunset - Skywatch Friday

2010-01-14T19:13:00.000-05:00

It's finally getting warm again here. Sorry for all the sky photos with the Biltmore Hotel in them, but working late this is the only angle I get at the seeting sun and it's a little hard to leave it out. To enjoy more sky photos from around the world, check out Skywatch Friday!

Pine Island Sunset 2

2010-01-12T23:45:00.000-05:00

This is another shot from the night I took photos of the sunset off Pine Island in West Florida (see first posting dated 11/28/09). For Christmas I had this one printed on canvas and gave it to my Mom as a gift. She was the one with me that night and while I was farther down the road taking other photos she pointed out how the color was changing in the sky, I ran down to her and took this pic...so I thought it was only fitting that she have that moment for herself. Thanks Mom! You're the best!

If you're interested in getting photos on canvas give http://www.canvasondemand.com/ a try. It was super simple! I downloaded my photo directly on their site, picked out my size canvas, how I wanted the edges printed, finish, etc and had it shipped within days...and the printing was good quality. I'm definately going to use them again :o)

Neuschwanstein Castle

2010-01-10T13:44:00.008-05:00

Over Christmas my Mom was able to convert some old photo prints to digital for me. This one was taken years ago on a trip to Germany. At the time...I was using a disposable camera and it was snowing. This image is not modifed in any way. Not sure why it turned out so blue...maybe it was too cold for the film or they processed the film weird...all these castle shots came out really blue...but I kind of like it. It was cold that day and I think the blue actually gives it the feel of the chill in the air. This was the last time I saw snow and much as I don't relish the cold...I sure do miss snow!!!

Skywatch Friday - Red Sky at Night...Sailor's Delight

2010-01-07T21:37:00.003-05:00

It's been unseasonably cold in Miami this week...I know what you're thinking..."if you think that's cold you should come...." and you're right...but it's all relative and to us Floridians...this has been COLD! Anyway, the skys have been phenomenal with this cold weather. I just couldn't resist tonight's...it's the redest I have seen a sky in a long time...amazing! Enjoy...and to see more skies from around the world click on the title to go to Skywatch Friday :o)

Sky's the Limit in 2010 - Skywatch Friday

2010-01-01T15:29:00.001-05:00

I have high hopes for myself and the world in general for this new year. I pray we all enjoy renewal, happiness and joy in great abundance. Sky's the limit...reach and aim high :o)

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Kids Flying High

2009-12-28T22:00:00.002-05:00

The kids are getting older and harder to surprise. So this year, we arranged for them to go parasailing off Ft Myers Beach. The sail's smiley face was pale in comparison to the big grins on their faces...it was an awesome afternoon! Next time...I'll go :o) If you're ever in Ft. Myers and want to give it a try...I highly recommend "Paradise Parasailing"...they were real professionals!

Firery Sunrise

2009-12-27T17:58:00.002-05:00

A dramatic sunrise over Miami's Biscayne Bay.

Cloudy Sunset

2009-12-20T21:56:00.001-05:00

Tonight I was out shopping and noticed the clouds in the sky...so I headed home to drop some things and get my camera. I headed to a parking garage in my neighborhood to take a few photos.

Tonight's Rainbow - Skywatch Friday

2009-12-18T22:16:00.001-05:00

We were heading to deliver toys to an orphanage in South Florida, it's been raining all day...and I have to imagine that God was blessing our mission because we were rewarded with this beautiful double full rainbow! I was taking the pics through the car windows because a co-worker was on a business call so to noisy to put down the window...but they didn't come out too bad considering.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas...one full of family, love and miracles!

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Mommie...come on...pet me!

2009-12-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

This is Tiffany...she's sweet as sugar and is persistant. She lays on me and gives me a gentle stick with her paw (claws) to make sure I stay focused :o)

Hidden Sun

2009-12-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

Remnants of a sunset...

Skywatch Friday - Early to Work Pays Off

2009-12-11T22:16:00.001-05:00

Wednesday I had an early meeting so got in around 6:15...just enough time to head to the balcony and capture the sunrise over Biscayne Bay. Well worth getting up early...although I'm sure it'll be hard to remember that the next time my alarm goes off at 4:15 am :o)

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Wispy Clouds Over South Miami

2009-12-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

This was taken the night of the full moon (see post called "fly me to the moon") but from the other side of the building facing southwest.

Showing Some Leg

2009-12-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

I thought this bird looked so funny...like he was busting a move (electric slide?) or showing off his skinny bird leg. Whatever...doesn't look like it was going to last long with that wave hovering :o)

Wind Blown Pine

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

This was taken along the Sanibel causeway during the last minutes of the sunset. The wind was blowing quite hard and in the low light I couldn't capture the details in the tree, but in retrospect I kind of like how the movement is captured in the pine...helps me remember the evening better :o)

Sunset Delicacy

2009-12-06T23:58:00.002-05:00

While watching the sunset this bird flew right in and crept along the shore looking for a little something to eat. I remained still, hidden by the trees so he wouldn't get spooked and fly off. Eventually he made a capture and flew off.

Skywatch Friday - Sunset over West Miami

2009-12-03T19:16:00.005-05:00

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Hungry Pelican

2009-12-02T22:12:00.009-05:00

While watching the sunset recently we noticed alot of pelicans soaring over the surface and then nose diving right into the water to capture their dinner. Looking at the sequence of these two photos I know this isn't the same one, but it sure does look like it :o) Wonder how they can see the fish in such low light?

Bowman's Beach Shoreline - Watery Wednesday

2009-12-01T20:06:00.004-05:00

This was taken as we watched the sun go down at Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island. It's a very lively beach with the waves crashing onto the shore. I love that sound!

To see more watery photos from around the world, visit Watery Wednesday at http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Fly Me To The Moon

2009-12-01T19:56:00.002-05:00

Heading out from work tonight and the full moon was hanging over the city. It was beautiful! So I headed upto the 15th floor balcony to get a few pictures. In this one I caught a flight heading out of Miami International Airport. When I got home to view the pictures this one reminded me of a boss I worked with that used to sing "Fly Me to the Moon" all the time :o)

Pine Island Sunset

2009-11-28T21:25:00.003-05:00

We were out on Pine Island this afternoon for an event that turned out to be a quick stop so we headed out to the tip of the island just in time to see the sun go down. I got bit by alot of gnats but it was worth it :o)

Moment of Sunrise

2009-11-23T22:02:00.003-05:00

Coming, coming, peeking and then finally showing itself...it was a majestic morning...I really should get up earlier more often!

Lower Metacumbe Key

2009-11-20T21:22:00.003-05:00

This was taken one day down in the Florida Keys. It was a beautiful, clear, warm day and I spent most of the day wading in the shallow water. Awesome way to spend the day :o)

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Coquina on Sanibel Shoreline

2009-11-19T00:34:00.006-05:00

At the beach on Sanibel and I noticed these tiny shells all over the shoreline but didn't really pay attention. Then later started noticing they would disappear everytime a wave came and then they'd re-appear. So...I switched on the video and went in for a closer look. It really grossed us out! But I checked in a shell book later than night and found they are Coquina a small live clam that lives in abundance along Atlantic shores. Never saw them before or since...but they were pretty cool to watch...

Mall on the Way to Pompeii

2009-11-17T21:07:00.002-05:00

I have no idea where we were when I took this! We were on a day trip from Rome to Pompeii and we stopped at a little town on the way with some time to explore. This beautiful building was actually a mall on the bottom level...I have no idea what it originally was and I didn't do any shopping...I was mezmerized by the ceiling!

Ceiling on Way to Sistine Chapel

2009-11-16T20:52:00.004-05:00

Looking back through some old photos. This was taken on a trip to Rome as we made our way through the different buildings on our way to the Sistine Chapel. I was absolutely in awe of how regal and ornate everything was, but this hallway was just amazing!

Biltmore Hotel Against an Orange Sky

2009-11-14T23:20:00.003-05:00

Took this one of the Biltmore Hotel right as the sun was going down and I was leaving work. If you ever have the change to visit the hotel I highly recommend it...it's a beautiful place and the spa is fantastic!

Things Just Not Coming Together

2009-11-13T21:44:00.003-05:00

Sometimes when I'm taking photos I have days when things just come together: composition, color, lighting, focus, subject matter and I come away with at least one photo that captures all the elements important to me. Other days...like this day...I capture a piece here and another there, but not enough are in the same shot to really make me love the photo.
This one I love the placement, the colors, the different textures in the grasses and although the focus isn't clear on anything I kind of like it...almost gives me a sense of the breeze. BUT I didn't catch the beacon on the lighthouse properly. So when I look at this one...I'm pleased with most of it, but that half light bothers me...

In this one, I actually like the grasses more than the first...they're more distinct and you get more of the green (I love green!). I got the light and the composition pleases me...BUT the lighthouse itself is too out of focus for my taste...this one bugs me too.

Then this one is just lacking something...focus is ok, the light was dead center...but it's plain...blah, blah, blah.

Oh well...tomorrow is another day! I will say this was the first time I had ever noticed the lighthouse being lit. Can't say it never was before, but if so, I'd never noticed before...so good photos or not that was kind of cool :0)

Everglades Canal at Sunset

2009-11-12T19:47:00.006-05:00

Took this one on one of my many trips across the Everglades. I was at a rest stop and noticed the last hints of the sun going down. I'm really drawn to a scene where the land is super dark against a light sky so I couldn't resist grabbing my camera.

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Waiting on the Sunrise

2009-11-11T20:10:00.003-05:00

Caught these folks waiting for the sun to rise off-shore from the Sanibel lighthouse recently. What a nice way to start the morning...out on the sea, feeling the waves and listening to the birds :o)

St. John the Evangelist Church, Schenectady, NY

2009-11-10T20:16:00.003-05:00

St. John the Evangelist Church, 814 Union Street which sits in the Union Street Historical District and is directly across the street from the main entrance to Union College. The church was built in 1899, it features a distinctive 230-foot (70 m) steel-and-glass central spire, with a view towards the college's Nott Memorial from the front. Bottom photo is the Nott as seen from the church.

Nott Memorial

2009-11-10T00:30:00.004-05:00

This is the Nott Memorial which sits on campus of Union College in Schenectady, NY which was founded in 1795. I am told the building is the only 16 sided structure in the Western hemisphere and stands as a memorial to Eliphalet Nott who was the college president from 1804 to 1866. I'm also told it was shown in the movie "Love Story" which I saw eons ago so I can't comment on that one until I see it again.

The 3rd photo is of some totally cool window treatments inside the building. They were sections of stretched canvas...very simple but creative and effective. The bottom photo is of one of the many panels of stained glass windows throughout the building.

In the dome there appear to be colored glass pieces that allow sunlight to shine through and create an effect of stars or something shining through. It's really cool...but my attempts to capture it didn't come out so well so you'll have to go see it for yourself :o)

Water Features in Rose Garden

2009-11-10T00:10:00.002-05:00

These are the 3 water features in the Central Park Rose Garden. The first flows into the pond under the little bridge and the third sits adjacent to the bridge. I actually got the last one on video but like a dork I held the camera on end so it would catch the length of the waterfall...and the video is now sideways and I don't have the software to rotate it. Anyway...it's a tremendously peaceful area. If you're ever in the area (during spring or summer) I highly recommend it.

Rose Garden in Central Park

2009-11-08T21:09:00.002-05:00

While exploring Central Park in Schenectady we stumbled on their beautiful rose garden. It's row after row of every kind of rose you could think of . There were benches surrounding the garden to allow visitors to sit and reflect. Further into the garden was a small waterfall. The garden sits at the edge of the park, where it meets a quaint neighborhood. These were two of my favorites from the hundreds of blooms.

Central Park Waterfall and Ducks

2009-11-07T21:16:00.003-05:00

There's an awesome park in Schenectady, New York...ironically called Central Park. We visited on our last trip and in the center is a pond with a waterfall and ducks. The weather was beautiful and it was an incredibly peaceful day.

Over the Florida Sky

2009-11-07T00:15:00.005-05:00

These were taken from the plane a couple months ago while we were flying back to Miami from New York. I found it interesting how the clouds formed over the land and it was so clear over the ocean (top photo). Then as we got closer to South Florida we were actually able to see boats traveling on the ocean...the streak in the center is the wake they left behind. Dig the shadow of the clouds on the waters surface...cool :o)

Anyway...to the Skywatch folks...here's another set of pics of the sky from above it...enjoy :o)

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Ft Myers Sunrise

2009-11-04T21:35:00.004-05:00

Haven't posted in ages but I have been taking pictures here and there during my down time. Spent last weekend in Ft Myers. We headed over to the Sanibel lighthouse to watch the sun come up on Friday morning...I took alot of pics that I'll post over time. I really liked this one. Love the contrast between the land and sky...and that one lone star hanging in the sky. It was a great morning.

Rainy Night Reflections

2009-08-18T20:50:00.003-04:00

This weekend we got alot of rain as a tropical wave passed over us. I was out on the roads Friday night and ask I waited at the light to get off the highway, I thought the reflections looked so cool against the shiny black of the pavement...so I grabbed my camera and caught this before the honking started for me to get moving :o)

Everglades Rainbow

2009-08-14T19:49:00.003-04:00

I caught this rainbow one day while traveling across the Everglades. Amazing...the many times I drive that path this is the only time I've ever seen a rainbow there.

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Coconut Palm

2009-08-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

We were down in The Keys yesterday and I was roming around and decided to take some pics of a coconut palm. They're a kind of cool tree, sturdy, colorful and as they grow they develop this fiberous material around the trunk...looks cool :o)

Leaving London

2009-07-31T00:04:00.002-04:00

I'm missing my friend Chris from London, so I'm posting a photo from my last trip to see her and her husband, Derek. I was more than a little amazed (and horrified) that I could actually see the waves in the Atlantic as we made our way held up by the hand of God and aerodynamics. This photo still gives me that sinking feeling in my stomach...gulp! :o)

Anyway...to all the Skywatch fans...I thought it might be cool to show you the sky from another angle...enjoy!

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

Lily?

2009-07-11T21:54:00.004-04:00

Over my vacation we visited a home out in the redlands and they had a whole patio area full of these flowers. I thought at first they were a form of calla lily, but after comparing the photos I don't think so. I'd love to know what they are...so if you know please leave a comment with the name. Either way, they were beautiful :0)

Sunday at the Marlins Game

2009-07-09T21:13:00.002-04:00

Back from vacation and getting back into my routine :o) Last Sunday I went to a Florida Marlins baseball game with some friends. It was 93 degrees out (the drawback of a day game) and we sat in the blazing sun for 3 hours (the drawback of awesome seats)...thank God for sunscreen and frozen lemonades or I might not have made it. The sky was teasing us...it looked like rain but all we got was a 2 minute sun shower. But they won 5 to 0...and I got away without a sunburn...it's a beautiful thing :o)

Go and check out more Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!