Family vacation in the Sand Hills of NE.

   It's been a long time since I posted anything here.  Almost two years. I guess it hasn't been a priority for me! :)
   Our family just took a Father's Day camping vacation last weekend.  We went to see the waterfalls in Cherry County, up near Valentine, NE.  It's a place I've wanted to visit for a long time.  My oh my, did we have a good time.  I took a lot of pictures.  My kids and hubby took some too, mostly Kristina.  I will share some of my better photos here.

This was our first night at the campground.

 We camped at Merritt Reservoir for two nights.  The first night, on Friday, we set up camp and then I grilled some hamburgers and bratwurst.  We had a yummy potato salad and cupcakes too.     After we explored the water and looked around, we played cards at the picnic table.  Our game was Crazy 8's.  It was a bit windy and cool, but we did have some laughs.
    It stormed a bit that night, but for the most part we stayed dry in our tent.  Kristina would disagree with that statement, I think. She was on one of the sides and claims she got wet.  But not too much.                                                                                        

One of the many pretty wild flowers we saw there.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Snake River Falls.

 

Snake River Falls was the first waterfall that we visited.  It was fast and loud.  It was a rugged trail getting down to the bottom, but it was worth it.  This was everyone's favorite because of the challenging hike, all the interesting paths and the shere amount of water tumbling over the falls.                                                                                                                                                            

 

 This photo shows the difference in the height from the top of the canyon to the bottom.

The weather was a bit cool for mid-June. As you can see, some of us are still in our jackets and sweatshirts here.  But it was really quite nice for hiking, as it wasn't too hot.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The wild flowers were delicate and pretty, but also hardy to thrive in this environment.   Side note for this picture of the purple flowers; today we got a free sample of the York News Times newspaper delivered to our house.  The day before yesterday I sent 15 or 16 of my photos from this trip to the paper for their "Photo of the Day" feature.  Today's paper had this photo as their photo of the day! Such a nice surprise to see that when I opened the paper to page two.

This one looks like a little face.

                                                             

 The second water fall we saw was called Fort Falls.  I thought this one was very pretty in the way it seemed to flow right out of the trees  and cascade beautifully down the rocks.  There were some hiking trails to explore once you got to the bottom of this one, but we didn't venture too far.  I wasn't up for the five-mile trail the led up and away from here.  

    The kids were collecting water as a souvenir, in a small bottle from each of the falls we visited, and also from our camping area.

                                                                                        

My handsome Kevin at Fort Falls.

 

 This moss covered log lay in the stream of water flowing away from Fort Falls.  The white lump that looks like snow, is foam in the water, created by the churning and bubbling of the water as it flows down stream.

 The tallest water fall in NE, Smith Falls is the most well known.  It is located in Smith Falls State Park. It is a wonderful waterfall to visit.  Very picturesque, and very accessible.  We enjoyed getting wet in the mist and splash at the bottom of the fall.  The water was cold!  

A closer look at the bottom area.

 Away from the falls, but near part of the reservoir, we stopped at a scenic overlook.  Collin spotted this blooming cactus.  We also did a driving tour at the Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.    We saw bison, elk, turkeys and prairie dogs.  We even saw pelicans in the water on the reservoir.

This prairie dog stayed still long enough to get a picture.

On the way home Sunday, we spotted this friendly dinosaur, and he let us get a picture of the kids on his back.  We loved hearing the kids tell us this was the best vacation ever.  I agree it was pretty great.

The learning curve.

    It's been a busy year of taking pictures.  I finally got that new camera I've been dreaming of.  I got a Nikon D5100.  I do like it.  I am still learning about it.
    I bought it back in June.  I immediately had to send the kit lens back for a replacement.  Then the camera sat for a while because I was too intimidated to use it.  I think I'm over that now though.
    I took some nice Fall pictures this past weekend.  Here are some samples:
 

                                                       

                                                                                                         
  

                              

    They are part of an album I call Fall Beauty on my Facebook page.      







     I've been asked by a friend to take some family pictures for them in a couple of weeks.  I'm flattered that they want me when there are so many other more experienced photographers around.  I have been trying to study some poses I can do with them.  I also ordered some filters, reflectors and a book about my camera.  I hope they all come before the shoot, and that I can use them properly.  I ordered a remote release too. That should come in handy.
    I took a few pictures of my boys today for school pictures.  I haven't done any editing on them yet though.

Debbie                                          

Still snapping away.

I've been busy with my life lately, but I'm still snapping away.  I try to remember to take my camera along when I go places, just in case there is something interesting to get a picture of.   For instance, I went on a bike ride with Kevin tonight and I had my camera with me.  I didn't, however take any photos on that particular ride. But I was ready just the same.

I took quite a few pictures today.  We went to the Yorkfest in York, NE this morning.  I had two photos entered in their photo contest and we went to vote on the People's Choice in three catagories; nature, architecture, and events.  I didn't have anything in events, but I did in the other two.  Let me just answer your question now, yes I did vote for my own photos.  No one said I couldn't.  I almost voted for a different one in architecture, but ultimately, my pen wrote down the number that went with my photo.  Hey, what can I say?  Kevin didn't vote for mine, so that helps for the non-favoritism bit doesn't it?

I had our little Kodak pocket camera along and let the kids take pictures of the parade.  I didn't take any there.  When we left York, we came back to Henderson for the Heritage Days celebration at Heritage Park.  I did take several photos there.  The kiddos also took some on the Kodak.  I like to let them be creative and expressive with the camera too.  You never know when the next Ansel Adams will show up.  Here are three of the photos I took today.

[Update: Today, 9-16-11, I sold 13 of the images I took at the Heritage Park that day to Marg Smith. She is a member of the committee for the park.  She saw the photos I posted on Heartland Beat of this event.]

I have so far been able to submit at least one photo to the Heartland Beat Photo Spotlight every week for the last month.  That is part of an online local publication on Facebook.   What is really great about that, is that three times this weekend I have been told by people that they have seen and appreciate the photos I have submitted. Makes me : D *smile*. One lady told me yesterday when I was walking across the street and she was driving and stopped at the stop sign.  Two others told me today at the Heritage Park.  Gosh, now the pressure is on!

While we were at the Park, I happened to be sitting by a lady with a nice camera (nicer than mine).  I asked her what kind she was using and she said a Sony A550, I think.  I scooted over to her and we began a good photographic conversation.  She said how she liked it very well, and especially because she could use her old Minolta lenses with it.  I have been researching DSLR camera's lately and had found out the same thing.  I have my Minolta SLR camera and lenses just sitting in the camera bag in the closet, unused.  I would like to have an upgrade so I could take even better pictures with a camera that has a much more sensitive sensor than my Canon. I think it could make a significant difference.  The cost is holding me back though.  However, it would be less money to get a used model and one that is just the body and without lenses, since I could use the lenses I already have.  But how can I justify such an expense when we have a lot of other bills to pay right now?  I can't.  So I will just try harder with the camera I have.  It is capable of a lot more than I even know. And another thing I read said to beware of Sony cameras since their accessories are exclusive to their cameras.  You would have to buy special adapters to use other brands with the Sony camera.

I was reading  the instruction manual for the Canon the other day and there are options for the focusing and other settings I didn't know about.  They are a bit more complicated, and will take some practice with the book handily close by for reference.  But that could make a difference in some of my close-up shots that I have had trouble with.

I found out last week that I have actually sold a picture on the stock photo site called Canstock!  It sold a year ago.  I obviously haven't looked on there for a long while.   I submitted that photo four and a half years ago!  I had given up on it a long time ago.  But with my renewed interest in trying it again, I went to check if my images were still there.  Lo and behold I had an account balance of $1.00. The one that sold was of a cut hay field at the edge of town.   Maybe there is hope for me yet in that industry.  Tonight I signed up as a contributor of Big Stock Photo and I submitted six photos for approval.  Two are of the butterflies on my previous post.

9/16/11
 [Update on the six photos:  Three were accepted and three were rejected.  Both the butterfly pics were rejected. :(  However, I am glad that 50% of what I submitted was accepted.  :) ]
It's been a slow week for me, photo-wise.  I've been too busy working.  But the weekend is coming up.  I have made and decorated a cake for Amanda's 19th Birthday, with a little help from the kiddos.  Look for photos from this weekend in the next edition of Dashpix Daze.

TTFN,
Debbie

Changes

I don't make life changes easily.  At least, not usually.  But sometimes in life, things change weather you want them to or not.  Some are good, some are bad.  Some you may think are bad, they feel bad, but they are really for your good or the good of someone else.  Like quitting a bad habit, changing your underwear everyday, or passing up that second piece of chocolate cake that you really wanted.  You'll thank me later.

Our family has just experienced a change that is hard for me on some levels, but is far outweighed by the good it is for the main person involved.  And that is Amanda.

Our little TWA is now a college student.  Her dad and I took her to Omaha on Saturday to check in at Grace University.  It's a great Christian college and I know it is where God wants her to be.  Her classes begin tomorrow.  She is going to get her degree in Elementary Education.

Leading up to the actual day I was doing fine.  People would ask me how I was doing, knowing that it would be a big change in our household.  I didn't know exactly how I would feel, but a loss for sure.  I have depended on Amanda's help at home since she was eight years old.  That was when she became a big sister.  She has been an enormous help with her three younger siblings.  I hope it hasn't been too much of a burden for her.  She always seemed very willing to do whatever was necessary.  *Hugs to you Amanda!*

Even moving day went well.  I helped her load her things into the back of two vehicles.  I took pictures, she took one of me.  Even our cat Oreo was curious about what was happening.

On Friday August 19th, we left the house.  Amanda and her friend Abby went in her car.  Kevin and I went in the van.  The little kids stayed with friends. We had walkie talkies to communicate during the drive.  That was great! I highly recommend the use of them when traveling in separate vehicles at the same time.  Especially when you are in stop and go traffic backed up for miles because of an accident or something you have no hope of seeing ahead of you.  We had that happen about a half hour into our trip.  We took the next available exit and created our own detour off I-80 at the Beaver Crossing exit.  We drove north to Hwy 34 and into Lincoln where we were able to get back on the interstate and continue our trip normally.  It took a bit longer than usual to get to Glenwood, Iowa that night.  We stayed at Kevin's folks' house for the night so we would be closer to Omaha the next morning for checking in.

We had a good time together moving in her things and arranging them.  There was a last-minute trip to Kmart for some things her room still needed, or we forgot, and her space was ready.  Amanda and I both teared up a little when we gave the final hugs goodbye in her dorm room.  But I think that was tempered a bit because her friend was along.

And on the way home, Kevin and I were both so proud and happy for her, that there was no need to cry.  I was pretty impressed with myself.  Maybe it wasn't going to be as hard as I had imagined.

The next day at church started out like usual. Smiles to friends, some asking how it went.  No problems so far.  We were sitting down and I was writing out my check for the offering.  My hand stopped writing the check as my mind started thinking about how Amanda wasn't with us like she has always been.  You know how you automatically think something like, "She must be in the nursery today," or "she just isn't up from Sunday School yet."  Then it dawns on you that no, that's not it.  She's not here because she's not here.  It was starting to sink in.  Just like it's doing now as I write this.  A little sting in the ocular area.  Suddenly a slight blur to the vision as my eyes are a little bit wetter than they were just a few seconds ago.

Anyway,  I suppressed that and finished writing out my check.  The pastor said his greetings, welcomed us to church and had us greet one another.  We had sat in the same pew as our very good friends, who have been like parents to us since we moved to Henderson.  The Mrs. asked me how I was doing, implying the unsaid part about being without Amanda at home now.  I said the usual answer, "I'm OK."  She gave that knowing look and answer saying, "I know, I understand.  We can talk about it later."

That was the trigger.  I finished the greetings, we sat down and heard the announcements.  Suddenly the emotions I had held in check came flooding to the surface. Then we stood again and began to sing our opening songs.  I teared up during the second song. Like a pitcher that you keep filling with water and don't keep an eye on, it will over-fill and spill over and down.  I had to keep wiping my eyes and blowing my nose.  I couldn't sing.  I tried to take deep breaths and relax.  I kept telling myself I was happy for her, it was a good thing that she is growing up and is in school.  She's fine... I'll see her again...  It will be OK....Get a grip, people will see me....

It took a few minutes, but my mind finally convinced my body to behave properly in public and I calmed down and was fine for the rest of the service.  I could laugh at myself and say how silly and emotional I was.  And except for the retelling of the events now, I have been doing pretty well since.  Of course, it's only been three days.  And what really helps is that we have talked to Amanda every day.  Facebook has been a wonderful thing.  The phone, and now we have video-chat.  I can still get my daily dose of my G G.  I know that probably won't last as her schedule gets busier, and she gets more used to being away from home.  Somehow we will all adjust to these changes.  Then they will seem normal(ish) and all will seem as it should.  Until the next big change happens along.  I wonder what that will be.....

My trusty camera also captured these images:

                                                      Roommates Ella and Amanda

                                                    Amanda's best friends, Julie and Abby

                                                                Julie and Amanda

                                               Proud parents Kevin and Debbie with Amanda

                                                              Amanda in her dorm room

Until next time, TTFN
Debbie

Flutter by Butterfly

I was very busy today doing domestic stuff.  Being a wife and mom, certain things are expected of you.  And, if you are lucky, those certain things can be a pleasure to do for your family.  For me, most of the time they are.

I was busy in my kitchen making dill pickles, then two batches of rhubarb-strawberry jam, (a special request for Amanda before she goes to college, so she can take some with her), then I also canned two jars of salsa.  The pleasurable sound of lids popping and sealing in my kitchen and the nice row of cooling jars on the counter make it all worthwhile. *Sigh*

In between all that, there wasn't much time for picture taking.  But I did happen to snag a few.  Kevin was busy smashing up our bathtub with a sledge hammer so he could take it out in pieces.  Much easier than trying to take that heavy cast iron beast out whole.  I got some pictures of his manly muscles in action.

My other photo opportunity came when I stepped outside and a beautiful yellow monarch was feeding on my flowers just outside the front door.  I promply went back inside to grab my camera and take advantage of this fleeting time to hopefully get some pictures of this wonderful creature.

The breeze was blowing on the flowers so I had focusing challenges.  And the beautiful creature in question didn't want to hold to one spot long enough to take well thought out compositions.  But at one point, the butterfly went to the hydrangea plant, rested with it's wings spread wide, and seemed to just wait for me to admire his beauty and take my sought after photos.  So I quickly obliged and got a couple good shots.

Not yet satisfied that I had enough, and since the flutterby went back to my flowers, I tried again.  This time I was able to capture a pretty good shot.  After a little post processing in Picnik, here's what I came up with.

I posted these to an album I have on my Facebook account and have gotten some good feedback.  That is always nice.  I even had a suggestion that I enter one in a local photo contest coming up in September, if I can delete my name from them.  I will work on that later.

I've put my trusty camera to bed for the night, and I shall go there too.  Seems early, as it's only 11:20 p.m. :)

Until next time, TTFN

Debbie

Welcome and Warm Greetings!

This first post of my first ever blog shall be short and sweet.  (Like me!)

As usual, I am staying up way too late at night, it's already 12:30 a.m. and here I am, in front of the computer, while the rest of my family has gone off to bed.

Tonight my girls and I took our bicycles, my camera and my tripod out to the local golf course to try to catch some photos of the full moon rising in the east.  It's really something to ride your bike in near darkness, speeding down hills with the wind in your face through a deserted golf course.  It's really quite exhilarating.  Much better than actually playing golf there in the day time.

Last week, my oldest daughter, Amanda, introduced me to the golf course at night, when we drove over there to view the stars.  It's a great place to get away from street lights and really see what's shining down on you from the celestial heavens above.  We took our flashlight, towels to lay on, and my camera of course.

Amanda had wanted to ride our bikes or even walk over, but since it was about midnight, I opted for driving.  We gathered our things, then drove over and parked under the streetlight nearest the corner of the course where we would enter in and set up our little midnight viewing.

We were about to cross the street and walk to our darkened destination, when we saw car lights approaching.  We stood and waited for the vehicle to pass, but it didn't.  Instead the large, looming black pick-up with siren lights attached to the top, pulled to a stop behind our car.  It was our local policeman.

I walked up to him and quickly explained our little plan, hoping he would not tell us to forget it and send us on our way.  We live in a small town and he knows just about everyone in it.  He said he was just wondering why a car would be parked on the edge of town under the street light and came to check it out.  Funny how he spotted us so very soon after we got there.  Thankfully, he gave us the OK, said we were fine and we happily trotted down the hill.

The star-gazing was great!  The weather was very fine.  It was 77 degrees, no wind, and the mosquitoes left us alone.  I attempted to get some pictures of the stars. I did get one, but the magnification limits on my Canon Powershot S3 only made for tiny white specks on the image.   We did get to see about five shooting stars while we lay on our backs, looking up.

We stayed out there enjoying ourselves for a good hour.  It was 1:00 a.m. when we got back home.  The lack of sleep we had that night was so worth it.  Not for the photo, or enjoying perfect weather, or even the wonderful quietness of the lunar-less night.  But what really made the time memorable for me, was spending it with Amanda.  It was a great time spent doing something together that was out of the ordinary, spontaneous, and fun.  I will treasure those moments together, as I hope Amanda will too.

A few days later, we did another similar late night fun thing with my camera, but I'll leave that for another time.

Next weekend we take Amanda to college.  She will start the next phase of her life, without being with us full-time.  I'm wondering how I will bear it.  I'm happy for her and know we have selected a great Christian College for her to attend and she will have family and friends near.  That helps a lot.  And as my Great Uncle Ray put it, God will be there with her the same as he was in Henderson.  A very comforting thought.

Huh, I said this first post was going to be short and sweet.  It didn't turn out to be.  That's what happens when you get a woman started talking.

Until next time, TTFN.

Debbie