3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

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Day 79/365: The Wind in a Pup’s Ears

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Puppy Spring Day

What a gorgeous day, called for a short walk with my pooch Brody before supper. The sun was shining and there was a light breeze at the elementary school playground. Enough of a wind to blow his ear back, they don’t normally stick up. He was so happy sitting with his face to the sun and running around.

He normally wears a harness and I use a 16 foot retractable leash, but you can’t see it here. I wonder why? Smile. I’m getting better at PhotoShop. Smile.

 

Photoshop Notes: I have set up actions that automatically duplicate the background, add adjustment layers, resize, and smart sharpen to 11%. All with a click of one button. So easy and fast! Love it! With this image I adjusted the brightness , contrast, and reduced the saturation on Brody’s white fur. I also adjusted the exposure and the shadow/highlight slightly. Oh, and last but not least I cloned out the black chest harness and leash.

 

Day 78/365: Nebraska’s Foggy Countryside

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Day 78: Nebraska Lifting Fog

A sign that spring is on it’s way, foggy days. The farmers around here very much believe in  “90 day Fog Days.” Which is supposed to indicate that 90 days after fog there will be precipitation. Since the fog lingered all day, this photo was taken in the later afternoon we should get a lot of rain on May 18th.

This photo was taken looking east on Elmwood Nebraska as the waning sun hit the fields and illuminated the lifting fog.Who said we don’t have high rise buildings. We have grain elevators at the Farmers Co-op.

 

 

Photoshop Notes. Standard adjustment layers, smart sharpen 11%, custom saturated the foreground, brightened and contrasted slightly

Day 77/365: Melting Snow Means Spring Isn’t Far Behind

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Day 77: Snow Shovel and Melting Snow

Yet another walk to the mailbox when I realize “I need a picture for today!” I do carry my camera in my purse and  today I did drive to Lincoln.  I also drove down a scenic road where there were many photo opportunities. I just keep forgetting until I get home. So I’m left trying to be creative and artistic with nearby subjects.

So, thanks to my friend and neighbor inspiration came today from the melting snow and the wonderful 60F weather we’re having today. It’s amazing what melting snow uncovers. In this case it was the very apparent snow shovels, I think I counted five, near the driveway and sidewalks. At one time they were propped up in snow drifts. Not anymore. They lay forlornly in the remnants of snow piles which are literally melting around them.

Valentines Display Window – Decorations and Ideas

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Valentine Decorations

Outdoor Valentine decorations are not common. It’s not like Christmas or Halloween decorations where people decorate their yards and houses.

Valentine Decorations and gift ideas for Valentines Day
Day 76/365 Project: Valentines Day in Elmwood

So whenever I see Valentine’s display windows it makes me stop and take notice. Then I want to go in and see what they have to offer as far as cute Valentine’s decorations.

This Valentine display window is in Elmwood Nebraska at the Bit’s and Pieces thrift store. The windows are so creative that it really does make you look twice and smile.

You can tell a great deal of pride and effort goes into each of the four windows and it really brightens Main Street in our little Village of Elmwood Nebraska. If the goal is to make the town more festive, inviting, and cheerful it has definitely been accomplished.

If you would like to create your own Valentine’s Day window display then here are some ideas.

Valentine Window Display

Valentine window display ideas for your home and business.

Valentine window clings and vinyl window stickers are not just for Valentine’s day. They also are perfect Anniversary decorations.

Valentine window display ideas for your home and business.

Valentine Table Decorations

So in the theme of decorating for Valentines’ Day and a romantic dinner, here are some Valentine table decorations. Remember love-themed decorations can be used for other occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthday dinners.

Creative Valentine Gifts for Men

I normally go into the store looking for Valentine’s gift for my husband. Men are some of the most difficult people to buy for unless it has to do with hunting, Husker football, or hunting. (Oh did I say hunting twice? I guess I did. )

Think about it. What is the best Valentine gift for men?

The best Valentine gifts for men, boyfriends or fiancees are ones that make them smile. Usually, it’s a sexy gift for him that really makes him laugh.

Jumbo Roll Me Over Valentine's Day Card' Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) - Handsome ManJumbo Roll Me Over Valentine’s Day Card’ Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) – Handsome ManJumbo Roll Me Over Valentine's Day Card' Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) - Handsome ManBeer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her - Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) -Beer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her – Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) –Beer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her - Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) -

So put up some Valentines decorations, put on some romantic music, set the table, light some candles and have a very Happy Valentines Day!

Day 75/365: Raspberry Brownie Dessert

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Raspberry Brownie Delight

There is nothing better than church dinners. Especially the desserts! The day before Valentines Day, the combined youth groups of Trinity Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. I was lucky enough to find this chocolate brownie with whipped cream and fresh raspberries sitting on the table.

There is a commandment,”Do not covet..” Let’s say I had covetous eyes scoping out my dessert. It was as good as it looks. No, it was even better.

Ingredients:

  • Brownie Mix
  • Whipped cream (Cool Whip)
  • Fresh raspberries

Directions: Prepare brownie mix according to directions, bake on round pizza pan. When cool cut brownies in pizza style triangles. Just before serving top with whipped cream and raspberries.

So easy and yet so good.

Photoshop CS2 Notes: Added standard adjustment layers color, contrast, saturation, and a minor smart sharpen. Then I touched up and erased the stray whipped cream on the brownie that was distracting. Tried using the shadow and highlights tool to bring out the texture in the whipped cream, but it didn’t make too much of a difference.