3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Elmwood-Murdock

Top Gun: Dangerzone Theme Song

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Something a little extra for your listening enjoyment. The music Danger Zone from Top Gun. Both my son and daughter play in the Elmwood-Murdock High School band and tonight was their annual fundraiser.

Over 600 people attended the spaghetti dinner and listened to the various bands from the elementary, junior high, jazz band and high school band. Jen plays percussion, in this song the timpani, which is awesome! My senior plays the trumpet.

If you have been following this blog you might remember that both communities together have a population of about 1000 people, so to say we had a good turnout is an understatement. A lot of this is due to our band director Michael Hanson. When he arrived the band had dwindled from a strong group of over 60 students to the low twenties. In just a few years his leadership has encouraged students to once again pursue music and strive to be the best.

During the fall the students compete in marching band competitions including the Apple Jack Festival (1st place the past three years) and in 2010 won 1st place in their division and third overall at the Harvest of Harmony parade in Grand Island Nebraska. This festival hosts over 100 high school marching bands  in one of the oldest high school marching band competitions in the Midwest, now going on 70 years.

Last year they were invited to march in the Washington DC, Memorial Day parade. It was quite the experience.

More videos on the band and choir can be viewed on my YouTube Channel, including their other piece The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers, A Symphonic Suite

Day 81/365: Antique Buttons Under Glass

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Day 81: Buttons in a Jar

In my continuing Photoshop CS2 theme here is my latest experimentation. The original shot of antique button in canning jars was blurry, but I really liked the composition. So I decided to play with it to salvage my photo of the day. The other pictures I took today were glorified snapshots and I’m trying to push the envelope when I have the time.

Once again this photo location was Bit’s and Pieces thrift store (Elmwood, NE) in the antique consignment area. If I ever run out of ideas for photos this is where I will head. There is an never ending supply of interesting objects that will satisfy my creativity.

Photoshop CS2 notes: Action (Standard adjustment layers), desaturated about 25%, increased the red, green, blue, +43 , +36,  +78 in Color Adjustment and Added a Crosshatch Filter Brushstroke filter

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

Valentines Display Window – Decorations and Ideas

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Valentine Decorations

Outdoor Valentine decorations are not common. Valentines day 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. go in and shop for cute Valentine’s decorations and gifts.

This Valentine’s display window is in Elmwood, Nebraska at the Bit’s and Pieces thrift store. The windows are so creative that they 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.

Create a Valentine’s Latte

So in the theme of decorating for Valentines’ Day and a romantic dinner, don’t forget the drinks. When served in heart-themed plastic champagne glasses, a regular chai latte turns into a romantic fancy drink. Top it with whipped cream, Valentine-themed sprinkles and a raspberry and you have a very memorable experience.

You may not know it, but I also own a Tea n’ More, a tea company that specializes in a DIY Chai concentrate kit.

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!