Day Two Hundred Forty Three 2011

Late summer bloom in my back yard. Happy middle of the week, everyone!

Day Two Hundred Forty Two 2011

Grandson Elijah played game one of Fall Ball T-Ball this evening. His team is the Braves. They play for one hour and, for some reason this time around, they don't keep score. It's just for fun. Elijah plays short stop which means he gets to be in the dirt instead of the grass. He did a great job batting and fielding and gets to see a lot more action as a short stop. And he's very proud of his new cleats (he

wanted to wear them to school today). Good game, Elijah!

Day Two Hundred Forty One 2011

 

 Grandpeeps Elijah and Shelby allowed me to get in their faces today with my little macro lens and take pictures of their beautiful blue eyes. Elijah's (top pic) pupil was dilated because we were inside with low light which made for a slower shutter speed. I took Shelby outside into the sunlight (bottom pic) and got a different effect. They were very patient with their crazy picture taking granny. Thanks, Kids! Maybe next time I'll try for some ears....

Day Two Hundred Forty 2011

Neil and I treated ourselves to a DQ Butterfinger Blizzard this afternoon, and I assure you, it tasted every bit as delicious as it looks. Jealous? Ha! Get your own. Have a great week, everybody!



Day Two Hundred Thirty Nine 2011

I love macro photography. A really good, really expensive macro lens is on my wish list (are ya listenin', Santa?). Recently, I was browsing lenses on Amazon.com and found a couple of really inexpensive macro and fish eye lenses from 47th Street Photo in Brooklyn, NY. They came in today and I've had some fun experimenting with in your face photography. (And a little fish eye lens photos just for fun.) For instance, I did not realize that Geranium leaves have hair. Those ants crawling around on that dead leaf (man, we need some rain!) were minuscule, and that ornate skeleton key is teeny tiny. And that red knobby thing is one of my little hobnail votives. It's more fun than a human being should be allowed to have with a digital camera.

Day Two Hundred Thirty Eight 2011

Neil and I headed to the Nashville Flea Market today for the first time in months. It was a beautiful day but extremely hot as you can tell from the thermometer in our truck. Actually, the temperature was 113 degrees when we left the flea market. We had the air conditioner cranked to the max, so by the time I snapped that picture

the temp had dropped two degrees.

Being an amateur photographer, I'm always fascinated by vintage cameras. This one dated to the mid-1800s and was made of wood.

Santa and Rudolph say "hey!" I'm surprised they didn't melt in the heat.

Gratuitous picture of moi browsing at the market. Old Mason jars are a weakness of mine, but I didn't buy any.

Our grandson Elijah wanted a pogo stick for his fifth birthday this year, but his mom and dad couldn't find one. So Neil was immediately drawn to this one when he ran across it in a pile of stuff. It is vintage to say the least, and Elijah won't be heavy enough right now to make it bounce, but the price was right and it's in good shape, so we bought it. As Neil carried it around the flea market, the pogo stick got a lot of attention, mostly from older folks who knew what it was and probably had one when they were growing up. More than a few times, they'd ask Neil for a demonstration which he politely declined.

The flea market is filled with strange and bizarre things such as this old claw foot bathtub that was filled with crudely made crosses.

Some vendors were selling Halloween decorations. This was one of my favorite.

I can't resist looking at the old cameras like these vintage Polaroids. They weren't expensive, probably because the film is no longer made except for some of the later models. Such cool cameras. Instant gratification.

These bumper stickers are definitely vintage and maybe even a little wishful thinking for some of us. I should have bought one and stuck it on my car.

This golden woman was having a light bulb moment.

I tried to slip my thumb into the waste band of these pants just to see how tight they really were. Couldn't do it. It's like they're painted on. Maybe they are. Who wears this stuff?

Makes me wonder what this was used for before it landed at the flea market.

I like to think they were loved to death, especially the one whose stuffing is about to fall out.

I've said it before, but this is always the saddest thing I see at the flea market. Family photos that end up here because nobody thought to label them and the relatives have no clue as to whom these folks are (were) so I guess people feel like there's no reason to keep them.

I have no idea what this thing is or why anybody would want it. It's just one of those weird wild flea market things.

Great great great grandma's iPod.

The flea market is never lacking in heads of all sorts.

This is the stuff that makes Neil's heart go pitter patter. I just walk away before my eyes permanently glaze over.

But you're free to boogie the rest of the week.

Politically incorrect picture of the day.

This used book vendor is always one of our favorite stops. Neil inhales books, so he ended up buying quite a few paperbacks to tide him over for a while.

Met up with daughter Kelly for an early supper at Olive Garden, our little after the flea market tradition. That's always enjoyable.

We indulged in a decadent dessert.  I can't pronounce it much less spell it. It was delicious! Happy TGIF, everyone!

Day Two Hundred Thirty Seven 2011

My Geraniums continue to defy this August furnace. I love Summer, but Fall is starting to look really good right now.

Day Two Hundred Thirty Six 2011

Breakfast for supper at IHOP this evening. Haven't been to IHOP in years, but it sounded good to hubby Neil who, after some oral surgery yesterday, can only eat soft things, such as eggs. He had an omelet. Of course, I went for the fried eggs, french toast, pancakes, and four pieces of extra crispy bacon (which didn't get its picture taken). I can feel my arteries clogging even as we speak. Needless to say, it was yummy.

Day Two Hundred Thirty Five 2011

My newest grandpeep's latest profile picture. They got to see him yawn. How cool is that?

Day Two Hundred Thirty Four 2011

A few weeks ago, I buried three or four miniature pumpkins left over from last Fall. I just laid them on the ground and piled some dirt and mulch over them. Some of them have sprouted vines. I know they don't look like much, but I'm hoping maybe they'll produce a pumpkin or two. That would be awesome. We'll see.

Day Two Hundred Thirty Three 2011

Neil and I enjoyed some yummy Mae Pearl's Frozen Yogurt this evening after supper. Mae Pearl's is newly opened and locally owned, and because it's so tasty, they are enjoying a booming business. It is self serve and there are always lots of cool flavors and toppings to choose from, although I'm partial to the Tahitian Vanilla and Dark Chocolate with vanilla yogurt chips sprinkled on top. Tonight I tossed in a couple of fat blackberries and a big red raspberry just to shake things up. Delish! If you're ever in Cookeville, Tennessee, wandering around on South Jefferson Avenue, pop in and check it out. Worth every penny!

Day Two Hundred Thirty Two 2011

Grandson Elijah turned 5 years old on August 17. His big birthday bash was today at his house with lots of family and friends on hand to help him celebrate this milestone. It was hot today, so the kids had a blast on the giant slip and slide, and the grown ups enjoyed the cool mist blowing on us from the slide. We enjoyed yummy cake, punch and ice cream, and watching Elijah open his cards and gifts was like watching a whirl wind. The kids each took a swing at the T Rex pinata, then raced around collecting the candy that showered out of it after they broke it. Elijah seemed to enjoy his big day. I'm always thankful to get to be a part of watching him grow up. Happy Birthday, Elijah! I love you!!