Prayers to Kara

After nine months of pregnancy Kara is going in the hospital tomorrow evening where they will induce the birth of hers and Michael's baby. The doctor feels this is best for the baby but Jim and I actually get a benefit too, we live 12 hours away so knowing the baby will be born tomorrow or early Tuesday we were able to drive down today so we can visit, help and actually I may get to take some pictures while Kara is in labor/delivery. So exciting.

On the drive up Jim and I had stopped at a rest stop. Jim went in the visitor center to gather some maps and tourist information and I was looking at some flower plantings outside. That is where I saw a sign reminding us to remember Kara and her baby in prayers that all goes well. I saw a praying mantis sitting on one of the black-eyed-susans. I have only seen a few in my life so I ran back to the car to grab my camera and took a shot.

Thank you for looking and for saying a prayer or sending positive thoughts for Kara and their baby.
~Jackie

4th of July Fun

We had a fun family get together at our house on the 4th. Mom and Dad who usually celebrate the 4th in Colorado stayed a few extra days to celebrate. We had a nice group from my side and Jim's side of the family sharing lots of laughter and good food.

To help the chef, our guests filled out little stars indicating if they wanted steak, chicken or hot dogs and how they wanted it done. They were welcome try try a nice fresh Key Lime Mojito Coolers.

Here is one of the lucky guests now....... enjoying a Mojito.

Dad and Patrick just chilling while they decide what appetizers to try

Christine seems to be enjoying some shrimp and nachos

We were lucky here in Erie after a week of rain and even floods the 4th was just beautiful. Sunshine even beaming down.

Taking a little time to catch up with Family and enjoy
before Jim starts the steaks

The Grill Master

What wonderful food we had to eat.....Steaks and Chicken perfectly prepared by Jim, a wonderful fresh salad that Cheri was begged to bring. Its just so delicious and she pairs it with her homemade dressing. Mom and dad brought corn on the cob that they were told was part of the first pick crop of a local farmer. It was so tasty and sweet. We had baked potatoes and fries and mushrooms sauted in butter to top off the steaks.

But Dinner is just not complete without a dessert made by Diane
To go along with the Patriotic Colors for the day she made a beautiful Red-White-Blue Angel Food Cake but picking a dessert should not be easy so she made another most tempting selection for those that can not resist chocolate. It was a fudgey rich flourless sensation.

Some were smart enough to try a bit of everything

Distillery District, Toronto

Continuing with some shots from our little trip to Toronto we stopped at the Historic Distillery District. Although not far from the crowds and noise of the busy city traffic you would think you are in a European village. The streets are pedestrian only and are full of artist shops, bakeries, and cafes with outdoor seating. We were visiting early in the season but it was still very enjoyable and a nice relief to bumping along the crowd filled sidewalks in down town. Here are a few shoots from the area.



By the way the wide angle shots of the district I took with my new lens that my husband bought for me from Van Tuil Camera shop in Erie. I love the lens and that they do such a nice job helping customers find that perfect gift ;)

Thank you for looking. ~Jackie

Visiting China Town

First thank you for all the nice comments yesterday. Several of you made reference to its similarity to Pikes Market. Gosh I hope to visit Washington State again. St Lawrence Market is close but without some of the excitement like the flying fish.

Tonight I am going to take you to China Town. Its a very busy and bustling area in Toronto. Not as large as you would find in California or New York City but still very interesting. I just love the variety of fruits and vegetables. Many I have never seen before or would have no idea how to prepare them. The shoppers certainly don't have any doubt however on what to purchase. They rush in with their little shopping bag on wheels and have it filled to the rim with noodles, fish, spices and fruits that would create a colorful and tasty dinner.

I really felt rushed on my trip to Toronto to get shots. Everything happens so quickly. Certainly the use of a tripod is out of the question as is fidgeting to long with settings. It still takes me a few seconds to long to figure out that perfect formula balancing exposure and my ISO and my shutter speed. Also a reflector would have come in so handy to try to bring some life to the couple of people I shot but anyway I think you can see some of the fun and sites found in Toronto.






Thank you for looking. ~Jackie

Toronto Get Away

Jim and I took a few extra days off including Memorial Day on Monday and escaped to Toronto just before the requirement of pass ports were necessary. The weather was beautiful and it was so enjoyable to be outdoors in the fresh Spring air touring the city and dining at the outdoor patios. I was excited to take some great shots but they seem to be more on the ok level. None the less it was wonderful that the two of us could get away together and enjoy the hustle and bustle that goes on in a big city.

Tonight I thought I would share some pics took at the St. Lawrence Market. Similiar to a large farmers market there was plenty of fresh sites from fish to flowers and of course some very interesting people. We headed here early in the morning so it was the perfect spot to try a fresh baked pastry. Jim picked them out and they were marvelous.








Thank you for looking ~Jackie

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers and Woman out there. Today I spent part of a wonderful day with my Mom, who I think is about the BEST mom in the entire Universe. We went to a lovely brunch at Under the Clock down town and had the best Eggs Benedict's. Under the Clock is so fun. I love the big windows looking out onto State Street and watching the people go up and down the street. I think back to when I was about five or six to when I would have breakfast with Santa here in the old Boston Store. What a treat it was back then to go shopping.

Before having brunch with Mom I joined some fellow Erie Photography Club members with a great chance to photograph Orchids that were in a competition from the local club. Did you know there is over 28,000 species of orchids. There were so many beautiful displays. Besides seeing the beautiful flowers and displays I also got some wonderful lessons in photography. I am so happy I learned how to set a custom white balance. I think it will help me especially shooting snow or sunsets etc. Big thank you to Tim and Patty for helping us out and sharing your expertise.

Here are a few shots I took today. Thank you for looking.

Thank You ~Jackie

Full Moon Tonight

I was at Presque Isle tonight wanting to take a picture or two of the sun setting when I noticed behind me the full moon rising and the sky very clear. Here are a couple pics. In the first shot you can barely see the moon. It is on the pink yellow row going across. Its more visable in the second shot.

Thank you for looking. ~Jackie