Lessons in Photoshop

I wanted to photograph Z Dog (that is his name) because I think he is one of the sweetest companions I have ever met. He is getting on in years and feeling most of them. His next birthday will be the big 15 which makes him really, really old for a dog. Maybe that was the reason he didn't want to take precious time to pose in the best light or with a better background. It was too cold outside with too many stairs to get a natural setting. Wunx recently taught me how to use layers in Photo shop so I thought I would give it a shot and put him in a patch of daffodils.

That was so much fun I wanted to mix it up with Jack, Toby and Chewy.

I need to learn how to make it look real but I had a great time practicing.

Just Because They Make Me Laugh

My feet, my feet!! I can't feel my feet!!!

Sorry, Cloee.

This pic of my darling Tam's sweet Cloee would have been a great way to celebrate and remember her then recent adoption if I had only got her feet in the frame.

My brother took us on an adventure to an area in the Salt Lake Valley I had never been before. I used my dog training skills to get these cows to line up just perfect for this shot.....not!

(Thanks to Wunx for her work on this one) This rawhide bone was meant for big Toby but Ruby claimed it as her own. She knew she couldn't keep it so hid under the table long enough for me to stop laughing and take the shot.

Kate's Meme

My friend Kate meme'd me. What the heck is a "meme" anyway? I had to look it up. The dictionary on-line gave me the answer:

A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.

The 6th Folder Meme Rules are:

1) Go to the 6th folder on your computer.

2) Select the 6th picture in that folder.

3) Write about it.

My computer photo filing system is simple enough. I started using a digital camera in 2002, so I have a file for each year starting then. This photo is the 6th photo of my 6th year of shooting digital:

For those of you who know my Mom the photo is self explanatory. For those who don't my Mom has the "gift of gab" and spends an inordinate amount of time on the phone. The only time you can really count on calling her and not getting a busy signal is between 10 and 11 a.m. when her "show" is on. Try calling her then.....if you really want to speak with her, but make it snappy, she doesn't want to miss a minute of "The Young and Restless".

Snowshoe Day

When the air in the valley gets so thick there is nothing to do but stay indoors and sulk or head to the mountains and enjoy all they have to offer. We headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon and just about the time we hit the "S" Curve the smog and rain turned into pretty clouds with lightly falling snow. The blue skies made an effort to brighten our day.

On our last snowshoe adventure I found a puppy to match my outfit; this time TH found a cabin to compliment hers.

We were lucky to find this guy to take care of our gear while we had the best hot chocolate I've ever had that didn't have a shot of amaretto.

Peace, quiet and a great escape from life in the valley.

Inauguration

HOPE

Fred and Seamus

Fred was the reason we adopted Ruby. He lived across the street from us and we got to tend him when his people went out of town. We enjoyed him so much that when they returned I usually tried to persuade them to let us keep him a few more days. It never worked so we decided we should get our own puppy. Fred was about 14 when I met him and he lived several more years. When it was his time to go he left a huge hole in all our hearts.
Seamus came to the rescue. Fred could never be replaced but Seamus the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel helped to ease the pain and we all fell head over heals for the little guy. He grew to be loving and loyal with a heart of gold. And Ruby's best friend. Sadly for us Seamus and his family moved to Pittsburgh.When we adopted Rusty I was hoping for a relationship like this.......... and instead got this.

(This photo was taken when we thought Rusty's natural look was cute but we later thought better of it and took him to the groomer.)

We miss Fred and Seamus and I hope someday Ruby will more than tolerate her brother.

Weather Confusion

Ruby is confused. Why are we outside today with no coats raking up the left over leaves and sticks from the old clump willows? It was just over a week ago I took this photo of her enjoying the fresh, cold snow.

Part of living in Utah is being able to golf and ski in the same week. Great Guy is so happy when this happens he can hardly contain his joy.It won't be long before these winter scenes are back. In the meantime I enjoy the break in the cold weather to get a head start on the spring clean-up.

Rusty wasn't interested in any close ups. That's him out on the frozen pond chasing the geese. We are trying to get him to stop.....maybe a 12 step program is in order. He seems to be addicted.

(I have found if you want a closer look you can click on the photo. It doesn't always work but it is worth a try.)

Matching Puppy

I found this darling puppy while on a snow shoe adventure up Millcreek Canyon. She matched my new Christmas coat and hat to a tee! I wanted to take her home but her person just wouldn't hear of it. She said she got my matching puppy from a local rescue group....gotta love that.

(Thanks to TH for the photo)

Three White Dogs

Once in a while we have a visitor. Wouldn't you know he is white and his name starts with "R".

Ruby, Rusty and Rocky are quite the trio. They spend much of the day protecting us from strangers that may walk in front of the house and if anyone dares knock on the door they have hell to pay.

Next time he comes to visit I think we will spare him the task of doing our taxes.

It really wears him out!

Generations

Another 2008 favorite photo is of "The Three Generations of Hikers " taken at Albion Basin.

I hope when I am the age that I could possibly have a 20 something Granddaughter I will be able to hike up to Secret Lake. What an inspiration!

2008 Favorites

I got started with this blog late in the year so I am not ready to let 2008 go just yet.Ruby and Rusty on the golf course with the geese.


Ruby's 10th Birthday

Ruby's 10th Gotcha Day
(We always celebrate the day we "Got Ya" )

Rusty's 2nd Birthday

Ruby at the "Petite Retreat" in California

Birthday Wishes

Happy Belated Birthday Wishes to Great Guy!

The snow shoes look fabulous on you.

Grandma Aprons

I have a few pics from 2008 that I want to share.

This one for example is a fond memory of last year. My Grandma used to make doll clothes for me and my cousins when we were little. She gave me about 4 yards of fabric when I bought my first sewing machine and I recognized it as my Barbie doll pajama fabric. That was about 40 years ago and I have been waiting to find the perfect project for it. Aprons made a comeback recently so I decided it would be fun to make them for my Aunts. I had enough fabric left to make the pockets for my cousin's aprons.

Grandma didn't give me enough fabric for everyone but everyone got an apron.

The best part was sharing the fabric and the memories and in a way having Grandma with us again.