Riley Says Hi! (288/366)

After what was to be the LONGEST trip ever from State College to home, we unpacked and then I took a few moments to get out back and take some photos.  We are having an absolutely beautiful day today with about 70F and breezy and I could not pass it up.

I was finding the last little bits of color in my garden and our neighbor's dog, Riley was outside enjoying herself too!  I sometimes miss having a pet but now that I have kids, who, I can barely get to help out and keep their rooms clean, I don't need one more thing that demands my time and attention.  So we will enjoy the neighbors pets.  I hope over the next few weeks that I can introduce you to George and Dakota as well!

Properly trained, man can be a dog's best friend!
~Corey Ford

The Nittany Lion (287/366)

I took my first overnight trip with Shannon's girl scout troop and we headed east to State College to do a tour of Penn State's Campus, then a visit to Penn's and then back for some well deserved deliciousness at the Berkey Creamery.

We did have a great tour by our Lion Ambassador Brian and one of our stops along the way was at the Lion Shrine.  This Shrine was dedicated by the class of 1940 and is guarded by the Lion Ambassadors during all home games to prevent any vandalism.

This is the most photographed spot on campus and of course we had to take our moment.  I set the shot up and then our Lion Ambassador did the honors.  I think it still counts since I did all the work...LOL

WE ARE.......PENN STATE!

On The Table (286/366)

It was time to venture out and get some new winter clothes, something I have not done in a few years.  I had not taken a lunch all week so I got out to get some fresh air and sun and headed to Kohl's to indulge in some retail therapy.  Now, to put this all into perspective, Shannon and I were just in this very Kohl's last Sunday and none, I repeat NONE of these things were anywhere to be seen.

So here's what I want to know, who decided that early October was the time to get out the Christmas decorations????  Seriously people, the calendar said October 12th, not December 12th.  I don't even have Halloween handled and you are tossing Christmas at me?  Is this in hopes that I will spend more and spend longer?  I will give you a little hint, the answer is NO!

Can we enjoy Fall?  Can I get through Halloween and then at least get close to Thanksgiving?

Please?!?!

This was also part of the #FMSPhotoaday challenge for Day 12 -On The Table

Close Up (285/366)

Today's challenge in the #FMSPhotoaday photography challenge that I now enjoy doing each day.  It was great to get out and take some shots today because the only thing I was "up close" to today was Excel Hell.

This leaf was on my steps and was very out of it's element because the only tree in my front yard is a small Dogwood.  The colors were vivid and the veins reminded me of a road map.  One clear path yet a lot of options along the way that could take you to more interesting places.  Kind of like Life.

Of course it does sorta look like my hands.  Lines and wrinkles from the test of time...LOL

Nobody grows old simply by living a number of years.  We grow old by deserting our ideals.  Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
~Samuel Ullman

Clouds (284/366)

After a gloomy start to our day today, the sun came out and we had some interesting cloud formations.  I still get cloud envy when I look at other photographer's sky shots but I have come to think that it's not so much the sky as it is the editing.  I must learn to layer!

The sun always shines above the clouds.
~Paul F. Davis

Turkey In The Mist (283/366)

I took the day off to do a major empty of the basement and garage, but when I got back from the bus stop, I noticed Tom in my back yard.  He looked cool in the fog and apparently since he can't reach the actual bird feeder, he had to eat the leftovers that the birds drop to the ground.  I could only get so close but I gotta say, for as much as I love turkey, they are one UGLY bird!

Later in the morning, I had to run upstairs for a pair of scissors and notice about 10 in my yard, all by the bird feeder.  Had the garage door guy waiting on me, so no time for pictures but damn, all the fun I miss while at the office!

A turkey never voted for an early Christmas!
~Irish Proverb

It's All Brass, Man! (282/366)

Daniel decided that he wanted to play an instrument this year and his choice was the Trombone. I thought I was at the end of my relationship with Volkwein's, but apparently NOT.  Now, he can get air through it, he can make sounds but I think he needs longer arms (or a shorter slide).  However, his enthusiasm is without measure and for that, I have to just smile and enjoy!

There are two types of people on this earth and Trombone players are better than both of them
~Anonymous