Greetings Earthlings

We're at the best place on Earth, Barnes. Been here all morning writing and reading. Smoochie Face is working on his stuff too. We're about to order our second round of drinks. I'm addicted to Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. Street name, GOCH.

Too good I say, too good. 

In other news, I'm off from work for four days. Count'em. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Delightful. 

In other, other news, Tim got me a new lens for Christmas and because it was hot outside this past Christmas weekend, I jetted straight out to take one billion photos.

Also delightful. 

Dig the black walnut from the back deck. I love this shot. It's got a bit of rot, texture, blurred back, movement on the left. I've wanted this lens for years. Beyond worth it. I can't stop taking pictures. 

In other, other, other news,  I'm saying a sad goodbye to Aldi/store bought potato puffs/tater tots, fries/chips, chips/crisps, crinkle-cuts and shoe strings.  

Out with the extra fat, salt and cost. Going back to homemade potato goodness. 

First though, time for another round of cafe' drinks. Though as I wrap this post up, some yutz has his phone blasting a video. Why? Why Yutz, why? 

Oh goody. Mrs. Yutz just arrived and is taking Mr. Yutz out of the cafe' with her. Good job, Mrs. Yutz. Good job. The Universe thanks you. 

And now I'm finally headed to get another round of holiday drinks then I'm gonna kick back and catch up on blog reading. 

Wishing you all a Happy Healthy Fun 2024! I see big changes for us here at The Manor and I'm excited to take you along the ride with us. Until next year, this is Ivy, reporting live from the Barnes Cafe' also known as, the best place on Earth. 

Ivy, out.

 

MACRO MONDAY (drumroll please ....)

Today's subject. Drumroll please .... ORANGES! 

This shot was taken with the camera attached to a C-Stand directly over the oranges, with the camera tethered to a computer. What's nice about this way is there's less of a chance of a blurry photo. And, since the computer screen shows us the image (in all its glory), there's no need to rely on that teeny tiny LCD screen or the even smaller, viewfinder. 

Being tethered is a win, win on many levels.

What tethering lacks is that rawness and adventure of holding the camera in-hand, headed outside on a hunt for fun close-ups of things like bumbles bees, flowers, inch worms and snow flakes.

There is a lot to love about both free-hand and tethered shooting.  As the weeks go on we'll talk more about both. For today though, it's all about the oranges. 

Dig those specular highlights! 

In other news, I scored two educational photography magazines from the UK, sold at Barnes. More on those in another post.

In other, other news I might have a mild addiction to Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. Have you tried that drink? Cold or hot. I love them both. 

And that my Boogerbutts, is all that's fit to print. 

Huggs & Bugs,

-Me

MACRO MONDAY (little purple snowflake)

Welcome to Macro Monday! I'm not sure how many of these I'll do per month - or if I'll move to a different day. Either way, I LOVE shooting macro and close-up photography so for now, let's go with, Macro Monday!

There's something fun about a macro lens at a single focal point. I can't adjust a prime lens with my hands. I have to get in there close to take the shot. For me, a prime lens is a more personal experience. I like that I have to zoom with my feet to get a detailed shot. 

That's what I did here with the little white snowflake. I see this little snowflake hanging from the tree each day and I just love it. So after work, before getting to chores and meals, I broke out the macro lens and played.

So fun. 

In other news, we're still loving the new couch. I'm writing from the snug now. It's just soooooo peaceful here to read, write, draw, game and watch movies. When we do move, we're for sure gonna have a space like this. All snuggly and fun.

And that my Boogerbutts is a wrap. I'll catch you on the flipside.

Huggs & Buggs, Me.