The Start And End of My Day

On Tuesday evening, I missed a great sunset. I knew it was one of those beautiful ones - with pink and red hues - I could tell because of the reflection on my neighbor's house. But I was busy making dinner, or something, so I didn't go out and see it for myself.

I found out what I missed when my friend, Kellie, posted a picture of it on Instagram. I kicked myself (mentally, of course) that I didn't take the time to enjoy it in person.

Then Wednesday morning, I slept in while my husband took our son to early jazz band rehearsal. I received a text, "wow, it was an amazing sunrise this morning". Dang, another lost opportunity.

This morning, when I saw the tinges of pink and red along our bathroom block window panes (they are privacy blocks, so you can't make out any details), I grabbed my camera and went outside - just to the driveway - because I wasn't going to miss out on this morning's show.

I wasn't disappointed.

Via my iPhone:


With the big camera, which captured the truer colors, along with more of the depth and variation:


It was a great start of my day.

The end of my day was just as nice - some more night street shots from our little downtown area.



The display at Ten Thousand Villages - a great shop that features Fair Trade, hand made products from around the world.


It was warm enough over the weekend to warrant outdoor dining. Not so much now, but with the twinkle lights, who cares....


In the summer, this alley is filled with patrons, live music and great eats. The lights stay up all year round.


I hope you had a great start and end to your day, too. Now, back to Christmas cards and all that stuff.....

Read more...

I Love the Night Life

There's something magical about going into the city on a chilly night - the bright lights of the skyline, the sting of cold air on the skin, warm breath creating wisps of steam with each exhale. With each inhale of cold air, you can't help but feel alive. Yet the warmth exuding from stores and restaurants beckons you inside for a break from the nip in the air.

I don't live in a big city with a spectacular skyline anymore, but the lights of our small downtown still give off that special spark at night.







We even have some neon....


Small town or large city - I hope you take the time out to experience the night life where you live.

Read more...

Destihl Micro Brewery - Downtown

There's a new micro brewery in town, and Scott and I experienced it last Saturday evening. Opened since April, I only heard about it Friday night from my friend, Amy, during our Book Club discussions (yes, we DID talk about the book, but we talk about other stuff, too).

Located in the downtown section of our little college town, it's easy to miss because there's no big sign or awnings to draw attention to it, unlike this other establishment across the street:


But we managed to find it and really enjoyed the assortment of micro brews available:


The best thing - you can order a small 4oz glass to enjoy. This way, you can sample more than one.


Or, move up to the 8oz glass.


The micro brews are so fresh and perfect on our summer evening. The food was delicious, too. We'll be back, for sure.

edited to add - I'm linking up to Love that Shot - it's their birthday and they are running special link ups and giveaways all week. It's a great resource for photography.

Read more...

Waiting in the Snow

There are times I'm glad I'm no longer a college student, waiting in the falling snow for the bus to come.



OK, I'll admit I'm too old to even think about being a college student anymore. I guess living near the college makes you feel younger all the time.

Read more...

Old-Tyme Root Beer

My daughter's friends were selling draft root beer at a local festival this weekend.



Of course, I was obligated to buy a glass - and it was really yummy.

Converted to sepia using PSE, added a Hue/Saturation layer, with the Colorize selector clicked. Hue: -31, Saturation: -22, Lightness: 0

Read more...

At The Soda Fountain

The cute retro soda fountain and restaurant in the downtown area.

Read more...

POTD - Downtown [signs]

I made a trip downtown this afternoon to pick up a package from the post office. On the way home, I stopped off at the bakery and enjoyed a delicious chocolate cannoli.



I think I need to go downtown more often.

Read more...