Friday, November 18, 2022

[Don]

Good morning all - TGIF. I think this is the first morning that it has been below freezing this season, but right now it is 31 F here at the house.

DW got home yesterday after spending almost a week with the grand babies and of course came home with a terrible cold. It always takes here a long time to get over something like that and while I has happy to have her home, I hate that she is sick. Hopefully she will feel better by Thanksgiving as we are supposed to go back to DD's house for that.

Got some fairly good news yesterday - the results of the Smokies weekend photo competition were announced. I got a second place in Macro (same photo that I started to monthly challenge with), a third place in wildlife (I think this is the first time I have ever placed in the wildlife category) and an honorable mention, also in wildlife.

Third place Wildlife- Buckeye Butterfly
Hon mention Wildlife - Red Bellied Woodpecker
Second place Macro - Natures Silk

This is the first time in a number of years that I have won anything on the Smokies weekend, so I felt good about that.

[Dreamin]

Congratulations, Don. All three superb photos.
Cold here, too. Woke up not feeling very well myself......I hope your wife and I are both better by the holiday! Got a lot of cooking to do!

[Rich]

WoW Don! If you "only" got third with the butterfly there must have been some stiff competition! Well exposed and the shadow gives a little 3D effect.

Woodpecker, another WOW! Very crisp focus and the blurred background really makes the bird the center of interest!

Same comments as the bird, just great!

Get well quick Natalie! No fun!

Here is a highlight of a drive down Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills

[Dave]

Congratulations Don. Wonderful photos. I hope your wife feels better soon.

Rich, very nice capture of Iron Mountain Road, with the monument i the background.

Sending SoCal warmth to those enduring winter cold with this one from February 2017...

   

[Man From Ironbark]

All those images deserved prizes Don.
Nice view of Rushmore there Rich.
That's very orange Dave.

Here's some yellow and a native bee.

[dewarp]

Wow Don - three brilliant images there. Well done.

Rich - Very nice take on Rushmore. Unusual.

Dave - Warming indeed! Normally I wouldn't need warming at this time of our year, but we're over in Europe for the Xmas/New Year season.

Peter - Very good macro image. Well done.

regards - Pete

[Luv2shoot]

Congratulations, Don. They are deserving of those ribbons.
Rich, Love the view of Rushmore. This is a creative shot. That was quick thinking if you took it while you were driving.
Dave, a nice fill-the-frame effect with the bright yellow stamens breaking up the orange.
Peter, I feel the sunshine pouring in. A nice bright and cheerful photo. I hope your land starts to dry out.
Peter D, good to see you.
Natalie, this is no time to be sick. Oh, if only you could stay in bed all day...but we know you can't and you won't. Too much to do.

LORELL

[Dreamin]

Nice opening shot of Mt Rushmore, Rich!! I saw it years ago, quite impressive.
Dave, that's a blast of orange! Warmed me right up!
Peter, thats a great shot of the flower and bee. Nice bokeh, too.

[Man From Ironbark]

Thanks Natalie.
This is chamomile with a small attractive wasp which I have yet to identify.



My yard and the native bush environs that I have planted and maintained around my yard, is full of insect life. Well if one provides food plants and habitat, the natural life will proliferate there.

[Dreamin]

Nice!!
"my yard is full of insect life" I bet it is!!