tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389139302024-02-28T13:13:12.132-06:00Babs' Blottera casual come and go for me as much as anyone - with pictures!CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-2141745656324144522010-06-02T11:48:00.003-05:002010-06-02T13:03:24.195-05:00Memorial Day - unofficial start of summerHere in Minnesota, summer is defined as Memorial Day to Labor Day - no matter what the calendar tells you - and I'm sure it's that way elsewhere too. But the way the weather works here, odds are that Memorial Day weekend weather is going to be GORGEOUS and for outdoorsy folk here, there is nothing better than an extended weekend with a chance to play outside unhindered. Just about every town across the state has a ceremony or a parade to honor the locals who have been laid to rest there and the everyone goes off to be with family and friends for some grilling and fun in the sun.<br /><br />Even better for me, my holiday weekend almost always involves my birthday as well. Sometimes I get folk together for a big picnic at the park to enjoy the grilling and games that are so common to the weekend. Other times, like this year, I prefer to just do a fun activity myself and keep things simple with no need for elaborate plans or coordination. It's taken almost 40 years to convince people of that! But this year was just a baseball game at the new Target Field with a friend and nothing more.. but it was so beautiful, it even felt like God was saying 'Happy Birthday' and I had to snap this shot of the city skyline at sunset from my seats in the park:<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view&current=ballparksunset.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/ballparksunset.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My Memorial Day was just about as classic as you can get without going to the cabin up north. I started in the morning watching one of my young brothers march with the high school marching band in a short parade and play patriotic music at the local cemetary. I spent my time walking amongst the crowd and taking a little time to reflect on why we were all there and the cost someone else paid for all the privileges I enjoy. Here's a few of the shots I got from the morning:<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310069.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310081.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310081.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310104.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310104.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310107a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310107a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Then it was off to enjoy the freetime of the day. I had planned to bring along my camera and visit a local nature area that is walking distance from my house. I go there often and you never know what you will see - most notably great bird varieties. A few weeks ago, I walked there with my mom and in addition to several species of water fowl (one of which took a couple hours on the internet to identify) and song birds, we saw Bald Eagles, Osprey and other hawks circling overhead. It KILLED me that I didn't have my camera along that day. So the 13 yo budding photographer brother, Ben, and I hauled some gear along and went for a walk. <br /><br />Who knew that predatory birds ALSO take Memorial Day off?? Nothing.. nada.. no ducks, no cranes, no egrets, no soaring wings in the sky. *sigh* We did find some very pretty wild flowers however.<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310139.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310142.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We were a little bummed that we didn't get to try for the skyward shots on such a gorgeous day but we headed back to my parents' house for a little family meal. Drove into the driveway to find my mom all excited and dancing around her hanging baskets of flowers. A Swallowtail butterfly had decided to pop in for a visit and chose to hang out for awhile.<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310124.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310124.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310131.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310131.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This one is slightly unusual because with the sun that day, I was able to get a picture of him with backlighting - and even shadows of the blossoms on his wings.<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/?action=view¤t=P5310132.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Memorial%20Day%20weekend/P5310132.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />All in all, it was a WONDERFUL holiday weekend.CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-54171734456057339742010-05-25T00:05:00.004-05:002010-05-25T09:56:31.162-05:00Kestrals at Target FieldIf you know me, you know I'm a HUGE baseball fan. Recently, I attended a day game over at Target Field in Minneapolis that went into extra innings. Now, I almost always have my camera along at baseball games - in addition to my binoculars, my glove, my radio, etc. This particular game, the weather conditions were perfect and I just happened to have brought the big lens just to see what kind of fun I could have from the nosebleed seats. <br /><br />For those who are familiar with the new Target Field, a pair of kestrals have taken up residence in/near the park and often delight fans by showing up during games to sit and watch. I was lucky enough to have them show up with great light and good luck.<br /><br />When they first flew in, I thought that there was just no chance I would be quick enough to catch them in flight with the big lens but I thought I would try anyway. The first shot wasn't great but it surprised me that I could FIND the bird and focus quick enough to catch them.<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/?action=view¤t=P5220558.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/P5220558.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's hard to see the silhouette but that gave me the confidence to keep trying. Then the first one of the pair settled down onto the big field lights that were just coming on to deal with the changing light as the sun started to set. I knew I could catch a sitting bird!<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/?action=view¤t=LandedKestral.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/LandedKestral.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />here, I blew it up a bit and cropped it for you so you can see the bird a bit better.<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/?action=view¤t=LandedKestralcropped.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/LandedKestralcropped.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />But then, the mate flew in and started circling - here was my chance to catch the bird in flight!<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/?action=view¤t=KestralFlightForward.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/KestralFlightForward.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I had to zoom this one it too just so you could see the great face on the bird.<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/?action=view¤t=KestralFlightForwardcropped.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/KestralFlightForwardcropped.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I just desperately tried to keep the bird in the frame and follow it across the open sky as it turned and flew across and I got my favorite shot of the day!<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/?action=view¤t=KestralFlight.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/KestralFlight.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and then, he turned and flew away... It's even pretty to see him leave!<br /><br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/?action=view¤t=KestralFlightAway.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Kestrals/KestralFlightAway.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I took a LOT more pictures of the baseball game, but it was a lovely break in the middle of the action to stop and look up instead of down. If you want to see the pictures of the baseball game, they're on my other blog: <a href="http://knuckleballsblog.com/2010/05/milwaukee-extra-innings-a-telephoto-lens/">Knuckleballs</a>CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-10461002367364034112010-05-20T14:06:00.004-05:002010-05-20T14:38:34.526-05:00Jeremiah's Senior PicturesIt has been a LONG time since I posted anything but honestly, it's because it has been a long time since I took out the camera for anything other than recording a family event or whatnot. But since it's that time of year again, it was time to take yet another little brother out to collect some shots to use as his senior pictures!
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<br />Poor Jeremiah. A) He's extremely photogenic BUT he really doesn't like being in front of a camera so he loses some of his natural charisma, B) I'm always challenged by potraiture since it's not natural for me and I was seriously out of practice. The first day, I really had great shots lined up but just couldn't get the results I really wanted. Everything was soft, out of focus, or just not properly lighted. It was most definitely not my best day. I still got a few shots I liked but I was disappointed. A couple days later, we hit the high school again and my brain and hands remembered the whole process a bit better and I got some of the shots I had wanted to get the first time around.
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<br />Here's my two favorites:
<br /><a href="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Jeremiah%20Senior%20Pics/P5180029crop.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 639px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 483px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Jeremiah%20Senior%20Pics/P5180029crop.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Jeremiah%20Senior%20Pics/?action=view&current=P5190192.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Jeremiah%20Senior%20Pics/P5190192.jpg" /></a>
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<br />If you want to check out the others I managed to get, here's a slideshow of the rest.
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<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowNetworking="all" allowFullscreen="true" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw8.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa39%2FCapitalBabs%2FJeremiah+Senior+Pics%2F81bb7f05.pbw" height="480" width="640">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-12620415738886974172009-09-11T12:59:00.003-05:002009-09-11T13:04:34.529-05:00Scavenger Hunt Week 10+Week 10's topic was Wheels - with the restriction that it couldn't be automobile related. After a visit to the MN State Fair (from which I got a few different shots) this is what I chose to submit:<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%2010/wheelchairaccesssig.jpg" /><br /><br />As always there were extras...<br /><br /><embed height="480" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger Hunt Week 10/8fe7e655.pbw" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br />and here's a quick catch up because I never got around to posting Week 9.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Week 9 - Mechanical (with the restriction of no electronic)</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%209/ChainProfilesig.jpg" /></p><br /><br /></span>CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-14450620996825758712009-09-08T14:44:00.003-05:002009-09-08T14:53:45.997-05:00Model PhotoshootIn August, a photog friend of mine organized an event for a group of us to go out to a local lake and practice shooting a few volunteer models. I will readily admit that this is the weakest area in my shooting skills for whatever reason. But that means that practice opportunities like these are good for me to go out and stretch my thinking.
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<br />I am definitely nowhere near professional quality for these shots but I did end up getting some things I really liked.
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<br />Here's my favorite:
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Lake%20Model%20Event/Web%20size/Teresa1.jpg">
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<br />The rest of the shots I got vary in quality but they are fun for me nonetheless!
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<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Lake Model Event/Web size/af77d0fe.pbw" height="480" width="640">
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<br />My thanks to Kinsey for setting it all up and Pauline, Josh, Teresa and Pet for being excellent models!CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-39455829568571825632009-08-23T19:56:00.004-05:002009-08-23T20:03:26.459-05:00Scavenger Hunt Week 8So our topic for week 8 was "Church". This is the image I chose.
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%208/UkranianBluesig.jpg">
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<br />It is a nearby Ukranian Orthodox Church that I was FINALLY able to capture with clear skies after nearly 2 weeks of rain every day.
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<br />This was an especially difficult week for choosing though - I had several that I really loved.
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<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger Hunt Week 8/1d0dc360.pbw" height="480" width="640">
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<br />CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-48356557246812051042009-08-10T09:18:00.004-05:002009-08-10T09:21:52.703-05:00Scavenger Hunt Week 7This week's topic was "Unusual" and I think that the broadness of the topic made it the hardest one yet. And the rules for this week really didn't seem to help narrow it down.
<br />Rules:
<br />1. The photograph has to make you think about what the image is.
<br />2. Can not be manipulated in photoshop
<br />3. It can be any object, person, place or idea.
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<br />This is the one I eventually chose:
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%207/BenJumpsig.jpg">
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<br />Stuff like that is why I think God allows little brothers! As always, I had a tough time choosing once I had a good selection of things I liked. Here's the extras!
<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger Hunt Week 7/a3a5153c.pbw" height="480" width="640">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-56831121217971996452009-08-06T16:51:00.004-05:002009-08-06T17:44:26.855-05:00Isaac's First Nature WalkOne of the fun parts of doing daycare for my 4 yo nephew once in awhile is that I get him all day and we can do and see new things! In an effort to tire out the wiggles from the little legs, we went on a nice long nature walk to see what we could learn. We got lucky to see a LOT of bird life that day and learned some new trees too - he absorbs everything like a sponge and Mommy was very impressed.
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<br />The first thing we encountered was a gorgeous egret. Now we see a LOT of those in this area but I have never seen one this close or for this long. We sat and watched it wade in the shallows and eat for at least 20 minutes.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs%20Nature%20Walk/P7230061.jpg">
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<br />and by close, I mean REALLY close!
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs%20Nature%20Walk/P7230058.jpg">
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<br />this was actually a pretty low branch but Isaac wasn't so sure about getting up in the tree until he was there - and realized that there were foot and hand holds just like his favorite climbing wall at the park. It was one of many trees he learned the name of that day (he's especially fond of the different kind of birches that line the trailway with Paper Birch as his favorite).
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs%20Nature%20Walk/P7230105.jpg">
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<br />Another very rare sight for me - this is a Little Green Heron. I can only recall seeing one in person once before in my life and Isaac thought it was cool to see it only about 20 ft from us.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs%20Nature%20Walk/P7230121.jpg">
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<br />he LOVED the lily pads and the flowers.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs%20Nature%20Walk/P7230133.jpg">
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<br />a very pretty gold finch that flitted above our heads for awhile - Isaac can even tell you that's a boy and how to tell the difference between girl and boy.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs%20Nature%20Walk/P7230142.jpg">
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<br />This was actually later in the afternoon/evening. This is a juvenile Red Tailed Hawk that was the cause of a royal ruckus at my folks house between his shreaking and all the other birds complaining about him being there.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs%20Nature%20Walk/P7260031.jpg">
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<br />We got to see a lot of things that day but I couldn't believe how obliging the wildlife was. Here is a collection of stuff we got to see:
<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Isaacs Nature Walk/9c03992b.pbw" height="480" width="640">
<br />CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-33807593612874682572009-08-05T08:53:00.017-05:002009-08-05T11:02:40.210-05:00Willow River State ParkBack in the spring, May 10th, some folk from the photography group got together to do a trail hike at Willow River State Park in Wisconsin. We hiked about 8 miles, I think - nothing too strenuous except a brief stair climb up a cliff face. But it was worth it. Turned out to be a fun day of playing with light between sun and clouds and a few teaching moments.
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<br />It took me a long time to sort through and pick the shots I really liked since I took about 500 frames but now that I finally have, here are a few of my favorites!
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100322.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100453.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100350.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100510.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100566.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100605.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100675.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100735.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100741.jpg" />
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow%20River%20State%20Park/P5100759.jpg" />
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<br />Believe it or not.. that is just the tip of the iceberg! The rest of the album is in the slideslow below.
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<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Willow River State Park/be47ef67.pbw" height="480" width="640">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-58024587173084882522009-08-04T10:28:00.004-05:002009-08-04T10:44:45.895-05:00Scavenger Hunt Week 6The assignment for week 6 was "Fences" which really had me looking at my surroundings in a different light. I admit that I don't normally NOTICE fences around me all that much unless they are ugly. You could get very deep and philosophical about a statement like that but let's just say that I started to notice the boundaries in my environment a LOT more.
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<br />I also went a pretty different direction in my choice of photo than I usually do in my photography. I think that is the point of the hunts so I let myself be a bit more creative. Even though I took some of the standard "cluttered, cuddly" or "artistically colored" shots that I usually do, I ended up going with a Black & White with a more industrial feel:
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%206/zoofencebw2sig.jpg">
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<br />That's actually layers of fencing from a local zoo around the lion habitat. Kind of glad for all the fencing but it was remarkable that so many layers were necessary in one place.
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<br />Here's the extras that I didn't use:
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<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger Hunt Week 6/9694c6d2.pbw" height="480" width="640">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-65981547928887952442009-07-30T09:32:00.005-05:002009-07-30T09:42:15.968-05:00Birth Announcement!!!<span style="color:#cc0000;">with guest photographer: Phillip Thomas</span>
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<br /><span style="color:#000000;">yes, another one... the funny thing about having a big family is that when the next generation starts to arrive, it seems to be one of those exponentially growing things. So I have a new nephew! My brother, Phil, & his wife, Michelle, have definitely been working toward this for a long time so congrats to them both!</span>
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<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Caleb%20Riley/IMG_0194.jpg" />
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<br /><strong>Caleb Riley Thomas</strong>
<br />born: July 26th, 4:41 pm
<br />Weight: 7 lbs 4.4 oz.
<br />Length: 20 inches
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<br />Sadly, I haven't been able to meet him in person yet since they live in another state though it will happen soon. But here's just a few of the hundreds of pictures my besotted brother has taken.
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<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Caleb Riley/6065cb3d.pbw" height="480" width="640">
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<br />Can't wait to come for a visit Little Monkey!CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-30036013116063907732009-07-29T21:23:00.006-05:002009-07-29T21:33:23.527-05:00Scavenger Hunt Week 5 (plus some catch up)I have missed a couple weeks of posting the scavenger hunt assignments - but I was taking the pictures. So I'll give you Week 5 and the extras but then catch you up with the final selections I used for Weeks 3-4.<br /><br />Week 5 assignment was Color - focus on a single color in an artistic way. I chose one from the inside of a slide at a local park - I loved the light, color and shape!<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%205/PinkSlide.jpg" /><br /><br />Here's the ones I debated and didn't use:<br /><embed height="480" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger Hunt Week 5/acab4d32.pbw" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>and the quick catch up on the previous weeks:</em><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Week 4 - People at Work</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%205/Elizabethsawing.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Week 3 - Isolated</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%205/Sailorsig.jpg" />CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-17711108686617442812009-07-26T12:16:00.005-05:002009-07-26T13:29:26.322-05:00Toddler PhotoshootThe process of getting some fun, unique and portrait quality shots of a two-year-old can be traumatic for everyone involved sometimes. So, when my sister-in-law wanted to get some shots of my nephew, Matthew, we decided to find some environments that he would find fun and be encouraged to act more naturally despite having a camera pointed at him all the time.
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<br />A local park in June provided a fantastic background for Stage 1 - we still have some ideas for an indoor shoot that we haven't done yet.
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<br />Out of all the shots, I think this one was my favorite:
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Matthew%20Photoshoot/P5281028.jpg">
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<br />But here is a collection of all the good ones - in my opinion at least.
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<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Matthew Photoshoot/388a53ea.pbw" height="480" width="640">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-19552494359153658672009-07-05T07:38:00.003-05:002009-07-05T07:41:24.694-05:00Summer Scavenger Hunt Week 2This week's theme was Round Things. The fact that it included the 4th of July meant that there were some fun opportunities.
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<br />Here's what I went with:
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%202/BeachBallsig.jpg">
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<br />And like last week, I had some extras that I liked but did not choose:
<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger Hunt Week 2/1bbe9b69.pbw" height="480" width="640">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-45505746407180333402009-06-29T22:25:00.003-05:002009-06-29T22:42:49.916-05:00Summer Scavenger Hunt Week 1I'm in a local photography group that is aimed at just having fun taking pictures and occasionally learning something new or practicing a particular skill. We are a bit scattered around now so we can't all get together for the outtings we plan.
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<br />In order to involve some of those who can't regularly participate, one person suggested a photography scavenger hunt. We loved the idea so we get a new subject each week and take a picture to submit to the group. We just completed Week 1: A Lake.
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<br />This is the picture I took on Saturday evening at a local lake just before a rain storm and the one I chose to submit.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger%20Hunt%20Week%201/amberglow.jpg" />
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<br />and just for the heck of it, these are the extra shots I liked but didn't pick.
<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Scavenger Hunt Week 1/f9eb8be3.pbw" height="480" width="640">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-10774689947898538132009-05-14T23:49:00.003-05:002009-05-15T00:17:35.179-05:00Cecropia Silkmoths live in Minnesota - who knew?A friend of mine has a somewhat unusual hobby - he raises moths and butterflies. He's been doing this for a number of years and just a few days ago, I got to see one of the most unusual members of his winged progeny. He found the caterpillar in a marsh area near our homes actually - which was a surprise to me since I have never seen a moth or butterfly of this size just flying around here.<br /><br />What makes this particular moth unusual is not where it was found or even its type, but how long ago he found it. This beautiful creature spent 21 months in the cacoon before it finally emerged. I was very glad I got a chance to see her since she only has a life span of about 2 weeks once she comes out - which she did a couple weeks too early to find a boy moth in this area.<br /><br />But regardless, she is incredibly beautiful and I hope you like some of these pictures!<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090264.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090297.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090285.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090302.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090308.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090310.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090314.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/cecropia%20moth/P5090267.jpg">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-77105840586543561742009-04-06T12:57:00.015-05:002009-04-06T16:50:41.520-05:00BASEBALL SEASON OPENER!!!!Hard to believe this isn't something I mention more often but I'm a baseball nut.... I gotta tell ya, the combination of being a photography addict and a baseball fan makes for a LOOOOOOT of baseball pictures sitting on my harddrive.
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<br />In honor of the MLB Season Opener (<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>WIN TWINS!</strong></span>), I have decided to post some of my favorite pictures from games over the last few years. First note: I had to sort through literally THOUSANDS of pictures (and took the time to delete similar shots and organize them) to figure out what to post. Second note: amongst it's many other failings, the HHH Metrodome is actually a VERY difficult place to get good action shots due to the lighting. I have spent a lot of time playing with different settings on various days to get them as good as I can. That is something I will continue to learn about but I bet it's a ton easier to get spectacular shots when we are outdoors in Target Field!
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<br />To start things off, here are a couple of my favorite "action shots":
<br />1) Brendan Harris, MI, getting hit by a pitch.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/Ball%20on%20Bat/P9280230.jpg" />
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<br />2) Alexi Casilla, 2B, doing what he does best - seemingly running without ever touching the ground.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/Favorites/P9030688.jpg" />
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<br />3) Nick Blackburn, P, warming up in the bullpen - can't wait to see him start tomorrow's game!
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/Favorites/P6270457.jpg" />
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<br />Here's a slideshow of a collection of more of my favorite pictures in general:
<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/Favorites/0ca4d619.pbw" height="480" width="640">
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<br />4) Jason Kubel, DH, in a moment of bat meeting ball action.
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/Ball%20on%20Bat/P6180290.jpg" />
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<br />here's another slideshow of my best "ball at the plate" moments, including contact, strikes, and fouls:
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<br />I would also like to take a moment to thank a couple friends for providing me with a few shots that I love and would like to share with you.
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<br />This is my first baseball love, Doug Mientkiewicz. <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Picture by Kristie Strum</span></strong>
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/dougie2.jpg" />
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<br />This is one of my current loves - yes, there is more than one - Joe Nathan. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Picture by Corey Sauer</strong></span>
<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/IMG_9749.jpg" />
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<br />Well - it took me too long to raid friends pictures for a Spring Training picture of Crede in a Twins uniform because I just didn't have it in me to post one of him batting in a Chicago jersey. (and I couldn't find my Liriano pictures *sob) That being said, the lineup I was predicting is VERY near what has been posted at the Strib except that I had the order a tiny bit differently - not that you would know but you might have to trust me on this one. Anyway, here is the 2009 Twins Starting Lineup in photos!
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<br /><embed src="http://w8.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baseball/2009 Opening Day Lineup/b8b51f6d.pbw" width="640" height="480" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed>
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<br />And lastly, <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY BERT!!</span></strong>
<br />CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-11142192445859795292009-03-18T16:28:00.003-05:002009-03-19T18:25:24.893-05:00Newborn Potvin PortraitsI had a wonderful opportunity to do some newborn portraits for a couple friends of mine for their St. Patrick's Day baby. She really was very easy to photograph and I think I might have to do some more in a month or two when she's a bit more active and see what we get.<br /><br />Introducing Kiera Ann Potvin:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baby%20Potvin/P3180490cropped.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baby%20Potvin/P3180426.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baby%20Potvin/P3180493.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Baby%20Potvin/P3180489.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>Kiera Ann Potvin</strong><br />March 17, 2009<br />8 lbs 8.5 oz, 20.5 inchesCapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-47204335432415468082009-02-28T12:19:00.009-06:002009-03-07T10:48:45.807-06:002 New Polls!<strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">YOU CAN STILL VOTE!</span></strong><br /><br />Since my house is soon to be under some fairly major renovations, I have begun pondering some decorating ideas to spruce up the places that AREN'T being updated as much. I have decided to take advantage of the horde of pictures on my computer to do some lovely floral groupings in my two bathrooms. But I have SO MANY that I have taken over the years in various places that I want you to help me decide. There are two different bathrooms so two different polls - please vote or there really isn't much point it going to all the code work to put them up!<br /><br /><strong>GUEST BATHROOM</strong><br />My guest bathroom is decorated in lavender and black with brushed nickel accents. I need you to choose three pictures to go in black frames. Here's your choices:<br /><br />1) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4130403.jpg" /><br /><br />2) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4130421.jpg" /><br /><br />3) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4130524.jpg" /><br /><br />4) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4130605.jpg" /><br /><br />5) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4130614.jpg" /><br /><br />6) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4131252.jpg" /><br /><br />7) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4131259.jpg" /><br /><br />8) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P4131281.jpg" /><br /><br />9) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P8010055.jpg" /><br /><br />10) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/guest%20bathroom/P8010267.jpg" /><br /><form action="http://www.yourfreepoll.com/vote.php" method="post"><br /><input type="hidden" value="ddtxkmyn" name="poll_id"><br /><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma" width="576" align="center" border="1"><br /><tbody><tr><th align="middle">Which three should be grouped together for the guest bathroom?</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote1"> Hydrangea closeup</td></tr><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote2"> Hydrangea & Viola</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote3"> Hydrangea & Hybiscus</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote4"> Single Freesia</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote5"> Freesia group</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote6"> Pansy group</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote7"> Single Pansy</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote8"> Hydrangea budding</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote9"> Allium</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote10"> Water Lily</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="middle"><input type="submit" value=" Vote ! "></td></tr><br /><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma" align="middle"><a href="http://www.yourfreepoll.com/ddtxkmynsr.html">See Results</a></td><br /></tr></tbody></table><br /></form><br /><br /><br /><strong>"MASTER BATHROOM"</strong><br />I joke about the "master" part since this bathroom is only about half the size of the guest bathroom. It's decorated in deep green and yellow with beige accents. Again, I'm going to be grouping three shots together in natural birchwood frames. Here's your choices:<br /><br />1) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P4130285.jpg" /><br /><br />2) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P4130488.jpg" /><br /><br />3) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P4130518.jpg" /><br /><br />4) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P4130715.jpg" /><br /><br />5) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P4130723.jpg" /><br /><br />6) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P4131223.jpg" /><br /><br />7) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P5090160.jpg" /><br /><br />8) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P5090183.jpg" /><br /><br />9) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P5190535.jpg" /><br /><br />10) <img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/photo%20poll%20pics/master%20bathroom/P9300862.jpg" /><br /><form action="http://www.yourfreepoll.com/vote.php" method="post"><br /><input type="hidden" value="epalfmzl" name="poll_id"><br /><table style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma" width="584" align="center" border="1"><br /><tbody><tr><th align="middle">Which three should be grouped together for the master bathroom?</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote1"> Fern</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote2"> Primrose</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote3"> Yellow Pansy</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote4"> Pitcher Plant</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote5"> Orchid</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote6"> Old Garden Rose</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote7"> Hostas</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote8"> Dandelion</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote9"> Tea Rose</td></tr><br /><tr><td><input type="checkbox" name="vote10"> Fallen Leaves</td></tr><br /><tr><td align="middle"><input type="submit" value=" Vote ! "></td></tr><br /><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma" align="middle"><a href="http://www.yourfreepoll.com/epalfmzlsr.html">See Results</a></td><br /></tr></tbody></table><br /></form><br /><br /><br />Thanks so much for your help!!CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-3888400583938507612009-01-28T23:03:00.007-06:002009-01-29T14:08:01.440-06:00Blogging is for the Birds!Yeah, I know, it's been forever since I put anything up. So, to make it up to you, there is a LOT of stuff in this one. I have been collecting this particular group of pictures for awhile - it's not any one occasion. One of the most entertaining way for me to test out my skills on the BIG lens is birdwatching. Now, if any of you have tried to catch birds on an 800mm or equivelant lens with no tripod, you know that it is tough to get good shots until you have practiced a lot. <br /><br />Lucky for me, I have had many many opportunities to practice including several lovely visitors that share my deck with me. Several years in a row now, I have had a pair of Mourning Doves (and likely a pair of progeny) nesting in hanging planters on my deck. This is a fun little series that I got once this pair got used to me.<br /><br />This is the pair:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/dove1couple.jpg"><br /><br />This is mommy on the nest - took me awhile to figure out how to tell the difference between males and females:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/dove2momma.jpg"><br /><br />This is daddy showing the eggs - turns out Doves share the job of sitting and he's got a distinctive scar so he's easy to spot:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/dove3daddy.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/dove4daddy2.jpg"><br /><br />Finally, here's a pic of the babies!<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/dove5babies.jpg"><br /><br /><br />In another incident of sheer luck, I had my lens ready while hiking the coast in Oregon and caught this Bald Eagle just playing around. He wasn't exactly close so I wouldn't have had a chance without the big lens BUT I still can't believe I got any good shots at all.<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/eagleedit1.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/eagleedit2.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/eagleedit3.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Ok, back to the deck visitors. I love to watch my birdfeeder but only the very bravest of the birds will come to the feeder while I'm out on the deck because of confined space. So you will notice that these pictures are partially diffused by the screen door between us since I took these pictures from my livingroom.<br /><br />This is a gold finch and a house finch sharing a ledge:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/FinchDuo1.jpg"><br /><br />I managed to catch the gold finch flying off:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/FinchDuo2.jpg"><br /><br />and the house finch all on his own:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/FinchHouse.jpg"><br /><br />I also was amused to catch what appears to be a red-cockaded woodpecker (had to do a little research to come up with that) adding "texture" to the side of the house:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/woodpeckerwall.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Last summer, I was visiting some friends who live just outside Rochester, MN and have great set up for attracting birds of many varieties. I spent quite awhile early one morning just watching to see who would show up as the sun was coming up. I apologize that they seem a little grainier than I would like since it was max zoom in most cases and pretty dim early morning light.<br /><br />The first to show were the rose breasted grosbeaks:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/grossbeakedit.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/grossbeakedit2.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/grossbeakedit3.jpg"><br /><br />then there was a VERY shy blue jay which is a vastly different attitude from the brazen guys who live by me:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/Jay.jpg"><br /><br />My patience was rewarded by seeing a pair of baltimore orioles finally come out into the open since I had been hearing them for two days without a sighting:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/orioledaddy.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/oriolemama.jpg"><br /><br />Lastly, I got the chance to follow a very cute downy woodpecker:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/woodpeckerbig.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/woodpeckersmall.jpg"><br /><br /><br />This last grouping are just pictures I caught during various walks around my neighborhood.<br /><br />A female cardinal hiding in the fall trees:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/naturecardinal.jpg"><br /><br />An egret fishing along the edge of a pond:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/natureegret.jpg"><br /><br />A pair of gold finches flirting back and forth in the water grasses:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/naturefinch.jpg"><br /><br />A fledgling sparrow feeling his first pangs of separation anxiety:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/naturesparrow.jpg"><br /><br />and lastly, a beautiful woodduck:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/birdies/naturewoodduck.jpg">CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-73000193635377123722008-10-21T20:46:00.003-05:002008-10-21T21:22:38.765-05:00Autumn GloryMy mom, my sister-in-law, Kathy, and my nephew, Matthew all made a little trip to the MN Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. It's really one of my favorite places. And we really couldn't have picked a better time either - it was peak color here in the Twin Cities area.<br /><br />Here's the fam!<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/benchtrio.jpg"><br /><br />and one of the cutest nephews on the planet:<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/Matthewfieldportrait.jpg"><br /><br />and here are some of my favorite pics from the outting.<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/flowerbarn.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/pinkleaves.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/greenheronpondcloseup.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/redtree.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/stonebench.jpg"><br /><br />and the last couple are extra special - it's of a sculpture by Paul Granlund, who I became a huge fan of during college. He has a very distinctive style and you can always recognize a Granlund.<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/statueprofile.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/statue.jpg"><br /><br />If you want to check out the rest of the pictures from the day - and there are really some lovely colors in there - click the picture below and enter the password "autumn".<br /><br /><div style="border-right: 2px solid #999999; border-bottom: 2px solid #999999; width: 670px;"><div style="border-right: 2px solid #666666; border-bottom: 2px solid #666666; margin-right: 1px;"><div style="border: 1px solid #333333; margin-right: 1px; text-align: center; padding: 5px 10px 10px 10px; background-color: #FFFFFF;"><div style="margin-bottom: 2px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;">Photobucket Album</div><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/MN%20Landscape%20Arboretum/barnlandscape.jpg"></a></div></div></div>CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-9935427728344569792008-10-18T11:25:00.003-05:002008-10-18T11:37:48.944-05:00Senior YearOk, my brother Nathan is a senior so, per the issue that professional photographers are freaking expensive, as with a couple brothers before him, his sucker sister takes him out for a photoshoot!<br /><br />I was surprised with him and myself and really liked some of the shots we got. I think my favorites and his favorites will be different but that's the point of having a bunch of options isn't it? So here are some of MY favorites - he can post his own.<br /><br />The first two are at Rice Creek Regional Trail where he trains for Nordic Skiing:<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Nathans%20Senior%20Pics/Nathanbridgelaidback.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Nathans%20Senior%20Pics/Nathanonpathcropped.jpg"><br /><br />This next one is at North Heights Lutheran Church where he attends:<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Nathans%20Senior%20Pics/Nathanflowercloseup.jpg"><br /><br />and finally - these last two are included just for interests sake. The first one because it is just freaky because it looks like a picture of his brother, Paul, instead of like him and the second one just because we both thought it was a cool "story picture" about graduation in itself and the road of life in front of him with no idea where it ends.<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Nathans%20Senior%20Pics/NathanPaul.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Nathans%20Senior%20Pics/Nathanroad.jpg"><br /><br />If you want to look at the rest of the pictures in the album, click on the picture below and type in the password "Nathan" and you can see the 20 best shots we got.<br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #999999 2px solid; WIDTH: 670px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #999999 2px solid"><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 2px solid"><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #333333 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; BORDER-TOP: #333333 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 10px; BORDER-LEFT: #333333 1px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #333333 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Photobucket Album</div><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Nathans%20Senior%20Pics/"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Nathans%20Senior%20Pics/Nathanbench.jpg" /></a></div></div></div>CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-43248216583734157792008-09-19T15:36:00.007-05:002008-09-19T16:03:22.805-05:00New Arrival!This has been a VERY long week but I'm sure glad that it is coming to an end in such a dramatic fashion. Last night, Sept. 18, 2008, Camden Lee Thomas finally came into the world after his poor mom worked at it since TUESDAY!!<br /><br />My brother Joe and his girlfriend, Amanda, are the proud parents of the 4th grandchild on our side and the first on hers. Yes, big surprise, yet another Thomas boy.... a little on the predictable side. But we kind of like him anyway, just saying.<br /><br />Here he is:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Camden%20Lee/P9180227.jpg" /><br />Camden Lee Thomas <div>son of Joe Thomas & Amanda Dusterhoft</div><div>9-18-08, 6:24 pm<br />7 lbs 4 oz, 20 inches long<br /><br />Mom & Daddy are pretty excited if a little tired after all that work. Here's his first visit with mommy:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Camden%20Lee/P9180145.jpg" /><br /><br />Daddy is a little giddy cause he's talking to his boy (keep in mind, by this time, we were ALL pretty loopy):<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Camden%20Lee/P9180242.jpg" /><br /><br />and maybe my favorite picture from the night - Daddy just mesmerized by the little boy in the warmer:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Camden%20Lee/P9180196.jpg" /><br /><br />final closing shot of the youngest Thomas:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Camden%20Lee/P9180158.jpg" /></div><br /><br />so.. everyone is happy and healthy and resting up a little bit before they come home this weekend. <br /><br />Good Times.CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-25348463468944215272008-08-02T22:29:00.004-05:002008-08-06T16:36:09.708-05:00Summer at Como<span style="color:#cc0000;">With Guest Photographer Benjamin Thomas</span><br /><br />It has been FOREVER since I posted!!!! I have been taking lots of pictures but .. honestly, this has just fallen to too low a priority to take the time to get everything uploaded. So, I have a serious backlog of stuff to share. But I'll start with the most recent.<br /><br />So my mother and I took my youngest brother, Ben, over to the Butterfly exhibit at Como Conservatory and man, was that a great photographic challenge! Both Ben and I got some really beautiful pictures, both of the butterflies and of some of the conservatory flowers as well - just because we can never resist.<br /><br />This one is probably one of my favorite pics of the day:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010113.jpg" /><br /><br />But this one also has it's own charm:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010144.jpg" /><br /><br />Ben got this shot that just blew me away:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/photobyBen8.jpg" /><br /><br />The next group needs a bit of explanation. There was one particular kind of butterfly there called a Blue Morpho. They proved to be EXCEEDINGLY elusive to capture on camera. They really wouldn't settle down anywhere and they had very quick and erratic light paths. Both Ben and I spent more than an hour trying to find and/or chase a few down. We managed to get a few weaker shots but because the challenge was so immense, we are still pretty proud that we have anything to show for all the effort.<br /><br />We saw a LOT of this in there but catching it on camera was a sheer miracle:<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010198.jpg" /><br /><br />of course, now THIS picture is a zoomed in one that shows why it was so hard to see them sitting anywhere - turns out I have several pics of them just sitting on flowers but we didn't know it was THEM because the underside of the wing is so different!<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010265b.jpg" /><br /><br />We also had a lot of fun because butterflies don't care about landing on people so we'd been there about 10 seconds when one landed on my mom's back. Of course, she didn't even know which kind until she saw the pictures at home. But after a few minutes, one picked up on Ben's camera as a place that looked interesting.<br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010100.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010107.jpg" /><br /><br />and then when I decided in the pursuit of the Blue Morpho that I was going to set up shop on a bench and try to wait for one to come to me, I made a friend.<br /><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010233.jpg" /><br /><br />So we all got picked by a different flutterby type and had our fun. There are a lot more fun pics in the album if you click on the picture below and type in the password "conservatory".<br /><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #999999 2px solid; WIDTH: 670px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #999999 2px solid"><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 2px solid"><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #333333 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; BORDER-TOP: #333333 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 10px; BORDER-LEFT: #333333 1px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #333333 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Photobucket Album</div><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/Butterfly%20Exhibit/P8010086.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><br /><p>In addition to the butterflies, we also had to go get more flower pics because neither of us can walk by a blossom without aiming that camera. This is my best shot I think:</p><p><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/2008/Summer%20Flowers/P8010281.jpg" /></p><p>But Ben really nabbed a great one here:</p><p><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/2008/Summer%20Flowers/photobyBen5.jpg" /></p><p>if you want to see an album of a bunch we got, here's another picture link and you can use the same password from above:</p><p><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/2008/Summer%20Flowers/" target="_blank"><img alt="CapitalBabs/Como/2008/Summer Flowers" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/2008/Summer%20Flowers/P8010046.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38913930.post-69952626064487238712008-04-21T17:41:00.005-05:002008-08-06T16:36:31.557-05:00Springing up at Como ConservatoryIt's been a bit since I was able to just go out and take some pictures - sadly, I kind of overdid it when I finally got the opportunity. Some friends and I went to the Como Park Conservatory on the morning of April 13th. Three hours later I left having taken nearly 1200 frames. That makes for a LOT of sorting and editing. I'm quite happy to say that I have it down to a much more reasonable number, although still a lot of them. But nothing made it feel like spring like spending some time wiht a bunch of gorgeous flowers and coming out to beautiful sunshine.<br /><br />To see the shots that remain, click on the album photo and enter the password "conservatory". For the best view, I recommend clicking on Slideshow.<br /><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #999999 2px solid; WIDTH: 670px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #999999 2px solid"><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 2px solid"><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #333333 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; BORDER-TOP: #333333 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 10px; BORDER-LEFT: #333333 1px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1px; PADDING-TOP: 5px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #333333 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">Photobucket Album</div><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/2008/"><a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/2008/?action=view&current=0a591ba9.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/CapitalBabs/Como/2008/0a591ba9.jpg" border="0" /></a></a></div></div></div>CapitalBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970350760250168065noreply@blogger.com0