Spring

Spring in the meadow

A Prayer in Spring Robert Frost (1915) Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year. Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white, Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night; And make us happy in the happy bees, The swarm dilating round the perfect trees. And make us happy in the darting bird That suddenly above the bees is heard, The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill, And off a blossom in mid air stands still. For this is love and nothing else is love, The which it is reserved for God above To sanctify to what far ends He will, But which it only needs that we fulfil.

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Simpson Hotel – Mt. Dora, FL

Simpson Hotel, Mt. Dora, FL

Drunk on the Kool-Aide

OK, I admit it.  My name is Paul, and I’m an HDR-aholic!  There!  I said it.  I’ve been sloppy drunk on HDR lately – I can’t seem to stop myself.  I know it may be a bit over-the-top.  In some ways it really grabs you and is easy on the eyes.  In other ways — well, it’s a bit much.  I’ll be doing this for awhile if you want to leave and come back in a couple of weeks.  If you think it looks OK, then hang around.

I was in Orlando yesterday at a meeting at the Citrus Club (la-de-da).  Terrible meeting, but I took some photos from the top floor where the dining area is.  I’ve always loved emeralds and sapphires – and that’s what I was trying for with these two buildings.

Emeralds and Sapphires

I took this next one a year ago in Altamonte Springs at Cranes Roost Park.  Its the tower of … @*  ?  I dunno what the tower is supposed to be for or what it represents.  Its just this faux, artsy-fartsy tower here in Central Florida.

Artsy-Fartsy Tower at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, FL

Arches and Light

Arches and Light

Beached

Along the very south end of Daytona Beach (Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet) you can find some lovely homes sitting atop the dunes – barrier dunes protecting the shoreline and the turtle nests.  Some think the houses intrude on the natural land and seascape – they may, but I guess we get used to what we see.

Our toys are kept close to the dunes so they don’t get caught in the surf and end out at sea, riderless.  The lighthouse is right in back of me.

This is one of my shots from August 8, 2008 (08-08-08) – a grand summer day in Florida.

Extending photographic techniques

I found some excellent tutorials on HDR (High Definition Range) photography and I used them on some of my favorite photos.  I’m reposting – I hope you can see the difference and that it’s pleasing.

From the dunes on Anna Maria Island

Late autumn in Central Florida

Happy Birthday – Sadie!

This is Sadie, my Rough Collie – probably the sweetest most affectionate dog you’ll ever find.  And today she is eight years old (Born on 1-17-2002 in New Smyrna Beach, FL).  Yesterday was her annual visit to the vet, and except for a bit of an eye problem, she’s doing extremely well.  According to the chart that was on the wall in the vet’s office, she’s about 51 in dog years, but she hasn’t slowed down at all.  She’s got lots of spunk and looks forward to playing Frisbee (with a flippy-flopper) a couple of times a day.  She gets plenty of exercise.  Today she’s get a cup of “Frosty Paws” for desert (doggie ice cream).

Sadie’s got a real herding instinct – or this lady loves to boss the horses around!

Who couldn’t love a face like this??

Something about boats and sailing

While on Anna Maria, I ran across this yacht dealer and looked over some of his offering.  This, I guarantee you was just a fantasy adventure.

Many to pick from —

Would have made a lovely sail —

Adeline would suit me well, I’m sure!!  A beautiful sailing vessel.

This love knot would have you in pain very soon!  I couldn’t believe it was still afloat.

And there’s something nice about a power boat too.  Sure looks nice, eh?

I didn’t buy – I’m sure I’ll sleep well.

Atrium

From the atrium of the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Children in Orlando, FL

 

Atrium

My Work digs

 

My corner of the world - at work

Golf course calendar on the wall – contracts and new employee requisition on the desk/left – contact list – headset for conference calls – phone (voice terminal) – photo of me and the MRS in Curacao – my new 22 in flat screen monitor (cool! just got it – thanks boss!) – Moroccan rug mouse pad – pic of my first grandson Andrew – assorted crap on the cube walls – bottle of ink – Elmer’s glue | sometimes I need things to stick – bottle of Zephyrhills spring water – empty Dr. Pepper can – more files and contracts – pads of paper with notes from important meetings – a real adding machine for when I need to add things up – antibacterial cleanser for all visible/touchable work surfaces|swine flu you know – files with signatures because I make everyone sign everything!!!

Now – I know where everything is in this work area.  Move anything and you’re dead!  No wives allowed!!!