Friday, December 3, 2010

(Day 337) 'T is the season

On my way home from my photo shoot by the pond last night, I drove through the neighbourhood briefly to see who had put a lot of effort into their outdoor Christmas decorations. I didn't have far to go. This evening after our regularly-scheduled after dinner walk, Sasha and I set out again with tripod and camera to get a few shots. The 'winning' home was on a fairly busy corner and a lot of cars slowed down as they passed by. I wasn't sure whether they were slowing down to see the scene or to look at someone standing behind a camera on a tripod with a white, very furry dog lying beside him. I have to admit that it's the first time I've seen palm trees festooned with Christmas lights, but 't is the season, even here.

(both shots made with a 18-55mm lens at f8, ISO200 and shutter speeds of 1 and 1.3 seconds)

click on photo to enlarge

21 comments:

Michelle said...

That is a lot of work. But, I have to admit that I am a sucker for a lighted palm tree. Maybe it's because I don't see them much.

Scott Law said...

You mean they even have Christmas in Florida . . well shut my mouth. That is quite the decoration, and I'll be he didn't have to try to put it up while slipping and sliding around in the snow.

Katherine said...

Well that would have taken a while to set up & just imagine the electric bill by Christmas' close! I do love this time of the year .. all the merriment, music & Christmas lights. Thanks for sharing these with us Rick! Lovely!

darlin said...

Wow, I've never seen a decorated palm tree but as you said "tis the season", I love it!

Unknown said...

Do they have their own Power-Plant? :-D :-D :-D
As long as they like it, Why not?
"It is the season" as the poet said . . . :-)

Greetz,


Joseph

Soraia said...

Christmas! :D

Cat said...

Wow...I'm always amazed at the time and effort some put into decorating their homes! Merry, merry!

marty said...

je crois que c'est toi que les gens regardaient !
ils t'ont pris pour le père Noël !!
je ne peux pas imaginer des décorations de Noël sur des palmiers, là où il fait chaud !! non
sur des sapins et dans la neige !!! yes !
c'est pour que tu n'oublies pas que c'est bientôt Noël au Canada !
bisous dear Rick ! une caresse à Sasha !

Dawn said...

Oh WOW.
Okay...they must have gone all out with their decorating to make up for lack of snow.
Do you think?
I love palm trees...have never seen a lighted one. Seems a little out of place;)
But I would go for it...if it meant I didn't have to shovel:))

Teté M. Jorge said...

Ah... how beautiful! Christmas is a celebration so adorned...

I loved the pictures of your other posts. You have a knack of telling and portraying your day to day.

Good weekend, honey, with much love, joy and beijos doces. :)

Sarah said...

Your photos are amazing!

Delighted to meet you. Hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. No worries, if I make a mess I'll make sure to clean up.

Splashin'
Sarah

Rick said...

LOL Farmchick - guess that's what caught my eye too - palm trees lit up by Christmas lights - don't see ANY of those back home ;-)

Ha ha Scott - yep, I did expect them to celebrate Christmas here but it was a novelty seeing palm trees decorated. And no snow for me to slip in either while getting a shot !

I guess they figure it's worth the cost Katherine - at least I did (but I'm not paying the bill ;-) Thanks Katherine.

Thanks Darlene - a first for both of us.

Rick said...

LOL Joseph - I'm not sure if palms qualify as 'power plants' ;-)

Soraia - natal feliz !

Me too Cat - I like to look but not put too many up myself.

Marty - I think the decorations would draw the looks ;-) It did seem a little strange - Christmas decorations sans neige ! Sasha and I send many warm bisous !

Rick said...

Ha ha Dawn - that's why I had to make some shots - Christmas lights on palms, no snow, not cold - weird ! I'll get to see the lights in snow and all soon enough.

teca - agradeça-o tanto. Eu desejo-o um fim de semana maravilhoso meu amigo bom. Os lotes de abraços e beija! (I hope this translated ok)

Sarah - thank you so much for dropping by and leaving a nice comment (I didn't find a mess ;-) I've been by your blog and will need to stop by again. Have a blessed Sunday !

Teté M. Jorge said...

Ahahahaha

You're lovely... don't worry about the translation, I could understand what you meant.

Have a great Sunday, honey!

Many beijos and a warm hug.

With love.

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I love the Christmas spirit and the way you have captured it! I still think it IS weird to not have a "white Christmas".

Unknown said...

The do, they do . . . Dates are full of carbs . . . LOL :-D

Greetz,

Joseph

Julia said...

That's quite the lights show!!

Rick said...

teca - thank you for deciphering the translation ;-) I hope your Sunday was wonderful ! Beijos for you !

Thank you Kyria - I feel the same way.

Joseph - LOL ;-)

Thank you Julia ! I'll bet yours look wonderful too !

What Karen Sees said...

Wow, that really is a light display! Growing up in California, I'm used to seeing palm trees adorned with lights, but I still prefer pine trees for Christmas! Thanks, Rick, for posting this on my blog!

Rick said...

My pleasure Karen - nice idea to have that on your blog ! Somehow I haven't gotten used to seeing Christmas lights on palm trees yet - but I AM adjusting ;-)