MIA ?

Yes, I have been away from blogland since last year. But I haven't been focused (ouch) on just relaxin'. I've also been doing lots of R&R, as in research and reviewing. And I'm happy to announce that as a result, I'm expecting a new arrival shortly. And you'll have to bear with me, 'cause I expect I'll be doing lots more learnin' as I get better acquainted with her once she's here.

Now with all the traveling and visiting over the Christmas/New Year season there wasn't much opportunity to share some of the (photographic) fun I had prior. Let me share a few shots I made at the local Coconut Festival a month ago.

And whether you're Irish or not, here's a blessing for you for the new year just begun:

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart.
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

(Day 358) A new day

On the day of Christmas Eve we had an opportunity to take a quiet walk. We were surrounded by snow and ice and water, and thirty yards away hundreds and hundreds of Canada geese congregated near areas of open water. There was no one else within sight or within earshot. There was no strife in our little local patch of the creation. It felt like a brand new day. Maybe this is what things looked like when God first looked out on his creation and said that it was good.

And the coming of Jesus, which we celebrate tomorrow, signified the beginning of the restoration of his creation and all that is in it. May you experience a brand new day in your life as you celebrate Christmas.

(10-22mm  f13.0  1/320 sec  ISO320)

(Day 283) You say it's your birthday !

Just as seasons mark points throughout the year, so do birthdays mark milestones in our lives. Today we celebrated the 6th (!) birthday of our oldest granddaughter, Hailey. Now, it's not quite her birthday yet - that's Oct. 18 - but since we were all together for Thanksgiving and most of the family lives a 4-hour drive away, what better time to do it. It's a milestone for her because it marks the first year of her 'formal' education - although she's been receiving an 'education' virtually since the day she was born.

We celebrated with what most of us probably still appreciate - family, balloons, and a chocolate cake, and of course, the presents came nicely wrapped, some in pretty fancy paper !

And for any of you that have had enough birthdays, this should bring back some memories. Enjoy.

(60mm  f4.5  1/13 sec  ISO800)

Now I've been a follower of Scott's photo blog for some time and I really enjoy his Sunset Sunday theme. Tonight, as 2 of our daughters were getting ready to head out on the journey back to their home, I managed to capture this sunset.

(18-55mm  f8  1/800 sec  ISO200)

Happy New Year !

Many people are no doubt thinking about ringing in the new year tonight. Here's wishing everyone a good and safe celebration, and all the best for 2010. If you're making resolutions, work on them one day at a time - it's a lot easier than thinking of keeping them for an entire year!

And since I've been having fun with taking daily pictures to post to my blog, I'm resolving to keep it up for 365 days (does the 2-week trial period count ?).