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Shopping for fun and birthday gifts
I bought some books at a mom to mom sale today. Kennady was thrilled as there were some Barbie books in there for her. She tried to get me to buy some more baby dolls, but I couldn't justify that much for some used doll, when I could get them in the store brand new for a few dollars more. While at this sale, I found a couple of sweat shirts, so it was a good day. We then went for lunch and had a picnic at the park, and then let the kids run and play until we had to go pick up the other kids from school.
On the way home we stopped at the dollar store so I could get some birthday cards and what nots. I need to get a gift for my father in law, and hoping that this Tiger Woods game for the Wii will be ok. He has been sick since April, with a nice 34 day stay in the hospital, so not sure if he has his strength or energy back yet to play this game. I have been wanting to get it for him for some time now. I have some baking to do as well, to add to some of the other gifts I have for a few people. I am still trying to decide if I am going to make him his lemon meringue pie or not.
Tuesday’s at the Table
I just found this meme and decided to participate in it. I am always looking for new recipes and what better place to find some than at a fun meme. If you want to join in then head on over to here to link up! Happy Tuesday!
4#'s sweet potatoes (about 8 med), peeled and cut into 1 1/2 chunks
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4 TBSP butter
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 slivered almonds (opt)
marshmellows
Preheat oven to 425. Grease a 9 x 13 glass or ceramic baking dish.
Place potatoes in prepared dish; cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a 1 quart sausepan, combing brown sugar, butter and salt. cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a simmer. Simmer 1 minute. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla. Keep warm.
Remove baking dish from oven. Spoon brown sugar mixture evenly over potatoes and stir to coat. Bake, uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes longer, or until potatoes are tender and glazed, basting with juices in pan halfway through baking. The last 5 minutes or so you can add marshmellows if wanted.
Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with pepper and if you like the almonds.
Sunrises and Sunsets tips
I have only taken pictures of sunsets, but will have to try to capture a sunrise here one of these days!
Place the horizon off center
* Don't put the horizon in the middle of the frame.
* Place the horizon in the bottom third of the frame, and let the sky dominate the scene.
* Lower your horizon line and showcase the changing colors of the sky.
Fight the flare
At sunrise and sunset, the sun is in a near–camera–level position, which can cause sun flare. You can avoid or minimize flare by using:
* Your hand to block the sun.
* A stiff-brimmed hat, which gives more coverage than your hand.
* Natural elements, like a tree, give you a spot of shade to place the camera.
* A lens hood accessory for your camera.
Include a silhouette
Add some depth and perspective to your photos. Turn off your camera's flash option and add a silhouette in the foreground, such as:
* A person or people
* Rock pinnacles
* Looming mountains
* Cacti, trees or shrubs
* Animals
* Sailboats or other watercraft
Take your time
Start early:
* Take a few test shots to determine which camera settings you like best.
* Claim the best location for the show.
* Set up your tripod and equipment.
* Spot animals and add their silhouettes to your pictures.
Stay late:
* The color of the sky changes minute–by–minute.
* If your camera has a timed exposure mode, put your camera on a tripod, do a test shot to get the shot you want, then set the timer to take a picture every 30 seconds, or minutes until the sun goes up⁄down.
What to do?
I am thinking about going back to school, but not sure what I want to do. I have thought about going to a cosmetology school, but not sure there is money to be made in doing hair. I could go back to school in the medical field, as I think this is where I could make some decent money. Or do I want to take some photography classes to learn more about one of my favorite hobbies? I have been browsing online courses to see if there is anything out there I want to do and came across a BA in fire service administration. Never really thought about having to go to school to be a fire person. I guess it does make sense, you need a degree in just about everything these days. There are so many things you need to be informed on with fire safety. You can get some training in any public safety area through this school. They have Organizational Leadership courses, to help you excel in your leadership role at any job. I now have some decision making to do. What do I want to do with the rest of my life? Do I go back to school, to get a better job, or just keep doing what I am doing and hope for the best in this economy we are in? What to do?
Mosaic fun
Had fun shooting these kiddos! The graffti wall we found is really cool! We are now on the hunt for more walls like this!
