I had a wonderful time

It was a nice weekend and even a nice Monday around here. Over the weekend I got to see a granddaughter graduate from preschool. The cutest thing was that the ceremony was at a local community college. She told everyone she was graduating from college. We all had pizza and chocolate cake to celebrate.

I came home on Sunday to an order in my Artfire shop for this headband.

I took the envelope to the Post Office this morning to send the headband on its way to Vermont. On the way home I saw buffalo grazing along the road not far from where I live.

As I was getting some lunch I looked out the window and saw some elk. You can see in this picture that new antlers are growing and covered in velvet. Sorry about getting the south end of the animals but they are a bit fussy about posing for the camera.

I hope your weekends were just as nice and this is the start of a great week for you all as well.

Another Year

Joslyn, also known as Posie in our family, had a birthday over the weekend. She is becoming quite the little lady and one who tells you exactly what is on her mind. She pulls no punches and lets you know on a phone call "I'm done talking to you now." She puts the phone down and is on to something else.

Happy Birthday and many, oh so many, more.

With love from Grandma.

Last Week

Last week I had the pleasure of spending some time with two of my grandkids. They got to visit here while my daughter spent some time with my mom during her recovery from a broken ankle. By the way the cast came off yesterday and she seems to be doing well so far. That is good news.

Being down here in the heat one of the best ways to entertain them was with a pool in the back yard. They used it in the mornings and again in the late afternoon. Midday when the sun is high and sunburns and heat are a problem we retreated inside for lunch, naps, movies or wii games. Nothing real exciting but just spending time together. I know I enjoyed it and I think they did too.
Of course the child with the hose always has the most fun. You can tell by Joslyn's face when Hunter had a turn and sprayed her! Does he look a bit like a guilty big brother or what?

First of the Travel Pictures

These pictures are of my daughter Cindy's children. We stayed in a trailer behind their house during our visit to Utah. It was like having our own little apartment. The kids slept in it with us one night so mom and dad could take a short anniversary trip to Wendover. These guys are a lot of fun to be with and I enjoyed every minute with them. Hunter (running in the red plaid shirt) is 4 years old and in preschool. He seems to enjoy school and comes home from it with something new learned every time. Joslyn (aka Posie) is amazing. When we chat on a web cam set up she seems to really know she is communicating with the picture on the screen. For 17 months old I think that is pretty good.

Until Later,
Cozy

Camera Struggles

I really like the pictures I took here when my daughter and her family came for a visit. The kids were outside enjoying a morning rain here in Apache Junction. The picture of Joslyn and her Dad I think is charming. It wasn't posed and they aren't looking at the camera. They are watching Hunter catch raindrops. They are very comfortable together and you can sure tell they are related.

Hunter was having a great time catching raindrops. I am glad the camera caught the splash so you know what he is doing.

I think a lot the process is - first be there with camera and second take a lot of pictures. That way you will be sure to catch some great ones.

I am still struggling with photography so I am not sure I have much in the way of useful tips to share for this carnival. Some days I take pictures and am proud and on other days the shots I have taken all get deleted. I think people are easier than products. After all, for me how many ways can a scarf or headband pose? I want good shots that will sell and I know the best way to get there is to practice, practice, and then practice some more. I guess I should be glad that my practicing doesn't include film developing costs.

I have a lot to learn about photography and will keep trying.I am leaving you with the Etsy Minis of 2 of the photographers I admire the most on Etsy. Clicking on a picture or their name will take you to their shops to experience more of their work.

Grandkids

I have no idea who said it first but "If I had known being a grandparent was so much fun I would have done it first". So true.

These guys brought their parents for a visit a couple weeks ago and got to stay for about a week. The picture shows them enjoying a morning rain. I don't know how anyone could make it through a Phoenix summer without the monsoon rains. I sure enjoyed having them here. We just did simple things spending time together. We took a dinner cruise on Canyon Lake, went to an old mining town and took a drive up to Roosevelt Dam, down to Miami and the back to Apache Junction.

Today another grandchild is arriving for a one week visit. She will be here this evening and I don't know who is more excited her, Grandpa, me or the dog. I am looking forward to lots of card games, book sharing and shopping. I'll try to keep up with adding pictures as the week goes by.