Time to Hit the Road?
•April 11, 2017 • Leave a CommentLately I have been having the urge to hit the open road. Every time I get near the Interstate I think how easy would it be to just hop on and go….One day im going to..
But the almost empty roads remind md ov the walking dead. Now tho these highways are filled with drivers.
Finally Blue Skies
•April 6, 2017 • Leave a CommentAfter days and days of dreary skies and rainy weather we finally got a break…Hello Sunshine, welcome back!
Roads Less Travelled
•October 17, 2016 • Leave a CommentTwo roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
~Robert Frost
Crops Are In
•October 15, 2016 • Leave a CommentGo anywhere out in the country these days and farmers are either out in the fields or the crops are already in. One of my favorite things about fall is the Harvest…
Beautiful Weekend in the Country
•July 11, 2016 • Leave a CommentHad a chance to spend a couple of days in the country. The weather was almost perfect, not to humid, decent temps and a great location, couldn’t ask for a better….
Good Day for a Drive
•June 30, 2016 • Leave a CommentThe heat had finally let up some and the weather was gorgeous so I figured it was a good day to head to the country.
I Am Loving The Fall
•October 7, 2015 • 4 CommentsSpring and Fall are my seasons, the temps are generally mild, the weather is usually gorgeous. It’s a time of transitions as we move from the heat and humidity of summer to the dry mild temps of fall. Not to mention the gorgeous colors we are blessed with. Atleast for those of us that are lucky enough to see the colors change.
Every fall I spend alot of time in the country and at different lakes. I think I could be happy with a cabin in the woods where I could wake up looking out over a lake. Sometimes it’s hard to leave the country, but I know I will return, maybe the next day to see what else has changed.
The colors only last a short time but I wake up happy and excited to see them and enjoy more of the mild temps before it turns cold. I of course enjoy being able to photograph the season as it changes. Which I did this morning, I found myself at the lake wandering around, seeing what I could. I think most of the time is spent daydreaming and letting my mind wander where it will. But enjoy the photos, I enjoyed taking them…
Which One is Better?
•October 5, 2015 • 8 CommentsSometimes a photo just really catches my eye and for some reason I just love this photograph. It’s not perfect, i’m sure it can be picked apart, but I still love it. I like it in color but I like it just as much in black and white. What do you think? Comments are always welcome!
Around Des Moines, Iowa Part 2
•October 5, 2015 • 1 CommentContinued from my walk around downtown. It was actually an interesting walk, especially when you walk down a street and find something you didn’t know was there or something you had been looking for and finally found.
Around Des Moines-Part 1
•October 4, 2015 • 2 CommentsWas dark and dreary all morning but I had already decided yesterday I was going to go somewhere and do photos. My original plan was to go see the covered bridges but figured wouldn’t be a good morning for that so I headed downtown. Some of the streets were closed off due to a building being demolished so there was alot of people out and about. Overall it was a good morning but not the best sky, I think I managed to get a few good shots.
One of Those Days………..AGAIN!
•October 2, 2015 • Leave a Comment
Every once in awhile, say every other day, I have one of those days. Atleast it seems like I do. You wake up and think it’s a beautiful morning, your in a good mood so you get up, then Boom, you smash your toe into the nightstand. Now i know we have all done this a time or two. For me, it’s all the time.
So i’m thinking ok, it hurts, like ALOT. No biggie, cuss, ignore it, do what ya have to and get over it. Sounds easy and it pretty much is. The pain doesn’t last forever. Continue on to the bathroom half asleep, trying not to trip over the cat, wishing the cat would stop screeching for food and end up tripping over the cat, cause he’s weaving in and around your feet, grab the door handle which slams the door into the wall which in turns opens the door to the cubboard and of course I smack my head on the door cause I didn’t realize it had opened. Not like it makes a noise. Sigh. The day has only gone down hill from there, almost makes you not want to drive, or walk. I would say not leave the house but well ya see how thats going…..Yes, its one of those days..
Hope all your days are going happy and accident, clumsy free!
Easter Lake Part 2
•October 2, 2015 • Leave a CommentEnjoy some more photos from my trip to Easter Lake and dont forget to check out Part 1…..Enjoy and please feel free to leave a comment if you have enjoyed my blog or have suggestions for places to photograph! https://lencrestphotos.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/nice-morning-at-lake-part-1/
Nice Morning At Lake – Part 1
•October 1, 2015 • 1 CommentWas a nice morning for a drive, there was a chill in the air that felt good after the heat we had been having. I wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted to go but I knew I wanted to see water and was hoping for some fall colors. I got both, sort of. I decided on Easter Lake, its on the outskirts of Des Moines and is a 172 acre lake thats full of walking and biking trails, trails through the woods, fishing, swimming, shelters for gatherings, boating. It’s basically a good place to take the family or just go by yourself and enjoy some quiet time. Once I started to drive around and stopping here and there I didn’t realize how big the park really was and I only covered half of it. The place was full of wildlife, birds, geese, cranes etc, deer and raccoons. There was even a covered bridge that was a total suprise. I plan to go back and explore the other side once the colors start to pop more. But there was alot of people walking, bird watching, photographers, fisherman etc. There was some color but not alot, it’s in the beginning stages. so hopefully before to long there will be alot more. But enjoy the pics and I included a link to the park. http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Polk/Park/Easter-Lake-Park.aspx
Total Eclipse
•September 28, 2015 • 2 CommentsRepost, but these turned out better than my attempt this year..
Was a perfect night for a quick trip to the lake to view the moon. And I wasn’t the only one with the same thought, there was alot of people roaming around, some laying blankets out on the grass, others setting up tripods, others tailgating jamming to music. Everyone was having a good time. I had planned on taking some shots with my regular camera but ended up having issues with it. But I still managed to get a few shots, not my best but they work for now…
Little White Church with Red Doors
•September 26, 2015 • Leave a CommentFor quite awhile now I have been working on the family history. It’s one of those never ending things, sometimes I work on it, sometimes I walk away just to get a break from it. One of the things I have been wanting was a picture of the church my parents were married in. So this morning I went for a drive to check it out.
The Church used to be in the country, and it partly still is, but the area is being developed and the road widened. In fact, because they are expanding the road the chuch has to move. Thankfully they were able to purchase the land behind the church so they dont have to move it very far. There was a very nice lady there when I stopped, she was cleaning up the flowers etc and was kind enough to let me in. She was also happy to share a bit of the history of the church and share plans and let me look around. The church was built in 1900 and everything is still pretty much in it’s original state. It’s not a very large church but it holds a certain amount country charm. I asked her if they still held services and she said every Sunday and they even continue to do weddings there.
Over all it was a nice visit. If you would like to check them out click on the link to visit their website maplegrovedmia.com
Welcome Stormy Fall Morning
•September 24, 2015 • Leave a CommentI was out on the deck just messing with settings and took these, a bit dark but right as I was shooting all the crazy birds took flight. They have been dive bombing the berries on the bushes all morning..
Only While Were Sleeping
•September 15, 2015 • Leave a CommentMother and daughter taking a nap. The mom is the black kitty and about the only time she allows her daughter near is if mama is snoozing. Her daughter wants to be near her so bad all the time it drives mama nuts so they bicker alot. And as soon as I took the pic they woke up and fighting began. One day maybe they will like each other again..
Such a pretty morning
•September 14, 2015 • Leave a CommentI love mornings like these, the sun is shining, the temps are mild and there’s a cool breeze. Makes me want to get out and explore. So I took a quick trip to a small lake not far from here. It’s one that I have gone to many times, and this morning I wasn’t the only one. For a Monday morning there was a lot of walkers, joggers, even the dog park was busy. Was nice seeing everyone out enjoying themselves.
Took a few photos and plan on going to another lake to get more..
Hope everyone has a great Monday!
Morning Flowers
•September 3, 2015 • Leave a CommentThe heat of summer is hanging on with a vengeance, dragging us down with high heat and humidity. Doesn’t make me want to get out and enjoy the last days of summer but get out I did. I wanted to get some shots of the birds at the bird feeder but I ended up enjoying their antics as they bickered over the seeds. Thought about the squirrels, one visits every morning staring in through the window, scaring the crap out of me when I don’t realize he’s there. But by the time I reach for the camera he’s gone.
So I went with the flowers for this round. I can’t help but admire their beauty and want to capture them when I can. I was out for awhile, thankfully they are partially in the shade so I didn’t boil to much. And when your moving around you tend to forget how warm it really is til you walk back into the welcome coolness of the house.
But i’m glad I was able to enjoy the morning before it got to horribly hot…
Fields of Gold
•July 25, 2015 • Leave a CommentThis time of year the Blackeyed Susans are every where! They are so pretty, how can you not want to stop and admire them?
Loving the Flowers
•July 18, 2015 • 2 CommentsEven tho I dont like summer that much I do love seeing all the bold colorful flowers, just a little disappointed I missed the butterflies.. But I managed to get a few photos from around downtown this morning..Enjoy!
If Only it WAS Fall
•July 7, 2015 • Leave a CommentAs I sit here it is 73 degrees, its July and it feels like fall. Not that I am complaining by any stretch. I love this, weather like this is what I wish it would be year round. But sadly that doesnt happen.
When I woke up it was actually chilly, jacket weather. It was invigorating and I knew I couldnt waste the morning sitting indoors tho. I headed to a small park not far from here. Thankfully I had it all to myself. Normally I will encounter a few joggers or people with their dogs, but not today.
Got a few photos and have going back on my to do list for tomorrow. Supposed to be another fall like day…Cant wait!
Morning Drive
•June 24, 2015 • Leave a CommentSince it was another beautiful morning I couldnt resist getting out of the house and going for a drive. The weather was almost perfect except for the storms that were moving in.
I headed out of town not really having a destination in mind, but ended up going towards Dale Maffit Reservoir. Its about 15 minutes or so from the house depending on traffic. Once at the lake I travelled the roads stopping to watch the deer and turkey in hopes of seeing a fawn or two but no such luck. They were probably hiding in the tall grass.
The lake access is divided into two areas, the first entrance has acres and acres of open prarie and timber. In the fall its gorgeous. The roads lead you into the timber where you find hundreds of towering oaks with glimpses of the lake. In this area theres spots for grilling and picnics. Some are in the timber and a few are not far from the shore.
The other entrance on the other side the area isnt as large but its just as nice with easier access to the lake. Miles of trails are on both sides.
The area is great for picnics, hiking, fishing or just spending a lazy afternoon doing nothing. I saw a total of 2 cars while I was there, an older couple and a nice man that worked for the city. I think he stopped just to see what I was doing, enjoying the morning thanks!
There is an old cemetary as you leave the oaks, im not sure of its history but im interested to find out. But enjoy the pics!
Mornings Like These….
•June 23, 2015 • Leave a Comment
Im rereading this post and think how true it still is with a slight difference. I finally have a place to sit outdoors on the days when its nice and my Bitser in the window is no longer with me. I still miss him every day. But I know hes waiting in a window with the sun on his face and and lazing the days away with his brothers and sisters who are equally missed…
It’s morning like these I wish I had a lovely patio with big comfy furniture or a cute little swing under the shade tree. Where I could sit in comfort reading or drinking a cup of coffee or iced tea, not that I drink either one, but it’s the idea. Or even just do nothing but enjoy the space.
I would love to have a patio to enjoy, my sister has one under her deck they recently redid and i’m jealous. I look at that think how lovely it would be to have plants and flowers and chairs. To be able to sit out and enjoy a moment of tranquility in that secluded spot. But thats me, my sis, she’s a sunworshipper and likes to sit out in the sun.
But here I sit inside for the moment, listening to the birds, the dog barking next door and someone mowing their yard. The sounds of summer, that when the windows are closed and the air is on I dont always get to hear. I like those sounds, the mundane every day part of life.
I am watching the cats fussing over who gets to sit in the open window, smacking each other for the priveledge, never mind there’s several other windows they could be sitting in. But i’m not in those rooms and they would rather be where I am at. They chase and play on days when the windows are open, only resting in the heat of the afternoon after they have worn themselves out. Like little kids going down for their nap.
I wish I could bottle days like this so when the gloom of winter is upon us I can open my bottle and be taken away to mornings like this…..
Rainy Day Blooms
•April 26, 2015 • Leave a CommentCouldnt resist the blossoms on my outing yesterday afternoon. And the sun is out today so will revisit and get some more photos, hopefully there also wont be much of a breeze!
Lilacs and Clouds
•April 20, 2015 • 3 CommentsDespite the gusty “breeze” and the cold start to the morning, the day didnt turn out so bad. The lilacs are blooming and the smell hits you the second you open the door. I plan to spend a little more time on them once they bloom more.
And the clouds, I like clouds, especially the big fluffy ones you get on windy days like this. Trip to the lake and river planned for tomorrow, so keep fingers crossed I get another sky like I got this afternoon!
Rainy Day at the Lake
•April 18, 2015 • Leave a Comment
I hadnt planned on doing much today since it was supposed to be stormy, but I was headed to my sisters and decided to stop at a camping area along the river, people mostly go there for gatherings, cook outs, etc. Theres also miles of trails for walking and biking along with boating access to the river. When I got there, it was cloudy and looked like it could rain but i thought a few quick pics and I would be out of there. I parked the truck and walked to a table along the river and of course it would start to sprinkle but it wasnt to bad. And of course I thought it would stop and I could make it to the deck further up and I did, but then it started pouring. Not some nice little spring shower, but a downpour, and it was a chilly rain. I had a jacket but it was useless and soaked by the time I made it back to my truck. Overall the stop was good, I didnt mind to much ending up resembling a drowned rat. The rain has stopped for now, but I think I am done for the day. I get to take my nephew to his game later and he has told me emphatically there is to be no pictures…maybe I can sneak one!
Cant Get Enough Of The Park
•April 17, 2015 • 2 CommentsJust had to make another trip to the park and I wasnt the only one with that idea. There was alot of people walking along the trails, riding bikes, even moms with their yoing kids. Theres also a few places you can fish, saw a few people fishing but dont know if they caught anything. But it was definetly a good morning.
A Walk in the Park
•April 16, 2015 • Leave a CommentI was wanting out of the house this afternoon so I figured it was a good time to check out a park I have been meaning to visit. They have crab appld trees that I have been waiting on to bloom and they are finally blooming. I spent a good amount of time walking around and getting a few pics.
Another Windy One
•October 9, 2014 • Leave a CommentThis time of year always seems to be windy, atleast when I decide to go out. This day was a bit cool but still gorgeous.
The butterfly let me get really close, I was worried I would scare it off but it didn’t seem to worried about what I was doing.
Windy Day
•October 9, 2014 • Leave a CommentIt was a windy but gorgeous day when I was out taking these pics. The wind was really blowing but the temps were so mild I couldn’t help but go out and enjoy the weather. Sometimes it was a little frustrating tho when I would have a shot focused and ready to go right as I was snapping the wind would blow and blur things up. Thats ok tho, can sometimes get interesting pics.
The Colors of Fall Will Soon Arrive
•September 9, 2014 • Leave a CommentOnce the rains go away and it dries up a bit, hopefully later this week, i’ll be starting my fall photo shoots. The leaves are starting to change and I am seeing more and more color as I drive down the roads. I can’t wait.
And I love when the temps get into the 60’s and there’s that crispness in the air. But til then enjoy a few of my faves from last years before things really started to turn…
Enjoy!
Backroads to Dads over the weekend
•September 4, 2014 • Leave a CommentI get alot of grief cause I like to take the backroads. Yes the interstate is faster but everything whips by so fast. Going to backroads lets you enjoy the scenery mores, lets you stop a little places here and there along the way.
Only bad part of the drive was all the flooding. We have had alot of rain lately and rivers and creeks are overflowing.
I didn’t take my big camera but took my little one so I could shoot out the windows. lol So some of the pics may not be the greatest, but I have fun and stopped at a view places along the way.
But enjoy the pics!
Cats and Boxes
•September 4, 2014 • Leave a CommentI was cleaning out some things and had thrown a couple boxes in the living room so I could take them out to the trash. Cats love boxes and mine are no different, Brady, the black n white, was still in that box when I left and returned, dont think he really moved much.
Bits, the striped kitty, he doesn’t like being left out so he had to have his own. But they dont like the camera in their face either. Bits finally got tired of me harassing him, or the box just wasn’t that fun anymore.
Couple Favorites from New Mexico
•August 25, 2014 • Leave a CommentWhen I first got to New Mexico I didn’t think I would ever find anything to like about there area I lived in, but if you look you eventually find something that just might catch your eye. I learned to find the beauty in a landscape I wasn’t used to….
Around Des Moines
•August 20, 2014 • 1 CommentEnjoy some pics from around downtown Des Moines, Iowa
New Mexico
•August 14, 2014 • Leave a CommentI lived in New Mexico for off and on for Several years. Took awhile for the place to grow on me, but I eventually found the beauty there…
Past Travel, some favorites.
•August 14, 2014 • Leave a Comment
Heidelburg, Germany
Overlooking Heidelberg Germany
Belgium
Belgium
French Citadel, Bitche France
Morning at Local Park
•June 25, 2014 • Leave a CommentFor awhile now I had been meaning to go to a park not far from me. It’s a decent size park that has the Des Moines river running through it, along with miles of bike/walking trails and ponds for fishing. The river was flooded and running very fast and muddy due to all the rain up North.
Yesterday morning I woke up and it was beautiful out, we were having a welcome bit of relief from the heat and humidity so it was a good day to get out and explore a new area so off I went. It only took maybe 15 minutes or so to get to the park which is located only a few minutes from downtown Des Moines.
It’s the same park I did a quick run through with my sister not long ago. We only went in a little ways but this time I followed the road all the way in. It’s a large park and was very nice, I wasn’t suprised by the amount of people that were fishing in the ponds or along the trails.
I took pictures along the river, explored one of the trails and had a chat with a very nice construction worker who was doing work on one of the parking areas. We were laughing about almost being run over by bikers coming over the bridge, who totally ignored the big STOP sign that stops them from being splattered on the road.
By the time I left it was starting to get hot and I was getting thirsty so I headed out. But I will be adding the park as one of my new favorite places to go. And will be making a return in the fall for what will be gorgeous fall scenes.
Enjoy the photos and stay cool!
Summer is Here
•June 12, 2014 • Leave a CommentEven tho I hate the heat and humidity that Summer always manages to bring with it, I love going to one of my favorites places.
Enjoy!
It’s Cold Out!
•January 17, 2014 • Leave a CommentI think Old Man Winter has decided to take up residence for the rest of the winter. It’s cold cold cold!
Went out yesterday to see if I could get any decent shots and I think I got a few. It was super windy and it would snow every now and then most of the afternoon and then when later aternoon, early evening got here, the snow was really coming down and blowing. Needless to say I wasnt out taking pictures then!
I tried getting some without Charlie, but everytime I snapped a pic there he was. Atleast he was enjoying the outing. The deer were trying to get water from a small “pond” at the bottom of the hill. I tried getting closer but they were skittish and eventually got spooked and ran up into the trees. I heard a few more in there but couldn’t see them.
Later we went back out and the sun was trying to break through the clouds and did manage for a bit but then it wasn’t long after that the blizzard like conditions started.
So enjoy the pics and stay warm!
Longing for Spring
•January 26, 2013 • Leave a Comment
January 24, 2013
I love taking photos but I hate being cold, it causes a small problem when it’s almost the end of January and it’s COLD outside. I’m not talking 32 degrees cold, i’m talking bone chilling blustery (as the weather guy calls it) wind chill in the minuses cold.
So do I love photography enough to brave the elements and get out there and shoot? Or am I smart enough to know that i’m only going to have a small window of time before my fingers go numb and my battery goes dead? I like to think i’m both.
I try not to be a “window shooter” You know what i’m talking about. The person who sits in the comfort of their vehicle, rolls down the window and snaps away. Ok so I will not lie and say I have NEVER done it, but only during certain times. Like when i’m driving down the interstate, (as a passenger of course) and I see something I like and I snap away. Maybe other times too, but Shhh, dont tell.
I know winter has a certain appeal and there’s a beauty in the stark wintery landscape. But i’m thinking ahead to spring and how i’m so ready for it. Bring on the spring rains, and the thaw of the land as it comes alive, the tulips and crocuses, the first shoots of that greener than green grass and the buds on the trees. The smells, how can you not love the smells of spring? The flowers, the clean scent of the rain as it washes the winter gunk away, and the flowering trees. And the babies animals
So yeah, I have a thing for Spring, and i’ve been thinking about it alot lately. It’s probably because winter is going to be over and in less than 2 1/2 months.
Til then I will brave the elements, endure cold fingers, dead or dying batteries, and the cold toes.
Stay warm!
Til the next time……
MY CREATIVE SELF 