Botannical Gardens, Buffalo, NY

This week I made my spring trek to the Botannical Gardens in Buffalo. Going during the spring flower show is giving yourself a gift. There are lilies, tulips, hyacinths, primroses, orchids, and much, more more, all in full bloom. Color is everywhere. It's phenomenal.

As a photographer, I like to go on a grey day so (1) there aren't many people there and (2) I can sit on the floor and take closeup photos without being disturbed. It was raining outside the day I went. I did not use a flash and the results are what you see here. I just love the color mix. If you're like me, I'd like to pick a bouquet to take home. Of course, that brings me to a story. LOL

When I was about four years old, I came home with a bouquet of beautiful flowers in my hand and presented them to my mother. As I recall, it was summertime. My mom was initially grateful and then - wise as she was - wondered where the flowers had come from. I was after all little and I didn't stray far from our yard.

Not long after I appeared in the doorway, the elderly lady from across the street knocked on the door. She was visibly shaken and wanted to know if I had showed up with flowers. My mom acknowledged that I had. As it turns out, the woman was raising those flowers for the State Fair exhibit the next week, and I had picked most of them. I guess what flowers I left in her garden were not in good shape.

You know, I've always loved flowers. I think that neighbor lady showed me perfection in the flowers she grew. She must have been devastated by my flower-kaper. Actually, while her State Fair display was horribly ruined by a four year old, I have never faltered in my selection of quality flowers...and that very forgiving lady turned into a friend for life.

Border Collie Cross

I like showing you that I can do different kinds of photography. This is a close-up of my new addition. Her name is Lily and she's a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix.

I see both breeds in her, but actually at this point in her growing up, she resembles the Border Collie more. She is four months old, very athletic and cute as a button.

This photo was embellished with HDR photographic techniques mainly because Lily's eyes were hard to see. With her being so dark, shadows smothered her face. The HDR techniques helped even out parts of the photo that were obscured.

I hope you are as pleased with this photo as I am. While I haven't photographed animals other than horses, this was a bit of an experiment. Perhaps I'll branch out and find more canine and feline subjects. What fun!

Travel Photo

Day trips to areas around your own home are fun. Lewiston, New York is one of those trips I enjoyed in the fall. My husband and I spent an overnight there actually in a bed and breakfast.

It was a grey day, but no matter. We enjoyed each other's company. Walking along the main street was totally relaxing.

Shops were open and welcoming. We wandered in and out and eventually purchased a Christmas tree decoration so the trip would be remembered when we decorated in December.

Often I wonder if people want pictures of places like this. On the other hand, if you like the feeling of a cozy little town, then a photo like the streets of Lewiston is a welcome find. The gazebo at the end of their main street is enchanting even on a grey day. I couldn't resist taking these photos.

I would encourage everyone who enjoys photography to look at a map and then travel to places near home. You'll find photos in sights you maybe overlooked before.

I've actually considered sending these photos to the Chamber of Commerce in Lewiston. Hey! You never know! Maybe someone would like them and want to use them for publicity.