Day 59 - February 28, 2010

And another month comes to a close. It's amazing how quickly time flies when you're having fun! Fifty-nine days, fifty-nine photos! Today, I was up in Ellington with Eric and Ellen hanging my photographs in the library for my month long exhibition at the Hall Memorial Library. I am very excited about this opportunity because it's my first solo show! It took us a little while to get the set up right, but I think it looks fantastic. Ellen lives right near the library - and in this cute little house! Right next to her walkway is this fence, and on the way back inside, I snapped a quick shot. I originally was going to post a sneak peek at the setup of the gallery, but I think this shot was far more interesting! Besides, I don't wanna give too much away. You'll just have to come on March 7th from 1-5pm! Shameless plug? But of course - it IS my blog afterall! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 58 - February 27, 2010

Today we celebrated the upcoming birth of baby James - the newest addition to Monica and Dave's family. Since I had my camera, I decided to take some pictures to document her baby shower! This little elephant was sitting so cute at the top of one of the gift bags! The theme for their nursery will be this cute safari theme - and this little elephant fits perfectly. The best part though, was that our old neighbor Merlyne came out from Omaha to surprise Monica at the shower, and it was such a fantastic surprise when Monica realized that Merlyne was here. It was so touching to see people come together to celebrate a baby that none of us have met yet. He sure is lucky though - he will have many many many aunties and uncles that will love him so much! Congrats to Dave and Monica - and little baby James :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 57 - February 26, 2010

I love how on a snowy winter night, there is just this glow about the evening because of the reflection of streetlights and other ambient lighting off of the white snow. Tonight, after I got home from dinner with some wonderful women, I noticed the lighting and the snow - and it was like glitter! It was a lot lighter and fluffier and it looked so pretty just twinkling so I grabbed my camera and tried to snag a shot to give you an idea. If you look closely, you can even see some individual snowflakes! I think snowflakes are so beautiful and interesting! You almost forget that those white blobs falling from the sky are little tiny crystals of water - each with their own individual and unique shape! Really amazing :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 56 - February 25, 2010

Today, my sneakers and I went out for a jog in the cold, winter rain. Not really the most ideal conditions for taking a run, but it's something I need to get back into, so off we went. I wish they were far more waterproof than they are, because my toes definitely got a little chilly from the rain water, but other than that - it was a good run. I've never been a fan of running - even when I played soccer, it was my least favorite thing to do. At least while you're playing soccer though, you have a purpose for your running, and not just running aimlessly. But alas, it's time to get back into shape, and so the running sneakers have been dusted off.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 55 - February 24, 2010

So in preparation for my show at the Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, I ordered some new prints to display, and the first batch came in today! I was super excited because I printed a few more on this really awesome metallic paper. I actually printed a black and white photo I have of the Eiffel Tower on the metallic paper as well - and they all look almost 3D in person! It's hard to see here, but I loved all the colors when I had opened up the package, so I took a picture. It's kinda weird taking a picture of a picture (or multiple pictures, as in this case) but it made a pretty interesting design! I'm excited to put this exhibit up and see what people think! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 54 - February 23, 2010

After running a few errands and getting some coffee with Amy and Heather, I went to the park and ride lot to wait for Eric's bus to arrive. It was just about dark, with just a hint of light left in the sky - and while I was waiting and looking out the window, I said "I wonder what those street lights would look like through the raindrops on the glass and kind of blurry. Well out comes the trusty Nikon D90 and a few shots later, this is the final product. The effect is called bokeh - when light objects that are out of focus turn into circles like you see here. There's actually a way where you can make the bokeh different shapes, but I didn't have any construction paper with me! Anyways, the neat part is that you can see a bunch of little rainbows as well! It's amazing what can happen when you take a picture outside the box! Don't be afraid to try new things - especially in the world of digital, where if it comes out bad, you can just delete it!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 53 - February 22, 2010

Today was a pretty productive day on my part. Got some prints ordered for a show I'm doing at the Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, got some running in, took Daisy to buy a few goodies for her "birthday". I put quotes around birthday because we don't know Daisy's real birthday - but February 22, 2009 was the day we brought her home and so we use that to celebrate her birthday! We were going to run some errands, Eric and I, but plans got shuffled a bit, so we stopped at Price Chopper on the way home to get some Klondike 100 calorie bars. While Eric was inside, I thought it would be cool to see if I could snap a picture of the needle on the tachometer when I revved the engine! Don't worry, the car was in neutral and I wasn't going anywhere! Anyways, it's a little fuzzy because of the motion of the car when the engine revs, but it still looked pretty cool as a shot, so there you go! By the way - 100 calorie Klondike bars? YUM!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 52 - February 21, 2010

Today has been a very lazy Sunday (well, after a nice, brisk 45 minute walk this morning)! We're having a few people over this afternoon to watch the NASCAR race, and I have to start cooking soon, but in the meantime, Eric and Daisy took advantage of the time we had and were lounging behind me in the office on the futon we have in there. Eric eventually fell asleep, but Daisy was just chillin and enjoying a lazy day. Though for Daisy, every day is a lazy day! Anyways, we're ready to get to the kitchen and make some chicken schnitzle and spaetzle and green beans for our guests, who will be here...oh in about 10 minutes! Meep!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 51 - February 20, 2010

I promised my mom ages ago when she first knew she was going to be doing the penguin plunge and when she found out I was doing this daily blog thing that she could be the picture of the day on the Penguin Plunge day. So today was the day, and boy were they lucky! One of the nicest days they could ask for, and not that cold out either! We arrived just in time for "The Plungers" to register and get lined up for the parade. They were instant celebrities! Who would have thought that putting plungers on your head would make you popular? Everyone wanted to take a picture with them, and they were even up as finalists for best costume! They lost to some guys in a bath tub, but it was all in good fun and for a good cause!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 50 - February 19, 2010

Happy surprise birthday to me! Today I was totally surprised by my amazing hubby, my awesome sisters and parents, and many many friends and family to celebrate my 30th birthday. I was totally not expecting anything like this, and it was quite overwhelming and exciting to celebrate with so many wonderful people. There was awesome food, awesome karaoke, and some yummy birthday cake (as seen here!) I took some awesome video of the karaoke fun as well, and that will get posted on facebook tomorrow at some point. Thank you again to Eric, Denny, Ang, Mom and Dad and all my friends and family! You guys truly are the best! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 49 - February 18, 2010

So today is my 30th birthday - it started off with a very awesome present from my hubby - a brand new iMac computer! It was a very exciting present! I took a walk with Heather and Daisy, got some Starbucks, had a gallery showing (I even sold a print! I may have sold more before the night was through) and then went to Red Robin (yummm!) for dinner, and after we went and played Whirlyball - which is so friggin fun! Google it, and if there is a place near you, go! After whirlyball, we decided to head to TGIFridays for some drinks - and outside was this giant pile of snow. Eric, G-Rome and Matt thought it would be cool to race to the top. I think Eric won, but I had all three guys pose since it was such a silly picture. Matt never quite made it, but it's all good :) All in all, it was a great and fun birthday - thank you everyone who participated in some way, big or small!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 48 - February 17, 2010

So today I realized that I've posted pictures of Daisy, Cassie, Mac and Cheese, Eric, Ang, and other folks, but I have yet to post (or even photograph) little Pickles! I feel like a bad mommy! Anyways, Pickles was a rescue bunny that we weren't planning on, but once we met him, we couldn't turn him away. A former co-worker's son in law was cleaning out an apartment for new tenants about 4 days after they moved out, and they had left a little bunny behind - no food or water. My co-worker had asked me (since she knew we had bunnies) if I knew of anyone looking for a bunny. I didn't, but I told her we'd take him for the time being. Well we brought him home and he's been here ever since. Quite the character, Pickles is always good for a laugh or a fist bump. Glad he's with us for sure!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 47 - February 16, 2010

I should have been a meteorologist - last week the whole state shuts down for a major snow storm that was supposed to bring 6-12 inches of snow. We barely got 3. Today, we were supposed to get 2-5 inches and it's been snowing all day and then some! If only everyone could be so off on their work and still keep their jobs! Heh! Anyways, I love snow, so I'm so excited that we're getting more than the meteorlogists predicted. Ang and I went to Mount Southington today and snowboarded a bit, and then I watched some Curling! Curling is such a fun sport - it's like bocci on ice and with brooms. Anyways, snow always makes me cozy and comfy. I love winter! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 46 - February 15, 2010

I'm normally not one for experimental photography, and I know in the past I've posted something a little outside my comfort zone. Here's another one! It's sometimes fun to take a picture of a normal, everyday object and push the limits. I didn't take this into photoshop to tweak, it was all done in my photo editing software that only allows for tint and saturation changes, and some other minor tweaks and such. It's fun to pull the colors all out of whack and get something that is a total departure from the original image. Anyways, two points to anyone who can guess what this is a picture of! Something fun and interactive for all y'all :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 45 - February 14, 2010

Valentines Day, like many holidays, has become a commercial holiday run by greeting card companies, retail stores and various other businesses, trying to get you to buy as much crap as possible to celebrate a holiday about love. If you really want to celebrate Valentines Day, don't buy stuff, tell someone how you feel! Tell someone you love them, and how much they mean to you - whether a significant other, a pet, a family member or a friend. It's something we should do every day, but take the time today to do so! It doesn't have to be a holiday where anyone feels left out. We all have someone to love, and someone who loves us back! I wish you all a Happy Valentines Day!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 44 - February 13, 2010

I love to cook - and I love to experiment, even though I am a super picky eater. I don't always eat what I create, but that's what Eric is for! Recently we've been all about enchiladas. They are super easy to make and very tasty too. Tortilla with refried beans, seasoned beef, cheese and sauce, baked until bubbly and golden brown. Today, I thought it might be kind of fun to put an italian twist on the enchilada - this is a pizzilada! Instead of the beans and beef, we've got pizza toppings (mine had onions, Eric had sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and onions) with some sauce and cheese, wrapped in a tortilla and baked with some ooey gooey goodness. Yummy? You bet! Definitely something I'll be making again!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 43 - February 12, 2010

I love winter, but one of the worst things about it is that it gets dark so early. Thankfully though, the days are getting just a little bit longer every day. When the sun sets, it sets behind this huge row of trees that divides our back yard with the houses on the street behind us, and it was trickling through today and it just looked so pretty. I loved the cool patterns and shapes that the trees made in contrast with the light shining through. I always love taking in the simple things, like the sunlight through the branches of the trees. It really makes me appreciate the beauty of nature and mother earth! The simple things are always the best things.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 42 - February 11, 2010

Down the road from our house there is this great old farm that was almost sold to Toll Brothers to build a subdevelopment. Thankfully (and no offense to contractors) the town came through and saved that parcel of land from development. Its used as a town garden for folks in the spring and summer, and there is a huge field in the back that people will bring their dogs to run around a bit as well. At the front of the property, near the road, there is this old red barn that hasn't been kept up in years. It's kind of sad to see, but you also get some really nice pictures when you have a little age and wear. It really is a pretty barn to drive by and so I stopped today as the sun was on it's way out to snap a picture or two.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 41 - February 10, 2010

It's pretty funny that this year, snow has been rather sparse for the New England area. Today, we were supposed to be blasted with a huge winter storm. Schools and businesses all decided to shut down last night since this storm was going to be huge. Turns out that this "huge" snowstorm didn't really start until about 3:30 this afternoon. Businesses and schools could have definitely gone about their daily routine without issue. Since the weather started getting crummy, Eric decided to take the earlier bus home, so on the way out to the car, Daisy left these cute paw prints. I thought it would be fun to take a picture since paw prints are awfully cute! Anyways, now that we're home, we're gonna put on our jammies, hole up, and watch the snow come down!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 40 - February 9, 2010

Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese? A crispy buttery cheesy gooey sandwich that just always seems to hit the spot! I personally like my grilled cheese on the slightly more well done side, and without any add ons - like tomato or ham or bacon. I guess you could call me a grilled cheese purist! Tonight's dinner consisted of this delicious cheesy sandwich, a serving of steamed green beans and homemade tomato soup with a little bit of pasta. Something about that sandwich and soup combo that's just so satisfying :) I would love to hear about how you like your grilled cheese sandwiches! Bacon or tomato or pickles? Whatever floats your boat! Leave a comment down below!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 39 - February 8, 2010

Time for another doggie sleepover! Cassie is spending the night with us, and her and Daisy always seem to get super cuddly with Eric when it's time for sleep. Cassie will just jump right up, roll onto her back, and expose her belly for some belly rubs! Daisy can sometimes get a little jealous, but tonight she was good. There was enough Eric to go around for both pupsters! Sometimes things can get a little crazy, and sometimes a little growling and posturing ensues, but usually, they're both content to just hop in bed and snuggle :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 38 - February 7, 2010

It's another Super Bowl Sunday, and that means food, football and fun at the Loveland household. This year we had a pretty big turnout - and a TON of food! If people didn't gain at least 5lbs tonight, I would be surprised. There was all kinds of dips, chips and snack foods - and we didn't even make the chicken wings we were planning on making because there was just too much food! We have a 10 foot bar in our basement, and the whole thing was full of food! The game tonight wasn't too bad (commercials were kinda lame) and I am glad the Saints won - they could definitely use a little boost! I would have been fine either way though. Anyways, it's late, and I'm just about in a food coma, so it's time to hit the hay.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 37 - February 6, 2010

For some reason, I was enthralled by the idea of a Colorlog - a fake log you can buy at the store that burns in different colors. I thought it would be the coolest thing to have a multicolored fire. Turns out, it's not all that cool. It doesn't burn in super exciting colors and has a really awful chemical smell. I guess I should know better than to try to burn anything but good ol' seasoned firewood. You get the amazing oranges and yellows, the crackling of the wood, the woodsy smell. I can at least say that I've tried it out, but in the end, it's worth the extra effort to get real wood and not those silly fake logs!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 36 - February 5, 2010

Cozy toesies! I was sad to leave Jiminy Peak today, but I was so excited to get home to my doggie doo and bunny buns. I love going on vacation - but I love coming home to my kiddos! This past Christmas, Eric made me this super soft Chicago Bears fleecy blanket (the kind you don't sew, but you tie all the fringy pieces together to make a double thick blanket) and after we unpacked, cuddling up on the couch with my blankie and kiddos was just the happiest feeling! Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most rewarding - including no tie fleece blankets and a cozy couch!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 35 - February 4, 2010

Panorama is my favorite trail at Jiminy Peak, and the view is just one reason why! Here we are at the top of Panorama for a run this afternoon, and the view was just incredible - and on such a clear day! It starts off with a steep drop to gain some speed, then a short flat section, then a wide turn with a few trees in the middle. It finishes off with a wide steeper section that merges back into the rest of the trails at the bottom. I can just take this trail over and over again! I am sad that tomorrow we leave - we're gonna take a few more runs tonight, and then that's it for this trip! I will definitely try to take a day trip or two before this season is over though!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 34 - February 3, 2010

So today we headed up to Stratton - conditions were ok, a little icy, but not bad. TomTom took us the most cockamamie way this morning from Jiminy Peak to Stratton though! The roads were all twisty and turny, and there were a ton of frost heaves. I am lucky that my stomach survived the drive up! At the top of one of the lifts, there was a ton of ice from the melting snow, so even though it was rather foggy for most of the day, I was able to capture this shot since I was close enough. I think icicles are beautiful, and one of my favorite parts of winter! Especially on a sunny day when they reflect the light. Not so much today, but still pretty cool looking!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 33 - February 2, 2010

So if you look outside our condo at Jiminy Peak at night, this is what you see. I call it the Lightning Tree. It looks like a lightning bolt coming up from the ground. There are other birch trees around, but this is the only one we can see looking directly out the window. I think it's a pretty cool tree - and I love how it stands in contrast to all the other trees around it. I guess it's kinda like me - a little different than those around me! Anyways, tomorrow we head out to ride at Stratton which I have never been to! I am super excited, even though we're getting up super early in the morning.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 32 - February 1, 2010

Hooray! I've made it through a whole month and I'm still going strong! Happy February :) Anyways, today we had amazing conditions (again) at Jiminy Peak - a bit windy, but awesome nonetheless. Eric and Justin decided they wanted to go to the small terrain park and try a few jumps, so here is Eric's favorite shot of him going over the jump. Taking jumps is definitely something I don't do - I'm more of a cruiser than a speedster or trickster. I just enjoy being out on the slopes, and that is enough thrill for me. We got the jumps out of the way early on though, so legs were still fresh. We hit up some great runs and enjoyed our last day before our break day. Wednesday we go to Stratton, Thursday to Mt. Snow, and we finish out the week back here at Jiminy Peak - what a great mountain this is!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina