Day 120 - April 30, 2010

Clouds are so intriguing to me - and I love when the clouds make cool patterns like this. It's like cloud corduroy! We were at Ang's tennis match today and the weather was beautiful. It was warm, but not too warm, a slight breeze, and these awesome corduroy clouds. Her match wasn't until much later in the afternoon, when the sky was a bit overcast and the sun had set a bit more, but it was still nice to be outside enjoying the weather. It must be what my parents felt like coming to my soccer games all those years ago in the crisp fall weather or the mild spring weather. As much as I love winter and all the winter activities, it's nice to have warm weather and long days :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 119 - April 29, 2010

At our old house in Newington, we used to have this apple tree in the front yard. I lived at that house until I was eight years old, and I spent many afternoons after school out in that apple tree. There was this branch that stuck out horizontally about 4 or 5 feet up that I could just crawl out onto and sit on. It was my "seat" on the tree. That apple tree was home to many adventures for my friends, sister and I. It even survived Hurricane Gloria. After the storm passed, we came outside to see the trunk of the tree had been split right down the middle, but the tree was still standing. I loved that apple tree. When we moved away, I missed it terribly. When I got my drivers license, I would drive back by the old house on occasion and see if the tree was still there. One day, it wasn't. I think I cried for days knowing that the tree with so many memories that survived the hurricane had succumbed to the chainsaw or the axe of the current homeowners. I hadn't thought about the tree in a while, and today when I had the chance to really look at the tree in front of Eric's parents' house, it reminded me of it. It's gnarly branches and many places to climb was so similar to my apple tree. Seems kinda silly to get so emotional about a tree, and I wish I could have gone by the house to take a picture to show you. It was a pretty awesome tree...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 118 - April 28, 2010

The grocery store can be a pretty awesome place to snap a few pictures. I've brought my camera before and snapped a few pictures, so I figured I'd do it again. The shapes and colors of the produce can be very interesting when looked at a bit more closely than we all seem to look at things on a daily basis. I always thought it was neat how fruits and vegetables were stacked so precariously - and I'd always fear that I would be the person that would pick out the wrong piece and knock down the whole pile! I have yet to do that, thankfully! I sure hope I haven't jinxed myself...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 117 - April 27, 2010

After a morning that started out with even more rain - it sure cleared up nicely just in time for our run this evening! I'm so happy to be back home with Daisy and my bunnies. You don't realize how much you miss home until you're away - and no matter how much fun you're having, you still miss the comfort of home. I was exhausted last night and today, so getting back into my daily routine was much needed, and definitely helpful! Did a bit of unpacking, uploaded some pictures, did zumba and went for a run, and now will make some dinner and relax.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 116 - April 26, 2010

Ok, remind me to never again drive the whole way back from Talladega, AL in one night. We left not long after the race was done to drive 16 hours back to Connecticut overnight. We did stop a few places along the way, but it was rainy, and dark, and cold, and we were so so tired! On the way down, it's not so bad because you're excited to be going somewhere and looking forward to the experience. On the way back however, it's slow and exhausting. It didn't help that the weather was terrible! Rain continued through the overnight until we got back to the house at around 2pm and through the evening as well. Definitely not a great return, but I was glad to be home, and glad to see my Daisy-doo and my bunnies!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 115 - April 25, 2010

It's race day! Here we are at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, and it's a beautiful day for a race! We decided to come to Alabama for two reasons, one was the race, and the other was to visit an old friend of mine from high school, who also came to the race with us! It was our first long track experience. All our other races have been on tracks that were a mile or less, and Talladega comes in at a whopping 2.66 miles around! Our seats were close to the track, and we couldn't see parts of the track from our seats, but we still had a great time! You could definitely feel the grit and the rubber coming off the track as the cars zoomed by! And there was a great finish, with the winner beating out second place by a nose! Never thought I'd be a NASCAR fan, but I love it! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 114 - April 24, 2010

This morning we woke up in Atlanta and were heading out to Alabama for the race tomorrow. Turns out that the Weather Channel had a surprise in store for us. Huge thunderstorms and tornado warnings were heading our way! We would end up driving right towards the storm cells in one of the biggest storms of the year so far. I've never ever experienced a tornado so I was really nervous, but it was for naught. Just a bunch of wind and some heavy rain, but no tornados thank goodness! We stopped at the Alabama state line to snap a shot of the sign, and then made our way to the hotel to get ready for the race tomorrow! It's gonna be a blast - can't wait!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 113 - April 23, 2010

After a very, very long drive from Connecticut to Atlanta, Georgia, we took a few moments at the hotel to clean up, then out we went to enjoy the city. Today, we went to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca Cola, and then out to dinner at this fabulous local brew pub called 5 Seasons Brewery. The aquarium was a blast - I haven't been to one in a while and I loved just watching the various species of fish swim around in the tanks. There seemed to be every child within a 20 mile radius of the aquarium all there today, so I would have enjoyed a quieter experience, but such is life. Tomorrow, we head out to Alabama, and Sunday is race day! Looking forward to it :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 112 - April 22, 2010

A couple of weeks ago, we decided to move an elm tree that was growing in a rather odd place in our backyard, to the front, where it would provide shade by the driveway. When our neighbors moved in, they had a tree that was in their yard that provided shade, but they decided to cut it down. I was rather upset, as our tailgates became rather hot without the shade. So we moved the elm tree to the front, but on our side of the property line. We were a little nervous because it was a tough move, and we thought the tree might not make it. Slowly but surely though, the buds and the leaves are sprouting, and it looks like it might be ok! I sure hope it is, because I've grown a bit attached to it!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 111 - April 21, 2010

Today I had the privilege of photographing my friend Amanda's two cute daughters, Molly and Kennedy. I've had the chance to take pictures of them before, and they are always a blast to hang around! Kennedy, the younger one, loves to make these really cute faces, often wrinkling up her nose or giving me a cynical stare. Molly just has a blast with the whole process. She loves when I ask her to make silly faces, and then show her on the LCD screen of my camera. Today we had great weather, and a great time! After pictures, we went to grab some lunch, and then played a Carnival game on Wii. This was one of my favorite pictures of the two girls from today's shoot! Tomorrow we'll be driving down to Atlanta, so I'll do my best to get a photo up!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 110, April 20, 2010

Yesterday, little Baby James was born to our dear friends Monica and Dave. We finally had a chance to meet the cutie after months of only knowing him inside of Monica's belly! For a baby that spent a lot of time kicking while in the womb, he sure was calm and quiet outside of it. We visited for about an hour and a half, and he was quiet and calm the whole time! All while we laughed and talked about the experience of childbirth and being a parent for the first time, little Baby James rested comfortably, all tucked up in his blanket. We're glad he's finally here - and we look forward to watching him grow up! Congrats to Monica and Dave :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 109 - April 19, 2010

Today was the 114th running of the Boston Marathon, and we went up to watch my mom run the race. Turns out that mass transit in the Boston area on a day like today (a holiday for people in MA, also the marathon, and a Red Sox home game) is really difficult to use. The original parking lot was packed, and by the time we even got close to the city, we didn't think we'd get to the spot on the route we wanted to get to. Turns out that the Boston Marathon website allows you to track runners and see what their progress and projected finish time is. Mom was cruising, and with under 10 miles to go, was projecting to finish under 4 hours, which would be a personal best! We made our way to the finish line, and checked her stats - she finished in a time of 3:58:24, which bested her personal record by 3 minutes! In the 6 years she's been running marathons, this is the first time she's finished in under 4 hours - and the best part? She qualified for Boston again next year! We're all proud of you Mom! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 108 - April 18, 2010

Meet Andy. Andy is one of Bonnie and Pam's many cats that Daisy is so fond of. Most of the other cats are very good at hiding when she's around, but Andy is a little different. He likes to antagonize a bit. He likes to be found and seen, and then lets Daisy know that he doesn't like her very much. Andy was sitting on top of one of the radiators with a blanket and Daisy kept harassing him. She does this funny thing where she paces around a lot and whimpers. It's like she's curious about the cats, but afraid of them, and doesn't really know what to do with them either. Andy kept making a cute growly noise and putting his ears back to let Daisy know that he didn't want her to come near! Daisy was sad when we left today to head home, but I bet the cats were thrilled. Back to the everyday peace and quiet for them!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 107 - April 17, 2010

Today was Eric's Bucknell Opera Company 20 year reunion down here in central Pennsylvania. The director got together performers from the group over the last 20 years and they performed this evening, and it brought back some fun memories. I used to spend quite a bit of time down here - even though Lewisburg is 6 and a half hours from Newport, RI - where I went to college! Good thing I didn't mind the drive! The one thing I love about this area is how open and natural it is. On our way to the park this morning for our run, we drove by these beautiful farm fields. The colors and the clouds and the grass just made me so happy! Tomorrow we head back home, but we'll be back down here again to visit!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 106 - April 16, 2010

A lesson to all of you folks out there - don't sleep and drive! On our way home from lunch today, while at a red light, a woman who thinks she may have "dozed off" slammed into the back of Bonnie's car. To make matters worse, we were behind another car, and the force of the impact pushed us into the person in front too. Definitely not a fun feeling to be smacked from behind, then to hit someone in front! Thankfully, no one was hurt, other than Bonnie's poor Prius! It's definitely nervewracking though to be hit from behind and not even expect it! I was paranoid the rest of the way home. Not that I wasn't a paranoid driver before (I just don't trust anyone else to drive right) but this just makes it worse. So for today's community service announcement - if you ever, EVER question whether you're ok to drive, don't! Things might end up even worse for you!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 105 - April 15, 2010

So today was my first ever maternity shoot! Having looked through some of the images, I think I did alright! Of course, I had to include the obligatory "hands make a heart over the baby" shot - seems like every maternity photographer includes this one! The weather today was perfect for our shoot at Elizabeth Park. A light breeze, some sunshine and a few clouds, and beautiful blooming trees! There was this one moment when I was taking a few shots when these two mallards, one male and one female came waddling by. They stopped right next to us and proceeded to quack a bit, almost like they were giving advice! I think they said "You are lucky that you don't have 8 babies all at one time!" Anyways, heading down to PA for the weekend, so I'll do my best to post timely!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 104 - April 14, 2010

Today I finally got a chance to watch Ang play tennis and photograph it as well! We got there just in time to watch the second set. The school they were playing were very good, though it seems as though there was an overall questioning of this other team's sportsmanship. See, the way it works in high school tennis is that the players officiate their own games, while they are playing. And if the other team makes a call about being in or out of bounds, there isn't much you can do if you don't agree other than just ask them to verify that they think they are right. I don't know that this is the best way for a high school sport to work, but what can you do at this point. I just hope that people understand sportsmanship, and don't just call things in their favor because they want to win. Fair play!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 103 - April 13, 2010

I love clouds. I really wish that clouds were something you could take a plane to, and get dropped off on a big giant fluffy playground! They would be so much fun! On days like today, when there are some awesome cloud formations, I just start to think about bigger things - like if those who have gone before us really get to hang out up there, and are they watching down on us. I always think of the Lion King - and the scene with Mufasa and Simba talking about the great kings of the past. Clouds make me ponder life's questions. And whatever the truth may be, I always know that my family and those people who care about me who are no longer here, are up there keeping an eye on me. It makes me feel good to feel that.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 102 - April 12, 2010

A couple of days ago, I was faced with a daunting decision - buy a bunch of freshly picked basil, or buy a potted basil plant. Those who know me know that I can't keep any plant alive, no matter how "unkillable" it may be. I knew that I wouldn't ever finish the giant bunch of basil before it went bad, so I made the choice to buy a potted basil plant. Well, so far, I've had it for four days, and it's still going strong! If I can keep this plant alive, hopefully it will open the door to more potted herbs - because that would just be so much better for cooking than the dried stuff! I can just picture being able to use fresh rosemary, thyme, chives, sage, basil and parsley - yummy! So hope and pray that this little basil plant makes it! I'm sure gonna try!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 101 - April 11, 2010

The first half today was quite busy! I got up this morning, rang bells at Eric's church, then home for a run with our group. After a quick shower, I was off to a photo shoot for a couple of hours, and then home at around 3:30. I could post one of the many, many pictures from the shoot, but I don't know that I would feel comfortable posting other people, so instead, here are one of the photos I took that didn't have anyone in it. Of course, part of the shoot was in a park, and of course, I found myself a flower to take a picture of. Tulips (at least as far as I know) don't last very long, so it was nice to get a shot of one in bloom. The red was just so vibrant! I really wish there were a way to make floral photography a career! Anyone with tips, leave me a note! :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 100 - April 10, 2010

So it's been 100 days of continuous blogging and photographing! I am pleased with myself that I've stuck with it so long! What better than to celebrate 100 days than with a picture of one of my favorite subjects? Flowers! These little bushes are miniature rhododendrons that we have in our front yard. They are, and have been, hanging in there since we planted them a couple of years back. They've not grown much, if at all, since we bought them, but they always bloom every year, even when I think all hope is lost! Two little fighters they are!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 99 - April 9, 2010

Today I decided to bring my camera into Price Chopper. It's still a new thing for me to get used to bringing my camera everywhere I go. We walk into the store and Amy laughs and wants to know what the heck I could possibly want my camera in the grocery store for! Well, here ya go! Since tonight was going to be about sharing recipes and cooking with friends, as well as doing a little dancing and having a good time all around, I figured a food shot was in order! Not that any of us used apples in our recipes, but they looked all fun and shiny sitting in their boxes in the produce section. At the way end are my favorites - honey crisp apples! If you've never had one, go get one now! They are amazing!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 98 - April 8, 2010

Today I was feeling inspired to have a few friends over and to make dinner - thing is, I usually go all out when I have people over. I don't like just taking something out of the freezer or whatnot. Tonight, I decided to make something called a Juicy Lucy - which is a burger stuffed full of cheese. I used a New York Extra Sharp Cheddar, and it was fantastic! After dinner, we made s'mores on the deck over the firepit. Stew Leonard's sells these massive marshmallows that are like 4 times the size of a normal marshmallow! Let me just say it made for some messy s'more eating! I'm glad the nice weather is back so we can sit out on the deck and just enjoy the evening...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 97 - April 7, 2010

I warned you all yesterday that this was gonna get very horticultural very quickly! Granted, I did say flowers, but I like photographing plants too - especially up close where you can see the detail and the beauty on something as ordinary as a leaf. This plant is actually right outside my house. I have no idea what it is, but eventually it blooms these beautiful white flowers, like the one in my blog header. Any botanists out there, feel free to educate me on the plants and flowers I photograph! I sure would love to know what I'm looking at!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 96 - April 6, 2010

Ok followers, be prepared for the onslaught of flower photos! I love taking pictures of flowers - they are so intricate and have such amazing details and colors! This little daffodil is the only one we have growing in our yard. I didn't notice until I got up close that it has streaks of yellow and white in the petals! It doesn't stand more than a foot tall, but it's bloomed and ready for the beautiful weather we're having! Pretty soon I'll be able to head over to Elizabeth Park and take some photos of their beautiful rose gardens! I can't wait :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 95 - April 5, 2010

Today, my full intent was to get a picture of my sister playing tennis on her high school team, but since she's just a freshman, she didn't play until after I had to leave. I brought all my camera gear and everything, convinced that she would see some court time (it was a scrimmage, after all) in the two hours I was there. Guess I was wrong - and when I left at 5 o'clock, she was still waiting her turn. So I snapped a few pictures of my loyal doggie-doo, Daisy, as we were waiting patiently for Ang to play. Alas, no tennis shots today, but perhaps Wednesday I'll be able to get a few!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 94 - April 4, 2010

So what's Easter without some good ol' Cadbury Creme Eggs? Ryan brought these over yesterday so the bunnies could "lay" them like the Cadbury bunny does on the commercials. I didn't think the bunnies would be interested in them, but it turns out they had a sweet tooth the size of Texas! We put them on the ground so I could snap a few shots, and once they got a whiff of the goodness inside that shiny silver foil, they went at them! I had to take pictures quick so they wouldn't eat any of the chocolate (though I think they got a lick or two in) but it was so cute to watch! Anyways, I hope you all had a wonderful Easter (if you celebrate Easter), or a wonderful Sunday!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 93 - April 3, 2010

Hooray for our first kayak of the season! Because of all the rain we've had up here, the wildlife preserve in Cromwell was totally flooded, and made for some amazing kayaking! Trees were half covered with water from the Connecticut River, and it was fun to paddle anywhere you wanted, including in between trees! We took Daisy out for a ride too - she's still getting used to the whole idea of sitting in a kayak though. Once she's in, she's pretty good, but getting her to get into the kayak is a totally different story altogether. I definitely hope we can get out there again soon - it's so relaxing and peaceful to be out on the water! If you've never been kayaking, definitely get out there and give it a try!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 92 - April 2, 2010

Tonight, Eric and I went over to visit with the Berrys for dinner and game night. Every so often, we all get together and it's always a blast! Tonight, we did make your own taco/burritos. In my opinion, any kind of "make your own" food night is always fun! I noticed on the windowsill of their kitchen this really neat plant that looked like (and may be, but I'm not sure) giant clovers/shamrocks. I'd never seen anything like it before! The leaves were about an inch and a half big each! Is there such a thing as a giant clover/shamrock plant? I thought it was very cool looking! Anyways, I am very excited about tomorrow - we're going kayaking! I'll be bringing the camera along (and will keep it in the dry bag of course) and hopefully snapping a few pictures!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 91 - April 1, 2010

Today was an absolutely beautiful day! After all the rain we've gotten, and the flooding, it's nice to see the sun out again. One of my favorite places (as of recently at least) to hang out is here on the corner of Cedar and Main. Especially on nice days like today! Our day started here, with some iced tea, before heading out to one of my favorite restaurants of all time - City Fish Market! If you have never had their fish and chips, you are missing out! Super fresh, tasty, light, and delicious! Plus, they have crinkle cut fries that are steak fry size! YUM! After lunch, we went to the outlets where I bought a few more things than I should have. Yummy dinner and a little bit of Dairy Queen ice cream closed out the day. Nothing too exciting, but a great day nonetheless!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina