Catching Air24 March 2013 -- 83/365Providence, Rhode IslandFor today's photo, I went downcity hoping to find some skateboarders enjoying the morning sun.  This constant attempt to locate skateboarders downcity was finally rewarded.  There were three boarders skating near the WWI memorial and I spent a bit of time photographing and talking to them.  Like the boarder I met at India Point a month ago, they were concerned about the diminishing loss of areas to board.  The number of outdoor boarding parks continue to decline, and other areas like this one are often posted as off-limits.  With the strong push to get young folks to exercise and get outdoors more, you would think the various parks and recreation departments around the state would be encouraging this activity.Post processing started with a warm tone II filter in Topaz B&W FX.  I adjusted color sensitivity sliders, followed by adaptive exposure, regions, boost black, boost white, contrast, and protect highlights.  I used Neat Image to reduce excessive noise, mostly in the sky, and applied a slight levels adjustment in PSE.
A favorite birch glade in a snowsquall... March 23, 2013.
03-23-2013
"Entrance"

I've passed this old building many times and have not looked at the detail in the entrances.  Actually this is a side entrance to an old Mississippi National Guard Amory in downtown Jackson next to the fairgrounds.  Obviously it is abandoned but I think there are plans to restore it.  It's amazing when you look at these old buildings you see spectacular detail.  I used some Topaz Adjust to bring out some of the detail.

Thank you so very much for the comments on the collage of Tucker's baseball shots. He has really grown and is almost a head taller than I.  He's playing in a tournament in Louisiana as I type this.  They are playing teams that are a level or two above his team.   I'm watching "Game Changer" right now, watching play by play.  Of course I can't see them.  It's the top of the 6th and we are ahead.  My fingers are crossed!
Hope you all have a great day tomorrow since I'm posting late.
Donna
The Bandstand23 March 2013 -- 82/365Providence, Rhode IslandJutting out onto Lake Roosevelt in Roger Williams Park sits this beautiful bandstand, a popular location for weddings and other religious or cultural events.  While often photographed, there is, unfortunately, a lot of misinformation about this structure found online.  To set the record straight, this is the third bandstand on this site behind the 1897 Casino.  The original bandstand was a wooden pavilion built in 1901.  Weather took its toll, however, and it was replaced just 14 years later.  The bandstand built in 1915 was designed by John Hutchins Cady, a local architect, and it is that building that is typically mistakenly attributed to the bandstand that sits on this location today.  Unfortunately, Cady's bandstand also fell into disrepair and it was demolished in 1974.  The bandstand shown in today's photo was built in the late 1970s, although the design closely matched the Cady bandstand it replaced.  The details of the three bandstands may be found in the Registry of Deeds at Providence City Hall in the document that establishes the Roger Williams Park Historic District.Post processing started with a warm tone filter in Topaz B&W FX.  I adjusted color sensitivity sliders followed by adaptive exposure, boost black, boost white, regions, contrast, and protect highlights.  A levels adjustment was added in PSE.
Kissin' his sister good bye, for now... March 22, 2013.
Morning Graffiti22 March 2013 -- 81/365Providence, Rhode IslandI pass this seasonal lemonade shop every morning on my way to work.  The graffiti on the plywood cropped up a couple of months ago, but I wanted to wait until there was sufficient early morning sunlight for me to take the photo.  Since my first meeting today was an hour later than usual, I had that opportunity today.  That was likely fortuitous since I'm sure they'll be opening the shop for the season fairly soon.  Assuming, of course, it ever finally warms up here.Post processing started with a classic filter in Topaz B&W FX.  I adjusted color sensitivity sliders followed by adaptive exposure, regions, boost black, boost white, protect highlights, and contrast.  A levels adjustment and a sepia photo filter were added in PSE.
3/21/13
Day 80/365

Daisy finally went to meet the angels this morning...it was not easy to say goodbye to my sweet little kitty. So I welcomed the sight of these beautiful tulips today on my trip to the store... They brightened my day a bit. Happy Spring
3/20/13
Day 79/365

The last 4 chocolate coins from the kids coin hunt this past weekend at my in-laws house :)
03-21-2013
"Sutton and a Clydesdale"

There is a parade that is an off shoot of the internationally known St. Mal's Paddy's Day Parade that has taken place for over 30 years in Jackson, Mississippi.  The St. Mal's took place last weekend and the 3rd annual "Zippity Doo Dah Parade" is on for this weekend.  It was started by the "Sweet Potato Queens" to raise money for our children's hospital.  Here is a link - http://zddparade.com/  The "Sweet Potato Queen" story is another one of great interest.  Please take a look at the site and see what fun they have.  They bring the Budweiser Clydesdales to the parade.  It's become a really big deal here.  Because we "Cline Tours" is one of sponsors of the parade, were were invited to a special event last night where they brought one of the Clydesdales in to our local arena for people to see. This event was not open to the public.  Sutton being the horse lover she is, was so excited.  Hughes was also with us but he was having too much fun with his friends that were  there.  I captured this shot of her petting the Clydesdale and his expression looks like he is saying to me, "Look Nana, she's petting me."  You can see how big this guy is.  John said his height to his head is at least 10 feet.  I admit....he was huge.  

I took 234 photos during the time we were there.  I had such a difficult time getting the white balance and shutter speed right.  After looking at all the photos, I really am second guessing my ability to take photos in poor lighting for an event like this. Believe me when I say poor lighting, it looked like plain bulbs hanging in a silver bowl.    I didn't use flash because I didn't know if it would be allowed.  I have some fantastic captures of this horse galloping around the arena but they are not clear.  I was really disappointed because I have taken so many good action shots.  I would not put it on auto.....I just refused!  At least I have the perfect photos although blurred to remember the event.  One thing I did notice about the photos was how he held his head high in some of his moves and then the ones where he lowered his head.  Very interesting and not the normal movements for a horse.  I had fun anyway.  

Y'all have really overwhelmed me with your very kind comments on my last few posts. Y'all definitely know how to make a girl feel good.  If any of you action shot experts would like to see some of the photos I have been talking about, please email me and I'll send them to you.  I would love to know what I was or wasn't doing correctly.
Donna
3/21/13
Day 80/365

Daisy finally went to meet the angels this morning...it was not easy to say goodbye to my sweet little kitty. So I welcomed the sight of these beautiful tulips today on my trip to the store... They brightened my day a bit. Happy Spring
3/21/13
Day 80/365

Daisy finally went to meet the angels this morning...it was not easy to say goodbye to my sweet little kitty. So I welcomed the sight of these beautiful tulips today on my trip to the store... They brightened my day a bit. Happy Spring
3/21/13
Day 80/365

Daisy finally went to meet the angels this morning...it was not easy to say goodbye to my sweet little kitty. So I welcomed the sight of these beautiful tulips today on my trip to the store... They brightened my day a bit. Happy Spring
See photo in original gallery.