Grey winters day

I was feeling inspired by the snowstorm we had yesterday so I thought I'd go for a drive and take a few pictures. All images were taken in Seabrook, NH or Salisbury, MA. 

It appears we are in for a big storm in the next couple days! Not sure if I'm happy about that or not. 

Hope you enjoy : )

SPRING IS COMING!!!

In honor of National Coffee Day let's enjoy a few early autumn images!

It's time for me to enjoy my daily afternoon coffee. 

It also seems like the perfect time to post a few images I shot this past Thursday while up north on the Kancamagus. 

It's not to often I buy Victoria magazine anymore but my curiosity was peaked when I realized it contained an article about the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the fall. Perfect reading for National Coffee Day!

Are you celebrating in any particular way? Or just a cup of joe as usual. Or maybe you're not a joe person at all.

 My hope was to get over to Lil's for a latte and some people watching but that was not to be. Instead I have enjoyed the company of my animals along with a wonderful walk with my neighbor and good friend, Dottie.

Each year I try to make at least one trip up north to view the fall foliage in all it's glory, and though the trees weren't quite at peak, they were pretty impressive. Let me just say if you can get to New England to see the foliage, this is the year to do it! The colors are the most brilliant I've seen in several years. Last winter might have been an absolute bear but we are definitely reaping its rewards this fall!

Seeing as how we live along the coast of NH my husband and I decided to drive 93 north to up around the Loon Mountain area. From there we hopped onto the Kancamagus, had a delicious lunch at Half Baked & Fully Brewed  in Lincoln then continued the 34 mile journey to route 16 in Conway.

I hope you enjoy just a taste of the scenery.

Lily Pond

Swift River

Although the colors were not very impressive in town this tree happened to catch my eye while we waited in traffic. It's located just across from the fire department on 16 in Conway. 

Thanks for tagging along on my day trip!

Happy National Coffee Day! Happy Autumn! Happy everything :)

Moonset on Cadillac Mountain, and a Moose

Although we were only in the Bar Harbor/Acadia area for 2-1/2 days I made sure to see the sun come up and the moon go down each day. 

The photos below were taken from Cadillac mountain. How lucky am I that it just happened to be a full moon! Sometimes I'm not sure which is more impressive, the moonrise or the moonset. At about 6:15 in the morning this happened to be a moonset.

Looking out over the other side of the mountain towards Bar Harbor, the sunrise behind the clouds cast a colorful glow. The Summit cruise ship heads into port on what would be another perfect day in Maine.

Although this image doesn't really tie in with the moon or sun I just think it's a cool view. If you've been to Bar Harbor you surely recognize the moose! 

Somesville, Maine, a quick drive by

Heading south on 102 towards Bass Harbor we had the fortune of driving through Somesville (link to this splendid town). It has to be one of the prettiest towns on the Mount Desert Island. The time, effort, and money spent on the homes and flowers are obvious at a glance.

Although I tried to capture a portion of the town with my camera I don't feel my photos really do it justice. If you've ever driving down main street then you understand.

Such a dreamy front porch. 

There's something about large ferns and wicker white that lend themselves to romance and true relaxation.

The Selectman's building is certainly the town jewel, photographed day in and day out

The flowers in the box are looking a little sad at the moment but after all it is the end of summer. Since we were there a week ago surely autumn hardy flowers have been planted. Better images of the bridge can be viewed online here or the link I posted up above. 

Looking at the photos online it's easy to see why this particular bridge is photographed so often throughout all four seasons.

The best part about this shot? The little hand written note on the sign ... 

'Pay here 

 Thank you!'

It shows there are still people who believe in the honesty of a complete stranger.

A Good Morning in Bar Harbor, Maine

All of the photos below were taken yesterday morning (9/10/14) around 6:00 am. Morning sun is so golden and glorious, especially on the water.

This guy was a trouble maker. He seemed to find joy in pulling brochures from the holders and dropping them on the dock all the while squawking, clicking, and cackling.

If you've ever been to Bar Harbor, Maine I hope these images bring back calming memories. And if you haven't been, maybe you'll be spurned on to make the trip. This was our first getaway (brief as it may have been) to Mt. Desert Island and I have to say it was heavenly. I'd highly recommend visiting in September. The weather is still warm, all the kids have gone back to school, and it's mostly seniors  or empty nesters visiting the area. My only complaint is that I couldn't have stayed longer.

I'll try to upload more images from our getaway!

Applecrest Farm

There's nothing like spring blooms and blue skies to bring renewed inspiration for photography

It's been quite a while since I've been to Applecrest Farm in Hampton Falls so I had no idea they served ice cream. I'll have to go back very soon and get myself a cone! I'm all about a cardboard tasting plain cone. lol! A cup just won't do. 

Lovely, lovely blooms. 

Warm days bring about their delicate demise all to soon. Today there are very few trees still fully in flower. Most of the apple trees were almost flowerless during this shoot last week.

Baltimore Orioles are back. The gurgle in their song is a dead giveaway. Hummers have returned too, though I've only seen one. And the Grey Tree Frogs are coming back to life in the evenings. Funny little frogs they are!

I can't help but look at these apple trees and think of Fall. And who doesn't love Fall? Apples hanging heavy on tree limbs, cider, donuts, cool nights, warm days ... it's what comes after that makes me shudder. Winter left an indelible mark on us all here in the Northeast.

Sweet Bee . . . .

can you see him?

Always pristine. This house sits adjacent to the farm. White on white, I just think it's so pretty!

Hard to believe the warm days of summer are just around the corner. Finally the days we've been dreaming of for so long have arrived. And not a moment to soon! 

As I finish up this post it's time for my husband and I to head out and enjoy this gorgeous, sunny, warm Wednesday before the rain arrives tonight. I'm thinking lunch at the Beach Pea in Kittery. What are you up to today?

Flowers, Phin and Spring!

Although still life photography is not really my forte it doesn't stop me from pursuing pretty images.

I love the Ranunculus. Their colors are so varied and beautiful! Trimming the stems every few days and changing out the water help to keep them fresh and crisp. The sweet tag with a birds nest came in a gift-tag variety pack from Homegoods. 

The yellow and white Bee hand towel came from a small, old time store in Little Compton, RI called Wilburs. Here's a little video about the town and Wilburs, if your interested. How I love the Farm Coast region of Rhode Island * sigh *

A few pretty Peonies just past their prime. Seems they come and go in June like a popsicle on a hot afternoon. Rain can take them within a matter of hours.

.  .  .  .  . 

As I get older every day seems to be a journey. Someone important to me recently relayed the thoughts below. They strike a chord with my soul.

I think they're words all of us should try to live by. All we can do is our best.

And then there's Phin. I just happened to come across this photo last night and thought it would be a good image to add to my blog. All the white you see around the edges? That's Lily's head, neck, and leg. Her fluffy white fur appears like clouds.

FINALLY spring is here! No peepers quite yet but this morning for the first time I heard a Nighthawk. The Robins and Cardinals are singing before the sun comes up. And the blackbirds have returned in prolific numbers, only to clean out my feeders in one big swarm. Warm days cannot be far off.

Has spring returned to your house? For me it always feels like I'm coming back to life again.