hot solution to cold weather

In the midst of winter there is warmth


My December 2008 photo taken by Cathy


Large Oak Tree near Felton Library





When the weather cools off I start hitting the Cayenne pepper
which can be used in many ways also those pepper flakes that go on pizza.

It can be sprinkled in your socks to help keep your feet warm.
It can be sprinkled on your food to warm you from the inside
and it can be made into a broth with a bouillon cube and drank as hot as you
can take it.

When I'm sick and have chills I will take a 00 capsule of Cayenne, not on
an empty stomach, and it will turn the chills into a sweat real quick.

One other thing I've done is to burn a candle in a glass holder with a top
part
that encloses the flame and then cup my hands around the candle holder to
warm them up. I also wear fingerless gloves and a sweater cap most of the time
even indoors and let's not forget a dog or two or even three on your lap if
they
are small enough.

I drive our Lazy Daze with a dog on my lap as it's old enough to not have air bags.

Fall 2008

Here is a picture of the corner section of our front yard taken with the Olympus
C2100 and a Tiffen 87 infrared filter.


Recently I aquired a Hoya R72 infrared filter and that peaked my interest in infrared photography. This is a photograph taken with an Olympus C2100 effectionately know as the Uzi of the trees, sky, and clouds from our front yard.


Dad and Cathy Thanksgiving 2008

For years I've had a concern with the American style of death wishing for something natural and not contrived like what much of the funeral industry cooks up.

Now with concerns about global warming cremation seems disrespectful to the environment however there is a movement for green burial in a natural preserve that honors nature as we return
our body to it.

I found this picture on this website:
http://www.naturalburialground.com/default.htm
It appeals to me and if and until something better comes along
this seems like a reasonable way to return my body to the earth
when it's time to give up the ghost.

Michelle Ress November 28, 2009

Kelly Holding Lil' Girl

Kelly holding Lil Girl, originally uploaded by safoocat.

Kelly is the wonderful lady who was fostering Lil Girl when we adopted her. We will always love you.
Michelle Cathy Lil Girl Ruffles Perky Kona Tobi
all of us

brown and white horse, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This is one of my favorite pictures. It was taken at a distance with a lot of zoom. The day was a wintery day with misty rain.

mushrooms nov 11 08

mushrooms nov 11 08, originally uploaded by safoocat.

Cathy found these growing near the motorhome.
I took this picture with my newest toy a Finepix2800

Orange Buoy and Pelican

Orange bouy and Pelican, originally uploaded by safoocat.

Been too long since posting a picture. We walked out to the Walton LIghthouse today and saw this picture along the way. It was rather warm for November, I went barefoot.

Chiquita

Lil' Girl with sandy face, originally uploaded by safoocat.

Chiquita aka Little Girl the day we adopted her.

echinacea, originally uploaded by safoocat.

I like the colors in this flower.

Tiny Flower red

Tiny Flower red, originally uploaded by safoocat.

Every once in awhile I take a picture that stands out on the screen.
This is one of those snapshots. It was taken near Polo Loco in downtown Santa Cruz, Ca.

Vanessa & Ratatoille

Vanessa & Ratatoille, originally uploaded by safoocat.

First picture of our new rats which we got from freecycle from another person named Michelle who is moving to Merced. We wish her luck.

For Cricket on her Birthday

family photo 12 11 07, originally uploaded by safoocat.

From our family to your family
Michelle, Cathy, Kona, Tobi

Squirrel Closeup 29May08

Squirrel Closeup 29May08, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This squirrel is my buddy. He comes around to eat and pose for me.

Chimney for Sabath

Chimney for Sabath, originally uploaded by safoocat.

Getting back into HDR photography.
Used the Panasonic DMC FZ30 here.
Three exposures. Michelle

Frank Adamson

Frank Adamson, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This is what I like, photographing people out doing what they can to participate in our society. Michelle

forgetmenot

forgetmenot, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This is a simple weed taken with a simple camera edited with
a simple software.

potato flower cropped

potato flower cropped, originally uploaded by safoocat.

I'm jazzed by the response to this photograph of the first potato plant flower of the spring in our yard. Michelle

societal failure

societal failure, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This compelling photograph foretells
a disturbing drift downward as more
people are priced into cheaper rigs.

lens caps painted

lens caps painted, originally uploaded by safoocat.

These are homemade lens caps. To see the various steps go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/safoocat/sets/72157603251161721/

camera light 1

camera light 1, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This 4 superwide angle LED light is homemade from a kit.
It is powered by 3 AAA batteries, has an on/off switch and a
tripod mounting screw. It also doubles as a flashlight and
it's a great bedside reading light.

Common Goldeneye

Common Goldeneye, originally uploaded by safoocat.

the markings on this bird and the reflections in the water
make me very happy with this photograph taken in the park
during my lunch break from jury duty.
Michelle

Pride's last photo

Pride's last photo, originally uploaded by safoocat.

I miss you Pride, I will always miss you.
Farewell my friend. Michelle

brown and white horse

brown and white horse, originally uploaded by safoocat.

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Obama just won Wisconsin.
It was drizzling today.
This horse was standing near the gate either waiting for someone
or wanted out. Perhaps it was waiting for this photo to be taken.
Perhaps not.
Michelle

snail macro

snail macro, originally uploaded by safoocat.

taking care of business
yes we can

http://www.dipdive.com/

Cathy on hand sculpture

Cathy on hand sculpture, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This is a beautiful sculpure and is an ideal place for a portrait.
Cathy honors me with a pose. The DimageZ2 delivers.

goodnight 1 10 08

goodnight 1 10 08
Originally uploaded by safoocat

every once in awhile it's nice to put up a self portrait

moss on wood 1 12 08

moss on wood 1 12 08
Originally uploaded by safoocat

even in winter there is growth and life

Olds 98 21/365

Olds 98 21/365, originally uploaded by safoocat.

This old rusty car was found in Sunnyvale, CA and this photo
was taken with the Vistaquest vq1005 key chain camera.

Aloe the healing plant

The color is unbelievable. The setting sun lit this plant up like Christmas tree ornaments. A great way to end the day near Lighthouse Field in Santa Cruz, CA.

Change of Camera

I've noticed the colors with the Vistaquest are much more vibrant and the effect more etherial that with the Canon so I'm going to use it for my main camera and the Rebel for special situations that require either a long lens, or a macro lens or a faster shutter or a flash.

This bleeding saw mill is an example of the richness achieved with the Vistaquest that just is not there with the Canon at least not without any filters that I have.