Susan's Daily Photo Blog

Henrietta's Second Egg

2011-04-11T18:25:00.002-04:00

Henrietta's Second Egg, a photo by rudimyers on Flickr.

I labeled this second egg, because the first one broke. I wondered why Henrietta was hanging out in the corner of our back porch. I happened to look down today and saw the remains of an egg. I guessed that either Henrietta or Bob stepped on it. Since we don't have a large enough coop, I grabbed a banker's box, put it in the corner (where Henrietta had been hanging out), and put hay in it. Henrietta moved in right away! I checked about twenty minutes later, and saw an egg between her eggs. Good job Henrietta!

Chickens Go Exploring

2011-03-22T18:02:00.002-04:00

Bob a photo by rudimyers on Flickr.

Bob and Henrietta really started exploring the yard recently. We fenced in an area behind our house (6000 square feet). The birds have been staying around the back porch and fig tree. I think the clover is too enticing.

I caught Bob and Henrietta wandering in the far corner behind the garage. They are very happy birds!

Let Me In

2011-03-20T19:09:00.002-04:00

Let Me In a photo by rudimyers on Flickr.

Bob and Henrietta discovered the back porch yesterday. Today, they were on it some more and even perched on top of the rocking chair. Bob kept looking in through the glass back door. He even pecked on the glass once!

No, Bob. You can NOT come in.

Little Old Man

2011-03-19T16:36:00.002-04:00

Heading Toward Mom a photo by rudimyers on Flickr.

This little orangutan made me smile. He played with hay and then took a stroll toward Mom. Later, he stuck his arm in what looked like a large oatmeal container. I could have watched him all day long.

Framed Moon

2011-03-12T17:18:00.002-05:00

Framed Moon a photo by rudimyers on Flickr.

I took my younger son for a second walk to the park today. As we went, I noticed the moon just as I was getting near a Palmetto tree. Viola! Nature creates the South Carolina symbol.

Primary Bottle

2011-03-04T21:45:00.002-05:00

Primary Bottle a photo by rudimyers on Flickr.

This is my fourth oil painting. I put three bottles on a brown wicker tray. I decided to exaggerate and draw them extra large. I placed red and yellow construction paper behind the bottles because I wanted a colorful background and needed the paper to help draw the distortion/reflection. Please let me know what I can do to improve. Thank you!

Sam I Am

2011-02-25T19:05:00.002-05:00

Sam I Am
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today, the first graders celebrated Dr. Seuss in high style. Each child could pick a favorite Seuss character and dress up. My older son chose to dress as Sam I Am. We originally bought a St. Patrick Day type of hat, but my husband found a red hat later. My son very intelligently put the red hat on the St. Patrick on to make a Sam I Am type of hat. He is holding green eggs and ham.

Taking a Dirt Bath

2011-02-24T17:57:00.002-05:00

Together
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Bob and Henrietta are growing up fast. Bob is becoming quite a handsome fellow, and both birds are very solid.

I walked outside to snap a photo of the two and found them wallowing in the dirt. They had scratched themselves a nice spot right next to the back porch. This is the best clear shot. They were way too busy, and I have a few blurry shots as they wallowed and wallowed to their hearts' content.

Bee Bind Mice

2011-02-11T16:47:00.002-05:00

Bee Bind Mice
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My younger son came into the dining room while I was taking pictures of my painting. He turned on the piano, started playing notes, and sang Bee Bind Mice. I think I will have to sign him up for lessons since he enjoys the piano so much. The cutest part was him turning pages in the hymn book before starting another song.

Snow Journey - More Work Done

2011-02-03T21:36:00.002-05:00

Snow Journey - More Work Done
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

This is my third oil painting. I am learning as I go and realizing snow is ... well, just durn hard to paint. Unfortunately, I will be out of town until Sunday. Maybe that will be a good thing as I can look at this with fresh eyes at that time.

Screening Light

2011-01-24T17:45:00.002-05:00

Screening Light
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

For the Daily Shoot, I picked the chicken coop. Light enters in from different angles during the day as the sun moves over our house and across the yard. The late afternoon (just after 5:00) gave the most interesting show as light was streaming through the hardware cloth covered hole in the chicken coop.

The Game

2011-01-22T19:17:00.002-05:00

Circling
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

One of Thomas's Tiger assigments was to attend a sports game. The den leader had all of the boys meet at Wofford today to watch a basketball game. Families were welcome, so the younger son and I went as well. I'm not sure I caught much of the game since younger son was VERY busy. He kept going toward a bar and a certain slip down and under to a hospital visit. I do know Wofford won. Go Terriers!

Means of Transportation

2011-01-21T18:43:00.002-05:00

Means of Transportation
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I took a young disabled man under my wing last year. We talked and messed with each other. He kept telling us (the library staff) that he was getting an operation and would walk. I didn't believe it because I knew the young man's story. He lived with his sister; his parents were somewhere up North; and I got the sense his parents weren't supportive. So, I was beyond elated when he came in one day with his walker. Every morning he comes in on his wheelchair, gets his walker, and goes off to classes. Every afternoon, he switches out. I wonder if one day he will not have a walker at all.

Where's My Hossenfeffer?

2011-01-20T17:41:00.002-05:00

Where's My Hossenfeffer?
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The Muskovy duck is spoiled spoiled spoiled. He waited in the carport as I drove up with the younger son. The duck obviously expected bread. Younger son dutifully took bread out and gave it to Mr. Muskovy. He is going to want to come in the house and watch tv next!

Out and About

2011-01-19T21:28:00.002-05:00

Out and About
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The "girls" (poor chickens - one is really a rooster but I call them the girls) really enjoyed today. It is strange to call birds happy, but they truly seemed happy today. I cleaned their coop. While the "run" was up and out of the way, they took the opportunity to roam about the yard a bit.

Parched

2011-01-18T20:33:00.002-05:00

Parched
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's Daily Shoot said to make a photograph with a triangular composition. I took a picture of this water fountain because the shape of the spout shield is triangular. I love the shine, shapes, and bit of water in the picture.

Musket Training

2011-01-15T20:56:00.002-05:00

Young Musket Trainer
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Every year, Cowpens Battlefield celebrates the anniversary of the battle. People will dress in costume and walk the route to the battle site (a National Park). This time, the crowd attending was very large, and there were also many more reenactors. My husband and older son walked around with the Tiger Cub Den and participated in different activities and watched demonstrations. This picture was taken when our younger son and I caught up just in time for the musket training. The younger son jumped right in to train (older son is in the orange cap at the edge of the picture).

Weather Vane

2011-01-14T16:36:00.002-05:00

Weather Vane
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My son had an assignment sheet to make a weather project - last Friday! Luckily, it isn't due until this Tuesday. We chose to make a weather vane and record the direction the wind is blowing. Today, around 3:35, it blew from east to south-east and then directly to the west. Temperature around 37 degrees. Wispy clouds in the sky.

Oil Painting

2011-01-13T11:52:00.002-05:00

Thomas Engaged Painting
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

This is my second oil painting. I don't think I am a realist (grin). Anyway, I was inspired to do this one from a picture I took of my older son. He was sitting under the window in a blue chair engaged in his handheld Nintendo.

Please feel free to leave constructive criticisms. I need help in improving my work!

Silly Boys in the Fort

2011-01-11T18:45:00.002-05:00

Silly Boys in the Fort
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My husband worked very hard yesterday creating a fort. Our older son finally got into the spirit of things when he saw Dad creating the cave as part of the fort. Here is a picture of the two boys acting silly in the fort.

Shadow Down

2011-01-04T18:50:00.002-05:00

Shadow Down
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's Daily Shoot said to take a photo with a diagonal line leading the line. I saw the line of the light and shadow while popping into the bedroom and took a shot. I like how the line is definite in places and blurred in others.

Proud "Mama"

2011-01-03T18:47:00.002-05:00

Proud "Mama"
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today, "Mama" (aka me) had to work today. Luckily, my husband teaches at a local college and doesn't have to be on campus yet. So, he let the chickens run in the yard and kept an eye/ear on them. Since this is day three for the Australorps, I am thinking they will be fine from now on.

My son took this picture of me posing with the girls and one guy.

PS: My older son still won't let me name them all Stupid Chicken. :)

Take a Beak

2011-01-02T15:12:00.002-05:00

Take a Beak
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Yes, we own chickens - Australorps to be precise.

For Christmas, my husband gave me chicken feed, a waterer, and a chicken coop. We had discussed many many times the idea of raising chickens and eating the eggs. I had done some minimal research on MyPetChicken.com and read Beginner's Guide to Chickens by Faber so had an idea of what breeds of chickens I wanted.

After we came back from traveling over Christmas, I searched Craig's List (where else?) and found a man nearby who was advertising several breeds for sale. I talked to him on the phone, and since he sounded like he was serious and knew what he was doing (chickens are his hobby, but he has THOUSANDS of chickens), I asked if we could visit and take a look. Of course, it rained the entire time we were there talking to him, but the boys didn't seem to buy. He turned out to be a great guy, and, even though we only paid him for two young chickens (two months old), he gave us three more chickens (so four females and a male total) to take home.

Today, I let the chickens out in the yard for a bit. They are pretty friendly and curious, although I had to climb a learning curve for getting them back into their coop!

Upcoming Sled Ride

2010-12-28T09:31:00.002-05:00

Upcoming Sled Ride
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

This picture shows my husband and younger son trudging across the top of the dam to go for a saucer disc ride. Spartanburg received snow on Christmas Day - the first white Christmas for Spartanburg since the 1960's. Around the house, we had about four inches of snow.

Let It Snow

2010-12-25T17:43:00.002-05:00

Let It Snow
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

An amazingly rare occurrence in Chesnee, SC - snow on Christmas Day. The family opened presents, played with presents, and enjoyed the day. The husband and older son braved the mixture of snow and rain to go for a four mile ride/run (husband ran while older son rode his bike). The snow started coming down in a serious manner around 4:00 this afternoon.

The Views

2010-12-24T17:16:00.002-05:00

Across the Marsh to the Pier
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

This picture shows the view out toward the pier near a playground on Daniel Island. The family went there to celebrate Christmas (for a few days before Christmas itself) with my Mom, Dad, and sister.

The entire island is very quiet and lush with old oak trees and marsh. I am very happy that my parents and sister found a place to live here.

Rain of Leaves

2010-11-14T16:16:00.002-05:00

Rain of Leaves
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Andy took William (younger son) to dump food into the mulch pile. On the way back, William stopped to play with leaves. So, Andy raked a huge pile. William had a grand time playing in them, so Thomas (older son) joined in.

Opening an Orange

2010-11-08T18:07:00.002-05:00

Opening an Orange
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I took this from my car while waiting for the light to change. I love the orange doors and wonder what is behind them.

Play the Triangles

2010-11-01T17:10:00.002-04:00

Play the Triangles
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Playground equipment makes for great framing/pictures.

Rafter in the Field

2010-10-28T19:38:00.002-04:00

Rafter in the Field
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Yes, a rafter is the word for a group of turkeys - not gobble.

These handsome birds were in the open field (where Mr. Davis makes hay) just up the road from our house. We have seen the males and hens cross the road before, but there were a bunch. I slowed down and took several pictures. I like this one best because one bird is just entering the scene from stage right.

Clothed Ascending a Staircase

2010-10-24T17:30:00.002-04:00

Clothed Ascending a Staircase
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

While not a cubist work, I believe this can move on its own merit.

Lighting Blue

2010-10-20T17:27:00.002-04:00

Lighting Blue
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My son has gotten back into his iPod Nano. I saw the way the light was hitting him and all of the blue and couldn't resist taking this shot.

Ephemeral Strands

2010-10-14T18:49:00.002-04:00

Ephemeral Strands
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

An artist in residence with Hub Bub has been leaving paintings along the trail. I did a walk/run today with the camera and took pictures of her artwork. I also found this creation by a spider near the river.

Steel Lined

2010-10-12T18:05:00.002-04:00

Steel Lined
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Spartanburg Day School hired a construction crew to build a new high school building that will also house new administrative offices. I love seeing the changes every day as I drive by the school. Today, the crew made some major changes by adding steel beams to create a skeleton for the upcoming roof. Here is my shot of the inside of what will be the new roof.

Partially Happy

2010-10-07T19:06:00.002-04:00

Partially Happy
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

For the month of October, an artist is meditating and creating art every morning. I am not sure if the artist left this message behind but am sad that people couldn't leave it alone.

Gauging the Pressure

2010-10-02T18:42:00.003-04:00

Gauging the Pressure
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My older son and I visited the Cherokee Springs Fire Department today. They held a hotdog, drink, look at the engines, and play for free day from 11:00-4:00. I climbed the rock wall and made it to the top! While we were there, I took close-up shots of the ladder truck and got this great shot of the pressure dials.

Royal Snow

2010-09-26T16:55:00.002-04:00

Royal Snow
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I shopped at Lowe's yesterday and found several pots of perennials. I was going to combine some together in the same pot but ended up with the flowers all in separate containers. Here, I posted a close-up shot of the purple verbena and the puff aster.

The Road Most Traveled

2010-09-13T18:55:00.002-04:00

The Road Most Travelled
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's Daily Shoot asked photographers to take a picture of a path, sidewalk, trail, or road. I travel this road every day. I am standing in the cul-de-sac. To my right (out of the picture view) is the driveway to my house. Ahead is the only road out of the neighborhood - the road most traveled.

The River Falls

2010-09-12T19:18:00.002-04:00

The River Falls
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Pacolet has not fallen away. It still survives in spite of the death of its mill many years ago.

We stopped near the mill and river on the way home today. I took pictures of a mural showing the mill and town, the abandoned mill, and the river. The mill houses still exist on the hills near the river, and people still live in the town. Pacolet sits near Spartanburg and is one of many many mill areas that lost its livelihood when the mills closed.

Well Used

2010-09-07T18:51:00.002-04:00

Well Used
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

A backhoe stood almost in my way, so, naturally, I took some pictures. Apparently, the workers are having trouble finding the leak, so they have been digging up hole after hole. The machine has definitely been working hard.

Nature Expert

2010-08-28T16:52:00.002-04:00

Nature Expert
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My husband is wonderful. He found out from a student in his class that THE Rudy Manke would be at the Price House today. An Eagle Scout created a trail there, and Rudy was leading a group to see it. I had heard that Rudy takes awhile to even leave a parking area. The story is true. We started in a gravel area just inside the chain link fence. Mr. Manke began by showing us a small turtle he found on the trail. A cat had gotten a hold of it, and Rudy said it could be fixed up with Neosporine. We learned about three different plants and two animals before we even started walking down the path. The man is amazing!

If you haven't seen Rudy Manke in action, you can view some videos here.

Framing Window

2010-08-24T18:43:00.002-04:00

Framing Window
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I looked for a shot to match today's Daily Shoot but didn't really see anything inspiring. Our blue barn (courtesy of Tuff Shed) just had shutters put beside the windows. I love how that little touch finishes the barn. Here is my shot of a shutter beside one of the windows.

High Five

2010-08-23T16:41:00.002-04:00

High Five
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's The Daily Shoot them is the number five. I asked these two students to give each other a high five. The students at my school are such hams!

Rough Housing

2010-08-21T18:07:00.002-04:00

Rough Housing by Carl Sandburg's House
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I love watching my husband with the boys. He really pays attention to them, plays with them, helps out with bed, and more. We took a trip with my Mom to look for an obelisk somewhere in the Blue Ridge area (off of 26 near Tryon). We never found it on the way up (followed Howard's Gap Road) and stopped at Carl Sandburg's House. On the way to the goats, Andy and the boys chased each other and rough housed.

Elephant of Knowledge

2010-08-20T17:06:00.002-04:00

Elephant of Knowledge
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Actually, I was trying to capture a shallow depth of field. One day maybe I will figure out the manual controls?

Anyway, people say elephants remember everything, so this elephant should be right at home in the SHS Library.

Mom's Laptop

2010-08-19T17:35:00.002-04:00

Mom's Laptop
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My Mom loves her laptop and takes it everywhere she goes. I'm proud of how much technology she knows.

Hands Off

2010-08-17T20:35:00.002-04:00

Hands Off
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's Daily Shoot said to make a picture of a sign. I took my camera in the car intending to get a shot of a restaurant sign. Luckily, I forgot to take my camera out because I saw a much more interesting sign as we pulled into the driveway. In context, I know the pointy thing coming at the hand is supposed to be a blade, but I wonder how universal that picture is?

Fruit Bowl

2010-08-13T17:40:00.002-04:00

Fruit Bowl
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My son likes shopping much much more than I do. I bought him two new pairs of tennis shoes. His toes are hitting the one mark (for size), so he walked out with 1 1/2's. We ran over to Hobby Lobby after shopping for shoes. I love Hobby Lobby. I explained to my almost seven year old that I was looking for decorations for the high school library. He jumped right in and wanted to do individual flowers. But, then, he saw the fruit and liked that better. When we got home, he made this arrangement (he didn't like the arrangement I came up with).

Ground Breaking Window

2010-08-11T21:33:00.002-04:00

Ground Breaking Window
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I love when buildings are in states of creation. We dealt directly with Tough Shed to get a two story "barn' created for our property. Here, part of the walls lie on the ground. The building is going to be VERY tall, and it looks great on the backside of our property. I love the color I picked out as well.

Going Green

2010-08-10T18:15:00.002-04:00

Going Green
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's assignment - shoot something green. I remembered the Publix bag and for some reason also the recycle pile we keep in the laundry room. Not only is the Publix bag green, but it lets me go green when shopping since I don't need a plastic bag.

Arachnid Hypotenuse

2010-08-09T17:17:00.002-04:00

Arachnid Hypotenuse
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's Daily Shoot told photographers to look for triangles. I walked down the Cottonwood Trail after work today. Once I finished, I happened to look near the car and noticed this web attached to a tree making a nice natural triangle.

Live... On Stage

2010-08-06T16:26:00.000-04:00

Live... On Stage
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I took my older son to Hendersonville for most of the day. We went to Hands On, a children's museum located downtown. He enjoyed creating lego cars and racing them and stayed in that area of the museum a LONG time. I did manage to catch him in the act of being silly near the stage though.

We both enjoyed seeing the bear statues around Hendersonville but don't know why they are there.

Pink Beauty

2010-08-02T16:49:00.002-04:00

Pink Beauty
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The Daily Shoot said to take a picture of natural beauty in our area. This bush in our yard always puts on the prettiest pink petals. I took a shot of it after work today.

Endless Blue

2010-07-24T20:15:00.002-04:00

Endless Blue
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's Daily Assignment asked the photographer to take a picture with negative space. Unfortunately, the most interesting subject, a partially sunk catamaran, bobbed too far away from the condo patio for me to get a picture. I think the people that were in it were ok. A police truck drove up the beach honking, but I don't know what on earth he thought he was going to do to help (unless he had been watching Top Gear and was going to turn that truck into a truck/boat).

So, here is my picture of negative space. Enjoy!

Gonna Get You

2010-07-22T18:48:00.002-04:00

Gonna Get You
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

There is nothing more fun than a well designed putt putt. We found one of the best right near our condo at a place called Rainbow Falls Golf. Although it didn't have a coherent theme (mixture of octopus, shark, dinosaur and other kitch), the greens were well kept. Anyone with skill could actually get par - an experience hard to find since most places make it so one needs luck to get close to par. If you are in Myrtle Beach and like to putt putt, give Rainbow Falls a try.

Half Time

2010-07-12T18:01:00.002-04:00

Half Time
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

We spent quite a bit of time away from the house already this summer. The family visited Washington, DC for a week, came home for a week, went to Williamsburg for a week, and have just arrived back home. We leave this Sunday for a trip to Charleston and then the beach (Myrtle Beach). Summer time is slipping very quickly away!

Laundry Time

2010-07-06T17:57:00.002-04:00

Laundry Time
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today, we visited Jamestown Settlement. This gentleman was washing his laundry. I expressed surprise at first (stating that it was a woman's job) and then corrected myself noting that there wouldn't have been many (if any) women in the fort. This fellow gave me great information about washing clothes (people paid someone) and a wonderful lesson on how people dyed clothes during this time period.

The boys really enjoyed the fort and climbed all over the ships docked nearby.

Coffee House

2010-07-05T21:16:00.002-04:00

Our Host in the Coffee House
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Our trip to Williamsburg started on a blistering hot day. We walked from the visitor's center to Great Hope's Plantation. Our older son was enthralled with the tools people used back in colonial times.

Some of the "colonists" set up games on the Palace Green. My older son and I played a strategy game using rocks. This and another observation type of game was played by Native Americans.

We walked on to the Brickmaker's Yard. Unfortunately, the fire was too hot, so the boys couldn't get into the clay pit. Everyone was hungry, so we walked straight up the road to Chowning's Tavern.

After the tavern, we stopped at the blacksmith. The boys were fascinated with the fire and watching the blacksmith work.

My sister-in-law, older son, and I visited Charlton's Coffeehouse. They conduct group tours through the house. The tour is well-done, and I highly recommend you go if you get a chance. The picture shows the game room with a clock from the time period and our guide.

Upcountry History Museum

2010-06-26T17:57:00.002-04:00

Upcountry History Museum
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My husband is visiting museums in the upstate in preparation for a class he will teach in the fall. Today, we saw the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, SC. Many of the exhibits include an audio component, and there are boxes of realia for children to explore. This is not a large museum but well-done nonetheless.

Tired Feet

2010-06-19T19:30:00.002-04:00

Out of Work
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

We started at the Arlington Metro and walked. And walked. And walked.

After we crossed Memorial Bridge, we visited the Lincoln Memorial. The family then walked down to the Vietnam Memorial. My husband's father fought in that war. We found the spot where men in his company were listed.

It was extremely hot, so we took an ice cream break by the pool on the mall near the Lincoln Memorial. I bought one bottle of water and wished later that I had bought more.

We visited the Korean Memorial next and then decided to go to the FDR Memorial. Unfortunately, the city had the sidewalk across the street blocked off. We ended up walking all the way down to the WWII before we could cross the street and walk around the Tidal Basin to the FDR Memorial.

I loved the FDR Memorial. The running water and the different figures really gave one the sense of the Presidency and the state of the country during that time period. Here is a picture of me standing at one section of the Memorial.

We walked on to the Jefferson Memorial. By that time, my feet were killing me, and I was so so hot. We finally made it around to the Smithsonian Metro and headed back to the condo.

Tomorrow, we pack up and leave. We will visit Manassas tomorrow and then drive on to Charlottesville.

To Boldly Go...

2010-06-18T19:38:00.002-04:00

Shuttle Enterprise
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

We traveled to the Air and Space Museum in Dulles. This museum contains more planes, space craft, and other interesting artifacts than the one on the mall. The boys enjoyed everything so much. Tomorrow, we visit the Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials.

Spirit of St Louis

2010-06-17T19:24:00.002-04:00

Spirit of St Louis
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

We went to the Air and Space Museum today. My older one LOVED it. He went to every exhibit and then revisited a couple. Luckily, the younger one zonked out, and I was able to rest my tired feet. Here is a shot of the Spirit of St. Louis which hangs inside just past the main entrance.

Arlington

2010-06-15T20:10:00.001-04:00

Looking Down a Row of Tombstones
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today, we started our trip at Arlington Cemetery. The family visited John F. Kennedy's tomb, saw Robert E Lee's house, and stopped by the Tomb of the Unknown Solder. We ate a picnic lunch on a bench at Memorial Bridge. It rained on us while we ate lunch, but the rain felt good after the heat. We rode the metro over to the Smithsonian and saw a few areas of the Museum of American History. Tomorrow, we will take a tour of the Capitol.

Lincoln Memorial

2010-06-14T18:13:00.002-04:00

Lincoln Memorial
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

We waited at a bus stop near the place we are staying. We rode the bus to a metro station and rode the metro into Washington, DC. The boys enjoyed the displays at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, and we stayed there for hours. Later, the family walked to the Washington Monument. I took this shot while there. Tomorrow, we plant to ride one of the tour buses and hop off/on.

Teaching Little Brother

2010-06-13T21:29:00.002-04:00

Teaching Little Brother
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

We didn't leave for Washington, DC until 10:30 this morning. To keep my older son from watching MORE tv (and rotting his brain even more), I gave him several choices. He finally decided to work on the school recommended workbook for children going into first grade. He kept talking to younger brother (who just turned two) and explaining concepts to him. What a sweet moment!

TV Zombies

2010-06-12T15:57:00.002-04:00

TV Zombies
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Our two sons took a long trip to get to Raleigh, NC. We took them to the playground, but they watched tv in the morning. Zombies are real. This picture is proof.

Margaret's Townhouse

2010-06-11T19:43:00.002-04:00

Margaret's Townhouse
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Margaret, my sister-in-law, moved to Cary, NC to work for FDIC there. She purchased this townhouse in a conglomerate subdivision with clubhouse type of place. Very nice. She is next door to the clubhouse which has a pool behind it. The pool has waterslides in it! The boys will be in the pool tomorrow.

Strike a Pose

2010-06-07T18:12:00.002-04:00

Strike a Pose
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Try to get a candid shot, and the toddler decides to pose. I originally took a shot of my younger son playing with blocks. He saw the camera and said, "Cheese". I ended up with this picture. What a ham.

King of the Mulch

2010-06-06T18:04:00.002-04:00

King of the Mulch
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Athens Tree Service worked in our yard Thursday and Friday and will be coming back Monday. We are having several trees trimmed and trees cut down. My husband asked the workers to leave the leftover mulch to the side near the blueberries. Today, the boys climbed on the pile and had a wonderful time.

Chipping

2010-06-03T16:46:00.002-04:00

Chipping
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My husband and I have been looking into options with dealing with our house. We own a 1974ish ranch style house with lots of closets, but none of the closets have much room. A garage and home office also sit on the property. We looked into remodeling and finally decided on getting a two story large shed similar to the one pictured here.

We have been wanting to cut a couple of trees down and trim some branches. A friend up the street recommended Athens Tree Service. The two young men who came out gave an amazingly reasonable estimate and are hard at work on our property today.

Go Red and Blue Keds Shoes

2010-06-01T14:33:00.002-04:00

Go Red
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's The Daily Shoot asked people to take a picture of their mode of transportation. Usually, my husband drives the minivan, and I drive the car to our respective places of employment. We both took off for the summer and have driven the minivan for the past few days. Today, we drove the minivan to the library, out to eat, and the video rental store.

My other mode used to be walking. I loved to walk and am trying to squeeze walking back into my life. My favorite shoes have always been Keds, and I bought a pair last year.

Overcast Skies

2010-05-29T13:10:00.002-04:00

Overcast Skies
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The weather changed from this to a gorgeous blue today. I took this picture for the Daily Shoot.

Mouse Time

2010-05-28T19:32:00.000-04:00

Mouse Time
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The Daily Shoot asked people to take a picture of a clock or watch they use most to tell time. My in-laws purchased this watch for me as a gift when we went to Disneyland. I hope we get to take the children again in a few years.

Hummingbird Sculpture

2010-05-26T16:36:00.002-04:00

Hummingbird Sculpture
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My Mom gave me this hummingbird sculpture as a present some time ago. I took a picture of it for the Daily Shoot. I was hoping to get a picture of a real hummingbird, but the little girl/guy didn't come around while I was waiting.

Got My Towel

2010-05-25T18:46:00.002-04:00

Got My Towel
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today is Wear a Towel day. Thank you Douglas Adams for sharing your gift of writing with us.

Purple Is In

2010-05-24T18:44:00.002-04:00

Purple Is In
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

This young man comes from Puerto Rico. He has a great personality and brightens my day every time he comes into the library. Today's Daily Shoot said to make a photo of something purple. I asked, and he agreed to let me take his picture.

Consignment

2010-05-23T19:07:00.002-04:00

consignment
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The daycare center where my younger son goes is holding a consignment sale. I started pricing and tagging items both of my boys used this weekend to go to the sale. They are growing up so fast!

Running Into the Spray

2010-05-22T20:00:00.002-04:00

Running Into the Spray
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My older son's friend's family is moving into a rental house. They are looking for a house to buy but haven't been able to find what they want. I offered to take care of their son so they could do some uninterrupted packing and moving today. Luckily, the weather stayed clear, and my son, his brother, and the friend were able to play outside in the sprinkler.

Under the Umbrella

2010-05-20T20:14:00.002-04:00

Under the Umbrella
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's Daily Shoot said to work the angles. So, I took this shot while sitting under a table umbrella in the playground at Spartanburg Day School. Later, my husband and younger son met my older son and me, and we all walked from here to the gym to participate in the tennis awards supper.

See Washington, DC

2010-05-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

See Washington, DC
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The place where we will stay sent us a very nice packet. Included were maps and brochures for Washington, DC. We hope to see some very good friends while we are there and plan to see an amazing number of attractions - including a tour of the Capitol. All this with a two-year-old and an almost seven-year-old in tow.

Mulberries

2010-05-18T18:45:00.002-04:00

Mulberries
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The mulberries are sinfully delicious this year. We have three trees in our back yard. I'm surprised the birds didn't get them. My husband is learning how to make wine. I hope that one year he will make wine out of these berries.

Asphalt Reflection

2010-05-17T19:27:00.002-04:00

Asphalt Reflection
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The assignment was to find as much black as possible and go for oomph, character, and depth. I'm not sure about oomph, but I think the asphalt texture has interesting character to it. The puddle with the cloud and person reflection has depth on a physical level and philosophical (which world is the real reflection?).

Disengaged

2010-05-16T20:08:00.002-04:00

Disengaged
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I took several shots of myself. The ones taken in the bedroom turned out horribly. I wanted a closer shot of my head but like the ambiguous expression on my face in this picture.

Presenting...

2010-05-15T12:34:00.002-04:00

Presenting...
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My younger son's birthday is tomorrow. My Mom and sister drove up from Charleston to share the occasion with us. I took this picture (among a gazillion) others before younger son tore into the presents. This picture works well for The Daily Shoot, so I submitted it for today's shoot.

Swinging Emotion

2010-05-13T19:18:00.003-04:00

Blue Swing
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The Daily Shoot said to take a picture with motion blur. I took several shots of my older son in the swings at Spartanburg Day School. I could not decide between two of them so submitted both. I love the implied and expressed emotion in the pictures.

Stationary Cool

2010-05-12T17:04:00.002-04:00

Stationary Cool
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

"Get as close as you can to an everyday object."

I decided to take a close photo of our ceiling fan. I wiped the fan before taking the picture, but you can still see a good bit of dust. I will never win the Best Housekeeper Award.

Wires Revealed

2010-05-10T19:41:00.002-04:00

Wires Revealed
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

"Make a photo of something you walk by every day without noticing."

Spartanburg Day School received a grant to renovate. The walls will stay, but windows, doors, and other components are being replaced or upgraded. It is amazing how quickly one can get used to something - like a missing ceiling. It isn't often that someone gets a glimpse of the wiring hidden away in ceilings, walls, and so on.

Purple Martin Gift

2010-05-09T17:00:00.002-04:00

Purple Martin Gift
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My husband thoughtfully gave me this gift for Mother's Day. I have wanted a Purple Martin house for years. The setup was a bit of a bear. Fair warning, the pole DOES need concrete to sit in (the outside of the box didn't mention this).

Rushing By

2010-05-08T18:04:00.002-04:00

Rushing By
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

We drove to Poinsett Bridge today. Poinsett Bridge was built in 1820 as part of a road from Columbia, SC to Saluda Mountain. The road to the bridge is well marked by brown park signs. However, the bridge itself did not have a sign, and we had to turn around (which is an interesting feat on a two lane, mountain, windy road).

The boys loved going across the creek and standing on rocks in the creek.

Fire Balloons

2010-05-07T19:40:00.002-04:00

Fire Balloons
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Actually, I don't know the real title of this painting. My older son created this piece, and it was hanging in the Dent Gallery at Spartanburg Day School today. The 5K's hosted a Mother's Day Tea, and I took the day off to spend time with my son.

The sunny round shapes in this piece remind me of what I think the globes look like in The Martian Chronicles.

Unsettled

2010-05-06T19:41:00.002-04:00

Unsettled
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The Daily Shoot asked photographers to find a grid pattern. There were several patterns near the golf club house and restaurant where I take my son for First Tee lessons. I picked this shot because of the dappled effect and the way the bricks are thrown apart by the ground.

Freeze

2010-05-04T20:48:00.002-04:00

Freeze
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

The Daily Shoot suggested taking a picture of a statue or fountain. This trio of children stands near the goldfish pond in a garden at Spartanburg Day School. I think they look rather solemn considering they are supposed to be having fun. Originally, I was upset at the spot of light that crept in, but I think it works well by the ... ummm, cloth, ribbon??... that the middle child is waving about.

Wall Art

2010-05-03T18:30:00.002-04:00

Wall Art
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

For The Daily Shoot, I took a picture of my older son's artwork from 4K. I tacked up cord and hung the pictures with clips. I need to sit down with my son and have him pick out one or two to keep as memories from 4K.

Gardenias

2010-05-01T15:26:00.002-04:00

Gardenias
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

I love these flowers. The gardenia bush is just now starting to bloom. When more buds open, I will grab a few to bring inside of the house.

Shaken....

2010-04-30T17:56:00.002-04:00

Shaken....
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Today's The Daily Shoot is TGIF and a picture of your favorite drink. I recently (as about three years ago) decided to finally try a martini. Of course, it was a chocolate martini. Ah, the bliss. A colleague/friend of mine gave me a martini shaker this past Christmas, so I immediately ran out and bought the makings for ... a chocolate martini. Today, I searched for martini recipes and found.... a gazillion of course. So, I am starting at the top of the list and working my way down. This is a picture of an Abracadabra Martini. Come over to my carport/porch and enjoy the view while we sip!

Lining Up the Bags

2010-04-29T19:22:00.003-04:00

Lining Up the Bags
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My son started golf today. Although this is my first experience with it, the First Tee program seems to be a very good program.

The Daily Shoot asked people to walk outside of a door and take a picture. These golf bags were lined up right outside of the Hootchie Hut door (where the First Tee kids meet). The child sized golf bags are so adorable!

Killing Kudzu

2010-04-28T17:37:00.002-04:00

Killing Kudzu
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

Just behind the YMCA building in Spartanburg, SC is a strip of land dedicated to killing kudzu. A group (not sure who) tries different methods on different patches of kudzu. Some methods work better than others. If they ever develop a 95 or above percent success rate with killing Kudzu, I will soooo buy whatever product that is and sing its praises to the skies.

Up a Tree

2010-04-26T17:53:00.002-04:00

Up a Tree
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

A sunny day. About 68 degrees with a breeze. A tree. A boy needs nothing more for a perfect end to a perfect day.

Nesting

2010-04-24T17:05:00.002-04:00

Nesting
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

A wren built her nest in the corner of a tv stand that we put in the carport and use as a plant stand/partial storage. I hope she comes back. We spent the morning cleaning the carport, and I wiped the pollen off the top shelf of this tv stand. I'm sure the wren was not happy with the humans mucking around her house.

Here Comes the Pitch

2010-04-22T19:08:00.002-04:00

Here Comes the Pitch
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

My husband's Dad visited my husband's history class to talk about the Vietnam War. Andy's Mom talked to a former colleague of hers who works at Andy's job (small world!). After we all got home, we drove over to the Tall Tales Fish Camp and had a great meal. Once back home again, the boys played baseball in the back yard.