Route 563

When traveling along the highway we often fail to take the time to smell the roses.  We fly in a plane only to catch a glimpse of the terrain below.  We sail the oceans only to think about the mysterious and wonderous creatures below.  Our life's journey occassionaly takes us to big cities where the hustle and bustle of daily life often takes away friendly responses such as a greeting or a smile.  I personally am impressed with rural life and I sincerely enjoy looking for some unique things to photograph.  The following photos were taken on an eleven mile Pineland County Road.

Let your imagination run wild.  This fasinating river sclupture is visible from the highway.  What do you see?

The Pinelands had to endure mother nature's wrath of horrible weather in 2011.  Extreme heat, excessive inches of rain, hail and a tornado all played a part in playing havoc on the local farm industry.  This fallen pine tree disclosed an inner beauty which now compliments my garden

Wind chimes come in all sizes shapes and sounds, but this chime proved to be a classic

This sign has been in this position sice 1946.  As you can see passing time indicates the oak tree continues to claim the invader. REMEMBER to stop and smell the roses and have your pocket camera ready!!

Cruises

I love to go on a cruise! Winter, spring, summer, fall, any season is good for a cruise.  The trip I recently took was on the Norwegian Epic in January 2011 to the Caribbean.  The Epic is a fantastic ship.  It was somewhat overwhelming when we got to the port in Florida and saw the various cruise line ships docked..  The Epic was enormous compared to the other ships, she looked like a floating hotel.  I have been to the Caribbean several times but a January get away was just perfect.

This photo was taken in Cozumel.  The Disney ship looked like a miniature compared to the Epic.

One of the entertainers in port portrayed a look alike from the Pirates of the Caribbean.  He was excellent in his attire, and children were mesmerized  when he moved.  He was very grateful for any coin contributions.

A sight to behold.  The turquoise water is so inviting.  There seemed to be shades of blue everywhere.

Perhaps you have heard the expression, "If you snooze you might lose."  Well I will never snooze when it  involves a cruise.  Of course there's always boats like the Dream Boat pictured above.  Not much entertainment, lavish buffets or elegant cabins.  Oh well, after careful consideration I think for comforts sake I'll continue to sail the ocean blue on ships like the Epic.

Columbus Farmers' Market

It appears everyone loves a bargain.  Columbus Farmer's Market on a beautiful Sunday morning is the place you might find that something special for yourself or that someone special.  Whether it be old or new, Columbus Market is the place to look.  There are a few secrets though, get there early and if you see something you like buy it, because it might not be there when you get back.

Many venders are regular dealers, and then there are the one day yard sales.  There are rows and rows of venders hoping they might have that something special you are looking for.

This adventureous lady appears to be thrilled she found a truely treasured item.  Perhaps she has had one just like it in the past or needs to have one now.

Today I wasn't interested in doorknobs or crystals.  The items were neatly displayed and the sun added brightness to their charm.  VERY TEMPTING!

 

The cookie jars were absolutely beautiful.  Since, I don't have any counter spece left in my kitchen I had to pass on to other fabulous deals. My purchases for the day included the following:  bedspread $8.00, old four piece ceramic train, $0.50,  peanut butter $2.00 and a hotdog, $1.00.  All in all it was all worth the trip.

Pine Barren's Rainbows

When the conditions are "just" right somewhere over the Pine Barrens you will find the most spectacular rainbow {s}.  Webster's Dictionary defines a rainbow as an arc or circle that exhibits in concentric bands the colors of the spectrum.  We have the extraordinary opportunity to be witness to the beauty and wonder of one of nature's magnificent exhibitions.

The pot of gold might not be at this rainbow's end, but if you look closely you will see it is a double rainbow.  Really neat !

A rainbow can disappear quickly so get your camera ASAP if you want to capture a  truly spectacular display.

A Shore Day

We all know what it is like to have that "I want to feeling.".  This was the day I woke up and wanted to hear the sound of ocean waves as they reached the shore.  The anticipation of a walk on the boardwalk and a walk on the beach were also very intriguing.  It only took a call to my friend and we were on our way to Atlantic City.  It was an absolutely beautiful day, the sky a brilliant blue, a calm ocean and  the temperature well above the norm for late October.  A walk on the boardwalk and a visit to the Atlantic City Historical Museum added to my list of memorable days.

We left our footprints in the sand, but the sea gracefully washed them out to sea.  In return the sea gave us colorful pebbles and delicate shells perhaps to be used in a lasting art project.

Cameras always ready gave some interesting views of near and under one of the piers.  Sorry no pirate's treasure was in sight, so we'll simply have to try again !!!

Skeeter

.

My Mommy tells me to listen and to always obey,

But that depends on how I'm feeling that day.

My family knows I'm a champion, as you can easily see,

That's why we love each other, the way it always will be.

My name is Skeeter, but my password is Harley D.

If I could get a little shut eye, I might be able to howl the holiday song on key.

This isn't a hat, it's really a head warmer.



The Oswego River

The leaves are falling, the roads less traveled.  Also gone are the sounds of humans as they paddle down river.  Fall has come to the Pine Barrens and it is time for the river to rest and renew itself for the next season.  The river has always been a vital part of the area.  There are times when it is serene and times when it runs wild.  The tea colored pristine water comes from organic tannins and acids leached from cedar trees coupled with naturally high iron content of surrounded soils.  Oswego Lake and Harrisville Pond are accessible by car, but if you take a "dip" don't wear white jeans or a white bathing suit.

The gate at Oswego Lake releases excessive water which starts its journey down stream to Harrisville Pond.  Sometimes the water is a darker color, since color depends on the amount of rain the area has or has not received.

        

 

This photo was taken after several inches of rain.  The foam is created by the activity of the water.  We always have referred to it as a root beer float.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Perhaps the best way to see and appreciate the beauty of the river is by canoe or kayak.  After growing up in the area my grandson has mastered the art of  kayaking.

                                                                               

Harrisville Pond is located on Route 679.   11 miles south of Chatsworth and  

7 miles north of New Gretna.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

It is easy to remember the meticulous care I took  coloring the pages of a Snow White and Seven Dwarfs coloring book.  As a child she was my role model, for she appeared to portray all that was good.  Of course she got her Prince Charming, but so did I, the only difference was my Prince was named ARTHUR.  Last summer I was thrilled when I came upon concrete statues of the storybook characters. After a little negotiation they became mine.   They were in desperate need of TLC, since time, weather and lack of attention had taken their toll.  With some family help they were given a complete renovation and today they are enjoyed daily for they are displayed in a solarium.  No more rain, snow, wind or blow.  The following pictures tell a "this was a good project for my story."

                       

                          Knew it would take more than concrete and paint.
                         
                                     

                                Happy and Bashful at their worst.

              
                                     Happy and Bashful at their best.

         

                     

                              Job well done!