Spring Fever, um SNOW?, Let's Go to the Zoo...

Welcome, welcome first day of spring.  But it's SNOWING out!  Yes, a winter 'storm' was predicted for today and sure enough I woke up to snow, although not as bad as it could have been.  We've had a nice stretch of warm weather this winter so I guess Mother Nature feels like she should keep us on our toes.  But yesterday was a nice afternoon and my sons and I took a ride to Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence.  

I have to admit I was looking forward to getting outside, doing a little walking and taking pictures.  Recently a cheetah exhibit had been added and we were looking forward to checking it out.  They did not disappoint.  




While 3 of the 4 cheetahs were just chilling on the rocks, there was one that kept pacing against the wall of the enclosure that abutted the zebras.  Everyone got a kick out of it because this cheetah was determined to try and find a way to get to the zebras.

Most of the animals were outside in the 40 degree weather and I was pleased to see how cooperative they were in 'posing' for the camera.

Our favorites were the snow leopards.  They were pretty active yesterday and were playing with each other.  Both my sons and I agreed we could have watched them for hours.  

Happy Monday and Happy Spring!!  

Back to School

Several months ago, after over-indulging in a bottle of wine and some tears with a friend, she gave me the extra push I needed to enroll in a couple of continuing education photography courses as R.I. School of Design (RISD).  I've completed a 6 week introductory pre-requisite course and am on my way to completing a photography certificate program.  I've also completed a couple of one day, 3 hour classes and have begun the pre-requisite computer based Digital Design for the Screen Course in preparation to get into the photoshop courses next fall.

One of our projects was Cityscape (B&W) and I shot my photos in downtown Providence.  These were some of my favorites.  What do you think?

RI State House

RI State House

RI Statehouse Dome with Independent Man Statue

Inside of Nordstroms Department Store

Heading into Downtown

Turkshead Building

Benches in Waterplace Park

Waterplace Park Walkway

Say Cheese Mr. Hawk

There are just some days something incredulous happens and you just shake your head. Today was one of those day, but in a good way.   I left early for my bike ride and on the last three miles, came up upon a clearing.  A man was off his bicycle, speaking with a woman walker, both looking up into a tree.  I slowed down and he said, pointing, "I think it's a falcon and it's eating something.  I quickly retrieved my camera and zoomed in for a couple of shots.   I was pretty sure it was a juvenile red tail hawk.  (Later when I saw it fly, I saw the red tail feathers).  As I took a few photographs, the guy rode off on his bike and the woman walked on leaving me alone with the hawk.  

The first few shots came out dark due to the shadows and the trees, so I figured I'd use the flash.  If the hawk flew, so be it.  But he didn't. I ended up with over 50 shots, during the course of at least 20 minutes. A couple of times I tried to leave, but he would fly to another tree, almost taunting me to follow.  He went back and forth to 4 different trees and even landed on the ground at one point. I almost thought he was going to land on my bike's handlebars!  He seemed like he was enjoying getting his picture taken and had no fear of me at all. I was even talking to him.  I asked him, "Are you messing with me?", and he would tilt his head as if he was listening.  Finally after about 30 minutes I pedaled off and he was still hanging around.  I hope I see him again...

Oh Deer!

While deer are a pretty common sight in Narragansett, our neighborhood is not overly rural.  I have never seen any in this immediate vicinity during our four years at the beach until yesterday.  My son was sitting at the table eating his waffles and said, "Mom, look.  A deer."  I said 'yeah, right', as he is always the comedian.  I looked out the kitchen window and sure enough, there was a doe just standing there.  I grabbed my camera and took two photos from the window.  I went outside, but as soon as she saw me, she ran. 

Sunrise...

While I normally have no trouble photographing sunsets during our month at the beach, I have found it nearly impossible to get up early enough to catch the sun rise.  The other morning, my husband woke me up early and I was able to grab my camera, run out the door and drive the couple of miles to see the sun rising near the Point Judith Lighthouse.  I then drove down the street to Scarborough State Beach and collected a few more photos.  And while I was actually a little later than I would have liked, I did enjoy my first attempts!