Sibling Assignment #145: Photos, Flowers, and Food

Silver Valley Girl gave this last assignment for January. We are all just a bit behind. "What are some things you are looking forward to in the year ahead?" I am never one to make New Year's resolutions, but I do like to set goals to begin, keep going, or complete projects.  These are some of those projects I am looking forward to working on this year.

I want to challenge myself in photography. I carry my camera everywhere and am constantly taking photos of the world around me, but I want to challenge myself to do more difficult things with my camera. I also want to challenge myself to take more photos of people.

 The dogs and cats aren't getting tired of always posing, but I want to work on other live subjects!

I also want to challenge myself in my gardens. I will have more time at home this summer and I look forward to trying to grow some new flowers, planting cut flowers again from seed, and reorganizing some other groups of plants to create areas that are newer and fresher.

 ( JEJ's brow just broke out in a sweat picturing moving days in our garden.... I make the plans, he digs!)

I want to finish my book that started with a memoir piece at a writing retreat before this blog started. I titled the book "Gathering Around the Table" which ended up here also. I have collected the recipes, I have written many of the memoir pieces, I have researched self-publishing, and even read about the copy writing of recipes recently. It is now just putting it all together.

This year holds much promise, and I feel some to-do lists already forming in my head as I start mapping out these projects.

Latah Creek Winery: A Inland Empire Hidden Gem

 I was so thrilled my sister gave me a gift certificate for the Latah Creek Winery in Spokane for Christmas. I finally discovered it. Am I the only Inland Empire resident that hadn't found this gem in the Spokane Valley?

When I saw the building, the displays of gifts, gourmet food, of course wine, and a tasting area I knew I would like this place.

The unique gifts were amazing. I loved the variety of signs.

I also loved the dishware. I loved the gift baskets they were putting together.
I am sure this is a place I will now return to again and again! Check at the website here.

Variations on a Theme: White

As I explore different options with my new camera I seem more successful capturing the pure color of white. Above is a photo leaving home on Saturday.

 white carnations

 carpet of snow and ice for the dogs on the deck

 Saturday morning snow and fog

 coffee at the Davenport

and plains of snow before approaching Spokane.

The Progression of a Bloom

I have loved following this last amaryllis with my new camera as it has grown up out of a pot of dirt to open up just in time for Valentine's Day.

Returning to Home: Images

The day was breathtakingly beautiful. The sky was a vivid blue. The snow bright, lakes thawing, clouds a billowy white. I have often shown photos of the scenic drive along Highway 395 as I drive north toward home.

 Loon Lake is thawing.

Following the sun along the Colville River.

Almost home.

Seeing Images Through New Lenses

Yesterday I got a new camera and have been very excited to try out my new Canon S95. Yesterday I did a whole series of photos in low light which I wasn't able to do as well with my last Canon. I also had fun moving to different settings and taking shots  outside today. Here is a sample of some photos with the new camera.