Ohio, 12/19-27/12

We had Richard's sister Nancy open her Christmas gift the night we got there. She is a terrific photographer and we wanted her to have a better camera.

I really enjoyed being at her place.

She had stockings for us. Even Cody had one.

I am still like a little kid, enjoying the snow. Last year it did not snow - so I was hoping when visiting Nancy during Christmas it would snow - got my wish. Those are my boot prints.

The Amish continue to live as minimalist. I choose to be in a car.

 We had dinner with friends. Yum, baked sweet potato and ribs!

 Had dessert at Mary Jean and Larry's.

Hee hee, Heidi suggested I be photoshopped in - thanks Richard!

On Christmas Eve, we went to Eichel's - now that is Christmas with snow, Christmas lights and decorations. Thank you Nancy for driving us there.

I finally got to take a picture of this huge tree. (Hee hee, this might be Richard's - since I did not bring my zoom lens - Richard was kind to share his pictures and his lens.)

Since our flight to Sacramento from Columbus was on Dec. 27 at 6 am - we decided to leave Ashland a day earlier and spend the night in Columbus. Good plan - we were able to miss the snow storm. When Nancy returned home there was 5 inches more of snow.

Here is Cody, the morning we left.

Stopped at Steak n Shake.

I wish I had gotten a larger shake, that was an Orange Dream. - that Portobello 'n Swiss was also deeeelicious.

 Voila Coumbus.

I certainly had a true Christmas - in a winter wonderland.

22 Degrees, 12/18/12

Before heading up to South Lake Tahoe from Sacramento, Richard surprised me with lunch at Celia's. Awww!

Off we go…

Notice the pole?

When the road is not visible because of the snow, the poles indicate the edge of the road.

 We stopped at Pier 1 and had fun in the snow.

So that is what snow chains are.

Oh no! The storm is approaching.

After seeing the signs, we had no choice; it was mandatory to get snow chains. The guy allowed me to take pictures of the installation which were placed on the front tires. 

What an adventure. Brrrrr!!!

Kapiolani Community College's(KCC) beauty, 12/1/12

I spent a wonderful morning capturing beauty with Milton S., Derek and Roger. Milton assisted me with understanding my camera. I have had some trouble focusing and he gave me pointers - thank you so very much. 

KCC has so many beautiful plants, flowers, birds,

and Madagascar Geckos.

It was extremely challenging to capture these Meijiros. They are small and are hard to track. The following were cropped. 

Thanks guys, it was so much fun. Also on Saturday, there is a Farmer's Market - so getting something to eat there was convenient and yummy.