Thanksgiving 2016

Thanksgiving is traditionally a day we get together with friends and family to celebrate the things we are thankful for in life.  A day set aside - but shouldn't we remember and be grateful for these things everyday?

I'm thankful for my husband.  I never wanted to be married, yet he tore down those walls and showed me that love is kind.  Bill and I have built a life together through hard work, sacrifice, and shear determination that neither one of us could have done individually - nor realized we could do together.  Common goals at the end have created both personal and financial success.

My dogs are also at the top of my list.  Absolutely no one/thing has unconditional love like dogs.  No matter the mood I wake up in, they love me and give me kisses.  Their expressions and antics make both Bill and I laugh continually.  They are my buddies and companions, snuggler's, and at times, partners in crime.  They complete Bill and I's family.

I am grateful for family.  Having lost my aunt and uncle this past spring in simply unimaginable circumstances, a new light was cast on the importance of keeping in touch.  Family is not just blood/marriage relation, but everyone that has touched my life and helped me grow in all aspects of life.  Sometimes a sounding board, sometimes a kick in the ass, always a comfort knowing my back is covered if needed.

I've been given an opportunity to mentor three different young girls through Big Brothers/Big Sisters since moving to South Dakota.  My heart fills with pride that I have been blessed to have these ladies in my life.  Being a mentor is not just about taking these kids out hunting.  It's teaching opportunities.  Teaching that the biggest thing we can do in life is to pay it forward.  Giving someone your time, be it to teach them a new skill or just be their cheerleader, a lesson in giving of yourself to mankind to bring compassion and kindness back into this sometimes ugly world we live in.

I give thanks for all the service men/woman our great country has.  From military members to our local law enforcement, these people wake up every day and serve their communities - locally and abroad.  They tender time, birthdays and holidays away from their families to give mankind a safe haven in the world, sometimes giving the ultimate sacrifice.  As Americans we celebrate freedoms that no other land offers; the American military and founding people of our land - still today - fight for these privileges.  Thank you for your service.  In a time that there seems to be a great divide in our country and raging hostility toward local law enforcement, I'm grateful we have men and women willing to put that uniform on everyday.  A uniform that says I'm here to protect and serve you - even though I don't know you.  

I'll end this post with gratitude for the material things.  Through hard work and will power, we have a beautiful home, live in a great community, have plenty of food on our table, all the toys a person could want, and opportunities still at our feet.  Life is ever changing, and the adventure you create yourself.  I'm grateful for my health and mobility to savor each experience!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!

The Night After

The Super Moon is officially over but the clouds broke for a few minutes allowing me to get a good capture.  The view from our back deck.  How much more splendid can it get?

"The Night After" as the moon starts to disappear.

Super Moon November 2016

Much hype has been broadcast about the Internet, social media, television, etc about the super moon that just happened the past two nights.  After all, it is kind of a big deal...scientists say the next time the moon will appear this large to us here on earth with be 2034 - that's a ways off.

First night (Sunday) the clouds broke just 30 minutes prior to the moon rising...and as I headed to where I thought I wanted to be, the truck said it wanted some go juice.  So a quick stop in Sturgis, then back on the road I was.  As soon as I broke out of the canyon, I saw the wondrous sight, it really was pretty.  Unfortunately, I was a few minutes late to be set up.  I gave it my best attempt, and we all know that photographing the moon has been a HUGE learning curve for me.  I'm still struggling, but, hey, I'll never get it figured out if I'm not out there trying.

Probably my most clear shot of the Super Moon, Sunday, 11-13-16.

            My most favorite shot of the Super Moon both nights, taken Sunday evening.                 "Rest Easy Sentinels"

Monday night found me a bit more prepared, unfortunately, the clouds didn't co-operate and it was over cast.  The moon rose about 30 minutes later than the previous night; had it rose closer in time frame of the previous night, I think some spectacular photo's could have been captured.  

          My best photo of the night....as I awaited the moon rising.  Bear Butte, the center of much   local controversy.   "Evening Reflections"

 

 

 

Much 'noise' in this photo, but as you can see, many clouds, but at least I was able to capture a reflection!

Sepia/Black and White did this photo more justice, I thought.

Again, a lot of noise in the photo.  Sure was a lot of traffic out last night.

Maybe one day I will conquer this learning curve of "shooting the moon".  Until then, I continue to try.