Balloon Glow at Brookdale Farm

     On one of the last nights in July, one would expect sweltering temperatures and soaring humidity. That is the norm here in our part of the Midwest, but Mother Nature granted us a gift on this particular evening. It was very comfortable and even a bit cool as the sun dropped below the horizon - perfect for viewing hot air balloons (and people watching too). Families gathered beforehand at the food booths and danced to the classic rock band playing in the bandstand. Eager anticipation heightened as propane burners began to inflate the balloons.

      The spheres, some round and some inverted-tear drop, took shape and rose slowly. The crowd gathered closer to get a glimpse of the mechanization involved, which was simple but fascinating. Shortly after all were full and upright, darkness fell and the "glow" began. Every few minutes a horn would sound and all the balloonists would blast simultaneously, creating a magical moment of light and color. Photographers and children and even adults thrilled to the sight, an unforgettable experience.

Prom Photos...at the Barn...with the Horse

     I was honored when granddaughter asked me to take her prom pictures. She requested we meet a couple of hours before the event, at the barn where she has been taking riding lessons for several years AND she wanted her horse, Comanche in the photos as well. I did a little research and found some poses, like the silhouette, and props, such as the prom sign, that were helpful but most of the shots turned out to be impromptu. The silhouette  was meant to be only the young couple, but Comanche waiting patiently outside the door was irresistible. The only photo that had required much editing was the top center shot - I changed the background to be all barn siding instead of a stall door and darkened it a bit. Rissy thought her skin looked too white but I thought it was sylphlike. 

The collage above is Rissy alone with Comanche and the one below features both of the kids. 

Of course there were many photos taken and only a few chosen for the final album. The two below show a couple of "behind the scene" actions. Comanche was very well behaved but did spook a little with the floofy tulle of the long skirt. Rissy's dad had to bunch it up and hold it while she mounted.

   
Before embarking to the actual prom, a little clean up was necessary - even a well-groomed horse will shed a great deal in the late spring. Both the inside and the outside of Rissy's dress needed a once-over with a lint remover (mom's job)! All things considered, it was a lot of fun, but how could I go wrong? Two cute, agreeable kids, a handsome gentle horse (and some handling help) and a bright but overcast sky. Can't wait to do another one!

The Elusive Photo - Hummingbirds

     These little buggers drive me crazy. I love 'em - they're beautiful - they're enchanting - but they are a huge challenge to photograph. For years, I have tried with no real success; the rapidly beating wings and constant flitting defeated me every time, precluding a crisp, clear image. (My goal as always is the use of natural light and background, and no photoshop filters or effects.) This morning, I took my coffee and my camera outside, sat on a porch step behind a patio chair and took aim. After waiting patiently, I was rewarded with a visit from this guy. He didn't stick around long but I got about twenty  quick shots, holding my breath the entire time. These two photos were the best of the lot - not very good but still better than any taken previously. 

I am still on a mission...I am determined to conquer this challenge!

Cauliflower Hash

     Here is proof that a low-carb entree can be quite tasty and easily prepared to boot.  The simple ingredients include partially cooked cauliflower, ground chuck, onion and garlic browned together and drained, shredded cheese and a dab of sour cream, all mixed together and topped with more cheddar and parmesan. Twenty minutes in the oven was enough to bring the pan to a golden bubbly conclusion. A sprinkling of chopped chives, fresh cut from the garden, are added right before serving. Cauliflower hash will definitely make an encore appearance on our dinner table!

Sunflower Field at Columbia Bottoms

     A reprieve from the sultry weather of July prompted a trip to Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area, which is just a sixteen minute drive from home. It is remarkable because it was created to maintain and view the bottom land plains, forests and waterways that subsist at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. There are 4,318 acres, including riverfront and an island - which boast a variety of wildlife - especially during migration times. But on this cool morning, the sun was rising on a perfectly clear sky, so it was the sunflower fields that were the main attraction. Planted by a Missouri Department of Conservation team, the field beckons photographers and bees. It was such fun to capture these images and share the time with other photographers. The low sun, the blue sky and the brilliant yellow flowers combined to make an exceptional opportunity for some creative images.

Patriotic Popcorn Snack

     With the air so humid it was hard to breath and the temperature hovering in the mid-nineties all day, our Fourth of July did not boast a lot of outdoor time. In fact it consisted of only a brief dog walk at sunrise, watering  the potted plants and a quick dip in the pool. Later, after sunset, we set up chairs and a cooler in the front yard, along with the neighbors, to enjoy our city's annual fireworks display. To make the day special, I had put together a festive snack to nibble on during the show but because of the heat, we kept the treat inside so the air-conditioning would keep it from melting. We ate only a handful afterward so there is plenty left for a movie tonight.

     Popped corn was mixed with a butter/marshmallow coating (similar to Rice Krispie treats) and little marshmallows, M&Ms and sprinkles were added, making a pretty red, white and blue combo that was quite tasty too. And the fireworks were awesome, as usual - love hometown holidays!

Fourth of July at Home

     The colors of summer are easy to love. Outside my front door in the first days of July, those colors are enhanced by Independence Day accents. The light gray siding, the airy iron mesh furniture and landscaping plantings made lush by the recent days of rain, are perfect foils for the patriotic hues of red, white and blue. None of these are big bold displays or grand gestures but rather simple accessories: little flags and a primitive painted wood sign added to the basket already holding a red spray of flowers, a bright red pillow sprinkled with white stars perched on the glider, and more flags that stand sentinel along the front walk. These are OUR declarations of independence!