Orchid Show

 

One of our favorite shows at the Missouri Botanical Garden is the Orchids.  They did a wonderful job again this year and we were not disappointed.  It's been a slow winter with not much to photograph, so I was excited to get behind the camera finally.  Photography at the this show is a challenge as we're not allowed tripods inside the display.  I used my 70-200mm lens to shoot trying to balance  a higher f-stop and not too slow shutter speed. 

Eagles Along the Mississippi

We haven't been able to make it out to see the eagles in a few years.  The day started out gray and dreary, but as noon approached, blue sky was beginning to appear.  I was so glad we waited until afternoon to go.  We drove up along the Great River route through Alton.  Along that road, we saw four eagles, one close enough to photograph.  The last one, we spotted down near the conservation area.  He was a bit skittish and every time we or someone else would approach the tree he was in, he'd take off to the next one.  We circled around and tried to find the Trumpeter Swans, which were a bit too far away to see clearly.  When we came back to where the eagle was, he decided to fly back in toward his original perch and that's when I caught him overhead at a full wingspan. 

A Vintage Christmas

I know I've written about St. Charles, MO's, Christmas festival before.  But, it's one of my favorite Christmas activities.  And, anyone, who has visited us during Thanksgiving, has had the opportunity to join us.  There's just something about stepping back in time, taking a moment to breathe in the sights and sounds of Christmas, to remember the reason we even celebrate Christmas.  Every year, St. Charles kicks off their celebrations the Friday after Thanksgiving.  We love to see all the lights and garland and chat with the Dicken's characters.  I was accused by Scrooge of owing him money and I'd better pay up.  This year, John and I went down in time to see the tree lighting.  We sipped a little spiced wine and did a little shopping where I found two new beautiful ornaments to add to our tree.

This one to represent our beautiful Sapphie. 

...and this one to remember getting Ebony last year right before Halloween.  She loves hanging out under the Christmas trees.

 

 

Take some time out during this season to do fun things with your family and friends.  It doesn't have to be stressful...remember you are making memories!