Sunset - Cape May, NJ

And while yesterday was devoted to fun in the sun, there is nothing quite as breathtaking as a sunset at the beach. I took these photos at the very tip of the beach. Was amazing. Many people had the same idea including a couple taking wedding photos. Can’t beat the backdrop.

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At the Beach - Cape May, NJ

As much as I love walking the quiet streets of Cape May, one cannot miss the chance to laze around on the beach and feel the sun on your face and the cool breeze off the water and the soothing sound of the crashing waves. And of course I couldn’t do this without my camera in tow to capture at least the visual parts of that experience.

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Cape May Lighthouse - Cape May, NJ

The Cape May Lighthouse is definitely a place to visit if you are ever in the area. It is a majestic site and it is nestled in the most beautiful landscape. I like the walk the trails that surround it and take in the lake and the wildlife. I love the swans in a heart like embrace.

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Porches! - Cape May, NJ

Okay so anyone that has spent any time really looking at my photos or any time with me on a site seeing excursion knows I love my porches. I wish I had one of my own but alas I live in the suburbs in the North. For now until I would secure funds for a major remodel, I am living vicariously.

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Vacation Time! - Cape May, NJ

VACATION time in Cape May, NJ! I LOVE it here!!! We settled into our rental house yesterday after a long day of driving and just strolled the streets taking in the sights and the smells. I didn’t bother with my camera as I just wanted to enjoy the moments.
Today was another day, however. We spent the morning at the Cape May Zoo. It is quaint and full of interesting animals. I took photos of quite a few species but the center of my attention today was on the peacock. He was exquisite and I spent at least 45 minutes trying to capture his plumage from as many angles as possible. Here are my favorites. Plus I was even enthralled with a common squirrel that I spotted playing around on the grounds.

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Gallivanting in the Woods

Still gallivanting but have moved to a more country location. Hiking in the woods was on the agenda for today. Always feels like a homecoming to visit a quiet spot that reminds me of my upbringing. Nice relaxing day with the family along with great exercise and pretty photos.

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Long Weekend - Pittsburgh, PA

Long weekend so decided to gallivant around town today. Pittsburgh, Pa that is. The last photos I took of the Point were too close. I decided a higher elevation was needed today.

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Shopping Detour - Lancaster, PA

On our way home from NYC and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a slight detour for shopping in my favorite locale, Lancaster Pa. I love the farmlands out here. The colors are something to behold.

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More Sight Seeing - New York

Our last full day in the city and we filled it with some fun sights but also some solemn ones. We visited the top of the Empire State Building today. It was such a hot day that most of my photos were hazy. Hopefully Photoshop magic will help some. Visited the New York Stock Exchange, New York Times, Rockefeller Center, Central Park and the 911 Memorial. I took very few photos here as it felt disrespectful. It was quiet but powerful. I did capture the entrance to the new Transportation Center that is being constructed on the site. The shape was explained to us as both angel’s wings and dove’s wings. Whichever it is, it is beautiful. I also photographed the new One World Trade Center. It was so strange to see the new skyline. It is forever changed but stronger. The last photo I threw in here is just for fun and to me a humorous commentary on the NYC attitude.

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Seeing the Sights - New York

Today was so very full of activity, sight seeing and photo opportunities. We took the NYC See it All Tour and that is exactly what we did. We were able to visit all the major tourist attractions and I must have taken over 400 photos today. My favorites today were The Statue of Liberty (which we were able to get up into her pedestal) and Ellis Island. Not only were the sites amazing at these locations but the view of the city from these vantage points was breathtaking. While we were on the ferry boat, a naval ship was returning to port and the Fire Boats were welcoming them home with a water salute. That was AMAZING!!!

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Empire State Building - New York

Well my eldest daughter has graduated from college and her first adventure is a trip to South Africa. OH the photographs I could take but alas she is traveling with her fellow students and I am left behind. My consolation is three days in New York City. Some fine photos to be had here as well. Definitely of a different sort but beautiful none the less. We arrived stressed from the drive through a very crowded city and had little time for much site seeing today. My interpretation of the Empire State Building at night and a few of the VERY crowded Times Square are all I captured this evening. Tomorrow should be a better day.


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PNC Park - Pittsburgh

The youngest arrived home from college yesterday and was already anxious to get out of the house on this beautiful Saturday for some sight-seeing around our fair city. The Point was my goal but it was overly crowded today and so those pesky people were crowding my shot. I will attempt a different angle next time. For now, I captured some terrific bridge images and some really cool pictures of the ballpark.

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Pittsburgh Strip Distrrict

I arose very early this Saturday morning to find some bargains in the Pittsburgh Strip District. But of course I couldn’t leave home without my camera just in case I found something that struck my creative eye. There were many such interesting sights but my fun impulse buy was a freshly cut flower arrangement which I brought home and captured from every angle imaginable.

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Flowers in Bloom

Everything is in bloom! I love this time of year and look forward to next month as well. Not everyone appreciates the appeal of a floral close up but it makes me happy. I drag someone with me to carry my camera bag and my tripod and then I just get lost for hours capturing the colors and the textures of all those beautiful varieties. I hope there are some other flower lovers out there to enjoy my particular focus.

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Pittsburgh Zoo

Spent the day at the Pittsburgh Zoo. My 21 year old daughter wanted to go for her birthday. Yes, I said my 21 year old. But it might make more sense once I state that she is a graduating Zoology major. It made her so very happy and I was able to take my camera along. I really didn’t have many animal photos in my collection yet. I started out with my regular lens and it was not making me happy. I sat down, regrouped, changed my lens and went back to work. Now I was pleased! Being able to get the close up view of a gorgeous tiger actually made me giddy. I guess I got a little glimpse of my daughter’s intrigue with the incredible creatures.

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Niagra Falls - Canada

I just had to get away. Work has been crazy and the winter dullness has my cabin fever at an all-time high. I called my parents today to see if they would like to make a visit to Niagra Falls, Canada. We have been there a few times but never had we stayed in a location with such a view! Both Falls directly out our 22nd floor picture window. It is cold this time of year but I spent 4 hours and about 6 miles walking the length and stopping at every possible vantage point to capture the magnificence of that falling water. I played with my night settings quite a bit before I captured what I was seeking but I am pleased with the results.

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