Goodbye Blogland ....

This will be my final posting on blog in a cyber bottle. I want to say thank you to all who have been so kind as to comment here and also to let you know how much I have appreciated your visits. I have been finding myself at odds with the time I am spending on the computer and the time I need to do other things ... and most of the time the computer was winning. The problem was that things that needed to be done are still waiting on me. This is a good time for me to re-prioritize as spring is arriving, drawing me back outdoors and luring me away from the computer.

I will continue to post my photos on Views From My Camera and I do hope that you will pop over to see me there. Even with the best of intentions, I confess that the camera and computer still have a hold on me! lol!

♥

Sepia Scenes ~ Summer Memories: Little Girl at the Beach

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My granddaughter having fun at the lake last summer. I used Photobucket for alterations: first changing it to sepia, then I applied the bronze filter and sharpened the edges to get the look I wanted for this photo - almost a comic book effect I thought.

Mr. & Mrs. Mallard Walk On Water!

The Darling Man and I went for a little drive on Sunday to enjoy the sunshine of Easter Day. Along the way I noticed this pair of Mallards walking on the still frozen edge of the lake.The wind chill was just enough that the edge of the lake had frozen a little over night. The poor Mallards were skating as they tried to find a open spot. I just had to video them as they trudged to open water. Of course, then I had to have a little fun with a video! I hope it makes you smile!

Sepia Scenes ~ Summerland Of Old

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Once upon a time, Summerland was a dance hall used by the cottagers and residents of the area around the eastern end of Kahshe Lake and the surrounding community. It has had several incarnations which ended after becoming a "corner" store. It has been standing empty now for a long time and is now slowly crumbling away. It makes me a little sad to see this once lively landmark in our community so desolate.

Winter or Spring ... It's Hard To Tell

Snow has returned to Muskoka. This was taken in colour but because it was such a dull day and it was snowing, it looks more like a black and white photo.

The Segwun & The Wenonah II ... Still Waiting For Spring

There is something about these ships that keeps drawing me back to photograph them again and again - this one was taken on April 1st. The joke is the ice is still holding them fast to the Wharf.

This is a high definition range photograph done using the bracketing feature on my Canon and put together using Photomatix Pro software.

Springing Into Spring In Muskoka

This heron was yet another challenge for my camera's zoom lens. This photo has been adjusted a little in Photoshop Elements to heighten the contrast and sharpen the edges a little. I used the vignette framing to blur out the background which wasn't really in focus and not really needed for the photo. I am working on the Darling Man to agree that I simply must get a camera with better lenses!

A sure sign of spring for me is when the herons return to Muskoka. I saw one flying earlier this week so I have been keeping an eye on the empty nest in the swamp. Yesterday upon our return from town, there was a heron sitting in the nest to claim it for the season. I am surprised at how early these birds return here as there is still snow on the ground and ice on rivers and lakes. I was so excited to see it that I only took photos of the nest and forgot to take one of the swamp where it is. I am going out later today and I will try to get that photo to add later on. I am amazed that they can find food at this time of year here.

I am sure spring has arrived in Muskoka at long last. Yesterday, in addition to the heron, the Bufflehead ducks returned. They are so small and look so cute out in the water but they never come close enough for me to take a photo. They will stay perhaps two weeks before continuing their migration north. Here is a LINK to photos and information about these little ducks.

I also saw a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers but they didn't sit still long enough for me to focus the camera before they flew on further into the woods. I have been hearing them call for a while so perhaps they will stay and nest in the area and give me another chance to capture them with my camera. Here is a LINK to photos and information about these shy birds.

The snow is melting and almost gone on our side of the lake because we are in the sun. I was so surprised to see that the daffodils the Darling Man planted for me last fall are already up about 6 inches. I don't think it will be too long before they flower and I hope no last minute snowstorms come along to freeze them before they bloom.

I feel like spring is finally here!

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photo added April 5

The snow returned to Muskoka yesterday. I took this photo to the heron's nest through driving snow which is giving the picture a grainy look. The heron must be off hunting as the nest was vacant again. Poor birds, I wonder how they catch enough food with so much snow and ice still about.