Photo Challenge Black N White

AOL Community Challenge•Landscapes in Black & White•JUDGED

JUDGED Category

Take a Landscape photo in B & W or transform a photo into B & W.
 You can sepia tone the image, frame it, but keep in mind when framing, not to take
 away from the image. 

First photo in the entry is what will be judged in our JUDGED Category.  You may enter in both categories, but only once in each.  They also must be different photos, not the same image.
All entries need to be posted by Friday, May 2nd, 7 PM EST.

Please follow our guidelines & leave a link back to our challenge journal.  Also, leave your permalink, which the instructions are on the sidebar

Well here goes:

Gazebo

Just milling around one afternoon at the local park.  The ducks wanted to be fed and the azaleas were beginning to bloom.

I wanna play too!!

This weather is just perfect this week in my neck of the woods.  I wanna go outside and play.  I need to be home, doing something for myself.

Instead I'm stuck here in this office, with mounds of paperwork to file and process....it IS the end of the month.  I'm still a one man band at work....boss hasn't even thought about hiring any help since co-worker left for Texas in December.

Plus I have Mr Man with me.  He had a GI appointment this morning, so I am the Taxi service.

In addition to the Doc, we went over to the finance place to get the $$ for the Attorney against my car loan.  I'd rather do that than pull it from other sources.  Seemed cheaper than fees and penalties etc.  The car was 4 payments from payoff, so we basically just extended it for a year.  That's ok....it was quick and easy.  In and out in 10 minutes.

When I head out to take him home, I'll grab a bite to eat and I have to stop by boss's brother's office to help him with an accounting problem.  He really needs someone in his office 3-4 hours a day. 

Then head back HERE to grind away.  Oh yeah...I still gotta go yell at the inspections department too!

Miss T has dance pictures this week.  Monday was our longest day for pics; Tuesday was only one picture and today we get a reprieve until Thursday.

I feel like I've been running for 3 weeks......I probably have, with Miss T's dance schedule and Tom's escapades and now taxi service for both.

Where is the ME time?

Roomie has a couple new men vieing for her attention.  Maybe one of them will turn out to be "Mr Right" and she can get her life back on track.

Then I can do some serious house orgainizing.  I can concentrate on my photos and family and ME for a change. 

Can you tell I'm tired of all the drama?

I think Tom has figured that out too....he keeps apologizing and telling me he loves me.

Will he ever learn?

 

Saved $3,000 - maybe

......by attorney shopping.

I went online and found an attorney up there and Tom faxed him the info on the case and this guy wanted $5000!!!

HELLO!

So Tom spent today letting his fingers do the walking and came upon another attorney who he really liked when he talked to him.

Said "$2,000 and see you on May 2nd" - the date for the Probable Cause Hearing.  The attorney was surprised at the charges (habitual and felony) when clearly Tom did not have 3 prior DUI's....just one back in 2003.

I'm guessing the $3,000 savings will be eat up by gas and fines getting to and from Elizabeth City for this mess.

Nevertheless ........ this guy made Tom feel better about going to court.

I gotta say, last night Mr Man was a sad sack.  Reality sinking in to him......saying "I have to accept whatever happens".

True, so true. 

He's also saying that he'll probably never see his Dad again -- that's because he knows he's disappointed the family by his actions.  Of course Tom is just spouting off the "poor me's".

His Dad cancelled the family cruise.  After talking to me on Wednesday afternoon, I can just imagine him throwing his hands up, with a F*&^ it all attitude.  Now Tom is of course feeling bad about that.

Oh well, his Dad didn't have to cancel - that was his own doing.  Luckily we can get our deposit back. 

Now I'm the only thing Tom has left in this world........ sigh.

Isn't that just like a "poor me" mentality.

I know that Tom was thinking innocently that night......a couple of beer with a burger; he left out the part about the shots of vodka.  He would have never messed up meeting his old friend for anything.

Yet, that's what alcohol does to the brain.  It tells the rest of your body that you are invincible; like superman; it throws out all rationale.

I'll give Tom credit....last week he actually stopped in at a local AA place to get a list of meetings and places.  He was considering it and that means a lot!!

Moving forward.......bit by bit.

Monday Photo Shoot #17 - Fuzzy

 

http://outmavarin.blogspot.com/2008/04/monday-photo-shoot-17-fur-sure.html#links

New Monday Photo Shoot #17: photograph something furry or fuzzy, whether it's a textured fabric, an animal (real or otherwise), a beard, a piece of fruit, or something else. All I ask is that the photograph concentrate on whatever it is that's furry or fuzzy, and ignore other features (such as eyes and noses) as much as possible.

Interesting because today I took a picture of a dandelion....I took several shots before getting these:

 

 

Hmmmmmmm?  Fuzzy??

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Part 3 Day 3 (technically)

On the way home, into Friday morning now, we are grilling Tom. 

"Why did you drive so far?"  I was sightseeing.

"In the dark?!"  Yeah.

"Why didn't you just go to the atm and back to the room?"  I dunno, I was just pumped up.

"Who sight see's in the dark in the middle of the night?"

"How do you get stuck making a U-turn in a Nissan Altima on a 2 lane road?"  I was raining and muddy.

Later we found out that the back tires were on the line.

HUH????  That's not a u-turn.  That's an ooops!  No wonder someone dialed 9-1-1 and a wrecker came and the 2 police officers.

All the way home we beat up on him terribly about how stupid this was and what he could be facing.

We arrived home at 2:45am.

Added Post Post:

I just asked Tom about the tires on the line...he said the back tires were in the road, the nose was about 18-24 inches over the outside line.  Reminded him that's not what he said. 

He's hating life right now, trust me!!  :)

Part 2 Day 2

On day 2 of my quest:

Called bailbondsmen to inquire about bailing Tom out - something I told him I'd never do again.

On a $1,000 bond they want the obligatory 15% ($150) - no sweat.  Unitl they learn where we live and then they're nervous about him showing up for the court date so the price goes up to $500.

This amount was from all that I called.  Finally one fellow was hem hawwing around about it and I said "Look, are you going to accept $150 or do you want $500 because I have no problem leaving him here until May 2nd."

I'm sure that shocked the fellow.  I further said "I've done my duty by getting him his medication and finding my car so I have no reason to stay."

He said "I'd have to have the $500" and with that I said thank you and headed home without remorse.

EXCEPT for all the money I'D had to spend already.  The car was empty - $50 fill up; tow $260; food; fill ups in the truck when it got to the 1/2 mark $100 not counting that I started out with a full tank in BOTH vehicles (hmmm that would be ....80+40 = 120); 2 hotel rooms for one night - Tom didn't sleep in the one ($66) we did ($95).  AND add the charges to my cell phone if any.

About 45 miles from home Tom called me asking what I was doing to attempt his release and I explained it to him....nothing.  I'll call an attorney on Thursday morning.  It was too late now on Wednesday afternoon and I didn't want to talk to a lawyer while driving.

Then his Dad called me (Tom had called there to let him know he was in jail).  I had to explain.  Dad wondered why I didn't just drop the $500 to bail him out.

HA!

Then he says (get this) "I guess it's safe to say that Tom won't be going on the cruise" and I agreed with him there.  He probably won't be allowed out of the state much less the country.

Are you wondering where Miss T was during all this????  With my Mom.  Thank GOD for my family.  I shuffled her off to Grammy's for Tuesday night and Mom got her from school Tues, to school on Wednesday.  Nanny picked her up Wednesday. 

Thursday I made it to work about 8:30am after running to the post office first.  Tom called (collect of course) complaining that they were not giving him his meds right; they were making him, an arthritic overweight man, sleep on the floor and said he was trying to behave cause it wasn't their fault he was in there.

First good thing he'd said yet.  He called back at noon to see if I'd received his motor vehicle report from the insurance company yet.

They were charging him with "Habitual Driving Under The Influence - Felony" and he said "that can't be right because I've only been convicted of one DUI - back in 2003".

I didn't hear from him again until 5pm.  He called to say they were letting him out --- had a bond hearing and convinced the Clerk he was not a flight risk so she bonded him out unsecured.

ROAD TRIP!

Leave work at 6pm; go home get Miss T and Roomie; drop T off with Grammy and head out.  Roomie drove for about an hour and I sat with my eyes shut just to rest them....I knew I'd be driving before long and the whole leg back.  Stopped for coffee and energy drink and Chic-fil-a with fruit!!

Told Tom to cash the check the jail gave him (the cash he had on him when he got there) and go to the Days Inn to shower and rest till we got there and get something to eat in the meantime.....we arrived at 11:15pm.

.........to be continued.

The winner is.........

........(drum roll please).......

ROBIN!!!!

Great answers came through and I know most of you wanted to be positive even though the subject was Tom.

Robin wrote:

My guess is he got lost, arrested and drunk.

 

Helen - 2nd place with

I am thinking he got a little tipsy while he was gone.

 

3rd place is Lynn - jail !

 

Honorable mention:

Phil the Thrill

Tom got drunk, drove drunk, was late meeting you or your daughter and offered lame excuses.  Am I close?  If not then he was an outstanding citizen that reminded you of a boy scout walking an old lady across the street, he took you out to dinner, was very romantic, and made sweet love to you all night.  My guess is still the former but the latter does sound much more exciting and fun doesn't it?  LOL

wow....I would have LOVED Phil's rendition of the "romantic".  Phil you come the closest with some details.......

Ready for the story?

Once upon a time...........

Wrong story line.

Ahem.  Tom is packed and takes off on a 4.5 hour journey up to Nags Head (Outer Banks).  Secures a motel room about 8:30pm; unloads the car.  Calls to say "Honey I'm here" and heads out for a "burger or something".

Calls me around 10:45pm saying he's in the room, but that he lost his ATM card.  "Where were you?"  I say and "what have you been drinking?"  (His reply was "a beer"....later on " a couple beer")

He said "I took some $$$ out" and I said "go back to that atm and see if it's laying around".  Me thinking that on an island such as this, the atm cannot be too far away.  Since it was dark, he wouldn't be able to give a good look in the car in case it dropped between the seat and the console.

Fast forward to 5:30am:

My cell phone wakes me and it's Tom. 

They're arresting me.  He said "I tried to make a U-turn and got the front wheels stuck in the mud."

ME:  They don't arrest you for bad U-turns

Tom:  No....you know.  ME:  No?

Tom:  DUI

ARRRRRGH.

The tow truck was there, then came a lady to try to help pull him out; then a deputy and then a state trooper.  It was the trooper who administered the breathalyser...... point 12.

He asked "where are you taking me?" and an officer said "Albemarle...........something".

After getting Miss T off to school, I came home and said to roomie....wanna hear something funny? and proceeded to tell her the story followed by

ROAD TRIP!

We jumped in the family truckster; stopped for snacks and took off.  5 hrs later we were in Nags Head at the motel getting Tom's luggage and drugs and toiletries.

We spent the next 2 hours trying to find out where the jails were.  Manteo:  Nope not there.

I asked "Is there an Albemarle something???" and she said yes and gave me the number.  We called; verified that Tom had "checked in" and asked for directions.

ELIZABETH CITY????!!!!!

For crying out loud that was 58 miles from the hotel.

We had to go from the base of this island, to the top and over back into the mainland.

Finally we got the state trooper to call me with info.  Then the deputy called me with info.  Gave me the name and number of the tow truck.

Called the tow truck guy......he gave me directions to my car.  But first we needed to eat and get money.  $260 to get the car outta hock.

Picked up the car at 7:30pm.  Were told where it was towed from.

Seems Tom took a joy ride - sightseeing - in the dark.

Tried to U-turn because, as he said "this is stupid - I need to turn around and go back to my room".  Got front wheels stuck.  Someone stopped; someone dialed 9-1-1. And the rest is cop related.

After retrieving my car it was late and I was tired as you can imagine.  It was raining and I needed to rest and think so Roomie and I took a room at the Holiday Inn........in front of the jail of all places.

Oh it was safe...in a business district.

The next morning she brought me breakfast in bed....my coffee and some pastries.  I went through the phone book; called the clerk of court to find out Tom's next court date - May 2nd.

Sent her on home with the car with strict instructions to call if necessary while I went to the jail.  Got some numbers of bail bondsmen and began calling.

...............................................

..........to be continued.

 

Bet you're wondering........

.............about Tom.

And his trip.

Leave me comments about what YOU think happened on his trip to Nags Head Monday.  I'll post the winning comment on Sunday.

 

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JLand Photo - SPRING

This week's JLand Photo Shoot will begin today (Tuesday) and will be due on Saturday, April 26, at 11 PM Eastern Time.  That's Saturday, almost midnight, an hour before Sunday, for those of you who are getting confused!

            Our subject for this photo shoot is:

                                     Spring  

This is a Cherry Tree in my parent's yard.

We know it is spring here in SE NC when the Red Buds, Pear Trees and Cherry Trees begin to show off. 

Here are my Pear Blossoms:

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Hubby's friend is here!

Tom is going to be in "hawg heaven" as we say in the south.  When I say that to him he just looks at me funny.

When he got married and one of his best friends got married they switched positions.....by that I mean each was each other's best man.

The friend just emailed me that they are HERE! and will give Tom a call today!  I know he's going to be so happy to see him.

I just wish I was getting a present from this deal.......yes it's always all about me DUH!.

Ya see the friend is none other than the awesome artist Dan Pollera danielpollera | coastal landscape artist who just happens to produce a favorite setting of mine - the BEACH!!!

    

A local pottery sells some of his prints and I'm tempted to go get one...........and.......hehehehehehe!  Better yet, I'll give him some of my photos and he can recreate.

OR I'll take him to MOM'S and he can become invisioned!!!

Ooooh  see??? nVisions was what I wanted to name my photo stuff BUT that name is already taken.

Can you tell I'm getting excited??????

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One Word

One word

 

You can only type a ONE Word response.

Not as easy as you might think.

It's really hard to only use one word answers.

 

1. Where is your cell phone? bedroom

2. Your significant other? Tom

3. Your hair?  blonde

4. Your mother? Wise

5. Your father? Alcoholic

6. Your favorite thing? music 

 7. Your dream last night? weird   

8. Your favorite drink? Sundrop

9. Your dream/goal? Happiness

10. The room you're in? Hall  (is that a room??) 

11. Your ex? deceased  (for real!)

12. Fear? death

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Florida

14. Where were you last night? competition

15. What you're not? boring

16. Muffins? blueberry

17. One of your wish list items? skinny

18. Where you grew up? NC

19. The last thing you did? shower

20. What are you wearing? capri's

21. Your TV?  LARGE

22. Your pets? none

23. Your computer? humming

24. Your life? busy

25 Your Mood? calm

26. Missing someone? Papa

27. Your car? Jap

28 Something you are not wearing? socks

29. Favorite Store? Bealls

30. Your summer? humid 

31. Like someone? lots  

32. Your favorite color? RED

33. When is the last time you laughed? today 

34. Last time you cried?  March

A-Z photos

I need a challenge.

So I'm thinking that I'm gonna jump into Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge and try one a week.  But I'm going to have to play catch up...I think she's already done A, B, & C......

My first picture I'm calling

A.......ARCHWAY.

 

While in Williamsburg.  Miss T said she imagined that the bride walked through this on her wedding day.

B....hmmmm

 

Well of course due to my location what would my B be?

And now....lemme Ceeeeeeeeeee.......

Oh Yeah!  I know!!

 

Canyon Sun!! Woooo Hoooo!!

I had to plug that one in!!

For real....C = CYPRESS

 

Lovin it!  So that's it for a Jump In....I'll work harder on my "D" selection for you......hmmmmm, D..... dumb.... dumbo....

 

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Just Pictures by ME of course

I had really better archive these pics before I lose them.  One day I'll sit down and make a portfolio of sorts.  Maybe I'll make postcards or 4x6 / 5x7's.

Maybe one day I can travel the world and snap all I want!

(SLAP)

OK I'm awake now.

Enjoy!

Whassup?

My Natural View.........of course.  I've been on hiatus a bit.  We've been busy going and coming.  Since Easter it's been busy.

Busy at work trying to get those 20 permits released.

Busy at home trying to keep my pre-teen from freaking herself out about "growing up"  (no more signs of dear aunt flo, whew).  We're having the "attitude" and there will probably be an "adjustment" in the near future.

She is hating her solo routine.......I admit it.  It is NOT her style.  But I am glad she is sticking it out.  Only 2 more competitions (one this weekend) and she's done with it.  Miss T has let me know under no circumstances that she is going to have it her way next year IF there is a solo. 

Tom.  Hmmmmmm he's hit n miss as always.  I've told him that with his extra curricular activities, and not saving for this cruise, I don't see him going nor deserving to go.  I did get his cabin (his sister is rooming with him) changed today to a lesser grade.  Brings his total due to about $770 since we'd already put down the $300 when I booked it.  His sis is adamant she's not paying anymore than her original $700.  Hmph.

Yes, extra curriculars.  You know what gets me?  The "drunk thunk".

The drunk thinks that "as long as I keep it between the lines and 55 I'm OK" or that "I can handle it".  I am going to insist he go to AA whether he quits drinking or not.  I also think I will go and take Miss T too.  Can't hurt. 

Now when?  Fit it in to my schedule........yeah.

This weekend was the Azalea Festival in the City.  I dread going down there.  Miss T had to dance on Sunday so, ya gotta go.  Glad it's over with. 

This coming weekend is another dance comp in dear old Supply or as we call it "middle of no where".  I remember back to this same competition last year.  Tom had pulled a doozie the night before and I cried the entire day of the comp.

I've been puttering around, taking pictures, laughing at my nephew.  I've uploaded some pics for you to enjoy, I hope.  A note about the pics.  My "Daddy's Boat" and "Bridge" is a story from my childhood.

My Dad is an electrician and when I was a baby and until about 3-4 yrs old he worked on the Boat first, wiring it to get it ready for display.  Then they built that bridge and ditto for the electric wiring.  So as a youngster it was always "My Daddy's Bridge or Boat" which ever fit.

Ignore the dates on Miss T's camera pics....I didn't set it for her!

Nite all!

Photog-wannabe

 

I have always enjoyed pictures.........

Pictures on the wall.  I look at the subject, the colors, the depth, the feel.  Look for its balance or purpose.

I "see" things in pictures (like the 1/2 naked lady Ang).

I even found a rock in Nokomis with a monkey face on it. 

Photographs - I have always taken pictures.  Rarely am I without my camera. 

When Miss T was ONE my Canon quit working.  I was out of work - no funds - no replacement for a long time.  That camera was awesome for what it was.  A Sure Shot - 35mm - my Dad gave it to me when I was 19.  WOW it lasted some 14 years.

I think I have a decent eye.  I'm sure I could "sell" to our tourists some of my local shots.  I even have a couple of my pics on a website face page (www.pendercountynorthcarolina.com) and I've had a picture posted in a local bank - many years ago.

Where am I going with this?

I need a name.

I have tagged "tstpix" before - playing on our initials.  But I don't like it.  Normally I just use my initials SLN and the '00 year mark.  If my web friend is going to host some of my shots, I'd like a better line.

Something like:

Photo Sixty Five  --- too long??  Photo65

SharonArt -- sounds like a pottery class.

Can't use Coastal.

See my quandry?

 

Tagged a second try

SECOND ATTEMPT

 

Here are the rules:

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

QUESTIONS:

1) What was I doing 10 yrs ago?

In 1998, April to be exact, Tom moved in with me, a single out of work mom.  Seemed the easiest thing to do since there's no need to pay for 2 households.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

1.  Clean my bathroom.

2.  Unpack

3.  Do Nanny's taxes 

4.  Work on photographs

5.  Strip my bed

3) Snacks I enjoy:

  Popcorn, chocolate, cashews, chocolate, Chex Mix

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Give to charity, save some, buy a new car, travel, buy a home in FL between my Shelly & Martha!!

5) Five of my bad habits:

Ooooooh a hard one... 

Sundrop

Not exercising

Not cleaning 

Unorganized

Even numbers

6) 5 places I have lived:

NC

VA for a summer when I was 10

Does several vacations to FL count?

I am a local native..........born n raised.  Not many around here can still say that.   Guess I'm in a rut.

 

7) 5 jobs I have had:

Paralegal, Secretary/Bookkeeper/Receptionist, Cashier/Sales Clerk, mom, church clerk/secretary (non paying)

5 people I'll tag:

I can't choose only 5 so if you are reading this, you are tagged.  I will challenge LANNY to do one though!!

AOHell ate last night's entry

All nice and typed up with "can't believe it's been over a week since I posted" and "been to Williamsburg VA" and just got home to a surprise package "thank you Angie" and will post a new entry tomorrow..........

VANISHED.

Never saved.

Could be my DSL....all was rather sllllloooooowwww last night.

Here I sit, smelly, dirty....been planting 2 new rose bushes and moved the daffodil's.....gonna shower and come back.