Tag: adventures outdoors

Relaxing Blue

Relaxing Blue

Relaxing Blue,

Blue and White with a Blue Jay

Relaxing Blue
Relaxing Blue

Blue and off white with the Scrub Jay

Blue and gold with the Bluebird

Relaxing Blue

The most beautiful blue, green and gold, The Peacock.

Relaxing Blue

Sandra J

It is Cotton Pickin Time

It is Cotton Pickin Time

It is Cotton Pickin Time the cotton gets picked.

Here in Georgia cotton is being harvested and baled up. Plus it is Pecan harvest time here as well.

Georgia ranked 2nd in the U.S. in cotton planted acres and 4th in number of bales produced.
● Cotton is the most widely grown row crop in Georgia.
● Georgia had 1.29 million cotton acres planted and produced an average yield of 675 lb/A.
● Georgia produced 1.8 million bales of cotton.
● Market value of production reached $406.08 million in.

Texas is the #1 producer of cotton, about 40% of the product grown there.

It is Cotton Pickin Time
It is Cotton Pickin Time

We camped at a spot here in Georgia where the owner had dozens of pecan trees around the campground. They had already been harvested but there were still hundreds of them on the ground and he said we can have all we wanted of those. So we picked a grocery bag full of them to take with us. They are so good.

This campground is near Glenville Georgia and if you are ever in that area they have a pecan factory right in town where folks can sell there pecans no matter what size bag you bring in, they will buy them. But they also roast them here and cover them with chocolate, Carmel. You name it they make it and sell it at a little store in front of the factory.

This is a cotton ball, when it is ripe it splits open and the cotton emerges.

It is Cotton Pickin Time

It is Cotton Pickin Time, Have a great weekend.

Sandra J

South for the Winter

South for the Winter

South for the Winter, we are still finding areas with green leaves on them here in December. This was one of our campsites down in southern Illinois last month.

South for the Winter

We have made it far enough south to see the moss hanging on the most beautiful trees called live oak trees.

South for the Winter

Along with it is harvest season for two things here in the south. Can you guess what this is below? I will post it tomorrow.

South for the Winter

Sandra J

The Lone Wolf Print

The Lone Wolf Print

The Lone Wolf Print I talked about this a few post back, about how you can refurbish some of your photos that may not turn out that well, into digital paintings if you want to save them.

The Lone Wolves Print

This is the original photo below and it is a photo of a wolf in a nature park that I took. Oh, I only make paintings from photos that I have taken, it means a lot more to me as I create a piece of art work.

But this photo is not that good, the lighting was bad, but he is in his natural environment of lots of trees and thick brush. But I did like his expression, how he is looking at something in the grass. Then it comes down to changing the background and adding textures with the help of photoshop.

The Lone Wolves Print

Now art work is an acquired taste of what each individual likes. For example, I have been to a few art galleries of famous painters with art exhibits of paintings I just don’t get. Like this photo I copied off of the internet of a painting by Vincent Van Gogh. It is wonderful art, with colors and movement. I can appreciate it for sure and it is done by hand not on a computer. Much more work involved at a level that I cannot create at all.

Oh, and it is worth $4,000 dollars. 🙂

You can visit my Art Collection here on my Web Page, Sandra J’s Photography of Fine Art

The Lone Wolves Print

Sandra J

What is This

What is This

What is This? What does it look like to you. It reminds me of sponge candy or thick marshmallows. It looks very creamy to me but it is nothing close to that actually.

It is Tuff and Tuffaceous

It is one of the largest geologic formations within Spring Valley, located in Nevada, it is volcanic tuff and tuffaceous sediment of Tertiary age.

What is This

Rock that contains greater than 75% ash is considered tuff, while rock containing 25% to 75% ash is described as tuffaceous (for example, tuffaceous sandstone). Tuff composed of sandy volcanic material can be referred to as volcanic sandstone.

What is This

Located near the town of Pioche in Nevada, we just happened to go for a drive and ended up here. What a beautiful place. It is loaded with natural springs all through out this valley. Hot in the summers and very cold in the winter.

spring valley nv

What is This

Sandra J

The Mocking Bird

The Mocking Bird

The Mocking Bird, I am not sure how they came up with this name. Except the fact this bird here is in a small tree outside of our camper every morning. I don’t always think to look in the tree when I take my dogs outside in the morning, but when I get to close this tree, it lets out a shriek of a sound that makes me jump every time.

I believe this tree is hers and she doesn’t like me getting to close, maybe just with the dogs. I took my camera out and stood right under her and took these photos and it kind of looks like she is eyeballing me.

The Mocking Bird
The Mocking Bird

The Mocking Bird

Sandra J

Print Your Photos

Print Your Photos

Print Your Photos, as you may realize, I take a lot of photos, I mean a lot. But what do I do with all these photos you might ask. Well, besides sharing them with all of you here on blogging, I do sell photos across the internet on different websites.

Adobe photos is a great place to sell photos and a lot of my art work I create as well. Sometimes the photos go for less then a dollar and sometimes I get surprised when one sells for much more than a dollar. That is part of the fun, seeing the sales pop up.

Print Your Photos

But I don’t just put photos on the web, I do like to print some of my own to hang on the wall to be enjoyed by us everyday without having to look at the computer.

I print mine at the store called Walgreens, they do a very nice job and pretty cheap, I print some to go in frames but like this one below I printed it to a 30×17 and stuck it to a print board you can buy at any craft store. I hung this one in our RV.

My image sizes to print on average is 5500×3800 pixels with resolution of 300 px. For larger prints I use 6000 x 4145. There is an entire mathematical formula when trying to decide how to print your photos from the web. For example;

How to calculate image size – Quick summary

And that’s really all there is to it! To figure out the image size, just follow these simple steps:

1. Multiply the width and height of the image, in pixels, to get the total pixel count.
2. Multiply the total pixel count by 3 to get the image size in bytes.
3. Divide the number of bytes by 1024 to get the image size in kilobytes.
4. Divide the number of kilobytes by 1024 to get the image size in megabytes.

It can be confusing, but the new cameras take such high quality photos these days. One just has to print some out from what ever camera you have and see what results you get.

If you want to visit my art web page here is the link to that; Sandra J’s Art Collection

So I highly recommend everyone to print some of your own photos if you take them. Why let them just sit on the world wide web. Have fun with your photography.

Print Your Photos

Print Your Photos

Sandra J

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, there are a lot of stray cats running around this RV park we are staying at and I was out for a walk this morning and took a photo of this one here. He looked a little grumpy so I added some holiday cheer to his portrait.

Some kind folks feed all the strays here, they won’t let you get close to them but they sit still sometimes long enough for a photo.

Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Sandra J

After the Rain

After the Rain

After the Rain, The Eastern Bluebird decided to stop by and use the water puddle after a light rain this morning. Such a beautiful color combination.

After the Rain
After the Rain

After the Rain

Sandra J

Natures Touch of Red

Natures Touch of Red

Natures Touch of Red, just a few of my bird photos who display a touch of red feathers.

Red Bellied Sap Sucker

Natures Touch of Red

Vermillion fly catcher

vermillion flycatcher bird

Red Bellied Woodpecker

red bellied woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Natures Touch of Red  pileated woodpecker

Desert Cardinal

Natures Touch of Red

Northern Female Cardinal

female cardinal bird

Male Northern Cardinal

Natures Touch of Red

Sandra J

Young Turkey Vulture

Young Turkey Vulture

Young Turkey Vulture, we are at a campground this weekend that has plenty of turkey vultures hanging about. Mainly because people feed the stray cats here and then these hungry birds come down from the trees and eat the left over cat food.

Nothing goes unnoticed by these birds, I even saw 3 young ones grab a empty bag of cat food off the top of a garbage can to see if there was anything left for them. Pretty smart 🙂

Update on this post, thank you to Andrew who left a comment on this post mentioning that this first photo of a turkey vulture could be a black turkey vulture and after looking it up, I agree. So I added this bird to my over all bird list bringing it up to 153 birds photographed. Thank you Andrew,

Young Turkey Vulture

Adult Turkey Vulture

turkey vulture
Delicate is the Road We Travel

Delicate is the Road We Travel

Delicate is the Road We Travel

Not I nor anyone else can travel that road you are on. You must travel it by yourself to find where your heart is telling you to go.

It is not far, it is in reach. Perhaps you have been on it since the day you were born and did not know it, for the path that leads us to Him, has always been there.

We just need to follow our heart and the rest will fall into place.

Delicate is the Road We Travel
Delicate is the Road We Travel

Delicate is the Road We Travel

Sandra J

On Top of Highland Peak

On Top of Highland Peak

On Top of Highland Peak, this was a long drive to the top of this mountain here in Nevada, narrow roads and luckily we never met another car coming from the other direction. There were a few places with snow up here, extremely windy at the top.

On Top of Highland Peak

There is a short video below showing where I got out of the jeep and walked towards the towers there. Until I saw the signs stating warning, the warning was for high radiation. So I immediately said lets go.

On Top of Highland Peak

This was the highest mountain we traveled on during the adventure out west. So if you want to travel to the top of Highland peak, well now you can see what is up there just incase you change your mind. The view was spectacular though.

On Top of Highland Peak

Sandra J

Nevada Landscapes

Nevada Landscapes

Nevada Landscapes, I will be going back and forth with some photos that I took out west that I have not gotten to yet along with where we are traveling now. Adds a little more variety to this blog here.

This is our first time visiting the state of Nevada and I have to say I was quite impressed with the change of scenery and the diverse landscape out west has to offer.

We stopped in a little town called Pioche, a quaint old western town with lots of history in the mining field. Here is the link to the video that describes more of the town and the museums it has; Pioche Nevada Video by Sandra J

Nevada Landscapes

To the north is a state park called Cathedral Gorge, with an unusual landscape formed from volcanic ash that has eroded into what they call Bentonite clay spires.

Nevada Landscapes

This is a close up of the Bentonite clay itself, it is like hardened mud and if you tap on it, it sounds hollow inside.

Then travel to the west of Pioche and you have Highland Peak Mountain range, that we drove up to the top of one day, nearly 10,000 ft elevation. I will have a video of that coming out next week. At the top the views are fantastic but it also had radio towers all over the top with high voltage signs everywhere. We did not stay long as there was cables and wires everywhere.

I guess not to many people go all the way to the top, the road was only a service maintenance road and I probably would not go up there twice. But I am glad I took a couple of photos to remember the view.

Nevada Landscapes

Sandra J

Sunrise on Ohio River

Sunrise on Ohio River

Sunrise on Ohio River, I arrived early enough to view the blue hour today during sunrise on the river as the lights shined across the calm water from a dredger doing its work.

In a more general sense, a ship equipped with an excavation tool that is capable of weeding off depositions such as sand, gravel, sediments, etc. from the seabed is referred to as a dredger ship or more commonly just a dredger.

Dredgers are of great importance, as they serve the purpose of ensuring the necessary safe bottom clearance for safer voyages and it added a little extra to this sunrise photo today.

Sunrise on Ohio River
Sunrise on Ohio River

Sunrise on Ohio River

Sandra J

Tug Boats and Barges

Tug Boats and Barges

Tug Boats and Barges on the Ohio River, we were camping by the Ohio river as we are heading south again, one of our favorite places in Metropolis Illinois.

The tug boats are still running on this river in November where as I heard that the mighty Mississippi river is drying up in some places farther south where the barges are sitting still because there is not enough water to go down stream.

This barge here is loaded with coal and moves down every morning at sunrise.

Tug Boats and Barges
Tug Boats and Barges

Tug Boats and Barges

Sandra J

Earth Speaks to Us

Earth Speaks to Us

Earth Speaks to Us, Flowers are the earth’s endless effort to speak to us of the beauty that surrounds us everyday. To grab our attention with bright colors and unique designs. To remind us that creation is a wonderous thing.

Earth Speaks to Us
Earth Speaks to Us
Earth Speaks to Us

Earth Speaks to Us

Sandra J

The Meadowlark

The Meadowlark

The Meadowlark, well I finally got a photo of this colorful bird. I didn’t think I was going to get a shot of one when we were out west. We were actually starting to head back east when I thought I had ran out of time to see one of these birds.

We stopped at a rest area and I heard this beautiful bird sound at the back of the rest area and low and behold it was this bird here. I went back in and grabbed my camera just as it was flying away and was able to get these few shots.

The Meadowlark
The Meadowlark

The Meadowlark

Sandra J

Longest Simple Truss Bridge

Longest Simple Truss Bridge

Longest Simple Truss Bridge, This is the Brookport Bridge over the Ohio River, one of the longest simple truss spans in existence. It may be one of the longest simple truss spans ever built, at least in the first half of the 20th Century. Video Below

I was taking photos down by the river at sunrise and a car pulled up next to me. A woman got out and introduced herself, she was a local in the area and was excited that someone was taking pictures in her little town. This spot is one of her favorite spots to sit and enjoy a sunrise before she heads off to work.

Well, she continued to tell me about the area and mentioned this bridge here, that it is a historic bridge that you can still drive across and that most people don’t because it is very narrow and old. But thanks to her telling me about it, we had to go investigate.

It is by far the coolest bridge I have yet to cross and take photos of. There is a short video below and yes it was a little unnerving to go across it. Mainly because it is so long, one would hate to get a flat tire in the middle of this bridge.

Longest Simple Truss Bridge

One of the unusual details of this bridge, is that the largest span is at the southern end of the bridge, not in the middle. The navigation channel was located at the south side of the river. However, there was an additional navigation channel in the more traditional middle of the river, and to accommodate this second navigation channel there is a truss span which at 514 feet long is larger than adjacent spans (measuring 396 feet), but not as large as the 716 foot span.

Video Crossing the Bridge;

The 716 foot span has some additional unusual details. While the roadway maintains the same narrow 19.7 foot width, the 716 foot span is notably wider (distance between trusses) so on this span there is a gap between the edge of the roadway and the truss lines. The reason for this is presumably for stability reasons. The trusses of the bridge are incredibly deep (tall) due to the span length, and the extra width probably helps keep the bridge from becoming top heavy and tipping over in high winds.

Longest Simple Truss Bridge

Visually this is a spectacular bridge. A must see if you are ever in the area of Metropolis Illinois.

Longest Simple Truss Bridge

Sandra J

In the Mist

In the Mist

In the Mist

Perhaps it’s hidden from us
The truth that’s hard to see
Maybe we aren’t ready
To learn what we can be

In the Mist

So many possibilities
And wonders to behold
Takes us beyond the limits
Of things that we’ve been told

In the Mist

In the midst of creation, is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

In the Mist

Sandra J

Artistic Bridges

Artistic Bridges

Artistic Bridges, during our visit to my sisters home town, we did a photo shoot of all the children and grandchildren while we were there. We took a day to scope out a location for the shoot and came across this beautiful walking bridge.

I do love the design of bridges, this one with the nice straight lines and white rails and post. I have been to this town many times but this is my first time seeing this bridge.

Artistic Bridges
Artistic Bridges

Artistic Bridges

Sandra J

Horses on the Farm

Horses on the Farm

Horses on the Farm, I grew up with horses so I have a special place in my heart for these beautiful animals. It has been years since I have had horses, but I do get to enjoy them at my nieces farm now as she has 4 of them.

This first photo is her horse and she has some smaller ponies for her daughters to work with, that allows them to learn the responsibilities of caring for animals. Horses are a lot of work, but very rewarding I think to be able to take care of them and see how such a large beautiful animal can be so calming to ones spirit.

Horses on the Farm

This one is her newest yearling filly. I just love her one blue eye.

Horses on the Farm

The youngest child is already taking riding lessons and learning how to be safe around horses and have fun going out on rides. She has a trainer that works with her, which is a great idea f

Horses on the Farm

Sandra J

A Dogs Life

A Dogs Life

A Dogs Life

They come into our lives

Make us fall madly in love with them

A Dogs Life

They heal our minds, our spirits and souls

A Dogs Life

They are the greatest gift we can ever wish for

Because God gave to every dog a beautiful heart of gold.

A Dogs Life

Sandra J

Intelligent and Adaptable

Intelligent and Adaptable

Intelligent and Adaptable At first glance, the coyote resembles a small German shepherd dog, yet its color can vary from animal to animal. Shades include black, brown, gray, yellow, rust, and tan.

We were walking in a bird sanctuary out west and this little guy was just minding his own business walking along in the tall grass next to us, appeared to be just looking for something to eat. Just living life.

Always take some time to stop and smell the flowers
Don’t hurry past the things that make life beautiful
Before your life runs down to a few precious hours


Remember to share life with the people you love
There’s always someone special, watching how you live


So with those around you, be sure to share your time
There’s always someone needing what you have to give


You’re sure to be remembered by the love you leave behind. By Chris Embrick

Intelligent and Adaptable
Intelligent and Adaptable
Intelligent and Adaptable

Have a wonderful weekend.

Intelligent and Adaptable

Sandra J

Red Bellied Sap Sucker

Red Bellied Sap Sucker

Red Bellied Sap Sucker, this colorful bird I photographed when I was out west. I have not taken many bird photos this past summer after we got home. We were to busy preparing for winter and just enjoying being home and not moving.

I can’t wait to start photographing wildlife again, I just haven’t seen much the last few weeks. A lot of beautiful landscapes for now.

Red Bellied Sap Sucker
Red Bellied Sap Sucker

Red Bellied Sap Sucker

Sandra J

Harvest Time

Harvest Time

Harvest Time, “Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot.”

This is a sample of my digital oil painting below, I picked up these acorns and set them on a picnic table and took a few photos. Adding a warm texture for the background.

Harvest Time
Harvest Time

Harvest Time

Sandra J

Pet Photography

Pet Photography

Pet Photography, autumn is the best time to take photos of your pets I think. With all the warm colors and crunchy leaves all around. So my Chloee is the subject of today’s post because she poses so well for photos.

I have two dogs and I got them both at a shelter, Chloee is 11 years old now.

Pet Photography

This little one below is Deohgee, she doesn’t pose as well because she is a bit on the twitchy side. She can’t sit still, always on the go and she is 15 years old.

I have been learning a new technique in the digital painting world and love how it allows my imagination to come to life when it comes to my photography. I am always wanting to learn new things and enjoy letting my creativity expand beyond just taking a photo.

Pet Photography

Pet Photography

Sandra J