The Old Man and the Sea

It seemed the perfect day for a stroll in the bay. 

Upside Down

She's always been happiest upside down.  When she was a baby and nothing else would soothe her, I'd walk around the house with her tucked upside down against my chest until the tears passed.  And still when I get home from work I'm often greeted with "Daddy! Daddy! Upside down?"

Skywatch Friday: Clouds and Pebbles

The pebbled beach gives way to clouds at Birch Bay State Park.

White Lions

The Lions, which are actually in British Columbia, look in this photo as if they are right on the edge of Birch Bay.

Sea of Green

While camping in Birch Bay State Park, we came across this sea of green plants, rioting out of the spring-warm soil. We thought they must be some kind of lily, and we were sort of right-- they're called false lily of the valley. They're also known as snakeberry and two-leaved Solomon's seal, and from root to berry have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years.

Great Blue Heron

A heron goes for a stroll along the beach at Birch Bay

Nai at Birch Bay

Five years ago today

we welcomed our first child

into the world.

She's been teaching us about it ever since.

Happy Birthday, Five-Year-Old!

Skywatch Friday: Farewell

Sony Cybershot DSC-W55

9/5/2007 - 4/18/2010

Rest in Peace

Last Friday I packed up the girls and went to Birch Bay State Park for an evening of camping and playing on the beach. Unfortunately this evening would mark the final day of our trusty (actually not so trusty) Sony Cybershot. A wayward grain of sand jammed up the lens mechanism beyond repair. No amount of disassembly, compressed air or encouragement from by pliers would repair the situation.

Although it's not a particularly stunning sunset, I'm posting the Sony's final photograph in memory of its life and service to us.

And now a question for all of you: We are looking at getting a good extended zoom point and shoot such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. Does anybody have any experience with this camera or something similar? We'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.

For more Skywatch images click HERE.