First Caches of 2008

We got out to enjoy the sunshine today by finding our first geocaches of 2008! This has brought our grand total of finds up to 500 now. Hard to believe that number. Our first cache was May 1, 2004, so in less then 4 years we've found 500 of the little buggers. The adventure just keeps going with no end in sight.

Geocaching also brought my photography to the forefront in my mind. Through all the hikes and adventures we have been on I have had the camera with me since spring of 2006 and in this short period of time have evolved a style I consider very unique due to the places we go.

Today we headed up to Tonasket, actually our first time that far north since we've moved. Quite a cute town, but we headed off to the other side of the tracks to Chief Tonasket Park which follows along the Okanogan River. We found the first cache with no problem, it was just in extracting it that Shawn had some problems, as it was quite frozen in. We then trekked on for about 0.8 miles to the baseball fields. While I waited patiently (and eying the birds flying all over) Shawn bounded across the snow and found the second cache (#500 overall and actually third for the day).

Since my feet were nice and dry because I stayed behind while watching Shawn walk through the still very deep snow. I meandered back snapping photos of some waxwings and just plain enjoying the nice sunshine. I know Amy had taken some photos and when I got home I inspected her blog, inspected the web and compared my photos. I believe I have pictures of Bohemian Waxwings, but please point out if I am incorrect.

Scrapbook Tag

I've apparently been tagged by Amy for a some scrapbooking info. Although still relatively new, figured I'd play along. No being a party pooper for me even if I don't have anyone to pass this on to.

1. Name your two favorite scrapbooking topics: My photography which crosses all subjects and probably my family, Shawn and kitty Mickey.

2. Where are the two best places you’ve been to?
Hmm.. so many places I still want to go, but Belize and the Olympic Peninsula have been a couple of my favorites.

3. Name two things you do every day:
I take it Amy and I are both on the same page: tied to our computers because one is checking my email and tied to our men, cause giving Shawn a kiss everyday is important.

4. Tell us two things that pretty much everyone knows about you:
I love photography and horses

5. Tell us two things that everyone DOESN’T know about you:
I love wearing high heels and I collect Disney movies on DVD

6. Tell us two things that got you into the hobby of scrapping:
Wanting to do something with all my photography to display it and finding a great way to use the digital format of my photos.

7. Tell us two things that you want to accomplish in the next six months:
Have a great wedding! Throw a celebration summer party with all our new friends we've made since the move.

8. Name your two favorite scrapping tools:
My camera! and the delete key on my computer :0)

9. Name your two favorite sources of scrapping inspiration:
SBB & Amy and Lisa's pages

10. How has your scrapping changed since you started?
I tried scrapping the old fashioned way with paper and couldn't stand it, but am loving the whole digital side of scrapping.

11. What scrapbooking project have you yet to try but would love to?
I really want to scan in my regular photo prints and scrap them in the digital form. I have the photos piled up beside the computer, just haven't gotten to scanning them in.

Fresh Update

The web page has been freshly updated. Mostly in part to a new service I'll be offering for 2008. I want to break into photographing animals, primarily horses, and the interactions with their owners. I have a brochure available discussing the options I have and what my main goals are.

My other exciting photography news is that I will be offering postcards soon at the local drugstore in Okanogan, J&S. There will also be a 5x7 portfolio of some of the photos if you would like to see them in person.

There will be a local fund raising auction at the Elks Lodge in Omak for The Children's House Montessori Preschool on February 29th that I will be donating to. There will be an options to bid on a gift certificate for a fine art print and also for a location fee for my new animal photography.

This last week I also attended a 4-H leadership training and wow, leaders have to do a lot. It sure didn't seem that complicated when I was 10 years old doing the program. I'm hoping to start helping out with 4-H this spring in the horse projects and if their are kids interested in photography, maybe helping out there too. I also want to be able to use the opportunity to learn about other large animals and pretty much just to learn in general, you're never too old for that and sometimes kids are the best teachers.