U.P. Steam Engine #844 Trek to Tennesse

  The Union Pacific Steam Team completed an all-systems check of the No. 844 steam locomotive on July 12, marking the icon’s return to the main line after a three-year absence.  The locomotive’s overhaul was so significant – extensive firebox repair, rebuilt air brakes and piping, new flues and tubes and, of course, a fresh, glossy coat of paint.

  Dan and I Saturday started out early in the morning in Fairbury, Nebraska and chased it all the way to Topeka, Kansas, cross country, getting video and different images from different locations.  Sometimes we were able to beat it the next crossing and other times not but had a great day chasing it.  It was quite the adventure, very minimum maintained roads which at times were barely cow paths in a field, sliding to a stop to jump out with your camera just in time to get a quick shot off before it would blow by and then jump back in Clide and race off to the next crossing!  It is quite a grand old train to see and we were amazed at the speed it was traveling, met a lot a great train and photo enthusiast's along the way also, which added to the experience.

 

Macro and Dew Drops

Love that Trader Joe's has such a variety of beautiful flowers and they are so reasonable.  Played with using water and glycerin, the glycerin works much better for placing the drop exactly where you want it and having it stay in place. Took several images at different apertures, stacked the layers in PS and then brushed in the areas from each layer that I wanted to use to create one image.  Lots of fun, need to fine tune the look I am actually trying to create but am off to a good start.

2LO texture added background

Honey

  I was up to the challenge of photographing with one arm once I got the camera on the tripod but it was a bit more time consuming.  Basic adjustments, slight tone curve and one texture.

Proverbs ~ Recipe for Life

Dan and I were part of a Worship Arts project the last 12 months, the project has been completed and all the art is on display at church.   We were to interpret the 7 core values of the church, this was mine for Biblical Instruction.

Proverbs ~ Recipe for Life

Savor ~ Marinate ~ Rest ~ Massage ~ Flour ~ Spices ~ Rise

Leven ~ Simmer ~  Taste ~  Organic ~ Process ~ Oil

All words we have heard or read many time while cooking or watching our favorite chef’s on popular tv shows but they even have a place in the ultimate recipe book.

Our recipes start with our basic ingredients or staples that are always in the pantry, our core values that that keep us grounded.

Some recipes are quick, simple easy to learn, while other are more complicated, need time to soak overnight and simmer for hours, remember patience is a virtue.

Sometimes the ingredients are not right or in the correct proportions or never rise.   

Tweaking the recipe (life lessons) is where things get interesting, complicated and sometimes discouraging and let’s face it there are some that have to be trashed and you better have your go to pizza place on speed dial! P.R.A.Y.E.R.

Some recipes call for a mixture of ingredients that you would never dream of mixing together it just doesn’t make sense or they are opposite flavors, it is a lot like people but God has way of making it all work.

You don’t have to make everything from scratch, you just need to trust the recipe giver!