Christmas in the Park and garden

About the middle of the month I went to Walmart and purchased a Sony DSC W560 very compact digital.  It does sweep panoramas and stitches them in the camera.  I am just learning to use it, and have not found the time to do a panorama yet.  This is my new teddy bear shot at night.  This little camera has a Carl Zeiss lens.  I can set some high ISO with it.  Mostly, I wanted the panorama, but I think I am going to like some of the functions that allow me to shoot in different situations.  I need more time with this little goodie. 

This little tree along the walking trail in Panama Hills park has been decorated for Christmas the last few years.

The little holly tree is slowly growing.  It must be about 18 feet tall now.  It is loaded with berries this year.  In the front the tree has finally lost its leaves.  I have a bit of raking to do yet.

In the house the Tibochina shrub has decided to go into bloom.  The second photo seems to have a ghosting effect where the flower seems to be superimposed on its shadow... I have no idea what happened here.  I think I was using my 50 mm lens on the Canon Rebel.  The 50 mm would have had the UV filter on it for protection.  Whatever caused this.. I like it.  Would be nice to figure out how to duplicate it.  The African violets are blooming and only one orchid is now left in bloom.

I was working with the RAW converter on these photos from our trip down the Oregon coast and to the Grand Canyon.  At this time I was using my old Canon Powershot A50 that shoots in RAW format.  That RAW converter is really interesting to use.

We have been busy with house guests and the usual Christmas calls and cooking.  Although, we had a quiet Christmas day with the two of us for the Christmas duck dinner.  Tomorrow I make dinner for 6 . . it should be fun.  I think I have everything ready and can stop being antsy and enjoy it all.
We were to Art and Marlens's new home.  Its really very nice.  They are still unpacking and had their family and us over to brunch.  Was good to see Leslie and David, and the newest grandchild, Hannes.  Lily is her usual delightful self.  I can just imagine her grandmother being much the same sort of charming child.

The 2010 Bay Bear

This is Morgan, the 2010 Bay Bear.  When we purchase a bear we are giving to a portion to charity.  I like to collect these teddy bears.  There were so many lovely bears in the stores this Christmas, but I only brought this one home with me.  This is another practice shot with the 50mm lens, processed in the Canon RAW converter. 
I spent most of the morning at the Mall, looking at camera bags, etc.  As I become more comfortable with this camera I am enjoying it more and more.  I am working on the update for the photography page of my web page.   This page is 5 years behind in making travel albums, as well as other albums.  

In the afternoon I managed to get some gardening done, before it started to rain lightly.  I pruned the apple tree and some of the fig tree.  Cut back both Jackamani clematis, and clipped two of the heathers.  There is still more perennial clean up to do.  I cleaned the filter on the pond pump and have the waterfall running again. 

Teddy Bears

I am slowly getting my 'under construction' pages finished. I have 22 of them to do on the 'photography' page. This photo will be on the 'bears' page, of course.

Ralph phoned tonite. Everyone in Winnipeg is fine. All working far too hard. The twins are home from the hospital and are doing fine.

I spent most of the afternoon downloading a photo album creating program, and learning how to use it. Its a nice little program. I have lots more to learn on it yet, though. JAlbum is the name of it.