Thursday, April 21, 2011

Spring is Finally Here



Even though there was frost on the ground this morning, and it has been cool and rainy for the last few days, I have thoroughly enjoyed the few warm days we have had so far! The tulips and daffodils are blooming! We had some threatening weather with an expectation of hail and damaging winds. I couldn't bear the thought of my tulips being ripped to shreds by hail so I went out, in the rain, and cut a bouquet to enjoy inside.



I set up a little photography "studio" and played with my camera. It had been a long time since I had done that. It was kind of difficult to take pictures of anything this past winter except snow and birds. Unfortunately my blogging has suffered for several reasons.



My computer is almost five years old and for some reason it had become vulnerable to vicious trojan and malware viruses. Several times we have had to completely reformat the computer and each time I had to reload my software and programs on the computer. I still don't have everything I need back on, (like the printer). It has been quite a hassle and has kept me from blogging. The thought of finding and organizing all of my pictures and loading the editing software again was quite daunting and honestly not a priority.



In the past, I would have just purchased a new computer, but these days that isn't possible.This one is still under the extended warranty for a few more months and I am hoping it will crash before that time is up. I have never had a computer to last this long! Knowing how things have been going for us this past year, this one will last five years and one day!




It is so hard to believe that we are nearing the end of our homeschooling experience. For the last fifteen years we have homeschooled our two children. Only one month before graduation and that chapter of our life is finished. It has been such a blessing for our family and if I had it to do all over again, I would do it without a second thought!



My husband is beginning a new endeavor to start his own business. After being laid off several times due to corporate layoffs, he is taking his future in his own hands. It is frightening but exciting at the same time.



I have been so blessed to be able to stay at home with my children for the last twenty-three years. They have been my primary focus. Now that they are both grown with full-time jobs, I am at the cross-roads in my own life. I need to find a new purpose and way to be productive. I am babysitting part-time and I love the children, but it is a temporary situation.



I would really love to do something photography related and am contemplating the possibilities.



Thank you all for sticking with me through the tumultuous year and the sporadic posts. I hope things will settle down after graduation and I really hope the computer issues have been resolved now.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

14 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

So good to see that your area has thawed out Robin. Good to see you back online if only temporary. I hope your husband has best of luck with his new venture. You certainly didn't lose your touch with the camera while you were away. Cheers and have a good weekend.

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

It was a nice surprise to see your post today. You have been gone to long. Glad to see you back. Your studio shots are wonderful. Take your talent with the camera and run with it. V

Anonymous said...

Great photos, I lake it!
Happy Easter to you and your family.

Rosemary said...

Glad to see your post. Wonderful photos..... Tulips are lovely flowers. Happy Easter.

Patricia said...

Beautiful! I was JUST thinking last night "I've been missing Robin" and here you are!!!!

Your stills are stunning, Robin. Truly.

And I HAVE been missing you. So happy to *see* you.

May your Easter weekend be one of great rejoicing. Christ has risen!!!

Much love,
Patricia

ann said...

I am so glad that you are back for it was your blog that I first discovered and then inspired me to start my own blog, The Garden Spot. I am sorry that you have had computer problems, but quite relieved that it was the computer that kept you away. Happy Easter. cheers. ann

Naturegirl said...

Robin these images are spectacular!Home schooling is a conversation that my daughter and I were just having..it sure has it's advantages for many reasons. You were blessed in having the opportunity!
Wish you and your family a blessed Easter weekend. Anna

Ruth Hiebert said...

It is so good to hear from you again.Each of these pictures is spectacular.I love the bright flowers,and your creative touch.

A Garden of Threads said...

Hi Robin, I was thinking about you today and here you are, welcome back. Computers can lead to very stressful situations, I do understand as ours is also very old, even my new Mac (an older Mac my son was getting rid of). A whole new chapter in your life is starting, now that the kids are moving on, how exciting. Your photography is stunning, so you go girl!! Take care and have a wonderful Easter weekend.:)

NCmountainwoman said...

I'm happy to see another post, especially with the great photographs of spring. Here's hoping things will turn around for you and the family.

Debbie said...

Love all the beautiful photos of your spring flowers.

I can no imagine being done with our homeschooling as we have a long way to go (if I stick with it). It was very strange last spring to see our first graduate from our homeschool.

I hope you get your computer issues straightened out. I don't always comment, but I always enjoy your blog posts.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

It was a blessing you were able to home school. I kind of wanted to, but did not have a degree until my daughter was in first grade, and by then, I had to get a job.

I hope you find a job you like. I think photography would be a good fit for you.

Linda said...

Beautiful tulips with tea, love your soft white backgrounds...very pure and peaceful!

Nature's Beauty said...

Hi Robin, Just thought about your beautiful photography and decided to see what you were up to. The photos are beautiful. I am a hobby artist and would love to try painting some of your still life photos. I especially like the one of the chair and tulips. Pls. let me know if it would be okay if I try painting it. I now have a Nikon 3100 and am trying to learn how to use it, which is a long process. I could only hope to take photos as good as yours. Have a great spring.
Barbara