Holiday Ornaments

Just a few holiday decorations to share with you before the season ends.

And a simple snack.  Pretzels, kisses and m&ms.

The Christmas Village

The St. Mary's County Fairgrounds held a Christmas Village this past weekend.  This new amusement was complete with a train, a "sleigh ride", vendors, a giant snow hill, crafts for kids, a church service, and ice skating.  The admission was free and people seemed to be enjoying themselves, even though the snow hill was a big inflatable, the ice was plastic and the giant sleigh was pulled by a big tractor (Southern Maryland style).  The "ice" skating was amusing to watch.  The skates were real and everyone "skated" for 15 minute sessions.  They really enjoyed themselves as they fell down!!! 😳 There was quite a large turnout.  Next year, if they hold it again, they could use more food vendors, a few church choirs or christmas karaoke, and/or a Christmas tree or wreath decorating contest.

A Photo Session with Cali, the Cocker Spaniel

We recently photographed Cali, an adorable brown and white Cocker Spaniel.  Her family members won a Silent Auction I gave away earlier this year.  We went to a local beach on a pleasant sunny afternoon and took photographs using a cute plaid outfit already owned by the family, as well as a Santa costume.  Cali was well behaved for portraits and she also had a chance to play and be uniquely herself.  I enjoyed visiting with a Cocker Spaniel, since my family once owned one when I was a teenager.

Cali will be featured in her family's Christmas cards this year.

Photo Competition Winners for 2014

Congratulations to the 2014 competition winners of the St. Mary's County Camera Club for the end of the year.

* Novice Photographer of the Year - Deryk Lambert (90 points in 2014)

* Intermediate Photographer of the Year - Abhi Vootukuru (230 points in 2014)
* Advanced Photographer of the Year - Joanna Macaulay (145 points in 2014)

Previous 1st through 3rd entries competed for the year end awards:

Novice Digital
* Tonya Freed - "My Branch" - 1st Place
* Deryk Lambert - "Special Treat" - 2nd Place
* Kimberley Tomlinson - "Discovery" - 3rd Place
* Deryk Lambert - "Content" - HM

Intermediate Print
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Rise of the Machine" - 1st Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Headshot" - 2nd Place
* Paul Draheim - "Lily On the Pond" - 3rd Place

Intermediate Digital
* Paul Draheim - "Deep in Thought" - 1st Place
* Anh Nguyen - "Alabama Hill Nightscape" - 2nd Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "The Banshee" - 3rd Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Trance" - HM
* Anh Nguyen - "Malachite" - HM
* Anh Nguyen - "Snowbound" - HM

Advanced Print
* George Taylor - "Peacock" - 1st Place

Advanced Digital
* Joanna Macaulay - "Two Bald Eagles Squawking" - 1st Place

* Rodger Strickler - "Teacup" - 2nd Place
* Beth Graeme - "Lights in the Vase" - 3rd Place
* Al Scheungrab - "Tags & Shoes" - HM
* Jack Goodman = "Spidermen" - HM
* Joanna Macaulay - "GreenHeart" - HM
* Joanna Macaulay - "Long Eared Owl C" - HM

Theme Print
* Paul Draheim - "Fall Corn" - 1st Place
* Anh Nguyen - "L.A. Night" - 2nd Place
* Abhi Vootukuru - "Angelo" - 3rd Place

Theme Digital
* Abhi Vootukuru - "A Stranger in the City" - 1st Place
* Joanna Macaulay - "First Flight" - 2nd Place

* Steve Thoman - "Peering Into the Past" - 3rd Place

* Abhi Vootukuru - "Sneak Peek" - HM
* Joanna Macaulay - "Purple Water Lily" - HM
* Katherine Norris - "Up in the Fun House" - HM
* Sandy Robbins - "Sailwinds" - HM