Mama Duck and her new babies

Mama Duck nested in our backyard again this year, and we have spent the last few months watching the swimming dates and courting rituals, and keeping an eye on her and her nest. Everyone who works in the yard was notified to keep their distance, and we have done everything in our power to keep her safe.

This morning, 11 little ducklings emerged for the first time. ❣️

We watched them for awhile, and then she gathered them up and was ready to go. We opened the gate for her, and she took her new babies out into the world. We escorted her as far as possible down the street to make sure she didn’t encounter any cars, and then had to say goodbye.

She’s a good mom. Hopefully, we will see her again next year. 🦆

Two Amazing Weeks in Japan

Konnichiwa from Japan! A group of us from American Society of Photographers spent 14 days exploring all the amazing sights, food, and culture of this wonderful country. We enjoyed the Cherry Blossoms in all their glory, visited many gorgeous temples, spent a day with geishas, and even visited the Snow Monkeys! Thanks to the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), we were able to easily move around the country from Tokyo and Kamakura to Kyoto, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Nikko, Kinugawa, and Nagano. Thank you to John Powers for organizing this once-in-a-lifetime experience! I cannot wait to go back for another visit! 😍

1 Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, 2 Shibuya Crossing (the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world) in Tokyo, 3-4 the Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura, 5-6 Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, 7 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, 8-9 Geishas at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, 10 our beautiful model at Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto, 11 Itsukushima Shrine’s world-famous “floating” torii gate on Miyajima Island, 12 Hiroshima Flame of Peace, 13 Hiroshima Castle, 14 Asakusa, 15 Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, 16 Edo Wonderland in Nikko, 17 Snow Monkey at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen in Nagano, 18 Statues of Maneki-neko, Japan’s lucky cat, at Gotokuji Temple

2023 TPPA Awards Night

What a night! TPPA Awards Night was a great evening with friends and much to celebrate! I was honored to receive a Fellowship Bar and a commemorative plaque for being on the 2023 Executive Council. I was also recognized as a Bronze Medalist for my images at the annual Print Competition, where 6 of my images received Seals of Approval and 4 were awarded Image of Distinction ribbons. 🙂