Matthew would be proud

While in Jamaica, my husband & daughter climbed Dunn's River Falls. I decided to go the observer route, due to bad knees, but selfishly, it also gave me the opportunity to take tons of pictures. I got some gorgeous ones, but after a while, I decided to use what I learned in class last year & play with my shutter speed for a different effect. I loved the result on this one!

But... I don't wanna leave!

We got home from our vacation last night - **heavy sigh** - it was wonderful. I thought about refusing to leave & just wrapping myself around the balcony of the ship, but I figured my family might be a tad embarrassed. It was everything I wanted it to be - relaxing, fun, no worries. I've been going through pictures tonight & thought this was a good one to start with:

This was a view of the Boardwalk, from above, where you can see the Carousel, the Aqua Theater & the rooms overlooking this area of the ship. The smaller red umbrellas that can be seen are outside of Johnny Rocket's - YUM!

Bon Voyage!

I originally posted a different picture, then realized I had already posted it last September. I needed something tropical to post, since we're leaving for a cruise tomorrow! I've been so excited, given all that the past year has brought. I can't wait! I should be packing now, but I'm a procrastinator, so I'd rather wait until the last minute so I get to experience the panic of not having enough time to think clearly while I pack.

This is a private island right off of Key West that I took on our last cruise in 2009. I plan to live there one day, since it's only accessible by boat. Until that day comes (i.e. I win the lottery), I'll settle by taking cruises & beach trips.

Besides the obvious reasons for being excited, I'm really looking forward to all the photo ops I'll have! See you in a week.

The Earthquake Cake

The 8th graders at my daughter's school had a project for Science this weekend & the task was to bake an Earthquake cake & take pictures of the process. My daughter & her partner did their project at my house today & let me document the process. They're using other pictures for their project, but I liked these.

Teamwork

Helping Hands

The Finished Product

There was a bit that spilled over the edge onto the cookie sheet, so I got a small taste... it was GOOD! My husband didn't like that they had to take it to school, instead of letting us taste test. :-)  Google earthquake cake if you're interested in the recipe. 

Patch

I'm officially on the vacation countdown (10 more days!), so to keep myself from getting too excited, I thought I'd post more snow pictures. It's sort of fitting, considering our Spring has all but disappeared. We've gone from sunny 60+ degree days to rain & highs in the low 50s.

Not funny, Mother Nature. Not funny at all.