Floating Along

Fun to watch and spend time outdoor!

Online Photo Sharing

Thanks to Joy Barba for the post.

One of the greatest joys about grandchildren is seeing them grow up and change before your eyes. But that isn't always possible. Having parents that retired to Florida, they only see their 7 grandchildren one time a year. Because no one can afford to travel there more often, we share the majority of our memories online through hughes wireless internet, through emails and photo sharing sites. My Photobucket account automatically emails my parents updates to my albums, so they are always in touch with the latest and greatest shots of my kids. A good Satellite internet service allows me to upload the pictures fast, and a good camera provides the best quality pictures. Photobucket is easy to use to organize my pictures, apply themes to different albums, and email them to anyone, anywhere.

Another great online photo site is Shutterfly. I've used them for Christmas cards, mugs, mouse pads, and a photo memory book. The editing program is easy to use and the printed quality is outstanding. Having these treasured keepsakes to share with friends and family is priceless.

Bicycles In the Lot

While waiting for my daughter to get the paper work done, I walked around to look for things to shoot. I saw these bicycles in the bike parking lot in front of her dorm! There were so many of them left abandoned and carelessly.


It was a hot sunny day, so the shadows were just out to play. I love it, and took a bunch of pictures. It was an opportunity that I could not resist or pass up.


Although I still look for shadows to shoot, I've missed posting them for a while. Summer is officially here and the kids are finally out of school; hopefully we can get into some sorts of a routine.

Visit other entries at Shadow Shot Sunday, and Mosaic Monday!

Optimize Your Post for Visibility

As blog owner, we all have to make sure that our blog is visible to search engines, and to do that we must take into account many different things. Besides posting unique content, we also must choose proper keywords, or popular search words, bookmark it on social networking sites, and submit it to different search engines.

Here are some sites to consider:

• Google Key Words Video
• Google Search-based Keywords
  
• Google Trends
• Google Hot Trends--See what key words are hot for today
  

Using Google keyword search tool before starting a post, will give us some ideas what people are searching for in pertaining to the subject of our post. This is search engine optimization, and it is the way to go for many bloggers to get discovered on the internet.

When search engine pulls up your blog or post as the result of keywords usage, it not only helps your blog getting a page rank, but it also brings traffic to you. Therefore, make sure to optimize your post to get visibility from search engines.

Friday Fave Five #8

Watching the Freight Carrier


My family and I went to Belle Isle with a bucket of Popeye Fried Chicken for a picnic. We sat by the water and watch this freight sailing smoothly by. Looking at this picture above you would not know that the wind was very strong that day. We had a hard time keeping everything from fly away.

Looking Up, Way Up


The trip would not be complete if we didn't visit the Conservatory. I walked, looked up, way up, and this was what I see! This palm tree touches the glass roof of the Conservatory. Oh yes, I got bitten by mosquitoes just standing there and took this picture.

The Fan Leaf


Can you see how big this fan leaf looked? It was just beautiful when the sun was at the back, or maybe front, of this leaf.

It is amazing to see so many wonderful things through the eye of the camera lens.

Still Trying to Capture Perfect Water Drops


Call me crazy, but I went outside right away after the rain. My mission is to capture a perfect water drop with a reflection in it. I'm not there yet, but these two water drops show the wall background in them, and a bit of the flower on the bottom.

Hydrangea


I bought a hydrangea plant last year, and planted in my front garden. I like the structure of the hydrangea flower, and was hoping to bring this plant back to life, since it was wilted at the end of the season. I tend to it, fertilize it with used coffee ground throughout the year, and it came back. Only two branches have leaves on them, and it started to have this little pinkish color. I love it!

Join me at Friday's Fave Five, and I'm Loving It Friday!

Honeysuckle Flowers, Maybe

In the very back corner of my yard, there is a bush with these beautiful white flowers on them. They come and go very fast though. Every year, I wanted to spend more time investigating these flowers, but the rainy season didn't permit that to happen.

When my neighbor saw that the kids were playing and touching this bush, she suggested them to get their hands washed thoroughly in the bathroom sink with soap, thinking that they might get itchy.


For some reasons, unknown to me, I don't often touch, or smell my objects when I'm taking pictures! I always wondered about the feel and smell of a certain flowers when it was too late. So when my neighbor mentioned the irritation she had with these flowers, I was kind of shock.

I look up honeysuckle flowers, and I'm pretty sure that these flowers are honeysuckles! There are so many different varieties of honeysuckles in all sorts of colors. Some are very fancy and didn't look anything like these flowers.


The bush is quite large as each year went by. I have trimmed some branches to keep it neat in the yard, but it grows back quite strong and fiercely. If you are curious to know if I've touched them, then the answer is no. Honestly now, do you think I want to risk getting itchy?

Join other entries at Wordful Wednesday, White Wednesday, and Outdoor Wednesday!

Baby Blue Delphiniums

Once the delphiniums grow bigger, the blue and purple color mixed lessens to this beautiful baby blue! Delphinium is an elegant perennial, and can grow up to 2 feet tall for the dwarf varieties. It loves cool and moist climate, great as cut flowers, and blooms from late spring to early summer.


As I have mentioned before, delphiniums come in light blue, deep blue, pink, white, purple, yellow and red. I haven't seen the red and yellow ones around yet. Planting should be placed in full sun to light shade, well drained soil, and have protection from strong wind.


Delphiniums need a thin layer of compost each spring, and two layers of mulch to retain moisture. The soil can't be dried out. Divide the plants in clumps every three to four years as new plants begin in early spring.

Have a great Monday..

Visit other entries at Blue Monday!

My Friday Fave Five #7

The Weekend

I sat three hours on Saturday, and three hours on Sunday at the soccer field for JoJo's soccer try-out! He gave all he has, and more! You should see the sweat from this child of mine. Dark hair in the sun is a killer. It attracts heat! And I, with my head in "lala land", didn't pack enough drinking water to last that 3 hours for him on the first day.

JoJo suffered from heat exhaustion last summer, while we were at the tournament, so I'm now always worried about this. Overall, the try-out went well, and he will be on U-13 team for next year. One thing done, and more to come!

Monday


We had a picnic at my son's school, so I was out most of the day! As I grow older, I can't tolerate that much sun anymore. I was exhausted when we got back home. However, the picnic was swell, and this is something that my son will remember for a long time.

Thursday


This is the last day of school, and as soon as the bell ring, the kids come running out in all directions screaming and yelling. It was fun to see, and "school-out" parties begin at different houses, and businesses. JoJo chose to go to swimming party with his friends instead of the shaving cream party that my friend holds every year.

I don't see any recessions at these occasions! Life goes on!

Garage Cleaned

JoJo knows that I have more on my plate that I could chew so he decided to clean and organize the garage for me. His sweet gesture, consideration, and caring, touch a deep core in my heart. This is a rare occasion, and I am taking it with great pleasure. Thanks sweetie!

One Last Dogwood


Since the weather is on a strange mood this year, even dogwood has a hard time to come in full bloomed. It was too cold for the petals to grow properly, but still is just absolutely beautiful to me.

Have a great weekend!

Join me at Friday's Fave Five, I'm Loving It Friday!

Movie Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

I actually had a girl night in with my daughter and her friend from college. The three of us watched The Time Traveler's Wife, making predictions and jokes. Stars for this movie are the beautiful Rachel McAdams, and the handsome Eric Bana!

Image Source Wikipedia

The movie is based on the novel The Time Traveler's Wife, written by author Audrey Niffenegger, and was published in 2003. Though romantic, it was different and interesting. I love strong woman, and Claire was it! She was chosen by Henry since she was a young girl to be his wife. Through time traveling, they met and fell in love.



Claire devoted her entire life to Henry, who was not there most of the time. Her love for him was just so extraordinary, and her devotion is admirable! Like any marriages, Claire and Henry have their up and down moments, joys and sorrows.

If you haven't seen this movie yet, I recommend it. It's good to lose ourselves in a romantic world and have a few tears jerking moments once in a while. It's my method for soul cleansing!

The Blue Delphiniums

Last week I posted pictures of these flower buds. I told you I'm a flower stalker, and I love to chronicle the stages of flowers. Judy-SquirrelQueen, guessed it correctly. They are delphiniums!

Talking about Judy, she is hosting A Silly Photo Challenge on Tuesday June 15, which is tomorrow! Many of you have met her, but many have not. She is a great friend, and a fantastic photographer! Go through your photo folders, or go out and take silly photos, then join her for this fun event.


Taking pictures and being with nature is one of the ways for me to de-stress. I totally immerse myself in the beautiful things around me, and temporary forget my problems or whatever bothers me.


Delphinium comes in many different colors: white, purple, light pink, and deep blue! This baby blue color took my breath away when I first saw them.

Don't forget to join SquirrelQueen by posting your Silly Photos. I will post mine on Wandering Thought.

Have a great Monday..

Visit other entries at Blue Monday!

My Friday Fave Five # 6

Another week has come to an end, and it's Friday! Can you hear the joy in my voice? This week likes every other week, went by in a blur. It's time for me to count my blessings.

1. Our Soccer Team Came in Second


After three exhausting days, and playing in the rain, our soccer team came in second for the championship. JoJo played the full game, without break, and ended up with two goals, and one assist. We practically lived on the field!

2. I Love Helping the Kids With Math

I went to my son's school to help his classmates with their multiplication. These children are in 5th grade, but they still don't know their multiplication table. Helping them, playing Math game with them, and testing them show that they're progressing beautifully.

It's the best feeling in the world!

3. My Son Graduated From the Elementary


It's official! My son is graduated from the Elementary, and next year will mark a new adventure in the Middle School. He is excited and wanted to ride his bike to school, at least during the warm weather. I don't know about it, just yet. Our neighborhood isn't all that safe for him to venture.

4. My Obsession With Bee


When I am all wound up, I like to take picture, and go after the bee! No, I don't hurt them, I just want that "one perfect shot". The bee in the above picture, is a tiny baby one! My macro was at its max to capture this one.

5. My Thrift Store Find


I think I'm addicted to Thrift Stores! I found these beautiful bowls for fifty cents each, and the kids love me to serve them ice cream. For some reasons, these plates make them feel special. It doesn't take much to amuse them, I guess.

Hey, I am keeping the economy goes around! I donated my unwanted stuffs, and then I bought more stuffs to help them. It's a win-win situation if you ask me.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Join me at Friday's Fave Five, I'm Loving It Friday, and Frugal Friday!

Little White Flowers Bush

Join other entries at Wordless Wednesday, White Wednesday, and Outdoor Wednesday!