What Steve Put on the Mantel in Front of Still Life

Deborah McLaren’s still life is one I purchased at the PERSAD  Celebrate Life Celebrate Art auction at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh last May.  The other day I sat at the table, looked up and saw Steve’s additions to the decor.  He has been purchasing RITZ crackers frequently since I bought the painting, subliminal influence?  I wrote to the artist(http://www.deborahmclaren.com/) for her permission to post the image of her painting along with his props. Steve’s fun additions- the unexpected sight of them in front of the still life-  I laughed out loud!  How to make life fun!

Still Life Oil Painting by Deborah McLaren, Props on the Mantle by Steve

Christmas House Lights at Night

Last year I used this house as my Christmas Card- From Not My House to Your House greeting.  Photographed it again last night, a year later. No snow this time, though. It appeals to me, even if it is over the top!

Last year a 24-70L Lens This year a 50-1.4LSeries ( Canon)

Mill Mountain Star 60 Years Roanoke Virginina Icon

Guest photographer Mark J McGrath.  Seemed to need a human to illustrate the scale.  Arrived just before sunset.

Ruth in front of Mill Mountain Star above Roanoke

http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=11560932

Click above link to read about the construction of the star and the 60th anniversary celebration.