Pam – Page 101 – New England's Narrow Road

Share Your Photography With The World at Pixabay

I’ve been taking photos my whole life – like many of you. My first camera was a little Instamatic that came in a yellow box with a flash cube (very similar to the one pictured). Click and wind, then send the finished film off to be developed.

I took pictures of my cat and dog mostly, but also my backyard and some special outdoor places. The pictures were pretty crummy looking compared to what we have to work with these days, but I am still a point and shoot kind of gal.

My kids gave me a nice Sony a year or two ago and I’m having fun getting shots of my new house. Now that I am planting gardens I will be growing flowers and veggies to use as my subjects.

Recently I got a shot of my strawberry plant and added it to Pixabay where it was chosen as a front page image! Whoo hoo… I am excited!

I haven’t added many photos to their site yet, but I go there to find pictures to use for my work. They offer free, public domain images (that means you can use them for anything – no strings attached). I love that the folks there have high standards for approving uploaded photos so you will find only good quality images at the site.

If you have tons of pictures and want to show them off, consider joining Pixabay and share them with the world! And go see my strawberry. Thank you Simon and the Pixabay gang.

Borrowing Photos Belonging to Others – Not Cool! (newenglandsnarrowroad.wordpress.com)
Ways To Aid Beginning Photography lovers Acquire Wonderful Photos! (boldstate.com)
Monday Challenge: Shoot some pictures! (thepositivepage.com)

Family Friendly Day Trip to Ruggles Mine in New Hampshire

If you are one of the many people who are looking for New England day trips for the family, you might consider Ruggles Mine.

I’ve been there twice. The first time was on a field trip with my son’s school class and we went back again the following summer with the family.

Located in Grafton, NH, this unusual tourist attraction is fun for anyone who loves being outdoors with the added plus of collecting rocks and minerals. It is a wonderful place for kids to explore.

Ruggles Mine opens in May and is in the central western area of the state on top of Isinglass Mountain, but it’s not a terribly steep drive. I love the history of the mine which was kept a secret for years by Mr. Ruggles who discovered a wealth of mica on his property. Today you will still find load of mica there and can take it home with you!

Ruggles Mine tourist attraction — Inside Ruggles Mine

College Graduation Ceremony in Manchester, NH

Hesser College graduation — Graduation Ceremony at the Verizon Center, Manchester, NH

Last weekend we attended my daughter’s college graduation ceremony. She and almost 700 other people received their diplomas from Hesser College. The ceremony took place in Manchester, New Hampshire on a gorgeous, sunny day.

Parking is very limited so we parked a few streets away from the building at a metered space which was an excellent idea. Then we made a quick get-away after the three hour long ceremony.

My daughter’s name was near the beginning and then we simply sat and waited through the next 600+ names afterward!

Graduation ceremonies have not changed much. Eye strain from searching for your kid when they all look so much alike. And lots of sitting and waiting.

With a B.A. degree in criminal justice, now she will have new and better job opportunities along with all those college bills to pay!

couple walking after graduation — A new phase in life for my little girl.

Mountain Lion Spotted Near Manchester, NH School (boston.cbslocal.com)

The Jack-In-The-Pulpit Plant I Found

jack in the pulpit flower — Jack in the Pulpit

As I was weeding the side garden that holds my day lilies I noticed this odd plant and knew at once that it was a Jack-in-the-pulpit. It was growing in the tall grass and weeds at the edge of the woods, but in my yard.

I had seen one before when I took a walk at my old place. It was growing next to a stone wall and I wanted a photo of it, but the next time I went walking and took my camera, the plant was gone. I suspect that someone – or maybe an animal – dug it up. I rarely see them, but I don’t know how rare they really are. So I was disappointed, but now I have found another and it’s close by!

So here are my photos of the Jack-in-the-pulpit plant.