"I'm Gonna Be A Police Officer When I Grow Up"

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Ever since he was a little boy, my son "N" had the dream of becoming a police officer one day. This kid knew what he wanted, and he did everything he could possibly do to get to where he is today. He got good grades in college, where he majored in Criminal Justice and graduated summa cum laude. While in College, he worked as a summer police officer on the island of Nantucket. He also interned at a local police station, and they sponsored him to go to the part-time police academy in Plymouth MA. Upon graduation from the academy, he became a "Special" police officer for the town. A year and a half ago, he was hired as a part time officer in town. Five months ago, the town sponsored him to go to the full time police academy. Today, his dream came true as he graduated from the police academy and I couldn't be any more proud than I am at this moment. Not only did he complete the academy, which was very grueling both physically, mentally, and academically, but he graduated number one in his graduating class of 50 officers with a cumulative grade point average of 97.365. He was presented with the academic achievement award during today's ceremony. I had tears streaming down my face and it's a wonder I could have taken any decent photos (Thank God for lens vibration reduction) :-)

I can't help but brag so please bare with me. ;-) N had asked his dad if he would do the pinning of his badge during today's badge ceremony. It was such a proud moment for Mr. S!! (Let's just say I wasn't the only one wiping the tears!)

"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains."

— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

The Specs for the class photo:

 Nikon D90, ISO 200, 1/400, f10

The Specs for the pinning ceremony photo: 

Nikon D90, 18-200 mm lens, ISO 2000, 1/60, f7.1

It's Chrome Alright

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I worked today and went out to run some errands after dinner, figuring I'd get today's photo of the day while I was out on such a beautiful early evening. I came home totally deflated.......I couldn't come up with anything to photograph. I pulled in the driveway behind Mr S's pickup truck, and low and behold, I found my photo op in the bumper of his pick up truck! It's big......it's curvy.......it's beautiful chrome! And the way the lighting was this evening, it was giving some wonderful reflections. What you are looking at is a reflection of my driveway, my vehicle, and the neighbors house and fence across the street. The tree on the left that is illuminated by the setting sun sits on my front lawn.

"Chrome, She can see herself In the shiny grill..........Chrome,I said hey little girl you sure look nice Do you wanna ride, I won't bite, she climbs inside Says hell no, I want to drive ............It's chrome alright Shiny,nice polished Chrome, Chrome ..............Her favorite color is...chrome..... That girl is all about chrome She sure loves chrome"

Lyrics by Trace Adkins

The Specs:

Pansaonic LX3, ISO 200, 1/500, f2.8, -1/3 ev

Cherry Blossoms

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I really hope you like this photo because I nearly FROZE while I was photographing this scene. :-) This was taken at Webb Park in Weymouth MA. In the nice weather, I frequently take my parents here to get them out for some fresh air and a little exercise. Today, they sat in the car (a very wise decision) while I ran around like a nutcase taking photos! There were gale force winds blowing off the ocean that literally almost knocked me over at one point, and the temperatures were in the 40's. Is it really almost May 1st?

Well, in photography we have to get the getting while the getting is good........today was the only day that I had available to get these beautiful cherry blossoms photographed before they fall off so I  had to get out there and "just do it"!

The Specs:

Nikon D90, 18-200 mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/2000, f11

It Was worth The Wait. :-)

39/365

Don't you just love this color? I've spent the past three days photographing this azalea bush, but have used a different subject each day for the photo of the day. So, today, I went back and I really like the raindrops on the petals. Now I'm happy that I chose not to post the azalea photos the past few days. It's funny how these things work out. :-)

The Specs:

Nikon D90, 18-200 mm lens, ISO 640, 1/320, f5.6

Knock....knock......knock......knock

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Knock....knock.....knock..........that's the sound I heard as I was photographing some flowers. So, I followed the sound.......and there he was! This Northern Flicker Woodpecker was waaaaaaay up high in a tree.

The Specs:

Nikon D90, 18-200 mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/2500, f7.1

Bleeding Heart

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I hope your heart isn't bleeding. I hope it is filled with peace, and happiness, and hope, and most of all, LOVE!

"Where there is love, there is life."

Mohandas Gandhi

The Specs:

Nikon D90, 18-200 mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/320, f5.6

Eastern Painted Turtles

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Mr and Mrs. Painted Turtle are seen here, basking in the sun, at the little pond down in the cemetery in my hometown.

Painted turtles are most active from May to October in the northeastern United States. During the winter, painted turtles hibernate by burying themselves deep in the mud beneath streams and ponds. The mud insulates the turtle, which helps prevent freezing during the harsh winter months. Painted turtles can survive without oxygen at 3 degrees Celsius (37°F) for up to five months, longer than any other known air-breathing vertebrate. The painted turtle spends the majority of its time in the water, but it can often be seen lying in the sun on floating logs or on rocks by the shore. This behavior is called basking.

And now you know...........;-)

The Specs:

Nikon D90, 18-200mm lens, ISO 400, f5.6, 1/500