Loveland Castle & Krohn’s Conservatory – Ohio

Today I went to Loveland Castle and Krohn’s Conservatory in Ohio with my photo club. Loveland Castle had a festival taking place so it was quite crowded. I would like to go back to see the castle with a few less people and vendor tents in it.

WARNING: Sophia’s Fly Strip Accident

A warning to all bird owners. Last night we had a near tragic accident with our Umbrella Cockatoo, Sophia. She normally does not startle so badly by flies, but this time she got spooked and flew from her cage. This is the one and only time she has ever flown in the direction of the kitchen rather than to her safety point of the living room curtain rod. Since it has been hot, and our central AC is not currently working, we have been having a lot of days of windows and doors open to try to keep the house cooler. This has increased our problem with flies. To battle the flies, especially in the kitchen area, we hung a few fly strips. You know the kind, sticky strips in a small canister that hang in a spiral strip. Well as Sophia flew into the kitchen, her wing clipped one of these sticky strips and it pulled the thumbtack out and entangled her. In a panic she began thrashing and attempting to fly which further entangled her in this sticky mess and began ripping out feathers. She continued to flail and attempt to fly, hitting her cage, the window and her toy play stand. It took me a minute or so to catch her as she was in a blind panic. In the process of catching her and getting her to my back bath to attempt to clean her up, she bit me several times. Now we both have battle scars. The only way we could get the fly strip off was to soak her in baby oil and carefully remove it. She lost a lot of feathers in the process, including some bleeders. She was extremely exhausted after the whole process of removing it and cleaning her up. She still has some of the sticky stuff on her, but I think its best to let her rest a day or so. My Vet said to just leave her with the baby oil residue for now until she is calmer. She is not herself today, very subdued, but she does want mommy to pet her and love on her and did say a few “pretties” today. I have to keep a heat lamp on her because her feathers are not giving her much insulation at the moment.

Fireworks at the Riverfront

Tonight my mom and I went to the waterfront of the Ohio River and watched the fireworks. We watched from the Indiana side so we could see the Louisville skyline in the background.

Blunder Over LaGrange

Tonight my family was invited to Blunder Over LaGrange. We had a wonderful BBQ, fun, food and fellowship, followed by a fireworks display and more fellowship. Thanks for the invite Sam and Elaine!!!

Bird on Her Nest

I found this bird on her nest near a parking lot. She did not pick the best of places for her nest, but she was protecting it with all her might.

Sad Day

Today was a sad afternoon. Micah flew back to California today. I hope he comes back again really soon and maybe eventually for good. I know it probably sounds terrible to say, but I think divorce was the best thing for him. He is back to being himself again. Something we have all notice he has not been for years now. He is fun loving, free spirited and joyful at last! I will miss him terribly but it was not so hard knowing he was not going back to a situation that caused him great stress.

Via Colori

Today we strolled through Via Colori in Bardstown. Some of the artwork was amazing!

Upper Highlands Festival

Today was the Upper Highlands Festival. It was hot, but still fun.

Fern Creek Baptist Church Block Party

Today was the Fern Creek Baptist Church Block Party complete with live music from Phil Kelley of the Drifters.

Shoot Out at Locust Grove

Today was the PPAGL Shoot Out at Locust Grove. We had several pros out there with models, demonstrating different outdoor lighting techniques. I gained some valuable information and had a wonderful time with my fellow photographers.

My Boys are Here!

I am sooooooooo excited to have both of my boys, Micah and Jeremiah, home for my birthday and fathers day for the first time in five years! Micah flew in early this morning from California.

PhotoForum Yard Sale

Today was the annual Yard Sale for The PhotoForum Camera Club of Louisville, sponsored by Chuck Rubin Photographics. The club was able to secure a new slide projected and raise some funds through this years yard sale. Thank you again Chuck for making this possible!

WHAS Crusade for Children

Once again I was invited to photograph the taping of the WHAS Crusade for Children Telethon. It was another successful year!

Belshoff Wedding

Today was a beautiful day at Duncan Memorial Chapel as Mark and Mary Belshoff were married. Congratulations!!!