Photo of the Day

The Winds of November image posted below was awarded the MyParkPhotos.com Photo of the Day award for November 28, 2007. Thanks to everyone for the great feedback on my image!

Winds of November

I headed out to Grand Haven at lunch hour today...wondering if it might be a good time for a quick dip in the lake...

GUESS NOT! (click on the image to enlarge...)

The winds were a steady 40 mph, with gusts to 54 mph+. Some areas along the lake had gusts up to almost 60 mph.

It's amazing how much power the waves gain simply by wind blowing. I had sand in my eyes, ears, hair and in my coat pockets! Since it was only about 30 degrees, the wind chill generated by these blasts kept me alternating between taking photos - and running back to the car so I could stick my fingers up into the heater vents!

There were a handful of "smart" folks watching the scene from the comfort of their parked cars. The only people crazy enough to be OUT of their vehicles were a handful of photographers like myself. We were all shivering and commented on how the conditions were pretty tough to endure. Still - it was a real rush to watch the waves pound against the pier - even if it meant freezing a finger or two...

Goodbye to a Great Guy...

I want to take a moment to remember my dear friend Wayne Elvey, who passed away yesterday (Thanksgiving evening).

I'm really going to miss his sense of humor, his wit and his amazing mental library of songs and music. I really hope someone took some time to record some of Wayne's performances and music - he was a walking encyclopedia of interesting ditties and long-forgotten tunes.

According to a email message I received from his family:

Earlier this evening, on this special Thanksgiving Day, we said goodbye to my father. As many of you know, he was fighting a very tough battle with cancer, and his health declined rapidly over the last three weeks. Today, at my parents' home, we moved the TV into the living room next to his hospital bed. The Hospice nurse told us that even though the end was near, the last thing to go is the hearing. Though he was unable to speak, his eyes closed, and his breathing troubled, his ears were soon filled with the traditional Thanksgiving sounds of his grandchildren playing and laughing, his wife and daughters-in-law conversing, and his sons yelling at and booing the Lions. His treasured family was in his presence as he departed, and he is now free of suffering. We'd like to thank all of you for your support, and the many thoughts and prayers you've provided.

Wayne - I'm very sad to think you won't be at Evart next year - the Westphalia Waltz will never again sound quite the same without your dulcimer playing alongside. But I'm glad you're at peace. Keep on singin' and playin'!

Stacy Niedzwiecki and Wayne Elvey - April 2006

Just Having Some Fun with the Boys!

I had a little photography fun this afternoon with my two little guys. Click on the image to see it full size!

11x14 Print Offered at Online Charity Auction

I donated a framed 11x14 "Smile!" print to the Michigan Dental Foundation online auction.

The Michigan Dental Foundation uses charitable efforts aimed at providing the people of Michigan access to care programs, oral health initiatives and dental scholarships.

This happy elk surely will bring a smile to someone's den or office!

The online auction ended on Saturday, November 17, . Thanks for looking!

Hearts & Holly Bazaar

Come join the fun at Our Lady of Consolation's 33rd annual Hearts & Holly holiday bazaar! The event runs from 8 am until 3 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2007.

The show will feature:

• Premier local artists
  
• Unique hand-crafted gifts and home decor
• Their FAMOUS homemade holiday cookie booth
• Fresh poinsettias, wreaths and holiday decorations
• A silent auction and a BIG raffle with a $500 shopping spree as a grand prize
• Menu of homemade refreshments and baked goods
• Kids' carnival area at the next-door Kateri Lodge! Drop off the kids (ages 3 years and up) while you shop!

Stop by my booth and browse through the framed prints, matted prints, boxed card sets, photo greeting cards. You may also order your new 2008 Michigan Moments calendars (available both in wall and desk size this year!).

Map to Our Lady of Consolation Church