Happy New Year Yosemite Style

Yesterday my husband and I returned from our brief trip to Yosemite National Park. We felt so fortunate that a snow storm during our last night there produced a wondrous winter wonderland. This new layer of pristine snow seemed a fitting way to greet the New Year. Here’s a toast to a fresh start, a clean slate, a chance to break trail.

Thank you for visiting dutchbaby and for your comments, your friendship, and for publishing your blogs that nourish my soul throughout the year. I end 2009 with a beautiful Scottish rendition of Auld Lang Syne sent to me by one of my book club sisters.

Happy New Year to you all!

Macro Monday - Burl

This burl came from this tree...

...from a slice of paradise called Yosemite National Park.

My husband and I chose to go here for our honeymoon not just because it is one of our favorite places in the whole wide world, but because it is only about 150 miles from Palo Alto. We love going there to rejuvenate our spirits. We were there this spring, but now we return for a couple of days to celebrate our twentieth anniversary. I hope to bring back similar photos except with lots of snow.

Update:
Upon the advice of awarewriter, I made my first attempt at creating a black and white version of a photo:

Then I decided to give a go at tinting it:

Thank you, awarewriter, for encouraging me to try something new and for your invaluable instruction!

Another Macro Monday hosted by Lisa.

Santa for Sale

Braved the mall yesterday; this picture sums it up for me.