heiberg forest

Yesterday my dad and I went up to one of my favorite spots, Heiberg Forest. We hiked around with the dogs and took in the beautiful day. A love of nature is one thing we both have in common, and it's become something of a tradition for us to go on this walk. He always points out and names the trees, and then we check out the hut where they produce the maple syrup, and end up at the vista lookout point. Running around with the dogs and elated from the scenery, I felt like a kid again. Free as a bird.

ringing rocks

On Saturday, Adam and I visited the mysterious Ringing Rocks in Bucks County, PA. A strange and beautiful phenomenon found right in the middle of nature, the field of sonorous boulders create different pitches when struck with a hammer. You can tap around and make varying tunes, but scientists have yet to find out exactly why the rocks ring. According the VisitPhilly.com they have looked for reasons, such as high background radiation, abnormal magnetic fields, or strange electromagnetic activity, but haven't found any explanations. There are other fields around the world, in places such as Montana and Western Australia, where the abnormality has mysteriously occurred. Perhaps we'll just have to be content enjoying their music without a scientific explanation as to why.

florence part two

I kind of love that it's taken me so long to get through these photos. Three weeks later I can be reminded of our morning climb through the fog to Florence's outlaying village, Fiesole. I get to relive the cappucinos and beautiful views at every turn. I miss days spent entirely on foot exploring and experiencing life outside of the norm. Florence was surely full of fun beyond our adventures in the kitchen. Going through these photos was the perfect "hump day" therapy that I needed.

weekly scenes

This past week has been strangely relaxing. At times the pace may have ticked a bit too slowly, but it's good to get the heart rate down every once in a while. I'm not so sure where this week will fall into the scope of things. Preceded by big events and knowing that exciting things are coming up, it's that strange lull in between: the calm before the storm and the settling after the earth quake. 

The good thing is that with a new-found pace I was able to catch up with old friends. There was a road trip through PA on a beautiful fall weekend, and I managed to pack in a fair amount of hiking. The outdoor air is just beginning to change, and each breath of it feels so good. The crispy air in my lungs, it's about to be my favorite time of year.

1. Baked goods from Kristina Boggs

2. Oliver, the adorable new kitten

3-4. Monday night dinner

5-7. Fishing and hiking in Tyler State Park

8-12. Hiking the Appalachian trail with old college friends

personal day

I had a little bit of an accident the other day and ended up taking an impromptu personal day from work. It was one of the best decisions ever. Adam has Tuesdays off, so we slept in late and then had breakfast in bed. After that we drove out to Tyler State Park for a day of hiking and fishing which was followed by some small town exploration, dinner, and ice cream. What a magical day. Personal days are a great invention. :)

in this instant

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experiments in black & white

Some experiments after watching this Adorama tutorial on converting color photos to black and white. So, so, so fun!