2010 rketburt backcountry photos

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The treasures of snow (flash)

The snow started to fall after the first of the year. We took the opportunity to enjoy it by looking at it and by playing in it.

A hike to a pocket of wind damage (flash)

On the two year anniversary of a wind storm in Webster, I hiked Big Woods Trail to see the pocket of damage where a large tree fell and broke another. I found it originally within a week of the storm and have enjoyed going back to observe the changes through the years and the seasons.

A birthday party to remember (flash)

Emily's 12th birthday party was a small affair with friends from her lunch table. The plan was to enjoy a charity basketball game at school followed by a sleepover. Nearly a foot of snow the night before brought a snow day so the game was cancelled. The girls still came at the appointed time and made their own fun, playing dress up, watching Twilight, and talking together. Lights were out by 10:00pm, but only because power was out for the whole house. Then began the adventure of candles, flashlights, headlamps, and cell phone lights. In the morning they finished the movie and played the Wii.

Jenna's artistic eye (flash)

One of the friends took alot of pictures that she allowed us to share here.

A Varied Spring Day (flash)

Temperatures were in the 60s and the sun shone on a day where the kid's were out of school and I was out of work early. The pictures describe three different parts of the day:

1. With the snow melted we saw the trails that voles took when snow covered the ground.
2. Some of the flowering plants are emerging to start gathering energy from the sun.
3. Rachel and I took a 2.5 mile bike ride and visited the Mill Creek Community Club where we'll get to swim this summer.

Swim Team Banquet (flash)

The YMCA Bayview Tigers closed the season with a banquet. The girls spent the time with groups of friends being fun-loving, independent young ladies. We are proud of Rachel and Emily for showing themselves that they can do things that are challenging.

Pics for the Puzios (flash)

Our family had the privilege of getting to know the Puzios during carpool rides and meets. Both Courtney and Caleb were good young people for our girls to be around.

• Movie of Courtney getting the Most Improved Award

Maple Sugaring (flash)

At the end of March the Brownie troop went to Helmer Nature Center (http://www.westirondequoit.org/helmer.htm) for maple sugaring. Although the day was cold and the sap ran a bit slowly, the girls got enough to fill buckets and slosh them to the boiler. Both Rachel and Kelly agreed that it was a wonderful time and fun to learn.

Attempts at Artistry in Nature (flash)

I have recently been considering digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to have more control and flexibility for the photographs. Part of that consideration is a solid understanding of what I want to shoot and whether our current camera is sufficient. Today's record-breaking warmth was an invitation to take a bike and hike to find subjects for some attempts at artistic photography. As it happened I found myself at one of my special spots for contemplation; in the hillocks where water runs from under a tree. It was a good day.

At the Strong Museum of Play (flash)

We met our friends the Pauls at the Strong National Museum of Play (http://www.museumofplay.org/index.html) which is a wonderful place for the imagination and activities. On this evening there was even a concert by the students from the Eastman School of Music. This is a good place for our family to spend time together.

Fireworks at Harris Hill Park (flash)

The Fourth of July fireworks were on the 3rd of July this year. The best part of the celebration was spending time with friends swimming, grilling, and visiting. We walked from their house to the park and settled in about 9:30. For thirty minutes I played with low-light photography and then the fireworks began.

Swim Meet with Corning (flash)

At this meet Rachel qualified for states in the 100 yard freestyle, a length she had never raced. Emily had state qualifying times for 100 yard and 50 yard freestyle. She also had a friendly competition with Charlotte and won by only a few hundredths of seconds.

New Year's Eve, 2010 (flash)

It was a privilege to have the Sproba and Nicastro families with us to welcome 2011. It was good to have the house filled with fun and laughter and eight precious little girls.