HIS CREATION - as captured by debbie del tejo

VINT HILL ROAD PART 2

2009-03-04T03:08:00.000-08:00

ISN'T THIS ROAD JUST WONDERFUL!!!

VINT HILL ROAD

2009-02-27T04:57:00.000-08:00

There is a road that I love that I wish would never change and stay just the way it is. I love this road. It has a lot of new homes but it still has horse farms and old barns and old homes. It seems to link the past with the present.....and remind me of years gone by. I take this road to get to Manassas instead of taking the busier, more traveled road. This is just a small sampling of the things that are on Vint Hill Road. I know some people that say " I never knew that was there." but I say " All you have to do is turn the head from left to right and SEE instead of LOOK."

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord! I want to see YOU! I want to FEEL YOU!

DRIVE BY SHOOTING

2009-02-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

I know, I know..........it's been a while. It's not that I have put my camera down or anything, or had photographer's cramp much like writter's cramp. I've been missing you all too. I thought it would be nice to take a little break and recoup. So now I'v e recouped and here I am again. Hope you enjoy.

My friends always tell me that I never watch the road. If they pass me by on a car, I never notice them. I am too busy enjoying the view. I take everything in. I don't want to miss a thing. Such is the case a week ago in

Tennessee. Here is a sampling of some DRIVE BY SHOOTING that I did while there.

The rainbow was huge and the photo does not do it justice. It was surely the biggest rainbow I have ever seen.

I love horses of any kind, shape and size. Horses are my favorite animals, next to dogs.

Mr & Mrs latter resting after an eight hour shift. They seem exhausted.

Peaceful stream.

This giant beehive was unbelievable. It was hanging by the tiny branch and I am glad I saw it. It was huge and again, the photo does not do it justice to what size it actually was.

Nature is just amazing and we have an awsome GOD AND CREATOR...WHAT AN ARTIST!

NOW..............GO MAKE IT A GREAT DAY AND DO ONE ACT OF RANDOM KINDNESS!!!!!!

MODERN TECHNOLOGY RANT

2009-02-18T04:54:00.000-08:00

It's been nice to be here in the Mountains of TN. I miss the blogs every day though. I am here at the mercy of DIAL UP, of all things. How did we ever do without a computer???? How did we ever do it with DIAL UP????? As it takes a long long time to download one photo, now you know why I have been dormant on the blog.

I started thinking of the technology that we have today. We don't think twice anymore. We have phones that do it all. I went to my phone company to get a charger and was informed that my phone was wayyyy out of date. Would'nt I love to trade it in for one that DOES IT ALL??? NOOOOO, I told the nice gentleman that I just wanted to make phone calls on my phone. I don't even like to text. Now we have phones that not only call and we can actually TALK to other people (IMAGINE THAT!!! WHAT A CONCEPT!!), they can get internet and GPS and phone and camera and even TV, they can also add subtract, multiply and divide and tell you anything you want to know at the touch of a finger!!!! I JUST WANT TO TALK!

We have thousands and thousands of songs on our IPODS. Any song, anytime, anywhere.

We have WIFI now, so we can do our computer work while having coffee, or eating a donut or a sandwich.

The greatest invention EVER has to be the GPS. No longer do we have to read maps. I imagine my grandaughter one day asking, MAP? WHAT'S A MAP?

I fought against all the technologies of today. I don't have an IPOD, OR BLACKBERRY (plain phone to talk on will do.) I fought against getting a cell phone for a while. I just wanted to get phone calls while at work or home. But since I am away a lot and do events and weddings all over, I had to get a cell phone for safety and to call clients when they gave me wrong directions or if I was running late. I turn off my cell phone at restaurants and offices and don't even bring it in to church. I can do without it. If a person needs me that bad, they can leave a message. The amazing thing is THEY DO!!!! If it is important enough, they always leave a message.

I discovered how great a GPS was once while visiting a friend that was in from out of town. I got lost trying to find her and she told me about a GPS. I was hesitant but once I got one, it is a great invention. Amazes me every time it takes me where I want to go. My GPS is named BETSY, after my sister in law. It was while visiting her in NJ that I truly discovered it's magic.

Digital cameras also have come a long way. I have one now that cleans itself and takes double exposures and does all sorts of things I have not even tried yet. Again, all I want it for is to take photographs. I remember about 10 years ago or so a client needed a black and white 8x10 photo for business purposes and it took about 1 to 2 weeks to get it to him. Now he can have it in a matter of minutes. He can also email it clear across the world in seconds. AMAZING!

I welcome all this technology with reservation. Are we becoming a generation that is closed in to one another. We have the IPOD headsets on while texting our friends. I am afraid our vocal cords are being used less and less and will one day not be needed anymore!

OK, ENOUGH of that ranting, I will now wait about 1/2 hour for a photo to download so I can add just one photo to the blog. I miss connecting with all my friends!

I stopped on a road and had a nice time with these swans.

A GREAT NIGHT WITH SOME GREAT LADYS

2009-02-13T05:11:00.000-08:00

OK, I have to say it......I love Tennessee!!! I went to see the LADY VOLS basketball game last night. I had the best time and EVERYONE is just plain NICE here! When the usher found out it was my first time to see them live, he did not mind that I had come down from my 17th row seat to the FRONT ROW to take better photos. He told me if no one came to sit there, why, I should just seat there and enjoy the game! He kept telling me things like, OH YOU WILL HEAR THE CROWD ROAR WHEN THE COACH COMES OUT. Or he'd say things like, ISN'T THIS GREAT? ARE YOU HAVING A GOOD TIME? It was so sweet.

The people around me were all so enthusiastic and nice too. One thing that surprised me was the age of some of the people in the crowd. There were many young people there but I am not kidding when I tell you, there were many old folks there too. They love these ladys here! They support their college sports. EVERYTHING IS ORANGE HERE!!!!

Nice to see when the color guard came out MOST EVERYONE HAD THEIR HANDS OVER THEIR HEART!!! I love it!!!

I screamed and yelled and had a great time. The LADY VOLS WON and the traffic was so well organized and there were police on every corner directing traffic, that even the way out of the stadium was pleasant.

Oh yeah, and because the LADY VOLS won by more then 80 points we get free chicken sandwich from CHICKFILLA today, the nice usher had to tell me that too.

PATRIOTISM

2009-02-10T05:13:00.000-08:00

I love the new found patriotism in America today. After 9/11 it was nice to see so many flags flying, everyone was proud to be an American. I saw that patriotism quickly dwindle and now I see it rising again. The best part is the sense of HOPE that is walking hand in hand with this new found patriotism. I pray it lasts.

GOD BLESS THE USA AND THE WORLD.

A FEW FAVORITE FRIENDS

2009-02-06T01:50:00.001-08:00

I thought I would share a few (I can only upload 5 photos) of my favorite friends on here. I love children. Since it is winter and not much to photograph outside, I thought I would post some of my little friends that I love to photograph. There are many MANY more and I would like to thank their parents for letting me capture the beautiful moments of their lives. I enjoy being part of their lives and cherish the many beautiful times I have had photographing them. I am so blessed! I don't have a job, I have a passion! At times I will continue sharing my little friends with you, in hopes that I can somehow convey my gratitude for making me part of something magical, capturing moments of their lives.

WELCOME TO NEW BABY JOHN

2009-02-05T04:11:00.000-08:00

Meet John Aiden, He was born January 27th and he is my newest adopted grandson. That makes grandchild #8 and boy am I lucky! I sure love babies! I think every child should have a grandma near by and when the grandma's live in another state that is when someone should step in and be an adopted grandma. After all, there is NEVER ENDING LOVE inside each of us. There is lots of love to give. Johnny has two loving parents and they are so excited and love Johnny very much. I have no doubt they will be great parents. I have no doubt I will see Johnny grow into a fine young man. He is the cutest baby and as his adopted grandma I HAVE BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!

SUNDANCE-A RESCUED DOG

2009-02-04T03:20:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing one of the best and greatest dogs. He did many tricks and was about the best well behaved dog I have ever photographed. He was a true Hollywood HAM!!! This dog is a recued dog and the owner could not have picked a better one. They bonded immediatly and their love for each other is a joy to see. If you find it in your heart to rescue a dog, go do it. If you have room in your home and heart for one of these dogs, go do it. They are truly a joy to have. A friend of mine has a god named Zoe she is a great dog too and is learning many tricks and is very well behaved.

I am away a lot and cannot do justice to having a dog now. I had Roxie for 15 years and believe me, there was none as great as my Roxie. She was abandoned and I often thought that the people that abandoned her sure missed out on a great dog. We rescued her and she was a great companion and friend. I still miss her when I get home.

So to all of you that have rescued pets, I say, THANK YOU!

To all who have room in your home and hearts for a pet, GO GET ONE!

FINALLY SNOW!!!!

2009-02-03T04:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I had the same feeling I had when I was little and they cancelled school. HURRAYYYYYYYYYYYY It snowed last night. Youwant to know the best part, it is pretty and not too much and the roads are clear! MY KIND OF SNOW!!! I will venture out and play in it today! We are supposed to get more but I am happy with what we have. I know most people are sick of it by now, since it has snowed A LOT all over the East Coast. We have been spared here in Warreton Virginia and it has only snowed once before and I missed it.

I am sure even with the little we have schools are either delayed or cancelled, after all, we are NOT in Chicago........THANK GOD!!!! ( now, I would not live there if they paid my rent and gave me free food for life!!! that is wayyyyyyyyyyyy too much snow and cold!!!!)

ON THE SUBJECT OF PET PEEVES

2009-02-02T03:15:00.000-08:00

What makes your blood curl? What are the things that make you go bonkers every time it happens? For me there are several and speaking with some friends over breakfast yesterday morning, I decided that it was time I started recording my pet peeves in hopes someone listens. It is a great subject to discuss with friends. Everyone has different pet peeves. Some quite funny some not.....I asked my brother what his was and he said it was when people chew with their mouths open. One friend told me it was when she stops at a red light and sees all the cigarett butts on the ground. Another friend told me it was when people were always late. I documented some of mine. I got to tell you that my #1 pet peeve is when I go to the restroom in a restaurant and they INSIST on putting the toilet paper hanger right SMACK where your knee is going to hit it. Or they put it so low that you have to bend down and it is almost impossible to reach. Who builds these toilets? MEN????? Surely they must know by now that we do SIT to use the restroom!!! There is so much room higher on the wall that this never ever has made sense to me and continues to be my #1 pet peeve.

OK, so my #2 pet peeve is when they bring you the check and you are not even finished eating your meal. "NO HURRY", they always say..........well if there is no hurry WAIT TILL I FINISH MY MEAL....I MIGHT WANT SOMETHING ELSE. This is rude to me and tells me that they want me to rush out of there so they can sit other people. I feel like I am not in a restaurant but a cattle ranch. I know most people are in a hurry these days, but I am not, so PLEASE DO NOT BRING ME MY CHECK until I finish eating and ask for it.

OK, I have made my perfect cup of coffee. It is half done and I am loving it. BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The waitress fills it again without asking. THERE GOES MY PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE. I like to finish my cup ENTIRELY before it gets filled again, otherwise it ruins the consistancy of my great cup of coffee.

Why oh why do they sit you on the table closest to the kitchen when the rest of the restaurant is empty? I never get this! A few people told me this happens to them all the time.

Shopping carts that are left in the parking lot is another annoying pet peeve of mine. Are people THAT lazy and inconsiderate that they can't just return the cart so that it does not hit another car or is in the way of the parking space? Now the store has to pay a kid to come and retrieve the carts and guess where that money to pay him comes from????? YOU GUESSED IT! I stopped at a store yesterday and saw this cart. Now not only was this space close to the store since you see it was the HANDICAPPED SPACE, but hey, let's block a handicapped person from ACTUALLY parking here!!!!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR made my blood curl!

AND WHAT IS YOUR PET PEEVE???????????

WONDERFUL ARCHITECTURE-WASHINGTON DC

2009-01-30T03:21:00.000-08:00

I recently went to drop off a friend to her hotel in Washington DC and I gotta tell you, I do love to see the intricate art that is all around Washington DC. The architecture is wonderful and I bet I can stay on one city block and capture thousands of photos. I would love to capture all of it, one block at a time. There are so many statues in Washington DC, that alone would take a while to capture all of them, but wouldn't that be FUN!!!

Here are some of the things I captured, all within a few city blocks.

AROUND THE CORNER

2009-01-29T04:01:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to get some emails and phone calls from those of you that missed the photoblog the last three days. I was away and could not get to the blog. While I was away, guess what happened here in lovely Virginia? IT SNOWED!!! While I was away!!!! I think it was the snow's way of getting back at me for not liking it all these years. This year I WANTED IT TO SNOW! I can't wait to see it and take photos of the cold white stuff. Previous years, I have not liked to go out in it and was too cold to go out and even take photos of it. All the snow photos I have are from my car as I rolled down the window (half way)! So this year I thought, " I am going to be brave and go out and walk in it and actually enjoy taking photos of snow." Well, unless we get more later on in February, this time it won't be so. It is laughing at me. Well, I can get even too!

GUESS WHAT IS AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR FRIEND REBECCA CHASE!!

MORE INAUGURATION PICTURES

2009-01-23T03:10:00.000-08:00

Many of you wrote me that you wanted more pictures so here they are. Many of you wrote to tell me that you watched the Inauguration from the comfort of your very warm and comfortable bed or couch with some nice hot chocolate or coffee and even one had a glass of wine. Thank you so much!!! Although it was quite cold and I had to keep moving around so I could feel my toes, it was an event that will be in the history books and I am glad I was there. There are many things I have done in my life that I would NEVER do again. I know that I will never go to another inauguration again.

Some things I will never do again are:

4th of July at the Mall (Washington DC)

Climb (by bus) to the top of the Eagles Nest in Germany

New Year's Eve in Times Square

board the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls

These are just a few I can think of right now.

KNOW YOUR COUNTRY! IWO JIMA MEMORIAL

2009-01-22T02:44:00.000-08:00

I have lived near this statue for many many years and had never visited it until yesterday. With renewed patriotism, which I have always had for this country, I hope to inspire people to come out and visit these sites. Whether you live near Washington DC or where ever you are, go out and see this beautiful country of ours. THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE BRAVE.

Thanks to all who fought and gave their lives for this great country, and all who served. God bless you all!!!

The Marine Corps War Memorial also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, is a military memorial statue located near the Arlington National Cemetery and the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia, United States. The memorial is dedicated to all personnel of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) who have died in the defense of their country since 1775. The design of the massive sculpture by Felix de Weldon was based on the iconic photo of the raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal.
The memorial features the following Marines and Sailor who raised the second flag over Iwo Jima: Sgt.Michael Strank, USMC; Cpl. Harlon Block, USMC; PFC. Franklin Sousley, USMC; PFC. Rene Gagnon, USMC; PFC. Ira Hayes, USMC; and PhM. 2/c John Bradley, USN.

History of the Memorial
In 1951, work commenced on creating a cast bronze memorial based on the photo, with the figures 10 meters (32 ft) tall and the flagpole 20 meters (60 ft) long. The granite base of the memorial bears two inscriptions:
"In honor and memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since 10 November 1775"
"Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue." — a tribute by Admiral Chester Nimitz to the fighting men on Iwo Jima.
The location and date of every major Marine Corps engagement up to the present is inscribed around the base of the memorial. The base is made entirely of Swedish diabase from the county of Östra Göinge in the southernmost province of Scania.
The memorial was officially dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on November 10, 1954, the 179th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation that a U.S. Flag should fly from the memorial 24 hours a day — one of the few official sites where this is permitted.

I WAS THERE.........1/20/09

2009-01-21T03:17:00.000-08:00

I can honestly say that it was all worth it now. After a good night sleep and waking to a nice warm comfy house. The moment President Obama took the oath, will be forever in my mind. It was a very touching moment and people were dancing and jumping and screaming and crying! There was unity in the air, a true sense of hope and unity. Everyone was nice and everyone was happy. It was very VERY cold but no one seemed to mind and came bundled in layers. Yound and old alike from near and far. I met a mother and daughter from Chicago as we ate and shared a table in the Natural History Museum. I met a lady with her whole family that flew in from California so her children could experience this historical event.

There was genuine friendship and a feeling of NO BARRIER. It felt good.

WE were all alike. President Obama did this and I respect and honor him for this. He does have a tough time ahead and I got the feeling we were all behind him and wishing him well.

Highlights:

*GETTING TO METRO WITH NO TRAFFIC

*HOT CHOCOLATE

*RICK WARREN PRAYING THE OUR FATHER

*SEEN THE SWEARING IN AND BEING THERE

*NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM CAFE AND BATHROOM

*HIRSHWIN MUSEUM BATHROOM AND HEAT

*CHICKEN WRAP AND COFFEE AT MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

*FRIENDLY PEOPLE

*COUPLE WALKING WITH ME TO METRO

*TWO LADIES FROM CHICAGO TALKING TO ME WHILE WE ATE

*GETTING HOME

DETOUR ON 81 NORTH

2009-01-19T03:25:00.000-08:00

OK, so I find traveling on Route 81 very boring. This is no scenic route, but only when you detour off the road for a few minute do you find some interesting old barns. I had to get off the road on a recent trip, and these are some of what I captured.

OLD BARNS AND ROADS

2009-01-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

I have many interests in life but I have to say that I should have a bumper sticker that says " I BRAKE FOR OLD BARNS." There is something quite heroic about a standing old run down barn. If they could talk, they would have some wonderful tales, I am sure.

I love roads and paths equally and have taken many a wrong turn just to follow a road to see where it leads. I have some interesting photos of some of those finds, and have found many interesting places that way.

I think I belong wondering about the Earth capturing and taking in it's glorious beauty. There is so much to see. There is nothing I don't appreciate. I even see beauty in dead flowers and leaves.

A walk in DC

2009-01-13T02:57:00.000-08:00

Not your typical photographer, I try to see things that 'normally' would be missed by the tourist eye. While they look for the monuments and the granduer of Wahington DC, there is another beauty that is the core and bones of this great city.

Recently, while on a trip there, I captured these photos enhanced by Photoshop. I hope you enjoy. I especially like the statue......and also how you can easily and throughout the city, see old buildings mixed in with new ones. I like that!

WHEN YOUR TEAM LETS YOU DOWN!

2009-01-12T03:28:00.000-08:00

I am an avid NY GIANTS FOOTBALL FAN. I love the game and I love my boys. NO doubt about it. Win or loose, I am always on their side. I went to Scarsdale Arizona last year to follow them to their great superbowl win. I was beside myself. It was such a happy and great time and I thought for sure I was going to follow them to Tampa this year once again. I looked forward to it all year long. Super bowl 42 was just soooo much fun! I was determined that after their super great season of 11-1 they would at least make another trip to super bowl 43.

WELL, IT IS NOT GOING TO BE SO.

It was a very dissapointing loss yesterday. It was not pretty and they did not play well. I take loosing very well, but when they do not play well, it really bothers me. I love my GIANTS no matter what. I am a great fan. It just hurt to see them go down this way.

Better luck next year boys.....thanks for the memories!

I'll still wear your Jersey, Eli!!!

BEST WISHES MR PRESIDENT

2009-01-09T02:56:00.000-08:00

Wether you voted for him or not, he is our President now and will take office on January 20th 2009. I want to wish our new President the best wishes and will offer him many many prayers that he does the right thing for the American people and this great country. I came here legally from the Dominican Republic, and I am prouder of this country then most Americans I know. I salute the flag and respect this great land.

It was funny that on a recent trip to Washington DC, I saw all this merchandise and thought it funny when I even saw Obama hot sauce. What a great country we live in. We can freely display our President in anything we want.

I know a lot of people in financial trouble right now. Many have lost jobs or about to loose their jobs. Many can't sleep with worry. We are living in a time of uncertainty and great fear and worry. There are a lot of depressed people out there right now.

So, Mr President elect, I wish you the best of luck and my sincere best wishes and I hope you kneel in prayer every night and ask Almighty God to guide you in the right steps to help Americans get back to a time of joy, peace and prosperity. I know I will be praying for you and your administration.

God bless you and your family!

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW

2009-01-08T02:49:00.000-08:00

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.

Matthew 6:14

We are so worried now adays about what the future holds . The economy is bad, a new president is going to take over soon, the banks are shutting down, people are loosing their jobs, people are loosing their homes. Yet, I see people so far away from God. We want to do away with HIM. He does not belong. I think when we get back to HIM, Trust HIM, and listen to HIS word, everything will be alright. He told us so in Matthew 6:14

He also told us

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

So relax, look up, and know that He is God!

WINTER WONDERLAND

2009-01-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

Today I woke to a winter wonderland. I like it very much. It is slowly melting but still looks beautiful. I am trying to stay positive through this winter as I feel lucky that we have had no snow. Most of the areas surrounding me, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania etc...., have had tremendous amounts of snow so far. I am glad I don't live in Washington State. I heard they have 69 inches of snow so far! I think I would die! I think my dislike for snow and winter came about because I came to this country on Dec 16th 1963 from the Dominican Republic. It was a shock to say the least, and the reason I really do not do winters very well. I have a friend that lives in Maine and she gets long winters and lots and lots of snow. I have called her in May and she still has snow. I would definatly not do well up North. I am a warm weather person and the winters in Virginia are not that long. I love the summer months and when I see the first sign of Spring, I came to life once again! But as long as I don't have to go outside, I like the looks of winter and this wonderland, it looks really nice from in front of the fireplace!