Things that go Boo!!!



It's October 31, the night when all evil spirits are allowed to return home to visit the living.  Streets resemble zombie land with ghosts, goblins, imps and witches.  But nothing is a match to the Jack-O-Lantern as the true symbol of Halloween.  According to legend, dating back to 17 century Britain, the jack-o-lantern got it's name from an Irishman, Stingy Jack, who tricked the devil into promising him he wouldn't have to go to hell for his sins.  Barred from heaven when he died, Jack was doomed to wander earth for eternity with only an ember of hellfire tucked inside a carved out turnip to light his way.  Thenceforth he was known as  Jack of the Lantern.  It became customary to place a carved out turnip at the doorstep on All Hallows Eve to frighten away the evil spirits.  Eventually the pumpkin became more economical and practical.



Carving the Perfect Pumpkin

The Art of Photography ~ Nikon vs Canon

 Politics has their Conservatives vs Liberals, sports has their NFL vs CFL and photography has their age old debate, Nikon vs Canon. Ask any good photographer and they will have an allegiance to either Nikon or Canon. but rarely to both.  But, does it really matter?  Is one truly better than the other or is it simply a matter of brand loyalty? For me it began years ago with a fully manual analog Nikkormat, the first in the Nikon family.  As the years progressed so did my Nikon, there was no other.  I'm familiar with the Nikon format and comfortable with its system.  But, now I know that comparing a Nikon to a Canon is like comparing apples to apples.  Both are different but as good as each other.  The art of photography is about imagination and image, both must go hand in hand. It is the photographer, the talent and creativity behind the camera, not just the camera that captures the emotion and atmosphere where words cannot.  The proof is here....

Photographer ~ Les Van Staalduinen

Camera ~ CANON 10D



Holiday Recipe

Praline Pumpkin Dessert

1 398ml  can pure pumpkin
1 370ml can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 c granulated sugar
4 tsp cinnamon
1 box golden or butter pecan cake mix
1 1/2 c chopped pecans
3/4 c melted butter

1.  Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 13" x  9" pan.

2.  In a medium bowl, beat pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and cinnamon with wisk until smooth. Pour into pan.

3.  Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle with pecans. Pour melted butter evenly over top.

4.  Bake for 50 to 60 minutes