Precious One

It was so nice meeting this precious little one yesterday.  She is simply adorable, with her perfect ivory skin, bright blue eyes, and tiny pink smile – it was certainly a time to capture innocence.  Thank you for bringing your Mommy and Daddy by little Victoria!

Compare Cameras For Christmas

If you are looking at picking out a camera for Christmas and are trying to narrow down the options to choose the camera that best suits your needs – Snap Sort will be a huge help for you.  Snapsort allows you to Explore, Sort, and Learn more about the cameras on the market.  Once you have narrowed your options down with the snapsort information, simply type in the camera models you are looking at and click “compare”.  You will then be able to view the detailed differences between the models and giving you the overall score to which camera is superior.  Snapsort.com

Make A Christmas Memory

It’s Christmas Time, and there is a fantastic option for making a memory with your family.  U-Cut Christmas Trees located at 3241 Napperton Drive in Strathroy not only gives you the option of cutting your very own Christmas tree, it also offers you and your children the special treat of meeting real reindeer!  The trees are plentiful, so you have lots of options to choose your perfect Christmas tree.  Then enjoy feeding the reindeer and seeing these beautiful animals - they love the attention !

Hours: Sat-Sun 10 am –Dark   Mon – Fri 12pm – Dark

For More Information Call 519-245-1549

Arkona Fire Fighters Christmas Dinner

Well, it was an on again off again dinner for the firefighters of Arkona last night as some were just getting ready to add the salt and pepper to their potatoes and…the alarm went off!  Eventually those who were able to come back, took part in their annual Christmas dinner with their partners.  Prior to the call there was a more relaxing time, as we were able to catch some shots in full uniform.  A snazzy looking bunch!

Arkona Seniors Support Red Fridays

It was coffee hour in Arkona out at Orchard View Apartments this morning; and everyone was dressed in Red.  The seniors are doing their part by supporting, and showing their appreciation for the troops by getting decked out in red for  Red Fridays.   It was a beautiful site to see as I walked into the common room this morning, not one person there without red on!  To learn more about Red Fridays, visit the website at RedFridays.ca and see some of the ways you can support Red Fridays below as well.

Here are some of the ways you can help spread the word of Red Fridays.

1.) Learn as much as you can about supporting our national treasure - our Canadian Troops. Visit us often.

2.) Wear a red shirt or display a ribbon. It doesn't have to be ours, it can be any.

3.) Join our SUPPORTER LIST and exchange links with your website.

4.) Get us to help your event/organization/rally

4.) If you're a corporation, we need your support - Contact Us!

5.) Organize a Red Fridays day at work or school or in your community. Let us know so we can help!

6.) Wear RED on FRIDAYS and every Friday share with others the reason why!

7.) Attend Red Friday Events and meet the people and military people behind the scenes.

8.) Most importantly, spread the email story to your friends and associates. Share  this wonderful website with others.

A Warm Sunny Reminder

This past year I had the pleasure of having the team John and Kerri of Heenzy Photography come on board during 3 of this years wedding.  Kerri does the post processing behind the scenes in this husband and wife team, and in October we finally met as we all went out for a few hours taking each others family pictures.  I thought today would be a good day to post pictures from a warmer, sunnier day !

  

Adobe Lightroom Special

The specials are on at Adobe!  Get $100 your favourite Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop Software.  Find the specials here at the Adobe Store!

Bubbles & Blueberries

A Big Glass Of Chocolate Milk!  Ok, forget the glass, just make it a bowl!!  Our bud loves his chocolate milk, so why not make it just a little more fun by adding in a straw for extreme bubbles?!                     f/4   1/1250sec   ISO 320 

Love His Blueberry Blue Eyes!!!

A Canon Christmas Line Up

If you are wondering what is out there in the Digital SLR camera line up for Christmas, and are not sure what to look for, here are some ideas in the Canon line up.  Note however, if you see specials for the T1i or the 50D, I wouldn’t be afraid to get the T1i, and you’ll save yourself a few hundred dollars.  Note though, even though I don’t really see the 60D as the replacement for the 50D, the one thing the 60D has over the 50D is video!  If you are looking at accessories to get to go with your camera, check out the speedlite series 430EX II and 580EX II, and remember to stock up on memory cards !

Canon T2i

Product Highlights

• - 18.0 MP CMOS (APS-C) Sensor
• - Full HD 1080p Video
• - Advanced Live View
• - 3.0" 1.04 Million Dot Clear View LCD
• - Up to 3.7 fps RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG
• - ISO 100-6400, Expandable to 12800
• - 63-Zone Metering / 9-Point AF system
• - Compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC
• - Eye-Fi Menu Status Indicator Support
• - EF-S 18-55mm IS Zoom Lens (KIT only)

Cost: Approx $900 CAD

Canon 60D

Product Highlights

• - Includes Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens
• - 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• - 1920 x 1080 HD Video Capture
• - SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
• - Vari-Angle Clear View 3.0" Flip-Out LCD
• - DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• - 5.3 fps Continuous Shooting
• - Works with all Canon EF and EF-S Lenses
• - ISO 6400 - Expandable to 12800
• - HDMI Output to HDTV

Cost: Approx $1400 CAD

Canon Mark IV EOS-1

• 16.1 Megapixels
• 3.0" LCD
• High Sensitivity (ISO 102,400)
• 10fps Burst Mode
• 45 Point AF System
• HD Video Recording
• Selectable Video Exposure + Frame Rates
• Dust & Weather Resistant
• 100% Viewfinder
• Self Cleaning Sensor

Cost: Approx $4800

Image Forensics

Found this site on how to check if a picture has been altered – very cool – check it out at: errorlevelanalysis.com

Now Playing

Now Playing at the forest kineto theatre

Life as we know it

Nov. 19,20,21,23

All seats $5  Doors Open at 7:30 with 8 PM showtime

Hufa Holder

There are literally thousands of gadgets out there for photographers, some will be useful, others are just something to waste your money on that’s only purpose is to get someone to ask - “what is that for?”  Recently I found a gadget that is so simple, and yet, is so worth getting.  It’s called the hufa – the original lens cap holder.  So many times you see those awkward strings with the stickies attached that are to help you not loose your lens cap – the problem is, they normally end up hanging in the way somehow.  With the hufa, there are no strings attached!  It is basically a clip that you can attach to your camera strap.  I personally prefer to use the hand strap, so there is no strap space to fasten the hufa to, but the nice thing is you can fasten it anywhere, to your shoot sac or even clip it onto your clothes – and always know where your lens cap is when you need it!  Find it here at Hufaholder.com

Giggles Galore

There were giggles galore for these two little men as they happily jumped from the van

With a spring in their step, and no cloud in the sky

They were off to explore this new land.

But giggles that gleamed in the morning sun, with the swinging and running and sliding,

Not even a cold could stop the young men, not even from jumping and climbing!

That’s my attempt  at elementary poetry Mrs. D :)

Christmas Cheer

 

The Canon 70-200mm is II – yes – this is would be on my wish list…but not for this Christmas.  No, I thought I would work up to it…and get the mug first!  Also available for Nikon users.  Check them out here at the Photojojo Store.

Gunner Clifford Arrand

Clifford Arrand, AKA Grandpa Cliff, who currently resides in a nearby small town remembers and continues to feel the shrapnel imbedded in his hand from one of the many days of dangers from his experiences in World War II.  Gunner Clifford Arrand served in the Canadian Army, and has since written a book of his experiences and memories, most of which he had written down as they happened.  He tells of times during the war, and then of the times as he waited to go home after the war was over.  Many of the students of Bosanquet were able to listen to and ask questions of Cliff on November 11th of 2009, as he carefully told of his war time experience, ever mindful and cautious of the children’s young minds as he told of the large ships that brought the soldiers to the battle fronts and what a typical day as a soldier was like. 

Cliff fondly remember the Dutch and how he was treated, and continues to plant potatoes today as he tells of the stories of how poor the people where and how they were so thankful to the soldiers. 

Below is a a video of a young Belgian Boy - “A lone young Belgian boy is waiting to salute the Canadian troops passing by who had been attending a memorial service.  Such class from our Canadian troops - watch what they do for this little boy.
The "Eyes Right" command is the biggest compliment troops on parade can pay and is reserved for dignitaries in reviewing stands. “

Harry Blake Stephenson

Harry Blake Stephenson was born in June of 1922.  I heard of the details of his death shortly after the Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Thedford.  The story in the song “Christmas In The Trenches” becomes so real as you realize the peace that Harry must have been feeling December 25th 1943.  He was enjoying a wonderful meal put on by a church group while in Italy in which he had been fighting in The Battle Of Ortona. Harry took the time that evening to sit down and write to his family back home on what would be his last Christmas.  Later the next day, Harry was shot and killed by a sniper – December 26, 1943 – a young man of only 21 years.  Note, the Battle Of Ortona ended December 28th, only two days after Harry Blake Stephenson was shot down.  Son of Lillian and George Stephenson, Harry was the youngest brother of my Grandmother, Lillian Turner, and Great Aunt, Jessie Willsie,  his name is also found on the plaque upstairs in Knox Church in Thedford.

History Lesson:  The Battle of Ortona (December 20, 1943 to December 28, 1943)^[1] was a small, yet extremely fierce, battle fought between a battalion of German Fallschirmjäger (paratroops) from the German 1st Parachute Division under Generalleutnant Richard Heidrich, and assaulting Canadian forces from the 1st Canadian Infantry Division under Major General Chris Vokes. It was the culmination of the fighting on the Adriatic front in Italy during "Bloody December".

The battle, dubbed "Little Stalingrad"^[5] for the deadliness of its close-quarters combat, took place in the small Adriatic Sea town of Ortona, with its peacetime population of 10,000.

Sergeant James Wilson

 

I grew up just down the country road from Mr. Wilson.  Not until this past Remembrance Day have I seen these images and been able to see the man in uniform.  This images to the left taken in England in 1943 is the one that I can really see the man I knew.  A happy, humble farmer with a squinting smile that always came out during the 4th Line Picnics.  Sergeant James Wilson was a member of the Elgin Regiment and was awarded several medals for his service including: The Battle Of Britain Star, The France and Germany Star, The Defence Medal, The Canadian Volunteer Services Award, and the War Medal from 1939-1945.  Jim’s wife Wilhelmine was in attendance yesterday at the services, watching as her Great Grandson Owen read a poem he wrote for Remembrance Day 2010, 67 years after this picture was taken.

     

Fred Mar

This young man was the second cousin to Joyce Eastman.  His body laid to rest in the Arkona Cemetery  1894-1960.  Joyce was proud to show me these images, I find it interesting just looking at the images and realizing the family he left at home, and not being able to comprehend how the mother must have felt as her baby went off to war.

 

Remembrance Day Ceremony

It was an honour to be in attendance today in Thedford as the students of Bosanquet and members of the surrounding communities came to show their respect for those who have and are currently serving their country. The assembly began at 10:15am at Knox with the students giving readings, singing songs, and reading poetry. Chris O’Reilly, known by the children as a very familiar face at Bosanquet informed the children of how this day is special to her due to her father and husband’s involvement in different wars. After engaging the children in some history, Chris sang the song by John McDermott – Christmas In The Trenches. Following the assembly at Knox everyone crossed the street to the Cenotaph for the 11am service. Among those in attendance were Veterans, members of the Women’s Auxiliary, a Militia Soldier, Firefighters a Cadet and a Scout. Everyone sang O Canada, Taps was played on the trumpet, and wreathes were laid in remembrance.  Press Play below to see an overview of the morning events.

Stretcher Bearer Arthur Joseph DesRoches

This soldiers information was sent in by Joe Szanyi.  Arthur Joseph DesRoches was Joe’s Grandfather.   Arthur  lived in Summerside PEI where Joe’s mom grew up. 6 Kids, oldest was Joe’s uncle Junior (Arthur Joseph) and then 5 daughters, Ruby (Joe’s mom), Elsie, Linda, Helen and Sheila. Wife was Lucy.  Arthur Joseph died in the 90's of emphysema many years after serving in the Canadian Army as a stretcher bearer.  You don’t hear a lot about the role of stretcher bearer, so I decided to look into this more, and share some information and the dangers of the role of an Army Stretcher Bearer.

Chapter IV, Article 25 of the Geneva Convention states that "Members of the armed forces specially trained for employment, should the need arise, as hospital orderlies, nurses or auxiliary stretcher-bearers, in the search for or the collection, transport or treatment of the wounded and sick shall likewise be respected and protected if they are carrying out these duties at the time when they come into contact with the enemy or fall into his hands." Article 29 reads "Members of the personnel designated in Article 25 who have fallen into the hands of the enemy, shall be prisoners of war, but shall be employed on their medical duties insofar as the need arises."

According to the Geneva Convention, knowingly firing at a medic wearing clear insignia is a war crime.^[1]

In modern times, most combat medics carry a personal weapon, to be used to protect themselves and the wounded or sick in their care.^[2] When and if they use their arms offensively, or carry arms that qualify as offensive, they then sacrifice their protection under the Geneva Conventions.^[3]

Traditionally, medical personnel did not carry weapons and wore a distinguishing red cross, to denote their protection as non-combatants under the Geneva Convention. This practice continued into World War II. However, the enemies faced by professional armies in more recent conflicts are often insurgents who either do not recognize the Geneva Convention, or do not care, and readily engage all personnel, irrespective of non-combatant status. For this reason, some modern combat medics are armed combatants and do not wear distinguishing markings.

Remembrance Day Service

 

 

 

There will be a Remembrance Day Service Held at the Thedford Cenotaph across from Knox Presbyterian Church this Thursday, Assembly at 10:15am with the Bosanquet School Students and Service at 11am.  Everyone Welcome.

Arkona Remembrance Day Parade

 

 

The Annual Remembrance Day Parade took place  after a beautiful blanket of snow hit our small town.  It was a beautiful coating of white as we walked the road lead by one of the local  Fire trucks, and followed up by our OPP.  The walk lead us to the Arkona Cenotaph were our local representatives and members of the community laid wreaths in remembrance of the soldiers who have served and are serving their country.  The entire procession was accompanied by Eric Brown as he played the bagpipes to, from and during the ceremony.