A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

photography

Food Photo Challenge (November 2020): Plate it

Part of food photography is plating.

It’s not something I can say I am good at doing. I do try, though.

First, let’s get the normal stuff out of the way.

Before we go on, though, if you are new to the Food Photo Challenge, check out this post, which explains everything. Also, the linkup for this month’s theme will stay live for about a week, so join in even if it’s later!

Food Photo Challenge logo

Simply put, though, each month there will be a theme (announced at the end of this post) and on the 28th of each month, come back and link up.

So we keep moving forward with these food photos and it will be fun to see what kind of things happen with this theme.

Let’s check out this month. And yes I know I’m late (again)!

Theme: Plate it!

I figured Thanksgiving would give a perfect chance at pulling this off. 

But, as many of us know, Thanksgiving was not the same as normal. Though a lot of people traveled, not all did. In fact, some did extremely small things. 

So, that means “the good china” doesn’t come out and things are dialed back a little. Alas, this was probably my best of the plating photos for this month. For those in the states, I hope you found a way to have a decent Thanksgiving, or at least found time to relax with all going on. 

If you took part in the challenge, please make sure to link up below. Also, make sure you visit everybody else’s posts (and do come back to see who may have linked up after you!)! 

Let’s, too, try and grow this challenge. Tell others and invite them. And, as always, one can check out the Facebook group for this challenge and others as well. You can access the group here. 

The linkup is below, but how about December?

The theme for December is: Festive. Come back on December 28 to link up!

Food Photo Challenge: November 2020

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Food Photo Challenge (October 2020): Candy

Candy.

Goodness is that something that really takes us all by storm? Doesn’t matter what kind … odds are you like some sort of candy.

It’s not good for me — diabetes and all. BUT.. I can have some if I am smart about. Sometimes I am. Other times… not so much. This pandemic hasn’t been the best for it, either.

Food Photo Challenge logo

Before we go on, though, if you are new to the Food Photo Challenge, check out this post, which explains everything. Also, the linkup for this month’s theme will stay live for about a week, so join in even if it’s later!

Simply put, though, each month there will be a theme (announced at the end of this post) and on the 28th of each month, come back and link up.

So we keep moving forward with these food photos and it will be fun to see what kind of things happen with this theme.

Let’s check out this month. And yes I know I’m late!

Theme: Candy

It’s October. And that means Halloween. And that also means candy.

Lots of it.

I go in stages with candy. I like certain ones more than others, as I am sure most of us are. Straight chocolate — not so much. But add to it? Ot some othr sugar-loaded treat?

Yeah.

The key, I think for everybody, is portions. Sitting down and eating five candy bars is not smart!

My favorite is something with peanut butter in it. Or white chocolate. I do love that. How about you? Favorite? What do you avoid?

Here’s my submission for the month! Yum!

That’s my submission for the month and I am looking forward to seeing who else is taking part in this challenge and what they have to offer!

If you took part in the challenge, please make sure to link up below. Also, make sure you visit everybody else’s posts (and do come back to see who may have linked up after you!)! 

Let’s, too, try and grow this challenge. Tell others and invite them. And, as always, one can check out the Facebook group for this challenge and others as well. You can access the group here. 

The linkup is below, but how about November?

The theme for November is: Plate it. Come back on October 28 to link up!

Food Photo Challenge: October 2020

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Food Photo Challenge (August 2020): Dessert

Do you have a sweet tooth?

I know I do. Sometimes it’s more prevelant than others. Having diabetes doesn’t help, either, as you have to be really careful about what you put in your system.

But there are times …

Before we go on, though, if you are new to the Food Photo Challenge, check out this post, which explains everything. Also, the linkup for this month’s theme will stay live for about a week, so join in even if it’s later!

Food Photo Challenge logo

Simply put, though, each month there will be a theme (announced at the end of this post) and on the 28th of each month, come back and link up.

So we keep moving forward with these food photos and it will be fun to see what kind of things happen with this theme.

Let’s check out this month. And yes I know I’m late!

Theme: Dessert

Goodness the things you can choose here. I wanted to try and make something really tasty looking.

And I am not good at plating!

It started with this wonderful piece of blueberry pie. Then I knew it needed ice cream. And a little whipped cream.

Goodness though … I had it way too off-center on the plate. And I knew if I tried to move it, it may not have a “clean” look. And I also knew when the photo was done I was going to eat it.

Hence … a close up!

Such a tasty treat and is there anything better than a slice of pie after dinner for your dessert?

Here’s my submission for the month! Yum!

That’s my submission for the month and I am looking forward to seeing who else is taking part in this challenge and what they have to offer!

If you took part in the challenge, please make sure to link up below. Also, make sure you visit everybody else’s posts (and do come back to see who may have linked up after you!)! 

Let’s, too, try and grow this challenge. Tell others and invite them. And, as always, one can check out the Facebook group for this challenge and others as well. You can access the group here. 

The linkup is below, but how about August?

The theme for September is: Fruit. Come back on September 28 to link up!

Food Photo Challenge: August 2020

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

On the Trail: Lake Louise/Banff Gondola

As I try to get back into regular blogging (again) and work on some of these features, it’s time to dial back the clock nearly a year for this one. 

It’s crazy to think this trip to the Pacific Northwest and Canada was nearly a year ago. When getting on a plane didn’t require masks and worry. When the ability to go to places didn’t require six feet of separation. It’s nice to remember these things and hope they will get back there. 

This trip was a geocaching-based one and got bigger as it was planned. We covered a lot of miles and saw a lot, but one thing was getting to Banff and Banff National Park, even just for a day. I’d like to go back some day when I can spend more time there, that’s for sure. 

On this day, we hit two places – Lake Louise, and then the Banff Gondola. I’ll put the two of these together as they were on the same day. Be sure though – they are highly different. 

Lake Louise

First, by the time we reached Lake Louise, it was too late to get parking, so we had to get a shuttle. And that took forever, it seemed. We waited for one at the wrong spot and if we had just driven back up to one area, we would have been there much quicker. Alas, live and learn when you don’t know the area. 

But, we did arrive. And we explored. Though we didn’t go hiking up, we took the trail around the lake for a bit. It’s a striking area, that’s for sure. The Lake Louise “hike” was a bit more than four miles, but if you had time, there are many more miles to explore. And it seems quite a bit of different terrain, too.

Remember, though, that the Banff area is very touristy. And with that brings a lot of people. I think to visit a spot like Lake Louise would mean getting there very early, spend your time there and then try to get out of there by 12 or 1 p.m., and then go visit some areas that might not be as crowded. 

Lake Louise itself, though, is striking. The color of the water and the wandering trail that takes you around the outside of it is wonderful. There are also a few geocaches, which is cool. It’s truly amazing to see what kind of things nature can give you. 

And photo opportunities? Plenty! There’s no chance you could leave here and claim you didn’t have anything to take photos of, that;’s for sure. But don’t just focus on the photos, focus on the beauty. 

The great part about this trail was all of the different people. Because it’s not the most strenuous stroll you will take, there were people of all shapes and sizes. It’s nice when you can get that in a place like this because it allows everybody to enjoy the scenery and brilliance. 

Banff Gondola

This was a definite on the list to hit. The gondola ride up was a blast. And there weren’t many people when we got there.

Remember, we went in the fall, and later in the day. That’s a check mark to each item as that meant fewer people. When on top of the mountain, there are a series of “trails” that take you to different parts and viewpoints. While

I might not consider this a trail, per say, it’s nice to know when you get to the top of the gondola ride, it’s not just one viewpoint and back down you go. Instead, you can go find a bunch of different places and there’s also (of course) a gift shop at the top as well. 

We didn’t have issues parking here, but I could see where it could be tougher during tourist season. Either way, it’s worth coming to and experiencing this. 

When done, I would encourage you to jump down into Banff and explore a bit. We only got to do so for an hour or two (including dinner), but what a cool town. This is definitely a place I want to visit again – preferably in the spring or fall when there are fewer people. 

Final thoughts: 

Positives: Lake Louise is an amazing and relatively easy hike. If we had more time, I think we would have tried some of the other trails and maybe looked to see where things led. The Banff Gondola is a great experience and spending time at the top of the mountain is really wild. A lot of fun. 

Cons: Parking at Lake Louise. Do the research. Either get there really early, or know where the best place for the shuttles is. The gondola has a price tag, so make sure you know that ahead of time and make a reservation if possible. 

Overall: Both are well worth the time. Lake Louise is breathtaking. There are some great spots to stop and soak it in. I have no doubt if you explore the other trails, the views will be simply amazing as well. The gondola “trails” give you some awesome looks and make you appreciate where you are. Make no mistake – if you go to places like this, appreciate what you see. If you ever get the chance to visit the Banff area, spend more time there than I did. I really want to go back one day … it’s truly an amazing place. 

To watch a Relive video of this hike, please see below!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Food Photo Challenge (July 2020): Summer drink

When I was younger, my summer drink of choice was always beer.

Now, let’s remember our younger days. The beer was often cheap, and something light as you could get through more.

Things change, as you will see below.

Before we go on, though, if you are new to the Food Photo Challenge, check out this post, which explains everything. Also, the linkup for this month’s theme will stay live for about a week, so join in even if it’s later!

Food Photo Challenge logo

Simply put, though, each month there will be a theme (announced at the end of this post) and on the 28th of each month, come back and link up.

So we keep moving forward with these food photos and it will be fun to see what kind of things happen with this theme.

Let’s check out this month. 

Theme: Summer drink

There are so many items you can choose from. It could be a cool, refreshing iced tea. It could be flavored (or regular water). It could be a lot of things.

I love water and drink a lot of it.

But when things call for a true summer drink, I don’t mind something with a bit extra in it.

As I noted earlier a cold, light beer used to be my choice, especially after a softball game. As I aged, though, I tend to enjoy better beer — and a lot of them don’t really work as a “refreshing” summer drink. For example, I love Guinness. And though I can drink it quicker if “needed,” it’s really a waste. So beers like that just don’t count here.

When it comes to liquor, my tastes are a bit more tight in that I don’t like a lot of things. I like rum. I like vodka. And I like fruity drinks as they are refreshing and smooth.

Enter the Blue Hawaii.

This is a drink I had for the first time a bit more than a year ago on a trip to Canada. Earlier this year I got everything I needed to make them and I’ve enjoyed the process. Every once in a while, I need a refreshing drink.

This one does it.

There’s rum, vodka, and blue curacao in it. The fruity aspect is pineapple juice and some sour mix. Shake it up, put over crushed ice and away you go.

I tried to add a bit more to this photo and drink with the fruit. When I got done with my photos, the drink was definitely refreshing!

That’s my submission for the month and I am looking forward to seeing who else is taking part in this challenge and what they have to offer!

If you took part in the challenge, please make sure to link up below. Also, make sure you visit everybody else’s posts (and do come back to see who may have linked up after you!)! 

Let’s, too, try and grow this challenge. Tell others and invite them. And, as always, one can check out the Facebook group for this challenge and others as well. You can access the group here. 

The linkup is below, but how about August?

The theme for August is: Dessert. Come back on August 28 to link up!

Food Photo Challenge: July 2020

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!