A bit too early for the Cherry Tree blossoms...

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off this weekend(28 Mar - 12 April 09). In the 4 years Ive lived in the area, Ive never made it down to see it...basically because the National Mall turns into a circus of people and many of the monuments and pretty sites are ruined by all the people, port-a-potties and tents.

So, this year I decided to check it out early since the weekend weather was forecasted to rain both days and in hopes of avoiding the crowds. Needless to say, when I went out yesterday, the sky was overcast and the Cherry Tree's were not quite in the blossom stage yet. It was still nice to get out and walk around, but I was a little disappointed. I'm thinking about trying again on Monday or Tuesday.

I did get a few pictures...you can see them here: http://www.framehousephotography.com/p965736099

For more info on the National Cherry Blossom Festival, see link: http://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=390

Old Town Bald Eagle

Supposedly this Bald Eagle has been living near Old Town Alexandria, VA for a few years, but I never heard about it or saw it until a few days ago. Its located on a golf course right outside of Old Town just off of GW Parkway.

Anyway, a friend and I decided to try and get some pictures of it. It was around 5pm so the sun was setting. It made for a few good pictures, but nothing that special. I didnt quite have enough lens to reach it and get a really good picture, but I got a few good sunset photos of it.

A few more of my photos of the Eagle can be seen here: http://www.framehousephotography.com/p879274498

A night with The Reading Connection Read Aloud program.

I was invited to come photograph one of The Reading Connection's volunteer Read Aloud sessions last night in DC.

The Read-Aloud program was designed to make reading accessible and fun for children living in housing crisis. When children first enter the shelter, they receive Welcome Bags filled with new books, school supplies, a blank journal, and other reading incentives.

Read Alouds are held weekly at 13 participating housing sites. They are staffed by teams of committed, caring volunteers who give this time to meet, share books, and talk with the kids. The volunteers and kids also work on an extension activity geared to the session's theme. The goal of the Read Aloud is to get children to spend more time reading and talking about books so they begin to see themselves as readers. At the end of each weekly Read Aloud, children choose a new book to keep and add to their personal library.

My photos from from the reading session can be found here: http://www.framehousephotography.com/p1035113460

For more information and to learn how you can volunteer, see link: http://thereadingconnection.org/index.php

The Wild Horses of Assateague Island

I went camping last weekend up in Assateague National Seashore in Eastern Maryland. It was the first real nice Spring weekend we've had so far, however, it was still cooold at night.

Upon driving through the main gates, we encountered 3 wild horse on the side of the road. Even though they were considered wild, they were pretty tame. Throughout the next 2 days, we saw numerous small herds wild horses. Being able about to walk right up to them, made it a photographer's dream. Just be careful that the Park Rangers don't see you approaching the horses...or you will get yelled at.

Between the horses and the gorgeous scenery, Ill be going back to Assateague for sure.

One final note, just as a learning point, do not do as I did and leave a cooler full of various foods out on your campsite picnic table unattended...even if it is only for 20 mins. Chances are that the horses will infiltrate your camp site, knock over your cooler ans steal your food.

My photos from Assateague can be found here: http://www.framehousephotography.com/p605521886

For more info on Assateague National Seashore, see link: http://www.nps.gov/asis/naturescience/horses.htm