Clyde's Cider Mill ::: 11.22.09

Boy am I backlogged on blog posts! =) Oh well... it's all just for fun, and hopefully I will be able to catch up this winter. I have so much to share, and so little time.

A couple weeks ago, I met my friend and her son for the day at Clyde's Cider Mill, in Old Mystic, CT. If you've never been, it's really neat!!! It's the only steam powered cider mill in the US, only open September - December, and been in operation since 1881!

There were so many neat things to take photos of everywhere you looked. And we were even to see the cider press in action!























I love that we were all standing directly under them.


They were spinning pretty frighteningly...


And down came the disgusting looking apple mush...


Which was then wrapped in giant cheesecloth, and squiiiiiiished...


OK, so this probably isn't the most appealing photo, but it's cider, I swear!


And to think, it all starts like this!


Inside were the classics...






And of course, this little cutie to share it all with... =)








Definitely plan a quick visit next year... they have free apple wine and hard cider tastings that make it definitely worth the trip. =)

Family Portraits ::: 10.11.09

"Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." A classic Ferris Bueller quote. But at this point in my life, all too true.

Between dealing with the passing of my beloved companion Grover, my amazing adventure through Germany, EIGHT MORE weddings I have yet to share with you all, a wonderful (if a bit damp) Greenwich pet adoption event, and some very exciting news to come in the next few days... not to mention a regular full-time job!... I'm trying desperately to keep my blog updated. But it's nearly impossible!

Today, I get to share my favorite family's portraits. Check out what I wrote this time LAST year:

"...this session marks a huge milestone for me and for Salty Grapes Photography. This past Saturday I had the honor of shooting my very first clients - a year later!!! They were the first people who took a chance on me... who asked if I would take their pictures for their Christmas cards. =) They gave me the beginning buds of courage by being so easy going and so much fun to shoot."

And here we all are, THREE years later. =) They've grown and I've grown along with them...


















Can't forget the four legged variety...




Aren't they all too cute?!




And some good trusty portraits for good measure!












Thank you guys!!!

Pooch Portraits ::: Max & Betty ::: 08.23.09

I love small town America. The wonderful pet food shop where I buy Grover's food displays my book and business card. I was contacted by Max & Betty's dad to take some pooch pics after he flipped through "It's Not Over 'Til It's Grover." Of course, I was MORE than happy to oblige.

Max was the BIGGEST shepherd (a Shiloh Shepherd to be exact) I have ever seen. He was absolutely enormous... but such a gentle giant. And Betty was his little spitfire Corgi sister. I had such a blast spending the afternoon with them... as I'm sure you'll be able to tell from the upcoming onslaught of photos!

We spent a little time inside just letting Max get used to my presence. He wasn't too sure about my camera.






Betty on the other hand... no warming up necessary.




And out we went for lots and lots of romping! I'm pretty sure these tell the story pretty well. =)










Ahhh... some down time.










Sweet face.


Schnoz.


Doesn't get more regal than this!


Happy boy!


L'il Miss 'Tude.








JACKPOT!


Buh-bye! =)


Thank you so much for having me over Katherine and Ralph!!! Smooches to Max and Betty.