the final 35

the final 35, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Today was day 365. I've taken at least one picture every day for an entire year!

merry merry

merry lamppost, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I hope all who celebrated had a very lovely Christmas. We're expecting snow here today. Any minute now...

a little later each day

a little later each day, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The winter solstice was yesterday evening, so going forward (until the summer solstice) the days will get a little longer each day. This is welcome news in this time of dark and cold, and the reason why so many cultures have festivals of light and birth at this time of year.

State Normal Training School

State Normal Training School, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

This old building on Washington Street in Westfield is what would eventually become Westfield State, before the college moved to its present location on Western Ave.
(Normal Schools were teacher training schools. See the Wikipedia article.)

spray of red

spray of red, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

This tree looks decorated for the season, on the corner of Court and Pleasant Streets in Westfield.

the reeds have turned to gold

the reeds have turned to gold, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

At the wildlife sanctuary at Stanley Park.

Month 11 - 330 days

Month 11, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Only 35 days to go!

One pic in this mosaic is from September, because I forgot to add it to the set. It's the one on the lower left, where the trees look incongruously green.

winter approaches

offering, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Most flora in these parts have dropped their leaves, spread their seeds, and entered hibernation for the winter.







But then, some seem confused about what season it is.

memorial

memorial, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Thank you all veterans, past and present, for keeping us free.

November roses

DSCN2504, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Autumn gold

leafy, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

All taken in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I love the local custom of leaving a pumpkin on gravestones for Halloween. This one was in Pine Hill Cemetery in Westfield.

Month 10 - 300 days!

Month 10 - 300 days!, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I'm 8/12 of the way through my 365 photo project!

seasons of the elm

seasons of the elm, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I finally got a nice autumn shot of this tree in Pine Hill Cemetery to join the other three seasons.

Calendar

For those who have asked, I now have a calendar available through Lulu. They make great gifts! ;)

spectacular

spectacular, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The roses this year at Stanley Park have been less than spectacular, but this one surely fits the bill.

autumn barn

autumn barn, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

This old barn at Stanley Park is always photogenic, but especially so with autumn gold framing it.

tortoiseshell

tortoiseshell, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Finally, sunglasses weather! After days of grey and rain, the sun finally came out today. It's wonderful.

month nine

month nine, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I'm up to 270 days on my 365 project! Less than 100 days to go!

autumn is here

statuesque, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Despite the forecast, the sun is shining, illuminating the turning leaves at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Month eight

Month eight, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I'm up to 240 days on my 365 photo project!

toadstools

toadstools, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I found these really cool mushrooms in Pine Hill Cemetery on my walk this evening.

Terriers Around Town

DSCN0179~, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

If you drive around West Springfield, you might be surprised to see several large, colorful terriers lurking about.









All hand decorated by local artists, schools, and organizations, the variety and creativity is stunning.

This one is tiled.



Kids especially seem to love them.





Pay attention to the details: there are some real gems here!











You can see my whole set of pictures here.

There's a map to the pooches at the official website, here. A hint: #13, "Bill," is really hard to find. He's in the courtyard in the back of United Bank.

There's a few that I missed, so I'll have to go back. Be sure to go before the end of the month - they're auctioning them off!