Welcome to my web page

The site is named for my two cats, Miss Ralphie and Elsie. They came to live with me when they were about seven weeks old.

Since most of what I have to show on my website is pictures, I decided on this format so I can add new pictures quickly. Click on the picture and you'll see a short slide show, with comments on the pictures. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page. The newer slide shows will be at the top of the list.

The website is fun to make, even if only a small circle of friends get to see it. If you have come across my website and found something that caught your attention, please send me an email and let me know. I might be encouraged to change it more often if I find that strangers are visiting.

Visit my Flickr Page for more pictures

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ralphcat

My 2010 Calendar 

 

I've been making photo calendars for quite a few years now, and giving them as Christmas gifts. I use only pictures taken during the previous year, selecting those that I figure people wouldn't mind looking at for a month. This year I had fun with a Photoshop filter called Topaz Simplify, which turned my photos into something like art. This is the first time I did not print them myself. After I counted up the cost of ink and paper for last year's, I had one of the online services make them. Click on the picture to see the slide show.

This Year's Fall Foliage

 

I didn't get many pictures of this year's fall foliage display. I was either too early or too late visiting my favorite local photo spots. The best display was at the West Boylston Rail Trail, at a line of trees that almost always are colorful. Click on the picture to see the slide show

My 6200 Mile Trip Out West

In late August I went to Chicago, visited friends in Illinois and Minnesota, and continued on to Seattle. I could only spend three nights there but managed to cram in almost all I wanted to see. I could rest on the train home. I enjoy traveling by Amtrak, where I see the country go by my window, have leisurely meals along with interesting conversation with friendly people, and arrive at my destinations more or less on time with my long legs uncramped. Click on the picture to see the slide show.

 

Abstract Images

After I saw an exhibition of photography at a respected museum, I wondered why I didn't have pictures like I saw there. It turned out I already had. The only difference was that I couldn't take my artsy pictures as seriously as they did, and they were languishing in my files, unseen. My artist's statement: "I just take pictures." In fact, two pictures in this gallery were taken the same day, just hours apart. Click on the picture to see the slide show.

Balloon Fest in Hudson

Each year the Hudson Elks sponsor a Balloon Fest, which was held this year on August 14. Unfortunately the wind was too strong and the 6:00 pm flight didn't happen. The balloon crews didn't leave, hoping that the wind would diminish and the scheduled balloon glow might take place. Meanwhile, they fired their burners as sort of a candle glow. At dusk, the winds were calm enough so that a few balloons were inflated, and we were treated to a mini-balloon glow. Click on the picture to see the slide show.

Old Sturbridge Village on a Summer Afternoon

I decided to become a member here so I can visit anytime and spend an hour or two exploring one area. It is a pleasant place for a walk, and there is always something photogenic. These pictures were made in late July. Click on the picture to see the slide show.

My Cats, Elsie and Miss Ralphie

I couldn't resist showing some pictures of my two cats.They are sisters, and twelve years old this summer.  I know Ralphie is a boy's name, but don't ask the story behind it. They provided more photo opportunities when they were younger, but even now they find ways to make me run for the camera. Click on the picture to see the slide show.

Texas Bluebonnets

On a visit to Texas in April this year, I was able to see a particularly spectacular display of the Texas state flower, the Bluebonnet. Individually they are nice, but a huge field full of them is spectacular. Click on the picture to see the slide show.


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