Why I use PhotoScape free photo editing software

Good photo editing software is essential to all photographers. I'm not necessarily talking about super high powered programs that can remove old boyfriends.  (Although, why not?) But I'm talking about run of the mill photo editing like when you need to brighten or remove blemishes. My preferred program is PhotoScape. It's free and it's easy to use.

In the past, I've used Picasa, Picnik and tried to learn about PhotoShop Elements. Picnik essentially bit the dust and has somehow been rolled into Google+. PhotoShop Elements has so much raw power that my impatient mind can't get around it. After beating my head against the wall with several photo editing programs, PhotoScape has become my program of choice.

Deer before PhotoScape

The photo was taken in Cades Cove National Park. I walked around the tree and there she was! The image is decent but benefited from a run through photo editing software.

The first photo is the 'before' and the second is 'after'. My goal was to crop the photo, more clearly show the face of the deer. I also wanted it to stand out more against the background. Here is the comparison.

Deer after PhotoScape

With PhotoScape I turned the background around the deer into a black and white. The photo was sharpened to bring out the details.

Then, I alternated going over the deer with the tools to tweak the color. In PhotoScape, the coat was alternately deepened and then darkened.

Finally, I used the brighten tool to highlight it's face. Brightening was especially important around the eye. I wanted to convey that she was looking right at me. The mission seems to be accomplished to me. What do you think?

A wet camping trip beats a sunny day at work

My husband and I decided to camp while attending the Hoston Annual Conference this year. Camp Adventure is directly across from the United Methodist Assembly grounds. The campsite that we booked into was on the edge of the forest. We were surrounded on three sides by tall trees. You would almost never know it but we were next to the semi-clean bath house.

The campsite was quiet, well shaded and very comfortable. It was a bargain at $20 bucks a night. Our unique experience wasn't solely the fault of the Junaluska reservations. It wasn't solely the fault of the staff, the campsite or anything to do with the Holston Annual Conference.

Do not pet or feed a service dog when it is working

A service dog has the right to be with its human. They aren't pets. Actually, it's safe to think of them as living walkers, wheelchairs or crutches. They are specially trained to make life easier for their human and they come under the protection of ADA laws.

When you see a handler and assistance animal don't interrupt them. Do not pet or feed a service dog when it is working. Owners spend a considerable amount of time and money in terms of dog training, gear and general upkeep. Doing the wrong thing (no matter how well-intentioned) can undo years of hard work.

Please consider...

Tomlin having his shoes removed.

1. The table scrap that you gave just taught the dog that restaurants aren't just for humans. That's one place that the dog can now never go with his human.

2. If the dog is in your way, ask the owner to please move him/her. Pushing down on a service dog teaches him to sit. He will now do so even when his human needs steadying after a fall.

3. The human may be on vacation but the service dog is not. Do not ask the team to leave a theme park or beach just because you think they have no right to be there. Ask an official (such a security or a lifeguard) if you have doubts as to whether the service dog can be there.

4. Don't give a service dog water or anything without first checking with its human. A bowl may not be constantly present if the dog is in a classroom or meeting. Owners know how important it is to take care of their service animal.  Like humans, personal needs are taken care of on breaks or in between classes.

5. People sometimes assume that service dogs are pets. That's not true. Owners work with their dog daily to reinforce training. A pet owner may slide on training, medications for flea and tick relief or heartworm medications but not so with service dogs.

6. When you see a team, don't jump in and treat the animal as a pet. Ask if the owner needs anything for the dog and then act accordingly. If you have a question about what the dog does or are unsure what to do, then also ask the owner. We love our animals and are usually very glad to tell you all about them.

Salsa Rios Grill brings fast-casual Mexican food to Etowah, TN

For months, people have been wondering what the remodel in front of Michael's might bring. Our wait is over. The new Salsa Rios Grill brings fast-casual Mexican dining to Etowah. It's on Highway 411 in the shopping center in front of Michael's and BenchMark Physical Therapy. You can't miss it.

Hubby and I tried Salsa Rios for lunch. The place wasn't crowded by any means but there were a few other people there. You can tell the restaurant just opened on Wednesday. Booths, tables and bar stools were clean and in ship-shape.

The concept of Salsa Rios is sort of a Panera Bread meets Moes. The restaurant is Mexican-style food that's served in a welcoming atmosphere. Classic rock was playing while we were there. I heard U2 "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" and a song by Van Halen. The concept is new to Etowah and seems to fit the restaurant.

Place your order at the counter, fill your drink and listen for your number. Grab napkins while you're there. Flatware and condiments are on the counter behind you. The process is all pretty straightforward and streamlined. A friendly counter employee took our order and gave back accurate change. Coke products... Our experience didn't start to go south at Salsa Rios until we received our food.

You always hope that a locally owned eatery does well. Unfortunately, all that Salsa Rios may have is hope.

Doughnut Day freebies from Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme

Doughnut Day freebies from Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme are guaranteed to bring a smile to your day. When we lived in Knoxville, Hubby and I scored a free doughnut from Krispy Kreme a couple of times. Our new home only has Dunkin Donuts so that were Hubby and I will head tomorrow. We decided a long time ago that all food tastes better when it is free.

Doughnut Day is Friday, June 7, 2013. You don't want to miss out. Both companies say that the deal is only at participating stores. Here's how you get the goodies:

Dunkin Donuts
The free doughnuts are avaialble with the purchase of a beverage. I can't find anything online to indicate that there's a limit on which flavor you can choose. Take a look at their website for details.

Krispy Kreme
Purchases aren't required. Walk in, step up to the counter and select your free doughnut.  Find participating locations and more on theKrispy Kreme National Doughnut Day link.

Enjoy your treat!
I usually pick up a small bottle of milk to go with my free doughnut. How about you?

Removing decals from our pop-up camper trailer RV

Work on the inside of the camper is going great. Hubby and I are now tackling the outside. Removing decals from our pop-up camper trailer is proving difficult. Our RV is 20 years old so the pin stripes have had plenty of time to bake into the textured surface.

Hubby first thought that the sides of the pop-up camper are made of plastic. After accidentally removing some of the paint, we found out otherwise. The walls are actually thin aluminum so the concern of melting fiberglass is eliminated. Our plans are to repaint after removing decals from our pop-up camper trailer. Getting it right will make the difference between a great repaint and a nightmare.

We have taken the following ideas from various websites that deal with pop-up campers, travel trailers and RVs. Here are the results of each: