Since it was warm today and not much else going on I decided to take a trip to Athens and visit the infamous Ridges. For those not aware, Athens Ohio had the state's first insane asylum which started operation in 1874. This area including the hospital, cemeteries and homes in the area are said to be some of the most haunted places on earth. While I won't confirm or deny that I will say what I saw could easily be interpreted as some of the saddest. Some of the items discovered during research for this blog was that it was instrumental in the discovery that lobotomies are not exactly scientifically good, DUH. One doctor performed over 200 in one year at this hospital. You'll also see photos of the TB ward which housed thousands of tuberculosis patients who of course mainly died. This building is still abandoned to this day even though the entire area and buildings were purchased by Ohio State University and have mostly been refurbished. You also see gravestones of the oldest cemetery which were simply marked with headstones containing the patients number and no other information. Lot of sad and terrible stories originating out of this location and I encourage those interested or from this area to look them up and read about them. Here are a few of the photos.

I know I've been gone a while. Been down with a sinus infection/cold that seems to be going around. Haven't taken many photos so didn't have much to post as I try to keep this all about the photos! Went to Jackson vs Zanesville basketball game and managed a few decent shots although I think the lack of sleep for last 37 hours effected my usual enthusiasm and ability to hold the camera steady. Here's a few from the game I liked and I'll post some more over the weekend in the album. Once I do I'll open the album up for public viewing.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and merry Christmas yesterday. I know most of us are glad it's over, at least the parts that make it a burden and not the part where you visit and have a good time with family members! Sometimes it's the only time to get some snapshots of family that never seem to have the time or motivation to take some real photos.

Here's a few shots from the past few days that I liked the most as well as one from a small photo shoot this evening.

These are two of my niece's both of whom are little cuties. She's just doing the "I don't want my picture taken close her eyes thing" and isn't asleep. She did a good job looking the part though!

This is Carolyn and this was one of the poses she struck once she got going. It was comical and I had a hard time taking the photos and keeping a straight face. She actually started twisting and turning like a pro fashion model on a shoot without any goading from anyone, stood up and took her jacket off like she was changing her look and kept performing all sort of poses.

My step son hamming it up for the camera as usual. He's due to start toward a tour in Iraq, leaving January 1st. That is one of his twin sons, less than 3 months old.

My niece Carolyn along with her brothers by a different mother. Ethan and Garrett are regulars at the photo thing so biggest deal for them is getting them to be patient!

And finally this is Abby, a local active pageant attendee/winner. She was needing some up to date head shots. I hope I did her some justice and we get to work together again some time. She was my first portrait off my new lighting set-up and I've got to say I think I'll get along with them just fine.

On another note my website was receiving hits from Yada Yada Yada photography?! I'm not sure what was posted but thanks to those that have been visiting and I hope to be able to participate/contribute some photos in future.