A Look Into Next Year

window, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

You never know what a new year will bring.

An Old Tractor

McCormick-Deering Tractor, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This tractor sits waiting to be restored someday.

Timeless and Beautiful

sunset_windmill, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

I am fascinated by windmills. Today, we are so concerned with alternative energies; the windmill is still ahead of its time.

A Train for My Son

Big_Train, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This train is found in Kenefick Park next to the Lauritzen Gardens. The photo today is for my son who loves the toy train he got for Christmas. Whenever we see or hear a train, his face lights up and he exclaims "CHOO CHOO"

The Mighty Platte River

platte_river, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

Looking across the Platte River.

Look to the Stars

lighted_moon, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

As soon as Christmas is over, people start reflecting on the previous year and looking forward to the New Year. This photo makes me think about future possibilities.

Merry Christmas

christmas_snowman, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This snowman wishes everyone a very safe and Merry Christmas. Take time to enjoy friends and family.

Night time at Lake Zorinsky

moon_lit_trail, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

A moon lit trail at Lake Zorinsky.

Construction at Night

night buildings, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

The construction at Midtown Crossing really lights up at night. I really like how night photography is always different depending on how the lights hit the camera. You can take several photos of the same building, but they could all turn out different depending on the light conditions during the 15 or 20 seconds the shutter is open.

Midtown Crossing

cranes, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

The shops and condos for Midtown Crossing are being constructed right next to Mutual of Omaha. These new shops and restaurants will be a VERY welcome addition to the midtown area. The construction progress has been fun to watch. To find out more about Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, check this link.

Downtown Holiday Lights

downtown_lights, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

The Omaha skyline all lit up for Christmas.

First National Tower

first_national_tower, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This is Omaha's tallest building lit up like a Christmas tree.

Holiday Lights

holiday_lights, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

We revisit the photos of downtown Omaha Christmas lights.

A Different Angle

light, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

A different angle on a family room light…

A needle in the mountain

mountain needle, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

The many different shapes and textures available in the mountains make for endless photo opportunities.

Copenhagen

DSC_2451, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

So far, the majority of my posted photos have been rural scenery shots. This photo was taken in Copenhagen Denmark. I really liked the metropolitan feel of this city.

Just off of the coast

DSC_3101, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

It is BITTER cold in Omaha Nebraska. I to think about someplace warm; this photo was taken on the coast of Sweden. The farm houses are right off of the ocean coast. What a view!

Sunset

sunset, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This sunset comes from Aurora Nebraska. I love of the color in this photo.

Searching for the sun

frozen_stream, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

Sometimes it is better to let the photo find you rather than you try to find the photo. I woke up this morning hoping to get a picture of the sunrise over Wehrspann Lake. That didn't work out as expected. Instead I found this semi-frozen stream. Not quite the beautiful sunrise I was hoping for, but it is still a very cool photo.

Running Trail at Night

night_trail, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

Lake Zorinsky is one of my favorite running trails in Omaha. This night photo shows the trail lit by a very bright moon. This was a very cold picture to take, but the end result was worth it.

What is the story behind this barn?

I80_barn, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This old barn continues to peak my curiosity. It sits in the middle of a field just off the highway. Is it the remains of an old farmstead? Why tear down and clear all buildings, but leave the barn? Let your imagination wonder…

Field of Flowers

field_of_flowers, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

It is too cold to keep thinking about winter. I need some warm thoughts to heat me up. This field of flowers photo was taken in Estes Park Colorado. It was one of my first attempts to experiment with depth of field.

Gene Layeh Mall Christmas Lights

gene_layeh_lights, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This is the third and final (at least for a while) photo from our night out. We enjoyed walking through the Old Market and taking in the Christmas lights.

Downtown Christmas Lights

pinnacle_christmas_lights, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

Lighted trees at the Gene Lahey Mall in front of the downtown Pinnacle Bank.

Omaha Skyline

Omaha Skyline, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

The Omaha skyline. A crisp and beautiful holiday night.

Christmas Bell

Christmas_Bell, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

A Christmas bell to ring in the holiday season.

Old Swedish Barn

Old swedish barn, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This photo didn't catch my eye until after I got home and was looking through all of the pictures I took on the trip. It was taken at a historical farm while we are walking through the exibits.

Share the Trail

Share the Trail, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

While driving down the road on a Sunday afternoon, this bridge caught my eye. Bikers, runners, walker and horse riders all have to share the trail. Just watch where you step.

Elevation 12,005 Feet

elevation 12,005, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This picture is about three and a half years old, but it is still one of my all time favorites. It was taken in the Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park Colorado. The drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park is breathtaking and filled with photo opportunities.

Swedish Flower

DSC_2965, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This photo is from a vacation in Sweden. It is amazing how being seven hours from home make flowers more vibrant.

Advent Calendar

advent_train, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

The advent calendar is used to count the number of days until Christmas. It originates from German Lutherans who would physically count down the 24 days of Advent. Some families used elaborate ways to count down the days such as lighting candles or hanging religious pictures on the wall. Many calendars such as this train have been adapted to include a piece of candy or chocolate behind each compartment. Like a small prize for getting through each day of the holiday season.

Sunlight

sunshine, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

This photo looks over the Platte River near Schram Park.

Decorate the Christmas Tree

christmas_tree, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

Some of my favorite memories are getting ready for Christmas and decorating the tree.

A Favorite Time of the Year

barn, originally uploaded by thenesmiths.

Even with all of the stress and commotion of the Christmas holiday, it is still my favorite time of the year. When you strip away all of the commercialization this becomes a very simple holiday with a very specific purpose.