Outdoor Sunflower Decorations

 

I was out shopping at a local "At Home" store when I came across this cheerful little birdhouse.  I thought it would be perfect to spruce up my deck and backyard garden area for the spring.  I bought it and ended up hanging it on a post at the edge of our deck.  To my surprise by late that afternoon I saw some birds checking it out.  It is now a week later and if you look close at the hole in the front you will see the materials the birds brought in for their nest.  I was amazed they settled in so quickly.

I then decided to go on Amazon and look for some other sunflower decorations for my backyard.  Below you will find the results from my search.

Sunflower Solar Lights

Solar sunflowers are a great way to add some light to your garden at  night or light up your walkways.  As I was looking for sunflower decor on Amazon, I came across a variety of different sunflower solar lights.  I can see them in the garden around a deck as a great way to lighten up your flowers for an evening party.  Here is a link to some of the sunflower solar lights on Amazon. Sunflower Solar Lights

Sunflower Bird Feeders

In the photo above you see the sunflower birdfeeder, that I purchased on Amazon hanging on a post at the edge of our deck.  I tried to put in a birdseed mix, but found the smaller seeds went through the cracks.  I refilled it with sunflower seeds and they work perfectly.

When I looked on Amazon for sunflower bird feeders, I found they had lots from which to choose.

Here is a link to Amazon's page on Sunflower bird feeders.  I am sure you will find one to fit your needs. Sunflower Bird Feeders

Sunflower Welcome Mat

Do you need a new welcome mat to spruce up your outdoor area?  I love to see sunflowers on a welcome mat and I found that Amazon carries a large variety of different sunflower mats.  Here is a link to the Amazon page on sunflower mats. Sunflower Welcome Mats

More Sunflower Reviews

I love sunflowers and have written about them in past reviews.  Here are some links to sunflower reviews on Review This.

Fun Facts about Sunflowers

Sunflower Facts and Photographs  

Photographing Sunflowers

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Missouri Botanical Gardens in the Winter

 

Explore Missouri Botanical Gardens

In St. Louis we have a beautiful botanical garden that has been in continuous operation since 1859.  It was founded by Henry Shaw and is one of the few gardens to achieve National Historic Landmark status.  I have spent many hours visiting the garden during the spring, summer, and fall times, but until this year, I had not visited it in the winter.  What a delightful experience!  In February my son and his family were visiting us from New Hampshire, and I took my daughter-in-law and two granddaughters to visit the gardens.  We had a wonderful time.  

Orchid Show

I had often seen photos of the annual orchid show but had never been to the garden to see it.  This show is held in February when the more than 5000 individual plants are moved from the greenhouses to the Emerson Conservatory.  The botanical garden has over 700 unique kinds of orchids, which are cared for year-round by the horticulture staff.  Here are a few of my favorite photos from the orchid show.

Growing Orchids at Home

In the brochure we received at the orchid show there is a section that talks about how easy orchids are to grow at home under the right conditions.  Here some key points.

• Potting medium  - many orchids grow best when their roots are exposed to the air.  There are mixes for the pot that help with this aeration.
• Temperature- most orchids are comfortable at room temperature- 60-80 F 
• Humidity- 40-70% is ideal, this can be achieved by placing pots on a gravel-lined try filled with water.
• Light- Orchids like a sunny room or artificial lights.  If leaves turn yellow or lanky they need more light.
• Water- Make sure potting mix nearly dries out before watering again.

I found this book on Amazon that helps you in growing orchids.

No Stress Orchid Gardening for Beginners

Chinese Garden

It was a beautiful day out, so after visiting the orchid show I took my granddaughters and daughter-in-law to some of my favorite spots in the garden.  There were not any flowers blooming at this time of the year but the beauty of the sculptures and structures around the park made for a delightful visit.

Our first stop was at the Chinese Garden, this garden was designed by Chinese born architect Yong Pan.  It is modeled after "scholars gardens" in the southern provinces of China.  

Here are some of the photos I took of my granddaughters exploring the garden.

Japanese Garden

A favorite place of mine to explore at the gardens is the Japanese Garden.  I wanted to show this to my granddaughters, so we took a stroll to the garden and walked around the lake to experience all of the sculptures and features of the Japanese Garden.  This 14-acre garden is called Seiw-en and was dedicated in 1977.  I have photographed it often through the years. Here are some of my photos.

The Garden through the Years

I have taken photography classes at the garden and have enjoyed my visits through the years.  Here are some other reviews I have written on the garden.

Japanese Garden

Missouri Botanical Garden

Origami in the Garden

Garden Photography Tips

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AI and Photography

 

AI generated image from original photograph

AI has come a long way since I last wrote a review on it two years ago.  You now hear a lot of negatives (mainly when people try to pass an AI feature off as their own) but I believe there are many useful purposes for AI in photography and editing.  I also believe it is important when a creation has added AI features that you represent it as such.

In the image above I started with a photograph of myself, as you see in the center of the collage.  I then went into ChatGPT and asked it to create a collage with my favorite pastimes: photography, Bible class, Book club, photographing lighthouses, and bird watching.

Caricatures using ChatGPT

Another fun thing to do in ChatGPT is to make caricatures.  These are very easy to make and ChatGPT allows you to make up to 4 images a day for free.  If you want to do more in a day then you would need to upgrade to their paid version.  I have made several of these caricatures and always enjoy the outcomes.  Here are the steps I take to make the images.

• Enter ChatGPT in your browser.
• Sign in to ChatGPT
• On the left side of the screen you will see images as a choice-hit that
• Now a box will come up asking you to describe image here
• This is where you list your activities that you would like to show in your caricature.
• Now to the left of the box you will see a plus sign and this is where you add your photograph
• When all is added you just click on the button to start and it will create your image.  This will take a few minutes.

Below you see a caricature I made of my dog Dixie.  I put her activites as running in park and chasing squirrels.

Dog Caricature created on ChatGPT

For my brothers-in-law birthday, I wanted to create a special card so I put a photo I had of him on ChatGPT and listed his favorite pastimes: the theatre, chess, visiting Branson MO and cigars.  I asked for a caricature and here is the resulting image which I then put on the front of his birthday card.

Caricature Created by ChatGPT from Photograph

 Generative Fill in Photoshop

Another great way to use AI is a fun feature in Photoshop called "Generative Fill".  In this feature you use a photograph that you had taken and add something to it.  You can do this by circling the area where you want to add something and then selecting generative fill in the Edit drop down menu.  You will have a box pop up where you can describe what you want to add.  Here is an example.

This is a photo I created an image for a challenge group I am in called" Monthly Artistic Playtime". They provided the hearts and lettering, and we were challenged to create an image using that.  I added a photo I had taken of the Northern Lights for the background and then with generative fill I added the two Cardinal lovebirds.

Valentine Greeting

Creating Images in Meta AI

In this one I had a photo that I took of my backyard when it was snowing, and I wanted to use it for Christmas.  I used Meta AI to add the wreath with the red bow, the twinkling lights and the greeting.  Meta AI is found on Facebook and is very easy to use.  You can find it on your home Facebook page in the lefthand column

Christmas Decor edited with Meta AI

2023 Review on AI and Photography

In 2023 I first wrote a review on fun ways to use AI and creativity with photographs. AI has come a long way in the past two years, but I thought you might like to see what I wrote two years ago.  Here is a link to that review.

Fun with AI in Photography

Zazzle Card from my Designs

Valentine Card

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Review of Renewed iPhones on Amazon

 

Renewed electronics on Amazon are a great way to get really good products at a reduced price. I have found that they offer a cost-effective way to own Apple products and they come with a warranty.  I have gotten my last three iPhones on Amazon using the renewed program and have been very satisfied.  The phones have been just like new and the process to get them and to trade in your old phones is great.

Key Features of Amazon Renewed iPhones

• Choose from service provider or unlocked
• Great selection of all models of iPhones--some as low as $315.00
• Choose memory size
• Choose condition- choices include Excellent, Good, and Acceptable and range from no cosmetic damage to lightly visible scratches.  All have battery life of greater than 80%
• Trade In of your old phone is available- you enter information on your old phone and they will give you an estimated trade in value.  If you choose to go with the trade in they send you a free shipping label.
• All come with accessories equivalent to those that were originally shipped in the box when they were new.
• Free Returns- 90 day refund/replacement

Here is a link to Amazon's Renewed iPhones Renewed iPhones

Amazon Renewed Store

In addition to the iPhones the Amazon Renewed Store carries a variety of expertly refurbished products at great prices.  Here are the categories I found on the Renewed page on Amazon.

• Cell Phones and Accessories
• Computers and Accessories
• Video Games
• Office Supplies

Here is a link to the Amazon Renewed Store Amazon Renewed Store

Buying a renewed phone or other electronic product is not only a great way to save money, but you are helping the environment at the same time.  I have been so pleased with the phones that we have purchased in this way.  Everything has always gone as smooth as can be and I love my new (renewed) iphone 14Pro Max!

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Review of We Were The Lucky Ones

The author, Georgia Hunter, did meticulous research on this book that is based on her grandfather's family.  Even though this is a book of historical fiction her careful research really brings to life the struggles of the Kurc family during World War II.  The story, which was largely left untold until Georgia discovers the stories during a family reunion, is one of struggles, hardship, love and the endurance of the human spirit.  

Book Summary

The book begins in 1939 as the Kurc family gathers for the Passover in their home in Radom, Poland.  There are three generations gathered, and they are only missing Addy who is working in France.  

At first the issues of the world seem remote, and they struggle to lead normal lives even as the threat of war looms.  The dinner conversation consists of talks of babies and romance and everyday life.

The peace that they knew will soon be destroyed and the family will be forced to come to grips with the reality of the coming war.  The family will be sent to the far ends of the world and be divided so that the main struggle and conversations will be their desire to stay alive and someday all be together again.

The author does a wonderful job of making you feel a part of each of the family members struggles and wanting to read on to find out how they will survive.  There are members of the Kurc family sent to labor camps in Siberia and ghettos in their hometown when their beautiful home is taken from them.  Other family members pose as Gentiles to survive, and one is able to escape the continent and travels to Brazil.

With the title of the book leading us to believe they all survive, I was always wondering how each one would survive the terrible struggles they endured.

This book was based on the actual lives of the authors ancestors which made it even more compelling.  I highly recommend this New York Times bestselling book.  It is a true testament to the human spirit that can survive and thrive.

Miniseries made from Book

The book has been made into a miniseries. It premiered on Hulu in 2024.  It stars Joey Kirs and Logan Lerman.

Book on Amazon

The book is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audio book.   We were the Lucky Ones

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Review of Short Story by Lisa Wingate

 

There are times when life is particularly hectic or perhaps when I've just read a long book and I'm in the mood for something lighter that a short story is just what is needed.  That happened to me at the end of 2025, and I found this short story by Lisa Wingate that just hit the spot.  I had read books by this author before and knew I liked her writing style, so I downloaded this book to my kindle and enjoyed a nice break from my holiday preparations.

Story Synopsis

In this moving short story, Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks returns to her hometown to be with her father when his heart condition worsens.  He was a beloved coach to many and always holds a special place in Kalista's heart.

As the visit, her father has one request.  He really would love to return to their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He would love to relive that area in all four seasons.  Since time is to short to be there a year, Kalista works on a way to relive all four seasons in a months' time.

As the narrative continues, they relive their shared experiences such as spring blossoms, homemade jam in the summer, a special autumn festival and a very special winter evening.

Along the way Kalista learns some valuable lessons and takes another look at what is really important in her life.

This short story looks at the enduring love between a father and daughter and the valuable bonds that family relations hold.

I found this a very touching and delightful read.

Book on Amazon

Here is a link to the short story on Amazon,  The Last Father-Daughter Dance

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Merry Christmas from the Review This Team

 

Merry Christmas from the members of the Review This team.  We thank you for your support and wish you and your family a happy and joyous Christmas season.

One of my favorite holiday activities is to take photos of all the beautiful decorations.  Here are some of my favorites from this year.

Main Street St. Charles Photo Walk

One of my favorite things to do each holiday season is to go to Main Street in an area close to me.  This town, St. Charles, goes all out in decorating for the holidays.  Here are some photos I took last week.

Holiday Lights- Bokeh

I love using a bokeh effect in holiday photos.  A bokeh effect gives the background a warm soft glow and turns lights into soft balls of color.  You can achieve this by focusing on a nearby subject using a wide aperture and having Christmas lights in the background. The first photo in this post uses bokeh.  Here are a few other photos using that technique.

Here are two using the bokeh effect that I created using AI.  I enjoy playing with AI to create different effects.  The biggest challenge here is describing what you want the photo to look like.

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year

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A Very Merry Murder Mystery-Review

 

Christmas Cozy Mystery

I really enjoy cozy mysteries, so as the Christmas season was approaching, I found several Christmas themed cozy mysteries that I downloaded to my Kindle. I found one set of books that contained three different cozy mysteries all about a woman named Meridith and called Merry.  In these mysteries you are introduced to Merry and her interesting cast of friends who live in a small town.

Santa Slaughter

The first book in A Very Merry Murder Mystery series is set during a Christmas festival in a small town.  Meridith "Merry" is in between jobs and is working as an elf in the Santa hut.  Her friend Maggie has a booth by the Santa hut that sells hot chocolate.  On the first day of the festival Merry is working to set up the candy canes and her helpers are getting the children in line to see Santa.  The first two children enter the hut and start talking to Santa when he gets called away for a minute.  When Merry goes to take the photos she discovers that Santa is not there, the children show her how he went out the back door of the hut.  When Merry goes out to check on him she finds him on the ground and the mystery begins.  

First Date Disaster

In the second book, Merry's life his getting on a good track.  She now has a job running the cafe/coffee shop in her small town.  She also has a love interest in the town veterinarian.  When the book opens, they have yet to go on a date but that soon changes and things are looking up until they run into a dead body on their first date. Merry feels invested in solving the murder especially when a friend of hers becomes a suspect.  Rob, her date, is supportive and helpful but what a start to a relationship!  Will this work out? Will the murder be solved?  You will need to read the book to discover these answers.

The Body in the Bookstore

The third book in the series takes place when one of Merry's favorite authors, Aloysius Hunt comes to town to talk about his newest book at a local bookstore.  Merry's Aunt Cassie is also a big fan of the Mr. Hunt, so she comes to town to attend the event with Merry.  Before the event they are serving people in the cafe when a group of big fans of the Aloysius Hunt come in for some snacks and drinks before the big event.  They follow Mr. Hunt wherever he is speaking and they are very excited about his newest book.  

All is going well until they are at the bookstore, and a tragic accident occurs.  When it turns into a murder, it looks like they have another mystery to solve.

The Books on Amazon

The first three books in this series, along with the other six, can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or for Kindle.  Here is a link to the books A Very Merry Murder Mystery

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An Autumn Visit to Veterans Tribute Park

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the USA and first of all I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from the staff at Review This.  We thank each and every one of you for your support over the years.  Your support for Review This Blogs is what makes us successful.  Thank you!

Veterans Tribute Park

Last week I took a group that I mentor to take photographs at our local Veterans Tribute Park.  We had been there last May, and I wrote a review at that time.  I have listed a link to it at the end of this article.  We enjoyed the park so much that we decided we would like to go to it again in the autumn when all the fall colors would be out.  The week before we were to go, we had a hard freeze so many of the color was depleted and yet t
here were lots of beautiful scenes to photograph.  The day we went was a perfect day weatherwise and we enjoyed walking through the park and capturing the beauty of the season on our cameras.

Photos from our Visit

This photo is of some of the grasses that adorn the fall landscape.

 In this photo I was demonstrating to the group the use of natural framing of a subject by looking through the grasses to capture the lake in the background.

In this photo we zoomed in to capture the orange trees surrounding the lake.  You will note that many of the trees in the background had already lost their leaves, but it still gives a nice framing for the lake.

There was a bridge that went down toward the lake.  It provided a nice overlook to the lakes.  I showed everyone how when they turned around and showed the path going up to the lake it gave a leading line to the trees beyond.

Zooming in for a close-up photo of fall leaves makes a pretty photo.

Veterans Tribute Park in the Spring

Here is a review I wrote on our spring visit to the park.

Veterans Tribute Park in the Spring

Fall Designs from my photos on Zazzle

Autumn Beauty

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