Just add seasoning

Today it's sunny and 45 degrees. What a contrast compared to 3 weeks ago. It isn't uncommon for our area to get a storm with several inches of snow, shortly after groundhog day. I remember this because, whatever the groundhog predicted, I would hear comments from friends and neighbors and TV meteorologists about how the groundhog was correct or way off in his prediction, depending on how he had ruled a few days earlier. This year, considering he saw his shadow and therefore folklore says we would have six more weeks of bad weather, the rodent was applauded, though begrudgingly, for calling it right.

Here in Indiana we got 3 storms in less than a week. Each storm brought several inches of snow. By the end of that week we had about 18" of snow on the ground. Some areas drifted with some high winds that came in a couple days later, making the snow banks 2-3 feet high. Temperatures have been below normal for this time of year and would not rise above freezing, so the snow has just been sitting here for weeks.

Today, snow on flat ground has melted away. Only the silos of snow, where it was pitched with a shovel, remain. For the first time in many weeks, we see more soil, brown grass, sidewalks and parking lot black tops, than we do of the white blanket. A few bright green caps of crocus, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are just starting to emerge above ground.

I don't intend to sound as though I'm complaining about winter. I've always thought the phrase...it's been a long winter...is a dumb comment to make. Living in Indiana and the upper-Midwest we can expect cold temperatures and the possibility of ice, snow, freezing rain or a mixture, anytime between late October through April. The calendar is pretty much the same each year with four seasons that usually begin and end about the same time every year. So, how can a winter season be longer than the last one or the winter of 5 years ago?

No, what they actually mean is...they've had enough of the cold weather & precipitation that accompanies winter. They have had enough of shoveling, hazardous roads & slower driving and heating bills. They are anxious for more sun, lighter weight coats or jackets, and no impaired routes to work or play.

No, don't read this as a complaint. But, an observation. While I can't say I look forward to winter each year, I don't mind it. It is a season that brings a dramatic, temporary change to our lifestyle & environment. It brings variety to life for several weeks each year.

And then spring.

Preserving old photos

From time to time we create photo sculptures with copies of old photos. The cutout seen here is an example of a beautiful hand-colored photo. These were the early "color photos". A black & white photo was taken and printed and then the photographer or a specialist in hand coloring would apply, with various tools, the dye that would create light, usually pastel, colors.

This copy of an old photo is probably my favorite that we have received from a variety of customers. The image itself is striking and telling. Look at how the couple is dressed, their hairstyles...the touch of pastel coloring. In addition, I was very impressed with how vibrant the photo was. The customer said the photo had not been enhanced or manipulated in recent years. It was in perfect, original condition. The photo had obviously been stored correctly and safely and the benefits are enormous.

Old photos should not be thrown into a box and put in the attic or basement. The extreme temperatures and humidity there will be a quick death for the images. The best thing to do would be to scan the images and place on a CD. On a CD, the images will last for over 80 years.

However, if you have a lot of old photos, perhaps carried down from generation to generation, transferring to CD can be a time consuming project, put-off until one finds time. (which may never come?) There are companies that will scan and transfer the images to CD for you, but that can be expensive and risky and somewhat time consuming, as well. You would still have to take the time to gather and organize the photos to be handed over to the person/company doing the scanning & transferring. What if they lose or misplace your photos? This actually happened to a friend of mine. She not only was angry with the company for losing the photos before they were copied, but was extremely saddened that these photos/images were lost, never to be found or replaced...or seen again.

Until you have the time to transfer to CD here are some important tips to sustain the images on old photos.

---The ultimate place to store photos is in a safe deposit box at your bank. Those areas are usually climate controlled. The dry and dark conditions of the box is ideal. This may not be practical for some people, so store the photos where it is comfortable for you, in the living quarters of your home where it is air conditioned in the summer and heated in winter. No attics or basements! Best conditions are under 70° F, with the relative humidity under 50%.

---Photos will last a lot longer if printed on acid free paper, also known as archival paper. If printing yourself, you can find acid free paper at most retail outlets that sell photo printing paper. If getting prints/copies from a photographer, you can also request that the photos be printed on archival paper. Acid-free/archival paper is more expensive than normal printing paper...but remember, it comes with an insurance policy.

---Before placing photos in storage, remove any paper clips, tape, rubber bands and fingerprints. All usually contain acid/oils that are harmful to photos. Use containers/boxes that are acid free or archival. Safe plastics include polyester, mylar, polypropylene, polyethylene, and tyvek. These are available at camera/photography stores and some photography departments in general merchandise stores.

---Photo albums can be used for storage, but again, seek out acid-free papers and notebooks made from archival board. Or you can buy clear plastic pages made from polypropylene and insert the photos. Do not use vinyl pages or notebooks. They emit harmful vapors and shorten the life of photos.

---Color inks, those used in color photos, are quicker to fade or shift (discolor) due to acid content. Old black & white photos were printed with inks which contain silver, a more permanent component. (that's why most old b&w photos placed in albums or boxes retain their image after decades!) So, it is an option that you can "save" colored photos by having them transformed into black & white.

There are other things we can cover at a later date but the tips above are the most important in preserving your memories.