Day 320 Braids

I really liked the lighting on this lamp pull cord. As I see this I'm reminded of my very first experience with needle and thread -- helping my sister do some embroidery. Butterflies as I remember and gold was among the colors. Good memories.

And for you guys, don't worry, there was plenty of football and baseball with the entire neighborhood. Did I mention that one of the neighbors used to pitch for the Astros -- way back when. Which reminds me. When I was eight our team went to an Astros game. One of my team members tried to catch a pop foul. He did -- right smack in the middle of his forehead. What a bump. The turkey got an autographed ball after the game. Got to see the 1968 All Star game in the Astrodome. 1-0 for the National League. The say-hey kid scored the only run in the first inning. Oh, that was Willie Mays. We see the home-run derby these days, but we saw one that day during batting practice. Harmon Killebrew couldn't keep it in the park. It was fun. Ever climbed to the top of the Astrodome? I have (inside that is). Story for another day.

Day 319 Ghostly Images

 
These two images tonight are not PhotoShop edits. I used only one exposure per shot. These are 15 second exposures at F8 ISO 400. This was in a fairly darkened room and I had a flashlight that I shone on Jenn as she moved about the room.

I like the blurred image in the center. Jenn was being dramatic at the end of the exposure and the movement blurred nicely.

I'm definitely going to have to try some more variations on long shutter exposures.

Day 318 Daddy/Daughter - Historical

Why historical? 

Because this may be the one and only serious picture that Andrew has ever posed for ...

One thing is certain, she's a Daddy's girl. She squeals with delight when Daddy comes to get her.

Day 317 Pointed

So, this interesting plant caught my eye. Not sure what it's called, but its stem is like a big finger pointing at you. And for some reason I think of my nephew Matt with a classic pose with his son... yes, you're number one... Well, if  you met Matt you would understand. Big heart and a good father.

Day 316 Reflections

I enjoyed the reflections seen in this ornamental metal plate. I wonder what my reflections give off. Do others see me for who I really am or just the protective facade we all tend to wear? I wonder. Many thanks to my dear friends who allow me to peel back the layers and just be real.

Day 315 Warhammer

Warhammer 20K

This is one of Sean's masterpieces. I thoroughly enjoy watching he, Andrew and Eric create these models. Much more sophisticated than the models I had as a youth. Attention to detail is fantastic. Those who have done similar hobbies understand.

Day 314 Fountain

Just happened by this fountain tonight. It was backlit and really brings out the cascading water. Sometimes in life I feel like this image. In the middle of a localized storm with a heavy burden. Sometimes just stopping to enjoy the moment casts a different feel and reinvigorates. Looking for that inner peace. It's there, I've felt it a times.

Day 313 Duet

Duet today. Heather is starting piano lessons. And guess who is helping? Not sure what I did, but only now are the kids taking an interest in learning the piano. Perhaps too much soccer. It's never too late to start. I read somewhere about a guy starting at age 97.  When the moment is right, just do it.

Pattern. This is a duet, right?

This is actually a data center tile designed for air flow.

Day 312 Suburban Sunset

Another Suburban sunset. I can't get enough of clouds, sunsets and the beauty of nature. Even in the big city you can find moments and scenes to treasure.

Day 311 Festive

Just liked the festive colors of this decoration.

Day 310 Distortion

This is the distorted reflection of a patterned carpet as seen in a tubular trash can. You never know when you'll see an interesting image. I saw this during a break today and of course I had my Canon with me and this is the result.

Day 309 Piano and Cello

I've loved playing the piano since I was little. I'm just now trying out this cello. It's tough getting the correct pitch on the cello. It's not like a guitar that has frets to give you the correct pitch. Slight movements in finger placement makes a difference.  Ever hear someone play a violin slightly off key?  Well, it's not all that easy.

Day 308 Olivia and Grandma

 What I like about this image are the pictures in the background. You can see Olivia's Great Great Grandmothers. My paternal Grandmother on the left and Collette's maternal Grandmother on the right.

 

I just like any image with Olivia and Collette in it.

Day 307 New Year

 Centerpiece at a party at our house tonight put on by Jenn. Something about a lingerie shower. Keep your minds out of the gutter guys. This was a classy event I retired to my computer early and finished up and posted three weeks of this blog. I'm sure some had thought I had quit. Nope, just took some time off from the computer. Still have been taking pictures every day though.

 Pull out the crystal.

Day 306 Waterfall

This is a waterfall display at work. This view is from the second floor. Each of the waterfall's "droplets" are hand painted. The material is similar to a see-through shower curtain and many individual strands hang three stories.

Well the end of another year. I can still remember all the hype about the year 2000. And now the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close. I wonder what fantastic technological wonders will exist in the next century. Or will some cataclysm either natural or man-made cause a reversal in our fortunes. If nothing else I'm sure new movies will take our imaginations on wild journeys.

Day 305 Suburban Sky

I could have just made a years worth of sky images for this blog. But I've held back and only sneak in a few from time to time. I've always loved clouds and the dramatic colors, lighting and shapes they bring. Just wish I were back in the mountains instead of viewing a suburban sky.

Day 304 Visitor

 

This is Olivia working out in her ExerSaucer.  She has one at home and Collette and Heather found this one. So now she can have her "workouts" when she comes over.

Day 303

So, I reloaded the operating system on Jenn's computer. This is her mouse pad.

Day 302 Cello

I have temporary custody of this beautiful instrument (1/2 size cello). I took it in for a checkup and it received a clean bill of health. Thought I'd see if I could learn to squeak out a few notes. I challenge each of you to take up something new this coming year.

Day 301 Shoes and Colors

 One of the stocking stuffers from Christmas. I wonder what journey these shoes will travel on. And what journey I will take this coming year.

 This pack of sticky labels looks like a color palette and caught my attention as I walked by. So of course I caught its image.