Author Archives: Bob-O
Long Time No Blahg…
It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything or ‘blahged”. I guess life caught up with me and I was stuck in the endless chain of work, sleep, pay bills, work , sleep, pay bills.
I still take photos every chance I get and recently got a great deal on a short flight on an old Ford Tri-Motor. It tours around giving people the experience of what aviation was like ‘back in the day’. I took my grand children, Chase and Hunter, with me to get them off the computer and get some fresh air.
I found that they had a really great deal on rides and on a whim asked Chase and Hunter if they’d every been up in an airplane before. They had not. So I told them we’re going on a little ride.
We sat down for the safety briefing where we learned that a Ford Tri-motor was the first plane that Neil Armstrong flew on when he was a boy. His father bought him a ride on one which got young Neil hooked on aviation. That one ride on a Ford Tri-Motor planted the seed that eventually landed Neil Armstrong on the moon. The kids were fascinated by that.
They were a little nervous but excited like you wouldn’t believe. It felt good to give them their first ride on an airplane. Maybe now they could understand why I loved planes so much.
It was a good day and quite an experience for all of us. Here are a few more shots from our adventure.
It was a beautiful day to fly and watch the looks on their young faces while we flew around Georgetown. It made me feel good.
So if you ever get chance to see the Ford Tri-Motor while it tours around the country I highly recommend taking a flight. A lot of history and insight in to what it was like to fly back in the late 20’s.
Peace, Love, and Aviation,
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Now It is 2013…
It is now officially 2013. Eight days after the end of the Mayan calendar. I’m going to make a t-shirt saying I outlived the Mayan Calendar.
It feels like I’m the first one awake on this side of the world. I’ve already quit smoking (gained 80 pounds) – I rarely drink so I don’t have a hangover. I feel like getting creative and just going out on this first day of the year with my camera just to see what I can find.
I hope that the tax increases doesn’t limit our ability to help the homeless. I hope your New Year is prosperous and filled with happier days.
I’m off to discover.
Peace, Love, and New Beginnings,
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Christmas in Austin..
I had the opportunity to walk around Zilker Park the other day just to take a break from the job, bills, Christmas stress, etc and just enjoy the birds and taking pictures. The weather so far this winter has been incredibly mild compared to the rest of the country with forcast snow, and just getting over Hurricane Sandy and all.
I actually feel as though I got some excercise and walked all around the park from the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue (near 1st street and Riverside Dr) on one side —
To my favorite shiny buildings The Frost Tower and new “USB Flash Drive Looking” Austonian, on the north side of Lady bird Lake.
On the other side of the lake near where I took this photo of the Austonian building I had to stop and catch my breath and there, laying on a cardboard box in the middle of a patch of grass, was a homeless man.
I just stood there for a moment and watched joggers and other passers by walk, ride, or jog past. Mostly without even a glance at the man on the grass as if he somehow belonged there.
It gave me time to think, to pause, to reflect – on just how fortunate I was. I mean, I can complain about my bills, cars breaking down, sink clogging, and never enough ‘me’ time to truly relax – but this gentleman had none of that. And in that moment I became truly, truly, thankful for all of my problems and all that I have.
I’m blessed with a great (and extended) family. I have a job. I have bills and when I saw this man I have to say that I am even thankful for those as well. I’m blessed with the luxury of waking up in my nice warm home surrounded by a family that loves me.
So take a moment this season to remember those who have lost everything, especially those in Connecticut and those that lost everything in hurricane Sandy. Pray for those who have little more than a box to sleep on.
Yes, I am truly blessed.
God bless you all and all who stop by for a visit. Merry Christmas and if you don’t celebrate “Christmas” God Bless you anyway.
Peace, Love, and Home,
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2012 Fort Worth Alliance Air Show…
I have to say that this year was better than last year because last year, the day I had tickets for, it rained and the show was cancelled. But this year it was just cold (50ish) and cloudy and at least the air show went on!
This year they had even more scheduled! I have to say I have never seen the Canadian Snowbirds Team before. I have to say their show was awesome! Not to mention the Canadian Skyhawks Parachute Team.
The Canadian Skyhawks opened the show with the national anthems from both countries. It was quite inspiring.
I have to say I wish it were a little sunnier as this is the first time I’ve tried to shoot pictures in cloudy conditions. Though I did arrive very early for the photographer tour and obtained some nice early morning shots – I’m still learning and when a shot comes out sometimes I’m thrilled at the discovery.
I was pretty excited to see that this year there was a C-5A Galaxy. This is one VERY large aircraft. I was excited to be on a photo tour and was able to get some shots without a crowd around.
A group of us photographers wandered up to the cockpit and got a great view of the flightline, however, upon returning to the ground level security was there to ensure we deleted any and all photographs that may have been taken in the cockpit area. I understand – but wish I could have kept the shot of just the steering column with the Galaxy logo on it.
Watching the pre-show preparations was pretty interesting as well. Shortly after the “cockpit incident” we watched as the pilots went upstairs – I was thinking they were going up there to make sure we hadn’t touched anything but actually they were getting the aircraft ready for visitors. In that I mean they fired up the APUs (Auxilliary Power Unit) and opened up the nose and lowered the front ramp.
Adds new meaning to the term “DRIVE THROUGH”
I have always loved airshows. Being a military brat my dad was stationed at Randolph A.F.B. Texas and yes, there were airshows! I have to say that I had forgotten how “Gruelling” they could be. There was ALOT of walking and I found I believe I may be a little out of shape — but it was worth every minute of it.
I don’t think I can go in to everything here – and this will be a long one – because there is so very, very much to see and do. Airshows have everything for anyone considering a career or hobby or anything aviation related. They had everything from vintage WWII aircraft – general (civilian) aviation aircraft – Commercial Aviation (such as Fed Ex and American Airlines) – Simulators, Military recruitors, Sailplanes, Ultra lights, and I could go on and on.<P>
There is really no better place to be and be able to get up close and personal with aviation. Not to mention all of the heart stopping thrilling action of the performers. For instance TORA! TORA! TORA!.
Imagine the date December 7, 1941 – Sunday morning in Hawaii. Beautiful weather. Church. Navy personnel performing their duties. Just a beautiful quiet Sunday. And then they came.
The sound of aircraft. Some thought it funny that there would be flying on a Sunday and thought nothing of it until they looked up and saw that the aircraft did not look familiar. They were foreign. And then the explosions from the harbor.
(The Canadian Snowbirds were not in Hawaii at the time, so please bare with me)
The announcer takes you thru what it must have been like to be at Pearl Harbor that day. Yes, you could watch a documentary on TV – but here you can hear the sounds of authentic Japanese aircraft – the sound of explosions – the smell of smoke – the noise. Travel back in time and understand that for over 3 hours the attack went on.
2, 402 people lost their lives and 1,282 wounded, including 68 civilians. 1, 177 were from the Arizona.
I have to say that listening to the sounds – complete with pyrotechnics, explosions, planes flying and diving all around. It makes you stop and think what we went through that day.
Now on to the Canadian Snowbirds – this was the first time I had seen them perform and I love it. Nine aircraft precision flying and I have to say from a photographers standpoint – they let you hear the pilot calls while they are performing so you can pretty much gauge when they are going to cross in front of you on those opposing fly-bys. When they pilot called “ready – now” I started shooting – and bingo! I got them both in the same frame. I was so happy!
You really have to think fast coming at each other at that rate of speed.
There was so much to see and enjoy at the airshow. It is an all day affair but truly worth it. I think I’ll make a Flickr album and post alot of the pictures there and place a link to them. I took over 800 shots.
I really wanted to see the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. I’ve been a fan for most of my life starting from the time they flew over our house in Colorado Springs. At that time they were flying F-100D super sabers. They were awesome. I’ve seen them in F-84’s, F-4 phantoms, and then to save fuel they went to T-38 talons – and now they are flying the awesome F-16.
They put on an awesome show – I only wish the weather was a little better from a photography standpoint.
I’m going to post a few more shots from the show – I hope you enjoyed this longer post. If you ever get a chance to go see an airshow GO.
More shots from around the show:
C-5A Under Wing
Horseman Flight Team
B-52 Early Morning
Awesome B-1B
I’m Saving For One of These…
One More of the Awesome Canadian Snowbirds
Well, as always thank you for stopping by – I wish I could upload more pictures but I’m going to make an album on Flikr and then put a link in this post for it with the rest of the air show.
Air Show tips: drink lots of water — bring a portable chair, sunscreen (gonna be a great day) – comfortable shoes (I brought extra socks), if you’re in to photography bring the charger, extra memory cards and batteries – also I brought a small poncho in case it did rain then my camera wouldn’t suffer, LOL.
Thank you again, God Bless You.
Peace, Love and Avionics,
UPDATE: As promised here is the link to 200 more images from the air show: Click here for more images of the 2012 Fort Worth Alliance Air Show
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Photowalking…
It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything here as there has been alot going on since my father’s passing. I found that he read a book called “The Shack” and so I read it also. That was a wonderful book. You can find out about it by clicking the link over on the right over there.
I finally saw a shot I wanted to take and actually woke up early and decided to go and get it. My problem has been not stopping when I see it, and just taking the time. I really needed a break (another post) and so I woke up at 6:00am just to go and try and take the picture I wanted to take.
Exposure is hard to figure out sometimes and you just have to play it by ear. The shot I wanted was the sun coming up. Before it got bright — when it’s a big orange ball peeking over the horizon. This is what I got:
Sunrise was beautiful. It was a quiet Saturday morning that I was able to get the day off for. No traffic. No hour long commute. So I decided to tinker around with exposure because it was giving me fits. Either the sun would be right and field black, or the sky would be washed out and the field looked right. It’s a difficult shot – one I’m sure I have to learn more about.
So I decided to drive the airport near where I live and see what I could see that I wanted to take photographs of. I had my coffee with me and a few minutes of the sun coming up and I wanted to see what I could find.
I found a classic 1951 Beech C35 basking in the early morning light peeking out from under his covers;
Sweet little plane – manufactured in the day they thought everyone was going to be able to own a plane of their own. Take the family on trips and save the airfare.
I loved the way the rising sun reflected off the windows of the old “ICAN Aviation” hangar. The tires – the texture of the sides of the building with the smooth, now orange, glass.
I found an old desk chair in the parking lot that looked a little out of place…so I took a picture of it. (You never know – someone may need a photo of a chair in an airport parking lot). Reminds of an Army Term I used to use: “Chairborne Ranger” – that was me.
Silhouettes are fun. I just like the sun coming up when it’s just bright enough to look at without being blinded. Though looking at the sun through a camera lens (translated magnifying glass) is not really a good idea.
Then I stumbled upon an Airstream trailer. Something about the shiney, chrome, lookin’ things that just looks cool. They reflect everything. So I leave you with a classic looking trailer.
I love photography and take pictures of everything. I find a picture in just about half of everything I look at. I’m still learning post processing techniques to make the photographs look cool. I think a classic look to classic airplane is just perfect.
Well, I’m off in search of more photos to take so thank you for taking the time to stop by and look around.
Peace, Love, and the Classics,
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In Honor of Dad…
My father touched alot of people and was very active in the community. In honor of my father Senior Adult Services has renamed their golf tournament this year to the Bob Barrett Memorial Golf Tournament. If you’re in the Dallas/Fort Worth area check out the Bob Barrett Memorial Golf Tournament on June 25, 2012.
The tournament is going to be at the Brookhaven Country Club June 25, 2012 and starts at 10:00.a.m. and lasts until 4:00 p.m. – That’s an honor. You can click on the picture and go to the brochure and enter, sponsor, join, and learn more about Senior Adult Services.
Peace, Love, and FORE!,
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In Loving Memory…
I just wanted to remember my father, Robert L. Barrett, who passed away this last week. He was 87 and a hero.
He said he wasn’t a hero – but he was indeed a hero both in World War II and becoming my Dad.
I won’t bore you with all of the details but he adopted me – gave me his last name. Helped make me who I am today. He gave me more than anyone could really ask or hope for – and that was his love and respect and I have to tell you that is not an easy thing to do – to love someone as your son, even when you mess up.
There are some things that have been unsaid between us – but I think he knows. I loved him. I respect him. I only wish I had the opportunity to take his photograph in his uniform before his passing. I also wish I had had the opportunity to tell him how much he has meant to me. That even though I griped when he told me I had to stay home and help him fix the car I secretly didn’t mind — He taught me how to work on cars and fix things. Which is why he wasn’t terribly upset when I took my tape deck completely apart (though my mother was very angry) because he knew I probably could get it back together — which I did (for the most part).
He had contracted throat cancer from many years of smoking – he loved golf and football. He loved Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand. He loved us boys. We had a rough time, as some families do. I forgive him and hope he knows that. He had an awesome responsibility and there were times we didn’t make it easy.
Above all things that make him great to me is he was Fair. He listened to me when others wouldn’t. He taught me respect. He gave me the benefit of the doubt which caused some problems now and then but when he made a decision he stuck by it.
I just wanted to say I love you, Dad –
I pray that eternity will be good to you for all you’ve given me. I’ll miss you. I love you. You belong to God, now.
With all my Love,
Your Son,
Bobby
Colonel Robert Lee Barrett, USAF (Ret)
Addendum…
I just wanted to add a few more photographs to remember my dad by. His funeral was with full honors being wounded twice on D-Day and achieving so much in his military career.
He never shared his D-Day story until recently – I may add some of it here someday.
Dad, you have quite an extended family. We all love you and thank you for all you’ve done for us. Hope to see you in Heaven because we still owe each other a round of golf.
Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Bobby
Fro Knows Photo…
I recently had the pleasure of attending the FroKnowsPhoto “Frotowalk” at SXSW in Austin Texas. I have to say I had a great time. This was a well needed break from the “6 to 6″ (wish I could work 9 to 5).
In retrospect I wish we could have ‘walked’ a little however I do understand that trying to do a ‘photo walk’ in the middle of South by Southwest (SXSW) in downtown Austin, Texas with the crowd, and music and hustle and bustle it would have been hard to hear or learn anything. Which is why I was anxious to attend to see if I could learn a few things about photography which I have become totally addicted to.
Jared Polin is pretty awesome when it comes to photography, equipment reviews, tutorials, and has a fantastic website at http://froknowsphoto.com/
Which is where I have learned alot. It’s an awesome community of photographers and knowledge that can’t be beat. There are also very active discussions about photo editing and he’ll even critique your work (check out the forums and sign up because it is worth it).
It was a pleasure meeting Jared face to face and hearing the answers to some of my questions (noise filters / shooting with a high ISO / lighting situations) as well as meeting other photographers in the area (and beyond). I heard that 150 had signed up for the walk – but I think the threat of rain and possibly the traffic may have discouraged a few. I left early and it took me 45 minutes to find parking (and at SXSW $15 was a steal even if it was a mile away). I hoofed it and was 5 minutes late but was excited to have found them and made it.
After the discussion was over and a videos made I had a chance to walk the streets of Austin (6th street in particular) and take some shots of some odd things. I have to thank fellow photographer John Hart with showing me this alleyway that had some cool vines growing – and he showed me how to ‘blow out’ the background with one of my lenses.
So all-in-all I learned a tremendous amount of valuable information. I enjoy photography more than I enjoy about anything else. I love the creative aspect of it. I love making my own pictures for things like my computer background or cell phone or to hang on my walls in my home. Not to mention the memories they inspire.
I found I have taken over 89,000 photographs with my Nikon D90. It’s still going great! Gotta love a well made product – I can’t imagine what all those pictures would cost if I had to have them developed at Walgreens. (Actually, that would be $40,940.00). I love what digital photography has brought to the table.
Well, I want to thank you all for stopping by. It was quite an adventure. Austin is such a wonderful town and the photographic and music and art opportunities are endless! I guess that’s why I love this town. Keep Austin Weird! And don’t forget to visit the Fro at Froknowsphoto.com!
Peace, Love, and Fro DOES Know Photo!,
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Llano Texas Eagles Nest…
It has been awhile since I’ve been able to wander over towards Llano and see how the Eagles are doing. They have been nesting near there for quite a few years. I found they’ve moved the nest a little down the road but to my joy the nest is a little closer to the road (for all of us photographers out there this is wonderful).
It can take a little patience while you’re out there watching. Nothing interesting may happen for awhile – but sometimes you get lucky.
Momma and Daddy flew off and we were all wondering why they would leave the babies alone for so long. After about 45 minutes lunch was being servied in the nest.
Watching a Bald Eagle in the wild is fascinating. I don’t have as much luck fishing as these birds did (though I enjoy it) and I couldn’t help but to be inspired. What a joy to spend a morning watching these magnificent birds.
I’m told the babies will fledge around the first week of March – then one can only hope the Eagles return to nest again next year. It’s wonderful having such a sight within driving distance. You sort of adopt them and find yourself going out there to check on them.
Thank you for stopping by. If you’re ever near Llano, Texas the nest is outside the city limits on Hwy 29. Enjoy!
Peace, Love, and God Bless America,
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Fort Worth Alliance Air Show…
I had a great time at the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show in Fort Worth on Sunday, October 23, 2011. Unfortunately the show was rained out due to overnight rains washing out the overflow parking areas. I totally understand the difficult decision that was made to cancel the show in the interest of safety. I’m happy that I was able to view some of the static displays and photograph some of the aircraft departing.
It all started for me at 6:45a.m. in the fog as the rain was creeping out of the area. I loved the way the tower looked there in the fog while I was waiting for the gate to open for the photo tour.
The gates opened and we were able to park in the lot designated for the photo tour folks. It was grassy and very muddy – hence is why I understand they cancelled because folks could slide around and get stuck possibly hurting themselves not to mention hitting other cars. It all worked out in the end – no injuries – a couple of vehicles were pulled or pushed out.
Anyway – I was able to walk around photograph some of the displays:
The Thunderbirds were parked on the ramp – though I was so disappointed that they wouldn’t be flying that day.
One of the awesome things that happened that day was a security policeman racing an F-16 departing back to Oklahoma – (The F-16 won of course, but the four wheeler did a great job)
Though the Thunderbirds did not fly there was an older version of a Thunderbird (privately owned I believe) that made a few passes and made for some wonderful photographs.
For the most part the rest of the short day was watching departures and the Thunderbirds being towed over to another parking area for a later departure. If you love aircraft then it was a day well spent – then the 3 hour drive back to Georgetown for some much needed sleep. Here a few more shots for your enjoyment.
I just wanted to thank the Marines, who after watching us photographers without a show took the time to give us a couple of passes and a wing-waggle in that awesome V-22 Osprey. It was VERY much appreciated!
God Bless our troops and men and women in uniform around the world. Also the wonderful people at the Alliance Air Show that do their very best to put on a great day of adventure.
Peace, Love, and Long Live Air Shows!,
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The Lesson in Grand Kids…
I guess I have to say I’ve been blessed by some pretty special people in my life. Just when I thought I was getting old and that it was all work and no play along come the grand children to teach me to relax again.
There’s nothing like the memories of hanging out…
The absolute joy of success…
As well as how to deal with failure…(just get back up and ride some more)…
The joy of exploration and learning (don’t hide in the dryer)…
How to eat rocks and still have teeth…
How to set goals and aim high…
How to stay cool during a drought…
To just let loose and dance no matter who is watching…
And most of all just to relax and LOVE…
I’ve taken THOUSANDS of photographs of the kids all growing up. It’s a joy to look back at each and every one of them.
Keep your memories close. And don’t forget you’re never to old to get ‘jiggy wid it”.
Peace, Love, and Life,
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Hill Country Beauty…
I love the Texas hill country and the quiet that comes with going off the beaten path (or paved highway). I guess by ‘highway’ I mean Interstate, but out and down Farm to Market roads there is alot to be seen – especially around the Guadalupe river.
There are places you could go and sit for hours and watch the river and listen to…well; nothing actually. Just the wind, birds, and bugs and watch the reflections in the water dance around.
I miss the quiet where you can hear nothing but the sound of the water rushing over the rocks. No iPods, traffic noise, sirens or hustle and bustle. Just wind and water.
Heave a big sigh as the weekend is over and it’s time to finish the morning coffee and run off to work and earn some gas money for my next little excursion with the camera.
Thank you for stopping by I sincerely appreciate it. Take care of yourselves and find that place where you can go and be quiet for awhile.
Peace, Love, and…well, PEACE,
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Artist -vs- Creep…
I’ve been pretty self concious about my weight and my back lately. I suffer from a slipped disc and chronic back pain and my gut isn’t helping. So I have been going hiking quite a bit with my camera. Today, around Lake Georgetown.
Lord it was hot but I wanted to burn off some steam and relax with my trusty camera.
Little did I know that the times have changed. You cannot go walking around the lake with a camera without someone saying something.
I was walking back to my truck; dripping with sweat and thinking I must have lost at least a whole pound when some teenagers that had just passed me turned and started yelling at me. They were say F*** You! and Pervert! and Don’t you take any pictures of me!
I was dumb founded and hadn’t a clue what they were talking about and it rather hurt my feelings a bit.
I hollard that they were mistaken and they yelled something incoherant back. So I hollard for them to not be so full of themselves and I had better things to do.
About then a car drove up the hill and the lady in that car yelled “Pervert!”
Well, here are the photos I took today. No “teens” here. I was torn about taking them a business card and showing them my work but I felt the situation was already Stupid and I was sweating so badly I thought I better get something to drink first. Not the Bud Light pictured here, though. (Ashame folks have to litter the lake)
It’s ashame that it used to be a gentleman with a camera was thought to be an artist – but you can’t go walking around with a camera without someone thinking you’re a pervert or something.
I guess they were just kids or something and maybe I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it did for awhile. At least I know who I am.
Peace, Love, and Scenery,
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Austin Vibe…
I love Austin, Texas. I wish there was a better, more articulate way of saying it, but that’s the truth. I love to just BE in Austin. I think it has a ‘vibe’ all of its own.
I love to go down around 1st Street or Congress Avenue and just people watch. Well, and dog watch as well I suppose.
People come out to exercise or play with their pets and just relax and enjoy the day or unwind after work. I can’t explain it really it’s just a ‘feeling’ about the place.
Lots of folks like to throw tennis balls or sticks out in to the water and have their dog go fetch it. It’s great for the dog who gets to cool off in the lake. There are days so hot though makes you want to jumpin with him.
Austin is a great place to meet people – and who knows – your pet may even come away with making a new friend.
I do like to come down here and people watch, relax, and pay my respects to Stevie Ray Vaughn. Reminds me of a family/friend of mine who played like him who recently passed away – I guess they’re playing together now. (R.I.P. Jason Baric).
Just thought I would share a little about this wonderful place so bring your dog, rent a canoe or kayak and come down and chill out with some wonderful folks, make a few friends and enjoy the day.
Peace, Love, and Good Vibes,
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Rock-A-Billy’s
It’s been a long, emotional, rather warm day today and the sun is starting to go down and I just had a craving for something cold. Lo-and-behold I saw a sign for “Rock-A-Billy’s Shaved Ice” and quickly turned in.
Rock-A-Billy’s is located at 5430 Highway 79 in Round Rock, Texas and I had one of the best Root Beer floats I’ve had in a long time.
I really like the atmosphere there! The classic car tables (there are tables to sit at inside the cars), the Airstream trailor (a veritable classic) and the openness of the place. A very nice place to sit and relax and have a shaved-ice (TONS of flavors) or a root beer float.
I just wanted to tell you about the place I stumbled upon on a warmish spring day. Summer is coming and I can tell you a shaved ice will come in quite handy on these Texas hot summer days. You can visit their website at http://www.ifyoushaveittheywillcome.com/thestory.html
One last photo because I LOVE shiney Airstreams:
So on that note I bid you Peace, Love, and Cooler Days,
V7 Network 30 Day Bloggers Challenge
The Classics…
You have to love classic cars. They were built like tanks and may only get, I’m not sure, 10 miles per gallon? Everything is made out of aluminum and plastic these days but I think the classic, older cars were just plain tough.
What is funny is that I heard a comedian on the radio on my way home after taking these photographs talking about a 60’s Coupe De Ville. His son asked him what Coupe De Ville stood for and he told him “It’s french for Large Boat”.
His wife asked him how many miles to the gallon does the Coupe De Ville get? His response was (maniacle laughter) “MILES??” You said ‘Miles?”
Really it’s a beautiful classic car. Heavy. Nice lines. Quality that obviously lasts.
Anyway. I just wanted to share a classic with you all. I truly appreciate you all stopping by as well as the comments! Thank you very, very, much!
Peace, Love, and Gasoline,
V7 Network 30 Day Bloggers Challenge
Takamine Time…
I’ve been so busy with work and fixing things, not to mention blogging, that I haven’t really paid much attention to my guitar.
I like accoustic music. Anything that I can play along with (Yes, I started with Stairway to Heaven and worked up to Dust in the Wind). I just like to play.
I have a Takamine Steve Wariner Limited Edition (Autographed and numbered 215 by Steve Wariner). I swear I could leave this guitar in the case for a year and pull it out and it will still be in tune. – The best guitar I’ve ever owned. It was good to take it out and tinker a bit.
Peace, Love, and Picking,
V7 Network 30 Day Bloggers Challenge
Bugs and Things…
I think it’s awesome to get a good picture of a bug. They’re challenging, for the most part, especially the flying insects.
I’ve already blogged a bit about bees and I hate to be repetitious but here are some of my favorites although some aren’t really artistic or anything, they’re bugs after all.
I found this tiny guy sitting down to a snack on one of our flowers in the back yard. He’s tiny and would sit happily on the tip of a ballpoint pen but lookes much larger due the 250mm lens I used.
Dragonflies are another favorite though they’re very quick and shy. I saw a patch that dragon flies were going in and out of and just sat there for awhile and sure enough one came along and planted itself in just the right spot!
Butterflies are also shy and flit around quite a bit. I find them challenging as well. Though sometimes all you have to do is offer them a good drink and….
I guess there must be something natural in Natural Ice because the butterfly really liked it.
Spiders are another fun insect to capture though I am intimidated by getting bit by them.
In Louisiana we had cochroaches – In central Texas we have THESE things that I believe probably might eat them which brings me to this multi-eyed spider that enjoyed the camera TOO much.
Then I found out about grasshoppers. I was chasing this guy around the yard and after I uploaded the photos to the computer I discovered it appeared he was smiling broader than a beer pitcher.
Then there are the bugs that you have no clue what they are – they just look, well, weird!
I could go on quite a bit about bugs as I have quite a few shots of different dragonflies and things. I may post the more interesting shots later. I enjoy photography and I’m working on PEOPLE for once so maybe I’ll be able to branch out a little more.
Thank you for stopping by and taking a break. Hope you enjoyed it and that I didn’t creep anyone out with the bugs.
Peace, Love, and Hold the Bug Spray,
V7 Network 30 Day Bloggers Challenge
Has Its Thorn…
I believe since I made the post with the giant thorns from the rose bush I decided to post my favorite from when the bush was blooming one cloudy, rainy morning.
Somehow makes the pain of being stuck a little worth it when you see this bush bloom.
While crawling around the gardern I spied some things you may not want in your flower bed. I like bugs as well and will do a post on them soon – but this little guy wasn’t bashful about eating my plants. Even seemed to look at me like “Whud do YOU want?”
So I did what every concerned gardner would do. I took his picture and then did the “Twitch- SEE YA!” thing being ever so careful not to damage the flower.
You have to love roses. They’re soft, velvety, and smell so good. They also make the ladies smile!
So keep the flowers blooming and the ladies happy. Also, thank you for stopping by!
Peace, Love, and Mulch,
V7 Network 30 Day Bloggers Challenge
Heron After…
I remember when I first received my new Nikon fresh from eBay I had already set my sights on photographs I would like to take.
San Gabriel Park here in Georgetown Texas was home to some Blue Herons that I chased up and down the San Gabriel river trying like crazy to get a good shot of him (her).
They must have razor sharp vision because I couldn’t seem to get within 200 yards of the bird before it startled and took off.
However, I was fortunate on a couple of days when he wasn’t really paying attention to me and I managed to take his photograph.
Birds and Bugs are fun to photograph – especially the more challenging ones. This bird was challenging because they’re so shy – dragonflies are another subject – maybe my next one – that are tricky because they move so fast.
Thanks for stopping by and a special thank you to the bloggers of the 30 Day Bloggers Challenge that pop in. I need to get all their links put in on the right over there.
Peace, Love, and Watch The Birdie,
V7 Network 30 Day Bloggers Challenge
