Yesterday I ran like a crazy woman, from school to school, interviewing and taking photos. At one point I walked into the high school after leaving the elementary, and got a call on my cell. The editor. Asking me to go to the new middle school to shoot some teachers taking a tour. They are going to move into the building around January 15.
Fortunately, I've learned enough about my photography skills to know that I should take several shots at several different exposures when I'm shooting for pay.
This is my HUGE SHADOW on the wall behind a group shot I took at the new middle school. I corrected the angles, exposure and lighting so that I could get a good, printable photo. But I thought the shadow was cool enough that I played around with some color and texture in Photoshop and submitted it for my self-portrait for yesterday. I'm in the mid-60s now with the self-portraits. Some are well-planned, but many are quite accidental.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Wrestling? What Will I Do Next?
When I started this freelance gig, I was writing food stories for our local newspaper. After a couple of weeks of writing and waiting around for the newspaper photographer to come shoot my food, I bought a little Fuji FinePix F10.
And so the photography thing began.
After a short bit, I was getting requests from the paper to "Run over there and take a photo."
Then it was "Can you write a short bit about that while you are there?"
And so I became an all-around writer/photographer. A lot of school features, then church features, some human interest stories. Then new business introductions. Then they asked me if I'd like to be the reporter/photographer for our school's Cross Country team. I've done that for 2 seasons now.
Last week my editor was telling me that the photographer is going to start taking Wednesdays off for a while. I said "Well, just let me know if I can help pick up the slack with some photography."
"Would you like to shoot the wrestling meet Tuesday night? You should be able to just get in there, take a few shots, and get out."
Sure. Why not?
I was there for almost 2 hours. It was interesting. I had no idea what most of the rules were. But I do know the coach, so he explained a couple of things to me before I started. Just to give me an idea what to look for. This is the best shot I got all night. I wish I had their entire bodies in there, but hey! I tried, right? I doubt I'll do this very much. I get only $10 per photo and they will probably only publish one shot. So $10 for almost 2 hours of my time doesn't really make a lot of sense. But I did enjoy working the camera.
And so the photography thing began.
After a short bit, I was getting requests from the paper to "Run over there and take a photo."
Then it was "Can you write a short bit about that while you are there?"
And so I became an all-around writer/photographer. A lot of school features, then church features, some human interest stories. Then new business introductions. Then they asked me if I'd like to be the reporter/photographer for our school's Cross Country team. I've done that for 2 seasons now.
Last week my editor was telling me that the photographer is going to start taking Wednesdays off for a while. I said "Well, just let me know if I can help pick up the slack with some photography."
"Would you like to shoot the wrestling meet Tuesday night? You should be able to just get in there, take a few shots, and get out."
Sure. Why not?
I was there for almost 2 hours. It was interesting. I had no idea what most of the rules were. But I do know the coach, so he explained a couple of things to me before I started. Just to give me an idea what to look for. This is the best shot I got all night. I wish I had their entire bodies in there, but hey! I tried, right? I doubt I'll do this very much. I get only $10 per photo and they will probably only publish one shot. So $10 for almost 2 hours of my time doesn't really make a lot of sense. But I did enjoy working the camera.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Christmas Preparations Underway
Well, we finally got the tree and outside lights up this weekend. It was a struggle, to be honest. Every year we all kind of galump around, wishing someone else would do it. This year I got Taylor to help me put out the outside lights by promising that whoever did that wouldn't have to be involved in taking them back down. I am short a string of clear lights, and trying to buy another at Target proved fruitless. Clear lights seem to be all the rage these days. At least in our neighborhood. I think we might be almost the only ones that have multi-colored lights outside. I want to put clear ones on the two tall bushes. I also have several strings on the pergola that stay up year round, but they have quite a few bulbs burned out and I think I'm going to just replace the strings. I've been trying to fix them and it's just very complicated.
The tree took essentially 3 days. Not that it's a particularly great tree, but we all just pretty much kept running out of steam.
So. Next is the shopping, which I imagine we'll do online. Mensa Boy's list is completely shot, leaving Nate and me nothing to get for him. This happens all the time. Nate didn't even publish a list this year.
Wow...looking back at this, it seems all pretty dismal. But actually, things are looking pretty nice around here. And restful.
The tree took essentially 3 days. Not that it's a particularly great tree, but we all just pretty much kept running out of steam.
So. Next is the shopping, which I imagine we'll do online. Mensa Boy's list is completely shot, leaving Nate and me nothing to get for him. This happens all the time. Nate didn't even publish a list this year.
Wow...looking back at this, it seems all pretty dismal. But actually, things are looking pretty nice around here. And restful.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Lancaster Christmas Parade
Saturday my friend Tambri had her dance school in the Lancaster Christmas Parade. We had 50 little girls, most of whom rode on a trailer we decorated with posters and Christmas lights. Although I do not have a kid in her classes, or even have girl for that matter (thank goodness!), I always help Tambri with her big productions.
All I can say is, we seriously underestimated Lancaster. This was one cool parade. And they had the downtown well-decorated.
This is my friend Tambri, decked out in her Christmas finery, riding to the parade route. You can see me and my camera peeking over her shoulder. I really enjoy this shot.
All I can say is, we seriously underestimated Lancaster. This was one cool parade. And they had the downtown well-decorated.
This is my friend Tambri, decked out in her Christmas finery, riding to the parade route. You can see me and my camera peeking over her shoulder. I really enjoy this shot.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Tyvek Notebook
When Mensa Boy goes on a trip to a particularly humid or rainy location, he likes to make himself a Tyvek Reporter's notebook. He meticulously cuts and punches holes into pieces of Tyvek and then puts them on the binder and between the covers of a regular reporter's notebook. I've always wondered why he can't just buy something like that, but he says he's tried to find them and can't. I guess one day someone did tell him they have such an animal at REI. He checked there, and they do carry notebooks like this, but they are not REPORTERS notebooks. Wrong size. Must be the RIGHT SIZE!!
Here he is demonstrating, with sound effects of course, his writing across his latest Tyvek notebook.
Here he is demonstrating, with sound effects of course, his writing across his latest Tyvek notebook.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Luigi's
I have seen this before. I have no idea why this sign is upside down, but certainly catches the eye. This is on South Boulevard between Tyvola and 485. I had lunch with a friend at Spoon's BBQ yesterday and captured this on the way home.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Apple Crisp
A little Wednesday afternoon treat. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a bag of dried cherries. I decided to put those in this crisp instead of raisins. I made the crisp from 1 1/2 Granny Smith apples and 1 Gala apple. It's always a big hit at our house. But I just make it in an 8 x8 pan...everyone likes it fine the day it's made but then it never gets eaten after that.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Product Review: Kashi Granola
I had a pleasant surprise this morning. Breakfast in my mailbox! And it was delicious, too!
I do not normally eat cereal for breakfast, but this, as I find all Kashi products, was excellent. The right amount of crunch, the right amount of chewiness. Just a great way to start the day.
I do not normally eat cereal for breakfast, but this, as I find all Kashi products, was excellent. The right amount of crunch, the right amount of chewiness. Just a great way to start the day.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Scam Soap
Mensa Boy and mini-MB call foaming hand soap "Scam Soap."
MB's theory is that it is not more cost-effective than regular liquid soap. Apparently that's been part of the marketing? I can't really confirm that. I don't pay close enough attention to that kind of thing.
Anyway, at MB's work they have dispensers in the restrooms for both kinds...foaming and regular liquid soap. He says the foaming ones are always emptying faster than regular ones.
My thinking is that people might be gravitating to the foaming soap because it's lighter and rinses off faster.
MB's theory is that it is not more cost-effective than regular liquid soap. Apparently that's been part of the marketing? I can't really confirm that. I don't pay close enough attention to that kind of thing.
Anyway, at MB's work they have dispensers in the restrooms for both kinds...foaming and regular liquid soap. He says the foaming ones are always emptying faster than regular ones.
My thinking is that people might be gravitating to the foaming soap because it's lighter and rinses off faster.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
It's love...
Taylor and his beloved Clementines. He asks for them every year as soon as they come out.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Product Review: Brown Basmati Rice
I have to admit I've had this a while. Okay...months. I did a pot of it when I bought it, stuck the bag in the cupboard and forgot about it again until last week.
My family loves Basmati rice. I buy it at Sam's Club in 25-lb bags. If I do happen to run out, Taylor will mention it. "What's this rice, Mom? It doesn't have much flavor," he'll say of regular long-grain rice.
I thought maybe I'd step up the fiber by trying this brown variety. I don't remember how much it was, but I'm quite sure it was significantly pricier than the other. I've bought Lundberg stuff before and liked it. I think I've even reviewed it, but I'm too lazy to do a [rather simple] search of the blog.
Anyway, great stuff! Takes a loooonnnnng time to cook though. Like most brown rice.
My family loves Basmati rice. I buy it at Sam's Club in 25-lb bags. If I do happen to run out, Taylor will mention it. "What's this rice, Mom? It doesn't have much flavor," he'll say of regular long-grain rice.
I thought maybe I'd step up the fiber by trying this brown variety. I don't remember how much it was, but I'm quite sure it was significantly pricier than the other. I've bought Lundberg stuff before and liked it. I think I've even reviewed it, but I'm too lazy to do a [rather simple] search of the blog.
Anyway, great stuff! Takes a loooonnnnng time to cook though. Like most brown rice.
Ruining His Life-Part 2
Okay. The scene:
Bear is barking at me. Sitting by my chair, barking. This usually means he desperately needs to go OUT! But of course he’d JUST been out. Pooped. Peed. I think he mainly wants attention. The guys are home and he usually really just wants to play when they get here.
So I yell across the house: “Someone needs to take this dog out and do something with him!”
[[silence]]
“SOMEBODY!!!”
[[dead silence]]
Taylor has already run him around the block. He was the guy on poop watch when it happened too. So I yell:
“NATE!!!”
Still no response.
I walk to the dining room. Both guys are hunched over books, not looking up. Pencils scritching across paper.
“Nate, take the dog out and play with him.”
[[big sigh]]
He hauls himself up from his chair. “OKAY! If you want me to forget about my future!!!”
Read Part 1 of ruining his life.Wine Notes: Wolf Blass Shiraz 2004
This is my "house wine." This is the one (and the cab-shiraz blend by the same vineyard) that I have around all the time. The one that I go back to whenever I can't think of anything new to try.
I read about Wolf Blass in an article somewhere. That it's the number one selling wine in Australia. Judging by the wine selection in our grocery stores, I'd have to assume that the number one Australian wine in America is Yellowtail. I have to assume Yellowtail's success here in the U.S. is all due to marketing. It has to be some of the worst wine I've ever had. I can get a migraine from 3 sips of it...any of the grapes. Without fail, every time. Even when I don't know what wine I'm drinking!
Anyway, Wolf Blass. It's not acrid. It's quite smooth and fruity and just begs for a piece of dark chocolate. I like it on a cool evening after supper. And the price is right. It's always under $10. Usually around $8.99.
I read about Wolf Blass in an article somewhere. That it's the number one selling wine in Australia. Judging by the wine selection in our grocery stores, I'd have to assume that the number one Australian wine in America is Yellowtail. I have to assume Yellowtail's success here in the U.S. is all due to marketing. It has to be some of the worst wine I've ever had. I can get a migraine from 3 sips of it...any of the grapes. Without fail, every time. Even when I don't know what wine I'm drinking!
Anyway, Wolf Blass. It's not acrid. It's quite smooth and fruity and just begs for a piece of dark chocolate. I like it on a cool evening after supper. And the price is right. It's always under $10. Usually around $8.99.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Wine Notes: Alice White Red Lexia 2007
This is not bad stuff. I had read a wine comment about Alice White Lexia. That it's sweet and pretty good for a sort of dessert wine. And that is true. Actually, I found the Lexia to be almost too sweet.
But this Red Lexia isn't quite as syrupy. Drunk cold, it's very refreshing on a warm day.
But this Red Lexia isn't quite as syrupy. Drunk cold, it's very refreshing on a warm day.
Stop Reading if I've Told You This Before
The stress from the drought is really seeping into everyone's lives around here. There are people with wells drying up now. Last night at the library board meeting one of the members said she has a couple of students whose wells have been dry for a couple of months now. Those families have no choice but to have a new well drilled or pay a tap fee to the county to be added to county water and sewer. I read in the paper yesterday that many older wells have pipes that are only 2 inches in diameter and don't go down more than 100 feet. Current wells average 200 to 300 feet and use 6-inch pipe. New wells can cost $6,000 or more to drill and tap fees to be added to city or county water can cost a couple thousand, as well.
So even the folks with wells are into the water conservation habit now. I'm glad to hear that. But concerned for them. We may face fines and even the prospect of having our water turned off if we don't comply, but at least we will probably have some water.
But it's also darkening our day-to-day thoughts at times. A friend told me the other day that when he woke up in the morning and heard the [very very light] rain falling, he caught himself saying, "God! If you're going to send us rain, at least do it right!" Or something to that effect. He felt so guilty after that.
Last night the teacher library board member also said that when her class had their prayer time yesterday, a little girl prayed "Lord. We'd really like to go out to recess today, but if you want to let it rain instead, that would be okay."
We are now 20-24 inches behind in our rainfall here.
So even the folks with wells are into the water conservation habit now. I'm glad to hear that. But concerned for them. We may face fines and even the prospect of having our water turned off if we don't comply, but at least we will probably have some water.
But it's also darkening our day-to-day thoughts at times. A friend told me the other day that when he woke up in the morning and heard the [very very light] rain falling, he caught himself saying, "God! If you're going to send us rain, at least do it right!" Or something to that effect. He felt so guilty after that.
Last night the teacher library board member also said that when her class had their prayer time yesterday, a little girl prayed "Lord. We'd really like to go out to recess today, but if you want to let it rain instead, that would be okay."
We are now 20-24 inches behind in our rainfall here.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sprouting up all over
A couple of weeks ago, Tony popped up in church with the beginnings of a beard. He does that a couple of times a year.
Then a member of the congregation, a retired gentleman named Jack, showed up with the same thing. "What's with the beard, Jack?" everyone asked.
"I'm growing it because Tony is," he said.
Yesterday I was sitting in church when I realized that Mensa Boy's face also was getting a bit hairy. He'll do that...not shave on weekends. Since it's been a long weekend of course, his face was pretty scruffy by yesterday.
"I'm going to tell people that I'm growing a beard because Jack is!" he whispered.
Then a member of the congregation, a retired gentleman named Jack, showed up with the same thing. "What's with the beard, Jack?" everyone asked.
"I'm growing it because Tony is," he said.
Yesterday I was sitting in church when I realized that Mensa Boy's face also was getting a bit hairy. He'll do that...not shave on weekends. Since it's been a long weekend of course, his face was pretty scruffy by yesterday.
"I'm going to tell people that I'm growing a beard because Jack is!" he whispered.
"I have a dear old daddy,
For whom I nightly pray,
He has a set of whiskers
That are always in the way.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way.
Father had a strong back,
Now it's all caved in,
He stepped upon his whiskers
And walked up to his chin.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way.
Father has a daughter,
Her name is Ella Mae,
She climbs up father's whiskers
And braids them all the way.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way.
I have a dear old mother,
She likes the whiskers, too,
She uses them for dusting
And cleaning out the flue.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way."
For whom I nightly pray,
He has a set of whiskers
That are always in the way.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way.
Father had a strong back,
Now it's all caved in,
He stepped upon his whiskers
And walked up to his chin.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way.
Father has a daughter,
Her name is Ella Mae,
She climbs up father's whiskers
And braids them all the way.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way.
I have a dear old mother,
She likes the whiskers, too,
She uses them for dusting
And cleaning out the flue.
Oh, they're always in the way,
The cows eat them for hay,
They hide the dirt on Daddy's shirt,
They're always in the way."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thanksgiving
How do you like this? Two blog entries in less than an hour. I was sifting through my recent photos and thought I'd stick these up.
This is my friend Tambri (left), Chris and me in front of part of our meal. Peeking out behind Tambri is Chris' daughter Samantha. I have to say it was one of the best Thanksgivings we've had. Food, talking about food, preparing food, laughing, games....just a wonderful day.
Bear also had a good day, even though he didn't get a single bit of people food. The poor little guy hasn't figured out how useful chairs can be:
This is my friend Tambri (left), Chris and me in front of part of our meal. Peeking out behind Tambri is Chris' daughter Samantha. I have to say it was one of the best Thanksgivings we've had. Food, talking about food, preparing food, laughing, games....just a wonderful day.
Bear also had a good day, even though he didn't get a single bit of people food. The poor little guy hasn't figured out how useful chairs can be:
Wine Notes: Old Fart's Wife Merlot 2004
Just want to take a moment to note that I'm not drinking myself into oblivion each night. I like to have a glass in the evening while I'm cooking or with my meal, and my friends also enjoy it, so we usually have a glass when we get together. That's it. The reason why there will be so many kinds mentioned all at once is because the bottles from the past month have been accumulating on my desk waiting to be cataloged and photographed.
This? Was terrible. Chris bought it because she was charmed by the name. I wouldn't have done that. I'm not charmed by the name and the wine was hideous. It has to be pretty bad for me to dump down the drain. We each drank 1/2 glass and then glug glug glug down the garbage disposal.
It's been a quiet weekend here. Last night I made the traditional post-Thanksgiving turkey gumbo. A photo and recipe are here.
I watched the movie "Fun with Dick and Jane" yesterday afternoon. It was pretty cute. And then while I made the gumbo I revisited my all-time favorite movie, "The Scarlet Pimpernel."
In the evening I did more moon shooting. It was a full moon, so I was able to capture this:
This? Was terrible. Chris bought it because she was charmed by the name. I wouldn't have done that. I'm not charmed by the name and the wine was hideous. It has to be pretty bad for me to dump down the drain. We each drank 1/2 glass and then glug glug glug down the garbage disposal.
It's been a quiet weekend here. Last night I made the traditional post-Thanksgiving turkey gumbo. A photo and recipe are here.
I watched the movie "Fun with Dick and Jane" yesterday afternoon. It was pretty cute. And then while I made the gumbo I revisited my all-time favorite movie, "The Scarlet Pimpernel."
In the evening I did more moon shooting. It was a full moon, so I was able to capture this:
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