Goose's Early B-day Party

Our very good friends Tera and Michael McClelland hosted Katharine's birthday party. Three of Katharine's classmates/friends showed and they were treated to a concert by musician Celeste Moyer, turkey burgers and hotdogs, a delicious and hearty serving of Vicky's chili, and a couple of movies all done out in the backyard. Tera and Michael went above and beyond what we expected. Katharine and girls all had a great time.

Black and White Pictures

Testing the camera's ability to take B&W.  Interesting..

The picture of me looks like I'm pissed off.. what the hey..??

Happy Mother's Day!!

So we go to lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant called "Aparicio's" and it dawned on me that whenever we go out for a meal, this is what we look like..

Katharine's headphones I believe is permanently stuck to her ears. In order to get her attention, anything within reach - such as a rolled up piece of paper or a salt/pepper shaker you can throw at her would work.  Otherwise a loud, sustained, booming voice may be able to penetrate those headphones.  Kelly on the other hand continuously checks her email, facebook, text, email, facebook... I'm guilty myself for checking Words With Friends more than most.. I have two opponents I trade winnings with.. I just can't afford to lose..

Gone are the days of sitting for a long meal with meaningful conversations, entertaining stories, etc.  But then again, it all changes when the food arrives...

Aperture.. Shutter Speed.. Focus..

My attempt at manual photography using the new camera.. (depth of field)

f1.7, 1/40 sec, ISO 1600

f22; 2 sec, ISO 1600

Photography - Old Hobby

Between my sister Chitchi and my friend Brian M., they both convinced me to restart an old hobby.. photography.  My intent was to get a DSLR that is capable of taking HD videos in addition to still pictures.  After a couple of weeks of looking, handling, and comparing of 3 candidates (Canon T2i, Nikon D3100, and Sony A55) I settled for the Sony.  This camera takes amazing videos (the camera uses what's called Phase Recognition which allows it to focus continuously on the subject and its surroundings) and because Sony had bought out Minolta, I have access and able to use more lenses.  My sister and friend are both 'purists' and will only buy Canon products for their cameras.  Me?  I don't feel the same as they do and can use other lenses.  I'm more concerned on the outcome of the picture than the equipment that produced them.  Now all I have to do is re-acquaint myself to the technical aspects of the hobby..

Been awhile..

My good friend Vicki in NM just asked me why I haven't blogged.  She kind of read my mind and told me to "write about today!!!" She certainly has a way of straightening things out..

Honestly, Facebook has been easier and provides interaction with 'friends' who see your posting.  I know I said in the past that having people in FB comment on the stuff you write about might be an issue.. well, it hasn't really affected me in that way and I've welcomed anybody who makes a comment (or two) on the stuff I've posted there.  There is a difference - in here, I wasn't too worried what people thought about the stuff I wrote about. If they made a comment, I had control of letting the comment post or deleting it and no one would know other than the other person who wrote it.  Another benefit is that Blogger kept all my stuff in one page. Ok, I'm yapping away now... I do miss this so I'll be back!

Btw, thanks V..

Mom and Dad ties the knot!! Yay!!

After so many years, my parents finally were able to have their wedding. Attended by immediate family and friends, the happy couple ties the knot and exchange vows. The pics shows the young couple surrounded by those who love and care for them. Big party after..