Happy T-Day

I'd like to think that big thighs are good for something besides a sturdy base for my big ole noggin.

This one's for Kels and Celiac- the only ones who might read this,
that are in climes warm enough to go outside without a coat at this time of year.
(Let alone lay out in the sun and bake.)

Yes. I'm spoiled.

Cha, Cha, Cha, Check it out!

Yes.
I got ANOTHER camera!!!
I have a perfectly LOVELY Minolta SLR camera that Chuck got me a couple of years ago for Christmas.
And last year he got me a cool, new lens for it.
And it takes fantastic pictures.

So WHY?!?!

The SLR is rather big and bulky to take on backpacking trips, or quick shots. I try to keep it in protective gear and not mess it up. This new camera is much more portable and has the viewfinder (which also rotates so you can use it at different angles), has a 20optical zoom and 12 megapixels and...

Well ok. I did not NEED another camera.
But, I AM excited about it.

It will take nice macro pictures.
Look closely you can see the actual grain (and dust) on the keyboard.
It's not like I don't use the keyboard - how does it get so dusty?!?


The only problem so far is I haven't had a chance to take any "real" pictures with it.
I leave before it's light and get home after dark.
And with just Chuck and I here at home there's not exactly exciting photo ops at every turn.

Here's a regular zoom view of the computer speakers.
(Note the lovely detail of the drab gray fabric.)


Here we have a close up of said fabric.


See.

Apparently I need to get out more.
The camera has definite potential once I get something interesting to shoot.

Sheesh!

Well Hello!

Here's Chloe in the red version of gramma's cat eye glasses.

Also, check out Tyson's bathroom tribute here.
It's NOT what you think!

Quick Fix

This is for Ali...

I am by NO means a re-touching expert. I've done just a little. But, I DO know that digital cameras gather a LOT of information and there are a lot of different ways to access that info and bring out the details that are hidden. I don't know if you're interested in getting more info on how to correct image or you just want to get that new camera and take morning or evening shots. But, I guess what I'm trying to say here is that all isn't lost with the pictures that you have taken.
(And once again let me say that this was a super quick fix - not refined. )

FRIDAY the 13th!!!

When is Friday the thirteenth a great day?!?


Well, let's say you're nine months pregnant - due date of 1 november.
Every time you sit down you feel like you're sitting on the babies head.
Your back is KILLING you!
Doctors don't "start" you no matter HOW big you are.
And you're sure you're going to be pregnant FOREVER!!

Yep.

Little did my poor, petite madre know she was giving birth to the future ENORMOUS, round headed crazy lady of inkom. (You all know it's true). I'm maintaining that rather than share a birthday with my onery Italian grandmother (who turned 101 two weeks ago on the 1st), I refused to budge. Shades of stubborn days ahead? You'll have to ask my mom. I'm guessing she was just thrilled for me to vacate the premises no matter what the consequences.

And let me just say here -

Thanks mom!

Sorry about the misery. I appreciate your sacrifice, your example, and your cheerfulness while raising a rambunctious brood of 8 renegades. Well, some more renegade than others
(You know who you are :0)

So, I was born on a Friday the 13th and how cool is it that ?!?
I have a built in excuse !
I was born on a Friday the 13th. What's your excuse :0)

What to do....?

Tonight I brought home a big ole stack of books I'd ordered to help me get up to speed on the new programs I'm "supposed" to be teaching.
So what am I doing?
Well it sure isn't cracking those books open!

Yeah, pretty much anything but...
Procrastination?
Yeah baby!

Ode to Fall

This is where I would write a lovely poem about the beauties of crisp, colorful fall leaves, a dusting of snow on the mountains, and the wonders of a fresh honeycrisp apple... That is if I had a poetic bone in my body. Which I definitely do not. So, instead I'll post a picture of the view from the back porch last week and an apple we bought today. These are a few of the things that make the transition from colorful fall to winter bearable.

.
If you have never had a fresh honeycrisp apple you are missing out. I like a good gala, a bodacious braeburn, and the fruity fuji. But once I discovered the wonder if the honeycrisp they all pale in comparison. The sad thing is they are fairly fragile and they won't last like the nasty, tasteless Delicious. But when they are available, ahhhhh... well, like I said, I'm no poet so you'll have to try one and write your own dang poem.

Sunday, Sunday

Ty sent me this great pic from this morning.
I hope Lincoln is always this excited about going to church and brushing his teeth.
And what a snazzy dresser he is too!

Meanwhile I was sitting in a gym all day listening to information regarding possible/probable deployment for the Chuckmeister in the coming year.
Yeah, no contest about whether I would have preferred to be at church with Lincoln (or any of my kids or grandbabies). But, you do what you have to do right?

On another note...I went to a play last night with my next youngest sister. The play is "The Syringa Tree" and it was put on by a theater group that moved out west from Broadway. It was a one woman play and absolutely amazing. She played the part of 23 different characters. She was on stage for 90 minutes straight and didn't miss a step. It was a touching story of a black and white family from the 1960's to the present dealing with family relations and apartheid. The small theater is a renovated movie house in a small town. We had to drive several hours to see the play and it got done late. But it was definitely worth it. I LOVE to see live theater. And this woman was phenomenal. She made it all seem effortless and you were right there with her the whole way. Plus, I got to spend time on the way there and back visiting with my sis. It was a good night.