2011-10-31: Thru the Eyes....Halloween Style

Just got back from a great weekend in Maine at my Moms. Went to the big attraction in Dexter, (Reny's) where they had a stack of pumpkins for free. Hooray! I was supposed to get some pumpkin pix for camera club this month. I've been out straight and honestly have not had a sec to do my assignment. So I grabbed a couple of pumpkins to bring home. After the 4 hour ride home, and after the car was unloaded and things put away, I got to it.  I set up my workspace...Spread out the newspaper...Got a very sharp knife...Convinced Sue that I wouldn't cut my fingers off....and started carving...Then got out my camera...in order to get another edition of "Through the Eyes...."

..."Of a Pumpkin Seed"

 And "Through the Eyes of a Pumpkin"

Ok, Halloween post is done..10 months down for Project 365.  61 days left....I can do it...I can do it...

And now what I have to do is clean my mess off the counter...groan...

Em

2011-10-30: Great Day In Maine

Went out roaming around in Maine yesterday. Stopped at an Alpaca farm, went to a Wine tasting at Winterport Winery, ate at a great pub in Belfast called Rollies, but the best part of the day was going to a Stove Shop in Thorndike. "A stove shop?", you say. "Have you lost your mind?". No I haven't and yes you heard me right. Bryants Stove Shop is a most interesting place. The owner, Joe Bryant, has spent years creating an amazing museum. Mr. Bryant has a toy room where he has rube goldberged many motors and bicycle parts, and gadgets and gizmos to animate the toys. Amazing. He had a music room where there were many player pianos and calliopes and other amazing things from the early 1900's. He gave us the grand tour and encouraged us to try out everything. Wow! A museum where you can touch the displays! And he had antique cars and of course antique stoves. (And refurbished Wood stoves-hence the name of the place). We had smiles on our faces for the entire visit and felt like little kids looking with wonder at everything. And 'Old Joe', as he called himself, had a smile on his face the entire time as he loved to show his hobby. It helped that his wife was a big inspiration is his hobby. They are a lovely pair of people.
Here's a shot of some player piano rolls from Ol' Joe's museum.

If you are ever up in the area, check it out. It will make you smile.
See you tomorrow.
Em

2011-10-29: Storm's a-brewin

We're expecting some more snow tonite (6-12 inches) and all I can think about is that today is just 1 more day closer to spring. Taylor called me yesterday...Poor kid was freezing down in Austin. "How cold is it honey?", I asked..."65", she replied. "I guess I'd better start dressing warmer".. So I looked at the thermometer over the kitchen window that seemed to be mocking me, and telling me that yes it is 30 degrees outside....Taylor...I could smack you ;-p.  But actually, I just need to accentuate the positive, and think about the new opportunities for pictures at this time of the year. Took this the other day in my backyard just before a rainstorm:

Rainstorm? Looks like Armageddon!  Well wanted to get this posted early. Gonna be toolin around Maine for the day...At least till the storm hits.
Drive Safe
Em

2011-10-28: Almost Halloween....Scary stuff happenin'

It's a good thing I'm generally cheerful. I'm crawling along with a messed up laptop. And if that isn't enough to break a man...I wake up this morning to even worse news....SNOW.....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Shoot me now...I lesser man would have crawled up in a ball and cried...Well, after I clutched my chest and got over the shock, I did get me camera and get out to get some shots...Mind you, it was 5 in the morning so I didn't get anything too exciting. But I did get some shots. And after the sun came up, I had to admit that the ice looked pretty on the trees. Ok...That's enough...It can melt now and warm up...When will spring ever get here?? I mean, last year at this time, I still had 3 weeks of golf left.  Anyway, I thought this message was appropriate on my stairs for this time of year.

Ok, by now you've probably figured out that I don't care for snow. It's gonna be a long winter....
Stay warm
Em

2011-10-27: #$*%@!#

Got home from a shooting assignment last night and booted up the laptop to start reviewing my pics. And was greeted by a friendly start up message: "You Hard Disk is in immenent danger of failing. Back up your drive immediately." Oh crap. Luckily I back up all my pictures and important things to 2 external hard drives, but it's such a drag when you wonder "Ok what about all of my emails, programs, and music, etc." What a drag. So I spent the next couple of hours doing that, all the while reviewing my shots. I did get those out in time for the deadline so that is good. But what about today? I ran some diagnostics, and will have to call HP later for support. I think I've only had it for 11 months so hopefully it's covered. Oh yeah-Got it at Walmart's black Friday sale last year..Anyway, it comes to a point where you say...6 hours on the phone with support, or just go buy a new one. Which is the lesser of 2 evils? Well I'll try to call at lunch today and hope they can give me some good news. In the meantime,

I'm  'd.

Groan. Stupid computers.....Even though they have given me a career, they still suck...
Wish me luck
Em
p.s. I can't stress enough the importance of external backups...

2011-10-26: New Book

"What did you buy?", Sue snickered to me over the phone... "Um, a new lens cap", I asked? "Or maybe the new Eye piece to my Canon?". "No, it's bigger than that", she replied..."Wow! That was quick!", I exclaimed. "I only ordered it 2 days ago". I was referring to the new book by Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen that I can add to my arsenal. I listen to these photographers on their Podcasts "GoingPro" and "PhotoFocus". Very informative and I always look forward to when they update their show.



I picked it up at Amazon for about $18 and it's a great book. I'm only a 1/2 chapter into it, but it's beautiful. Wonderful pictures and it appears like it will cover just about everything. A must read for anyone who is thinking about going all out like I am.

Speaking of going all out. I've got another assignment this afternoon so I've got to get back to the grindstone and finish up some work. So, check out that book, and I'll see you tomorrow.

Em

2011-10-25: A man of many Hats

So, yesterday Sue asked me of there was anything she could do for me (which she asks every day). She's been trying to fight a cold and I didn't want her out raking leaves, so I suggested she stay in and clean out the front hall hutch. "How much trouble can she get in by doing that", I thought. Well I got home and discovered that I had a couple of baseball hats in the hutch. Well, 28 to be precise, which she hung of on the coat rack. Yikes! Makes me take back every comment I've ever made about her shoe collection, or bag collection. (Well I don't take them back, but you get my point). 28  hats!

And this doesn't count the other few scattered around the house. Well, I after a chuckle, and a comment about what a woman I am...(sorry ladies), I decided that it was time to clean out the really ratty ones. I threw away 4.. So now I was down to a respectable 24. I put the 2 or 3 best ones back on the rack. then the remainder back neatly in the hutch. Ready for whatever occasion arises.

You know, I am a man of many hats. I can do most any handy thing around the house, and I have a lot of interests. I try to be the best husband and father (although I have an unbelievable family, so this is not a hard job)  If I don't know how to do something, I research and figure it out. I've often wondered why I couldn't be an expert in something or the best at something. But I have more fun just knowing a little about a lot. I just work hard at doing the best I can do at what's in front of me.
And now, off to work to do my best.  What hat should I wear today?
Hats off to you!
Em

p.s. (that pink thing in the middle is my dog's coat in case you were wondering) ;-)

2011-10-24: ZZZZzZzzzzz

Yikes, I've been so busy lately, and I am just bushed. Too tired to write anything profound or amusing. So I'll just post a pic. This shot was of that old pickers barn in Goffstown. It appears to be stables and judging by the junk in them, they haven't housed a horse since the early part of the last century.

That's ok by me. Makes an interesting shot. Lots of lines and textures.
On another note....In today's Citizen...3 shots by yours truly! 1 from the Franklin/Newfound football game on Saturday, and 2 from the Newfound/Interlakes soccer game yesterday. I'm really getting into it!
Ok, that's all the energy I can muster for today. See you tomorrow.
Em

ps. AHHHHHH! I've got to get going on my Photo Club assignments.

2011-10-23: Out on Assignment

Busy weekend. Had to cover the Franlkin/Newfound football game yesterday and the Newfound/Interlakes Soccer game today. I'm really enjoying covering sports. Who knows, maybe someday I can get be one of those guys who gets trampled on the sidelines of a Pats game, or behind the hoop at a Celtics game...Gotta dream big! However, on the way to the game in Bristol, I passed a nice scene on Wicwas Lake in Meredith. Liked it so much, I stopped on the way back and got it.

Absolutely beautiful. No matter what I end up doing photography wise, I've always return to the water and trees.
There....The Citizen's assignment is done, and so is my personal one.
G'nite
Em

2011-10-22: Great show!

Had a awesome time in Boston last night with Jordan. Took him to see Smashing Pumpkins at the Orpheum for his birthday. What a kick ass show. And it pays to know people. Saw my good ol friend Cathy B. working there and she got us seats down about 10 rows from the stage. Much better view than where my balcony tickets provided. My ears where ringing we were so close to the speaker bank. Love it. The band was great even though they only played 3 songs that I knew.

This shot was taken with my iPhone. The ones inside did not come out very good. They had quite a light show that messed up my shots. Got home at 2 am.
Did some yardwork today followed by a photo assignment at the Franklin HS football game. (they won 28-0) against Newfound. And I am bushed. Hitting they hay gang. Enjoy your weekend!
Em
p.s. Eh, I found this one on my phone. Not great, but you get an idea how close we were.

2011-10-21: Smashing Pumpkins!

Oh yeah! Heading off to the Orpheum in Boston tonite to see Smashing Pumpkins! Taking Jordan for a be-lated birthday present. I've long admired the pumpkins thanks to listening to Ashley introducing me to their music. Love the music. Amazing what you learn from your kids. Anyway, in honor of that trek tonite, here's an oldie from 2004 when Ashley was a student at Keane State College. The annual pumkin fest..

Your's truly (With a beard?), Ashley, Taylor and Jordan (10-24-04)

Allright, talk to you tomorrow...But don't talk back to me..I'm sure I'll be deaf and won't hear a thing.

Rock on!

Em

2011-10-20: Immerse Yourself!

A photography friend was commenting to me that she needs a kick in the butt, while I seem to fly right thru with my photography activities. I'll admit, things seem to really be happening for me, but I wouldn't say I'm flying right thru. The last couple of years since the kids have all grown and moved out, I just have had more time. I started to see things that I overlooked before and have had a chance to appreciate what is before my eyes. This has also opened up a creative side of me so I am able to see things in my head and present it on digital format. I found this new found passion after years of admiring my daughters' art. Finally trying it out myself, and hearing many times over from my wife, "You know, you've got a really good eye". Hearing that enough times gave me the confidence to believe it myself. After that, I just became totally immersed in everything to do with photography. Taking an adult ed class, joining the local photography club, reading countless blogs, subscribing to countless more websites, and listening to podcasts. I'm afraid to count how many books I have on photography. Whether it is tips, or just picture books. I like to experiment and try different techniques.

I've commented to my daughter Taylor before that I wish I'd gotten into photography when I was a kid and then made a career of that. She said that then it wouldn't be fun and it would just be a job. She's probably right about that. I have no big game plan for now. It's just learn all I can and get better and better. I love to take pictures and share with anyone, the beauty I am seeing. If I can make a few bucks in the process, or turn my career that way, so be it. As I mentioned a few months ago when I did my second art show, I saw so much joy from some people who looked at my pictures, and heard them reminisce. That just made it all worthwhile. Then last week, I had a picture in the Citizen of Colton Workman on a unicycle. It was just something I noticed at the GHS field, and I thought it was really cool. I took this 4th graders picture, and it made the paper. His mom said it made his day and he took the paper to show and tell at school. I can't begin to tell you how really great that made me feel, knowing that my little action made someone else's day.
And back to my photography friend. She says she was hoping she could get some courage watching me. I must admit, that I went to a Landmark Education conference last year after much prodding from my friend John. And I think it actually helped me to shed some of the chains and fears that may have held me back before. When I try something new now, I usually start out with "What's the worst that can happen?" Then "What's the best that could happen?" The best is usually much better and then I'm not worried about it. Like last week at my first freelance gig. I was totally nervous about it. "What if I don't get the shot?" Then thought "So what! If you don't get it, you don't get it. No big deal. But if I do get it and it's published....Way cool!" The best that could happened completely erased any nervousness. And I had a blast.
I'm not sure where this is all going, but to my friend, the bottom line is to just have fun. And don't worry about things. You have a good eye too. So don't be afraid to share what you are seeing. Life is too beautiful a thing to keep to yourself.

Over and out...
Em

2011-10-19: Doug and Tommy

Yesterday was a nice fall day, and for a change, I decided to head out exploring at lunch. Usually I just eat at my desk and work through lunch. I headed over to Tilton to the Island Park. I've driven by it a number of times, and know there is a river and a raildroad trestle that could make for some interesting shots. First I Googled Mapped it to get familiar with the surroundings and to figure a back way in. (I love Google)...Found it, set my coordinates on the GPS, and off I went. Arriving at my destination, I had to walk through some woods to get to the railroad tracks. Walked a little ways to get over the river and started taking pictures when I heard some voices. I turned to see a couple of disheveled characters and I got a bit nervous. One of them had two teeth, eyes obviously glazed, and looked quite homeless. The other looked not quite as bad, but still made me apprehensive. I said, "Hey Guys. What's up?" And started to plan my escape if the need arose. Figuring that it wasn't that far down to the water. I've jumped a lot farther (Quincy Quarrys to be specific), but knew that would be the end of my cameras. Then I realized my Monopod had a good sharp spike on the bottom that could be used as a weapon if need be. Anyway, these 2 guys said they were just out in the woods sitting around a campfire. So, again, I'm thinking homeless. Then they introduced themselves as Doug and Tommy. Doug said, that's a nice camera you have there. "Eh, it's a low end one", I tried to convince the guy. Then he said, " You can get some beautiful pictures of the park at this time of year. And he started to tell me,  "I hope you have a polarizing lens on that, taking pictures had high noon".  I said I sure did. Starting to feel a bit more comfortable.Then Doug started to tell me that he's known as TBK... "The Bass Killer" as he loves to fish at this river. But can't now because the seaon is over, and his fishing permit expired. He had on a hunting jacket so I asked him if he hunted. "No, I can't have a gun anymore", he replied. "I'm a veteran, and can't carry a gun. That just isn't right. Besides, I never did like hunting. I like to fish". Well that made me feel better, I guess. Tommy meanwhile said, "If you guys are talking about hunting, I'm going home. That just bores me. See ya later fellas". And off he went. So Doug and I chatted a bit more. He told me about some good spots around Tilton where he goes to get some spectacular sunset shots.  He said he was a night cook and had to head home and get ready for work. Hmm. Not homeless. And decent guys. Whew.. "Good to meet you",  I said as we shook hands.. Same here Emery, he replied. And off he trotted. Can't judge a book by its cover, can you? This one's for you Doug and Tommy.

And this one's for me.

All in all, an interesting lunch time. Much better than just sitting at my desk. But in the future, it probably would be a good idea to let someone know where I'm heading.
See you tomorrow
Em

2011-10-18: House painting is highly overrated...

Last weekend when I was in Weare talking to the owners of the craft store, they mentioned that they wish they had some pics of the old white house next door. So of course, I went over to see what they were talking about. Got quite a few shots and I'll have to go thru them and send to Linda and Jennifer. But here is a sample of the front door.

I don't know if anyone lived there or not as it was in disrepair, but to a photographer, it was beautiful. I'll have to remember that the next time my house needs painting...Wonder how that will fly? Just did it last year, so hopefully I'll be all set for awhile.
Take care
Em

2011-10-17: Stubborn Little Fella...

Down in Weare (or Goffstown) yesterday, I took Ashley, Tom, and Joey to the "pickers heaven" barn. They were intrigued, I think, by all of the really cool crap. So I was glad they had a chance to see it. I took a bunch of shots of course, but may favorite one was of this little tree that had started to grow in a crack on the door. Despite all odds, it was making a go of it...

That's all. No great stories to tell..Just thought I'd share what interests me. L8r.
Em

2011-10-16; The Great Pumpkin Regatta

Had to close up the trailer today. End of season. :-( Boo  But went to the Goffstown Pumpkin festival with Ashley, Tom, and Joey.  Not too exciting a festival from what I saw, except for the Pumpkin Regatta. Contestants build boats out of hollowed out pumpkins (like 800 pound pumpkins) and race them around the river in Goffstown. Meanwhile trying to sink the others with hoses and squirt guns..  I mean these things have trolling motors on them. That was pretty funny.  Here is the Goffstown Fire Department's entry. This guy had a shirt shooter canon on the front to fire shirts to people on the shore. That was cool.

This is something that Laconia should get going every year in the Winnepesaukee River...
Got a busy week coming up, but I'll do my best to keep posting. See ya
Em

p.s. Sue and I were shopping in a local craft shop this weekend, and we got chatting, and they want to see samples of my cards. That would be cool to start selling them in stores. They are now closed til Spring, but I'll start putting something together for them for when they do reopen. I really will have to start contacting other shops during the winter for next Spring...So much to do, so little time...That's what keeps me young...

2011-10-15: Mixin it up a bit...Clean up Day

Today's the second weekend in the new trailer, but the campground closes for the season tomorrow. So we already have to clean up the site and close up the camper. Not too much to do. Do some leaf blowing, clean the roof of the camper, and help a neighbor dismantle his screen house. After that, Sue and I will probably do some more exploring and see what is out in this neck of the woods. Since  it's clean-up day, I thought I'd clean up the pics on my iphone and post a picture I've been meaning to show. It is a Ford Motometer that we saw down at Perkins' Cove last month. Don't know if it was a repro or a clean-ed up original, or even what year it was, but it was a beauty.

Hopefully when we're out and about today, I'll get some good New England Foliage shots. Ok, coffee is Perk-in so need to go get my wake-up juice.
Stay Cool
Em
p.s. By the way, another one of my shots made the Citizen again yesterday. 4th publish this week! Check it out here.

2011-10-14: Out Exploring

Worked in Manchester today, and arrived early at the office which is along the Merrimack River. I started exploring, and discovered this dreary old building. Looked like something out of a Batman movie. It looked abandoned except for the lights on in a few windows. I find it hard to believe people work in conditions like this. However I guess it could be nice inside, but I find it hard to believe. I guess I'm spoiled by the comfortable places that I have worked, where the biggest problem is that the heat is up to high or the AC is up too high.

I started taking a walk around the river, but it started pouring, and I ran to get my camera out of the rain. Will have to explore again some other day. Anyway, we're at the campground for the weekend where the Internet connection is almost nil. Hopefully, I'll get this posted.
iPhone connection is barely up, but the beer is cold. So I got that going for me.
Peace out
Em

2011-10-13: A Dark Place

I'm in a dark place today. My daughter who was married in August had her house in Texas broken into yesterday. Everything of monetary and sentimental value gone. It happened during the day while she and her husband were at work. Two hard working kids who work for everything they have have been violated. At least they are safe.
F'n people.

And while I'm in a really bad mood, let me pose a scenario.
A person is hired to do a job after answering an ad in the paper.
Lets say it is their first job, and they are inexperienced, which is true in this case.
They are offered a certain amount of money, which they believe to be a fair amount given their lack of experience. They believe this is a good opportunity to gain some experience and to get their name established.
Now after they start to do the job, someone else sends an anonymous email saying they left that organization because they were getting paid much more, and the company was going to lower the rates.
This anonymous person, calls the first person a whore to himself and the profession for accepting the lower rate.
Is the new hire really a whore? It is not like they knowingly crossed a picket line and put someone out of a job. Companies are cutting back all over and it is surprising that the company is still in business to begin with. You know, I really would like to have this discussion further, as the first person is me. But I cannot have this discussion because as I said, the email was anonymous from "A.Friend"..
As I said, I'm in a dark place, and pissed that I was even wasting my time worried about this.
So "A. Friend", I'm sorry you're out of a job. That was not my intent. Everyone is hurting.
grumble
Em

2011-10-12: Oh Yeah, Baby! I'm published!

So you read about my hectic evening last night getting my pictures in to the paper...Well imagine my excitement when I picked the paper out of the tube this morning:

Ok, it's hard to read in this scan that I did, but it is above the fold! Almost the whole top 1/2 of the paper. Yup, that's my name in black!

And here's the online version of today's paper: 

Off and runnin'!  And tonite, it's off to cover Gilford Boys Soccer..

2011-10-11: Sports Photography? Me? Why Not!

So I had an interview yesterday with the Laconia Citizen for a freelance photographer position. My first assignment was to cover the Gilford HS Girls soccer game today. Now, I generally have shied away from photographing people. Much easier to go out and capture inanimate objects. But I welcomed the challenge. Last night I brushed up on all those action photography books and blogs that I have been ignoring. I was nervous today, but then I said to myself...What's the worst that could happen? Maybe miss a shot? And what is the best that could happen? Get published! So that quickly erased my nervousness and off I went to the game. Gilford played White Mountains and ended in a 1-1 tie. The game was called in overtime due to darkness. I came home and had dinner, and around 8:30 I started looking a the shots. I had about 400 of them to go thru. Ug...Then at 8:40, the paper called looking for the shots. They had a 9pm deadline! Something they had neglected to tell me before.. YIKES! SO I scrambled to grab some shots. Not sure they were the best. No time to crop or anything..Then tried to email to my contact. He called me back...The emails were not going...I wasn't getting an error or anything, but the paper wasn't getting them. After a few tries, they said I could hand deliver them. Got the pics in their hands by 10. So hopefully they'll make it in the paper! Anyway, here is a shot. No face given as I'm not sure what the legalities of posting it to my own site. But I figured this can't hurt anyone.

Here are some of the tips I read for action/sports photography:
Put in Shutter Priority Mode
Shoot at 1/640s at least to freeze action
Use ISO 800 or put in Auto ISO
Open up Aperture as wide as possible, F/2.8 if possible
Shoot in Burst mode to better your chance of getting the shot
Don't always focus on the winner. Get the emotions of the losers.
Use a monopod
Shoot both vertically (to focus on athlete) and Horizontally
Compose to give your athlete somewhere to go. (not done above because there was poor background object, so I cropped.
AF mode: set to Al Servo to help keep focus on moving object
Get down Low
Have sun over your shoulder to light up the athletes faces.
Share the emotion
Tell a story
Try to limit players in the shot so viewer knows who you are focusing on.
Get in tight. Show what people in the stands can't see
Anticipate the shot. Focus on a spot you expect the action to go to and be ready for it.

Ok, that'll keep you busy for awhile.
See you tomorrow. Hopefully my shots will be in the paper!
Em

p.s. Happy Birthday to my brother John!

2011-10-10: Almost missed Foliage Season

What a great weekend camping in our new trailer in Weare. The leaves were just starting to change. In fact the colors were further along down south than in our neck of the woods. In Gilford we hardly had a leaf on the ground.. Well, we were gone 4 days and came back to discover that we nearly missed foliage season in our yard. I'm going to have to get out early tomorrow and get some shots when the light is right. Figured I'd show you a shot of the front yard before I get out the leaf blower...

Regardless of the work ahead of me...I do love fall!
Oh, by the way...I had an interview at the Citizen this afternoon...I'm going to be freelancing for them! You may be seeing my name in print one of these days. Wish me luck!
And here's hoping my leaves blow over to the neighbors yard!
See ya!
Em

p.s. Great to be back to the land of High-speed internet!

2011-10-09: Ready, Aim..Shoot!

So I headed off this morning (early for camp life) in search of some perfect shots...Well, you're not going to see it today...But I tried. I was driving down thru Weare, and saw a flock of geese on a pond at the side of the road..I quickly pulled over and grabbed my gear. Just then a truck with a couple of hunters pulled over next to me. I deduced they were hunters from the bush clothes, orange vests, camoflage boat, and guns..(Sherlock Holmes, I am!). "Did you see those geese across the street?, they asked. "Sure did", I replied. "Well you better hurry and get your shots, because we're hungry and we may beat you to it", they added. With that , they peeled out, did a U-turn and raced back across the street and down a dirt road. So I grabbed by gear and ran across the road to the pond. I plunked myself down by the pond and tried to get some shots. By this time, they had paddled quite a ways away and wouldn't sit still and cooperate for me. So unfortunately, this was the best that I got.

I moved down the pond a bit and saw a perfect shot of the geese framed by a birch tree. But I had to stand in a marshy area. I had my small tripod, but it was too low for the shot, so I started to head back to my car to get my tall tripod, and something spooked the geese. Off they flew. I wasn't sure if it was my fault or was the hunters. But I figured that I had overstayed my welcome anyway, and headed back to camp.
And so, another one in the can, as they say..Post is now done and I can get ready for the PATS!
Have a good one. Keep your head low..And wear orange for protection!
Em

2011-10-08: Happy Birthday Jordan! Also, Houston, we have a problem..

I want to do a shout out for our little boy who turned 20 today. Happy birthday Jordan. Love you and so proud of you. He's quite a man and means the world to me.

On another note, say hello to my new friend "Houston". Saw this little guy this morning outside our trailer. He just sat there watching me watch him.. I named him Houston, since I've got a problem..The internet here at the campground is awful...Expecially when the camp ground is full. That is not going to be good for me. So I'll have to look into getting my own somehow..And the Verizon signal is bad here too. That I can fix by getting a personal "Tower" for 100 bucks, so I'll have to do that next year. But I've got to get a really clear internet signal for work. So I'll have to do some research for next year.

Anyway, I'm hoping I can get this posted before the signal drops again..
Other than that, we're having a great time here at the campground. Everyone is so friendly.
Nite gang
Em

2011-10-07: Home Away From Home

A late post today, but still made my deadline...We got our new summer home all set up today at Coldsprings Campground in Weare. Where? No, Weare....Just in time because it is supposed to be in the 80's this weekend. We'll see..It was 39 this morning...Sue and I decided to get a trailer after visiting my sister and brother-in-law (Yay Terry and Ron!) in Michigan last summer and seeing how fun it was. Our goal someday is to RV it around the country, playing at golfcourses in every state...We'll maybe that's my goal. :-) Might be tough when we get to Hawaii..But we'll deal with that if and when the time comes. But anyway, I digress..
It was a little hectic today moving in, and getting organized, meanwhile having things to do for work, so I relied on Sue mostly for the organization part of it. And she did a great job. Anway, here's the outside of trailer..We'll show you the inside tomorrow.

I also hope to get out and explore tomorrow so hopefully will get some good shots.
See you then
Em

2011-10-06: Fall's Coming!

Well I'm anxiously awaiting the leaves to start changing...It's been a little slow around here. Not that I'm looking forward to what comes after (raking, then snowing, then shovelling). Ug. But last year we had a very poor foliage season so I didn't get many shots. Here's hoping this year is prettier. It was 39 this morning, and I had been up all night working, but I needed a break and went outside in search of some color. Nearly froze. I wasn't dressed for the occasion. But I quickly snapped a couple of shots, and here is a sample.

It won't make Outdoor Photographer, but it gives me something to work on.
Speaking of that Mag, I just got a subscription (digital) for $10. Love it! And here is a great article and shots on shooting fall colors by Stan Trzoniec... Enjoy!

Em

2011-10-05: Happy Birthday T!

My little girl turns 23 today. Wow, where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday she was 22.  And seems like just yesterday, she was married, but that was 5 weeks ago. Yikes!
I hope she has a wonderful birthday. Miss her tons, but I know she is loving her new life down in Austin. So that makes me happy. Here's a shot from last month.

Happy birthday sweetheart! Have a wonderful day!
Love you!
Dad

2011-10-04: I made the front page!

Well, I made the front page ot the Gilford public Library Website (below the fold) with my shot from Saltmarsh pond from a week or so ago. So that's cool! In celebration, here's another shot from that day. Smooth water and a paint-peeled boat does the trick!

On another note, tomorrow is my "little girls's" birthday, far away in Austin...Wish I could be down there right now tossing back a cold one with her. Hope she has a great day! Love you T!
And you have a great day too
Em

2011-10-03: Glad I don't smoke...

It's been about 9 years since I last had a cigarette. Maybe longer. One of the best things I ever did was to quit. Over the years since, I often thought that I'd like a cigar when I was out golfing or mowing the yard or something. But I know if I took a puff of a cigar, I'd be right back with cigarettes in no time. Anyway, the point of my post today, is that I needed a shot of smoke for my club assignment. I had done a great shot of smoke last year (Remember the Virgin Mary?), and this year I thought about doing a cigar ad type shot. I went down to the gas station and asked for a big fat cigar.."What flavor do you want", the cashier asked. "We've got vanilla, grape, strawberry, kiwi, ...". "Um, I'm not going to smoke it", I told her, "I just need it for a photo. So I'll take the vanilla". Seeing that vanilla is my favorite flavor of ice cream...I figured, why not? So she looked at me like I had 10 heads....and sold me the stogie.
Back at home, of course I was not going to light it in the house, I set up shop in the garage. Carefully set up a backdrop. Arranged the ashtray and cigar. And tried to light it. It was tough getting the cigar to blow off enough smoke since I wasn't actually puffing on it. But anyway, the garage still got pretty stinky (Should have got the strawberry one). So I opened the garage door. Unfortunately, that blew away what little smoke I could conjour up. Didn't quite get the shot I was going for, but did manage this one.

And after stinking up the garage...I no longer even want to smoke a cigar. So I'm not missing anything...Good lesson for myself.
Enjoy the day, and may it be smoke-free for you.
Em

2011-10-02: Cleaning the Shop

Another rainy day in Gilford. So it was a perfect day to start to tackle my workshop. Someday we'd like to sell this house and hit the road. The market is not good now, so that is out of the question. We did buy a trailer last week which we plan on spending next summer at, so now is the time to start clearing out the house. That way, we'll have more time for fun next summer, and will be ready for when the market comes back. But gosh, my workshop is the worst place in the house. There is always time to do a project, but never time to put the tools away. And the shop has become a catchall for everything I don't want to throw out. It's going to take months to clean this room up, but with encouragement from Sue, I was able to get one wall cleaned up today.

 Before

After

Got rid of the old shelves and everything on them. yay Me! I know Taylor will be proud of me too. I know it was the smallest wall in the shop, but its a start. Ok, I'm on a roll now. Back down to the dungeon for awhile before the Pats game starts.
See you tomorrow
Em

2011-10-01: Photowalk!

As you may or may not know, I led the Gilford version of Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk. I had been planning this for a couple of months and the walk was at Lockes Hill in Gilford. Well, the weather did not cooperate and rain was scheduled all weekend. But it still wasn't raining at 9 this morning, so off we went. 8 dedicated souls wanting to hike and take pictures of the lake and woods. Well, it started raining and was foggy as a sun-of-a-gun, so I'm not sure how many pictures everyone was able to take. I'll have to wait and see what the gang posts ( at Gilfordphotowalk2011). But despite the torrential downpour, we completed the 2 hour hike. Here's a picture of my daughter Ashley, son Jordan, and myself. Well I didn't take this one, but it was taken with my phone! (My camera was wrapped up tight in bags at this point)

So to complete the day's post, here's one I took. Again, with the phone..



It was fun, just wish it could have been nice day. Oh well, next time!
Tomorrow I've got to get my assignments done for Tuesday, so I'll be busy with that.
Stay dry!
Em