Comings and Goings

If you read yesterday's post you'll remember that I second guessed my decision all Sunday afternoon. Looking at this photograph taken around 5 pm, you'll agree it added insult to injury.

Yes indeed, I was pretty darn miserable, although it did rain again later. That said, I keep reminding myself that my product was too darn wet for anyone to have been able to purchase it.

As well you may remember that I said everything was spread all over the house drying out. Bruce left again early Monday morning after which time I tackled the packing up. Here's a little tour of what I faced beginning with my former office:

That white thing hanging off the treadmill is one of the sides, another one was on the bed, another hanging in the garage and the fourth one was hanging in the hall bathroom!

The poor sunroom--you could barely walk around:

And more:

We had the overhead fan blasting away as well as this stand up version. Even my office housed some stuff:

Sadly, those two containers on my desk contain inventory that I'd planned on selling. Fortunately they are proven sellers meaning eventually they will go. The kitchen even got involved once I began the clean up beginning with the side panels. Notice my shoes which also had to go through the fan treatment!

After the panels were packed away I began the canvas packing:

The good news is that nothing is the worse for wear. Finally, all rooms were cleared of evidence, packed and in their rightful place in the garage:

I received a very sweet email from Tom's mom Jane,  who apparently spent some time yesterday catching up with Camera Crazy. She expressed her sorrow (is that too strong a word for this?) over my disappointment, going so far as to say she hoped the experience did not dampen my enthusiasm for my art. How did she know? As I type, there is an application for a show in New Smyrna Beach which is due by October 15, however, I can't seem to make myself prepare it. Things would be decidedly different had I done well--now I'm not so sure.

I was thinking a road trip might clear my head and heart. Angela has agreed to watch Baxie for me if I choose to do so, although, I can't think of any place I really want to go. Still puzzling. You and I both know the last thing I need is to take more photographs!

I managed to stay busy the rest of Monday, buying that bird seed Lisa mentioned along with some waterproofing spray for my sides. While talking to Bruce last night in New Jersey he told me he ordered some vinyl sides which in the future will do more to keep things dry. He's such a sweetie. Because I rarely have anything to cry about, it really upset him that this experience brought me to tears. So girlie right?

Yesterday the weather forecast was for more rain, however, once again it was incorrect. The sun shone brilliantly which in some ways made me sad and in other ways lifted my spirits. Unlike some parts of the world Florida is known for rain showers and then sun. It is unheard of having rain for 36 hours straight unless there is a hurricane. Crazy business but I guess no crazier than a hurricane in England, an earthquake in Virginia, record breaking drought in Texas and the list goes on. Why should we be spared?

Moving on, no more trying to photograph our cardinals through the side window blinds. No siree! I've moved the feeder as you saw in yesterday's squirrel picture, outside the front glass door. Perfect! And here's the right kind of visitor:

Love, love that little tuft on the head! The new seed I purchased from Lisa's recommendation is safflower which is supposed to discourage squirrels. I'll try it once this batch is gone which should be maybe later today once the squirrels start their acrobatics!

Recently someone in my booth said she thought the October sunsets were the best. Really? I hadn't noticed. Last evening while my potatoes were boiling for my favorite comfort food, mashed potatoes, Baxter and I headed down to the lake. This time he was a willing participant; as we walked it looked like this:

That sky was pretty impressive--no doubt. It didn't last long though--comings and goings, it is everywhere you look. Sunset pictures are a dime a dozen that's for sure. That said, I dont' remember ever taking one where the sun's rays were so visible.

So, yes, my heart is still heavy, but the feeling is going, and my enthusiasm while dampened (no pun intended!), I still feel the rays of sunshine in my heart about the joys of taking photographs.

Because I'm typing this on an iMac, I owe a debt to Steve Jobs. All over the web you can find tributes and accolades to his genius. I won't go so far as to compare him to Thomas Edison as some folks have done, but I do think he certainly made great contributions to many, many lives. I thought this photo series of Mr. Jobs was worthy of sharing.

I'll let you know if I head off into the wild blue yonder....

your out and about photographer,
Gail

Getting Serious

At the market a week ago, my friend Harriet came to chat about how much she enjoyed Exit Through the Gift Shop. For anyone interested in street art, watching it is a must, she told me. It just so happens that she'd borrowed it from the library and instead of returning it early, she loaned it to me if I swore I'd return it on time. I swore.

Except that I didn't get to it that night. Good news for me that she renewed it. We finally watched it on Friday night and were highly entertained. As is often the case after watching a film, I had to look it up online to get more details. Discovering there was some controversy surrounding the existence of Mr. Brain Wash, I came across this Banksy interview which makes things pretty clear. If you know the work of Banksy, you know how clever he is and this film doesn't disappoint in that realm. Good times.

Somehow Bruce and I entertained ourselves before becoming hooked on Friday Night Lights, however, I'm not sure what we did. I can't imagine it was more enjoyable. Seriously, we both can't wait to watch it which is saying a lot. Kathy asked me if we were caught up yet because lots is happening in the current season; I told her we were into season #3. You know this means I'll have to buy the 4th and 5th season don't you? We are both just crazy for it.

Maybe, just maybe, you'd like to see our current summer set up? If not, skip forward. One wall:

 And the other wall with my gigantic wind machine pictured on the sidewalk:

The weather was gloomy early on only to be replaced by sunshine a little later. Not a drop of rain fell which was very nice indeed. My sales were decent for a hot June day.

So the weather reports for our respective cities is interesting:
London Next Ten Days

Orlando Next Ten Days

It's hard to imagine the trip is only days away now. I'm beginning to take things seriously, although not seriously enough to suit Nancy, our house sitter in waiting. She's all ready to head to Florida the minute the U2 concert is over. Sadly, she had front row seats to see Adele in Nashville, only to have her cancel the remaining dates on the tour. If my memory serves me correctly (ha!ha!) this U2 concert is a make up date from an earlier cancelation. For the first two days Angela will be caring for our sweet Baxter, then Nancy will take the reins.

Friday, while I was out, Alissa, the groomer came. According to Bruce, Baxter was barking madly at the door because someone was here. The minute he saw her walking up the front walkway, he turned tail! He's sporting his little July 4th kerchief! I like to think he's telling Matthew Happy Birthday in this one.

Although I've yet to make a list, I did get a start today:

Albeit, a small one. Bruce arrived home from work a little bit ago and did not like any of the three shirts I bought for him. Is it any wonder I no longer buy him any clothes??? He insists he'll pack when he returns from his business trip on Thursday--I insist he give things some thought tonight! At the moment he's just like millions of other people---catching up on the Casey Anthony trial. Over and over I tell him I'm uninterested, however, he continues to talk about it. He's not the only one. Just the other day there was a report of a woman who flew over from Germany hoping to get a seat in the courtroom. There have been others who've done the same, however, to my knowledge, she's traveled the furthest. As well, fights have broken out in the lines of people hoping to get a seat. Apparently, they get in line around 4:30 in in the morning, hoping to get one of the coveted passes. The appeal escapes me.

Dinner time and hopefully I can pry Bruce away from the trial to eat....

Learning Curve

For a while now I've been thinking about getting a "prime lens." Every now and then on a blog called Camera Crazy one must talk camera talk. For almost a year now I've been trying to get better with my Nikon camera,however the learning curve has been steep. The lenses that come with the camera are pretty mediocre; neither lens is as fast as the one on my Panasonic cameras. Nikon just came out with a 35mm f 1.8 lens for the Nikon D60 with auto focus. As you know I never spend any of the money I make except to buy new inventory, so it seemed about time to do so. I went to Colonial Photo and Hobby ready to spend the $200 only to find out that they are not only out of it but it has been on back order for a month. For some idiotic reason I decided to go ahead and buy the version without auto focus although I think I probably should have waited. I've had it for two days now and let me tell you it is a challenge. On occasion I use manual focus already but yikes, having to do it all the time is no fun. That said, I realize now I should have given this blog another name--I am not camera crazy, I'm picture taking crazy! Nevertheless here's a little sample of what I've done beginning with the young man who suggested I try it!

I'm not sure how I got that one of Baxter running at the park but I'm glad I did. How about my little tomatoes??????

I found the poppy today at the master gardener's house nearby and boy was I delighted. What an amazing structure! Those who've visited Leu Gardens will recognize the bridge and those who've been in my office will recognize the chair where Mr. Baxter is soaking up the afternoon sun.

You know how it is when happenings all collide? I know I've not written that very well, but let me try and explain what I mean. This afternoon after cleaning the mess in the pool from Tuesday's storm, I opened the gate to water the geraniums on the bench in the side yard. Rarely do I do this, in fact I can't remember the last time, but anyway they looked so lovely I went inside to get my trusty Panasonic. I was just finishing when a man stopped his moped in the street, asking me if I remembered him. He related that I'd once stopped to take pictures in his front yard and he invited me to take some shots in the back yard. "Why yes I do remember that," I replied. In fact, those who've been through my baskets will undoubtedly remember the garden bench shot, and the red chair with the sign, Stop and Eat. I asked him if he had a second and I ran in to get the prints to give to his family. The weird thing is that he was only passing through our neighborhood because he was visiting a friend on Gatlin nearby. Those prints are in my top twenty and continue to sell well; I took them about four months after getting the baby camera for Christmas from my darling Bruce. Now does that opening sentence make sense?

I heard from Lisa the other day, her great friend and neighbor, Debbie has severe ovarian cancer. She underwent the rigorous surgery on Wednesday and faces many months of chemo with no guarantees. Danny is still fighting hard, although miserably tired he continues to go to work and even ride his bicycle for exercise. He is one valiant soul! Over at Maureen's her television died and so far no employment opportunities have surfaced. There is bleakness all around isn't there? Thank God the weather has been so wonderful to at least keep spirits from completely sinking. I can't remember a spring as cool and pleasant as this one.

Someone told me recently that for a National Geographic article that publishes 20 or so photographs, over 20,000 have been taken. I don't feel so bad now when very few of mine turn out!
In a side note--the slide show is still running on the Times website....
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Listening to: Talking Heads - The Great Curve
via FoxyTunes

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Listening to: Tears For Fears - Change
via FoxyTunes

Leap of Faith

Most of us of a certain age remember where we were when we heard the news that JFK was shot. It's something retold over, and over. Another news event of more recent vintage I recall perfectly where I was when I heard it--that would be O J Simpson's trial verdict. I was on my third day of orientation at the hospital when we learned that the verdict would be read around lunchtime. As such, our moderator brought a television into the room for all to hear. There were those who were thrilled and those disappointed. It's just weird being around virtual strangers at a moment like that.

Which brings us to yesterdays' glorious event. I say that with a giant leap of faith. It's against my nature to expect too much of either politicians, or celebrities. This time however I'm suspending that notion, hoping and praying that the charisma, talent, and political skills of our new president will be used to steer our country in these most challenging times. (oh how I wish people had been realistic in buying homes!)

Remember I wrote that I hoped we could turn on the tv at the museum? Guess what? No hookup as an actual television--it's only set up to play the DVD of Mr. Polaseks' life. Karen looked for the laptop when I first got there with no luck. I decided to turn on NPR which was fine by me. I pulled up a chair, becoming absorbed in the sights and sounds they were describing. Interestingly enough Steve Inskeep called her Michelle--not MEchelle--I always hate it when parents alter a perfectly good name! No visitors came which was a good thing because the new exhibit was nowhere near ready. I would have been embarrassed to have to tell folks. At any rate, around 11 the college intern showed up, laptop in tow. So, Karen, myself, and Amanda gathered round her Dell, enthralled with the precedings, however I wish I'd shared the moment with my loved ones. That said, we're all pretty chatty so we might not have heard the speech!

It was good to my way of thinking.

I was not so thrilled with Michelle's dress though. I didn't like the sparkly stuff at the neckline; the gloves and shoes looked to me like they were meant for another outfit. Now that sounds silly doesn't it? I bet what she wanted to wear were jeans, shoes and socks, and a big coat to keep warm. I don't know how they do it; it was cold here today, at least twenty degrees warmer, and I can't imagine wearing a dress and heels with a sleeveless dress underneath! The girls were adorable in their colorful outfits and I understand Malia Obama is a bit camera crazy herself!

Speaking of temperatures, the other afternoon I turned on the heat thinking it was getting chilly in the house. The thermostat read 66 degrees. It occurred to me that our Jonathan and Alissa were enduring temperatures 73 degrees colder. Now that is mind boggling when you think of it like that!!!

Mind boggling would describe the massive turnout for the inauguration, stretching as far as the eye could see and then some. Again, how they did it in that cold I'll never know. Matt flew to Los Angeles two days ago, fortuitous because he was able to be in the country during the inauguration, watching it on CNN, the station with the most news. That one's for Mr. Bruce--he loves that channel.

Of all things Bruce flew to Washington yesterday afternoon and got stuck in all sorts of traffic on his way to Chevy Chase, Maryland where he'll soon be starting a Capital Grille. I hate to think of him having to work in that area again because the traffic is so horrible, doubly so yesterday.

I now have evidence of at least two readers--thank you Matt and Jeanie. The journey continues!

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Listening to: Mary J. Blige, Featuring Santana - My Man (Ft. Santana)
via FoxyTunes

April 21st

That was the last day it was as cool as yesterday morning--what a relief to think that the worst of the heat is behind us. The windows are all open today, the wind chimes are twinkling in the gentle breeze, and the sun is shining brightly in the most incredibly blue sky. Is it any wonder that the population of Florida has more than doubled in the last thirty years when there are days like these to look forward to for the next six months?

The market was jam packed with people yesterday including buyers. I had a very good sales day, which needless to say, was wonderful. What was almost even more wonderful was that we were not drenched in sweat! I took this image of a swan the other day at Lake Eola. Are there any birds more graceful than swans? I love to see them gliding along with their feathers all on display.



Sharing with you what I see is a delight for me. Here is an example of an incredible new flower that I've found in someone's yard nearby. It is almost as if this bloom doesn't know what it wants to be, pink, or white. I believe it is part of the fabulous hibiscus family of flowers.



Once it opens:



I took Maureen on a shopping spree in the food section of Big Lots for her 60th birthday. We both agreed that a treasure hunt is a great outing. One of the products we came across is Israeli couscous (sometimes called pearl), a side dish that is served at Seasons 52. I've been looking for this exact size ever since I tried it there. Because we both mostly cook for one, we shared the package. So many other goodies, so little space to describe them all.

I read last week that our school system is banning peanut butter in elementary school cafeterias because of allergies. When, I ask you, did so many people become allergic to peanuts? I was relieved to read that children will still be allowed to bring pb&j from home. I'm wondering when it became fashionable for the minority to rule?

Trish invited me to go with her to see our next President and his former rival when they appear downtown by the arena this evening. After reading all the stringent rules however, I've decided to just go to the little market instead. No water, no chairs, no anything really. Although I said the weather is pleasant, standing in the sun for hours with a huge crowd doesn't work for me. What would be great is hearing him speak and the energy of the event. I'm sure I don't need to tell you it is Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton of whom I speak.

Of all things, when Dave and Michelle came to the market yesterday, I learned that on Friday, the organizer of the show I was in (along with 39 other artists!) was a client of his. The man asked Dave if he had a relative in town named Gail Peck. In fact, he does, his loving momma, although I suspect he didn't use those exact words. It's a small world after all.

Hi Friends

My absence has not been because I'm feeling poorly, au contraire mon amis, I'm feeling downright perky! No, for some reason, every time I tried to blog my computer went into the spinning beach ball mode. I would force it to quit, try again, and same result. However, I'm back. Today is one of the most beautiful days anyone could wish for. White puffy clouds against the most gorgeous blue sky with temperatures in the mid 70's. The lawn is mowed, the pool is clean, as is the carpet.

I'm posting a picture that Michelle took of me over at their house on Wednesday. I went over there before the condo thing for a makeup session. Isn't that what family is for? The handbag is from a few years ago, and what with yellow being the HOT color for spring, I pulled it out. It's one of those beautiful Italian bags that one sometimes finds at ridiculously low prices at Marshalls. If you don't shop there you should. Have I told you the cute nicknames a patient told me for Marshalls, and TJMaxx? Nieman Marshalls and TJSaxx. Try it out on your friends, they will like it.

Speaking of patients, two of the women at the open house were former patients of mine. I believe I was giving my standard line about always being a photographer just used bigger equipment, when both of them almost together said, "That's why you look so familiar!" Turns out one of them I even did a biopsy on which found very early stage breast cancer. She's doing beautifully.

Yesterday afternoon one of the doctors I worked with called to chat. I was saddened to hear that one of the doctors in the group died earlier this month. He was the very definition of a gentleman, not as old as I am, and the father of two children. Several years ago he'd had heart surgery, but made a comeback; it took me by surprise. I usually look at the obituaries, which my friend Amaya thinks is weird, but at my age you know people who die. Just last week another radiologist I worked with earlier in my career died. It is an unfortunate part of getting older.

The second picture is of David. Now the other day I wrote about David having to live through the current economic turmoils. Although it must be terribly difficult to keep clients happy (Dave takes it personally when client investments go down), he continues to be upbeat. If I was posting this to flickr I'd call it King of Bling. Obviously this must be taken within the context of our family. He's sitting in his 280Z (one of two), sporting Gucci shades, sandals, and his new watch. You don't feel so bad for him now do you? Actually, he handles his wealth well, no debt, and more in savings then several of us put together. And did I mention he's a sweetie?

The painting is done, and the upholsterer came by with the designers today to pick up the chair. Originally I was going to use the one from our bedroom and buy a new chair for that space. I've not told you yet that it is Baxter's sleeping spot at night. Bruce was not crazy about me disrupting Baxter's routine, thus he wanted me to find another chair for the living room. While at the bank the other day I was getting in the car, realized that the thrift store was a block away. It's pretty grungy, but in the past I've picked up a chair there for $5 which immediately went to the upholsterer. The thing is, our house is smallish, and needs smallish furniture which is not the prevailing style. Most chairs are huge; I'm not. So, I go in, and the place is packed with bargain shoppers. Turns out on Wednesday they have a sale which draws throngs (who knew?). My first pass showed nothing, I then decided to head in another direction and what should I find, but a club chair in EXCELLENT condition (dirty, wrong color but that's ok), for, if you can believe this, $3.95!! When Ben, the upholsterer, picked it up he confirmed what I'd thought--high quality furniture for low quality price. They had two of them, but one was a challenge in the MINI. I'm only sorry I didn't photograph it to show you that I'm not exaggerating.

Ok, so you're probably bored by now aren't you? Enough already Gail

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Now playing: Alison Krauss - Oh Atlanta
via FoxyTunes
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Leap Day

While eating breakfast today I saw a story about a performance artist leaping off City Hall 366 times today in honor of Leap Year. Apparently I did not read the article closely enough because it was a silly hoax if you ask me. He stood on this step stool and jumped into a big mattress or something behind the white fabric. He was on leap #188 when I arrived. I figured if I call myself Out & About Photography I might as well get out and about. As is usually the case, something else entirely different presents itself; I believe something else I took today may be no exception.

Yesterday the mail brought the sweetest note from Alissa's aunt. You may recall that Jonathan and Alissa traveled by bus to Iowa for Christmas. It had been five years since Alissa had last seen her aunt, yet they welcomed them warmly.I am ashamed to admit it took me entirely too long to write a thank you note to them for hosting Jonathan. I never expected to receive anything in return. She had so many wonderful things to say about Jonathan it brought tears to my eyes. E-mail is awesome, but there's nothing quite like a handwritten note to convey feelings.

Happily Bruce reported that Jonathan and Alissa look none the worse for wear after braving this horrible winter. In the note she mentioned how it has been an unusually cold, and snowy winter, which has given J & A a crash course in Mid-Western weather. Indeed, at last count it is the sixth snowiest winter on record. The good thing is, anything they encounter in the future will be much easier to deal with. If only they would get a little bit of our blue skies and sunshine.

I'm reading an article in The New Yorker about eating locally. Surprisingly, sometimes it is not the best for the environment which they acknowledge seems counter-intuitive. As with any issue it is much more complicated than it would seem. The whole idea has sparked farmer's markets in cities all over the country. As well, according to the article the term of the year for 2007 is "locavore." You may already know this, but it was news to me.

Instead of a date tonight I believe we will be staying home. Mr. Bruce is still trying to recover from last weekend and his hard week at work. Even he, who hardly ever mentions the weather, said it was incredibly cold in Chicago. From there he flew to Port St. Lucie on the Florida east coast about two plus hours south of here. Next he visited his job in Vero Beach arriving home last night after 7. He puts in some terribly long and tiring days. I'm afraid he will be disappointed with the movies I have here. Earlier in the week a trip to the library netted four foreign films which are usually my favorites. He, on the other hand would prefer to watch the action not read it. For a small city we have an awesome library. They will deliver books to your home for free at your request. As well, the number of DVDs in all genres is astonishing.

I'm caught up for the moment with my projects. Now I need to go through my photo library, purging before I fill up my new computer.

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Now playing: Rosanne Cash - Tennessee Flat Top Box
via FoxyTunes

A Picture is Worth....

A thousand words as they say. Saturday morning it rained even before we left the house to finish our set up which was a worry. That worry turned into reality with the heaven's opening on downtown Orlando. Our pictures stayed dry but the rain pooled on the sidewalk in front of our tent with nowhere to go but onto the ground under out tent. I'm not talking a smidge, I'm talking a lot. As you see Mr. Bruce ended up having to make signs warning customers of the hazardous conditions. It was miserable to say the least. My shoes wicked the water leaving my feet encased in wet shoes for hours before I ended up shedding them. My goodness it was sad. Bruce called Bill to bring some bags of sand which helped some. As you see we had to put a tarp down to make it bearable for all concerned.

Luckily some customers braved the rain so the day was not a total loss. Sunday was another story with mild temperatures and a good crowd. I am pleased to report that my sales were good. I was particularly pleased that a customer who had earlier looked seriously at a large canvas returned about an hour before closing time to purchase it. I had gone to the bathroom (which was a trek away), Lisa was meeting her husband at the amphitheater, and Dave had already gone home. Did I mention that Leon Russell was playing at 4:30? For my younger readers this means nothing, but older folks are always thrilled to see an icon from the past perform. At any rate, I had not signed the piece because it could be hung either vertically or horizontally. I wanted to wait for the person who bought it to decide which way they liked it best. Bruce was there to make the sale,; fortunately Lisa returned to the booth and he sent her to find me. As fate would have it someone she knew had seen me in the bathroom line so she found me as I was returning. You and I know I'm not the fastest these days, but Lisa pulled me along and we made it. It was a wonderful way to end the weekend.

I'm so grateful for all my families support. Pat and Ruth came out, as did the boys, my neighbor Regina brought friends and other friends came as well. As I've mentioned before it is a weird thing to put yourself out there in front of the public acting like you have something worthwhile. Without my families support I would be lost. Of course #1 is my sweet Bruce. He worked tirelessly Saturday to minimize the damage from the adverse conditions. He is the BEST.

Today I had the timeshare market which was once again worth it. Today's weather was spectacular. The majority of the visitors today were Canadians escaping the cold. I'm sending a picture to FlinFlon, Manitoba after I have it printed this week.

Somehow in the last 10 days I've managed to sell around 70 prints. Can any of the readers of Camera Crazy believe this is happening? One thing that struck me after the show was that although there were around 8 photographers at the show I may have been the only female. I believe this works in my favor as I'm not as caught up with the technicalities as the men. I try to make up for my ignorance of those matters with creativity and variety. I hope my pictures evoke an emotional response more than an intellectual response. That is probably not what experts would tell me to do but so far things are working and until they change I'll probably stick with that philosophy.

I know there are readers who never comment but nonetheless support me with their well wishes and for you I am grateful. Thank you.

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Now playing: Snow Patrol - Ways And Means
via FoxyTunes

Bookeeping

Yesterday when I woke up it was chilly. Not chilly to Northerners, but to this Southern lady 39 degrees is definitely chilly. The good news is the gloom from the previous few days lifted leaving the sky brilliant blue with nary a cloud in sight. When I went out to get the paper I saw steam rising from the lake and had to run in, throw on some clothes, and grab my camera. Unfortunately it was a challenge to really show what it looked like. I imagine with this warm winter the water was still pretty warm, thus the steam.

After lunch I tackled the dreaded task of going through all the sales and receipts from last year. As you know, my CPA's father died two weeks ago so I won't be bothering her anytime soon, but at least I've now done my part. The task was made tolerable in the glorious sunshine by the pool. Earlier I'd cleaned a mountain of oak leaves out of the pool, so things were looking pretty spiffy. My new cards are pictured here, as is a new abstract I've been working on. Rarely do I print anything at home, but I wanted to see the colors for myself before I committed to canvas.

I picked up a huge order from Mr. Roger later which is now piled high on the dining room table. I'm gluing my business card to the back of the foam core for the Gainesville shipment. Hopefully after the little market on Monday I'll be ready to ship it all out.

BTW--I'm at least even and maybe have a bit of a profit for last year. That is good news.

Bruce should finally be home this afternoon. This has been a very long week without him. I tolerate two nights away, but three is not so much fun.

Our dear Matthew is making another stateside visit. No, he's not coming here, out to LA again. He began the week in Brussels--one busy young man.

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Now playing: Sufjan Stevens - Amazing Grace
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Fully Licensed

Now we have real documentation. Bruce did the hard part, I just showed up to the County office, signed some papers, and paid the $30. It's official now--Out & About Photography exists as a business!

Bill called on his way home from work and suggested I open a business checking account to keep good records for tax time. As you may recall, he is a licensed banker, qualified to give me good advice. Up until now I've used the account I had when I was working, but this makes sense; I'm meeting up with him at his branch this afternoon after my museum time. Before we meet though I'm having my highlights touched up, as of course, I've let them go too long. One thing is that I will never bleach my hair all over, I'm entirely too disinterested to keep the roots up.

Yesterday when Bill was opening an account for a young man his friend came in on the appointment. Idle chit chat led to the young man saying he played guitar. Bill reluctantly mentioned he did the same. His friend then said--hey, I know you, you're Bill Peck, the shredder, I've seen you in Guitar magazine! A nice moment for our Mr. Bill.

Bruce went to Virginia yesterday and he said there was definitely a nip in the air. It is still so hot here that it is easy to forget that for most of the country fall is just around the corner. We will have to start checking the weather before he leaves for his trips. He has lots of jobs going or starting soon and they are all mostly in cold country! He is one of the few Floridians to have about six coats. One year in Danbury, CT, there was 100 inches of snow during construction!!!

A lovely chat with our man in London yesterday afternoon.

Above, practice shot of one of my mom's antique serving forks; still working on perfecting it.

Older Adult Student

One thing I can tell you is, that it is challenging being an older adult student, not merely because the subject matter is sometimes difficult, but one must be very self disciplined to keep it up. I am at an age where I can do pretty much anything I want with my days. To get a degree one must take subjects one does not care about and at the moment, I am taking two such classes--algebra and historical geology. Fortunately, the end of this nonsense is in sight; my remaining classes are electives aside from speech. I just finished reading my lab for tomorrow on geologic time, rock units, lithofacies, biofacies--well, you get my drift. Tonight is my favorite though--humanities.

The weather is spectacular again--we will be crying for this weather in August.

I have been trying to get a picture to go up on the macro interesting photos page that flickr has for each type of camera used--today I had success. I have been experimenting like crazy; I'm not sure if my hands get shaky or I try and get to close with the zoom but I have taken many that have had to be deleted. This has made me happy to finally get one to work.
One other thing--the views on the shoe is up to 179--I can't believe how silly that is.
Last, but not least, here is photo of our project--we are thinking positive, however, I cannot seem to get the manager of the farmer's mkt. to return my calls. Hmmm..wonder what that signals?

Spring is in the Air

Today the sky is a brilliant blue, and the temperature right now is 50 degrees. Our yard is filled with pretty robins twittering and looking for food ; unfortunately, they are camera shy. I'm hoping this means there are warmer days ahead as my winter wardrobe is being taxed.
I have been doing algebra homework and next up is reading for Humanities. I found out Saturday while doing a degree audit that I have a bit more to do to complete my AA than I thought. Matthew and I consulted on it and he gave me some advice that is sound. I may have to put off my graduation until after the fall semester. I feel pretty good about that; I would be done this semester if I had not gotten ill. I've had to take it pretty easy for the last eight months but I'm hoping I am on the upswing now.
We worked on more framing of photos yesterday; Bruce is very confident about the venture, I hope he is right and I don't make a fool of myself.