15 September 2007
This is a weekend I look forward to all year long. It’s the yearly Grapevine Grapefest, now in its 21st year. As per our norm, Joe, Starr, Marita Beth & I secured tickets to the People’s Choice event. But, to start the day, MB & I had breakfast with Joe & Starr (and Troy and Alex) at the Capps’ house. We were treated to absolutely delightful quiche, scones, coffee, tea, ,mimosas, beer & fruit. Hooray for a great way to start the day. I took a scad of photos and really had difficulty narrowing it down. But, I chose this one ultimately:

It’s a cherub that was on the base of a statue of the Madonna. I like statues, I like hand-made statues. But this one was creepy. It was being sold by someone called Trailer Couture (I think). Unusual offerings in an unusual setting.
Cheers.

~KR (15 September 2007)

Listening to:
Nat King Cole by Adam Green
on Jacket Full of Danger

Camera: Canon PowerShot S1 IS
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 58 mm
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire, auto mode

Tags: GRAPEFEST, GRAPEVINE, MADONNA, CHERUB, VIRGIN+MARY, PHOTOBLOG, PHOTO, PHOTOGRAPHY, NAT+KING+COLE, ADAM+GREEN, CANON

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14 September 2007
On the way home from work today, Marita Beth called. She was getting new glasses, but they wouldn't be ready for a little while yet. So, I told her to drive home, I'd pick her up, we'd grab a beer with Terrill and then go get her glasses. Terrill & I had planned this, sort of. We knew we had to try and get her out with me so he could give her a professionally printed, enlarged version of her excellent photograph. It made her cry. Unfortunately, immediately after the gifting and the joyous tears, Terrill received word that his little Boston Terrier Andy had to go back to the hospital. He'd had trouble breathing that morning and the vet's immediate diagnosis was an enlarged heart. That condition, apparently not uncommon in older, small-breed dogs, is treatable with medication and diet. So, Terrill left No Frills and headed home while MB and I finished our beer. After beer we went and got Marita Beth's really cute new glasses, then went to a Tex-Mex joint in Mansfield called Cha-Cha's. It's worth the trip. This lamp is on the side of the well-designed building that houses the eyeglasses place alongside a massage and acupuncture therapist.

I'm very saddened to report that Andy passed less than 36 hours later, but luckily he was surrounded by a loving family and seemed to be in little pain. R.I.P. Andy, you'll be missed.

~KR (14 September 2007)

Listening to:
Able to Sustain by Drew Smith and His Band
on Double EP

Camera: Canon PowerShot S1 IS
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 58 mm
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

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13 September 2007
I had the opportunity to take a Business Ethics class today. It’s all common sense you know, and anyone who can’t understand the legal pitfalls created by ignoring ethical behaviour really shouldn’t have a job in corporate America. But, nonetheless we’re required to take the class every five years or so. Today was my day. It afforded me the opportunity to walk halls and pathways in the overly large work complex that I don’t normally traverse. That’s where this photo came from. I found myself in a deserted stairwell with a little bit of time to kill; so, voila!

There’s a series of stair photos, but I liked this one best (even if it is a little fuzzy).
Cheers.

~KR (13 September 2007)

Listening to:
Flashdance…What a Feeling by Irene Cara
on Billboard Top 100 of 1983

Camera: Canon PowerShot S1 IS
Exposure: 0.5 sec (1/2)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

Tags: STAIRS, BLACK+AND+WHITE, FOOT, FLASHDANCE, PHOTOBLOG, PHOTO, PHOTOGRAPHY, CANON

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12 September 2007
Don't you hate it when you think you've taken photos, a number of them even, then when you go to choose the best one of the day for your daily journal you find out that they're all rubbish. Either too blurry, or over/under-exposed or whatever. That happened today. I took a bunch of photos of my dogs on my way out the door this morning. All (ALL!) of them were too blurry for use (or even to keep…I trashed them). Luckily, I did snap a few shots in my office (read: cubicle) as well. This photo

is of a Scotland auto bumper sticker that hangs on my wall directly in front of me over the phone. When things are bleak, or I'm stressed, I will sometimes sit and stare at the SCO on a white saltire and remember: "I work toward an ultimate goal. I want to retire to Scotland." This cleansing process works. I only wish I didn't have to do it quite so often.
Cheers.

~KR (12 September 2007)

Listening to:
Terra Nova by iLiKETRAiNS
on Progress Reform

Camera: Canon PowerShot S1 IS
Exposure: 0.1 sec (1/10)
Aperture: f/3.1
Focal Length: 27.9 mm
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

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16 September 2007

Sleeping in is a wonderful thing. That luxury of being able to stay in bed until you feel like getting up (or until your back hurts too bad to stay horizontal) is one I get very rarely.  Today was one of those rare days. 

We had a relaxed morning, took in a movie in the early afternoon.  We followed that with lunch and a grocery run, and spent the evening puttering around, doing very little of consequence.  Every now and then, you just need a day like that.  And, I think with Kyle’s work week being so stressful on the average, that it’s days like this that help keep him sane.  And we like him sane!

We went to see the new film, Dragon Wars.  It’s a fairy-tale-type story with an ending that isn’t your typical happily-ever-after.  The story itself is pretty weak, sadly, and not very well-told by this screenplay or director.  And whoever was in charge of continuity really should find a new career.  The actors are very solid, though—I was impressed by them, especially considering we’ve never heard any of their names before.  But, the special effects!  Wow!  Excellent use of cgi—amazing, really.  The fantastical creatures are beautiful and seamless in their integration into our familiar world.  The serpentine movement was perfectly rendered; the small winged-dragons or pterodactyl-like creatures flew alongside helicopters and I never doubted it; even the gi-normous half elephant/half slug living tanks were well done.  The battle scenes were worthy of LOTR or Star Wars, and the scenes of urban destruction are right up there with Independence Day.  Except of course, that it’s not quite so emotionally moving to see L.A. under fire as it is to witness the destruction of the Capitol Building.

In short, Kyle and I were both well-entertained, and I would recommend Dragon Wars to anyone interested in Asian folklore or stories about dragons. 

My photo is of our little table at the Movie Tavern, just before they lowered the house lights.

~MB

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15 September 2007

We had a wonderful day today at the 21st Annual Grapefest!  We got up pretty early, considering this is one of our few free weekends, but it was well worth it.  We had a breakfast invitation to join Starr and Joe and family, at their home in Grapevine before going on to the festival.  Starr made two types of absolutely delicious quiche, and scones, and served coffee, tea, mimosas and fresh strawberries.  We got to see their new home, and visit leisurely with them and Troy and Alex.  And two of the three cats–George and Rosie.  It was really a totally delightful morning. 

By about noon we were on our way to the festival.  We parked and took a shuttle bus into town.  As we got off the bus, we heard someone call, “MaritaBeth!”  We followed the voice, and found Emily and Alex!   They hadn’t just had a wonderful breakfast, so they were in search of food, and we reluctantly parted company.  Starr and Joe and Kyle and I had tickets for the 1:30 People’s Choice Wine Tasting event—the big competition that is at the heart of Grapefest itself.  So, we didn’t have too long before it was time to go get in the queue for that. 

Thirty-seven Texas wineries, each presenting two to five wines—more tasting than is really possible in under two hours!  But, we always give it our best shot! We have a great time, really, and when it’s over and we turn in our ballots, we also have a pretty good idea of what Texas has to offer in the way of wines.  Today’s favourite discovery for me—a fun little lemon fruit wine from Maydelle Winery. 

After the tasting session, I’m afraid I got sucked into the glass studio there on Main Street.  Vetro Art Glass Studio is a neat little place I’ve visited numerous times before, yet, I never get my fill.  Go figure.  As I passed from their retail store into their studio seating gallery, a demonstration was just beginning.  I overheard a group of three women asking each other questions about what they were seeing, and it wasn’t long before I couldn’t help myself and I offered an answer.  Well, that led to another question, and another, and then one of them asked me if I ”do this?”  I proudly, but modestly said that I am merely an apprentice, and don’t have much experience, but that watching other artists work and talking about it, helps to solidify my own knowledge.  They indicated how much they appreciated being told what they were actually seeing, and asked me if I’d keep interjecting comments.  I was pleased and very proud to be able to do that.  So, I stayed for the entire demonstration as the artists made a beautiful flutter bowl.   By the time the demo was done, I realized I had probably a dozen or so people listening to my unofficial narration.  It really served to boost my confidence quite a bit.  I’ve been wanting to try my hand at narrating for Shannon at Bristol now and then, but I’ve always been a little afraid of it.  I don’t think I need to be that concerned about it any more!  If all I need to work on is doing it in the Queen’s English, I think I can handle that!

When I finally emerged from the glass studio, Kyle was waiting for me, and the Capps family had departed.  Kyle and I wandered and shopped for a while, landing at an entertainment zone just as an act was winding down.  Next up was “the Grape Guy!”  We stayed and watched as he broke his own standing record, and set a new record for catching the most grapes in his mouth in a three-minute time period!   One hundred and twenty-nine grapes!  Crazy.

The rest of the day was spent shopping and walking and listening to music.  Starr came back and listened to most of the Kildares show with us.  By the time that was over, it was nearly ten o’clock and we were tired.   The photo I’ve chosen to represent the day is of Kyle as we took a quick detour through the midway on our way out the gate.  My other favourite photo from the day is here, but technically it was Kyle’s finger that pushed the button on this one!

Upon arriving home, Kyle turned on the tv and watched the end of his Arsenal game from this morning.  The Gunners won, so he’s sleeping happy.  No penguins tonight!

~MB

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14 September 2007

About a year ago, I started wearing my first pair of bifocals.  Since I’d been playing with reading glasses when I wore my contact lenses for about a year prior to that, it didn’t come without warning and I was fine with it.  Although it took quite a bit of getting used to actually wearing them—now, I love them. 

During this summer away, however, I started feeling as though my prescription might not be as perfect as it could be.  So, on my list of errands today, was stopping in to make an appointment for an eye exam.  As it turned out, they fit me in on today’s schedule, and a few hours later, I was picking up my brand new glasses!  I went for black this time—it’s been a while since I had black glasses and I love them.  Cute little rectangular frames—very “in” and very fun. 

Aging, it seems is finally working in my favour!  My reading prescription got a little stronger, but my distance vision has actually improved a smidge!  Cool beans!

Anyway, Kyle went with me to pick up the new glasses, and I decided this was the place for me to snap today’s photo.  I didn’t take the time I wish I’d had to unclutter the background of the photo, since we were there right at closing time.  But, I love the partial image of my face, I love the little round mirror, and I love that Kyle is in the background behind me. 

Right after this, we went and had some pretty decent Tex-Mex food at a local  place called Cha-Cha’s.  Then home for some TV and Googling and now to bed to be well-rested for tomorrow’s Grape Fest adventures.

And on a completely unrelated note:  “f–king penguins!”  <giggle>  I’m not sure, either . . . ask Kyle!

~MB (still giggling)

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14 September 2007

About a year ago, I started wearing my first pair of bifocals.  Since I’d been playing with reading glasses when I wore my contact lenses for about a year prior to that, it didn’t come without warning and I was fine with it.  Although it took quite a bit of getting used to actually wearing them—now, I love them. 

During this summer away, however, I started feeling as though my prescription might not be as perfect as it could be.  So, on my list of errands today, was stopping in to make an appointment for an eye exam.  As it turned out, they fit me in on today’s schedule, and a few hours later, I was picking up my brand new glasses!  I went for black this time—it’s been a while since I had black glasses and I love them.  Cute little rectangular frames—very “in” and very fun. 

Aging, it seems is finally working in my favour!  My reading prescription got a little stronger, but my distance vision has actually improved a smidge!  Cool beans!

Anyway, Kyle went with me to pick up the new glasses, and I decided this was the place for me to snap today’s photo.  I didn’t take the time I wish I’d had to unclutter the background of the photo, since we were there right at closing time.  But, I love the partial image of my face, I love the little round mirror, and I love that Kyle is in the background behind me. 

Right after this, we went and had some pretty decent Tex-Mex food at a local  place called Cha-Cha’s.  Then home for some TV and Googling and now to bed to be well-rested for tomorrow’s Grape Fest adventures.

And on a completely unrelated note:  “f–king penguins!”  <giggle>  I’m not sure, either . . . ask Kyle!

~MB (still giggling)

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14 September 2007

About a year ago, I started wearing my first pair of bifocals.  Since I’d been playing with reading glasses when I wore my contact lenses for about a year prior to that, it didn’t come without warning and I was fine with it.  Although it took quite a bit of getting used to actually wearing them—now, I love them. 

During this summer away, however, I started feeling as though my prescription might not be as perfect as it could be.  So, on my list of errands today, was stopping in to make an appointment for an eye exam.  As it turned out, they fit me in on today’s schedule, and a few hours later, I was picking up my brand new glasses!  I went for black this time—it’s been a while since I had black glasses and I love them.  Cute little rectangular frames—very “in” and very fun. 

Aging, it seems is finally working in my favour!  My reading prescription got a little stronger, but my distance vision has actually improved a smidge!  Cool beans!

Anyway, Kyle went with me to pick up the new glasses, and I decided this was the place for me to snap today’s photo.  I didn’t take the time I wish I’d had to unclutter the background of the photo, since we were there right at closing time.  But, I love the partial image of my face, I love the little round mirror, and I love that Kyle is in the background behind me. 

Right after this, we went and had some pretty decent Tex-Mex food at a local  place called Cha-Cha’s.  Then home for some TV and Googling and now to bed to be well-rested for tomorrow’s Grape Fest adventures.

And on a completely unrelated note:  “f–king penguins!”  <giggle>  I’m not sure, either . . . ask Kyle!

~MB (still giggling)

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14 September 2007

About a year ago, I started wearing my first pair of bifocals.  Since I’d been playing with reading glasses when I wore my contact lenses for about a year prior to that, it didn’t come without warning and I was fine with it.  Although it took quite a bit of getting used to actually wearing them—now, I love them. 

During this summer away, however, I started feeling as though my prescription might not be as perfect as it could be.  So, on my list of errands today, was stopping in to make an appointment for an eye exam.  As it turned out, they fit me in on today’s schedule, and a few hours later, I was picking up my brand new glasses!  I went for black this time—it’s been a while since I had black glasses and I love them.  Cute little rectangular frames—very “in” and very fun. 

Aging, it seems is finally working in my favour!  My reading prescription got a little stronger, but my distance vision has actually improved a smidge!  Cool beans!

Anyway, Kyle went with me to pick up the new glasses, and I decided this was the place for me to snap today’s photo.  I didn’t take the time I wish I’d had to unclutter the background of the photo, since we were there right at closing time.  But, I love the partial image of my face, I love the little round mirror, and I love that Kyle is in the background behind me. 

Right after this, we went and had some pretty decent Tex-Mex food at a local  place called Cha-Cha’s.  Then home for some TV and Googling and now to bed to be well-rested for tomorrow’s Grape Fest adventures.

And on a completely unrelated note:  “f–king penguins!”  <giggle>  I’m not sure, either . . . ask Kyle!

~MB (still giggling)

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