22-JUN-2008
On Approach
With a stormy day in the forecast, we decided to do an indoor activity that we hadn't tried in a while: bowling. I hadn't bowled in at least two years, and it really showed - I only broke 100 once in 3 games. At least it was better than getting drenched and being struck by lightning!
14-JUN-2008
Conference on the Mound
I attended my nephew's Little League playoff game on Saturday. I had hoped to get some great shots of my nephew on the field or at bat, but I discovered while reviewing the photos afterwards that he'd left his "barn door" open. (I didn't upload any of him, didn't want to embarrass him.) I'll have to see if I can get Photoshop to zip things up.
06-JUN-2008
Freshly-painted Octopus
Pirates Golf at the Ocean City NJ boardwalk was looking nice and spiffy, all set for the onslaught of summer crowds.
I was down in NJ visiting my Mom for the long weekend. We decided to stop by Ocean City after lunch at the Crab Trap. The weather at the boardwalk was beautiful - sunny but cool with a light breeze. We walked the boardwalk, and then found a bench and sat for a half hour or so, people-watching. We were happy to have had such a perfect afternoon, especially with the horrendous heat wave that followed!
01-JUN-2008
10 Year of Portable Devices
I can't believe that I have owned this many PDAs. Even worse, that I still have all of them. Each one was a step up in functionality, from mono screen to full color, quiet beeps to stereo sound, still pictures to full-motion video, unconnected to high speed wifi. They have accompanied me during my daily activities, as well as on my travels around the world, storing useful information, saving important trip notes, and providing news and entertainment during monotonous train and plane rides. I guess that's why I can't get rid of any of them: they've all been indispensable friends.
25-MAY-2008
Remembering Those Who Served
We decided to take a day trip on Sunday to go visit my Mom in South Jersey. We took her out to lunch, wandered the mall, and then stopped by the veteran's cemetery where my Dad is buried. Each grave was decorated with a single US flag. Seeing the flag at my Dad's grave brought a feeling of pride and the pain of absence; seeing hundreds of those flags fluttering in the breeze was simply awesome.
09-MAY-2008
Waiting For the Conductor
My friend Christine plays in the Mid-Hudson Community Orchestra, and had a concert this past Friday evening. I try to attend to support her and the orchestra, and to enjoy some classical music. The evening also gave me a chance to try out my new Sigma lens, the 18-200mm OS. Overall, I was pleased with both the orchestra and the lens' performances!
26-APR-2008
Brianna Elizabeth
I got to meet someone very special this weekend - my very first great niece, Brianna. She's just a little over two weeks old, and very cute! I didn't actually hold her - I'm very nervous about someone so young, and probably won't hold her until she gets that wobbly head-thing under control. Besides, she'll be much more fun once she gets a bit older and can interact more!
13-APR-2008
Ouch.
I've been procrastinating for weeks, and finally sat down and worked through my taxes. The news was not good. Besides owing the Federal government, I also owe New York State a sizable amount. I'm not exactly sure how this happened. From my W2, it looks like my withheld taxes dropped even though my income went up slightly. I'll have to watch this more carefully in 2008.
05-APR-2008
A Sign of Spring
On Saturday I went out looking for some sign that Spring was coming to the Mid-Hudson Valley. I didn't have much luck - most everything here is still looking brown and muddy. This magnolia tree gave me a little bit of hope. There were buds at the end of almost every branch. With any luck, some spectacular blossoms will be making an appearance within the next few weeks!