Photo Blogging Challenge (January 2019): Books

I'm traveling and present a relatively uninspired submission for the challenge. Here's hoping for a better time in February.

This is my first Diver's Logbook. I filled it up two years ago. It's fun to go back and look at our adventures.

My Great Uncle was a published author. Whenever I find a copy of one of his books, now all out of print, I buy it.


They were translated into different languages and sometimes renamed and rebranded into pulp novels to help sales.

This is one of my favorites. PJ might have some interest in it as it was set on the D&H Canal near Cuddebackville, NY.

This is my journal/notebook/daily carry. I've got backpacking trips, shopping lists, a little of everything in this recycled firehose covered journal.


This is the way I read most my books now. It's just easier when traveling. Until the batteries die...

Photo Blogging Challenge (December 2018): Feliz Navidad

Another day, another month, another year has come to a close. And another photo project. December was a good, but busy, filled with friends and family. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.

Amy had found these angels at an estate sale. They needed something big to go with them. The star filled the bill.


John had his Jeep decked out for the holidays as well.


Angel detail in some fantastic morning sun.


Candlelight service



Tables are ready for Christmas dinner.


I wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you photos this year!

Photo Blogging Challenge (November 2018): Nom Nom Nom

Nom nom nom, I like food. A lot of times it's the prettiest photo I have for my daily selection so I have a lot of 'em. Now's the time to share!

Soft Shell Crab Po'boy


A dog's gotta eat. Check out her tongue!


Beef Pho, from the same place as the Po'boy. They do it all and do it well.


Pecan Pie ready for Thanksgiving.


My dad cooks a mean steak.


Happy Onion approves!

Photo Blogging Challenge (October 2018) Oh the places you’ve been!

Y'all, October was busy. Our drought broke with almost 12" of rain for the month. But we were still able to get out and about some.

October is fair month and I love the fair. We started it out with our county fair. Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo suffered a bit due to rain but was fun nevertheless.

I had given up hope of making it to the State Fair of Texas this year. Every weekend saw rain. We finally caught a break on the closing weekend and got to enjoy a corny dog with my mom, sis, and niece as well.

I got out of the crummy weather for some business golf in Southern Pines, NC. It was perfect weather for a couple of days.


I followed that up with a quick trip to Tulsa.


And ended the month at Miami Beach. This is the Fontainebleu. James Bond was here in Goldfinger, Jerry Lewis was The Bellboy here. Neil Young wrote a song about it. It was nice. It was expensive. And I may be too old to hang out at Miami Beach. I was in bed long before the club opened.


There is October in a nutshell. November will be mostly home but the end of the year still come hard and fast.

Photo Blogging Challenge (September 2018): Colorful

September brought some unique and many very colorful Skies of Texas. Please enjoy a few:



I'm not sure what these are but they always seem to pop up after the first good rain after a long dry spell.

Photo Blogging Challenge – Photographer's Choice (August 2018)

We had the opportunity to visit a friend of a friend this month. My dad, the boy, and I, along with a couple of friends went to check out this amazing car collection. It was impossible to choose five so if you like cars and one of the craziest home theater setup I'd ever seen, take a look at the full album over on Flickr.

He has about four barns worth of cars, this is the smaller but maybe most valuable monetarily at least. The Shelby front left is autographed by Carroll Shelby and the Challenger on the right is autographed by Richard Petty. 


I've always liked DeLoreans, the boy shares my fondness. This guy has two.


Here's a better look at the Shelby. It's a bid-engine so you have to kick your legs off towards the door. For $100,000, I'd like a little more comfortable ride.


This is the movie barn, he's built a replica of the Blues Brother car, the Little Mule from Romancing the Stone is a real Ford Bronco sitting on top of the equipment room, the dragon is from a Disney property, and the 38 Special custom van rounds it out. I'm standing in an area full of vintage arcade machines.


He built this facade to emulate an old service station complete with attendant.


There are so many more unique vehicles. The guy just buys and doesn't ever sell. So, again, take a look at the full album. Take a look at a lil hoohaa for more.

Photo Blogging Challenge – Staying Cool (July 2018)

Staying Cool was just what we tried to do for July. We left the Texas heat for a long weekend in Chicago. It was cool!


The aquarium offered some cool views, as well as some nice A/C.


The Crown Fountain is a cool way to keep cool. The kids enjoyed playing in the water.


Headed to Navy Pier to watch some cool fireworks.


I though this sign was pretty cool.


The EL is a cool way to get around town.

Photo Blogging Challenge – Fun (June 2018)

The hardest part of this month's challenge was choosing just five photos. We spent about a week in the Boundary Waters between Ely, Minnesota and Canada. Five days total and about 50 miles paddling/portaging out on the water before returning to base camp. We had a blast and enjoyed the cooler temperatures.

Headed out for our adventure. There were five scouts, two adults, and our guide in three canoes.


These two goofballs found these Frozen-themed sunglasses in the park in town before we left. They got plenty of goofy looks.


A little late evening fishing.. John was skunked on fishing when we were last here, this year he caught a nice rainbow, a small-mouth bass, and a something little bitty.


Eddy Falls - we passed this way in 2014. It was fun to see again.


Even in the wind and rain of a surprise storm they find a way to smile.


We had a great trip. It was more than likely my last with the Boy Scouts. John starts college this fall, William has a lot of other interests, I have resigned my position as Scoutmaster, it's time for some other folks to step up and enjoy these experiences. I wouldn't trade them for anything, especially these last few years getting to enjoy both of my boys. Take a look at my entire Northern Tier 2018 album, if you'd like. I invite you to participate in next month's challenge, posted at a lil hoohaa soon. And check out every one else's contributions.

Photo Blogging Challenge – Outdoor Activities (May 2018)

I almost forgot all about this! Here's the quick and dirty May Challenge - Outdoor Activities

We had a fun little canoe trip with the Scouts that are headed to Minnesota this summer.


The pool is open and our baby boy is now 16!


John is now a High School graduate. Last day of high school for him.


Jumping feet first into summer.


Annual get-together with a bunch of good friends.

Photo Blogging Challenge (April 2018): One person

April's challenge is one person. I had a couple of ideas, I thought about 5 of one person, but ultimately wanted to share some others. So here we go:

My nephew is a senior this year and getting ready to graduate. I took the opportunity of an Easter visit to get some shots of him for his announcement.


It took a little work to get him to loosen up though. I think we finally got him to relax. :)


Will is just a sophomore but wanted in on the action.


John is also a senior. He had a tux rented for the weekend for an event so we decided to make the most of it.


The boy loves his Jeep!