Aidan & Rowan: September 2005

A full color version of Lee and Thomas.

Nothing better than swinging in the nude.

Lee and his son Thomas after a good bike ride - Now it's time to go home.

Going for a bike ride this morning at Antrim Park. The fog was heavy and the ducks were out in force. These are my attempts at interesting composition.

Ducks in the fog.

Just an odd color scheme. Thought it looked cool - like psychedelic dude.

Maybe some of you would care to comment on my usage of B&W compared to the original pic. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

All in the family?

At a recent social that our small group had I was able to take a couple of pics. I was looking at them afterwards and saw that there were three individuals that resembled each other - but only two were actually related. Of the next three pics can you guess who the blood relatives are.

Pic #1

Pic #2

Pic #3

Farewell to a friend.

This evening I heard the news of the passing of Misty - my mother in laws Jack Russel Terrier. Now, normally, I don't much care for dogs. I am a cat person myself. But Misty was different.

I believe I first met Misty almost 14 years ago in the old house that Aimee grew up in when I was on vacation from the Vineyard. I got to sleep (or attempt to sleep) in the dining room and Misty was tied up in the kitchen. There were no doors in between these two rooms, just open doorways. Misty sure did not want to be tied up in the corner and she let it be known - all night long. Everyone else was sleeping (and I'll bet they were sleeping) upstairs so I was the only sounding board for this young pup. I did not sleep much those few nights. I don't know how long it took for them to break Misty of her whining at night, but I do know that it was longer than the time I was visiting. And this is my only complaint.

Like I said, I don't care much for dogs - but Misty was different. Misty was amazingly obedient. Lucy had this dog trained so well that she just blended in. My cats blend in but only because they don't want the attention. Misty wanted to please and she did that very well. Whatever Lucy asked this dog would do. How I wish all dog owners could be so successful inthe training of their dogs.

Misty and Lucy lived with us for a while in Tulsa and Scott Depot. Misty and the cats seemed to know their place. The cats kept their distance and Misty let them keep it. Except for Hairball. I have fond memories (and hopefully some videotape) of the 2 of them playing. Misty was an expert woodchuck hunter, and I think she was using her skills in the most gentle of manners when playing with Hairball. And Hairball loved it. They would play and play - Misty digging her snout into Hairballs backside and Hairball circling on his side to try and whack Misty on the head - never any claws. Black Cat and Little One were probably quite pleased when Lucy and Misty moved back to NY, but I think Hairball felt he had lost a friend.

I have many fond memories of this creature. Running like a mad dog when taking her for a walk in Broken Arrow. Coming back from Florida and looking like a fat little piglet. Never having to sweep our kitchen floor. Licking Lucys feet (yuck). Being unbelievably patient with Aidan as he toddler handled her. Riding 14 hours in the back seat of the car as Lucy and I and all three cats made our way to West Virginia before Aidan was born. Laying quietly at my side on the couch (without a towel under her) when Lucy was away. Her planting her butt on my foot as I played with her back legs. Dancing for her biscuit.

But beyond my memories, what this dogs life meant was her relationship to Lucy. Misty helped get Lucy through some of the hardest times in her life. Lucys family was there through it all as well, but I believe that if it weren't for Misty, it would have been much different. Misty was a constant in Lucys life. Always at her side or not too far away. Misty was there for her when Lucy needed it most. It wasn't easy at times. Misty had many surgeries over the past few years, but she survived better than I would have had ever expected. Maybe just to get Lucy through the next trial.

And now she has passed. Many years later than one would have thought. It will be different when we visit in Cicero now. We will miss her presence in Grandmas house as I am sure Grandma is missing it right now. But I am grateful we had that presence. I am grateful for the light she brought not only in Lucys life but my own as well. Like I said - I don't care much for dogs - but Misty was different.

My prayers are with you tonight Lucy. Allow God to give you the comfort you need and give Him thanks for the gifts He has given you. Misty was a wonderful gift - thank Him for the time he gave you with her. We love you!

Sleep baby sleep.

Thank you to David.

I haven't done any actual written posts on this blog. I know that only a small handful of people (mostly family) come to this site to see any updated pics of their grandkids that are so far away. But there is one person who might come here occasionally that is becoming an influence on my photography. I would like to say thank you to our crazy Canadian friend David Duchemin for his advice on photography, both in the actual usage of my camera (which I am still quite illiterate in using) as well as theory and philosophy in capturing images. As you can see, most of the pictures I post are of my kids, some of animals and now some of other peoples kids. I am searching for my vision as I learn how to work my expensive toy. His last tip has led me into the world of the Manual setting on my canon to try and attempt to get a sharper image without having to use my photoshop program as much. I am pleased with the results. His past posts and pictures are getting me to look before I shoot and try to capture something more than what is just there. If you are interested in checking out some of Davids work I suggest visiting both of his blogs.

http://fearfullyhuman.blogs.com/
http://www.fearfullyhuman.com/pixelatedimage/

Not only are the pics well worth looking at but his posts will give you lots to contemplate. I read very few blogs (actually none other than his - and mine of course), but I do find his to be quite thought provoking, entertaining, frustrating at times, but ultimately very well written and worth the time it takes to read them. I have only met David once at a juggling festival in Austin and while we may stand at opposite ends of the political spectrum, I consider him to be a close friend. His blogs have allowed me to enter into his life in a way that I could only hope to match - yet I do not have the writing skills or strong enough inclination to post as often and with as much heart and expertise as he does. He will just have to get to know me better over dinner whenever he is in Columbus.

On that note - check out his pics and posts. Thank you for your input David. I look forward to reading and seeing more.

Thomas - not too pleased I am taking his pic.

You can never be too safe in a swing.

An attempt at a cool night shot of Grandma Susan and Grandpa Doug with my new remote.

Grandma Susan teaching Aidan how to skip a stone.

This is where Aidan would have spent the entire week. All he wanted to do was throw rocks in the water. (That is a breathe right strip acting as a makeshift bandaid on his lower cheek.)