tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013669892098448672024-03-07T21:00:06.535-08:00MOSS GROVEWelcome to our jungle, where you never know what you'll run into.DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-6810732721640951022013-07-30T07:49:00.002-07:002013-07-30T07:49:58.724-07:00I'm Still HereI haven't posted anything in an eternity, but wanted to let you know I am still here. DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-43296212950164770222011-03-04T20:21:00.000-08:002011-03-04T22:00:52.633-08:00What's The Bright Idea?<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">I like experimenting with my camera in an attempt to get the best Straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) shots I can. A lot of my motivation behind pursuing good SOOC pictures is to avoid so much time editing them to my satisfaction. Unfortunately my pictures almost always require at least a little bit of editing. I do have to say though, when time is available for it, editing pictures is a fun way to experiment with your creativity.</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">Spending many hours '<a href="http://www.gimp.org/">gimping</a>' my pictures in not uncommon. When that much time is invested in creating a visual 'masterpiece' (granted "eye of the beholder"), nothing blows the wind out of your sail like finding out bad your picture looks on another computer.<br />
</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">Case in point, below are some pictures I edited to have a visually-pleasing contrast to brightness ratio...not too bright, not too dark and not too washed out. I originally edited the pictures on my LCD laptop screen. </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">Feeling pretty satisfied with how the pictures looked, I was disappointed when I saw them on my CRT desktop monitor. </span></span></h6><span style="font-size: 100%;">So I decided to edit them on my CRT monitor, compare them side by side. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx3q1cyyxhE/TXG7yUs4tXI/AAAAAAAABwo/EBCHM6NBYEQ/s1600/wlcdcrtcompare.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580447886513583474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jx3q1cyyxhE/TXG7yUs4tXI/AAAAAAAABwo/EBCHM6NBYEQ/s400/wlcdcrtcompare.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWBkw-RP8C0/TXG7yWdQW0I/AAAAAAAABwg/3HzQTynzL5A/s1600/wcrtlcdcompare2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580447886984895298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWBkw-RP8C0/TXG7yWdQW0I/AAAAAAAABwg/3HzQTynzL5A/s400/wcrtlcdcompare2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 356px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Which edit looks better on your screen and what type of screen do you have?</span></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="messageBody"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">If the pictures look so much different of different computers, how can I be sure they look the same when I get them printed on photo paper? My wallet certainly isn't willing to find out the answer.<br />
</span> </span></span> <br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="messageBody"><span style="font-size: small;"> CRT monitors, my preference, probably have a more consistent picture, but are often dark. LCD screens are nice and bright; maybe even too bright causing whites to glare and textures to disappear--even if they are high definition screens. One of my pet peeves with LCD monitors is that their picture quality varies depending on one's view-angle to the screen.<br />
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So here is the picture editor's dilemma: how can you guarantee a good-looking picture on various viewer's computer screens? More importantly, how can you know your edits will look good when the picture is developed?<br />
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I'm not sure there is a guarantee, but I have learned a few tricks.<br />
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1. Trust the photo-editing software's 'judgment' of a good edit as a reference point. More than likely your picture-editing software has buttons that automatically balance the contrast/brightness and colors. I also use the histogram to help me know how to trim the brightness and the contrast. Sometimes I use Gimp's Levels eye-droppers to make whites white or grays gray. Unfortunately, relying on the software is no guarantee you will have a good-looking picture. Relying solely on the software can also dampen creativity. Although I've learned to trust the software, I only use it as a reference point--not an end-all solution.<br />
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2. Calibrate your monitor's contrast, brightness and color to a standard reference. Many Disney and other DVDs contain a monitor optimization tool in their setup menu. This tools walks you through a step by step process to change your TV and monitor settings to optimize the picture quality. Especially for LCD screens you may need to use the advanced display settings to get a decent configuration.<br />
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I recently found a free software program, Calibrize (<a href="http://www.calibrize.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.calibrize.com/</a>), that walks you through a screen configuration wizard then saves the settings allowing you to simply click a button re-optimize your configuration. This program recommends recalibrating your monitor every two weeks. I am planning to recalibrate every time I edit pictures on my laptop to compensate for whatever angle it has when I open it up for that session. Some non-free software, to justify a consumer's financial sacrifice, may do a better job of optimizing your screen. In any case, free or not, I strongly recommend researching a product before investing in it.<br />
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3. Purchase a monitor built to provide true color and light balance. Using one of these screens is probably the closest thing you will get to a guarantee that what you see on the screen will also come out on a print. Of course these are priced for professionals who see it as a necessary investment.<br />
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Maybe you have some tricks you've learned to make sure your pictures look great on a wide variety of monitors and, for certain, look good after printing.</span><br />
</span></span></h6>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-54490641790434556112011-01-02T16:24:00.000-08:002011-01-02T20:09:15.781-08:00Stationary Motion PictureIn light of the Cinematography merit badge I've been doing with the Scouts I decided to look at the <a href="http://users.gobigwest.com/mossfam/other/indishark.html">Indiana Jones and the Shark Treasure</a> story the kids and I did. <br /><br />Basically, the kids created the scenes with their Legos and told me the story element; I took the pictures and tried to tie the story together in a PowerPoint presentation. Then I used <a href="http://www.authorgen.com/authorpoint-lite-free/powerpoint-to-flash-converter.aspx">AuthorPOINT Lite</a> (the free version) to turn it into a web presentation. It was pretty fun.<br /><br />While reviewing the story, I could identify a few cinematography techniques we used to tell the story. Can you identify some of them?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://users.gobigwest.com/mossfam/other/indishark.html"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indiana Jones and the Shark Treasure</span></span></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://users.gobigwest.com/mossfam/other/indishark.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/TSFJwUdn0XI/AAAAAAAABvk/BLk_ie6phhk/s400/Indi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557804509627404658" border="0" /></a><br />I strongly recommend giving this method of story-telling a shot. Its fun to harness the creativity of your kids while practicing photography and movie-making techniques.DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-428256217658454452010-12-15T22:06:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:28:04.764-08:00Cinematography Test and Follow-up<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" >Here is the test we took for the Cinematography Merit Badge:</span><br /><br />1. What is Visual Story Telling<br /><br />2. What is the Cinematographer's Role in the Movie-making Process?<br /><br />3. Draw a diagram illustrating four-point lighting<br /> – Bonus: label the light sources<br /><br />4. What is the 180-axis rule?<br /><br />5. Draw a diagram of a Zoom lens<br /><br />6. Draw a simple picture illustrating proper use of the Rule of thirds.<br /><br />7. Describe four framing techniques.<br /><br />8. Describe four motion techniques.<br /><br />9. How does a wide angle lens differ from a telephoto lens?<br /><br />10. How does rhythm affect a movie?<br /><br />11. What role does viewer perspective play in movie-making?<br /><br />12. How does a treatment differ from a script?<br /><br />13. Why is Story Boarding used in Cinematography?<br /><br />14. Label the functions of a tripod. (Official names of parts are not required.)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Here is a list of things to do to finish the Merit Badge</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Treatment & Story Board</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shoot a Short Film</span><br /> Demonstrating techniques discussed in class including proper use of:<br /> – Tripod, hand-held, angle, panning, framing, and lighting<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Identify Three Cinematography Careers</span> (hint: Cinematographer, or Director of Photography, is an actual career title, search for motion picture careers that do work with cameras or lighting or other jobs related to camera-work. You might try looking at the Credits of a movie for ideas. Also, you can search the Career Guide to Industries: <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/">http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/</a>)<br /> – Pick one and explain education, training and experience needed.<br /> – Why might this career be interesting to you?DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-33521994548400916932010-12-03T00:06:00.001-08:002010-12-10T06:51:18.484-08:00CinematographyI had the opportunity to start helping our local Scout Troop earn the Cinematography Merit Badge. I'm having a lot of fun.<br /><br />For the Scouts, here is a sample treatment, Story board and the video to go with it.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Treatment:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puzzled</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The figure of a young boy sits in a spacious room with his back to the audience. Out of all the activities a young boy could do in the room, he sits still. Drawing closer the boy appears to be focused, with his face down, on something on a small table. Coming in close finally reveals the boy looking earnestly at puzzle pieces scattered about the table.<br /><br />The boy's face reveals his tight, serious concentration as he tests different puzzle pieces to find a fit. Sometimes the fit, but often times they don't fit. A bit of anxiety can be seen on the boys face with every failed match.<br /><br />The boy's countenance changes as the pieces start coming together. He appears to be filled with hope and encouragement. Perhaps he speeds up his pace as each successful puzzle match feeds his motivation. Finally the puzzle is complete, almost glistening in the brilliance of success! The boy looks up with a look of humble satisfaction on his face.</div></div><br /><br />Story Board:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/TQI-NWrnf4I/AAAAAAAABvU/usI82ZQSXSU/s1600/Storyboard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/TQI-NWrnf4I/AAAAAAAABvU/usI82ZQSXSU/s400/Storyboard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549066090021617538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Completed Video: (note: this video was filmed using a point-and-shoot camera that could only shoot 20 seconds of low-quality video at a time...goes to show you don't need fancy equipment to tell a visual story. In fact the camera didn't record sound. On my first sound video, I recorded the sound using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with a sound recorder and matched the sound to the video. Now cell phones can do both...with better quality.)<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L1guGoMKZFU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L1guGoMKZFU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-63191088387013503572010-05-23T17:58:00.000-07:002010-05-23T19:33:38.642-07:00The RAW DealMost digital SLR cameras record their pictures a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> (.<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpg</span>) images. However the language the camera uses to understand the image it sees before it translates it to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> is called the RAW data. There are differing opinions (among both professional and non-professional <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">photographers</span>) about whether or not it is better to shoot RAW or let the camera just translate it directly to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> or other common picture formats.<br /><br />RAW contains a lot of information about the image so it consumes a lot of file space on the memory card and on the computer. RAW may also require special software and/or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">codecs</span> so you computer can actually read the picture information. (I use the free <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">UFRaw</span> in conjunction with Gimp.) However, since RAW is how the camera sees the image information, it arguably provides more accurate images. Editing RAW images may also retain its information quality. Before you share RAW images, you have to translate them to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> or another format so others can view them. RAW is ideal for pictures to which you are planning to do some sincere quality editing.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jpeg</span> is a compressed picture format. As such a storage card can hold more pictures (with my Nikon D40, the highest quality .<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpg</span> photo is half the size of the RAW data). Conveniently, all computers can already read and edit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> files. However, since the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> is a translation of the camera information compressed into a smaller file, reduction in quality and loss of picture information may exist. Each time you edit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> the quality of the picture degrades. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jpeg</span> format is great for everyday sharing of pictures and if your not really picky about the little intricacies of how the photo looks.<br /><br />I used to be biased towards <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span>, but I've been playing with RAW a little bit more lately. I'm still torn on which one I like better. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpegs</span> come out great...and with some minor editing can look pretty nice. However I like the more natural color quality in the RAW images with which I've played. In my experience there editing raw is a little more labor intensive than the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-adjusted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> images, but that is kind of the point with the RAW images. I also notice that RAW reveals a lot more detail and texture than the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> translations and its it easier to correct over and underexposed pictures in RAW.<br /><br />I think the only way to tell which one you like better is to try them both. Below you can see a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">jpeg</span> simple edit compared to a RAW (Nikon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">NEF</span>) simple edit to see what you think. (Click the picture if you want to see more detail.)<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQK-xYnmI/AAAAAAAABu4/2cn8TuWUsbs/s1600/weblthousejpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635709112950370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQK-xYnmI/AAAAAAAABu4/2cn8TuWUsbs/s400/weblthousejpg.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jpeg</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQKcSbtPI/AAAAAAAABuw/nOfzL_8MJbM/s1600/weblthouseraw.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635699856323826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQKcSbtPI/AAAAAAAABuw/nOfzL_8MJbM/s400/weblthouseraw.jpg" /></a> RAW</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQKDyr_pI/AAAAAAAABuo/1HQzWbDp3Oo/s1600/webslthousejpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635693280722578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQKDyr_pI/AAAAAAAABuo/1HQzWbDp3Oo/s400/webslthousejpg.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jpeg</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQJnuTB4I/AAAAAAAABug/jjLi8xEwG84/s1600/webslthouseraw.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635685746116482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nQJnuTB4I/AAAAAAAABug/jjLi8xEwG84/s400/webslthouseraw.jpg" /></a><br />RAW<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPzc-GtcI/AAAAAAAABuY/L9Y-Upjx-eE/s1600/webrockyshorejpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635304902505922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPzc-GtcI/AAAAAAAABuY/L9Y-Upjx-eE/s400/webrockyshorejpg.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jpeg</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPzCDcOBI/AAAAAAAABuQ/KRsXx7TeVyU/s1600/webrockyshoreraw.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635297677129746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPzCDcOBI/AAAAAAAABuQ/KRsXx7TeVyU/s400/webrockyshoreraw.jpg" /></a><br />RAW<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPy6pJkpI/AAAAAAAABuI/KmhuuX_thlo/s1600/webtexturesjpg.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635295687807634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPy6pJkpI/AAAAAAAABuI/KmhuuX_thlo/s400/webtexturesjpg.JPG" /></a><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jpeg</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPyj3Z-PI/AAAAAAAABuA/ucvhCJ88jmE/s1600/webtexturesraw.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474635289573587186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S_nPyj3Z-PI/AAAAAAAABuA/ucvhCJ88jmE/s400/webtexturesraw.jpg" /></a>RAW<br /><br /></div><div align="left">But don't just use my experience...find out for yourself.<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-589359571193908162010-04-27T18:49:00.000-07:002010-04-27T21:37:30.342-07:00Fleeing The TsunamiWe were enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon at home when suddenly we were startled by a heart-stopping disruption. All of us were thrust to the ground and things started flying off of the shelves and walls.<br /><br />When the reality hit us that we were experiencing a violent earthquake, we all dropped, covered and protected ourselves as best we could. I grabbed baby B, held her close and tried to protect her.<br /><br />When the shaking stopped, we caught our breath again and made sure everyone was alright. J hurt his arm pretty badly which required some quick first aid and T could barely walk on his right food, but fortunately most of us only sustained a few cuts and bruises.<br /><br />Our house was in shambles with furniture, books/papers, videos, toys, roof tiles, glass, wood splinters and fallen boards randomly scattered all over the place. We had to watch where we were stepping to make sure we didn't get hurt even more.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Now adrenaline was pumping, we were still in shock and the kids were scared ...I was too. However, we couldn't rest. Not only did we know there might be some aftershocks just as violent, we knew we only had 25-35 minutes to get out of the <a href="http://www.oregongeology.org/sub/earthquakes/Coastal/TsunamiIntro.htm">Tsunami Zone </a>in which we lived...and there would be no time to wait for local authorities to tell us whether or not a Tsunami was coming. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We couldn't just drive to higher ground as the roads were all ripped up from the earthquake and if they weren't, they were blocked by panicked people trying to get out of the danger zone. We have to walk.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Fortunately we were prepared with 72-hour kit backpacks for each of us. We dug the backpacks out of the rubble and started out on our 1.1 mile walk to our local Tsunami meeting place. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465029275354274370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S9evK8SaGkI/AAAAAAAABt0/mi-eNjd2Vpc/s400/webtsunamidrill+009.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>This happened to be one of those rare times that the weather was dry here in the Pacific Northwest and it was a warmer spring day. I can't imagine how much more challenging it would have been if it was icy cold and rainy....or rainy, cold and stormy with heavy winds. Regardless of the weather, we had to carry on to outrun the two or three story wall of water that would potential rise out of the little river across the street and crawl graspingly up our street.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The path to the Tsunami meeting place rises up gradually with a few steeper 'steps' along the way. Our goal is to get to the first 'step' as fast as we can and then continue steadily to up to the second step and so on until we reach the meeting place. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We knew, especially with the kids' endurance and T not able to walk well on his foot, we wouldn't be able to make it all the way to the meeting place before the wave hit, but we did know the higher we were, the less impact the wave would have if it did outrun us.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We were already about 10 minutes behind schedule, just from trying to dig out the life-supporting emergency backpacks.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>We continued forward, pressing on, fueled by adrenaline, heightened senses and amplified awareness as we pursued our goal towards each 'step' of added safety. As we continued, we listened anxiously for the roar of the destructive wave as a timing guide and tried to not lose ground from looking back at what might be nipping at our heels. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>On the way we looked around for places on which to hang on in case we did get inundated by the attacking wave. Hopefully we could hold our position until the wave rolled over us and speedily receded. We knew we would have to hold on as tight as possible against the pressure of the coming wave and the suction of the receding wave. We were forecasting what types of debris to avoid if that situation occured.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465029270293175250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S9evKpbv29I/AAAAAAAABts/TuSa8Y2q9gM/s400/webtsunamidrill+014.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>We made it to the first 'step' in a little about seven minutes and the second 'step' was within site. With each step we were at a safer height than the previous. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Soon we could hear the faint rumble of the Tsunami tearing down Main street. The sound alone motivated us and fed the adrenaline we needed to make the backpacks lighter and our legs less painful. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Not quite to the second 'step' we could see the rush of water crawling up the shallow hill at an amazing speed...yet at the same time it seemed like slow motion. Fear engulfed us and our legs almost 'rubberized' by the overwhelming terror that overcame us. When we realized the wave was approaching faster than we could out run it, we gathered and held each other tight to brace for impact. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Gratefully we were high enough up the hill that the wave, pushed up the hill only by its momentum, was only a foot deep. Yet the impact of the wave breaking against the back of my legs and exploding around us almost made me loose my balance. The kids were crying and screaming in panic and fear...we held our ground until the water crawled back down the hill.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We were startled, scared, cold and wet, but we were safe! We couldn't hold back our tearful emotions, but we were encompassed by a feeling of relief that we survived the Tsunami!<br /></div><div></div><div>After coming back to our senses and making sure everyone was alright, we regrouped and carried on up the hill towards the meeting place. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We were anxious about our home and how it faired through the ordeal, but we knew there was a possibility of more waves. We also knew we would be able to get help and instruction from others and local authorities at the meeting location so we continued towards our goal. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The second half of the mile-long journey seemed to drag. The adrenaline rush receded like the wave and reality was starting to weigh us down a little bit. But we took this time, knowing we were safe, to try to relax a little and take it easy. There was no need to unwisely rush to the meeting place.</div><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div>We finally made it to the Tsunami meeting place, found a place to settle and prepared to create a secure and comforting environment. We changed into some dry clothes, pulled out a snack and drank some water. Some of the kids pulled out their books and started reading to help calm their shaken minds. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465029260785300082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S9evKGA5MnI/AAAAAAAABtk/lOJJhl-IzjE/s400/webtsunamidrill+029.JPG" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We were safe...and we were together! It was a blessing that I wasn't at work at the time of the emergency and that the kids were home with us. But even if the scenario had been different, we each knew before hand what we were to do. </div><div></div><div align="center">________________________________</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div>Although the above experience was fictional, those were some of the thoughts and discussions our family had as we held a family Earthquake/Tsunami drill this past Sunday. We practiced dropping, covering and protecting ourselves in a pretend Earthquake. We all put on our 72-hour kit backpacks and walked 1.1 miles to the Tsunami meeting place. We talked about what we would do in certain situations. It was a great role play to help us be prepared in case we had to live the scenario for real. There is comfort in being prepared.</div><div></div><br /><div>This Tsunami drill also helped us realize a few holes in our preparations. But now we can fill those holes before a real situation occurs. We do more drills and continue to progress towards better preparation. Hopefully we won't need to experience these scenarios, but if we do, we will be a little more prepared. Besides, it makes for a good opportunity to work together and enjoy each other as a family.</div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-74854222481908480022010-01-24T16:59:00.000-08:002010-01-24T17:20:23.978-08:00Winter Break<div style="text-align: center;">Had a wonderful break in the weather for a day so we decided to visit the South Jetty.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-size:85%;" >(Click the picture for a closer view.)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zuFLty21I/AAAAAAAABss/C-ucGJHvfVY/s1600-h/webshipwaves.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zuFLty21I/AAAAAAAABss/C-ucGJHvfVY/s400/webshipwaves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430477023513598802" border="0" /></a>A ship approaches the entrance to the Columbia River<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt8A5fzII/AAAAAAAABsk/K3_v4XCcjGo/s1600-h/webcaped.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt8A5fzII/AAAAAAAABsk/K3_v4XCcjGo/s400/webcaped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430476865991068802" border="0" /></a>Cape Disappointment Lighthouse looking across the mouth of the Columbia River.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt7qg8PbI/AAAAAAAABsc/uteXAR9V4vM/s1600-h/webshipssunset.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt7qg8PbI/AAAAAAAABsc/uteXAR9V4vM/s400/webshipssunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430476859982495154" border="0" /></a>Two more ships skirting the horizon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt7WOCA0I/AAAAAAAABsU/SljGGWIOujU/s1600-h/webwavecrash.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt7WOCA0I/AAAAAAAABsU/SljGGWIOujU/s400/webwavecrash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430476854534472514" border="0" /></a>Watching, listening, and feeling the giant waves crash against the Jetty renews your respect for the power and beauty of the Ocean.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt7JbkCwI/AAAAAAAABsM/FKqQW8kmqAY/s1600-h/websunsetjetty.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt7JbkCwI/AAAAAAAABsM/FKqQW8kmqAY/s400/websunsetjetty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430476851101567746" border="0" /></a>Reminded of just how incredibly beautiful God's Terrestrial creations are when you throw in a setting sun.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt6p8KuzI/AAAAAAAABsE/5n0q_aXZPk0/s1600-h/webjettysunset.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/S1zt6p8KuzI/AAAAAAAABsE/5n0q_aXZPk0/s400/webjettysunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430476842648386354" border="0" /></a>Though the sun fades to sleep, the ocean, wild yet orderly, remains restless under watch of a protective moon (directly above the camera).<br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-72850510714525414082009-09-11T19:29:00.000-07:002009-09-11T19:32:45.174-07:00Remembering 9/11's AffectThis video recap of the moments of 9/11 put things back into perspective for me. Since 9/11 I've been reluctant to watch video of the event because it was such a horrible event, but after eight years, I felt it worth the risk to remember the im...pact it had on me--not the dismay that human beings could actually get to a point of intentionally trying to hurt so many people in such well-thought-out malice, rather to remember how fragile life is and how important all people are and to be motivated by the many heroes who survived and died helping others and experiences such an event that no one would ever imagine going through....and to have compassion and empathy for all those forever changed by the experience.<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://foxnews1.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/foxnews1-foxnews-pub01-live/current/largeplayer011008/fncLargePlayer/client/embedded/embedded.swf" id="mediumFlashEmbedded" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" bgcolor="#000000" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" name="undefined" play="false" scale="noscale" menu="false" salign="LT" scriptaccess="always" wmode="false" flashvars="playerId=011008&playerTemplateId=fncLargePlayer&categoryTitle=&referralObject=9432593&referralPlaylistId=playlist" width="305" height="275"></embed>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-88767041965199762662009-08-23T14:30:00.001-07:002009-08-23T21:31:37.325-07:00Creatures From Our Garden<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG2ThBzfrI/AAAAAAAABr8/2bbsk166-Tw/s1600-h/webfrogflower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG2ThBzfrI/AAAAAAAABr8/2bbsk166-Tw/s400/webfrogflower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373276276829421234" border="0" /></a>I opened up a pumpkin flower and to my surprise, peering at me from a tiny thing were two great big eyes.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG2TJNVCrI/AAAAAAAABr0/z243viqXsGk/s1600-h/webbutterflycornzoom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG2TJNVCrI/AAAAAAAABr0/z243viqXsGk/s400/webbutterflycornzoom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373276270435306162" border="0" /></a>This Cabbage Butterfly weary from play, found rest on a wide, green, corn-leaf runway.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1_JKOwFI/AAAAAAAABrs/wSqQeWCxQVw/s1600-h/webbutterfly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1_JKOwFI/AAAAAAAABrs/wSqQeWCxQVw/s400/webbutterfly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373275926824927314" border="0" /></a>This butterfly mommy looks playful and fun, but unfortunately our cabbage had no where to run.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1-4tQv9I/AAAAAAAABrk/EGUqawo5s84/s1600-h/webreddragon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1-4tQv9I/AAAAAAAABrk/EGUqawo5s84/s400/webreddragon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373275922408456146" border="0" /></a>With a view of the world from this corn up high, perhaps looking for knights, perched this red dragon fly.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1-ZnIb6I/AAAAAAAABrc/KoScM4OEGVM/s1600-h/webfrogthink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1-ZnIb6I/AAAAAAAABrc/KoScM4OEGVM/s400/webfrogthink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373275914061246370" border="0" /></a>Safe in the garden from danger and strife, this Pacific Chorus Frog sits and ponders life.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1-G6LENI/AAAAAAAABrU/sWXQilLTtxQ/s1600-h/webbutterflycorn2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG1-G6LENI/AAAAAAAABrU/sWXQilLTtxQ/s400/webbutterflycorn2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373275909040836818" border="0" /></a>Enjoying some sun before having to run.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG19pQgq7I/AAAAAAAABrM/uX2ktgPgnOk/s1600-h/webbutterflycornair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SpG19pQgq7I/AAAAAAAABrM/uX2ktgPgnOk/s400/webbutterflycornair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373275901081463730" border="0" /></a>Quickly fly off while you have time to play! As you can see it's already mid-day!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S. --I think these pictures turned out pretty neat...thanks to my wife who performed this great feat.</span><br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-90137096267672597232009-08-09T22:03:00.000-07:002009-08-09T22:57:01.116-07:00A Bug's Eye View (photos by C--age 6)My six-yr-old son wanted to take some pictures, so I challenged him to take pictures of from a bug's perspective. I prompted him on some ideas, but he took the pictures all by himself. We had a lot of fun together. I thought several of the pictures turned out pretty well:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-z8bO3AbI/AAAAAAAABrE/fXHdxEo1MOs/s1600-h/webbugstep.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368207131532526002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-z8bO3AbI/AAAAAAAABrE/fXHdxEo1MOs/s400/webbugstep.jpg" /></a>Some bugs crawl on our back steps.</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-z8NHAUJI/AAAAAAAABq8/vSnVQZIpQDs/s1600-h/webbugvview1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368207127741485202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-z8NHAUJI/AAAAAAAABq8/vSnVQZIpQDs/s400/webbugvview1.jpg" /></a> Some bugs climb up on the fence.</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-z70j7nHI/AAAAAAAABq0/Tso_np6_DnM/s1600-h/webbugtree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368207121151925362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-z70j7nHI/AAAAAAAABq0/Tso_np6_DnM/s400/webbugtree.jpg" /></a>Some bugs climb up trees.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zvc2Tt0I/AAAAAAAABqs/qSyrjRGQ_sU/s1600-h/webbugcorn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368206908628121410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zvc2Tt0I/AAAAAAAABqs/qSyrjRGQ_sU/s400/webbugcorn.jpg" /></a> Some bugs crawl through a garden forest. This bug is entering the corn forest.</div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zvE_vx8I/AAAAAAAABqk/hcH3fLvuhbo/s1600-h/webbugfence.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368206902225258434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zvE_vx8I/AAAAAAAABqk/hcH3fLvuhbo/s400/webbugfence.jpg" /></a>Some bugs crawl sideways along the back fence.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zugE0SDI/AAAAAAAABqc/uZEeo_KtRjw/s1600-h/connor0809b+019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368206892314413106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zugE0SDI/AAAAAAAABqc/uZEeo_KtRjw/s400/connor0809b+019.jpg" /></a> Some bugs run into scary, poking giants.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zufhBr1I/AAAAAAAABqU/RwWGZJx8Qmk/s1600-h/webbugshoe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368206892164296530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zufhBr1I/AAAAAAAABqU/RwWGZJx8Qmk/s400/webbugshoe.jpg" /></a>Some bugs become suddenly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">acquainted</span> with the tread on some shoes. </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zuHoar2I/AAAAAAAABqM/6brJgOxqxvg/s1600-h/webbuggrill.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368206885752844130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sn-zuHoar2I/AAAAAAAABqM/6brJgOxqxvg/s400/webbuggrill.jpg" /></a> Some bugs just congregate.<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-38311037913819376662009-08-02T15:46:00.000-07:002009-08-02T20:36:47.213-07:00Tillamook or Umpqua Ice Cream?We threw two of Oregon's own popular Ice Cream brands together, side by side, in a Tupperware coliseum to fend for themselves against a pair of sweets-starved Ice Cream lovers and their unrestrained stainless steel spoons.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Teams:</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SnY1ERX_C4I/AAAAAAAABqE/QplTHDkni58/s1600-h/tillamook.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 177px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SnY1ERX_C4I/AAAAAAAABqE/QplTHDkni58/s200/tillamook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365534353558276994" border="0" /></a>In the first corner, the heavy-weight, farmer-owned Tillamook County Creamery Association was formed in 1909 when 10 independent Cheese plants joined forces with each other. Celebrating their 100-year anniversary this year, they continue to produce quality cheese and ice cream products. Tillamook recently won the Ice Cream Sweepstakes award in the 2009 Oregon Dairy Industry's dairy products contest after their Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and Oregon Strawberry Ice Creams won first place. <span style="font-size:78%;"> (<a href="http://www.tillamookcheese.com/">www.tillamookcheese.com</a>)</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SnY1EEMLFAI/AAAAAAAABp8/Gc_H8LBL59E/s1600-h/umpquadairy_logo%5B1%5D.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 111px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SnY1EEMLFAI/AAAAAAAABp8/Gc_H8LBL59E/s200/umpquadairy_logo%5B1%5D.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365534350019073026" border="0" /></a>In the second corner, Roseburg-based and family-owned and operated Umpqua Dairy was formed in 1931 when Ormond Feldkamp and Herb Sullivan started producing milk, butter and ice cream and selling it to railroad passengers stopped at the Roseburg Railroad Station. Since then generations of family members have maintained the high-quality standards yielding many awards over the years including 2009 Judges Award for best Strawberry Ice Cream in the nation at the Quality Chekd National Convention, 2008 Judges Award for best Chocolate Ice Cream in the nation at the Quality Chekd National Convention, and Oregon Dairy Industry's Ice Cream Sweepstakes award in 2008. <span style="font-size:78%;">(<a href="http://www.umpquadairy.com/">www.umpquadairy.com</a>)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Contestants:</span><br /><br />Tillamook Cookie Dough vs. Umpqua Cookie Dough<br /><br />Tillamook Chocolate Peanut Butter vs. Umpqua Chocolate Peanut Butter<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Round One: Creaminess</span><br /><br />The first indicator of each team's creaminess was revealed when we scooped the ice cream about 10 minutes before consumption began and it began to melt. Tillamook, had a smooth, even glaze compared to the textured surface of the Umpqua. Slipping off the spoon into your mouth, the Tillamook Ice Cream melted consistently with a fluffy, creamy, consistent texture and flavor. Umpqua put up a valiant fight with a smooth melt, however, it lacked the fluffy texture and had a hint of graininess. In round one, Tillamook ice cream puts the 'cream' in 'creamery'.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Round Two: Cookie Dough Flavor</span><br /><br />Umpqua had a nice rich, full flavor fitting its packaging description, "A touch of golden brown sugar added to our vanilla ice cream..." Tillamook has a light, natural cookie dough flavor. Although I personally prefer Tillamook's cookie dough flavor, we'll give round two to Umpqua because they include little tiny chocolate chip squares to complete the cookie dough characteristic.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Round Three: Cookie Dough Bits</span><br /><br />The cookie dough pieces in the Tillamook ice cream have the consistency of a frozen mini marshmellow and very creamy texture when you bite through them. The flavor of the cookie dough is also very much like homemade cookie dough. Umpqua's cookie dough bits were a bit grainy, as if the sugar grains weren't dissolved into the batter. For leaving the grainy cookie dough bandwagon for its own, unique smooth orchestra, we give round three to Tillamook.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Round Four: Chocolate Flavor</span><br /><br />Umpqua had a rich chocolate flavored ice cream. However, it was on the more bitter, chalkier side of the chocolate spectrum for ice cream. Tillamook on the other hand had a sweeter chocolate flavor which, for me, gives Tillamook a sweet victory in Round Four.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Round Five: Peanut Butter</span><br /><br />Tillamook's peanut butter ribboning through the chocolate ice cream tasted like natural peanut butter. I liked the stick-to-the -roof-of-your-mouth texture and saltiness of Tillamook's peanut butter. Umpqua's peanut butter ribbons were sweeter than Tillamook's, but still had a natural texture and flavor. In addition to the peanut butter ribbons, Umpqua also had large, thick chunks of peanut butter flavored candy, the consistency of a super-thin chocolate bar. Although the flavor of the peanut butter 'chips' was on the waxy-side for my tastes, it helps Umpqua win round five.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Round Six: Price</span><br /><br />At about $.40 less per container, Umpqua wins this round.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The winner: Tillamook Ice Cream</span><br /><br />After a strong fight, to mirror the 2009 Oregon Dairy Industries' ice cream contest, Umpqua takes second in this close battle. Tillamook ice cream had the creamiest texture and the best natural flavors in this taste test.<br /><br />That doesn't mean Umpqua can't make a future come back. In fact in your own showdown, maybe your palette prefers Umpqua.<br /><br />Both Tillamook and Umpqua are very worthy ice creams from very good local companies with solid Oregon histories.<br /><br />What's the verdict of your taste challenge?DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-78171343560377347922009-07-12T22:18:00.000-07:002009-07-12T22:27:39.392-07:00Through The Hands of Others....Some of the most powerful stories are the ones told without words.<br /><br />The music: the lyrics are simple and sweet; with the feel of the arrangement it is very powerful song.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcPSGJZwHA4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcPSGJZwHA4</a><br /><br /><br /><object width="500" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jcPSGJZwHA4&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jcPSGJZwHA4&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-12361444467359633112009-07-05T21:07:00.000-07:002009-07-07T22:43:19.876-07:00Magnifying FreedomI'm convinced the only way to maintain, and maybe even reclaim, true freedom is for each of us, as individuals, to be the best, unselfish, forgiving, caring, loving, [insert admirable quality here] people we can be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQrjj1clVI/AAAAAAAABoQ/DsR_Aem5o_s/s1600-h/websflag09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQrjj1clVI/AAAAAAAABoQ/DsR_Aem5o_s/s400/websflag09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355953746765190482" border="0" /></a><br />As individuals and society, we often look to other people or organizations (especially government) to solve our problems, give us our 'fair share' of what 'we deserve', or take away the consequences of our own actions. In the end we slowly entrap ourselves into costly (financial or otherwise) commitments and rules from which we can't or won't escape.<br /><br />On the other hand, the most powerful person in the world is the one who uses their freedom to bless other people. In the first place they control their own actions to not cause problems for others, then they <span style="font-style: italic;">choose</span> to help others with their challenges by willingly sharing their talents and resources with them. After all we are family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQrjYIKNFI/AAAAAAAABoI/KZYtsQZAh4M/s1600-h/webshare.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQrjYIKNFI/AAAAAAAABoI/KZYtsQZAh4M/s400/webshare.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355953743622452306" border="0" /></a><br />Regardless of how idealistic or impossible it sounds, if every one personally strives to be the best person they can and develop the desire to sincerely want the best for other people, then we will continually make choices that will magnify freedom and help solve social problems far more effectively than social programs or making rules that attempt to force a solution.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQri065KnI/AAAAAAAABoA/bcTth4fc7ls/s1600-h/webholdhand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQri065KnI/AAAAAAAABoA/bcTth4fc7ls/s400/webholdhand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355953734171568754" border="0" /></a><br />It all starts with us exercising the freedom for which our founding father's established protections and the freedom for which many great women and men committed their lives (in life and death) to preserve....choosing to act for ourselves. No sense striving for less than our full potential and seeing the full potential in others.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQrilaxVaI/AAAAAAAABn4/4Zd74sHgGh4/s1600-h/webjflag09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQrilaxVaI/AAAAAAAABn4/4Zd74sHgGh4/s400/webjflag09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355953730010305954" border="0" /></a><br />Start with gratitude for the blessings we have living in this country. Some of the fruits of gratitude are respect and frugality and selflessness...and continues to grow into the desire to help others have the same or better blessings. I'm sure you can think of other fruits of gratitude.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQsGPsrisI/AAAAAAAABoY/Z5KtdkO0hwk/s1600-h/webtflag09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SlQsGPsrisI/AAAAAAAABoY/Z5KtdkO0hwk/s400/webtflag09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355954342655134402" border="0" /></a><br />Make your personal commitments now to magnify freedom by being the best person you can be and to bless others. We can start small and continue to improve day to day.DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-23781058113268026312009-07-01T00:22:00.000-07:002009-07-01T00:22:01.479-07:00What Animal Is This?<div align="center">What animals do you think these are? </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Click to find the answer:<br /></span><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhnYLGXzXI/AAAAAAAABjY/_HTHRrfu5cc/s1600-h/webanswer1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352644313995320354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhppOC0nCI/AAAAAAAABko/5Qe_zaw19nQ/s400/webquestion1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhnXySI-FI/AAAAAAAABjQ/G0ugHHzG7FQ/s1600-h/webanswer2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352644310536611218" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhppBKM5ZI/AAAAAAAABkg/cLb5wIIDhvw/s400/webquestion2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhnXQnS2NI/AAAAAAAABjI/w_7f4gsOPc0/s1600-h/webanswer3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352644307447809938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Skhpo1pxh5I/AAAAAAAABkY/CIfWPSxd-cA/s400/webquestion3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhnXWlS7II/AAAAAAAABjA/jaCk0sNgrcw/s1600-h/webanswer4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 364px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352644297968394786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhpoSVtIiI/AAAAAAAABkQ/LeaAkKxOmZU/s400/webquestion4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhnXJDbMGI/AAAAAAAABi4/sqm0A9PwLmQ/s1600-h/webanswer5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352644294517365378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkhpoFe6moI/AAAAAAAABkI/jyohl9Ks2n4/s400/webquestion6.jpg" /></a> </div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-34537894377869282262009-06-28T14:51:00.000-07:002009-06-28T15:06:59.663-07:00Hope: Better Times Will ComeI think this is one of the greatest messages out there.<br /><br /><object width="500" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xlc5RvmWN4s&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xlc5RvmWN4s&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object><br /><br />We all go through cycles of despair, trial, heart-ache, challenges, or other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">temptations</span> to give up under the trials. But I know if we keep trying our best with hope of relief, and wade through the depressing times, better times will soon come.<br /><br />The loving Savior helps bring hope and helps us overcome our challenges with the outcome that we are better when it is over!DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-41963958030412594082009-06-24T00:49:00.000-07:002009-06-24T01:39:27.057-07:002009 Pelican ConventionI'm not a well-versed in birds...I'm not even sure if I know what they call a bird scientist, but I've grown to really love the variety and often uniqueness of the birds that hangout on the North Oregon Coast.<br /><br />On Father's Day this past weekend we went to see the sunset at the beach. When we peaked at the large sand dune that borders the beach, we were impressed by a mass of Pelicans. It must have been the 2009 Pelican Convention. I've never seen such a sight...it was amazing.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgqGyEV2I/AAAAAAAABb8/LM8UnZavPpE/s1600-h/webpelicansolo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350804846272599906" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgqGyEV2I/AAAAAAAABb8/LM8UnZavPpE/s400/webpelicansolo.jpg" /></a> Anxious to get to the party! </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Click the pictures for an enlarged image)</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgpyO3W-I/AAAAAAAABb0/XLipYLp9-e4/s1600-h/webpelicanline.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350804840756239330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgpyO3W-I/AAAAAAAABb0/XLipYLp9-e4/s400/webpelicanline.jpg" /></a> Usually they caravan in a long line, often flying close to the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgp_ItkMI/AAAAAAAABbs/NmgvQrlnWQQ/s1600-h/webpelicanorangemg.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350804844220092610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgp_ItkMI/AAAAAAAABbs/NmgvQrlnWQQ/s400/webpelicanorangemg.jpg" /></a> These pelicans are quite large. I love the shape of their wide wings as they calmly, yet powerfully fly through the air.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgphVyBFI/AAAAAAAABbk/zV7aOY7d9Is/s1600-h/webpelicanconvention.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350804836221846610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgphVyBFI/AAAAAAAABbk/zV7aOY7d9Is/s400/webpelicanconvention.jpg" /></a> Catching up with the latest news. (Its interesting to note that the seagulls sat right behind the massive flock of Pelicans as if they were waiting patiently to pick-up the left-behinds from the party. I was surprised the Pelicans were so nice to the Seagulls, but at the same time the Seagulls were quite respectful of the Pelicans.)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgpSbkqFI/AAAAAAAABbc/IxTrR9IoN3E/s1600-h/webpelicanflurry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350804832219605074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SkHgpSbkqFI/AAAAAAAABbc/IxTrR9IoN3E/s400/webpelicanflurry.jpg" /></a> The sunset made a nice backdrop for the Pelican 'dance floor'. There were more Pelicans circling in the air and diving in the water than there were 'wall flowers' waiting on the shore.<br /><div></div></div></div></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-69718363534208900422009-05-24T17:48:00.000-07:002009-05-24T18:05:57.599-07:00First Anniversary of BirthOur daughter celebrated her first Birthday yesterday. It was also the first day of her life that she ever tasted cake!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKbTKZJgkRYI3CAmgK6JzRSRXQunsCWQ-oGXI1WKmD5omTOVZeyKozw6U-3BhjJaG-79WSWs_eI-ermwEHoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Shnrk-t9QVI/AAAAAAAABUY/M5gfp8eZBgo/s1600-h/webb1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Shnrk-t9QVI/AAAAAAAABUY/M5gfp8eZBgo/s400/webb1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339557853768008018" border="0" /></a>It was a beautiful sunny day and we played outside.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Shnrkg8fSDI/AAAAAAAABUQ/azYD3BSJZ2s/s1600-h/webbpresent.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Shnrkg8fSDI/AAAAAAAABUQ/azYD3BSJZ2s/s400/webbpresent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339557845775894578" border="0" /></a>She loved opening all of the presents...especially the wrapping paper part.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/ShnrkVwzyvI/AAAAAAAABUI/_o9PqfnNqi0/s1600-h/webbgoogle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/ShnrkVwzyvI/AAAAAAAABUI/_o9PqfnNqi0/s400/webbgoogle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339557842774117106" border="0" /></a>Wide-eyed with all her toys and clothes and stuffed animals.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/ShnrkFOEE7I/AAAAAAAABUA/TqaqSFMeJOc/s1600-h/webb1-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/ShnrkFOEE7I/AAAAAAAABUA/TqaqSFMeJOc/s400/webb1-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339557838333416370" border="0" /></a>She likes playing with the flowers in the grass.<br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-5396877624653666702009-05-12T22:05:00.000-07:002009-05-12T22:31:32.157-07:00A Few Recent PicturesI haven't been in a talkative mood these days, so I thought I'd just say a few thousand words:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpYXp0LnEI/AAAAAAAABTY/eizNsXe5vJ8/s1600-h/webflygull.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpYXp0LnEI/AAAAAAAABTY/eizNsXe5vJ8/s400/webflygull.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335173871958727746" border="0" /></a>Flight Maneuvers<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpX6MlHzlI/AAAAAAAABTQ/WdrTpsZU9bQ/s1600-h/webgull.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpX6MlHzlI/AAAAAAAABTQ/WdrTpsZU9bQ/s400/webgull.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335173365894729298" border="0" /></a>Eye Witness<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRn5tUlI/AAAAAAAABTA/72XbEp_fWgU/s1600-h/webdandelionfur.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRn5tUlI/AAAAAAAABTA/72XbEp_fWgU/s400/webdandelionfur.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335172668854194770" border="0" /></a>Make a Wish<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRSjpVfI/AAAAAAAABS4/ilf2AXHS7H0/s1600-h/webbaldeaglesit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRSjpVfI/AAAAAAAABS4/ilf2AXHS7H0/s400/webbaldeaglesit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335172663124514290" border="0" /></a>Our first somewhat close-ups of a wild Bald Eagle.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRYLZvHI/AAAAAAAABSw/9AQu7xX-9qQ/s1600-h/webbdad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRYLZvHI/AAAAAAAABSw/9AQu7xX-9qQ/s400/webbdad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335172664633441394" border="0" /></a>Surrounded by Beauty<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRELqaVI/AAAAAAAABSo/hNvTan30Mkc/s1600-h/webmomkids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SgpXRELqaVI/AAAAAAAABSo/hNvTan30Mkc/s400/webmomkids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335172659265825106" border="0" /></a>I love my family.<br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-62312387114650315782009-04-25T13:19:00.001-07:002009-04-25T14:20:55.371-07:00While Mom's Away, The Boys PlayMy wife went away with baby b for the weekend to spend some time with her mom and sisters. The boys and I decided to camp out in the backyard and have some fun ourselves.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyihYjoaI/AAAAAAAABSg/G55sXTAd9bE/s1600-h/webboyscamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyihYjoaI/AAAAAAAABSg/G55sXTAd9bE/s400/webboyscamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728721511915938" border="0" /></a>We had fun and plenty of room in our relatively new 3-room tent. There was even room enough for mommy and baby b if they were here. That would have been fun too.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyiWlHp6I/AAAAAAAABSY/otbWNm6o69c/s1600-h/webkidscamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyiWlHp6I/AAAAAAAABSY/otbWNm6o69c/s400/webkidscamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728718611818402" border="0" /></a>In the morning, I called-in our burn permit and we had a little campfire. We're slowly getting our pile of branches burned down and taking recreational advantage of it when we can. We did have a fire extinguisher nearby per permit rules. (Just in case the Fire Chief reads this. :-) )<br /><br />We also cooked up some bacon and pancakes on the camp stove. We heated water for Hot Chocolate over the fire. Later we did S'mores.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyieK713I/AAAAAAAABSQ/H20RJmPSqvo/s1600-h/webccamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyieK713I/AAAAAAAABSQ/H20RJmPSqvo/s400/webccamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728720649475954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">What did you think about the </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">camp out</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">?</span> C: Good. Fun. And Cool. Amazing. And I don't know why it's amazing. And it was....'wicked cooool'.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyTV7mB7I/AAAAAAAABSI/GyvVnRsMqts/s1600-h/webkcamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyTV7mB7I/AAAAAAAABSI/GyvVnRsMqts/s400/webkcamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728460739610546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">What was your favorite part of the </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">camp out</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">?</span> K: Uh...the S'mores and the stuff that we did today.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyTED44DI/AAAAAAAABSA/EjODRSe2FrM/s1600-h/webbnahnd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyTED44DI/AAAAAAAABSA/EjODRSe2FrM/s400/webbnahnd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728455942561842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">What did you think of the camp out?</span> Eddie Banana Hands: I Loved it!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyS01CRdI/AAAAAAAABR4/TrqX-hzYHWc/s1600-h/webscamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyS01CRdI/AAAAAAAABR4/TrqX-hzYHWc/s400/webscamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728451853731282" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">What's the most memorable part of the camp out for you?</span> S:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyS6qiIWI/AAAAAAAABRw/CODThjAjZmk/s1600-h/webjcamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNyS6qiIWI/AAAAAAAABRw/CODThjAjZmk/s400/webjcamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728453420294498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">What did you like about the camp out?</span> J: It was fun. We should do it more often.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNySkcv89I/AAAAAAAABRo/s80ko-p9xRQ/s1600-h/webfunnyboys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SfNySkcv89I/AAAAAAAABRo/s80ko-p9xRQ/s400/webfunnyboys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328728447456900050" border="0" /></a>We had a lot of fun hanging together...just us boys.<br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-52586159441559314812009-04-12T15:31:00.000-07:002009-04-13T23:07:03.731-07:00What's So Important About Jesus Christ?<div>Many people celebrate Easter in difference ways. Easter, like many other holidays, has origins in the belief of Jesus Christ. Why are there so many holidays and religions founded on the belief of this one individual who lived for a little more than 30 years, 2000 years ago? Were there not other mighty characters of history deserving of such great attention? What is so important about Jesus Christ?<br /><br />To understand the significance of Jesus Christ, we first must recognize our own eternal potential: --to experience the fullness of joy (referred to as exaltation or eternal life). The fullness of joy is experienced when (1) we have a perfect physical body inseparable from our spirit (or soul), and (2) we continue to progress through eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father (God). To live in the presence of our Heavenly Father, we must live by His laws...since He knows what must be done in order to receive the fullness of Joy.<br /><br />The problem we face here on earth is that it is impossible to achieve the fullness of Joy by ourselves for two reasons. (1) We have imperfect, mortal bodies in which our bodies will separate from our spirit (soul) at death. (2) Our behavior is not perfect--we break the laws of God that allow us to achieve the fullness of joy (called sin). No unclean thing can dwell with God. <br /><br />Heavenly Father's plan for our salvation required a Savior to help us overcome death and sin. Jesus was appointed to be that Savior and executor of the Plan of Salvation from before the earth was created through to the end. <br /><br />As the only begotten son of our Heavenly Father (Jesus was born with Mary as His mother and God as His father), Jesus had power over death. Jesus also obeyed all of the laws/commandments of God. His behavior was perfect for he committed no sin. <br /><br />Justice requires punishment for any who break the eternal laws of God--including never being able to live with God and experience the fullness of Joy. Jesus Christ, a perfect man requiring no punishment, took upon himself the punishment for all sins committed by the human family past, present and future. His only ability to live through the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain caused by this atonement was his power to not die. <br /><br />Immediately after drinking the 'bitter cup' of the atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was betrayed by a friend, physically tortured, and condemned to death by the Roman technique of crucifixion. He was nailed to the cross and while there suffered the final solitary moments to complete the atonement. When Jesus Christ knew his work at this stage was finished he let his spirit leave his body--he finally chose to die.<br /><br />Three days later, Jesus Christ reunited his body--now 100% immortal and perfect--with his spirit never to be separated again in all eternity. Being the first to rise from the dead, he set in place the resurrection of all humankind. Anyone who is born on the earth, past, present and future will now be resurrected with a perfect, immortal body, never again to be separated from his/her spirit by death. All of us will receive glorious bodies for the rest of eternity. Christ's gift of the resurrection is given to all. <br /><br />Through the atonement and resurrection, Jesus Christ became our mediator with our Heavenly Father. We are still required to obey the laws of God if we are to experience the fullness of joy, but Jesus Christ is able to fill-in the gaps of our imperfections and inabilities as we honestly strive to live up to the knowledge we have of those laws of God. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes our merciful judge and is willing to apply his atonement on our behalf. All He asks is that we choose for ourselves to exercise faith in Him ( He has the understanding and ability to help us physically, emotionally, and spiritually with all that we need and want); repent when we come short of what we know we should do; get baptized by those whom He has authorized to perform such ordinances; receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit); and to keep His commandments which will bring us happiness and comfort in this life and throughout eternity. <br /><br />I am convinced that our loving Heavenly Father does everything in his power to help us come back to Him without taking away our freedom to choose for ourselves. Not only did God provide a Savior to overcome death and sin for us, but as an added help He provided the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit).<br /><br />The Holy Ghost, among other things, confirms truth, provides comfort and cleansing, and provides guidance to help us follow the path that our Savior laid out for us to return to live with Heavenly Father in the fullness of joy. It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we can know in our heart and mind that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. The Holy Ghost communicates to us in such a personal way that we know for ourselves that truth is truth. When the Holy Ghost confirms truth to us we simply act on those feelings to follow the Savior and keep His commandments.<br /><br />So what is so important about Jesus Christ? Perhaps the unmistakable, good feelings from the Holy Ghost provided that answer to you as you read and thought about our Savior, Jesus Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jesus Christ</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">lives!</span> Because He lives, we all can be resurrected and forgiven of our imperfections so we can live with Heavenly Father again in the fullness of joy! All we have to do is choose to act on the increasing knowledge we gain of His gospel until little by little we find ourselves full beneficiaries of the atonement of Jesus Christ and experience the fullness of joy with our Father in Heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.<br /><br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-40695061909317698122009-04-10T22:05:00.000-07:002009-04-10T22:26:17.939-07:00Happy Easter!May the hope and gratitude of the atonement and resurrection of a loving Savior, Jesus Christ, lift you through all of your good times and challenging times no matter what the circumstances may be. The most hopeful phrase for us now and in all eternity: He Lives!<br /><br /><object width="500" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></object><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="500" height="315"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Easter!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SeApe8I2_OI/AAAAAAAABRg/IwQ-0ERPLRU/s1600-h/webeggs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 217px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/SeApe8I2_OI/AAAAAAAABRg/IwQ-0ERPLRU/s400/webeggs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323300371068026082" border="0" /></a>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-48245615019279379102009-03-15T22:17:00.000-07:002009-03-15T22:35:19.956-07:00Almost-Spring SunsetsI haven't posted pictures for a while. Here are some pacific ocean sunset pictures from the last few months:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hoRNRpqI/AAAAAAAABRY/vcI0C6V_cuk/s1600-h/websunsets.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313651217297155746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hoRNRpqI/AAAAAAAABRY/vcI0C6V_cuk/s400/websunsets.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sun's Eyes Half Closed</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hoGgKYXI/AAAAAAAABRQ/IQetDsRio-E/s1600-h/websetpillars.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313651214423581042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hoGgKYXI/AAAAAAAABRQ/IQetDsRio-E/s400/websetpillars.jpg" border="0" /></a> Crisp, Cool Silhouettes<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hoDM3zjI/AAAAAAAABRI/ayHOpz38HXY/s1600-h/webbirdssun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313651213537365554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hoDM3zjI/AAAAAAAABRI/ayHOpz38HXY/s400/webbirdssun.jpg" border="0" /></a>"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">C'mon</span> kids come home and get ready for bed."<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hn1EhBvI/AAAAAAAABRA/Vf4EvSLOZBo/s1600-h/webbirdsilhouette.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313651209744221938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hn1EhBvI/AAAAAAAABRA/Vf4EvSLOZBo/s400/webbirdsilhouette.jpg" border="0" /></a> Come Down to Rest<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hnhbEdkI/AAAAAAAABQ4/EMjSd7VgFbQ/s1600-h/webplanetboat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313651204470109762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3vx6h5qjyC0/Sb3hnhbEdkI/AAAAAAAABQ4/EMjSd7VgFbQ/s400/webplanetboat.jpg" border="0" /></a> Venus Watching Over Sleepy Fishing Boat.<br /><div> </div></div></div><br /></div>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-54175834106213604272009-03-08T14:54:00.000-07:002009-03-08T15:22:02.565-07:00Uplifting Teaser Trailer<object width="500" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jds1QZrJq1Y&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jds1QZrJq1Y&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object>DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-801366989209844867.post-32468754080898977372009-02-27T17:43:00.000-08:002009-02-27T20:03:23.259-08:00The Affect of Ghost Stories<span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffff99;">Last night as a few co-workers and I were driving the two-hours home from a field office, we somehow ended up talking about ghost stories. I think that is why I had the following dream last night:</span><br /><br />An old building on a College campus was said to be haunted. The yellow-white marble building with the Romanesque pillars lining the front looked old, but it didn't look particularly scary. A friend and I decided to investigate for ourselves. <br /><br />It was dusk when were ready to check it out. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn</span>’t scared at all…more excited, curious, and hopeful to actually see a disembodied spirit. <br /><br />Most of the building was still being used for classes, so security lights were on, but we still needed our flashlights to see clearly. We explored the hallways on the main floor, but found nothing unusual. <br /><br />We came to some spiral stairs. We looked down over the railing. Two stories below us was the basement. To avoid duplicating our efforts, we decided to start in the basement and work our way up through the five-story building. <br /><br />As we reached the first landing on our way down, my flashlight flickered and went out. ‘No big deal,’ I thought. ‘I think I have some spare batteries in my pocket.’ I fumbled through my jacket pocket and found the spare batteries. We started down the stairs again as I tried to free the batteries from their wrapper. <br /><br />The stairs ended in the basement just outside the open doors of a small theater. The basement <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn</span>’t used for classes. In fact it is was empty. Inside the theater the cement floors we bare with the exception of some rusty holes where it looked like rows of chairs were bolted to the floor at one time. The floor was quilted with glue residue which, at one time, secured the carpet to the floor.<br /><br />The stage was still intact and a dark burgundy velvet curtain was closed across the stage. After spanning the room, lit only by our flashlights and faint security lights, we looked up startled to see three figures on the stage just outside the curtain. They were acting as if they were having a barbecue—without Barbecue equipment. They appeared to have a faint <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">glow</span> around them. <br /><br />One of the figures was going through the actions of tending the grill. He was a young man, tall, confident, and had blondish-brown hair. He seemed very friendly. <br /><br />I was wondering if this was a residual haunting where the ghosts simply replayed actions they performed while they were alive. While I was settling on a conclusion, the tall blond young man looked at us, smiled and invited, “would you like to join us? It will be fun.” Then he and the others disappeared through the closed curtain. <br /><br />Contact! We were so excited! That was more than I hoped to experience.<br /><br />My friend decided to follow them. I started to follow, but remembered I still needed to put the batteries in my flashlight. While I was messing with my flashlight, my friend crawled under the closed curtain in pursuit of these entities that just interacted with us. I could hear his excited, yet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">un-revealing</span>, exclamations. I could only imagine what amazing things he was discovering. I was getting jealous. I quickly finished securing the battery cover on the flashlight. <br /><br />That is when I noticed it was dead silent. I could no longer hear my friend’s expressions. <br /><br />Suddenly the room went completely dark for a few seconds. The lights flickered, then stayed on again. I got a little scared and ran to the stairs to the stage to find my friend. I went through the main curtain and found myself on a dimly-lit section of the stage among layers of hanging black curtains. <br /><br />I saw the friendly, tall, blondish apparition waiting for me. At first I thought he would try to attack me so I swung my arm out in an attempt to push him away. To my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprise</span> my arm went right through his body. <br /><br />He remained warm and friendly and for a moment my fear turned to excitement. “You really are a ghost!” He just smiled warmly and nodded.<br /><br />I attempted to poke him to verify I wasn't imagining things, but he calmly grabbed my wrists. This time I could feel his hands wrapped around my wrists as if they were a tangible substance. I was surprised that he was able to change his density in such a way. <br /><br />He <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t speak, yet he still had his warm, friendly smile. <br /><br />I asked if he knew where my friend was. As I looked at him for the answer, I became startled that his grip on my arms was getting tighter. He still had the same friendly smile, but his eyes! His eyes no longer looked friendly. Fear engulfed me and I realized I was soon going to find out what happened to my friend....<br /><br />...Instantly my alarm clock pierced the silence, shaking me from my sleep. I was free the grasp of this frightening <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apparition</span>! I felt my tension release as I realized it was just a dream.<br /><br />I was never able to find out what happened to my friend.<br /><br />In a few hours its bed time again and I'm already getting tired...will I learn the conclusion of the mystery tonight?! I don't think I can keep my body awake for too much longer....DMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325024385795956771noreply@blogger.com3