COLORADO SKYSCAPE

The difference between these pictures is that this one was taken from the back porch facing north-east,

while this was taken 5 minutes later in the front facing south-west.

THE PLAYGROUND

I took this picture back in 1976 just outside of Wheeler Air Force Base in Hawaii.  This was one of two pictures I snapped of the abandoned playground.  I found this picture taped on one of my old high school folders.  My favorite picture, the second shot... has long been destroyed.  It was taken at a different angle and showed an old howizer (big gun!) just off to the left.  I called the picture Lost Innocence because of the sadness I felt by the sight of a weapon of war in a broken down playground.  I hope one day to come across the original negative for the pictures, they were the start of my passion for still photography. 

A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

I posted this picture on one of my other boards, but re-introduced myself to it while searching for pictures to send my son Gabe.  This is probably my favorite and most inspirational photograph, taken this summer near Grand Junction, Colorado just before a summer storm.

ROYAL TYPEWRITER

This is my pride and joy, my Royal typewriter.  It was a yard sale find, I got it for $40.  Its in working condition, just needs a new ribbon and a little cleaning as the keys tend to stick a little.  Once I get a little time I hope to get it cleaned up.  Nope, its not for sale!

REST STOP

We passed this rest stop on our way back from California this summer.  I believe it was in Utah, enroute to Colorado.

FIRE

There is something so comforting about a fire that even a picture is warming.  We utilize our patio fireplace year round.  We fired it up just the other night when grilling steaks as Gabe's request for his last supper with us.  Being as we all tend to congregate outside on the patio while BBQing, we fire up the fireplace for warmth and light. 

ART-FUL DODGER

Arthur is a very energetic and funny guy, he can ALMOST keep up with me in terms of wit, but he is very camera shy.  I don't know why, he used to be such a ham when he was little.  This picture was taken in the summer of 2003 while we were back in Hawaii for my family reunion.  Art and the other guys ambushed me at the bathrooms.  I probably would have been able to avoid them but I really had to go!

My 2 big boys...

First it was the Mud Brothers.... Gabe and Zack are 3 years and about 4 inches different.  This picture was taken at the dirt bike course not too far from our house on Mother's Day weekend, 2004.  By the way, Gabe is older and shorter!

 

 

 

 

Now it is the Dust Brothers.  Gabe is actually the more experienced rider of the two, but likes to clown around on the little bike because it is easier to do tricks on.  Today was Zack's first time on the big bike and he did awesome.  He'll be doing jumps in no time... but not before we get some protective gear for him. 

BIRDS OF SUMMER

The pelicans have left the pond.  I'm always so sad to see them leave.  Here a red-winged blackbird flys shotgun with his large white cousin.  Have a safe journey my friend and see you next summer.

Itty Bitty Teenie Tiny Dancer

This is Rebecca at  the Eagle Warrior Society Memorial Day Pow Wow, Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1993.  She was 1 1/2 years old.  She had been dancing at Pow Wows ever since she learned to walk at 10 months. 

RIDER IN THE SKY

 

This was the scene from my back yard on Labor Day morning.  Every year Colorado Springs hosts a hot air balloon festival.  In the past the 'air parade route' went right over our house.  Recently though we've only been able to catch a few who probably drifted off course.  The first time they flew over the house after we moved here they scared the be-what-zits out of me!  I heard this strange roar right over the house and ran out in my pjs, and was greeted by the balloonists just barely skimming over the rooftop.

FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEM., SEPT. 11, 2004

This statue is located at the International Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs.  There is something so sad about the statue that just pulled at my heart.

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER, Hawaii 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something about these guys just make me go 'ooohhhh'!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special dance was done for everyone in the audience celebrating a birthday.  Zack had just turned 16 earlier in the month and he enjoyed the tribute.

 

 

Rocky was totally entranced by the show put on by the Samoan Fire Dancer and was so excited when he came out later and posed with her.  (would you look at the size of those thighs!)

TIPI

I've always been facinated by tipis and now that I live in the western part of the country its not unusual to see them set up along the roadside and at the many Native American and Western exhibitions throughout the year.

A tipi points to the sky from behind a fur trader's wall tent at the Rocky Mountain College Rendezvous in Colorado, August 2003.

 

 

 

This tipi was spotted in California during our vacation this past summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This tipi was set by primitive mountainmen at the 2004 Colorado Springs Muzzleloaders Assoc.  Annual Memorial Day Shoot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another tipi from the Memorial Day Shoot.  Primitive campers may not use any modern equipment or materials in their camp and try to be as period correct as possible.

Arizona Memorial, 2003

This picture needs no introduction.

Looking up at the flag flying over the remains of the battleship Arizona.

Gabriel and his grandfather Ben who is retired Navy, and now volunteers as a guide on the Battleship Missouri.

The Battleship Missouri in the distance.