Day 55 - Aerial View

I promised a picture of me on the mountain, this isn't exactly what I wanted, but it was too great of a shot to pass up. One of my favorite places to hang and rest is the ski lift. I was initially leery of it because getting off the thing without looking like a goof and filling the backside of my jacket with snow was such rare. 

Now I'm straped into the left side of my board and I'm on and off the lift like a seasoned veteran. I'm not without falls but the nerves are more settled, for sure.  

Day 54 - Learning the S Curve

TODAY WAS AWESOME!! 

The week boarding started rocky, remembering the basics, but today was the day it all came together. There is a certain lean tactic to snowboarding that helps you brake or slow speed, as well as turn. This can be done toe side or heel side, the pros can hit this back and forth movement (the S curve). You start gaining some momentum by pointing the board straight down the mountain and then letting an edge catch, or dig into the snow and leaning that way. Not an easy concept to lean, much less have the body know and feel the movements smoothly without falling. 

The man had been working with me on this skill for ages. Towards the end of our last trip to the mountain I was on the edge of getting it down but today we experienced total success. I was afraid of the speed. It is terrifying and exhilarating all at once and I'm addicted. We had 2 good runs before we called it a day. 

This is him slicing down the funny bunny slope. He's got more skill than a green slope, but he humors me and works so hard to help me progress.  I'm working on getting a picture of me carving down the mountain, we'll see what we can work out.

Day 53 - Feels Good

My time on the west coast is 2/3rd's past and I'm a little sad. I feel it ending and my relaxation and vacation with it. Soon I'll be trading the fresh, cold air and scenic snow covered mountains for skills testing, papers, midterms, lectures and classes, mountains and mountains of classes. This week I am celebrating. My sweetie is treating me to a couple days hitting the slopes. The good news is that I will have ample internet to upload my favorite images. Today I'm highlighting a birthday/Christmas gift from my brothers super sweet girlfriend from Indiana. She knows about winters and got me these socks. I love them. They are the best birthday/Christmas gift, besides the trip itself. 

They are so warm and reach the knee, so they are the perfect fit in my snowboard boots. They are soft and compress in the right spots to help with circulation. Also, there equipped with antimicrobial aspects that help fight the funk if you wear them a couple of days in a row (which I do). This morning I put them on and was reminded how amazing it feels to ride fresh powder and focus on skills, progressing an activity that I've fallen in love with.

Day 52 - Monster

So yes, I am an almost 30 something and I'm on the same crazy schedule as my boyfriend, who works some odd shifts. He survives on Rockstar (Energy Drinks) because he is one. He can fix anything with an engine, figure out any problem given enough time to mull over it and is the most handsome man I've met to date. He rocks his job. He rocks as a supportive boyfriend, while challenging me to be a better person. He rocks at being both encouraging and motivating. Rockstar.

Me on the other hand, well I survive on Monster (Energy Drinks). You guessed it, I can be one. Crabby, sensitive, irritable - YIKES. Not all the time because I check myself before I wreck myself, as the saying goes. Caffeine always helps the monster within. I have a couple drinks of choice, either Starbucks Red Eye, Black Eye, Cafe Americano, Sumatra or Komodo Dragon brew, pretty much anything with an extra shot of espresso or this.

This one is my favorite. Tastes great and has that kick. Whew, gets me through that lag and has none of the calories or sugar. TONS of other terrible ingredients, but it's a citrusy, carbonated flavor that is a slightly more appropriate (opposed to other sugary drinks) for my training program (barely appropriate at all). A guilty pleasure for sure. Plus, I think that the can is beautifully marketed. Textured embossing and intricately designed label makes it taste better, duh!

I was goofing around and thought I'd pay tribute to the caffeinated delight that could be the highlight of my day.

Day 51 - Lake Side Finds

In my many travels (aka- while I ride my bike to the gym) I come across all sorts of characters. The bull dog puppy I mentioned last week, bums, kids in the park. I shoot what I find most interesting. It's gotta be eye catching for me to stop the bike and snap a pic. I probably look strange with my bike propped against me digging through my backpack for my camera then, squatting, leaning, lurking around to get the shot I want. No one has stopped me or said anything, yet. 

I find beauty. Some classic natural display of contrast and grace. I love the pop of colors that can be seen all around us. I miss them more often than not, but once in a while I stumble upon something that calls to me. It is screaming, stop look, shoot, smell the ...tulips.

I find intrigue. What is this? where did it come from? will it sting me? What happened here? I'm engrossed in something I've never seen before. I need to explore it. I need to capture what I see. Sometimes I shot and the image captured is NOT what I see. I see dimension and shape and design and lights and darks. The fun and frustration is also in trying to replicate real life on screen. Then there's that moment, "I've got it!" Happiness and more bicycling follow.

I also find the unwanted. I'm interested in the stories, the reasons for things. I have a need to explore beyond what is an average image or subject. So finding death and morbidity in the midst of beauty is a wonderfully atypical juxtaposition to the idea of finding beauty in the mundane. 

It's all interesting. It's life. It's there whether we chose to see or not.

Day 50 - Snowboards

Today I felt great and productive. Had a great workout, rode my bike as an active recovery workout around a small lake in our little town. It was nice, a little chilly, but felt good to stretch my legs. 

Took these before I left. They are just pretty, right by the door calling out to me.

I never thought I'd love this sport as much as I do. Really there is nothing I've experienced like it. We're all out there learning and trying to have a good time. No competition except with your last run. Everyone learning at their own pace. Everyone responsible for their safety AND the safety of others around them. Employees of the resorts are truly genuine and happy to be at work. Always friendly and looking out for you to have a good, safe run, but they don't take life too seriously, ready to kid around with you while you're waiting on the lift or whatever. I love the workout it is too. I get done with a run, my quads and calves on fire, totally worked and I want a break, but I want another run more. It's freezing, but I work up such a sweat I'm shedding layers hourly. 

Here are some detail shots. 

These were fun to take because when I look at my board it's normally covered in snow or I'm trying to strap in quickly so I can shoot down the mountain again. So to see them all clean and dry, ready to go, so out of their element, it's strangely elegant.

HIS

 HERS

Day 49 - Not-so ‘Compact’

Tons of parking lots on the west coast have these type of indications. This is my sweetie’s truck trying to “fit in”. We park far enough away from the front entrance no one should really care, but it struck me as humorous. Like a tall man in a smart car, that’s just funny. Or a fat guy in a little coat, fat guy in a little coat, fat guy in a…**RIIIIPPPP**

The parking job wasn't even straight, as if he wasn't even trying. We were a bit rushed. He made it work though. Hey, when you're that big, no one really messes with you. Parked or in motion.

Gotta love the snow, salt and dirt residue on the truck. I almost hate to have to wash it. It makes me happy.

Day 48 - New Mode of Transportation

Gotta love my bike! Or my boyfriends bike, but whatever. Our small town was a walking town and now it's a riding town. I love cruising on this beast. It's got a ton of gears, that I have yet to figure out, plus front and rear brakes that remind me of my dirt bike. I'm careful with that front brake, I've done an 'endo' (end-over-end) on dirt in 3rd gear while practicing on my Honda CRF 150 and I'm just fine never experiencing that again on anything with wheels. 

I did have my first mishap on this bike today, which isn't bad since I've been riding around town for about 3 weeks.  I'm usually headed to the gym and I brake when arriving at any intersection, wait for the cars to stop, go or recognize that I am in fact, part of this transaction, then proceed with caution. Today some joker coasts through the stop not looking out for me. Well, I was looking out for him and before I even left the sidewalk I hit the brakes and slammed my foot to the ground to catch myself from falling over. Yup, caught my shin on the pedal less than a block from my destination. I didn't investigate the injuries right away, I waited until the bike was locked up and I'd checked into the gym. I already had a good goose egg. Now it's a little bruised and tender. No biggie. Actually the worst part was the killer leg workout that followed and the dreaded fireman's carry I do daily to get the bike up the front steps to the apartment. Yeah, I'd say today my legs got WORKED, in so many ways.

And yes, I have to park it in the kitchen. Gotta love apartment life. This one is a mansion compared to the studio back home, but a home is a home and I'm grateful for both of mine.

Day 47 - Secret Sister Gift

I LOVE getting mail. It makes me feel special. Especially special when I don’t expect it. Today after getting pumped to go workout, I dragged my bike down the front stairs and as a habit, I checked the mail box. There tucked neatly into our slot was a USPS priority shipping box. Priority! Someone loves me! Ok, that’s a little extreme, but special all the same. I opened it right there at the bottom of the stairs with my bike leaned up against my leg, house key cutting through the tape.

This was the outcome.

It’s a fuzzy pink unicorn with shiny silver polka dotted hooves, ears and horn. I love it! So cute and tied perfectly around its neck is a red ribbon dotted with white hearts. Also in the box was a Happy Valentine ’s Day hanger, which I will add to my collection of Christmas ornaments. Why not? The card is simple and direct, “Happy Valentine’s Day” – pink daisy’s on the front – my favorite flower. Inside the card wishes me a beautiful day. And it is! The handwritten note says: “To my little secret sister, Guess who?” YAY!!! I’ve got no clue who, but they are fun and love the mystery of secret pals.

Yet another reason why this special group of ladies from my church is one of my favorites. We each have someone we secretly send love to and in return someone from the group secretly sends us love. Maybe a card, or small trinket or just prayers and thoughts but all year I know that person takes moments out of their life to think of me and lift me up. That is awesome. Each year is a different person and at the end of the year, another person is added to my eternal prayer list. I remember all of them and think so fondly of them. For 12 months I paid special attention to their lives and families, trying to find unique ways to show them love. They are always with me, and the number of ladies just keeps growing.

Day 46 - Valentine’s Day

“Happy Valentine’s Day”

Or should I say...

Happy “buy pointless, cards, candies and flowers, in an effort to profess affection in a way that makes amends for the fact that you've been taking it for granted the other 364 days of the year” Day

One of the most commercialized, unnecessary holidays, makes me sick. At least it should boost the economy a little. One can hope. I was going to post a long, drawn out blurb expressing further disdain for this holiday, but instead some lyrics:

Can't buy me love, love 

Can't buy me love 

I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend 

If it makes you feel all right 

I'll get you anything my friend 

If it makes you feel all right 

Cause I don't care too much for money 

For money can't buy me love 

I'll give you all I've got to give 

If you say you love me too 

I may not have a lot to give 

but what I've got I'll give to you 

For I don't care too much for money 

For money can't buy me love 

Can't buy me love 

Everybody tells me so 

Can't buy me love 

No, no, no, no 

Say you don't need no diamond ring 

And I'll be satisfied 

Tell me that you want those kind of things 

that money just can't buy 

For I don't care too much for money 

For money can't buy me love 

Can't buy me love 

Everybody tells me so 

Can't buy me love 

No, no, no, no 

Say you don't need no diamond ring 

And I'll be satisfied 

Tell me that you want those kind of things 

that money just can't buy 

For I don't care too much for money 

Cause money can't buy me love 

Ooh, can't buy me love, love 

Can't buy me love, no

Day 45 - The Missed Opportunity

Walking through town again, to get breakfast when we came upon the best picture I’ve seen this year. No camera. Seriously? Not even a disposable that I use when we are snowboarding. I keep it in my outer coat, which I was wearing on this walk, but I had taken the camera out so I could wash the coat. Oh the frustration! I wouldn’t have believed the sight, if I hadn’t seen it myself. I don’t expect you to believe it either through just words, but I’ll give it my best.

So here is the picture painted with words:

A small, well attended yard inside a white picket fence sits a quaint town home. Red brick facade with window boxes full of colorful flowers placed perfectly on either side of the front entrance. A small concrete walk leads up to the archway covering the small porch, which normally would have been large enough for a couple to stand under. Today it was crowded with a small chair and peculiar canine squatting aimlessly in the way. This beautiful mess of an English bulldog eyed us warily as we walked by chatting. He was the picture perfect blend of soft white and faded tan coloring, along with that pouty bulldog face saying, ‘love me, hold me, cuddle me’. One eye lid slouched just a bit lower than the other, those eyes were filled with such longing, wondering when his owner would let him inside or take him home. His joules had that deep, adorable sag, typical for the breed except for the one bottom incisor that peeked curiously over the top of one side, adding such character to this already full palate. And topping it all off, the poor beast was wearing a white plastic satellite collar, fresh from the vet’s office, preventing any kind of comfortable movement or resting position. He sat meekly as if to say, “Hurupgh” with an adorable pouty face, following with those irresistible puppy dog eyes, “Can we go home now?”

My heart melted immediately and I was ready to take him home. Poor pitiful pup. But with no photographic evidence of his plight, what is there to do. Oh the shame, walking right by, not even stopping long enough to grab a pic. Maybe it’s for the best, documentation of this sweet soul would make me want a loyal companion to snuggle with and play.

Instead, here are the images of the day, I don’t know about you, but I’m thoroughly disappointed. 

Day 44 - Sledding Action

Another First! I've never been sledding. This was an amazing day that could have been a bust. We made it up to the mountain and for a reason that doesn't matter enough for me to remember we weren't able to snowboard. So we stopped at the local supermarket and picked up some sleds. The area was off the highway with a designated parking area for the sled hill, but that was all that was there. Like they planning for this area to only have sledding and snow play, nothing else.

There were a few other people there and the hill was beaten down into a nice HARD icy course. My babe wondered off the beaten path and found a softer more curvy hill to play on. As with all things play, there is work or a challenge or a goal. His was to get almost to the road/pavement/parking lot. He succeeded and that is his victory stance.

I love this picture he took of me, looking too much like the kid from "A Christmas Story" all bundled up, barely able to move. I wasn warm enough, but my fingers...so cold. there is a purple sled underneath me that is barely visible here. 

Day 43 - Snowboarding Pics FINALLY!

So this three month Snowboarding trip with no pictures of actual snowboarding was getting ridiculous. This is due to the deep founded love and respect I have for my D-SLR. I love my camera and refuse to take it up the mountain with me. I have a horror movie-type nightmarish image of my beloved image grabber falling 3 stores down from a ski lift to its death. I'd survive the fall most likely with a broken back or leg. My camera...would be finished. Oh and I would sacrifice life and limb to try and save it, if I found in that predicament. It's best to leave it in the car.

My backup option is a disposable film camera. They are sturdy and easy to store and use. Although the random strangers I ask to snap a pic for me are less and less knowledgeable of how to use them. Now, iPhone/smart phone cameras they know. Strange the society we live in, the ebb and flow of what is technologically advanced.

I don't have a smart phone and wouldn't trust myself with that either while boarding so it's these throw away cameras saving the day. The processing time on these film options are week long and location options that actually develop them are shrinking. On the positive side, the pictures are a mystery. You just never know what you'll get  on these rolls or how they will come out. 

Our boards half way up the mountain at a resting station with one of the many directional signs helping us decide which runs and lifts to take next. So far at Heavenly our favorites are Patsy to Powderbowl Express and hit Maggie's Run, a green that is gentle enough for this learner. We've also tried going up the Canyon Express and coasting down Ridge Run, a blue that merges with Maggie's. This option challenges me as well as giving me tons of time and length to practice some skills and have some fun.

These signs are up all over the resort as well as other safety signs. This was in the bathroom and I couldn't resist a chuckle when I read it. It's explaining the explosives used to create and control avalanches and what to do if you find one.

I'll have more boarding pics to come later.

Day 42 - The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine Tree

Pinus longaeva, the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, is a long-living species of tree found in the higher mountains of the southwest US. The species is one of three closely related trees known as bristlecone pine and is sometimes known as the Intermountain or Western bristlecone pine.

It is a medium-size tree, reaching 16 to 49 ft tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 8 ft 2 in to 11 ft 10 in. The bark is bright orange-yellow, thin and scaly at the base of the trunk. The 'needles' are in fascicles of five, stout, 1 to 1.5 inch long, deep green to blue-green on the outer face.

These ancient trees have a gnarled and stunted appearance; especially those found at high altitudes and have reddish-brown bark with deep fissures. As the tree ages, much of its layers may die. In very old specimens, often only a narrow strip of living tissue connects the roots to a handful of live branches.

A specimen of this species, nicknamed "Methuselah", located in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest of the White Mountains near Bishop California, is 4,843 years old (as of 2012), as measured by annual ring count. Its exact location is kept secret.

Another specimen was measured in 2012 to be 5,062 years old. The identity of the specimen is also being kept secret. This is the oldest known tree in North America, and the oldest known individual tree in the world.

Thank you, Wikipedia.

Day 41 - Crazy Frozen Fountain

In the plaza of the ski resort this fountain was bubbling even in the freezing temps so parts of the fountain had frozen over. We took pictures there for about 30 minutes, until my fingers were numb and my jacket was thoroughly damp from the spray. Here are some of the more interesting images.

Day 40 - Snow Angel Self Portrait

This is actually a couples portrait, you can see my childish self making a snow angel as if I was 7 years old and my boyfriends shadow taking the picture. He just LOVES it when I thrust the camera upon him. He’s not fond of either position, in front or behind the lens, but he humors me and I love him even more for it.

He’s the one orchestrating and financing this trip. He is my rock and biggest supporter. We are a good fit of easy going, fun loving, talk through the struggles and big decisions type of couple. He is the reason I don’t miss home, because he is home for me. He also makes me push my limits and try new things. Never would have fallen in love with snowboarding if he hadn't introduced me and taught me that once you get past the falling on your backside part it’s a really fun activity.

Day 39 - South Lake Tahoe Self Portrait

This vacation is surrounded by beauty. I can’t get enough of the breath taking views surrounding Lake Tahoe. This trip we went to South Lake Tahoe and enjoyed snowboarding and sledding and making snow angels on a frozen lake. It’s just gorgeous.

Here in an effort to capture some of that beauty, I kept catching myself in the side mirror, so I went with it. Why not, I’m trying for more self portraits. 

Day 38 - Ode to the Burrito

Today we'll be off on another journey. I will try to do a better job keeping up with my posts this week. That last trip with the transmission troubles we've had, posting was difficult, finding interesting photo ops was not so difficult.

Here is a healthier version of that Jack in the box breakfast burrito from earlier this week, my after workout meal.

A flour tortilla, lightly buttered, toasted in the pan the bacon was cooked in

Layered on the tortilla was salsa, raw onion, and shredded cheddar cheese

Then the scrambled egg mixture with more onion, cheese and some baby spinach

All topped with barely crisp bacon, still a little chewy

Rolled properly by Mexicans listening to authentic mariachi music

Gotta be one of my favorite meals. 

Any kind of burrito, traditional, bean, breakfast, fresh made or pre-packaged, baked, or just recently I was introduced to a delectable wonder, the fried burrito. Astonishingly yummy! Never mind the coronary issues to come.

Home-made is always the best though. It's a memory thing too. This has always been a family favorite. Dad cooked and cut the meat (steak and chicken), then cooked tortilla's for those of us who liked them warm. Mom and I would chop the onions (my least favorite to prep and most favorite to eat), bell peppers, and avocados for fresh guacamole. The boys would set the table, which included little to no effort; putting out the paper plates, sour cream, salsa, cheese and making sure everything had a serving spoon. My brothers would make the biggest burritos, like we were going to run out of food, so they packed it in. It always surprised me they could even eat it all. Ok, picture the scene at the end of the theme song for full house, at the picnic, passing food all smiles, you know the one. Now, make them all 'big boned' Hispanics around a table with football in the background and that's us. Well, without the cheesy melody and with more teasing. 

I loved having both parents in the kitchen, dad with his aprons. So funny. Now this meal is rare. Mom can't help as much, but I'm old enough to choppa-de-onions and we have others to help. My older brothers have amazing girlfriends. Not only are they sweet and willing to help, but I actually enjoy spending time with them. My brothers are another story, but improving (due to the girls, I'm sure). Sometimes we are privileged to include my nieces who steal the show. They are 13 and 6, the life of the party. They are seriously funny, when they aren't trying and are growing so fast. They both like the tortilla with meat only and chips. The boys turn the tvs toward the dinning room and to the back of my parents. We laugh at the most recent family mishap and bring up the oldies, but goodies. Someone usually gets mad at some point during dinner and the rest of us keep eating after they take their plate to the other room. This meal is usually a birthday meals, mainly because it's easy to prepare and everyone can fix it their way. So we clear the plates and bust out the ice cream or cake or both. Also the nephews are there too. Boys to the core, they are loud and rambunctious reminding me so much of my childhood, growing up with 4 brothers and their friends. I handled all the activity when I was younger with wide eyed amusement and wonder. Now the camp counselor in me starts to surface. I used to try and control the chaos, now we channel the energy by playing games or doing arts-n-crafts. 

Burrito/Fajita days were always the best days.

Day 37 - Early Morning Pedi

Yeah, I'm up too early this morning so what else was I going to do? Hot bath, so nice. do-it-myself pedi, too cute. then blog about it, oh yeah.

Trouble was I couldn't get my coloring right. I knew a couple wasy to fix it. The beginning of the problem is the flash. Yes, I use my camera top flash that casts those nasty harsh shadows. To avoid those shadows and extreme lighting I diffuse the flash. I've tried the tissue paper on it, but it diffuses it too much. I've tried blocking it with my hand but that makes everything flesh toned. 

The trusty trick I use on the regular is the white paper bounce trick. I set up the image, pop up my flash and hold a piece of white paper under the flash. Usually the light will bounce off the wall/ceiling and illuminate the entire image, as if you were outside in the middle of the day. Makes those yucky tungsten (orangey-yellow indoor) lights look more natural without Photoshop.

I guess today I had an off white piece of paper. This can also be due to the off white color of the walls, too. It's fun to try to cast colors on objects using this method purposefully. Bounce light off a red wall or blue door and get an interesting color cast. It's like using gels over studio lights, almost.

Day 36 - Yummiest part of my day

In training and dieting the days and workouts and meals and snacks blur together into a bland redundant blah. The best part of my day is my strawberry post-workout shake. I'm elated because my cardio is over, at least a meal and snack are out of the way, half my water is consumed and the workout has given me that pump of adrenaline.  Then this beauty comes roaring out of my gear bag and ahhhhh. Sweet creamy goodness. When I'm not restricting my carbs this is pretty nasty, but with limited sugar or sweet-anything, this is manna from heaven. I try to savor it, but the angry beast that just repped out chin-ups wants the nom nom. 

Here I pay tribute to the whey protein, RAW-berry, muscle building goodness.

For an explanation for the "RAW-berry" comment, here is a link worth exploring:

PowerThirst Video

Follow up with the other "PowerThirst" videos.

Day 35 - Of night and light and the half-light

He Wishes For The Cloths Of Heaven

William Butler Yeats

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half-light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Day 34 - Motivation Acivation

I am tired of feeling the yo-yo of strict discipline followed by too much relaxation. I've gotten serious about my goals again. I didn't want to, but i hit the gym and was immediately glad I did. So When I got home I went crazy. I brought to life my pinterest boards: motivation, fitness style/gear, fitness humor and athletes I admire. It's like pinterest throw up all over the apartment and I love it.

The full wall in the bedroom, right next to the bed. 

GOOD MORNING, MOTIVATION!

The microwave: Dr. Phil speaks the truth, but ya gotta laugh too.

The fridge with Goals on the top, Reminders on the bottom.

Bathroom Mirror

Bathroom wall.

There are more, some pictures of me, flexing when I was in better shape, some by the front door, by the kitchen light, on my bedroom mirror.

If this is what I want, the only thing left is to do it!

And I want it.

Day 33 - Celebration Meal

I am elated. Words cannot express how excited I am. I haven't made it all the way...Yet!  I'm a huge step closer and I couldn't be more excited.  My nursing school of choice has invited me to participate in the next step of the nursing application process. Out of 450 applicants, I was one of 160 asked to interview for about 50-75 spots of the nursing program that starts this summer. I've applied other places, but this is the #1. This is my preferred choice. This is the institution where I graduated with my first degree in Art. This is the institution with an amazing attitude, drive and professionalism from nursing advisers  staff and students. It’s competitive so the students who make it in, give it all they've got until the finish line. The professors mean business and expect more from students who've made the cut. There is ABSOLUTELY NO COASTING here, no by-the-skin-of-my-teeth, no extra credit. Not only is the entry competitive, they expect you to continue to strive for greatness. They expect you to do exceedingly well, or they will release you from the program.

I need to get in shape and tighten up on all the discipline I can.

Starting tomorrow.

My love for cooking and baking and eating isn't a surprise.

But this extreme, this blatant disregard for discipline and health is a new low. 
No matter the reason.

In acute appreciation and tribute to my terrible diet and slacker fitness attitude, I indulged  one final time, in a celebratory meal of one of my favorite past-times since venturing to the west coast - Jack in the Box.

My breakfast burrito, small fries and Oreo shake at 9:30 pm.

It was terrible and so very very tasty.

Day 32 – Night Photography – Seirra Mountains

Night photography, ah a rekindled love.

Driving slowly through the Sierra mountains, we stop to stretch our legs. It's pitch black dark outside and chilly to the bone. Of course I want to stretch, but I thought this would be a perfect photo op. So I set me camera down on the stone ledge and blindly point it to the ridge. Caught some stars, snow reflecting the moons light, a bit of the valley below bursting with trees and a passing cars headlights, but the whole thing was out of focus.

Then I turned around and saw a gorgeous moon and starlit sky and wanted it. I wanted it the way only a photographers heart wants an image. They wait and adjust and freeze time (and their fingers if necessary). Shutter open, aperture wide heart set - hoping. I love the suspense of developing negatives and prints. I am thankful for the digital age.

Moments later, away we went. Me, with the image my heart wanted.

Day 31 - Views that never get old!

On this day there was no question which pictures to use and there are no words. Just enjoy.

The Seirra Mountains

South Lake Tahoe