Best Friends for 18 Years

I had to chuckle when I turned a corner and saw Laurel.

Meet Laurel:

She was trying on helmets and was having a great time.
Here she is with her best friend for over 18 years

Meet Nina with Laurel!

Their significant others were out running around on the show floor.  As they explained it, the significant others have a "bromance".   I had to look it up.

Thanks Laurel and Nina!!

Everyone Get's Hungry

When you are working a booth at any show, your job is to stay there and talk to people.  Getting away means the potential loss of business.

Meet Eric!

He was wolfing down the hot dog when I asked to take his photo.  He didn't realize that I mean while he had a mouthful!  He thought it was pretty funny when I clarified that I wanted the photo with him eating it!

I had to cut a deal and take a more standard photo, too.

Eric is local to the Twin Cities.  Sorry to bother you when you were trying to eat!

Thanks Eric!

The Entertainer

The campground booth had an entertainer present.

Meet  Stuart!

He makes his living as a stand-up comedian and songwriter.  You can find out about him at www.frozenlips.com.  We had a great time chatting about blogs. As I explained my blog to him, he fully understood why it was fun and important.

Thanks Stuart!   I thoroughly enjoyed our visit!

Campgrounds for Bikers

The gentleman below was the proprietor of a campground outside of Black River Falls, WI that specializes in bikers.   They have three different rally's, for adults only, during the summer!

Meet Marvin!

And meet Arlene!

They had a good crowd around the booth looking for fun bike events that are closer than Sturgis.  I expect there could be some interesting photo opportunities there!

My sincere thanks to you both!

Another Great Smile!

Meet Lindsay!

She is from LA.  We chatted briefly about the cool weather.  And, not surprising, she isn't a big fan of it.  When I asked what I could say about her in the blog, she gave me this smile and said, "I am a sports nut!".  She watches sports and participates.

Thanks Lindsay!  Keep warm!

A Great Smile!

Meet Manuel:

I rounded a corner on the show floor and noticed Manuel.  I really liked his smile.  So, I asked whether I could take his photo.

He was with a team from Chicago and they were selling polish for bikes.   He boxes for fun!  No wonder he was in such good shape!

Thanks Manuel!

Hellanbach

I had to look twice at the name of this company.  I wasn't sure I got it the first time.   Very clever!

Meet Tami:

I asked Tami if she wanted me to crop this image and get just a portrait in the blog. But, she said she earned her nic and was proud of it!  There you go, Tami!

And meet her brother, Jimbo!

They have owned Hellanbach for 11 years and were visiting from Dallas for the show.

Normally when I do photos, I try to take just one image and move on.  After all, the subjects are often busy and I don't want to interrupt.

I ended up taking about 6 photos of Jimbo.  The problem was a fluorescent light just above his head.  Everything looked great..except the top of his head was bright yellow due to the light.  He finally shut it off for the photo.  This was MUCH better!

My sincere thanks to you both!

Packers in Viking Territory

I approached these two woman for a photo because the woman on the left of the image was wearing Packer gear!  

Meet Denise and Jennifer!  They had traveled to the show from Eau Claire, Wisconsin where they are indeed, Packer fans!

It was a brave thing to wear since the Pack spanked the Viking the Saturday before!

My sincere thanks to you both!

A LONGER Term Rider

One thing about bikers, they can be passionate about riding.

Meet Ski!

Ski works for Saddle Company.  He's been a rider for over 50 years!  And yes, he has also put the bike down at least once.   But, no more riding in the winter for Ski!

Thanks Ski!

Long Term Rider

With a look like this, I had to ask for a photo.  Nothing says, "I am a long term rider" than Doc.

Meet Doc!

Even the name says "Harley"!  I asked how long he's been riding and he told me 40 years.  He even rides in the winter, if it isn't icy!  And, I asked if he had ever put the bike down.   The answer was expected, "there are two kinds of riders. Those who have put the bike down...and those who will."

Thanks Doc!

Indian Motorcycles

OK, this isn't about Indian motorcycles.   This is about two of the people who were working in the Indian Motorcycle store at the bike show!  They were pretty swamped with people buying sweatshirts, hats, pins, etc.

But, they were gracious enough to take a minute or two for the photo and some conversation.

Meet Lori:

Lori and I hit it off right away.  She is also a photographer and we had cameras to discuss!  I believe she said she had the same camera I was using!

Meet Al:

I liked two things about Al.  First, he has long flowing hair, just like me!  Well, for those of you who know me, that COULD be a bit of sarcasm at my expense.   Second, he was PASSIONATE about Indian motorcycles and has a little problem collecting them.  I was an encyclopedia of knowledge about these classic bikes.

My sincere thanks to you both!

Finding the Sun

Wandering around the motorcycle show in early January, you are certain to run into people who look like they haven't seen much of the sun in a while.  After all, even if the sun is out, you are usually wearing a parka, hat, and gloves!  Even this day, the temp was in the mid-teens.

Meet Val!

I noticed her because she was tan and this is somewhat strange where I come from at this time of year.  So, when I asked what I could say about her in the blog she replied, "I just got back from Florida.  I LOVE Florida."  Mystery solved! 

She is from the MN area and works for a local, large financial institution.  She told me the name, but I am sworn to secrecy!

Thanks Val!

A Hero

I saved this image for today because I think it is one of the best I have taken.  I suppose it isn't better technically  than the others.  But, this image has a story.  Can you hear the story by looking at the photo?

Meet Harold!

Harold is, as he told me, 89.25 years old.  I smiled.  He was being pushed around in a wheel chair.  But, he got up now and then to look at a bike.  The person with him told me that Harold loved riding.  And, just last year, he had to give up his trike.

If you look closely at the left side of his hat (his left side, the right side of the image), you can see a vertical red stripe surrounded by a rectangular gold colored cloth.  That is, I believe, a WW2 Victory Medal.

Harold was a Marine during WW2.  He was one of the world's greatest generation.  

It was an honor to chat with him, to take his photo, and to shake his hand.  

My sincere thanks Harold.   I stand in awe of you...and your entire generation.

An Insurance Team

The group below was working one of the insurance booths at the motorcycle show.  They were handing out literature about the company and coverages and getting people's contact information.

They had a rather large crowd around them.  But, during a brief pause, they managed to get together for a group shot!

Meet:  Heather, Manu, Kristina, and Zoe from Allstate!

I like this image for a few reasons.  First, it is tack sharp.  I really hate an image that isn't.  I am starting to get picky, I guess.  Second, the DOF and lighting is good.  And third, everyone's eyes are open!   Ha!

My sincere thanks ladies for taking a few minutes for the photo!

Biker Friends/Life Friends/ East Side: Part 2

Hear are the other two gentlemen from the East side!

Meet Mike!

And meet Dave!

I suspect when the four of them get together, they have a very enjoyable time!

Thanks guys!

Biker Friends/Life Friends/ East Side!

I saw the gentlemen below walking around and chatting.  They obviously knew one another and I guessed they have been friends for a while.  

When I asked if I could take their photos, they gave me more of the story.  I am breaking the photos into two posts.  So, for today:

Meet Donnie:

And meet Louie!

These two, and the others, have known one another for years.  I believe Louie mentioned he's known Donnie since he was born.  And, that has been for over 70 years!

They were having a great time.   And, it was easy to see how much they enjoyed one another.

Thanks guys!

Visiting from Vegas!

I made it a point to hit a local motorcycle show this past weekend.  I was seriously running short of photos for the blog.   I knew that spending a few hours there would help replenish my supply!

As I walked in, I noticed this gentleman right away.

Meet Mike from Zero Motorcycles!

The show was just getting started and he was quietly checking his phone for messages before it got busy.  I didn't want to disturb him.  So, I waited until he finish.  I liked his look and his smile.

He had flown in from Vegas the night before and was wondering how he ended up in 18 degree weather!

Thanks Mike!

Ice Castle Patrons: 2

The family below were just leaving when I asked if I could take their photo.

They were clearly cold but were gracious enough to pause for a moment and let me take the photo.  She was a photographer and got a photo of me taking a photo of them!  Nicely done!

My sincere thanks!

Ice Castle Patrons: 1

These two women were gracious enough to let me take their photo.  I really like this photo.  The ice background with the darker colors of their hats, classes, scarves, etc. makes for a wonderful contrast.

My sincere thanks to you both!

Ice Castle Support

I met the woman below in the warming tent.   I had to get inside for a bit and let both my fingers and the camera warm up a bit.

Meet Jackie:

She was there to help manage the volunteers and employees and was making sure things went smoothly for all the ice castle guests.   This photo was taken inside the tent with a fill flash.  I think it turned out very well.   And, I was pleased my fingers were warm enough to operate the camera!

Thanks Jackie!

More Ice Castle Helpers

These two young ladies were having a very nice time mingling with the various patrons and helping.  I believe the woman in the first photo was a volunteer.  

And, the the woman below was a friend of hers, there to support her in the cold!

I like this photo a lot.   They have great smiles!

My sincere thanks to you both!

Ice Castle Helpers

Beyond the Ice Princesses and those people still creating, shaving, chiseling, and removing ice, there were a number of people available that were there helping.    I got the impression they were volunteers.   And, I must give them credit for being out there on such a cold day.

Meet the first three volunteers!

 I didn't get their names.  But, they were obviously having fun in spite of the cold.

And, it was COLD!

My sincere thanks to you all!

Ice Princess: 2

Meet Princess Frostina!     Her secret "commoner" name is Lisa!

I think I have those same gloves and ear muffs!

The princesses were both lovely and did a great job staying outdoors in the cold.  The little kids were warming up to them!

My sincere thanks to both of the princesses!

Ice Princesses: 1

You can't have an ice castle without an ice princess or two.  

I know she told me her name.  But, with the cold, I didn't take the time to write it down, trusting instead on my rock solid, elephant like memory.  So, this is Ice Princess One.  SIGH.

It was cold but she, and the other princess were doing a very nice job staying outdoors and mingling with the little kids who wanted photos taken with a real princess!

LATE BREAKING NEWS:  This is Princess Holly Dazzle!  Her "commoner" name is, "Michelle.

Tomorrow's post is the other princess!

Thanks Princess Holly Dazzle!

Builders of Ice Castles: 3

The gentleman below was very gracious about letting me take his photo.  But, I could get NO information out of him.

Even so, he seemed to be quite in tune with his task (OK..a small pun was intended).

He was working very hard.   You can tell because he wasn't wearing a huge coat to keep warm. 

My sincere thanks!

Builders of Ice Castles: 2

Who knew there was so much upkeep on an ice castle!

Meet Ben:

Meet Leif:

They were working as a team to cut a path through the ice.  Note the shovel and electric chisel.  Also note that Leif looks COLD!

Thanks guys!   I hear it will warm up later this week!

Builders of Ice Castles: 1

When I woke this morning, it was -7 F without the wind.  Fortunately, it was pretty still.  But, that's getting chilly.  Typically I like to stay indoors around a nice, warm fire and find things to keep me busy during the coldest days of the winter.

However, when an ice castle is built, people will come regardless of the weather.

So, I dug out the camera, put on some warm clothes, and drove to the MOA to check out the ice castle.  By the time I got there, it was 4 F.  Almost tropical!

Meet Red.

I first saw him walking on top of the castle walls with crampons on his feet and the ice pick.  He clearly was one of the workers who helped form up the ice.

 He was gracious enough to climb down for a portrait.  He works for the company that builds these types of ice castles.  The first castle was, and still is, in Colorado.  The Minnesota MOA castle is the second.  Next year, they plan on building 4. 

It is a cold job and they have been at it for about a month.   This castle is not built out of blocks of ice.  But, is built using dripping and running water to form a rustic, almost glacial look.  Red and the others cut pathways through the ice.

Check it out!

Thanks Red!  Keep warm up there!

Happy New Year: 2013

To all my readers, ok..well, both of you, here is hoping for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.  Since it is not exactly tropical in Minneapolis today, I thought I would post a photo of hope.

To our future.

 

 

 

Make a big splash this year.

 

Keep safe and warm.