Helping One Another

I have long believed that the world will be a better place if we help one another.  I don't mean like the US pretends to help other countries...by giving them money and expecting certain benefits.  Certainly there may be a place for that.   But, friends you buy aren't friends for long.  When you really need them, they can be persuaded by the highest bidder.

I mean more along the lines that we all have gain some mutual benefits from helping one another.

It is amazing that kids know this and some governments, and adults, don't.

Simple really. 

Pond Hockey: For Girls, Too!

I didn't recall seeing any female teams last year.  They may have been there.  But, with the weather, I drop in, get a few photos, and get out.  I could have missed them.

Not this year!

They were good!   The game was fast.  And, I still had a difficult time getting any action photos.   Good thing they stopped for a breather now and then!

My thanks to everyone in all the hockey images.   It was very fun watching the games.

 

Pond Hockey: The Action

It is VERY difficult to get good photos when you are this close.  The game is FAST.  And, the closer you are, the less the depth of field to work with.

I probably took 50 different photos of the action.  These were a few of the better ones.

Fun game!  Not for me.  But, the teams had a great time.
 

Pond Hockey: More Spectators

For some spectators, it wasn't cold at all.

It was just fun to be out.

Cold?  Nope.   This is GREAT!

 

Pond Hockey: More Spectators

Look at those rosy cheeks!

 

Pond Hockey: Spectators

When the rinks aren't being used for the big kids, you can get out there and show your stuff.  And, dream big.  This little guy was very cute out there working that puck!

Minnesotan's are a hearty bunch.  It was about 20F.  In the sun, without the wind, not a bad day at all.  Even the future hockey hall of famer was able to get out and enjoy the games.

Pulling them along is a LOT easier than carrying them.  Safer too!
 

Pond Hockey: The Beginning of the Game

Getting acquainted before the game.   Remember...this is a game.  Your life doesn't depend upon it.   And, no injuring spectators (especially photographers standing close to the action).

Positions everyone!

Getting ready to go.

 

Pond Hockey: The Goal

There isn't a net.  There is a wooden box with two slots cut into it.  Either works as a goal.

Here, you can also see what functions as the "glass" around the rink.  If you are having trouble seeing it, you are right.  There is no glass.

Pucks are quite able to be flying out into the fans, standing right behind the 16" barrier.

This is the back of the goal.   In this game, there is no goalie.   4 people on a side.  And, the game is FAST!
 

Pond Hockey: 1

I know that spring may be soon upon us.   But, I stumbled on these photos I took at a pond hockey event in January.  I did photos at this same event last year.   The weather was much better this year and with much less wind. The problem was with the very bright light; the bright light makes the images seem a bit harsh and you can get some weird shadows.

Evenso, it was quite fun and it is an interesting event to watch.  Think of about 24 hockey rinks plowed off and formed up on the lake.

People can get VERY close to the action.

This week...pond hockey pics!

An Old Friend

Meet Lois.

I've known Lois for 20+ years I think.  She is a retired school teacher.   I helped her move a few times.  And, I played guitar for her a few times at various parties she had at her home.

She turns 80 on June 15th.  And, we are going to have a party for her.  She needs someone to throw her a big party.   She's done a lot for others.  It's time we did something for her.

Lois, it has been a pleasure.  Thank you for the photo.

 

2014 Phishapalooza Fund Raiser: A Celebrity and the Organizer

It was delightful to see Carl Eller make an appearance.   For those who don't know, he was one of the front four of the Minnesota Vikings years ago. 

And, this is Todd.  Todd organizes this entire event. 

Carl, it was a pleasure meeting you.   And, thanks for all those years with the Vikings!  
Todd, well done, as always. 

Next year, can we shoot for a nice 70F day with tropical breezes?   The only ice I need is in a drink.
 

2014 Phishapalooza Fund Raiser: Participants 2

As a hat guy, I loved the hat!

It was definitely warmer in the tent!

My sincere thanks!
 

2014 Phishapalooza Fund Raiser: Refreshments

Everyone knows with a party you need a little beer and soda!  The ladies were doing a brisk (just a little pun intended) business 

Here is the inside of the tent and the bar.  It is a rather unique business event where the attire is largely snow mobile suits.

I need to remember to dress warmer next year!

2014 Phishapalooza Fund Raiser: Music!

Of course you need music!
These guys were really excellent.  And, the conditions were not ideal.  Inside the tent there were two huge heaters.   But, if you got away from the heaters, it was rather chilly.  And, notice that this is a tent.  There is no insulation in those walls.   So, standing against the tent wall was cold!   I believe it was in the upper 40'sF about where they were standing.

It is difficult playing with cold fingers!!

And, the cold can be brutal on instruments.

But, they sounded fantastic. 

Well done, gentlemen!
 

2014 Phishapalooza Fund Raiser: Participants 1

I have no idea who these folks are. It was too cold to put the camera away and try to get names.  But, as you can see, they were happy to be there.

And, they were happy to participate in this very worthwhile cause.

My sincere thanks!

2014 Phishapalooza Fund Raiser

Over the last couple of years, I have heard of a wonderful fund raising event for children's cancer research.  But my schedule rarely was open.   Dubbed "Phishapalooza", one of the local vendors I know gets companies to kick in some funds to cover food, etc.   And, there is a requested, and totally voluntary donation request from anyone who attends.

This year, I decided to attend.

For those living in warmer climates, let me point out how this works.

The air temp is 4F.  Yes..that's cold.  The wind chill made it about -15F.
You drive on the ice.  Yes...those cars are parked in the middle of a lake.   On the ice.  Yes...that's right.

Then, find the big white tent, hoping like crazy someone has heat in there.  And, I want to give a hat tip to all the sponsoring companies.   Well done!

The requisite group photo!

Look for more photos of this event this week!

Well done, Todd!

Baseball Season is Back!

The snow is barely gone, traces still remaining in the shadows.   The ground is still frozen not far down.   But, it doesn't matter.  It's baseball season!

  A hat-tip to the adults who take their time teaching the young'uns the game.   It is a joy to watch.
 

 I may need to get the old glove out and see if I can remember what to do with it.
We survived the winter.  Life is returning.

 

Hope for Warm Weather: Dragonflies

I rather like these.   I took this image last July and recently found it as I was cleaning up photos. 

The evening light was about right. 

It won't be long now.  We will see this again. I hope!

 

Motorcycle Show: Wrapping Up and Heading Out

Meet Susan and Alison from Progressive insurance!

They were near the doors as I was leaving and I asked for one last photograph before I put things away and left.  When I asked what I could say about them in the blog, they responded, "We are fabulous blondes from the Twin Cities!".

Indeed they are.

Thanks Susan and Alison!!
 

Motorcycle Show: An Artist

Certainly there are marvelously creative people who build and paint the bikes.  It is clearly a skill set I do not have.  But, someone who can create an image on a blank piece of paper is really amazing to me.  

Meet Tim.   He is a wonderful pen and ink artist.

He had several wonderful images for sale.  But, this is the one that caught my eye. It is humorous and delightfully charming to me.   It means that while our bodies may age, our spirits do not need to.  And, it also means that we can embarrass our kids as we get older.  

This is an awesome print.

Thanks Tim!!
 

Motorcycle Show: Even More Bike Porn

The chrome was incredible. 

I have no idea if this bike would be comfortable for a 100 mile ride.  But, it was stunning!

 

Motorcycle Show: Models Continued

Meet Margaret and Dani!

They did a great job steering wayward bikers to more information about specific bikes!  And, they were most charming and delightful.

Thank you, both!

Motorcycle Show: Models

Meet Ashley!

She was representing Cities Edge Motorsports.  She was most delightful and charming.   I like the lighter background in this image that blends a bit with her hair.  Pure blind dumb luck on my part!  

Thanks Ashley!

Motorcycle Show: Just Cool Gauges

OK, I am aware that not everyone will find this interesting.   But, I found this display quite fascinating.  Gone are the simple little gauges for a speedometer, fuel, turn signals, etc.  An entire business has evolved to custom make different gauges for people who want to build their own bikes.

The gauges were lit up, moving, etc.  It was not only colorful, but, it drew quite a crowd.
I really found this one interesting.

Maybe I can put one of these on my grandson's bicycle.   He's 5 now and moving without training wheels.
 

Motorcycle Show: Even More Bike Porn

This is all one bike.  I don't even know where to begin trying to describe it.

I still can't read this.   Maybe it is a color blind thing.  I can make out the words, "Look, is, and Never"  I assume the last word is "enough".    So, I am missing a couple of words.   I actually found it fascinating that I could make them out and others didn't seem to have a problem reading it. 

I have no idea where the blue and white bubble theme came from.  But, it was very cool.

This was the most colorful bike I saw.  I am truly impressed that anyone can do this.