New Years Eve: 2019

A new decade begins.   In the last decade, these four monkey's came into my life.   May the next decade bring them health, happiness, smarts, strength and success.   And, may it bring the fortitude to understand the world isn't always easy, or fair.   But you survive.

Happy New Years to all.

Be safe.
Be warm.

Be gentle with one another.  Life can be hard enough as it is.
Be flexible.  Really, not that much is important.
Be on time.
Make your bed.
Do good work.
Eat healthy.
Get good exercise.
And go to bed early.

And Epstein didn't kill himself.

More Detail on Why I am not Shooting Many Photos

Remove the offending bone and suture everything up!

Merry Christmas: 2019

In some respects, it's been a challenging year.  It ended with the funeral a couple of days ago of a 3 year old granddaughter of a friend.

It's hard to get over that.

May all of you have a wonderful Christmas and end of the year.  And celebrate a life....and hope for 2020.

The reason I am behind on my blogging.

Sporting a cast and then a splint for a while.  But I should be back to normal by early January, I  hope!

Snow? What Snow?

Well, it is winter in the Upper Midwest!

Dress warm.   It was -4F this AM without the wind!

Not Losing Touch

It's been a bit of a challenge to keep up with the blog these last few months.   Two knee surgeries and a hand surgery have slowed me down. And I haven't had a lot of desire to do photos.  But, I am coming around.  I should be able to get around in a month or so.

It is good to not lose touch with those who support you!

Still too MUCH too SOON

SIGH.  It will be a long winter.

NOOOOO!! Too MUCH too SOON

It is getting to be that time of year!  But it still seems much too early!

View from the Stanley Hotel

And, not a bad view of the Rockies from the hotel, either.

The Shining Hotel in Estes Park, CO

If you are curious, this is the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO

Apparently it spooked Stephen King when he went through it in the 1970's.  Some people say it is haunted.    142 rooms in a classic Colonial Revival motif. 

And, not a bad grand fireplace, either. 

Guitar Art

I have to admit, I hadn't thought about taking a cheap guitar and making it a piece of art.  But, I loved this idea. 

Maybe I am seeing a retirement project.

Veterans Day 2019

The image below was taken at the Canadian Memorial on Juno Beach in 2018.   Today is Remembrance Day in Canada.   Today is Veterans Day in the US.

The world owes a a tremendous amount to North America.  Below is the US Cemetery at Omaha Beach.

May we never forget those who gave so much for the freedoms that we share.

Fort Collins, CO Part 4

This curio shop was interesting to me.  I rather liked all the artistic items for sale.  And, the back area of the store was filled with a variety of fun colors and items.

Fort Collins, CO: Part 3

OK, I am willing to admit these may be a bit weird.

But I liked them!  And it's my blog!

Fort Collins, CO Part 2

The street scene was fun and interesting.  There were a number of vividly painted items around the town.  But, I rather liked the piano.

It was certainly available for anyone to play.  But, the tuning was a bit off!

Fort Collins, CO: Part 1

I was fortunate enough to wander into a shop in the retail/restored downtown area of Fort Collins where the store employee wasn't busy with customers.

We had a lovely chat about photography and, if memory serves me correctly, her sister was a photographer.

She was very willing to let me try a couple of photos.   I rather like the bottom one the most.  I used the natural light shining through the window to illuminate the right side of her face.

My sincere thanks!

The Old Town Pickin Parlor in Arvada, CO Part 3

You can always pick up a guitar and start playing.  Others may join, if you can jam!

And you always have a nice, quiet audience.  Careful though, you may need to stop and pet the guard dog, and get a friendly lick!

The Old Town Pickin Parlor in Arvada, CO Part 2

Truly amazing craftsmanship.

And incredible sound.

The Old Town Pickin Parlor in Arvada, CO Part 1

I get to Denver occasionally.  I always stop at The Old Town Pickin Parlor in Arvada.  They have a wonderful selection of instruments.

Yukes

Resonators.

And more. 

The School House Kitchen and Libations: Part 2

I rather liked the decor.  It wasn't crowded when I was there.  So, I tinkered a bit with natural light, trying to get an increase in the depth of field.  Not bad for hand holding the camera!

Ohh..this reminds me, I need a Gin and Tonic!

Very refreshing on a hot day!

Ceiling Decor: The Schoolhouse Kitchen and Libations: Ceiling Decor

I liked the various schoolhouse items used to decorate the bar.  The back room, the Library, was filled with books.  

The SchoolHouse Kitchen and Libations

When I travel, I like to stop in at various bars.  I have a drink.  But I really like the color combinations and decor.

This is the SchoolHouse Kitchen and Libations in Arvada, CO.   If you are looking for scotch, this is one cool place. 

One of the More Unusual Items for Sale

Meet Tony!

He was representing a company that was making saunas.  Not just any ordinary sauna, mind you.  But ROUND ONES!  They were incredible. 

Thanks Tony!   I really liked these!

Gazebo Sales!

Meet Jim!

He was representing DayStar Gazebos.  They were pretty awesome!

Thanks for chatting Jim!

A Local Bartender

Meet Jamelin

She did some part-time bartender work.   And she had a few great stories. 

Lovely meeting you Jamelin!

A Neighbor, Sort of!

Meet Jane,

She works with Plants and Things, a store not too far from my house. I knew she looked familiar.  But, more importantly, she works with schools and other organizations to arrange educational trips for kids and chaperones.   She's been doing it for years and loves it!

Thanks Jane!  It was a pleasure meeting you!

A Sewing Wizard!

Meet Meg!

Meg runs a business called Sew-Meg.  She gets ideas from client, or creates her own, and then sews them!  Note the very cool geodesic dome tent!

Fantastic job, Meg!