Merry Christmas 2021

In the Southwest, Christmas trees can take on an entirely different look and feel.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone.  Be safe out there.

Shotguns: Beautiful Artwork

Whether you are a fan of firearms or not, there is a sense of artwork with the beautiful engravings produced in high end shotguns.  I found these incredible.

 

A Relaxing Sunday

 

 A while ago, before it got colder, a visitor stopped by for a cold beer and some relaxing time.  Meet John!

 I think he enjoyed being able to sit and relax without job stresses on the mind.

One Last Swing at Summer!

With the World Series wrapping up soon (come on Astro's!!), I thought one more baseball post would help postpone winter.   But sheesh, it is getting chilly out there.  

And a Collision was Avoided

 

Back to Baseball!

 AND.....You are OUT!

Not even close!

20 Years Ago. Never Forget

 Not my photo, obviously.   But it is important to share.

Never forget the evil that man can do to another man, for some ideology or religion. 

Labor Day: 2021

 In a break from the much delayed Memorial Day posts, I thought it would be good to focus on something more associated with summer....even if summer is quickly drawing to a close.    How about a little baseball?

 Clearly a couple of different pitches here.  But it was fun to shoot a bit higher speed!

 

Memorial Day 2021 Continued

 The young lady below read "In Flanders Field" during the service.

She did a wonderful job of it!  She is also the granddaughter of the women from the media!

Memorial Day 2021 Continued

 The Media was present to video the service.  It would later be played over the internet for those you were unable to attend.

The woman below was managing the media team.   We had a lovely chat about the service...and her glasses!

Memorial Day 2021 Continued.

 It is time to get my backside in gear and get up to speed with the blog again.  With Covid restrictions easing, more events are being held.  And, I already have photos that are ready to go...all for fun.  But some are serious.  And the photos from Memorial Day are serious.

Another proud member of the Color Guard.

Memorial Day: Continued

 One of the Color Guard members.

July 4, 2021

 May you all have a wonderful and safe July 4th.  And remember what this holiday is about.  Keep your powder dry.

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day 2021 Military Personnel Continued

 Even being out of the military for years, you can see the pride in their faces.

Memorial Day 2021: Military Personnel

 This young Corporal represented the Marines.   

Memorial Day 2021: Military Personnel 1

 It is always moving to see current military personnel at Memorial Day services. There is always a deep sense of pride I sense within them.

Memorial Day 2021: Continued

Not only were people from the military present, as you would expect.  There were a number of people from various law enforcement organizations.  This is one of the officers from the city of Anoka.

D-Day 2021

 I am clearly not on my game and completely missed that June 6th was the anniversary of D-Day.  I am grateful to other bloggers who are more mindful and graciously pointed it out to me privately.

3 years ago I was on Omaha Beach, Sword Beach, Pointe du-Hoc, and Sainte Mere Eglise.  It was incredibly moving.  It was the 74th anniversary of Day.  And people gathered around to remember the Allied soldiers who landed that day and began the liberation of Europe.  I ended the day with a visit to the US cemetery.   There, 10,000 US soldiers lay at rest.  At the monument at the cemetery are the names of those who were never found. 

I met French, Dutch, English, Spanish and more all paying their respects.  May we never forget the greatest generation in modern history. 

Memorial Day 2021 Attendees and Speakers: 1

It felt good to be back taking photos.  I hadn't hardly touched a camera in the last 18 months.   And it was a great motivating experience to attend the service. 

 Meet our County Sheriff:  Jim (Sorry if you go by James, I took a liberty there!)  I had a wonderful conversation with Jim before the service.  And I made a point to thank him after the service for the wonderful job he did as the featured speaker.  

It was very nice meeting you, Sir! 

 

 

Memorial Day 2021

 May we never forget.  

A Motorcycle Event

With Covid and some health issues, I just haven't gotten out to do photos for nearly 16 months now.  I am hoping to be turning the corner and getting some energy, and get back to doing photos.

I was pleased to find a motorcycle event at a bar not far from my house.  I have to admit, I have heard of this bar, usually with the line, "it's an interesting clientele."  They were right.  

It was a nice warm day and the annual event had been publicized on Facebook and God knows where else.  When I got there, there were at least 200 cars and hundreds of motorcycles.  The bar was so packed that I could barely get in the door.   It wasn't very conducive to trying to talk to anyone or take photos.

But, out of pure dumb luck, I sat next to Tony.  He saw my camera and we had a lovely chat about his interest in photography and some historic photos of John F Kennedy that his uncle had take that he has in his possession.  I'd love to see them.

He bought me a Gin and Tonic and we chatted.  And, I took one photo of Tony.  That was all I could find time to do..and space to do.

Thanks Tony!  I owe you a G&T.

 

A little more cuteness for the day

 She found her forever home.  

 

Another Rescued Pup

 Now, safely in his Forever Home.   My sister is a good person. 

 What a cutie. 

 

Time for an Update and Something Cute

Everyone needs to see a puppy now and then.