justaddmidget

2010-08-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

Another long weekend came and went. I did get plenty of work around the house done. And of course took some picture.

2010-06-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

In the garden the cats always want, or think they are helping. Here you see Queany helping me pick strawberries, or just grabbing a free ride, I'm not sure.

2010-06-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

The second just after the yawn. Or amybe she's laughing at me. I'm not sure.

game#3

2010-05-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Great sure complain that was easy. OK try this one. Something was removed should be easy again. Dont have to know what was removed just where.

Game #2

2010-05-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ok you still havent even tried the first one so I hope mabye something a little easier might wake you up..

I awoke one morning to find a small bear on my car. Apparently one of our cats found out that they can walk upright.

This time I have changed 1 thing about this photo.

Game

2010-05-12T07:59:00.001-07:00

Ok, lets play a game. This should be, at least, fun. 2 things on this photo have been "photoshopped". It could be I added a tree to the picture or I have changed the color of something. Maybe just enhanced a small item. See if you notice. Hopefully the better I get the harder it gets for you.

2010-05-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

View of my backyard. View large to see the dandelion heads glow like solar landscape lights. Serenity? Yes!
Why are dandelions hated so deeply?

2010-05-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

Baby grapes, plants were planted 2 years ago. First sign of fruit. Definitely not for the impatient wino. --Dude, you have to wait!!--How bout now? No, still not done.

2010-05-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

A few are ready. More to come Yea.

My favorite

2010-05-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

My favorite photo work in while.

It seems rather easy to do, strip color from certain parts of a photo and leave color in the rest. With the software I use its not that easy. But, this is one of my favorites I have done in a while. BTB, my oldest daughter took the photo.

2010-05-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

OKOKOK the replacement. This cat a very large expectations (shoes) to fill. Hope she can live up to them.

2010-04-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

The colors of the earth are starting to show.

My baby boy

2010-04-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

R.I.P. Pepe, we all loved you.

Dangers

2010-04-15T04:53:00.001-07:00

The dangers of mushroom hunting. Always look before you pick. This time its an 8" Hognose ready to do battle. Next time it could be a 40ft anaconda. Going Mushrooming today Thurs the 15 of April if I do not return to work by the 21st please come looking. Ah nevermind I would have died happy

2010-04-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

That time of year. Morels to be found this weekend should be prime. Lomg weekend---Please rain Friday.

2010-04-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Bubbles, they are not just for kids. Retards with cameras like them also.

2010-04-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

I like the moon.

2010-04-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

Wow 104 hours worked in 7 days. Time to relax.

2010-03-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Fish are bitten, no time, no time. This will have to do!

2010-03-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you think you need to go a little further in life to have the results you want.
And sometimes you just say "forget it".
Bottom line, I think this tree would make an excellent shot if I choose to walk
another quarter of a mile. But then again, I would have to walk another quarter mile.
"Forget it"
Because its more important for me to have a goal to look forward to.
One day I will walk that extra quarter mile and realize the grass is really greener from a distance.
I cant talk my way out of it. I want to take the walk.
I apologize to any of Bob's fans that might have been offended by my lack of concern.

2010-03-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

Not a great photo but I love the hairdo.
Kinda looks like those troll dolls we had
A few years back.

2010-03-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

A quite little ground feeder pleased to see the treats I leave.

2010-03-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the weak have to fall to make way for the strong.
Its sad to view it, but also majestic.

2010-02-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

This is what I have to look at on the way home. No arch, just water towers and oil pumps.

2010-02-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

A green jay one of my favorites.

2010-02-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

Cardinals

2010-02-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

Male and female cardinals in the snow.

2010-02-14T08:30:00.001-08:00

For those that are interested. Homeade laundry recipe.
http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

Be sure to check and read the posts below the recipes. They have many tips and tricks. I pay a little extra for the wife thats comes with her own laundry soap. Its cheaper at the time but ends up costing you in the long run. Ahh crap I'm gonna pay for that one.

2010-02-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

I am learning my new lens. A few more trips and I'll get a good pic.

2010-02-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

Bored- getting ready to get ready for work.

2010-02-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Make room, coming through, look out.

2010-02-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

First we find out we can fly, now we find we can walk on water. Mom is gonna freak.

2010-02-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

All he really wants to do is poop outside like the big boys.

2010-02-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Lil spatzi. I useta not like em. Guess I'm gettin old.

2010-02-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

OK this is where I am. Yes, the Doghouse. Ever notice how some things are so simple there is little thought required. That's because there is -- little thought -- it seems. Here is how my feeble mind thinks.
I quit smoking on Jan 4th. In my mind this is great, well deserving of a treat. My mind needs something to keep it active and working, without wanting, or thinking of the prior habit. I hope I wont remember what it was and want to start again.
In a nutshell, pretty simple, huh. Not only that, but, by my calculations, which are of coarse askew, because they are "my calculations". It seemed not only have I quit something that was unhealthy,but also, I have saved a bit of cash in the process. My askew calculations equal. One pack of cancer = 4 dollars. My addiction 2 packs of cancer a day = 8 dollars. One month of forgetting I have this addiction = 240 dollars saved so far.
So, I have now reached a pinnacle. I have stopped smoking for a month. I have saved money, and , I have heathysized my life a little. My decision is to treat my mind with something that will keep it happy and occupied for the feat it has just conquered.
Ahh, a new camera lens. That would be perfect, with my brain too worried about what shutter speed to use, it will never notice that I no longer smoke.
Here is where even my math, which I have noticed from time to time to be rather accurate, takes a hard right turn. The new lens I was wanting cost 500 dollars brand new. The amount I have to spend 240. Hhumm, maybe I'll wait another month, this would have been the correct decision. Or, maybe, I can find this on craigslist cheaper. Ah yes, I'll check. I do in fact see the lens I want. Tokina 80-400MM lens, the price 350 dollars. Much better. Not only that, but I talk him into throwing in another lens that I was also wanting for only 25 dollars more. That's a total of 375 for two lenses that would cost me about 650 brand new. WOW. Hind sight shows me I'm still not where I should be on price vs savings. But, I must have forgot what I was doing because the next thing I knew I had bought the lenses with some money that should have made it into the saving account. I do not remember any reasoning or rationalities involved. I just remember having two lenses and trying to figure out a way to explain it. To make matters worse I have yet to purchase my wife's Christmas present. I know , I know, sounds really bad. And I don't have a really good explanation here either. Only defense is, I know what she wants and need to have her pick it out. You know so its perfect for her.
My wife is one of those headstrong people. You know, the kind that tells them self this is gonna happen and doesn't let anything get in the way of that happening. So for her it was pretty simple. Money not in bank=punish those involved. Rightfully so!.
Did I learn anything? Yes. Don't trust your brain. It has a way of twisting the facts and making things look perfectly clear. Only to get want it wants.

2010-02-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

Shutter speed to long = action blur. Although I have to admit my youngest looks better this way. You know a little easier on the eyes. Must increase shutter speed and suffer lighting. To compensate for lighting must boost ISO and exposure and let quality suffer. AAAhhhggg! Shoulda never have bought this camera. Thanks Celena.

2010-02-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

This might have worked if the net wasn't in the way. But, I guess the game wouldn't have been the same huh. ISO cranked so the graininess will prevail. Indoor sports is not fun for photo takers. Poor lighting, someone always standing in front of your subject, Oh well.

2010-02-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

About as close as I will get to a good indoor sports shot. The ISO is cranked, so there is a lot of noise. The action is not completely froze, however, its good enough to tell whats going on.

2010-02-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

First picture taken with my new lens, these birds are 35 ft away from my lens through the front door glass. Gotta go its super bowl time. By the by my followers list just doubled,. Thanks Celena.

2010-02-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

2 months from now I will be looking for ever elusive Morel Mushroom. They are hard to see here, but there are 4 of them. Fun to find fun to eat. Take a stroll in the woods and come out with dinner, well a snack maybe.

2010-02-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

These guys are great. Come to visit every year, they get used to me feeding them and come to expect it. Actually chasing me around for more.

2010-02-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

Creepy little creatures, but I still cant wait for them to reappear. Two years ago we had 2 and I stored their egg sacs in a safeplace. Last summer we had about 30 of them creepin around. Yea I cant wait. This year our yard should be over run with creepyness.

2010-02-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not the only one who can't wait for spring. My little garden helper says "Bring it on! We have seeds to plant." Whenever I Head for the garden all the cats realize its fertilize time. They enjoy digging in the freshly tilled earth more than I do. I deposit plants and seeds, they have their own little mixtures they insert with love.

2010-01-31T16:39:00.000-08:00

What does a squirrel gotta do around here to get some eats?

2010-01-30T00:26:00.000-08:00

Good thing I quit smoking this sounds deadly. But you guessed it, what a rush!

2010-01-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

Lighting is horrible on this one, but, I would like to express my surprise to see this hair-do, or hair-don't. Is that a rug?

2010-01-30T00:06:00.000-08:00

2010-01-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

I really miss these guys. The neighbors must really enjoy my antics. One side to the other, stop shoot, start, stop , run to the other side, and cuss. What makes our hobbies so fun. We ignore the time and hassle because we enjoy it?

2010-01-28T22:56:00.000-08:00

"Hey baby, wanna go out". I'm sure that's what the male Peacock is saying while I'm taking this photo. She really didn't look like she was going to give it up. But who knows, he has all day to change her mind.

2010-01-28T22:44:00.000-08:00

Went to the Zoo this week, Wednesday. To my surprise it started to snow, not just flakes but giant heavy flakes of fluffy snow. I could hear thuds when they hit the ground. What a beautiful day. I really enjoyed the loneliness. Not that I don't enjoy my children, but it was very peaceful not having to dig in the pockets for soda money. Not once did I hear "I don't want to see the lions I want to see the birds". I was where I wanted to be at all times. If not, I moved to the place I would rather. The wife thought the picture I took of the seals was very nice, almost like a statue. I finally told her.

2010-01-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

Must be dinner time. Sometimes I want to make them a plate. They always show up and look interested. That's more than the kids will do.

"The Crave"

2010-01-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

This is what it feels like to quit smoking!! Body is going 100mph, mind takes a while to catch up. Sometimes, I say things way before I have a chance to analyze the data.

Did I just say her ass was fat? Yes, that was out loud!. Think fast Brian, no I didn't, I said the grass was flat. Howbout, I got gas in my hat. Crap I'm busted.

Long weekend

2010-01-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

Longweekend, its what a shift workers life revolves around.
Constantly checking the calendar to see if your luck would put the event on your" longweekend". This word triggers the same emotions in us, shift workers, that "Christmas" and "birthday" trigger is small children.
Its the time you've always wanted and it happens once a month. Yes, once a month.
I had time to transplant my babies and this "longweekend" just started. Think I planted a little early this year?
My wife has been complaining about

needing her windshield wipers replaced. So "longweekend" you are here. I, of coarse, gave her enough time to attempt to replace them herself. As long as she tries, I have no problem doing anything for her . The kids are the same, as long as they attempt to help themselves I will offer them assistance.
I see way to often , people that ask for handouts simply because they will not try.
The fence post picture, also a result of "longweekend". Time to relax. I thought it would come out a little better but no complaints from me. I might adjust the color or contrast in a future "longweekend" and make something of it. Until then, I will let time adjust my opinion of it. Sometimes the future brings a different look and feel. Maybe physical adjustments will not be necessary if the mind can be tricked into viewing pleasure. The first look might bring disgust, the third starts the mind's natural tendency to seek out more of this feeling, resulting in joy.

Mr. Pickleman,

The true self sufficient cat. He does not need the handouts we give. Long hours he spends awaiting movement in the field. He then decorates our doorstep with the fallen soldiers. Maybe I misunderstand his sufficiency, as he might need salt or garlic. One never knows.
I do know, certain photos, that I have no patience to let time alter my view, need immediate attention. This pic was a smidgen bland. The color was weak, the fix, completely remove color. Still not pleasing. Ah, add blur. Yes, leave the mind wanting something more out this photo instead of giving all.

In my recent attempt to quit smoking I have to admit I have done great. My first day without smoke Jan 5th. My last day of breathing tainted air Jan 4th. The problem, I have replaced my nicotine habit with calories. The damage-- 15 lbs in 16 days. At this point my arteries are cursing my lungs.
I have never had an issues with weight, I could lose or gain whenever I wished. I will see once the "crave" leaves if I can still manage to curb the intake. Until then I will eat good.

My family

2010-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

Me!! The leader of the Tards. A very bad picture, being I had the flu when this was taken. It does show my greatest joy, besides my family. Giant flatheads Mmmm. Nothing can get your heart pumping like a 45lb catfish pulling your arms towards the water. Oh yea, baby.

Meet my lovely wife Dana. She looks like a Kitten but growls like a tiger. She definitly keeps the group together. I have said many times if it wasn't for this one I would be dead by now. I have no idea what she saw in me, I have no charm, feelings, or manners. I guess I'm pretty good looking, huh.

One of the reasons I go to work every day. My youngest daughter Jaden is 13. She is laid back like me, nothing bothers this one. She is very sensitive and thoughtful. If she has a dollar in her pocket she will spend it on you. But if you give this one an inch she will take a foot. For some reason Jaden is mine, we tend to mesh where the mother and her collide.

The second reason I go to work everyday. My oldest, Taylor, she is 15 and loves making fun of everything I do. She is a bit of a perfectionist, A lot like her mom. I have no idea where she got the dimples, I hit her a few times when she was small, I must have left dents. She doesn't realize it but she acts just like me, I dont want to break her heart and tell her, I'll let her read it.

The electric shot

2010-01-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

Another tough photo to catch. How are you supposed to know the lightning is gonna strike? Oh well, take a hundred photos and hope luck is with you.
Night is a little easier than day, you can set your shutter speed slow and pray. This will give you about 3 seconds to capture one.
Oh well another 12 hour shift better get crackin. I'm gonna need lots of sleep since I have an employee that bands for me and always gives me a hard time. Never wanting to do his work and so on. I have to say I have been very impressed with his talents. He sings, he writes and he plays an instument. I dont think he dances, at least I couldn't see him dancing. Who knows, until a couple of weeks ago I would have had an issue with someone that told me he could sing. Sometimes we never quite know what we are dealing with.

2010-01-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

The closest I have come to date of stopping the wings on an insect. I was close, damnit.

Before I started taking pictures I thought this would be an easy task. How hard could it be. Well, aiming for one, focus for second would be the toughest. The most obvious would be finding an insect when you want one. The rest you could have the camera do in auto, if there is enough light. I believe this one I could have stopped the wings if I would have upped the shutter speed a little. But no telling now, the wasp is long gone.

Well I must be going I have a 12 hour shift to look forward to. Just wanted to put something out there for all my followers.

Various pictures

2010-01-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome,

I should start out explaining the picture, my neighbors dad died last week. I am familiar with the loss of a loved one and believe nothing you say will help. The ones in mourn just need time alone to compose and collect.

I had created a few different sympathy cards by afternoon and had liked this one the best. It is a shot of a knockout rose I had taken early mourning in the summer in my front yard. I could have easily photoshopped the fly out, but the sizing was not good. No matter how I cropped, the picture did not look good as a 4" by 7".

I finally agreed with myself to settle on a picture of a rose with a bubble that I took later in the evening. I like the bubble picture but not as much.