Thursday, August 31, 2006
Maine or Bust
Trish Goes to the Dentist
**These are not my teeth...Can you imagine me in that bright red lipstick?? Ha!I followed in my hubby's footsteps and made my way into the dentist's office. I was a little nervous since it had been 3!! years since I had been. Everything was PERFECT! The dentist and hygenist said they couldn't believe I had not been to the dentist in 3 years. Such relief.
Thank you Jesus for looking out for every single part of my body...including my teeth. Isn't that amazing?? If God cares enough to keep my teeth purty...just think about what else He cares about??
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Oh-Possum
Thought I'd share our recent catch with you. Jacob and I have set the squirrel cage outside our dryer vent twice and caught two baby opossums. If it were up to him, he would just let them die but his sensitive wife is a big supporter of the "catch and relocate" method. So...Jacob relocated this guy to Shelby Farms the other day. This picture was taken after his liberation. He looks excited and happy to be free.
Friend Weekend
This past weekend was just wonderful. My good friend Lauren came out for a visit. Lauren and I go back to freshman year of high school. Some of our fondest memories were days in crazy Mrs. Grantham's class and then in service learning our senior year with Cindy and Lindsay. Cindy and Lindsay and I go back to middle school when we played soccer together. Anyway, senior year, Cindy, Lindsay, Lauren and I went to lunch one day a week before heading to NHC, a local nursing home. After we graduated from high school, Lauren and I continued to have lunch at Clemson once a week. We were the only ones smart enough to pick Clemson on the first go :). Lindsay transferred sophomore year and Cindy joined us junior year. We were finally all together! We met once a week for our girl's dinner. It was great. Now that I am far away, we still try to get together when I return home to get caught up.
So there is a little history before I start my ramblings of our exciting weekend. Friday evening I picked Lauren up at the airport and we went to dinner at McAlister's deli with Carie. We then spent the rest of the evening at my friend Whitney's house. She was having a girl's night while all of the boys were at a football game.
Saturday we slept in a little. We got up and went downtown to do the tourist thing. First stop was my work. I always like to show people my other home. After that we got tickets for the "Ride the Ducks" tour. My friend Katie was working the booth so she gave us our tickets for FREE. It was a sweet deal. We then went to eat at Rum Boogie Cafe (where I forgot to get my card punched so my next meal would be free...errr). After lunch we walked around Beale Street and saw the drinking goats at Silky O'Sullivan's (they were sober at this hour) and then we thought we'd see if they would let us peak in FedEx Forum just for fun. Jacob and I have never been to anything there. My work designed it so I was interested in seeing it as well. We walked in and the lady asked us if we were there for the open house. We were not but she asked if we wanted to be. So here's a run down...we got 6 free NBA tickets (Grizzlies vs. Pistons), a tour of the locker rooms and lastly, Jacob got to shoot some ball on the big court!! It was pretty neat. We did not have much time though because we had to get to our duck tour. I think he would have stayed and played ball all afternoon.
The duck tour was pretty fun. I learned some interesting facts about Memphis. After the duck tour, we went to the Peabody Hotel to see the famous Peabody Ducks do their 5:00 parade. It's always entertaining. We then went home and ate dinner and had Carie and Chris over for some game time. Chris whooped us all in a game of Risk. He was quite the world dominator. See if we play with that evil villain again...Ha!
Sunday included church, Corkey's and some time playing Nertz (a different version than we had been taught by Lauren and Chad...but I liked it better). Then I had to take Lauren to the airport and say goodbye :(. After that I returned home for a nap. When I woke up, Jacob and I played Scrabble and watched the Emmys. By the way....I BEAT JACOB!!! I was way behind and came back with the words "BOX" and "BE" that were worth 40 points! I beat him by 3.
So...that's what our weekend entailed. It was loads of fun. Last night was not loads of fun...I was at work until 12:30 am. Speaking of work...I better get back to it.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Jacob Goes to the Dentist
*These are NOT Jacob's teeth...just in case you were worriedWell, I am so proud of my sweet Jacob. After about 8 years, he has finally sucked it up and gone to the dentist...and you know what??? He didn't have a single cavity! Personally, I do not know how that is possible, but I am thankful for it. I thought for sure he would call to tell me his teeth were all falling out and he'd need them replaced. It looks like it's time for me to schedule my dentist appointment (I haven't been in about 3 years...yikes!). I used to be a stickler about going every 6 months and then I got married. Now that we have dental insurance I am looking forward to going. I'm sure I will have a million cavities...that's how it was growing up. Brad and I would go to the dentist and I would have a bunch and he'd have none...and I was the one brushing my teeth twice as much. I'll keep you updated.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
End of the Season
Jacob normally plays first (I play third or second) but this one game he pitched and did a mighty fine job. He looks sooo serious.
mmm...mmm...mmm cutie bootie!Tuesday, August 22, 2006
A collection of images from this past week...volume two.
Peek-a-boo.
Private entry.
Welcome in.
The WOW factor. If anyone out there knows of a good web domain for cheap (or free!) I would really appreciate it. I have no skill with this, but would really like to have a place to display my photography, and I am fed up with this site. I have lots of photographs, but no where to put them. [Now, now...no complaining on my blog :)]
(Images in both volumes from Shelby Farms and Harbor Town, Memphis, TN).
A collection of images from this past week...volume one.
There it goes...
Who would have ever though mud would look so nice?
A lily pad, close up. 
Almost looks like blueberries, huh?
Houser, one of the best behaved dog's I've ever seen.
Houser goes fetch.
Beauty in detail.Monday, August 21, 2006
Weekend Recap
I had a great visit with my family but they had to leave Friday afternoon so it was just Jacob and me this weekend. Friday night I had to work kind of late. When I got home, we ate together and then watched some t.v. Jacob went to Shelby Farms to take some pictures while I was still working so he will probably have some to show you when he gets them uploaded.
Saturday morning we woke up and went to a photography class that Wolf Camera offers free to those who purchase cameras from them. It was pretty interesting. We then went to Sam's club and became members and then spent a gazillion dollars on food. If you get hungry, just come over to our house because the fridge and pantry are stocked! Saturday evening we went to see Talladega Nights with our good buddies Carie and Chris. It was pretty fun but I don't need to see it again. We were home by 9 something so Jacob and I played Scrabble. He beat me pretty bad but looking back at the score...he had one more turn than me. I was the scorekeeper so I couldn't blame it on him. It wouldn't have made that much difference.
Sunday morning we went to Union Avenue Baptist Church again. The pastor is so good. He said something that has stuck in my brain...and certainly has meaning to me right now. He said, "Don't waste your pain." Basically, God allows us pain in order to further the gospel. Should we not used these opportunities to share what God is doing in our lives...then you wasted your pain. I do not want to waste this pain that I have been experiencing.
The rest of Sunday included lunch, napping and more Scrabble. Jacob washed both of the cars and they look SUPERB. Thanks sweetie! Anyway, that's about all for now. Hopefully I will have interesting posts this week. One of my best friends from Greenville is coming this weekend. I can't wait!!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Grandma Goes to Graceland
Anyway, Sorry that it has been several days without a post but honestly I haven't had anything to write about. Now I can write about family visiting. Last evening my Grandma, my cousin, my aunt and my cousin's other grandma arrived from a long drive down from Pennsylvania. My cousin Katie has been promising my Grandma that they would go to Graceland for years so the time has finally come. They will be going there today whilst I work. Katie finished up nursing school on Tuesday and they left right after. I am so glad to have family visiting. Katie, my Aunt Sandy and I stayed up talking like school girls until the wee hours of the night last night. It was fun. I only normally get to see my family (not including Brad and dad) once a year at Thanksgiving. Well, we haven't done anything but talk so far so I do not have much to say but will share later...along with some pictures.
From Left to Right: Della (Katie's other G-mama), Cousin Katie, Me, Aunt Sandy and Grammy
P.S. This week was the anniversary of Elvis's death so all of the crazy Elvis fans come out in full force. Happy Elvis Hunting!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Friday Night Date Night & Other Weekend Fun
This past Friday Jacob and I went on a date and it was so wonderful. We go out to eat and hang out all of the time but we have not gone on a planned "date" in some time. I came home from work and received a beautiful bouquet of mixed flowers. He then had reservations at a VERY nice restaurant called Flemings Prime Steakhouse. It was probably the most expensive meal we have ever eaten together. It is an incredible steakhouse but certainly a once in a blue moon type place for us. Jacob and I do not drink wine so our bill only included our entrees and salads and it was over $100!! We enjoyed the luxury since it was our special date night. So...if you were thinking about trying out the new Flemings Prime Steakhouse on Poplar, you might want to save up your piggy bank.Saturday we worked hard on the kitchen and we almost have the cabinets done. Hopefully in a week or so I will be able to say..."The cabinets are done." Don't hold you breath though.
Saturday evening we went to a party with some friends at work to celebrate the end of the softball season (even though we still have the tournament). Jacob and I got our first taste of Pronto-Pups. They are basically corndogs but apparently they are the big thing at fairs around here.
Sunday we visited Union Avenue Baptist Church again and really enjoyed it. We then had lunch with some friends and worked on the cabinets some more. So there is a recap of our weekend. Sorry for the information overload.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Congratulations Lauren, RN
Congratulations to my sis-in-law who passed her nursing boards this week and is officially a Registered Nurse. I am so proud of all of your hard work Lauren. You are going to be the best nurse in the world!!
Experimentation
My trip to, among others, Vance Park, yesterday was a little dissapointing. The goal was to play with my circular polarizer filter and my new lens. The lens worked wonders, and after a little more trial and error with it, I think it may be a keeper. I was able to take photographs of objects nearly a mile away, as long as I was able to hold the camera steady. One problem I ran into however was the haze in between the camera and the object. I was using the polarizer lens, but I think in retrospect that I perhaps should have been using my haze remover filter instead, as it was more hazy than overexposed. Unfortunately, all the photographs I took with the polarizer turned out a little grainy. I do not know whether to chalk it up as inexperience or problems with the filter. That's what this is all about though - a learning experience. The photograph below was taken from near Vance Park, south of the Beale Street Riverwalk Train Depot, which is probably about a 3/4-mile away from the subject as the crow flies.
As you can see, it is considerably hazy due to water vapor in the atmosphere. Granted, it was about 80% humidity when this picture was taken, and it is a long distance away; maybe I should just move to the southwest and become a photographer- no humidity to contend with! (By the way, it was also 102 degrees when I was shooting these photographs).
Subjects closer up fared more pleasingly, such as this photograph of a pedestrian bridge over Riverside Drive in South End.
Even still, the pedestrian bridge is not crystal clear, which just further enhances the joy I get out of nature photography, placing it far more satisfying when compared to urban landscapes. I think it's time to hit the woods- it has only been a week and I miss it already!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Lying with my baby in the pale moonlight...
The moon has been out in full force the past few nights...
This photograph was taken looking through our bug-ridden windshield while going 80mph down I-20 in Alabama. I cannot believe how well it turned out:
Classic
I found this picture again for the 100th time while cleaning up the other day and I thought I'd share. It makes me laugh every time I see it. This picture is from Halloween one year when we were going to the church party and the theme was Noah's Ark. Brad sure looks ferocious.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Awesome Quote
"You may not understand anything that has happened to you or what you are going through right now or what the future will hold...but the crown of thorns, the spear in His side and the nails in His hands FOREVER say 'I love you'."
I hope you enjoy!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Weekend Warriors
I do not want to steal Trish's thunder about our activities this weekend, as I know she wants to chime in and post some photographs, so I will stick only to my subletted photography arena. All the filters I ordered came in, but as of yet I have not had time to play with them. I will post future photographs showing the advantages of using them at a later date. Additionally, this weekend I purchased the Pentax 80-200mm f/4.7-5.6AF Zoom Lens I had previously mentioned. Like the filters, I have not played with it to date, but plan to use my 10 day return period to my advantage. I have played with it long enough to determine that it does not use the same 52 mm lens mount that the Pentax-DA Zoom 18-55mm F3.5- F5.6 AL lens uses, which means that a different sized filter will have to be purchased if deemed appropriate, adding a $50 unexpected expense. However, I have decided not to purchase the damage service protection plan because I do not think it worth nearly 1/3 the price of the camera, which will save me $225. I have also not received my SD card, but expect it today or tomorrow. With these purchases, all I have left to buy is a carrying case and perhaps a tripod, if I decide I need one. Without a tripod, however, my photographs have still been turning out quite well.
On the long drive back home this weekend, I was able to read the entire owner's manual for my camera, and learned a lot about its operation. I am normally not a "follow the directions" kinda guy, but reading it was very advantageous. I plan to start the manual on my lenses and filters soon.
Penelope's 50K Mile-aversary
Just wanted to put a shout out to Penelope (my Pontiac Vibe) who celebrated her 50,000 mile-aversary on Sunday, August 6, 2006 in the fine town of Sumiton, Alabama. Jacob and I got Penelope on December 31, 2004 and she only had a little over 16,000 miles on her. We have put around 34,000 on her in a year and 8 months. Ok, so we like to travel with her a lot... at least she gets 36 miles to the gallon.
Weekend Fun
Me, Jacob, Lauren and Chad
Brad's Cute New HouseHighpoint #21 - North Carolina
The Solemates reached their 21st highpoint on Saturday morning August 5, 2006 after a long night's drive. The Mt. Mitchell summit not only marks the highest point in North Carolina, but also the highest point east of the Mighty Mississippi. Mt. Mitchell rises 6,684 feet above sea level. We drove to the top because we were pressed for time. As you can tell, it was a beautiful, crystal clear day.
Friday, August 04, 2006
My wife, the artsy-fartsy-TECH
For three days now my lunch plans have been thwarted. Once to inadvertantly go to the BBQ buffet (who can pass that up?) and twice concerning my photography destination. Yesterday the draw of Tom Lee and Butler Parks were too much and my original plan of the Mud Island Greenway was pushed aside. Today, the Memphis Redbirds AAA AutoZone Ballpark was closed for public entry; thus, no photographs of the stadium. So instead I walked over to the Peabody and began shooting. Before even reaching the hotel, I was stopped by Melinda, who ridiculously charges $75 an hour!
She was pretty enough, but not $75 pretty, and besides I had my heart set on the exquisite Peabody interior. Well, my indoor photography skills need some serious finetuning, as I ended up with zero worthy interior shots due to the low-light conditions. I fixed that by ascending to the skyway to shoot "aerial" views of the city- plenty of light in the out of doors- but I still desparately need a UV filter and polarizing lens, as the photographs show. Hopefully I will receive those in the mail within the next couple of days.
That second building is the Toyota Center, as seen from the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel, and is where Trish spends about 60 hours a week (well, at least some weeks) . If she didn't work so much she would certainly be a greater erudite renaissance scholar such as myself. If you look real closely, you can see her working on the 4th window from the left on the 5 floor. Ok, not really. Well, that was it, back to work, or so I thought. On the way back though, I was able to hang my head out the window just long enough to snag Elvis sitting on a bench outside his record label company, Sun Studios.
And lastly, this one is not mine, but it is for my mother. Trish sent it to me with the question: "Are you sure we are ready to have kids?" Sure, kids are easily replaced...uh, I mean a HD TV, leather couch, and hardwood floors are easily replaced. :/
My Husband, The EngiNERD
Thursday, August 03, 2006
An Amateur Photographer's Dissertation
After subccumbing our Cyber-shot® DSC-W50 Digital Camera to copious amounts of water, which significantly prohibited its further functionality, we bit the bullet and opted for the more than capable Pentax *ist DL DSLR. I very well may have possibly done more research (for starters) before purchasing this camera than I did for my entire graduate Master's Thesis, which is funny since I think it nothing to spend ridiculous amounts of monies on airfare travel, but tossed and turned over spending it on something more tangible. I guess it's just something about having a long-lasting possession that pushes me to think about it more.
The *ist DL is perhaps the most economical DSLR currently on the market, is marketed towards amateur photographers, and comes amazingly equipped with, among other things, a Pentax-DA Zoom 18-55mm F3.5- F5.6 AL lens. As a future investment, I will probably also go with another zoom lens, and am looking at the very affordable Pentax 80-200mm f/4.7-5.6 AF Zoom Lens, since it is on clearance right now due to newer versions coming out in the fall. It is amazing how many accessories you have to buy when purchasing a DSLR. A camera that is priced at $500 really costs upwards of $800-$1000 when you add all the other crap you need. I decided to give the local photography establishment my business (I didn't say it was a cottage industry), as opposed to purchasing the camera online for much more inexpensively, for a barrage of reasons, but most importantly the cost offset of risking the online purchase was too high for me, even though I support capitalism 100%; this is America folks; if you don't like Wal-mart, move to Europe. It was a very soft-sell, as I had already decided the camera I wanted by shopping around extensively. One hour later I was shooting pictures at the Shelby Farms dog park. I knew somewhat what I was doing, both due to my aforementioned ridiculously thorough research and from discussing photography at grand length with one of my friends during several backpacking outings, but I learned, and continue to learn, mostly from trial and error. Isn't digital great? I spent nearly 2 hrs at the park playing with the camera and the other dogs, and spent another 2 hrs upon my return home playing with photography software. I was very pleased with the photographs I took from taking the camera straight out of the box.
That's our dog Siler in the first photograph by the way; Trish wanted to make sure everyone knew that. Following him are Mia (Jack Russel) and Samson (Great Dane puppy). When compared to my other photographs with the point-and-shoot, a noticeable difference is realized. It's only been several days, but I just can't keep from taking pictures. Yesterday I tried my hand at some still life, Back-Eyed Susans in our front yard.
Despite the desparate need for a tripod (possible near future purchase), I faired relatively well using the simple handheld technique, and the noticeable blurriness is expected in the above pictures. I also attempted some indoor action photography, but was not very successful. Most photographs were fluorescent yellow and blurry.
I was not too upset though, since I knew from the get-go that this camera lags a little behind the more pricey competition in the low-light action photography arena. Since I will be mainly using it for outdoor landscape photography, however, I decided the trade-off in price was well worth it. Working with it to optimize my indoor settings will help though. Heck, I haven't even read the manual yet, thus exponentially decreasing my capability of producing quality results; but, I've been too excited to sit down and concentrate on that very important step. Quite the opposite case of low-light will be my typical experience; my outing today to Butler and Tom Lee Parks solidified my desparate need for a a UV haze remover and circular polarizer lens (don't worry Trish, I didn't pay that much), both of which have been ordered and are in the mail. I also ordered a UV lens multi-coated protector for lens protection. With our track record, we will need it.
As you can see, the images would be much better had the haziness been removed and the overexposure been avoided. Darker, more vibrant blue skies providing a backdrop to sharper bridge suspension or flags, for example, are desired. Not to mention the Pyramid is glowing; that thing is like a giant mirror. It probably blinds pilots.
As a side note, let me just add that it sure is hot in July and August in Memphis. If it were not for my new found obsession, taking those photographs during my lunch break today would have been miserable. I seem to dread 2 months of the year here in Memphis; from my many past outdoor experiences, I have really grown accustomed to enjoying all types of weather, but when you sweat just because you walked to your car after work, you know it's hot. 105 in the shade is not fun. I think Al Gore is right (did I just say that?).
Anyways, back on track, I have really enjoyed my new toy and look forward to lowering its learning curve to achieve quality photography. Until next time, happy hiking (or whatever it is you do).
