Starting our own tradition

Moody Monday: Traditional

As a child of a single mom, it's tough for Hayley to hear her friends talk about where they're going to spend their Spring Break. And, let's face it, it's tough for me to know how it makes her feel. But this week we're starting our own Spring Break tradition. It's not a trip to Florida (which, by the way, is not my favorite state...even though I have relatives living there), but at least it gives us both something to do.

So what ARE we doing? Well, we're taking photos, of course. But it's more than that, I guess. I'm letting her use my old Aiptek camera and my little monopod, while I use my Samsung and tripod. We're trying to get outside each day and take photos together. Unfortunately, though, the weather doesn't seem to want to cooperate. We are currently under a blizzard warning! (UGH!) It didn't start snowing until this afternoon, but Hayley had other commitments for the day -- like interviewing Representative Tom Casperson, and another "downstate" (Lower Michigan) legislator who is on the House Education Committee. (She's a busy kid...even during Spring Break!) So we didn't get out today, and tomorrow's not looking too promising either.

It has been kind of fun having something to share with her. And it's great to see how awesome she is behind the camera...and not just in front of it. She's truly a talented individual. I think the most fun part for me is to take pictures of her taking pictures.

Young American Photoblogger of the Year (YAPY)

Okay. She's not THE Young American Photoblogger of the Year, except in her mother's eyes. But I'm a bit biased. And technically she doesn't even have a photoblog...yet. Plus there's the fact that that's my camera AND my monopod.

Church Window

First Presbyterian Church

Shutterday: Star

Japanese Cultural Class

During the month of March, Hayley attended a weekly Japanese course through the Marquette Arts & Culture Center. These are some of the photos from the final class, which met at Temaki & Tea (a Japanese restaurant located on the campus of Northern Michigan University). Hayley brought along my old Aiptek camera and took a bunch of photos. Here are a few:

Tomoko's meal

Hayley's meal

Classmates

Setting the scene

Temaki & Tea

More photos here.

Happy Easter!

Easter Ham

Rabbit Ears

Easter Pals

Making Progress

Unfinished
(April, 2007)

Almost Finished
(March, 2008)

Feeling Low

My temperature is usually low -- 96.8 instead of the normal 98.6 -- but obviously not this low. I took this shot after wandering around the neighborhood for about an hour or so in a little less than 30-degree weather (and a windchill of about 22 degrees or less), and I wasn't wearing my winter coat.

Macroday: Temperature

Time to Feed the Critters

Mares-Z-Doats
Once you get the song from their commercial stuck in your head, you'll never get rid of it.

My Lucky Kid

"This is my lucky shirt"

Funky-lookin' leprechaun.

Moody Monday: Irish

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Have You Seen My....?

Not my keys. I know where they are. My problem is that I forget what the key(s) open (or lock)!

Macroday: Your Keys

The Puppet Show

Brought to you by K & B Entertainment.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Peter White Public Library Children's Area Atrium
Starring: Raccoon and Dog
Narrated by: Mouse

K & B and friends

"This is a story about a Raccoon and a Dog."

Raccoon steals Dog's apple while Dog is asleep.

Dog wakes up and asks, "Who stole my apple?"

Dog chases Raccoon

Raccoon steals Dog's chicken.

Dog wakes up and again chases Raccoon.

"Wait, Dog! Stop!"

"Why can't you just learn to share?"

"A few days later..."

Dog and Raccoon become friends.

THE END
(because my camera's batteries died)

Happy Pi Day!

3.14.....

Since Hayley has my scientific calculator with her at school, I had to settle for taking a shot of the word "Pi" from the cover of my copy of Life of Pi (by Yann Martel).

Update: It seems I wouldn't have been able to use the scientific calculator anyway....'cause Hayley broke it. And the other one we have doesn't work either. :^(

Glowing Buddha

One of my Buddha candleholders. This one is brushed bronze and holds a tealight.

Lens Day: Metallic