Crash

Car and Camper under fallen branches


We had our big storm last night. I think we got about 10 inches of snow on top of the 1/4 inch of ice. There are LOTS of branches down all over Cambridge. We got hit the worse out in the back yard. I park our third car, the old Escort, and our camper out back along our fence line. During the night, many limbs fell on the car and the camper. I haven't assesed the damage too closely, but I don't think there's much. We do have a couple of heavy branches laying on the power lines feeding our house. I think I might go out and trim them back a bit, if I can do it safely. There are people all over the place without power, so if I call the power company about it, I'm sure I'll get put on the list for the end of April hahaha.



The weather guy on tv said this is the worst winter storm in a decade. The governor has declared half of the state as "an emergency". Old man winter wasn't done yet I guess.

Fallen branches on shed, camper, car

Branches laying on power line

Our neighbor crashed through the fence last night

Ice

We're in the midst of a big winter storm as I type this. We had freezing rain and ice most of the day and now we're getting lots of snow. There are a lot of folks around that have lost power. Luckily, we have not yet (knock on wood). We spent the evening sitting in the living room playing games. It's been a while since we've done that, and it was great fun. The snow should be beautiful tomorrow. I look forward to another quiet day at home.

Peace-

Matt

Ash Wednesday Sunrise

Lent started off this morning with a beautiful sunrise. Here are a few shots I took on my drive to work.

Peace-

Matt

Seven photos

Not much time to write tonight. What we have here is a lot of snow melt, warm weather, barbeque, a mini snowman, a night sky, and some boats. All is good here on this Fat Tuesday. Lent starts tomorrow, so spring is not far off.

Peace-

Matt

More Drifts

Another weekend has arrived and I'm happy about it. No big plans this weekend. I have a lot that needs to get done at home, but I'm not sure I feel like doing any of it. It will still be there when I do.

It's supposed to get warmer here next week, like in the 40's. The snow will melt and it will feel like spring. Lets hope the extreme cold weather is over with.

Peace-
Matt

Finally

We finally got above 15 degrees for the first time in a long time. It got up to about 37 degrees here today. It felt like spring to us, and put everyone in a good mood. Much needed for sure.

I had the annual winter campout on Friday night with my brother in laws. We drank some beer and played some cards. It was nice to get away for a night and to spend some time cussing and farting.

Last night was Family Fun Night. Abby's rendezvous with her love interest didn't pan out like she thought it would. I think he was a no show. She had a great time with her friends instead.

Here are a few shots of Angie and Madeline making a snowman today.




Peace-
Matt

Boy Crazy

Jet Trail over Elkhart, IA

Abby is starting to get boy crazy. She's 10 years old. I think she's too young for that shit, but it's happening whether I like it or not. It's all she's talked about for the past week or so. The school is having a Family Fun Night (misleading name really, cause it's not, at all) on Saturday night. Abby asked a certain boy at school if he wanted to meet her there to hang out. I told her that 10 year old boys don't think of girls as fun yet. Abby's going to be our "handful", and she's just taken the next step.

S.S.D.D.

It's been very cold for too long now. I'm ready for a warmish day. I'd like to get out and make some photos, plus I need a cigar. I would be quite happy with a 30 degree day.

We did buy our plane tickets to Florida this week. We are going April 19th through the 29th. I'll be on the 11th annual Taneycomo fishing trip the first week of April. I'm really looking forward to April.

We watched the Bears lose Sunday. The game started out great, but they just didn't bring an offense. I know high school quarterbacks that are better than that pathetic Grossman.

This Friday night is my annual February campout with my brother-in-laws. George just bought a sweet new camper, so we'll be plenty warm and have lots of room. Good thing, cause it's going to be cold.

Drifts

These drifts, bathed in winter light, caught my eye today

Peace-
Matt

Spoiled

Angie and the girls took me out for mexican food on my birthday Wednesday night. We went to El Charro (I think that's what it's called) in Ankeny. Angie and I discovered it a month or so back on one of our date nights. It's cheap and very yummy. They're fast too. Our food came about 5 minutes after we ordered it. No kidding, it was that fast. Angie told them it was my birthday, so they put hats on us and sang some song. It was fun.

Tomorrow is Alex's birthday. Angie and I bought her the phone she wanted. Angie was able to get a good deal on a new phone. Alex is paying us for half of it. We gave it to her tonight. She didn't know she was getting it and was very excited. I know we spoil them, but it's worth it to see them smile like that.

Today was pretty warm, like 45 degrees I think. The snow was melting good. It won't last though. The high on Sunday is supposed to be 15.

Peace-
Matt

Slideshow

My wife has discovered a new found hobby. She has been making "slideshows" from groups of photos. She's made one from her trip to England this past fall, one of Robby's photos (see link on the right side of this page), and a couple others. She's very good at it and is enjoying it. We have been seeing less of her because of it, but I am still trying to decide if that's good or bad ;-) Anyway, check out the video and let her know what you think.

Peace-
Matt

Go Bears!

Rex Grossman sucks, but the Bears were able to get past that and win anyway. Way to go Bears, what a fun game to watch.

This is our big January birthday week. Mine is Wednesday and Alex's is Saturday. Alex wants a new cell phone for her birthday. The one she wants is like $250. No way I can afford to spend that much, nor do I feel that I should. Her phone broke when she "failed to catch it". So, if you're looking for an idea for Alex's birthday. She wants money to pay for part of her new phone.

It's so hard not to spoil a daughter.

70 degrees

This is what the van showed on my way to work Tuesday morning. It was 70 degrees warmer than that here just a few days ago.

Just passing time

Cleaning the Garage

The medium of photography can record not only what the eyes see, but that which the mind's eye sees as well. The camera is not only an extension of the eye, but of the brain. It can see sharper, farther, nearer, slower, faster than the eye. It can see by invisible light. It can see in the past, present, and future. Instead of using the camera only to reproduce objects, I wanted to use it to make what is invisible to the eye, visible. -Wynn Bullock

Taking a bath

I've always wanted to do a series of photographs that depict time passing. This all started from a photograph that I took a few years back of Alex doing dishes. It was something like a 2 minute exposure, I can't remember for sure. Alex was moving the whole time, so you can't really see her, but you can see evidence of time passing. I have lots of ideas for this series, and am excited about it. These are a couple of my first meager attempts. Tests really, but fun nonetheless.

TGTF

Thank God Tomorrow's Friday


Sounds like we're in for some winter weather this weekend. I started the snowblower tonight, just to be sure it starts. Early last winter, after the first snowfall, I dug the snowblower out to clear the driveway. It wouldn't start. Turned out I needed a new motor. After spending over $300 for that, it hasn't snowed since At least not enough to blow. The best $300 I ever spent.

Testing

I started "practicing" with my new lights this afternoon. It was a lot of fun and I think I'm going to get some excellent results from this setup. Here are a few that I did with one light and a reflector, just screwing around.



Abby had another game this morning. She wasn't the scoring machine that she was in the last game, but she did good and had fun.

Peace-
Matt

Dragging on

January always feels like the longest month of the year to me. I suppose it's because the holidays are over and winter is in full force (usually). February is short, and March has more spring weather. January just drags out forever.

I recently sold all of my 8x10 gear to buy some studio lights and a few misc other things. I'm going to try to start shooting some portraits on the side for extra money. I need to pay off some bills before I have to start paying for college and weddings. I need to practice a bit with the lights, but will be ready to start soon. Pass the word if you know anyone who wants portrait work done. I'll be very affordable.



This shot I took tonight with one of the "misc" things I bought. It's called a "lensbaby". Fun little gadget. No photoshop here, this is straight out of the camera (besides resizing).

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone. I hope it brings all that you deserve.

We had a nice trip to Kevin's house last weekend. It's always a lot of fun to spend time with them. We watched Iowa and the Bears lose, and the New Year come in.

Peace-
Matt