Swift Sunday
August 30, 2009
Howdy again,
Sunday is here and is moving very swiftly towards Monday and the work week. I have spent yet another lazy weekend although I got out and about Saturday morning and went to the zoo for another visit, more to come about the zoo trip. The past few mornings have been so nice with cool breezes and very mild temps, but as the sun rises higher in the sky so do the temps, so when they rise I stay in. Spent some time watching the little league world series and supporting the team from the San Antoni area, although they lost to the team from California I say these young people are champs for playing as far as they did. The future players of major league baseball.
As I said in the opening I went to the zoo here and again had a good time and tried out a new lens to my kit. Still learning how to handle it but so far it works great, now I have to pay for it.
As I walked through the zoo I began remembering all the good people who I have met there over the years. I have been going to the San Antonio Zoo for some twenty years now since my active duty days at Fort Sam Houston. I have met some very caring people working at the zoo in all kinds of weather, caring for the animals and keeping the exhibits clean and presentable for the visitors. They work some long and hard hours for not a lot of money, they risk injury and maybe at times their lives for the care of their charges. They work so very hard and endure many hardships to keep these animals well.
As I have been talking of these wonderful people and remenber some that have been friends for many years, none work at the zoo now, they have moved on to take care of family or in the case of one special friend were forced away from the zoo. This friend is the one I like to share my thoughts with you for a few minutes. I met her one weekend after an early visit, I had taken a photo of her while she was doing her job and I liked the photo, she was so business like and serious I thought she might like to have a copy of the print. So on this visit I kept my eye out for her and gave her a 8×10 print, she must have thought I was crazy for doing this and at times I think she must think I am still crazy! She was so young and has so much energy, she worked so hard and has so much life, her eyes are so bright.
Over the last couple of years the road of life has gotten real bumpy for her, with a change in jobs, difficulties at the home front and recently being diagnosed with breast cancer. Having had surgery a little while ago and now undergoing chemo treatments for the past couple of months she has dodged all the pot holes in life’s road so far and I believe she will get around all the pot holes that are left in the road. I feel that her road will smooth out very soon and she will again cruise through the travels of life on a super highway in a Rolls with the top down and a cool breeze in her face. I pray for her and wish for her and all who suffer from illness that their roads smooth out and they again can enjoy their travels on the road of life!
I have no digital photos of this special friend handy at this time I feel out of respect for her it would not be the right thing to do to post a photo of her with out her reading this. But as she was one of the great keepers at the zoo I shall post photos of the animals that she was such an important part of taking care of and for training the current keepers at the park. So in other words the photos presented here today are for this very special lady who will always have a special place in my heart and mind.
May this week ahead be a good one to you all, may your troubles to be small and your smiles be big! Until the next time my family and friends take care and keep a smile in your heart.
Love, Peter
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo, "Looking back in time"!
Friday Night (The weekend ahead)
August 28, 2009
Hello all,
I hope that this past week has been good to you and your’s. It has been a fair week for me, work and the heat are the same here in South Texas, but we got a break last night with some rain and a wonderful light show. Sadly I was at work and was unable to get any good shots of the lighting, but I hope to at another time. The week has had it’s ups and downs but we all have them. Mine are not special. I hope to get out some this weekend and do some shooting with the camera, as always I shall share them here and hope that you enjoy them.
I am sometimes saddened by the way people treat each other these days, how they (and I) gripe about everything. I have gotten better at it but it still comes to the surface from time to time but I am better than I used to be. People are always saying no one treats them with respect but they dont treat others with respect and then they wonder. Maybe because of what I do for a living I run into more of these types then most folks, doing customer service or public service I should know better. But on the other hand I do see and hear some really great people out there, they give and give without asking for anything and always keep a smile on their face and especially in their heart. I try to do the same but fail at times. I still find moments that make me smile way down deep in my heart and I cherish them more and more each day.
Sometimes I go looking for those moments and then remind myself to just let them happen for at that moment they are the best! Well I have gone on and on and should stop for the time being. As always I share a few photos with you tongiht, nothing special just something to look at and hopefully make you smile.
May the coming weekend be good to you and that you have a little fun and a lot of love or both!! Until the next time take care and keep a smile in your heart.
Love Pete
The morning look
Don't think to park here!
Getting the sign
Sunday Night
August 23, 2009
Hello all,
It has been a week since my last entry and I have no excuse, just did not feel up to adding anything. The past week was another hot one as far as the weather goes. Not very much else to speak of that is important. The work week was OK, but no more and no less!
I took a trip to the zoo this morning before it got to hot and will share some of those images at the end of the entry. I enjoy going to the zoo, I always have since I was a kid. Going to the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan and the Bronx Zoo, it was always a treat and still is. There are times now when I go to the zoo to take photos I smile at the kids and their expressions at seeing the animals. I know that I have mentioned this in a previous entry but it still makes me smile to watch them and how they see the animals and to hear their comments. There are times that the parents warn their children not to get in my way and I always tell the parents let them have fun, that’s what it is all about. That’s where I saw all my wild animals, so why take the fun away. I can wait and get the shot later! I enjoy it very much and have not gone half as much as I should, the zoo and watching/photographing softball is my escape, I like the feeling it gives me. There are other good feelings I get from life, but those make me smile the best! I hope that the week went well for you all and that your troubles were few?
The new week is ahead and with it hopefully new adventures and people. With a little bit of luck and me getting off my rear end I will get back into the swing of writing reguraly again. The photography is a little slow right now, after spending the week on the hot sidewalks of downtown I don’t want to venture out into the heat on the days off, as the weather cools (hopefully soon) I will get back out and you will see more and more of my photos. Most of all I thank you for stopping by and viewing what I have.
Well I must get to bed early as I have a appointment at the Army Hospital in morning (tests) and want to be somewhat rest for it. A long day ahead.
I hope that your Monday and the rest of the week is good, with few problems and nothing that you can not deal with. Have a good week and I’ll be back soon. Peter
Lemurs, San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo (Buddies)
San Antonio Zoo
Sunday Photo Trip
August 16, 2009
Howdy All,
It’s the close of the weekend and I got a chance to take off and get some photos with a friend today. A very nice way to close out the weekend I think. We took a trip to Palmetto State Park east of the house about 45 minutes away. I have never heard of this state park, but was told by my friend that it is known for having palmetto trees, I always thought they were only in the southeastern US, but I was wrong. A very nice place with a lake and the San Marcos river running thru it.
I found this place to be a blast, even though it was hot (another 100 + day) it was nice scenic place, good for my camera and me.
If there was a down side to it, it was the lack of rain in this part of the state that hurt the place, it is known for swamps, but all are dried up at the moment. I bet when it is lush the views and sounds are stunning! I thought to myself that this would be a great place to do some outdoor portraits, one day I will have to return when it is lush and do that just that.
It was a great afternoon of taking photos and speaking with a friend. I have found that I do miss that in my off duty life, I love my fur people (cats), but it is nice to hang out with another person who shares some of my interest (photography), actually I got them started in photography and have shared and continue to share my knowledge with them.
I share some of the photos with you today, as always I hope that you enjoy them and they make you smile. May the coming week be good to you and may work not seem like work for a change. Keep the cool breeze to your back and untill next time take care!
Pete
Palmetto State Park, San Marcos River
Palmetto State Park, built by the CCC in the 1930's by hand.
San Marcos River, Palmetto State Park
Flora at the park
Tubing the river, Palmetto State Park
It's me at the scenic overlook, this is on the way to the park.
A wonderful view!
Reflecting Saturday
August 15, 2009
Hello all,
I hope that the weekend is treating you well so far? As I sit at the house thinking of something different to do, I have been thinking of lost friends and family. I guess with the passing of my Aunt in July and the reopening of doors to other members of my family since that I have been thinking. As you all who come by and visit this blog know I have cats as companion’s.
I have been thinking of my first fur friend since settling in Texas, Mr Bronx. Back in January I parted with him when cancer was found in his lungs. This was the right thing to do for a good friend who never asked me for much except some food, water and my companionship. Funny thing he never asked for anything except in such a quiet and dignified way to be loved and respected. I tried to to that, sometimes I failed, most times I did it right. He came to share my life in 1995 during my birthday, he name came about because I saw a Bronx Bus map on an end table and being from NYC it seems the right name for him. We grew together from a small apartment on the south side of San Antonio to the house I am in now. He met me at the door each day, or stood in the window each night I returned from the bus yard. The only thing he ever wanted from me was to step outside and sniff the air and eat some grass, he always came back, always giving the place we shared a state of grace.
I have been thinking of him and the other companion’s I have shared my life with, Ms Brooklyn, Cibolo and her kittens Ms Marion and Blacky. I am still graced by 3 of Cibolo’s kittens, Seguin, Connie and Miss Selma (you have seen their photos here).
But for some reason today my mind flashes back to Mr Bronx, I want to celebrate his life and what his life has done for mine. It may sound crazy to celebrate a cat’s life, but then what around us is not a little crazy, so indulge me for this entry and let us celebrate his life and all the lives of family, friends, pets and companion’s who we have lost today. I do not have photos of all the family I have lost thru the years and will have to did out some Cd’s to find the photos of my companion’s who are lost (that be a later time and later entry). I just wanted to share a few photos of my friend Mr Bronx who stayed with me for a long time, we came together in October of 1995 and departed our friendship in January of 2009. I hear a story of a “Rainbow Bridge” where old friends meet and play together in God’s Garden, a place where I can share my friend Mr Bronx with my grandma, mom, grandpa, Aunt Rachel, Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pete. The place we someday will share stories and hugs with all that have passed on.
Of the hundreds of photos some film, some digital I would like to share the following with you my family, friends and whom ever. I am getting softer in the heart as the years pass under my feet and before my eye’s, I am not sorry for it but rejoice in it that I can share life with you. I just wanted to share this life moment with someone, thanks for taking a moment to share life with me! Love, Peter
Mr Bronx always there, always a friend.
Always willing to pose, he grew up with a camera in his face.
Our last day together, I think he knew!
Two old friends say so long for now. RIP Mr Bronx
Friday Night
August 14, 2009
Hello All,
Hope that this past week has been good to you and with few troubles? I have been somewhat busy and mostly lazy upon returning home from work this week. As always it has been hot here temps are still over 100 with no break in sight for now. Enough of the weather forecast for this entry. As for the title, it’s the only thing I can think of as it is Friday night, I am not out clubbing or something like that. I am getting a little older and a little wiser, most of all just don’t have the money for that stuff anymore! But again this is about life and photography so I attempt to share both with you. I have not been out shooting much, only images I have taken a work related and I will share on or two with you today. My friend who has taken to photography has taken some wonderful photos recently and if I can get them to add an entry here and share their photos with you, you can see the nice images they come up with. I’ll keep pestering her!
As for todays photos they are just a mish-mash of images taken by yours truely, a little bit of everything. As always I hope that you enjoy them. If all goes the way I hope I will take a rode trip tommorrow thru the back roads around here and try to come up with some good photos for you. Most of all enjoy these and have a safe and wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by and sharing “Life & Photogrpahy” with me.
Take care and love, Pete
The Barn Door
The Umpire
The View From the Front of The Bus!
Sunday
August 9, 2009
Hello again. I find that I am not making my entries as I should and I can only blame my own laziness for this. For those who check out my blog regularly you know that I have been telling you how hot it has become here over the last couple of months. Well a lot of the time now I get home from downtown and am just exhausted from dealing with the heat. Mind you I am not complaining too much, for when I see the crews fixing broken water mains or other heavy labor type projects I remind myself you have it good. I find that I give these guys a break when driving around them even more that I normally do. They deserve it for busting there backsides in this heat wave. on the weekends I set up a plan to go out and doing some shooting and by the time I am ready to make a trek I walk out the door and it is like the oven and I just head back in and do nothing. Again no excuse, just plain lazy and I am lucky that I can be that plain lazy, but I must be careful for if I am not careful it will catch up with me.
As of late I am missing going to the Texas State softball games, those of you who know me well know how I have given my support to these young ladies and their coaching staff by providing images to them. These athletes are so much fun to capture on film/sensor, they are like most women’s fast-pitch softball teams, so very animated when they play, vocal, lively they make my heart smile. And yes they are very good looking also. But I know my limitations, I’m an old guy all these ladies could be my kids and sometimes they are cause I hurt when they get hurt, I am proud when they turn the double play and I want to just ten feet high when one of them send the ball out of the yard. I look forward to the start of the season, which is not until February. I will get my season pass for sure!
I hope that your weekend was good and you got to spend it ones you love and who love you back. May the coming week be full of love and caring, with few troubles and a steady cool breeze to your back. Until my return take care! The photo for this entry is from a game I did during the spring at Texas State, I like the smiles on the ladies faces as they wait for their team mate to reach home after sending one out of the yard (even though it was against Texas State) I like the image, I hope that you will also. Love, Pete
The greeting at home!
Is it game time yet?
Something Saturday
August 8, 2009
Howdy all, the weekend has descended upon us and I am going to do something with it. If anything I will get in the truck and take a ride and find something, but I think I will visit with a friend and break bread with his family. The week was hot and thankfully with few troubles. I hope to hear from you all soon, for now take care and stay cool. I share a couple of photos that show my modd for this weekend. Nothing special just sharing with you all. Till the next time, Love You! Pete
On the road with me!
With my trusted steed, yes it's a Ford!
Sunrise Thrusday
August 6, 2009
Hello again, as it has been a few days since my last rant & rave session I figure I should say a few words, but mostly I wanted to share a photo with you. For some reason I woke up early (6am) and found my self messing with the fur people for a little while. I have not let them outside in a couple of days and opened the back door to give them some air and to feel the coolness of the morning air. It actually feels cool this morning, but I know that will be gone in a matter of hours and it will be over 100 again. As I looked out and to the east I saw the sun rising just under a tree, knowing that Gods Candle does not wait for anyone I rushed to get camera and change the lens. This is the photo and I hope you enjoy it? It is nothing special but I sure liked the way it looked and wanted to preserve that moment in time. My your day be a good one and my the cool breeze be at your back. Pete
A South Texas Sunrise
Fur Person Connie
Sunday Night
August 2, 2009
Hi all, it is Sunday night and as this weekend comes to a close I wanted to share some thoughts with you. During this weekend I did very little, although on Saturday took a trip out to Marion Texas to take in their parade and festivities. The parade kicked off at 10am and was just a fun to see. It was not as grand as say Macy’s or St Patrick’s in NYC, but must remember this is Marion Texas a small town, lots of ranches and farms. Lots of good ole country folk, and that is what this parade was about, just a simple get together. It was fun and relaxing morning. I am sharing some photos from the parade, hope that you like them. Coming from the big city (NYC & now San Antonio) I find that I enjoy these small town moments a great deal, nothing fancy, just a good old time amongst friends and family, at times they seem to one big family. I know that family and friends are very important in ones life, I have not been the best friend or family member all the time, but I have not forgotten them all, they are carried in my heart and mind. So in short remember the simple things in life and enjoy them with family and friends, preserve that moment in your life. if you are real lucky someone will have a camera around to capture those moments for you for viewing later in life.
The rest of the weekend was spent being lazy, something that has been going on much too long with me, although the temps here have been 100 + for a month now I have to get off my lazy butt and do things again. Wish me luck with this task! Well may the coming week be good to you and yours and I hope that you like the photos layed out for you with today’s entry. Until next time stay cool and safe. Pete
Let the parade begin
Marion Texas
The Marion Bulldog Band
A classic truck in the parade
Classic John Deere Tractor
It's Texas and it's Marion Texas! Got to have a mounted drill team.
Marion Vol Fire Dept, always ready!
South Texas Shooters (Photography That Is!) 