A face only a mother could love

Warthogs are aptly named.  I mean, just look at it.  Now that's a face only a mother could love.  Well, maybe Timon too--as long as it is related to Pumbaa....

A face only a mother could love

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio

Calm in the face of danger

All Joe's ninja training has taught him to maintain his calm in the face of danger.  Yep, there is a lot I can still learn from Joe....  I guess I will let him stay around for a while.

Calm in the face of danger

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, dragon lair

"Rest"room? Really?

One of the big lies of our society....  After all, when was the last time I really found "rest" in these rooms?  I have been visiting these rooms for decades and decades and I still have never found one with a sofa, an easy chair or a bed.  "Rest"?  That certainly is not what I do in these rooms.  You?

"Rest"room?  Really?

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, hallway sign

No reason. Just to brighten up your day.

No reason.  Does there always have to be a reason to give a flower?  Well today there is no hidden agenda.  This is just to brighten up your day.  Make it a great day!

No reason.  Just to brighten up your day.

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, flower in a driveway garden

Don't Jump!

Don't give up!  Don't jump!  James Corbett put it so elegantly:

"Fight one more round, when you feet are so tires that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round.  When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round.  When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you one on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round.  Remembering that the man who fights one more round is never whipped."

Don't jump!

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, high ledge (well, relatively speaking from Joe's perspective...)

Zombie Thriller flash mob

So when our company wants to party, we do interesting things.  Take Michael Jackson's Thriller, hold dance rehearsals over several weeks, meet at a local shopping mall, dress up as Michael Jackson and a crowd of zombies and start a flash mob dancing scene during the lunch hour.  Yep, we know how to do it right--business in the front, party in the back....

Zombie Thriller

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, company extracurricular activity

Corn silk hairdo

Joe found the fresh corn-on-the-cob sitting on the cupboard.  As he got close to the corn silk he was immediately transported back down memory lane.  He remembered his hippie days as a "ginger" with the long, unruly hair blowing in the wind as he rode his Harley down the highway.  Ohhhh!  Now those were the  days.....

Corn silk hairdo

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, fresh picked corn-on-the-cob

Watch your head--English style

So our company just purchased a 1977 British double-decker bus.  The interior had been completely renovated and turned into limo style seating and the bus is a party bus.  Of course the guys who were sent to buy in and drive it across the country to our location did not think it was much of a party.  Top speed is 45 mph and a 1,200 mile trip was more of an adventure than a party.  Especially when it broke down before reaching its new home and had to be towed the last leg.  Now it is begging for a new engine--know any 1977 British bus engine suppliers in the Mountain West--and a new wrap to brand it for our company.  Soon we will be rocking in the new party bus.  In the meantime, watch your head as you step off the bus, the clearance is low.  Or, in English style, "Mind Your Head"...

Watch your head--English style

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, English double decker bus head warning

Hot dog eating contest anyone?

We have fun in our company.  In fact, one of our company values states "Business in the front, party in the back."  One of those "parties" is our annual hot dog eating contest for employees.  Everyone piles outside to watch a few dedicated soles try and stuff as many hot dogs and hot dog buns into their stomach as possible withing a set time period. The winner walks away with the annual trophy and a big prize along with the bragging rights for the next 12 months.  Afterwards, those who did not participate enjoy a nice lunch together eating hot dogs, hamburgers and other lunch trimmings.  Those who did participate crawl off into a corner and roll around writhing in abdominal pain never wanting to see another hot dog or bun for awhile--and everyone completely understands.

A local magazine got wind of the great fun we have throughout our company and came to do a photo shoot depicting some of our now famous activities in preparation for an article on what a great place to work we have.  So, of course, we set-up for the hot dog eating contest depiction to be part of the shoot.  

Hot dog eating contest anyone?

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, day at the office

Corn field visitor

Although this critter was pretty cooperative for this photo shoot (he should be since he is stuffed and on display at a local sporting goods store--I mean, after all, any farmer would tell you there is no way the cornfield dirt looks so pristine when the corn stalks are at this stage of life...), it reminds me so much of the animals that roam in, and around, our neighborhood.  In fact, just days ago I had to slam on the brakes to avoid a doe and her two young fawns who decided to wait just until I was right upon them to cross the road in front of me during my morning commute through the neighborhood.  We have to put deer repellent in some of our flower gardens (that is another story all together...) to keep our plants.  We often see all kinds--buck, doe, and fawns--at various places in the neighborhood.  This store exhibit reminded me of the reality in our area and it let me get a good, close-up, photo of the animal to keep as a souvenir.  Yes, I have been about this close to deer that got trapped in our fenced back yard, but they would not stand still for such a photo as I herded them around to the gate.

Corn field visitor

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, local Scheels display

Ode to woman

Posts from the last few days have been of images taken at the local Sheels Sporting Goods store.  I am told it is the largest single store in the state by square footage space.  Besides having a ferris wheel inside, they have several different statues on either side of the building, each celebrating various sporting activities or celebrating people.  For today/s image I liked this one best in black and white.  To me it celebrates woman and all the goodness that inherently lies within.

Ode to Woman

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, local statue

Ode to the bow hunter

The bow hunter--now there is a hunter.  One who must get up close and personal with his prey.  One who must be extremely accurate with his shooting in order to drop his prey.  One who must possess ninja like stealth skills, have nerves like iron as he draws, takes aim and releases.  One who definitely loves the outdoors and enjoys the experience regardless of the outcome.  Today's post is dedicated to the shrinking population of bow hunters.

Ode to the bow hunter

Details:
iPhone 5, ProHDR, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, Scheels Sporting Goods store yard

Ode to the fisherman

Personally I have never liked fishing.  People close to me know that although I love boating, any mention of fishing around my boat elicits my canned response..."fish just stink up the boat."  I do love the outdoors and I don't mind that others love to fish.  It is just not something that ever caught my fancy.

When my daughters were young they begged to go fishing after they saw their cousins doing it one year at a mountain lake where we had a family reunion.  Being the good dad, I later took them to a fish hatchery where they could experience some fishing and be sure to actually catch something.  Well, to make a long story short, they all caught fish and thought that was okay.  But not one would help clean them and not one of them would eat any either.  That was the end of my fishing days as a father.  No cleaning, no eating, together with my lack of passion for the activity, no more fishing...

Ode to the fisherman

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio

Batter Up!

Summer evening out at the ball park.  One of the most beautiful and scenic ball parks in all of baseball.  Great minor league baseball, super family atmosphere, beautiful view of the Wasatch Mountains.  Add tbe obligatory ball park hot dogs, peanuts and cotton candy and the evening is sweet.  And to top it all off, there is not another major professional sporting event that is so affordable.  Some people spend more on a night out at the movies.  Batter up.....

Batter Up!

Details:
iPhone 5, ProHDR, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, night out at the park

Boom! Boom!

Band members that choose the big instruments have to deal with them in all conditions.  The band room, the marching band fields, the parades, the sport events....  And the 100 degree summer afternoon heat does not help much.  Stay hydrated and pound that drum.  Boom! Boom!

Boom!  Boom!

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, soccer field drummer

Drumline

Inter-corporate athletics brings out the spirit.  Our company soccer team played for the season championship.  Short story is we lost 3 to 1.  Long story is our fans dominated the sidelines (it helps when the field is next door to our office and the other team had to travel far to the field), we gave all our fans matching t-shirts and vuvuzela horns, hosted a taco food truck, and even hired our own drumline.  All the excitement helped for most of the game as we dominated and were ahead.  Now if it weren't for some bad ref calls (every loser gets has to throw in the obligatory bad ref remarks, right?) and the extra goals scored by the other team, we would have won.  Now we have tasted defeat and we did not like it so much.  Next year.......

Drumline

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, intercorporate soccer championship game

Three generation bowler circle

A last night out before our daughter and granddaughters depart for their 2,000 mile journey back home.  The granddaughter vote for this last hurrah was to go bowling together.  So here is the bowler crew all ready to go--three generations of bowlers, one last night of fun and games together....

Three generation bowler circle

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, bowling alley

Stand out in the crowd

You are unique!  You are special!  There is no one else like you anywhere.  No matter the billions of people who walk the earth, there is only one you.  You will be held accountable for your choices and decisions. Make a positive difference in your circle of influence and the world becomes a better place.  Stand up for what you believe and stand out in the crowd.  You have a lot to offer.

Stand out in the crowd

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, Russian stacking doll display

Wire orb

Today's image is....well I really don't know what it is.  Other than some interior decorator's idea of a coffee table decor item.  I found it on a coffee table in the lobby of a local rehabilitation center where a family member is staying for a while.  I was feeling a bit sick so I waited in the lobby while other family members visited the patient.  This is one of the items I found to occupy a few moments of my time to grab an image.

Wire orb

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio

Pair of Pears

Gotta love late summer harvest time!  Fresh garden produce, fresh fruit ripening on trees, local farmers markets in towns across the valley, my mouth is watering just writing these words.  

Pair of Pears

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, delicious pears

Day Dreamer

Its a late summer weekend and a cool spot in the shade makes for the perfect time to kick back and do a little day dreaming.  What is it that you day dream about?

Day Dreamer

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio

Yes, you are being watched

Forget about the NSA watching everything you do.  What about the fish in your aquarium?  They watch and listen to your every move right in the privacy of your own home.  There is no telling just what part of your personal life they are passing along and how far their network extends.  You and I both know about their tactics because they were revealed to the world in the fish expose documentary film "Finding Nemo."  Just remember, you are being watched...

You are being watched

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, hospital acquarium

RIP Kit

Buried a nephew.  We loved much.  We grieve much.

RIP Kit

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, WrapCam, PhotoStudio

Princess of the castle

What good is building a sand castle if you don't have a princess to occupy the place?  My granddaughter takes her rightful place as the princess in this one.  She is the queen of princesses and knows all of the princesses very well.  She has already mastered just about every quote from every princess movie that is out. So spending her time in the castle just seemed natural for her during our time at the beach.

Queen of the castle

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, beach at Bear Lake, Idaho

Lakeside castle complex

The finished sand castle complex brought to you by the young adult castle construction team and their helpers.  You can tell it is a real vacation when the biggest accomplishment of the afternoon is watching the kids and grandkids pile sand into the three different containers and make it into something like this.  Then we top it off with a milkshake from LeBeau's and return to the cabin so the grandchildren can watch "Quest for Camelot"--a fitting movie with castles of its own.  Nice and relaxing day...

Lakeside castle complex

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, Bear Lake, Idaho

Sand Castle Construction Crew

When at the beach with the kids and grandkids the obligatory sand castle is always on the list.  This time the older kids went to work with the few sand buckets and something a little bit more than the plain castle was under construction.  Sand, water, sun, kids and grandkids all combined for the construction project.  Stay tuned to future posts to see the results....

Sand Castle Construction Crew

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, Bear Lake, Idaho beach

Afternoon at the Lake

Vacation at the lake.  Now that is the way to spend a nice week with the family.  This time, for the first time, we spent the week in a cabin at Bear Lake rather than in tents at Flaming Gorge Reservoir.  Although there are trade-offs between the two, returning to a cabin at the end of each day where each family has their own private bedroom and all the amenities of a fully-stocked home in the mountains, is actually quite nice.  The beach at Bear Lake, Utah makes for a great afternoon of playing in the sand and water with the grandkids. And on the way between the beach and the cabin lies one of the best parts...LaBeau's--for some of the best milkshakes to be found anywhere.  Combining Oreos, root beer and fresh banana together in a heavenly concoction tops off a great afternoon at the lake.

Afternoon at the Lake

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, Bear Lake beach

Just Skin and Bones

Maybe once a year I get around to eating Kentucky Fried Chicken.  The occasion is normally some kind of picnic outing.  Such was the case again this year.  We took some home made salads and other items to the picnic but the meat came from KFC.  It seemed especially good this time.  Maybe because every other time I eat chicken, and I eat chicken alot, I don't eat the skin or any outside coating.  After being so good in watching how I eat, combined with a big family picnic on a hot summer day, and a late lunch, this time it only took few moments of weakness to devour a couple of pieces of greasy, deep fried KFC chicken.  And I even really enjoyed every bite....

Just Skin and Bones

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, KFC leftovers

Find the beauty within

Remember that life's experiences are what make us who we are.  The good and the bad, the pleasure and the pain, the health and the sickness, the ups and the downs......  All leave their marks in our soul and etch their lessons into our being thereby making each of us unique and valuable in our own way.  There is subtle beauty in the wisdom and experience we carry around with us.  Find the beauty within....

Find the beauty within

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, tree

Dance, Dance--Ninja style

Today wraps us the week of Joe's dedicated miniseries.  I hope you all enjoyed the candid, deeper look into Joe's lifestyle and activities.  Now that you know some of his secrets that have been revealed during the week, you might want to keep them to yourselves.  Otherwise Joe may hunt you down too.

In celebration of the week's accomplishments, Joe is out on the town impressing the dames with his Dance, Dance Revolution moves on the club's Wii.

Shake it  Joe!

Dance, Dance--Ninja style

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iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, Wii controller

Gettin' ready to dazzle the dames...

It's been a long week--heavy Ninja warrior training, diligent surveillance, successful mission accomplished....  Now its prep time.  Getting all spruced up and ready for a night out on the town.  Nothing like a good hair scrub and polish in preparation to dazzle the dames...

Gettin' ready to dazzle the dames...

Details:
iPhone 5, ProCamera, Filterstorm, PhotoStudio, toothbrush (shhh, don't tell Joe)