His name is Ben

He is dating my daughter,.

I like Ben

last weekend at Bear lake Ben and my daughter played.  Wave runners for each of them.  Look close at this pic.  In the spray from Ben is my daughter……getting wet.

Crazy FUN

Impressive “guns” ………

I am NOT a penny pincher.

I have no debt.

I like quality

In an effort to be a “team player” my transportation expectations have changed dramatically.  For many years getting from the plane to the rental car and on the road has been SIMPLE.  The cars have been new.  And I drive with a smile.

The last two weeks have been dramatically different.  Here is an accurate comparison

National Car Rental:                                                          Hertz:

Save $5.00

A wait for a shuttle                                                                                    No wait

A long wait at the counter                                                                        No wait

A long wait for a car (one hour)

Everything in reverse when returning car                                           Drop car in walking distance of Delta

Shuttle back to airport

Why the story?  I have ordered the Nikon 600mm F/4 VR lens.  It’s the Hertz Gold card lens.  Every review talks about it’s incredible tack sharp focus.  Nano coated glass.  Ultra quiet and fast focusing.  The ‘king” for wildlife photography.  No cutting corners or shuttle busses here.  It’s the best of the best.  I hope the wait is not a year or more.  It’s very hard lens to get.  September I will be walking the woods in yellowstone.  I hope to see the lens at the end of the trees before then.

Somewhere right now, all around the world a frog is sitting and waiting.  And waiting.  And Waiting.  The life of a frog.  Waiting for that unlucky insect that will become a meal for the frog.  Look close.  Is he smiling?  I doubt it.  How long will he sit there?  For hours.  Or at least until dinner arrives.  Yep you guessed it.  I waited to see if I could photograph the moment the frog “took in” the meal.  It seemed like eternity.  More like an hour.  He did not flinch.  I was writhing.  Something to learn here…..

Then I noticed the bubbles around the frogs.  Not what you think.  To be honest I need to do some homework myself.  But I did notice some bubbles coming from the frogs mouth.  Something to pass the time?  Gas?  Or part of the waiting process?  Who knows.

While I was impatiently waiting for the Frog to flinch a flock of White Face Ibis’s stopped by.  Until I flinched!!!

Portland, Oregon.  My landing and take off place.  Sunnyside, Washington is three hours from Portland.  I spend little time in Portland.  Just enough time to get a car.  Or check into a hotel by the airport and sleep.  Last night I skipped dinner and took off to see “The Grotto”.  A world famous place of worship for the public.  Owned by the Catholic Church.  I heard the grounds where spectacular. An arboretum and beautiful scriptural statues.  It was well after 7:00 p.m. and did not expect to photograph much.  The Grotto is nestled in a huge trees and a plethora of plant life.

My time was short.  The trail I took was a path lined with brass three dimensional murals/placards.  I was moved to say the least.  The expressions, textures and finishes was incredible.  And the light.  It was perfect.  This first one is a representation of Christ fallen while carrying the cross

This second shot piece blew me away.  The light was falling off and broken by tree limbs and leaves.  Regardless of your personal beliefs this work has an impact.  If you believe in Christ it takes you there.  Some worship in the representation.  Some the actual event.  And others in Christ’s life.  I was moved by the work and it’s beauty.  Especially this night with the light and conditions I witnessed.  I hope to go back soon.

Sanford. A unique man.  He has as many miles on a Harley as any biker out there. Maybe more.   One of his lines is “ten thousand miles and a ten thousand dollar bike doesn’t make you a biker”.  My favorite line of his is “let me say this about that”.  Sanford is a project superintendent for a very large construction company.  A construction know-it-all.  In a good way.  He builds stores for me (Maverik).  Thought it would be good to recognize this man.  He gets few “kudos”.  He is one of the very best in his field.

This store is in Buffalo Wyoming.  Maverik’s newest.  Should be opened by NOON tomorrow.