If it wasn’t for the comedy I may spend less time in front of birds.

They really are funny.

This day this Blue Heron was excited about something.  Or an unknown lurking monster was chasing the Blue winged scaredY bird.

I was laughing so hard I could hardly keep my finger on the trigger………

Saturday was EPCOT day.

********12 hours********

Just as you enter EPCOT is the famous “Ball”.  Inside it – our first adventure.  The people who run EPCOT know how to get a lot of people in a line in a small area.  Back and forth, around a corner then back and forth again.  The whole time I was wandering what the ride was going to be like.  Did it go inside the big “ball”?   Just what was ahead?  A little twinge.  After walking around in circles for while we where at the end of the line.  Ready to board the ride.  Then I noticed the sign…. “suggested height for this ride”- with a line and arrow pointing at it.  Passed!  Then…“if you do not like small dark spaces it is suggested you do not ride!” Well.  Do you how embarrassing it is to go all the out the “in” line?  I guess that it was better than a “Jim Volcano” inside the big “Ball”.

It was a pretty nice day over all.  Disney everywhere….

We walked and walked and walked.  A big giant circle of representations from different countries. Beautiful!

British streets…….

Canada……..

Canada Totem Pole…..(I always thought that was an Alaskan thing)

You know some people just can’t resist the temptation to be a comedian.  She cracks herself up!

There is no way I am carrying a camera all day without some wildlife photos!

Forgot my sunglasses this day.  Paid for it.  About half way through the day heat stroke/sunstroke kicked my butt.  Took a nap in the French (air conditioned) theater during an 18 minute movie. I guess I will just have to go to France to see what I missed.  Didn’t miss Norway. They had a cool exhibit with vikings.

China was probably my favorite.  My daughters have been there and seen the warriors in real life.  This exhibit was a great representation of what to look forward to if traveling to China.

Definitely had to get into the butterfly display!

I would do it again.  But make a few changes:

* Drink more water and remember sunglasses,

* Make reservations in advance if wanting to spend the bucks for dinner where you want.

* Sneak in food. Lunch for three – $79.00, Dinner for three -$117.00.  YIKES!!

* Plan on at least three days.  Slow down and sit more.

* Plan around different venues.  See more on a better schedule.

* Last and most important get an early front row seat to the light show at closing!!

It is finally sunny in Florida!!!   Yesterday we watched the weather channel and the tornado warnings all around.  Today was Discovery Cove day.  A cool place.  My Nikon gear was left in the hotel….so I carried my SHHHHH……CANON…….to the park.  It’s a point and shoot. about 5K less to drop in the water accidentally.  It’s a Canon anyway……so no critics of the pics.  My hands were a little tied!

For an extra fee you can touch and swim with Dolphins.  My son had the opportunity.  It’s been a while since I have seen him so happy.  Thrilled me!  I love that boy (man).

The Dolphin was named “jenny”.  A female dolphin.  Typical of my son he had to get a kiss from this date!!!

We then made our way to the big swim ponds.  Snorkeling with beautiful fish and sea rays.

I am man enough to pass along one of my best self portraits….shot from a Go PRO. Hey!  Like my brother always says ” we don’t make fun of you!”

I am in Florida for Photoshop World!

I did bring a couple of hundred pounds of photo gear.  Do you really think I would fly all the way to Florida and not take photograph’s?  Darn rights!!!  I snuck out this morning before the 4 hour “HDR – Class”.

Lot’s of nest building…….

And even more little brats…..

What made my whole day was when I looked back and my wife had picked up one of my cameras and was shooting!!!!  Maybe miracles do happen.  These are just teasers.  What an incredible day.  My wife even had a couple of great shots…..more TK….JC

9  Days in Guatemala.

Antigua, Chichicostenanga, Tikal, Lake Atitlan.  All locations we travel to and through.  My days…..7 of them spent in the hotel.  Must have ate something.  I won’t go into any detail of my “illness’.  Most of my photography was done in and around the hotels or from bus.  Not what I hoped for.  All in all it is a beautiful place.

Every hotel we stayed at had McCaws with clipped wings to keep them on the grounds.  Easy shooting of an animated bird.

This guy was an absolute riot!  What a character.  Enjoyed a few minutes with him.  He really wanted my camera lens hood.

I was a little trapped with the fact I was shooting a lot of street scenes.  This man above may or may not be homeless.  He was seated outside the wall of a church.  Maybe just a great place to picnic?

We were told by the guides and others that we should ask to photograph the locals.  They have a deep seated religious belief that being photographed has negative consequences.  So I asked.  Pointed my finger at my camera then at the person.  Then had a look on my face like…”may I?”  This lady was selling flowers on the steps of a big cathedral.  I though she was ok with me taking the photograph.  By her look though I am not sure she really wanted me to do it.

There was all modes of transportation.  Families on motorcycles…..

Even crammed into a “tuk- tuk”.   Most were walking.

The company provided a luncheon where dancers performed.  I was not eating much…so I photographed the dancers.

For the next few days I plan on sharing my unique trip in Guatamala.  I hope you enjoy.

Have you ever wondered what a sitting duck feels like?

Just before that little round hole he is looking at spews out pellets to kill?

In about two weeks we are going to Guatemala.  Company trip.  You know.  The trip you are obligated to go on because it’s free?  I always thought company trips were supposed to make you jump out of your seat and cheer with excitement.  Kind of a motivational trip for hard working employees like me.  Wives have to go.  It’s the policy.   “Honey we are going on a trip to Guatemala!”  By my wife’s reaction I thought she thought I said I was going to cut out her fingernails one at a time!

Can’t carry anything valuable.  Can’t go out alone.  Can’t go out at night. Don’t be seen with a computer or cell phone.  Don’t carry money.  Don’t take pictures of kids.  Don’t take pictures of people in nice cars.  Don’t drink the water. Don’t swim in the water.  Don’t buy food from vendors.  Only pay with new crisp dollar bills (haven’t figured that one out yet).  Lock up all your personal items.  Travel in groups.  Don’t travel on trails.  Always be on the lookout.

Kinda feels like standing in the naughty corner!

But we are going.

I am taking a camera….a good one.  Taking a couple of nice lenses.  Taking shorts, shirts, shoes, socks and photography stuff.    I plan on brining back a lot of photo’s. Thousands.

Who cares if I will be a sitting duck in Guatemala?  I am bringing back memories regardless.

Have I mentioned that I love Cheney, Washinton?

It’s winter here.

Drove up from Sunnyside today.  Ran from the problems, stress and PEPSI freaks there.  The new store in Sunnyside is open today.  Not by any stretch the hardest to get open.  Just the most aggravating.  Working with the local Pepsi bottler was like teaching a cat to read.  No response and did whatever they wanted.  Someone was lucky a jim volcano did not erupt.  Too long a story to tell.  Buy Coke when in Sunnyside, Washington.

Traveled all week with camera gear in the front seat.  No time to shoot. (Chasing a Pepsi rainbow)  Until tonight.

Man was it beautiful here.

Just like the Holiday Inn Express here in Cheney.  It’s nice.  My new favorite.  The frosting on the cake…..the GM.  Ms. B. Smith!  When walking in tonight I think she recognized my anti-PEPSI mood and aggravation.  ”Welcome home”  she said!  This place is amazing.  Through the doors is a distinctive smell.  A good smell.  The same smell everytime I think.  Perfect details right down to the TV that sits ON TOP of the chest.  Even anti-bacterial dispensers at the elevator.  Holy cow!

Ms. Smith is a peach and does a wonderful job with her staff here.  Hope to get back soon!

Today was a day to fly home on a Saturday.  Not too often.  Travel a lot.  Just not away on Saturday usually.  Cheney, Washington has been a neat little place to get away (and we are going to build there!).  Incredible photo op’s. From spectacular rolling farms to a Wildlife Refuge only 5 miles from the city.   Did I mention we are going to build there?  Cheney is the home of the University of Eastern Washington.  The Eagles.  Last night they played a semi-final game on the road to a national championship game.  They won.  Clear skies.  Twenty-five degrees at game time.  Fun place to be after a big win.  By the way Cheney has a population of about ten thousand.

First look out the window this morning window and it was a nice day.  Second look was when I checked out.  A blizzard.  Really!

The drive to the airport was crazy.  The walk from the rental car was insane…by the way don’t rent from thrifty in Spokane if you don’t like long walks in a blizzard.  Safe inside.  Plane was a half hour late.  No big deal.  We boarded our big and spacious 737.  The door shut.  ”all electronics must be turned of”.  Then the Captain – ” we have been told by the tower the airport is being closed”  Time for a XANAX!!!!!!

Eventually (an hour later) we took off and I made it home.   When you have claustrophobia as bad as I do there can be consequences when the doors shut and it is announced no one is leaving!    I am glad Xanax works fast………

Weddings!

Swings moods, decisions, and PHOTOGRAPHS!

The first thing I told my daughter was that I was not taking photos at her wedding!    Too much pressure and too many opportunities to sit front row at the critics club. So she hired a …..person?  I think she is claiming to be a photographer.  I will not mention names.  Mostly because I don’t know her name.  BUT to say the least it would have been easier if I took the photographs.

So why the line up of farm tractor?  No pressure no hype!  I love wildlife, scenics, nature and anything but portraits.  Would rather have ketchup on my cheesecake.    My daughter brought the photographs to me that the “person” had taken.  One in particular that caught my eye was a full body or what is called a bridal shot.  In the shot my other daughter had held up the vail and let it drop to give the impression the wind was blowing.  Now I am talking about the photographs that the “person” had reviewed, edited and returned to my daughter.  The photograph included my daughters leg and arm.  Yes the daughter NOT in the wedding dress.  Are you kidding me!!!!!  I can’t post the pics because my future son in law may see my daughter in her wedding dress.  ( I guess that is a No No).  Well…… you be the judge;

Before i worked on the photo………………

After I removed the STICKS!!!!!!!!!…….

No matter what my daughters beauty came through.    Here is a couple of pics DAD took…

Gotta love that Southern Utah Black and White!!