The End Is Near

Well, it's that time of year again. When everyone begins talking about how they can't believe another year has already gone by. When everyone starts feeling sentimental about friends and family. When everyone swears that Christmas is about spending time with those friends and family but still freaks out when they don't have the right gifts. And I'm no different.

For Thanksgiving, we had a few friends over. And as cliche as it sounds, that's really the thing I love the most. I always rush around in near-panic about company coming over to our home. And in the end, it's my most favorite thing in the world. We don't host a lot of parties or get-togethers. But I can say that what makes me really happy is seeing a group of my friends all together having a good time. Several years ago, we had a group of friends fly in to spend the holiday with us. It was crowded, and loud. We didn't have a dining room table so we threw a few sheets over the ping-pong table and sat down for Thanksgiving dinner. I think that was one of my most favorite days ever.

Now it's time to concentrate on Christmas. Christmas isn't as fun to me as Thanksgiving. It's harder to pull friends together because there is so much going on. It's a little more stressful because I feel like I'm putting up the tree for just the two of us - which I know, should be enough, but I feel like I want to share it with more people. We don't do a lot of gifts. There are too many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters. So we tend to just concentrate on the youngest ones in the family. Besides, we're at that point in life where there just aren't a lot of things we need that we don't have. And seriously, when friends ask what I want for Christmas, and I say "just a lunch or dinner date" or "cocktail hour" I really mean that.

I haven't even begun to think about shopping. I'm going to try to not put it off until the last minute like I usually do. Actually, it's usually at the last minute that I think, "oh crap. I should have gotten some thing for that person." So, I guess I need to set some goals. First off will be to get my Christmas cards out. Maybe that will be this weekend's project. Still need to get the tree up (I slapped the lit wreath up on the door this evening). Then probably need to get the lights up on the house before the neighbors start giving us a hard time (all in good natured fun). Then find time to relax and enjoy it all.

Wish me luck.

All Hallows Masquerade Ball: Candy Shoppe

The Fast and the Furriest

Rain chain

Rain chain, originally uploaded by callenstewart.

A friend of mine has this really cool rain chain. I've envied it for years. During the rain, it guides the water into the rain barrel below, to be used during a dry period.

Sunset Gold

Sunset Gold, originally uploaded by callenstewart.

Sometimes I forget... then I remember. I live here. :)

My boy...

My boy..., originally uploaded by callenstewart.

Such a handsome boy.

Good morning.

It's been a while. I guess I just haven't had much inspiration lately. Maybe it's the heat. It's summer in Florida. Always a challenge just to stay cool.

I finally got to go kayaking with my friend Patti. It was our third attempt. The first time we tried to go, I ended up with a flat tire. The second time we actually got onto the water, but thunder and lightning in the area drove us out. Finally we made it out last weekend. It was the first time we went out together (maybe the first time for Patti-?). We had a really great time. We have another date planned for this month. And I may go out tomorrow too. I haven't decided yet. Lots of things to do around the house (as usual).

I took the kids for a walk this morning - last night's rain left the dog park really wet I'm sure. Not in the mood to deal with muddy dogs this morning. But we had a good walk.

I'm off to run some errands. Maybe go to The Spice & Tea Exchange. I need to pick up some Florida Sunshine for a friend of mine in WA.

Chandler? Chandler Bing?

I took the dogs to the park again this morning - our usual weekend ritual. We left a little later than usual this morning. It was starting to get busy, but not too bad. There were a lot of Yellow Labs, an Irish Setter, a few mixed breeds, and the Australian Cattle Dogs. We've met the Aussies a few times. They are pretty friendly dogs. Every now and then, there's another male dog that gets a little too "interested" in Jackson, one of my male dogs.

Now, Jackson is about the most docile dog on the planet. He doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body (unless you happen to be a 'possum, raccoon or cat). Several months ago there was a Standard Poodle that wouldn't leave him alone. I finally gave up because the owners were pretty useless and couldn't control their dog, so I decided to leave. While trying to get Jackson to leash him, he turned on the Poodle and I think he turned into a bear. So I was happy to see him stick up for himself.

So this morning he had an admirer in one of the Australian Cattle Dogs. Why this visit and not any of the other times we've seen them is a mystery to me. So I think it must be his hair. He has gay hair. He's the Chandler Bing of the Fort De Soto Paw Playground.

Camera Madness

One thing I've always wished that I did better was document my vacation, friends and just anything that interests me. I wished I was better about taking pictures. I went to Maui years ago, and think I have maybe a dozen pictures to show for it. When I was lucky enough to be invited to go to the Dominican Republic last year with friends, I forced myself to take gobs of pictures and journal everything we did at the end of each day (which you can read here if you're really interested). I'm glad I did.

So a couple months ago, I picked up a new camera and began a new hobby. It's a little bit overwhelming at times - there is a LOT to learn.

One of the unexpected side effects is that I've began a few new friendships with other photographers - some I've actually met and some I have not. I never thought I would be one of those people who "befriends" people online. But my addiction to Flickr has me in awe of many people all over the world - and prompted me to start discussions with a few of them.

I'll keep on shooting, and keep on learning. I hope you enjoy my photos as much as I do taking them.

St. Pete Pride

Last weekend was the 7th annual St. Petersburg Pride Parade. In just a few short years, St. Pete's festival has become the largest pride festival in the state. There were an estimated 80,000 people in attendance. In addition to just having fun, hanging out with friends, I got to practice taking some photos.

If you're interested in seeing more photos, you can visit my flickr set.

Dog Park Ettiquette

Those of you who know me, are aware that I have a weekend ritual that plays out every Saturday and Sunday morning. I have three whippets that are a part of my family and a huge part of my life. Each weekend morning is spent at the local dog park. Over the past five years, I’ve learned a lot about dog park behavior. Some of it is etiquette, some of it is behavior, and some are just lessons that others really need to learn.

• Always, always, always clean up after your dog. You brought it in, you are responsible for it. And I don’t want to step in it. It can also spread disease. Be responsible.
• Don’t be afraid to ask someone for a bag if you don’t have one.
• CLOSE THE GATE BEHIND YOU! There is a reason for the gate. It’s not for your sake, it’s to keep the other dogs in.
• If you’ve never used a gate fork latch, the way to use it is pull UP then DOWN to the right. It’s not rocket science. You’re just lazy.
• Watch your dog. Do not sit and read a book. Do not get tied up on a phone call.
• Learn to read your dog and others in the park. Are tails wagging? Or are hackles up?
• Do not let your dog run with others when on a retractable leash. These leashes are dangerous. Especially when they are playing with other dogs.
• Friendly dogs hurt too. Sometimes dogs can play rough. Even though they may not be aggressive, they can still hurt other dogs or people.
• Just because your small dog is comfortable around big dogs does not mean it’s safe. See bullet above.
• Just because your child is comfortable around big dogs does not mean it’s safe. See second bullet above.
• Good dog owners go in the morning. Okay - so I’m not saying that if you go in the afternoon that your a bad owner. I’m saying that the regulars who make the effort to get up early and go tend to pay more attention. The afternoon crowd are usually just on their way to the beach or park and decide to take their dog. They are there for a different reason.
• Talk to the other dog owners. Most people LOVE to talk about their dogs. It will help put them at ease about your dog if they feel you are a good dog owner.
• Don’t forget to ask about their dog. A simple, “what’s his name,” or “how old is she” goes a long way. Other people’s dogs are just as important to them as yours are to you. Keep this in mind when you are talking to other dog owners.
• In addition to cleaning up after your dog, clean up after yourself. Do not leave your water bottles, worn out dog toys, food wrappers or trash in the park. Save your trash so you can litter in your own front yard.

While you have a lot of responsibility during your visit, your dogs are there to have fun. Enjoy your trip to the park. This is the time you get to spend with your best friends.

The Birds of Sunken Gardens

This past weekend I had the opportunity to photograph the birds at Sunken Gardens out of their cages. Here are a few pictures I have on Flickr.

Lens Envy

I think I just picked up one of the most expensive start-up hobbies in the world. It's been less than a week and I already have lens envy. I really need a macro lens followed by a zoom lens. Oh, and a camera bag. Then I'll be done... right?

New Toy

I've come to the conclusion that the price of "toys" increases proportionately to age.

For almost a year now, I've had serious camera envy. I took a lot of pictures on my trip with friends to the Dominican Republic. Since I have a history of being really bad about documenting my vacations, I made a huge effort to do so on this trip. At the end of each day, back in my hotel room, I took the time to keep a very detailed diary of everything I did that day. I also took many, many pictures. The pictures were okay, that is to say, I think I captured the images I wanted, but I really began to wish I had a better camera.

I take a lot of pictures of my three whippets. For those of you who haven't met them, or aren't familiar with the breed, they are fast. Whippets can run up to 35 miles per hour. That's way too fast for my little point & shoot camera. While I love my little Fuji, and it's done pretty well, I just can't get good pics of the dogs.

A few months back, I met another whippet owner who was at the park taking scenic shots. While we chatted, he took some random shots of my kids as they were running around the park. The quality of his pictures far outweighed every picture I have ever taken of them. I was very envious.

So, after talking with many friends who are photo hobbyists and professionals, I started narrowing down my selection. Unfortunately, I started knowing nothing, and now know just a little more than I did then, but enough to realize that this was going to be a bigger investment than I initially thought. But after agonizing over it for a while, today I took the plunge. I've made my purchase. Now I wait for it to arrive - and the hard (but fun) part begins. Hopefully, I'll be able to improve my collection of photos to share.

Stay tuned...

Surprise Gardening

One of the things I like the best about gardening is being surprised. We spend a lot of time in our yard, looking things over, making plans, moving and trimming and just enjoying everything.

Moving here from the Oregon, gardening took on a whole new meaning. Everything grows differently in Florida. It took a few years to really notice the seasons, as most people complain about, but once you’ve lived here, you definitely see them. Things do slow down in the winter months, and we have many things that pop up in the spring.

Our typical weekend usually starts with the coffee crawl. I call it this because we usually start out with a cup of coffee in one hand as we wander the yard, but usually end up on my hands and knees pulling weeds or digging something up… thus, “the coffee crawl.”

As I mentioned, I like the surprises the most. It can be amazing sometimes to see the changes that happen during the week while we are away at work. Yesterday I happened to notice a bloom that wasn’t there last weekend. I hadn’t even noticed the bloom spike. We have had this Vanda for maybe 4-5 years now, and it’s never bloomed. I know it hasn’t gotten the care that it would like, and it’s not a particularly attractive shape. But when it was given to us, I thought it was supposed to be one of the (fairly) common blue-ish purple blooms. Well, it’s not, but I still really like it. I’m not sure what it’s called, but it’s attractive in it’s own way. Not a real showy bloom, and the spike is a little contorted, but I love the petals and the way they look like they’re trying to take flight.

As spring moves to summer, I’m looking forward to many more surprises.

A distantly familiar pain...

Friday I did something daring. Something I haven't done in a very long time. I decided to play tennis for the first time in 10 years.

Ouch.

Hopefully, next time, with newly wrapped racquet handles and appropriate shoes, I'll feel much better afterward.

:)

Moongaze Reunion

This past weekend we had a play date at the Ft. De Soto Paw Playground. I brought my three whippets, Savannah, Jackson and Raleigh, and we met up with Terri who brought  Trevor, Caper and three of Savannah's puppies (Raleigh's sisters), Margeaux, Heaven and Brecken.

We usually go to the park in the morning, when it's more likely to just be the "good" dog owners. In the afternoons it's a lot of people who are just headed to the beach and happened to bring their dogs. They aren't typically as good about watching their dogs, closing the gates or cleaning up after their dogs. I try not to get irritated, but it's hard sometimes. Especially when the double gates are left open. I'm not so forgiving about that.

In spite of all that, we still had a lot of fun. They were so excited to see the other whippets. I'm sure that they recognized and remembered each other by the way they acted. 

Afterwards, we all came back to our house for a visit and ice cube treats. Raleigh was so proud of all his toys, Jackson took them on a tour of the house and s

howed them e

verything. Everyone was well behaved. Although Savannah was over it first, but still, she

 was good. 

After they all left, Savannah seemed relieved, Jackson was exhausted, but Raleigh wasn't happy about it. He followed me around the house whimpering and talking to me. "Aroo-roo-roo!" He didn't like that they left! LOL!  

If we had room - I'm sure we would have a house full of whippets all the time. 

Spring awakes...

DSCF0653, originally uploaded by callenstewart.

India Festival

Cosmic Reunion?

Well the first two months of 2009 are just about over, and it’s been an interesting year already. I’m not sure what has prompted this; maybe it’s age, maybe the planets have aligned, or some other weird cosmic dance is happening, but this seems to have started as the year of reunions.

I’ve had many friends come and go over the years. Circumstances and geography have separated some of us. Some were only meant to be for short periods of time. Some seem to skip in and out like stones on a pond – quickly touching as they go by. And others have stuck around for long periods of time.

I have some of the many social sites to thank for some of this; Friendster, MySpace, FaceBook, Blogger, Twitter, and even some of the more obscure sites like Gather, MyFolia, LibraryThing. And I think the photo-sharing sites like Webshots, Flickr and Picasa count too. Let’s not even start with the music sites.

So far this year, I’ve reconnected with eight friends – some I haven’t seen in almost a year, others whom I haven’t seen in over 25 years. Now I’m beginning to wonder who’s going to pop up next.