Enjoy.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Halloween Snow
Apparently, the state of Massachusetts decided to dress up for Halloween...as a GHOST!
Here's a shot of the scene out our front door right around midnight.
Here's a spooky shot, with the sky glowing orange and red tail lights of a car caught crossing the screen during the long exposure. Or is it the haunted eyes of a demon horse...?
Crazy to think just a couple days ago we were eating kale and eggplant out of that garden... Good news is, last time they had an early snow like this, the winter was relatively mild, so fingers crossed!
Here's a shot of the scene out our front door right around midnight.
Here's a spooky shot, with the sky glowing orange and red tail lights of a car caught crossing the screen during the long exposure. Or is it the haunted eyes of a demon horse...?
Crazy to think just a couple days ago we were eating kale and eggplant out of that garden... Good news is, last time they had an early snow like this, the winter was relatively mild, so fingers crossed!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Clouds make a sunset!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
So long Irene...
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Watercolors in the Sky
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Chihuly Full of Glass
A couple of weeks ago we took advantage of the Museum of Fine Arts free admission night and checked out their special Chihuly glass exhibit. It was well worth the time!
Chihuly was the first American to study in the famous glass labs of Venice. The ways he applies that knowledge results in some remarkable creations, like this boat of glass.
These pieces were inspired by a collection of Native American woven baskets. That, and those giant bubbles you make with the wands. The ones you had to dip in a swimming pool of soap. Is this ringing a bell for anyone?
Many of the creations were hundreds of pieces put together. For a little perspective, you can see Jessica next to one of the taller pieces in the gallery.
One particularly exciting room contained hundreds of pieces of glass in the ceiling, all lit from above. Our friend Manasi is pointing out something of interest to Jessica in this shot. By the time we left the room we all had very stiff necks because there was so much to see.
There was also a room full of "chandeliers." I say "chandeliers" because they had no lights, but they were still very amazing. Both Jessica and Manasi really liked this one in particular. They both indicated the "frog-leg" technique used in the arms at the top were pleasing to their retinas.
Here is Justin, never missing a chance to interact with the art. In this photo, he was hoping it would look like he was in a Dr. Seuss jail. What do you think he was put away for?
These are some of the diagrams Chihuly made when he was planning his creations. Apparently that's his signature at the bottom. After the "C", I feel like he stops trying, but that's just me...
The Museum of Fine Arts features several other great pieces we've shown in previous posts, but this piece in particular stood out. Do you ever get the feeling that the painting is following you across the room? Well, here's proof that you're actually not crazy. Just saying...
Chihuly was the first American to study in the famous glass labs of Venice. The ways he applies that knowledge results in some remarkable creations, like this boat of glass.
These pieces were inspired by a collection of Native American woven baskets. That, and those giant bubbles you make with the wands. The ones you had to dip in a swimming pool of soap. Is this ringing a bell for anyone?
Many of the creations were hundreds of pieces put together. For a little perspective, you can see Jessica next to one of the taller pieces in the gallery.
One particularly exciting room contained hundreds of pieces of glass in the ceiling, all lit from above. Our friend Manasi is pointing out something of interest to Jessica in this shot. By the time we left the room we all had very stiff necks because there was so much to see.
There was also a room full of "chandeliers." I say "chandeliers" because they had no lights, but they were still very amazing. Both Jessica and Manasi really liked this one in particular. They both indicated the "frog-leg" technique used in the arms at the top were pleasing to their retinas.
Here is Justin, never missing a chance to interact with the art. In this photo, he was hoping it would look like he was in a Dr. Seuss jail. What do you think he was put away for?
These are some of the diagrams Chihuly made when he was planning his creations. Apparently that's his signature at the bottom. After the "C", I feel like he stops trying, but that's just me...
The Museum of Fine Arts features several other great pieces we've shown in previous posts, but this piece in particular stood out. Do you ever get the feeling that the painting is following you across the room? Well, here's proof that you're actually not crazy. Just saying...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
We got the Cup!
This past Wednesday the Boston Bruins hockey team won the Stanley Cup finals. In celebration of this momentous occasion, the city of Boston decided to hold a parade on Saturday in their honor.
While neither of us are big hockey fans, we joined the festivities because it's not every day you see a championship parade. Well, that's not entirely true. Boston has seen seven parades since 2002. What is more remarkable, though, is the fact that each of the four major Boston sports teams have won during that time span.
Even with all that success, the town still appreciates a winner. An estimated 1.5 million people showed up for the celebration, trying to find the best vantage point possible.
Coverage of the parade was carried by all four major networks. Can you find their four helicopters following the parade?
When thinking of a sports team, we generally only consider the players and maybe the coaches. We forget about all the people behind the scene, which is why the parade actually consisted of 20 "duck boats" holding all the people involved in the Bruins organization.
We decided to catch the parade at the end of the route. Granted, just because the parade ends, doesn't mean that the duck boats just evaporate into thin air. That's where the police force comes in, allowing for a quick and easy getaway.
People were lined up waiting for hours, yet no one seemed dissatisfied with the results. You'll notice that everyone's hands are raised. 90% of those hands are holding some kind of electronic device. We saw everything from DSLRs to cell phones to even an iPad recording the festivities.
Fans came out in all sorts of attire. Many had team jerseys and Stanley Cup champions shirts, but several others had constructed their very own memorabilia. From improvised flags to homemade Stanley Cups, arts and crafts were on full display.
The lead duck boat carried the most exciting cargo, including playoffs MVP Tim Thomas, pictured here with glasses and a beard.
Just because the first duck boat had some of the most well known cargo doesn't mean the other boats weren't filled with excitement. Plenty of fist pumping to go around!
But the day was not complete until we saw the guest of honor, Sir Stanley's Cup, pictured here held high by the Bruins' captain Zdeno Chara. And when I say high, I mean high. Chara is a full 6 ft. 9 in. tall (or 2.06 meters in his homeland of Czechoslovakia). That means that cup is nearly 8 feet in the air! Congrats Bruins, you earned it!
While neither of us are big hockey fans, we joined the festivities because it's not every day you see a championship parade. Well, that's not entirely true. Boston has seen seven parades since 2002. What is more remarkable, though, is the fact that each of the four major Boston sports teams have won during that time span.
Even with all that success, the town still appreciates a winner. An estimated 1.5 million people showed up for the celebration, trying to find the best vantage point possible.
Coverage of the parade was carried by all four major networks. Can you find their four helicopters following the parade?
When thinking of a sports team, we generally only consider the players and maybe the coaches. We forget about all the people behind the scene, which is why the parade actually consisted of 20 "duck boats" holding all the people involved in the Bruins organization.
We decided to catch the parade at the end of the route. Granted, just because the parade ends, doesn't mean that the duck boats just evaporate into thin air. That's where the police force comes in, allowing for a quick and easy getaway.
People were lined up waiting for hours, yet no one seemed dissatisfied with the results. You'll notice that everyone's hands are raised. 90% of those hands are holding some kind of electronic device. We saw everything from DSLRs to cell phones to even an iPad recording the festivities.
Fans came out in all sorts of attire. Many had team jerseys and Stanley Cup champions shirts, but several others had constructed their very own memorabilia. From improvised flags to homemade Stanley Cups, arts and crafts were on full display.
The lead duck boat carried the most exciting cargo, including playoffs MVP Tim Thomas, pictured here with glasses and a beard.
Just because the first duck boat had some of the most well known cargo doesn't mean the other boats weren't filled with excitement. Plenty of fist pumping to go around!
But the day was not complete until we saw the guest of honor, Sir Stanley's Cup, pictured here held high by the Bruins' captain Zdeno Chara. And when I say high, I mean high. Chara is a full 6 ft. 9 in. tall (or 2.06 meters in his homeland of Czechoslovakia). That means that cup is nearly 8 feet in the air! Congrats Bruins, you earned it!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
More of Vermont...
While camping, we got out and made the most of our time in Vermont!
One place we wanted to visit was Burlington. Apparently, it's not just a coat factory. Although they did have a slight flying monkey problem...
Part of the appeal of Burlington is Lake Champlain. Sometimes referred to as the sixth great lake, it seems that Vermont should just be happy with what it has instead of trying to compare itself to other places. Sorry, that's not fair. For all I know it's the New Yorkers who call it a little great.
One particularly fun feature we found was a boat parking lot. Well, what else could it be?
Well now, look at this. On one sign, the record high for the water is 101.86 feet. Meanwhile, on the little reading monitor, the current water level was measured at 102.73. Wow, we were present at a record. So maybe that parking lot wasn't intentional...
Yeah...the rising water appears to have caught many people off guard.
We also stopped by and checked out the state capitol building. Justin's old nemesis, scaffolding, tried to get into the shot, but he managed to block it out pretty well in this shot.
Finally, this shot is actually from right in front of our apartment. You may have heard about some of the crazy weather New England has been experiencing. When you see clouds like these come rolling in it means either a wicked storm is coming through or an alien invasion. Either way, you head indoors as soon as possible.
One place we wanted to visit was Burlington. Apparently, it's not just a coat factory. Although they did have a slight flying monkey problem...
Part of the appeal of Burlington is Lake Champlain. Sometimes referred to as the sixth great lake, it seems that Vermont should just be happy with what it has instead of trying to compare itself to other places. Sorry, that's not fair. For all I know it's the New Yorkers who call it a little great.
One particularly fun feature we found was a boat parking lot. Well, what else could it be?
Well now, look at this. On one sign, the record high for the water is 101.86 feet. Meanwhile, on the little reading monitor, the current water level was measured at 102.73. Wow, we were present at a record. So maybe that parking lot wasn't intentional...
Yeah...the rising water appears to have caught many people off guard.
We also stopped by and checked out the state capitol building. Justin's old nemesis, scaffolding, tried to get into the shot, but he managed to block it out pretty well in this shot.
Finally, this shot is actually from right in front of our apartment. You may have heard about some of the crazy weather New England has been experiencing. When you see clouds like these come rolling in it means either a wicked storm is coming through or an alien invasion. Either way, you head indoors as soon as possible.
Vermont is Gorge-ous!
It was Memorial Day weekend, and no one had any homework to do, any reading to finish, or any sports to watch, so off we went to explore some of New England.
One thing that is always hard to capture in a single photo is an object of great magnitude. Here is a shot of Quechee Gorge, the largest gorge in Vermont. Some people call it "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon." While I wouldn't go that far, the gorge was still an impressive site.
The best way to experience the great outdoors is of course to go camping. And none of that "cabin camping." Thanks to a couple friends who lent us some equipment, we had the whole shebang.
Of course, the best part of camping is indulging your inner pyromaniac. In a safe environment when there is low burn risk, of course. Fortunately, in Vermont, unlike Texas, there is plenty of rain, so the hard part is finding dry wood. Also unlike Texas, the temperature in Vermont drops below 90 degrees, so it's actually pleasant sitting around a warm fire.
Just when we thought things couldn't get any more crazy, the wild in wilderness came out! We didn't even have to go looking for it, it just came right up to us. Do you see it here next to the car?
There it is. A porcupine was just wandering along, munching on some leaves. It didn't appear particularly concerned about us, and can you blame it? I wouldn't be bothered by much if my butt was full of spines.
We also came across this snake sunning itself on a rock. While it doesn't have the advantage of a spiky bottom, it probably knows that, ever since Eve, most people have been hesitant to get involved with a snake.
One thing that is always hard to capture in a single photo is an object of great magnitude. Here is a shot of Quechee Gorge, the largest gorge in Vermont. Some people call it "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon." While I wouldn't go that far, the gorge was still an impressive site.
The best way to experience the great outdoors is of course to go camping. And none of that "cabin camping." Thanks to a couple friends who lent us some equipment, we had the whole shebang.
Of course, the best part of camping is indulging your inner pyromaniac. In a safe environment when there is low burn risk, of course. Fortunately, in Vermont, unlike Texas, there is plenty of rain, so the hard part is finding dry wood. Also unlike Texas, the temperature in Vermont drops below 90 degrees, so it's actually pleasant sitting around a warm fire.
Just when we thought things couldn't get any more crazy, the wild in wilderness came out! We didn't even have to go looking for it, it just came right up to us. Do you see it here next to the car?
There it is. A porcupine was just wandering along, munching on some leaves. It didn't appear particularly concerned about us, and can you blame it? I wouldn't be bothered by much if my butt was full of spines.
We also came across this snake sunning itself on a rock. While it doesn't have the advantage of a spiky bottom, it probably knows that, ever since Eve, most people have been hesitant to get involved with a snake.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Baby Crazy!
For our readers out there reading a little too much into our blog posts, here's another one related to children. A video of him reading his favorite children's book, "The Story of Ferdinand." Correction, his favorite book, period.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Baby Shower!
We recently headed back to Texas for a baby shower for Jessica's cousin Laura and her husband Joel. They are having a little girl, named Alice, later this summer.
The shower was book-themed. Can you name all the children's books they made decorations for? (If you get more than eight, you're looking too hard).
Posing with the lovely mom-to-be!
One of the shower games we played was a race to see whose "water broke" first. We froze little plastic babies in ice cubes and put them in everyone's drinks. The person whose water broke first got a special prize (and will be the next in our family to have a baby!)
All the cousins together! Quick note: Angie, the second from the left, was the winner of the game described above. Big congrats go out to Angie and her husband James!
Speaking of flies, check out this baby frog umbrella! Does that mean it's a baby frog, or it's a baby umbrella? Either way, the parents-to-be did an amazing job modeling their gift.
Scottie, one of the proud grandmothers-to-be. FYI, she's not smiling for the camera, she had that look on her face the whole shower!
Kathy made an amazing quilt of fabrics from everyone in the family for Baby Alice. They ended up with so many shirts that the quilt is double-sided. That way, when Baby Alice spits up on it, her parents can just flip it over!
The shower was book-themed. Can you name all the children's books they made decorations for? (If you get more than eight, you're looking too hard).
Posing with the lovely mom-to-be!
One of the shower games we played was a race to see whose "water broke" first. We froze little plastic babies in ice cubes and put them in everyone's drinks. The person whose water broke first got a special prize (and will be the next in our family to have a baby!)
All the cousins together! Quick note: Angie, the second from the left, was the winner of the game described above. Big congrats go out to Angie and her husband James!
Speaking of flies, check out this baby frog umbrella! Does that mean it's a baby frog, or it's a baby umbrella? Either way, the parents-to-be did an amazing job modeling their gift.
Scottie, one of the proud grandmothers-to-be. FYI, she's not smiling for the camera, she had that look on her face the whole shower!
Kathy made an amazing quilt of fabrics from everyone in the family for Baby Alice. They ended up with so many shirts that the quilt is double-sided. That way, when Baby Alice spits up on it, her parents can just flip it over!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Babies in the air!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Culinary Adventures
When Gracie and Matt visited, we ate lots of great food and saw historical sites all over the city. But mostly we ate lots of great food, including the best hot chocolate in Boston, the best hot chocolate on the Cape (notice a theme?), burgers named after celebrities (like the Scott Brown or the Bill Clinton), and much more.
Continuing on our food exploration, we took Gracie and Matt out to a farmer's market. You'll notice here the salesbugs also happened to make the product being sold.
We also visited the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Here, Jessica is hanging out in a replica of the Oval Office.
The displays ended in a large, open atrium. The light coming through the glass gave a sense of hope.
The library also overlooked the Boston skyline, which was pretty cool.
Finally, we shared a home-cooked lasagna dinner. Yum!
Continuing on our food exploration, we took Gracie and Matt out to a farmer's market. You'll notice here the salesbugs also happened to make the product being sold.
We also visited the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Here, Jessica is hanging out in a replica of the Oval Office.
The displays ended in a large, open atrium. The light coming through the glass gave a sense of hope.
The library also overlooked the Boston skyline, which was pretty cool.
Finally, we shared a home-cooked lasagna dinner. Yum!
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