Sam's Kumon Award

Tonight Sam received an achievement award from his Kumon program. Sam has been working at his reading and retention exercises every day and making good progress. His school grades are reflecting his progress and efforts. We are all very proud of him for all his hard work.

This is a picture with his teacher - Farzan(sp). She is from Tehran and brings quite a disciplined approach to academics.
This is Sam receiving his award and medal.

Here is a group shot of all the kids who showed up for awards with Farzan and her assistants instructors. Pretty diverse group.


I told Sam how proud I was and that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. He felt the same way about his chips and Sprite.
Good job Sam!! Keep up the good work.

Garden Friends

Still nothing but ice hockey all weekend - so I posted a few pictures of two of our garden friends that I collected over the past year.

These garden spiders can get pretty colorful. This bugger had a sizable web just off our front porch. The kids threw him/her a few crickets for dinner.



This fellow showed up on our back deck one Sunday morning. He/she blended in with the deck wood. I am not sure if it can change colors to match surroundings or if it is permanently worn deck wood grain in color. Looks like a fierce predator in the bug world...

Not much interesting stuff going on around here these past two weeks other than the kids Ice Hockey. As absorbing as it is to us, it will surely bore you all.. So, inspired by Jim's retro photos, I decided to add something interesting from August 2006.

Jody got me a ride in a biplane for my birthday back in 2006. I added just a few of the photos of the experience.

This is me in front posing by the engine of the aircraft. This a refurbished Navy trainer. I am not sure years the plane saw service. The pilot rebuilt the plane himself. Notice the camera mounted on the wing strut above me and slightly to the left. The pilot remotely shoots pictures of his passengers in the forward cockpit.

Here we go down the run way. Pretty smooth takeoff. I never flew in a small craft before. This plane lifts off at about 80 mph. Felt strange to fly at such a low speed.

Here is the in flight picture of me while we flew over down town Atlanta. The pilot ducks into his cockpit to make it look like I am up there flying on my own.

I took this picture of down town with my camera. I used my 75X300 lens at 75mm for this shot. The pilot has an aerial photography business. He gave me some good advise on my settings for shooting from a moving aircraft.

After the turn back North from down town, I was able to get this shot the Turner Field... AKA "The Ted" or "The Jane" Kool shot. I have this one printed on 16x20 and framed in my den.

This was a fun experience. I am going to pursue more aerial shooting....

Thank God we are back to normal Atlanta weather. Sam and I took advantage of a fine day - taking a hike up Kennesaw Mountain with the dogs. I had Sam hold the dogs while I shot a few snaps. Sam has been gaining a steadily growing advantage in his battle of wits with the dogs - as seen in the picture, he is in complete control of the situation.

However, he could only last so long. Foiled again - Sam, hands bound and subdued by the dogs needed rescue.

All in all it was a nice hike and good exercise.

Ryland decided to stay home and train on his Super Bowl snack food eating.
Hopefully, more exciting updates tomorrow...