Falling Trees

This week end we cut down a 5 0 to 60 foot tree in the back yard. I was dead and needed to come down before the ants nested in it . They hollow out the trunk and the trees can easily fall in the highs winds that accompany thunder storms. Ryland is standing at the bottom of this stand of Sweet Gums. This is a little perspective on the height of the tree we cut down. Here is a view from the bottom of the trunk looking up. Seems to go to the sky.. I put a ladder on the tree and cut it at 20 feet from the ground and let 40 feet of it fall away from the house. I used a bow saw. I was afraid to use the chain saw 20 feet off the ground on a ladder. No where to go if something goes wrong. What a workout...
Ryland standing proudly at the stump.
Ryland took this one of me standing beside my conquest.
Now I have 60 feet of logs in the back yard to dispose of. This will have to wait for another weekend. I am done with work this week end...

Last Thrasher Home Game of the Season

Popovic winning one...
McCarthy getting after one and getting the shot off.

Kovalchuk

Enstrom passing, shooting and tripping


As close as it gets....

Grand Canyon from the Air

I spent the week in Las Vegas for work. On the flight home I got a picture of the Grand Canyon form the air. Not bad for a Treo phone camera.
A couple of hours later I got one of the sunset behind under the clouds....

Ryland's 8th Birthday and TJ's Hockey Championship

Today Ryland turned 8 years old. He had a tiring morning after a late night at the Thrashers game last night. We went to a local pub for lunch. He is a lot more excited than he looks here.
Ryland is getting some birthday love from Mommy.

The whole bunch is devouring a bowl of queso, chips, and tortillas.


TJ's Ice Hockey House League team won their second straight annual championship today. I had the pleasure to head coach this team. It was a great season topped off with a 5 to 3 victory for the league championship. Great group of young men who improved individually all season and really jelled as a team. I am proud of all these boys of varying skills and talents. They won the game, changed and left the rink like it was no big deal....

TJ and the Old Man with the League Cup.. They spilled all their enthusiasm on the ice during the game. Not much left for pictures - as you can see here. The "A" on TJ's jersey is for Assistant Captain. However, they way he has been treating his little brother today - it might have alternate meaning.

TJ's friend, team mate and MVP - Nick with his Dad posing with the League Cup and MVP trophy.

With the All Star and House Leagues complete this season - there is one more league to finish - High School League. Tonight Kennesaw Mountain High School completed their third straight victory in the High School league tournament. They are undefeated in the double elimination tournament which places them automatically in the championship for their division.

If all this sounds like the rantings of an overbearingly proud parent - Good. I am..

Desert Susnet

We took a hike late in the day on Thursday. Jimmy timed it so that we would complete the hike right around sunset. Jim hit it just right and we got some really nice sunset photos.

Here is Mike along the way.

Here is Jim in between taking pictures of tiny little things.

I tried to copy Jim's style by getting a shot of this tiny little thing. I think it is call Indian Paint Brush.. (not sure)

Some Desert Cholla Cactus filled with water looking healthy.

I tried to get the moon at twilight. I have some learning to do here..


I liked this silhouette of the Saghuaro on downward slope on the left side of the hill.
This is the end of the sunset. Jimmy spotted this view while driving back from the hike. I am still playing with the levels on this one. This is my best attempt so far.

Guerrero Hit a Grand Slam

We took in a ball game at Phoenix Muni yesterday. Oakland played the Angels. We got to see Vladimir Guerrero hit a grand slam. Made it worth suffering the sun and heat. Daniel passed the time with his sunflower seeds and cotton candy.
Jessica and David were some smiling happy people.
I managed to a fountain of Pyramid beer. This brand is not available in Georgia. Good day all around.

More Bloom Pictures

The Hard Path
Here is a bunch of blooms


Another Bunch

A Straggler
The Leader

Lettin' loose

Staying on top

And my favorite - The French Salute