Hibe's 12 of 12

July 2011 - 12 of 12 ...or Your Smart Phone is Only as Smart as You

2011-07-14T06:36:00.035-04:00

Finally caught up with the 21st century ...got an iPhone a week ago. So all this months pics are taken with it.

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12. Congrats to you Chad for sticking in there and seeing your work through! Looks like things are really happening for you.

9:345am - Philadelphia, PA

Katy... my first photographic victim of the day.

9:52am - Philadelphia, PA

Lucky has no problem relaxing whenever and wherever she wants.

12:12pm - Philadelphia, PA

That's my lunch. Not much to look at (or taste for that matter), but I've lost over 30lbs on this diet. Two meals a day I drink one of these as a meal and have a regular meal as a third. Like I said, not much on taste, but I don't feel hungry after.

2:33pm - Philadelphia, PA

Out syringing (cooling by spraying just a bit of water and letting it evaporate) the greens. This is our 14th.

4:49pm - Philaldelphia, PA

A few packages arrive for me. The bigger one contains 3 canisters of the "liquid" diet mix.

4:59pm - Philadelphia, PA

Along with a couple of doodads for my cameras, this headset for my iPhone was in the small box.

5:43pm - Philadelphia, PA

Off from work...

6:29pm - Newtown Square, PA

13 miles in 45 minutes... that's good time believe it or not.

6:37pm - Newtown Square, PA

Levitation ale from Stone Brewing Company... makes the commute worth it.

6:59pm - Newtown Square, PA

Sarah pouring a couple of mixed shots.

8:00pm - Newtown Square, PA

The tap list at Uno's... You need one cause they are constantly changing it up. That's why I come here so much.

8:47pm - Upper Darby, PA

Home... they repaved the parking lot, but haven't striped it yet.

That's it for this month.

June 2011 - 12 of 12

2011-06-12T22:33:00.024-04:00

Time for another 12 of 12. This month's 12 happens to be the last day of Philly Beer Week as well. It actually is 10 days going from Friday the 3rd to Sunday the 12th. I've been enjoying myself all week. Today was no exception.

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12.

6:35am - Philadelphia, PA

Didn't have to come in right on time as the rain meant no mowing or other work out on the course. Came in and found one of Philly's finest "doing paperwork" behind the barn. Have no problem with that. As long as they're parked there I figure no one's going to mess with the place.

7:22am - Philadelphia, PA

Looks like Lucky has finally accepted Katy, at least while they're playing with a dragonfly they found. Scout is aloof as usual.

7:29am - Philadelphia, PA

Found this Red Tail being hassled by songbirds who objected to it's presence. Once the fledglings leave the nest they'll stop being so aggressive.

8:15am - Philadelphia, PA

Scout just lounging about on the putting green.

11:46am - Philadelphia, PA

Not sure what Lucky is trying to say. Maybe she doesn't like me using the flash?

12:19pm - Philadelphia, PA

Katy is feeling more comfortable hanging out on my desk. She'll even let other people pet her now.

5:04pm - Newtown Square, PA

Went home to clean up then went to my favorite Beer Week bar... well outside brew pubs, my favorite bar... UNO's. This weekend they were featuring local micro breweries. This is Troegs Hopback from my home town of Harrisburg.

5:14pm - Newtown Square, PA

So many good beers.

5:33pm - Newtown Square, PA

Weyerbacher's 16th Anniversary IPA(?). I think it may be mislabeled since it's a braggot style beer which is a honey beer. Wouldn't be the first time UNO's put a wrong handle on a beer this week. Considering how often they rotate the beer, it's a wonder they don't do it more often. Anyway you look at it ...it went down nice and smooth.

5:42pm - Newtown Square, PA

Salad starter with a little cracked pepper.

5:49pm - Newtown Square, PA

Main course - NY Strip (med rare), skinless baked, and roasted vegtables.

6:11pm - Newtown Square, PA

Finish the day and my 12 with a Troegs Sunshine Pils.

...till next month.

May 2011 - 12 of 12

2011-05-13T19:32:00.049-04:00

Forgot it was the 12th because I was too busy remembering it was my mother's birthday. You think I would make the connection ...duh. Well, it was 1 o'clock before it hit me, so no morning pics.

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12.

1:35 pm - Philadelphia, PA

Here's our new addition, Katy. She's the 3rd and last. No more rescues ...but she is cute.

1:59 pm - Philadelphia, PA

The viburnum is in full bloom.

2:06 pm - Philadelphia, PA

Cutting tees, approaches, and collars.

2:39 pm - Philadelphia, PA

14th Green.

3:17 pm - Philadephia, PA

Lucky has been a complete diva since Katy showed up. This is going to take a while.

3:23 pm - Philadelphia, PA

Scout finally shows up for dinner.

3:23 pm - Philadelphia,

...A complete and total diva.

4:22 pm - Media, PA

Clang, Clang, Clang goes the trolley.

4:53 pm - Media, PA

The fermentation room at Iron Hill.

5:36 pm - Media, PA

Talapia, mashed potatoes, and spinach. Yummmm

6:14 pm - Media, PA

Another snapshot of the trolley.

6:31 pm - Media, PA

My first time at Trader Joe's!

April 2011 - 12of 12

2011-04-13T09:32:00.027-04:00

Another rainy day in Philadelphia. Still have to work and in that sense, it's just another boring day

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12.

6:43am - Philadelphia, PA

Just a look into (or should I say through) our barn.

6:44am - Philadelphia, PA

Lucky always has to be in on the action.

10:11am - Philadelphia, PA

I decided to do a quick run around the course and see if we had any interesting wildlife wondering around that I could photograph before the rain started. These little yellow flowers growing among the Devils Walking Stick were the best that I could do. Told you, boring day.

10:12am - Philadelphia, PA

One last photo... it just start to sprinkle. I don't want me or my camera to get wet and I'm at the far end of the course.

1:13pm - Phildelphia, PA

Scout is thinking "Oh, no... it's the 12th again already?"

1:24pm - Philadelphia PA

My two secretaries ...or better described as my desk re-arrangers.

4:27pm - Philadelphia, PA

Heading out for the day. Rains coming down steady at this point.

5:23pm - Newtown Square, PA

Thirteen miles and nearly an hour later I finally arrive at my dinner spot ...welcome to my world and my traffic. I guess you just get used to it. Today wasn't that bad a commute. It just takes more time to get from point A to point B than anywhere else I have ever lived.

6:19pm - Newtown Square, PA

Ahhhhh... that makes the commute a little better. Southern Tier Imperial Oatmeal Stout.

6:23pm - Newtown Square, PA

So many beers... so few brain cells left. What to do?

7:08pm - Newton Square, PA

Sarah... absolutely no beer goggles necessary here.

7:23pm - Newtown Square, PA

More rain predicted for tomorrow. Just means a shorter day for me.

March 2011 - 12 of 12

2011-03-13T21:22:00.020-04:00

Definitely had a fun day... mostly helping my friend out so she could help one of hers. Even though I was in much warmer climes for 3 weeks last month, I think I can use another light day of work before the season really starts and when I'll be putting in long days.

It's official... I'm a gear slut. Just picked up another Nikon (D7000) and a another Nikon lens (70-200mm f2.8 VRII). I've been looking at buying either one or the other for a couple of months, but they had an offer of $400 off the lens when you buy the camera. How could I say no to that? Maybe I should follow my own advise and remember "It's the Indian, not the arrows." Well, maybe it's just a little bit in the arrows.

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12.

8:12am - Philadelphia, PA

Scout just waking from her cat nap.

8:13am - Philadelphia, PA

Lucky wants a little rub and scratch too.

1:56pm - Philadelphia, PA

Went and picked up my friend Carrie, so she could loan her car to her friend Obi. She had a business appointment in the Northern Liberties section of the city. Here's a little local graffiti and poster art I shot while waiting for her to finish.

2:45pm - Philadelphia, PA

She took me to a hot burger spot "Philly PYT" as a reward. Here's my first of two beers I had.

2:48pm - Philadelphia, PA

Everyone seems to be cashing in on Charlie's mania. If you ask me they need to put nuts on it. That man is certifiable.

2:53pm - Philadelphia, PA

Carrie's expression is one of frustration. She's telling me to stop taking her picture here. She, like many others, I think really like it, but falsely protest. She probably thinks I'm a bit obsessed with taking pictures, but I don't think it compares to her shoe collection.... 300+ pairs of shoes and boots. The waitress commented on how much she liked her boots ...that made her day and probably added a bit to the tip ...lol

3:29pm - Philadelphia, PA

Beer number two and the last one of the day.

3:40pm - Philadelphia, PA

I told you she really doesn't mind me taking her picture. She made this one her new FB profile picture.

4:49pm - Philadelphia, PA

After a quick stop to pick up a printer for Carrie and the State Store for some wine (that's where you by bottles of alcohol in PA), we made another quick stop on Broad street. Don't really care for this depiction of Old Blue Eyes, but I do admire the immensity of the project. Done by Diane Keller, assisted by K. Pannepacker and M. Ainuddin.

6:13pm - Philadelphia, PA

Here's one of several shots of Tequila I took today. (This is as close as I got to drinking hard liquor today.)

11:37pm - Philadelphia, PA

Carrie had a little wine party. This is her neighbor, Maurice with Tequila.

11:54pm - Philadelphia, PA

Party is winding down as the day comes to an end as well. Here we have from left to right: Delores, Obi, JD, and Carrie.

That's all for this month. See you in April.

February 2011 - 12 of 12

2011-02-12T21:08:00.019-05:00

Boring day. Didn't really do anything more than pack for our cruise tomorrow. Well, I am on vacation and my knee feels like crap anyway, so I guess I have enough excuses for doing nothing.

This DSL hook up is much slower than I'm used to so it will take till the 13th till I get all the pics uploaded.

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12.

8:33am - Davenport, FL

Better living through chemistry. Two drugs, the rest are supplements. Not much room left for breakfast.

8:34am - Davenport, FL

Nice morning outside.

8:35am - Davenport, FL

Got to have my coffee ...not too particular how it's served, or rather what it's served in.

12:02pm - Davenport, FL

Got to get packing ...literately.

3:11pm - Davenport, FL

....Just about there.

5:14pm - Davenport, FL

Stretching my legs and getting some fresh air.

6:04pm - Kissimmee, FL

Route 192 on route to dinner.

7:07pm - Kissimmee, FL

...All but gone.

7:19pm - Kissimmee, FL

My sister's BF. All but dead from driving from mid-state PA ...well maybe not that bad, but sure looking tired.

7:22pm - Kissimmee, FL

Okay, this is where we ate ...not exactly 5 stars, but pretty decent grub.

9:26pm - Davenport, FL

Everything finally packed except what I need in the morning.

9:30pm - Davenport, FL

Late night snack of cottage cheese. Well, would have gone bad while we were away. Really need to get my mother to read the expiration dates on products especially milk products.

January 2011 - 12 of 12

2011-01-15T18:08:00.026-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!!!

Today started out to be a bit of a rush around with snow falling overnight, but then things slowed down ...or at least less busy with break time.

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12. Here we go into the 6th year.

Here's how my day went...

6:01am - Upper Darby, PA

Wake up to about 4-6" of inches of snow.

6:01am - Upper Darby, PA

Neighbors haven't shoveled out yet.

6:40am - Roxborough - Philadelphia PA,

Looks like we have snow at work too.

7:18am - Roxborough

It's a winter wonderland. Have to give a hand removing snow before I go to a meeting with my assistant.

11:54am - King of Prussia, PA

Made the meeting on time. Roads were clear and surprisingly light on traffic. Morning seminar over. Now it's time for lunch break. Here is the Fox and Hound. Vendor is treating us to lunch. Hmmm.... so many beers, so little time.

11:58 am - King of Prussia, PA

Okay, it's before noon, but it's 5 o'clock somewhere.

12:50pm - King of Prussia, PA

No more... for now. Got to get back to the seminars.

3:02pm - King of Prussia, PA

Meetings are over. Time to hit the trade show. Really downsized this thing with the change in venue. Table tops only, no equipment except what you can carry in.

3:11pm King of Prussia, PA

Time to go. Hmmm... do we have time to try a few more at the Fox and Hound?

5:26pm - King of Prussia, PA

Ahhhh yeah, I think I have time for a few more.

6:44pm - King of Prussia, PA

...and a few more after that. (Here's a rare photo of me)

7:21pm - King of Prussia, PA

Here we have the anonymous drinker and our last round ...and my last photo for the day.

There it is... Work (shoveling snow), more work (seminars), and even more work (lunch and dinner with vendors). Hey! ...we talk about something work related. ...I think?

December 2010 - 12 of 12

2010-12-13T09:38:00.021-05:00

Rainy, but warmer day. Here I am nursing a head cold and due to natures whim, I'm pretty much stuck having to work around the rain. We were doing so good through much of the fall weather wise. No real cold spells up until a little over a week ago. I let the time get past me while we were enjoying the last bit of Indian Summer. We hadn't shut down the irrigation systems or cut our winter cups (putting out 2 hole locations on each green). Well it finally rose well above freezing on Saturday giving us a chance to drain the irrigation out, but that was an all day affair. So that left me to tackle the winter cups on Sunday... with a cold... in the rain. Oh joy. Most of the morning I spent waiting for the rain to let up. Most of the afternoon I spent on soggy greens and playing with mud. Due to the fact that I don't want my camera gear to get wet, I don't have any pictures through the afternoon. All in all it made for a rather boring 12 of 12... much like this narrative. Here we go...

Oops, forgot, again, to give credit to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12. The end of the fifth year... I've been doing it for the past 3. ...Thanks Chad!

7:31am - Upper Darby, PA

Running late, but since I'll be the only one in this morning and it's raining, it's a non-issue. Looked out the back window and notice the nieghbors are sleeping in as well... It would be scary if they were up.

7:32am - Upper Darby

See, told you it was raining.

10:00am - Philadelphia (Roxborough), PA

Catching up on some paperwork while I wait for the rain to let up again. Despite the fact I am nursing a cold, I have to go outside and cut our winter cups while the ground is thawed. Scout is catching up on her sleep while do my paperwork.

10:17am - up on my desk

Lucky moves her daughter over in order to grab some desk space.

10:22am - still on my desk

Last cat picture... I promise.

11:18am - my work computer

I gave some money last year when Chad ran for Lance Armstrong's charity Live Strong. Since he was running today I decided to give again. I decided to give a little more this year so his total would come out $3,333.33. Knowing Chad through his blogs I figured it would weird him out a bit. ...Just having fun with you Chad.

4:48pm - Roxborough

All finished with work and getting ready to leave. Bought a new GPS... my first one. Nice size screen, but what I really like is the Blue Tooth cell phone hook up. I can hear it real well and everyone can hear me.

5:28pm - Newtown Square, PA

Arrived at UNOs. Still raining.

6:24pm - UNOs

Decent food, but I come for the beer.

6:30pm - UNOs

The waitress' aren't hard on the eyes either. Okay, I admit it. I'm a dirty old man! :)

6:44 - UNOs

Not distracted by the waitress' for long.

7:46pm - Havertown, PA

Almost home and at the end of my 12... see you next year.

November 2010 12 of 12

2010-11-13T19:42:00.016-05:00

Well, I finally managed to publish my first 12 of 12 since July. I took all the photos for each month and even managed to edit them, but by the time I found time to do the edits it was a week or two later. Enough with the excuses, here is my day...

Oops, forgot to give credit to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12. ....Thanks Chad!

8:12am - Philadelphia (Roxborough), PA

Frost delay... can't play on frost without damaging the turf.

8:13am - Philadelphia (Roxborough)
Scout and lucky patrolling for vermin.

9:31am - Philadelphia (Roxborough)
Still some color left.

2:52pm - Philadelphia (Roxborough)
Been busy most of the day. Finally got some time to take a few more pics. This is the tenth green.

2:53am - Philadelphia (Roxborough)
Need a big blower to take care of all the leaves we have.

3:07pm - Philadelphia (Roxborough)
Lucky is on the prowl.

3:59pm - Philadelphia (Roxborough)
Some more color in the late afternoon sun.

4:05pm - Philadelphia (Roxborough)
Here's old Lucy out on her daily stroll.

5:26pm - Newton Square, PA
Beautiful colors at sunset.

5:42pm - Newton Square, PA
Mmmm... a nice cold IPA.

5:59pm - Newton Square, PA
More yum... NY Strip, roasted veggies, and Farro salad.

7:20pm - Newton Square, PA
Get a quick pic of Janna on my way out.

October 2010 12 of 12

2010-11-13T19:42:00.001-05:00

September 2010 12 of 12

2010-11-13T19:40:00.001-05:00

August 2010 12 of 12

2010-11-13T19:38:00.001-05:00

July 2010 12 of 12

2010-07-13T22:54:00.026-04:00

With new projects, record temperatures, and no rain, I've been crazy busy for the past 2 months. I haven't even found time to upload last months pics, but since we had more than just a little rain over the last few days, I can find a little time for myself. YEA! Well, here's my day.

5:39 am - Philadelphia, PA (Roxborogh)

Just arrive at work to be greeted by this sunrise.

7:02 am - Roxborough

Caught this web and spider with help from a flash.

4:13 pm - Roxborough

Been busy all day long. finally found time to run around and snap a few more pics on the course. We have hundreds of these chipmunks running around.

4:16 pm - Roxborough

At the base of the uprooted tree I captured in the last pic, I find a yellow jackets nest. Here's one emerging from the nest.

4:22 pm - Roxborough

Just the traffic light at the cart crossing.

4:39 pm - back at the office.

Lucky gets impatient while I try to take a few pictures, so she rubs against the corner of a book.

5:32 pm - Manyunk section of Philadelphia

Down at the brew pub. No shots of food or beer this month. Here is a old railroad bridge across the Schuylkill river. The Manyunk Brewery has a huge deck along with several bars and two floors of indoor seating. I usually sit inside, but the weather was nice and there are some nice views out here.

5:34 pm - Manyunk

Some nice stuff to shoot out here on the deck.

5:35 pm - Manyunk

Bad hair day for this Tiki.

6:31 pm - Manyunk

Down below the deck were tied up these 4 Dragon boats.

7:00 pm - Upper Darby, PA

Back home. Have to brave the pouring rain while I run across the street from the parking lot to my apartment. Time for a pic or two while I wait for the deluge to at least slow down.

9:36 pm - Upper Darby

Finally got the "monster" put together with all the wiring and lighting. A few tweaks left to do and of course the piece de resistance. Hope to have that done by next month.

That's all for this month. see you in August.

June 2010 - A Different Perspective

2010-06-14T22:36:00.001-04:00

Been Busy.... Will have pics by end of Tuesday... I hope.

May 2010 12 of 12

2010-05-13T13:16:00.022-04:00

Credit goes to Chad Darnell for starting and maintaining the 12 of 12. ....Thanks Chad!

4:15 am - Upper Darby, PA

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME... OR ANYWHERE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER!!! From my new favorite store, IKEA, my monstrosity in progress. Been working on it for about two weeks now. Carrying each section up 3 flights of stairs, assembling it amongst the piles of empty and still full boxes. It will look great when it's finished. Putting each piece together is easy. Even putting the sections together... no problem. It's figuring out where all the wires need to be run for the DVD, Cable box, flat screen, and all the lighting I want to build... that's the problem. Got it worked out pretty much at this point, but I still need to get a long data cable so I can show files from my PC on my flat screen. I have it hook up as a second monitor. Tune in next month to see the finished work.

7:41 am - Philadelphia, PA

Lucky striking a pose on my desk.

8:25 am - Philadelphia, PA

Going around the course checking on things. This is the 17th Green.

8:30 am - Philadelphia, PA

Caught this young Redtail taking flight from a dying locust tree.

8:38 am - Philadelphia, PA

The heavy snows of winter took their toll.

9;44 am - Philadelphia, PA

A nesting pair of ducks swimming in a small pool of water.

11:19 am Philadelphia, PA
Lucky taking a stroll. She always follows one of us around when we are at the barn, but she's smart enough not to get "under foot".

11:46 am - Manyunk section of Philadelphia

Before noon, but then again I start work at 5:30 in the morning. Besides, I need something to wash down lunch with.

11:48 am Manyunk

Tuscan Vegetable soup... mmm mmm good.

12:43 Manyunk

Heading back up the hill to work.

8:14 pm Upper Darby, PA

Late dinner ...as usual. Nice big salad. Again, mmm, mmm, good.

11:04 pm Upper Darby, PA

Working on the monster all evening. Managed to get most of the electrical wiring done. Stil have one more outlet to put at the far left, but have the wire run for that. just need to splice it into the box. Managed to hang some of the doors as well. They were pretty easy. Don't be fooled by their appearance (white) now. That will be changed for next month. Got some cool stuff planned for those doors. now if I only can find the time.

Till next month ...so long.

April 2010 12 of 12

2010-04-14T10:10:00.030-04:00

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell.

Just another average day in Philly, so no major themes running through this month's entry.

7:25 am - Philadelphia, PA (Roxborough)

It's way too early in the season for these guys, but we have had some real strange weather. Near record heat for a number of days then cold again. It's going to be a unpredictable year I feel.

10:13 am - Roxborough

A shot of the putting green. Got to get some new flags. These are really faded.

10:39 am - Roxborough

Scout on the prowl...

10:40 am - Roxborough

...and here's her mom, Lucky.

11:52 am - Frankford-Torsdale section of Philadelphia

Here is Dennis "Ace" Ventura at JFB golf course. He used to work behind the counter at another course we both used to work at. Good seeing old friends.

12:01 pm - Philadelphia, PA

I made a quick run across the city to another course to check out a couple pieces of equipment for which I'm looking to trade another couple pieces that I have. It's a win/win situation since we both have machines that are gathering dust in our own barns that the other fellow can use. This is one machine ...not running at the moment, but I have a really good mechanic. Even if he can't get it running, we have one like it and we can always use it for parts.

12:59 pm - General Grants American Grill, Philadelphia, PA

I also ran into a salesman (Jimmy) I know at JFB, one that I just bought a couple of skids of goods from. That means free lunch where I come from. These are Jimmy's not mine, but they look good. I had the Captain Carol.

1:29 pm - General Grant's

...It also means free beer too.

2:09 pm - General Grant's

Philly's home opener... yea, they won.

3:05 pm - Roxborough

Coach ...caught him off guard.

3:14 pm - Roxborough

Someone walking his dog. Glad to see he picked up after him.

3:16 pm - Roxborough

Light Breeze catching one of our banners.

That's it for this month ...nothing special, just another day caught with my camera.

March 2010 12 of 12 - Drive By Shooting

2010-03-13T17:01:00.028-05:00

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell.

Rainy day in Philly. So I couldn't get any decent shots out on the course. I did have to make a paperwork run to the our office in the Kensington section of the city. I took the opportunity to take several shots on the way.

7:13 am Upper Darby, PA

Breakfast

7:51 am Philadelphia, PA (Roxborough)

This is our core harvester. It's a little hard to easily explain what it does, but it basically is a time saver.

7:54 am Philadelphia, PA

Lucky is always into whatever I'm doing. Whenever I'm in the office she is only a few feet away.

7:54 am - Philadelphia, PA

Scout on the other hand tends to be a little bit more aloof.

11:44 am Philadelphia, PA

Here's Eric painting new tee markers. With the rain we really can't do anything out on the course.

11:48 am Philadelphia, PA

Now here is Nick doing much the same. The rain may be keeping us from getting any work done on the course, but at least it will melt the rest of the snow left on the course, so we can open all 18 holes.

1:46 pm Philadelphia, PA

Broad and Allegheny, Temple University

1:53 pm Philadelphia, PA

I hate how people can ruin something beautiful. Graffiti not withstanding, the amoount of trash just blowing through the streets really bothers me. This is why I call it Philthadelphia.

1:57 pm Philadelphia (Kensington)

Here are two of the half dozen or so police cars that passed me. There were at least a dozen more speeding past on the cross street just ahead of me. I always joke that the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign must have just lit up at the Krispy Kreme, but in reality an officer was drag about a block by a stolen SUV involved in a murder out in the suburbs. They got the guy after he crashed the vehicle.

2:35 pm Philadelphia

Someone is getting a bit wetter than they figured they would.

4:50 pm Philadelphia (Manyunk)

Manyunk Brewery - I knew this brew pub existed and even knew where it was and even though it is so close to work, I never stopped in here until a few weeks ago. The beer and food I found exceptional. I was even more surprised that they have a sushi bar. This they call Wasabi Maki. Even if it wasn't the 12th I would have taken a shot of this plate ...beautiful.

10:32 pm Manyunk

Love the look of Neon. 6 hours later and I'm ready to go... I told you the beer is good.

February 2010 12 of 12 - Shanghaied in Paradise

2010-02-14T18:31:00.031-05:00

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell.

The day turned out to be interesting to say the least. On a cruise spending the day at Castaway Cay (Disney's private island in the Bahamas)... As it ended up I got a bit of an early birthday present when our 7 day cruise turned into an eight day cruise.

6:53 am - 2 miles west of Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Didn't get any really good sunrise or sunset photos on this cruise. Always seemed that there were too many clouds. Note how calm the seas are ...no white caps, almost like glass.

7:22 am - Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Here's one of the stacks. Being a Disney cruise I guess your gonna see cartoons 24, 7 even on the big screen on deck 10. That was the venue that I watched the superbowl on. Now that was a blast, but would have been better if I really cared who won.

7:24 am - Castaway Cay

Were just about docked. Beautiful day, highs in the upper 70's, but weather moving in later in the afternoon.

7:31 am

Disney's version of the Flying Dutchman

7:45 am

Breakfast on the Topsider Buffet overlooking the lagoon.

9:35 am

Red Hibiscus.

10:21 am - Serenity Beach

The Brown Pelicans and some sort of Frigate were diving after fish all day. Here is a Pelican diving in. If you see the splash next to him, that's his buddy hitting the water just before he did.

2:29 pm - from our stateroom

There was some sort of medical emergency. Rumor has it that some kid got stung by something in the water and ad a bad reaction. The wind had already started picking up at this point, so it's a good thing they came when they did.

5:50 pm - on deck 10

Sunset... at this point they were struggling to either get out or get back to the pier. The wind was really ripping across the aft deck where I took this photo.

5:57 pm - deck 10 aft

A number of concerned crew members (Officers, cooks, wait staff, and maintenance crew) looking on as we struggle to get back to the pier without damaging the ship. It took hours, but they finally got it in after breaking at least three lines.

8:26 pm - Animator's Palate Dining Room

The menu for what is suppose to be our final dinner on board.

8:57 pm

Lamb tenderloin, au gratin potatoes, and string beans wrapped in bacon. YUM

Bonus Pic

10:04 pm still at Castaway Cay

Since we all got a bonus day at sea I figured I would put in a bonus pic. This is the atrium at mid-ship. as it turned out we tried to get out the next morning with the same results. We finally left Castaway Cay about a full day late. No problem though plenty of food and activities on board to keep all happy. The most fun I ever had on the 12th yet!

January 2010 12 of 12

2010-01-12T22:41:00.021-05:00

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell.

I had pesticide recertification seminar today. Actually today was the first of three days of seminars and trade show. I really didn't take any interesting shots, but here is my day:

PS: Next month I promise much more interesting shots from a much more interesting venue.

12:12 am Upper Darby, PA

Okay I finally got sucked in and joined Facebook last week... like I really have the time. The timing of the photo was purely coincidental... honest.

6:11 am Upper Darby, PA

Out of milk so it's straight espresso today.

6:12 am Upper Darby, PA

I installed three of those little hockey puck halogen under the counter lights. I got them from Ikea, my new most favorite store. the lights make a huge difference.

6:57 am Upper Darby, PA

A rare self portrait.

11:18 am King of Prussia, PA

Well, it's 5 o'clocok somewhere. Just a small Russian Imperial Stout while we wait for our food.

11:18 am King of Prussia, PA

So many choices.

11:50 am King of Prussia, PA

I had a tuna steak sandwich. It was good, but I had to wash it down with something.

12:42 pm King of Prussia, PA

Meeting room is too dark for photos. This chandelier was the only thing that was bright enuogh. This session was pretty boring.

4:05 am King of Prussia, PA

Seminar is over. Just need to get back to work, get something to eat, then home.

5:39 pm Bala Cynwyd, PA

Traffic was a pain as usual. I had to wait through 4 cycles just to travel 100 yards through this light.

5:59 pm Bala Cynwyd, PA

Stopped at Chilis for dinner. I behaved myself a little better than I did for lunch. Only one beer for dinner.

6:04 pm Bala Cynwyd, PA

Okay, maybe I didn't have the healthiest meal ...bacon cheeseburger, but I did sub out the fries for steamed veggies.

That's my day. Pretty dull, but next month will be much better... I promise.

December 2009 12 of 12 - Better Late Than Never

2010-01-06T22:35:00.004-05:00

Credit as always goes to Chad Darnell.

Well, things didn't go as planned. Went to download my photos on Sunday the 13th when a virus grabbed hold of my computer. To make a long story short, I didn't lose any data, but it was a nasty bugger. Norton 360 didn't do crap. Even after a direct scan on the offending files, Norton said the files were fine. I was able to disable a major portion of the virus, but there was still plenty that emmbeded itself into the operating system. I called Norton's help line and the only thing they would do would cost me $200. After I spent my $89 for 2 years of so called "protection", some Indian reading from a script tries to to extort another $200 when the software falls flat on it's (inter)face. Well, Peter Norton can kiss my... Ooops, I think I got a litlle off track here. Bottom line, I'll never buy another Norton product again and I recommend you do the same.

Well here's my day, late as it might be.

November 2009 12 of 12 - Washed Out Day

2009-11-13T18:47:00.024-05:00

Credit for the 12 of 12 goes to Chad Darnell. Thanks Chad!

It was a wet cold day all around. So since it was a washout I decided to wash out my photos. It's all black and white this month. All the outside photos came out so color dull, turning them to B&W actually made them look a whole lot better anyway.

6:38am - My Office - Philadelphia, PA

Looks like one of my new secretaries was having a bit of fun with my paper clips overnight.

6:45am - Still in my office

"It wasn't me". Okay, I believe her. This is Lucky. God only knows how many rescued cats out there are named Lucky, but who am I to judge. My new mechanic and his wife rescued her and her litter a few months ago. They placed all, but her and two of her kittens, 1 male, 1 female. We took Lucky and her daughter, Scout. They are keeping the male... everyone is happy.

6:47am - Once again, in my office

Breakfast... Everything bagel with sausage, egg, and cheese and my first cup of coffee for the day.

7:41am - Another one from my office

I finally went and got glasses. The opthamologist wanted me to get bifocals, but gave me the option of just getting a pair for distance. I opted for the distance glasses since it was going to be hard enough to get used to wearing these since I really never had to wear glasses before. I'm still leaving them either at home, in the truck, or at the office. It's going to take a bit of time till I get used to wearing them... if I ever do.

8:34am - You know where by now

Here's Scout. She's purrfectly happy on my desk... especially on top of my laptop. I don't know how many times I've come back to find my computer turned off and in hibernation mode.
I think computer manufactuers have circuits to figure out when they have a cat laying on the keyboard. Last thing I need is to have my computer randomly reconfigured by my secretaries.
10:27am - In the shop ...Yea! out of the office at last

Paul, my mechanic split this Kubota tractor. It's been sitting idle since 2001, deemed a complete loss by the previous mechanic. After giving it a quick going over Paul had it running after only two hours, but found a problem he thought to be blown rear engine seal. He split it open (not an easy thing to do with only a floor jack and a dolly) this morning and discovered the oil leak was from a bad transmission seal. So, instead of a weeks work and a possible couple of hundred $ in parts, he should have it back together within hours of getting the seal. That may take a week or two as it needs to be ordered by our supplier.

12:27pm - Back in the office

Salad and chili for lunch ...and they had soft pretzels up at the pro shop (I'm so bad. Don't tell my endocrinologist). Outside of cheesesteaks, the soft pretzel is probably the one food most associated with Philly. I love how my wide angle lens can make things look so much bigger without making things look distorted.

3:35pm - St Joe's University, Philadelphia, PA

Done with work and I'm off to the brew pub. Okay, being bad again today, but haven't had a beer in more than a few days and rainy days make me feel so blah. I need a pick me up. ...and the food is rather good too.

4:51pm - Media, PA

Sitting at the bar of one of my favorite brew pubs looking out the huge window front... I really like the trolleys as they ramble by. There's something, not only about hearing the clack of the tracks, but feeling it come up from the floors right through the bar stool.

5:48pm - Media, PA

Dinner is served. I ate about half the sirlion before I remembered to take a shot.

6:37pm - Madia, PA

This is my third. Drank one before I ordered, one while I waited for my meal and while I ate it, and now this one.

9:04pm - Media, PA

Thought I would take a few photos around Media before I head home. I love this town. It has such a boardwalk seaside feel to it. ...so much different than the rest of the Philly area.

October 2009 12 of 12 - Dull Day

2009-10-13T09:02:00.014-04:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell. Thanks for doing this for everyone Chad and god luck with the upcoming marathon.

This months pics are rather drab and boring. I was busy all day in the office. I didn't have much time to get out and take a bunch of interesting photos and even when I did it was overcast. We haven't even had our first frost, so the colors really haven't arrived in force yet. Pretty much more of the same stuff you've seen in months past.

8:14 am - Philadelphia, PA

I've been up since 4:30 and working at my desk since 6:30. I needed a break and also to take some shots for the "12". This is about the only color on the front side of the course and even then the tree (an ash) had dropped half it's leaves.

8:18 am - Pro Shop

Camera shy. Even if I did get a good pic of her she wouldn't let me publish it. At least with her head turned and in a blur I won't feel obligated to get her permission to post.

9:03 am - 15th fairway

At least this maple has some color.

9:05 am - 11th green

This is one of my guys starting a backpack blower. Here again you can't see his face.

9:06 am - 14th hole

Here's a dog walking his master.

2:58 pm - 7th green

I took this on my way out. Did I mention that the photos were really boring this month... I mean even more than usual?

3:16 pm - Bala Cywyd, PA

Belmount Reservoir is just beyond the fence. ...I did say boring.

3:53 pm - Bala Cynwyd shopping plaza

I really need to join this place... the gym not the Rite Aid. I need to see if they have a part year program. I'll have time during the winter, but once the weather turns warm again I'll be working 80 a week again.

3:53 pm - Bala Cynwyd shopping plaza

...and here's one reason I need to get to the gym. Best burgers in town... at least that's what it says in all the testimonials plastered on their walls. I never go by what other people think. I was born in Missouri, the "show me state" and even though I spent less than a year there, I take evrything with a grain of salt. They are really good burgers though.

5:10 pm - Newton Square, PA

On the way back from shopping, I stopped to take a photo of the Philly skyline and I saw this old "woody" being towed down the street.

5:11 pm - Newton Square, PA

Here's a shot I got of the skyline and if you look the "woody" is in the shot too. I had to stand in the middle of a four lane road to get the shot and it isn't even a clear enough day to get a good photo.

5:14 pm - Newton Square, PA

Back in my truck I got a more complete view of the slyline through my dirty windshield. I told you it was a dull boring day. ...better shots next month I hope.

September 2009 12 of 12 - Somewhere Between Summer and Fall

2009-09-13T08:05:00.038-04:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell. Thanks for doing this for everyone Chad. It's the one thing I have to look forward to every month.

Today was a rather dismal dreary day ...the third in a row. It rained and blew all day yesterday and through most of the night. No sunshine today, but this is weather I can live with The rain came at a good time and any rain day means an early day for me. Well, Here's my 12...

6:15 am - Philadelphia (Roxborough), PA

New "puter" ...well new to me. There was nothing wrong with the old one other than the last super erased all the data and all the office software with it. He also left it password encrypted. I got around the password, but still needed Excel and Word. They set up this antique (note the 3.5" floppy drive) for me. It can't seem to pick up the wireless router. The signal is too weak. However my laptop has no problem. They said they will see about a antenna extention. I have my doubts about the integrity of this thing too. Despite not having run any real programs yet it's completely locked up on me twice.

8:05 am - Roxborough

11 tee... Everytime it rains hard the cart path washes out. So here I am to pull all the gravel back over the broken concrete and rake it all smooth ...until the next rain anyway.

8:31 am - Roxborough

Motoring up Walnut Lane on my John Deere. Won't see a farm tractor on the streets of Philadelphia too often.

9:16 am - Roxborough

Here's our complainer again... still wanting to be fed by mama. He must be feeding on something. He doesn't look all that emaciated.

9:35 am - Roxborough

I wanted to get a shot of a spider's web, but between the rain and the wind of yesterdays storm, there were none to be found. I suppose a tent caterpillar's nest will have to do. Maybe a nice web next month with a big fat spider for Halloween?

9:50 am - Roxborough

Just a ball rolling in on the practice green. I could have gotten a beter perspective if I was laying flat on the ground, but I didn't feel like getting completely soaked.

12:26 pm - Roxborough

A brand new engine... I'm just contemplating whether I want to try to start to replace it this weekend or wait till I have some help on Monday. Hmmm.... Monday it is.

1:54 pm - Roxborough

In south Philly there rages an on-going debate on who has the better cheese steak, Pat's or Gino's. Up here in Roxborough there is Chubbys and Delessandro's. Like Pat's and Gino's, Chubby's and Dalessandro's are right across the street from each other. Both have there plusses and minuses. Chubby's has a really great Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak and better seating. Dalessandro's serves a bigger sandwich and faster service. Ultimately, I usually chose Dalesandro's because I can drive in my utility cart, park on the grass next to the football field, and not have to cross a very busy 4 lane road.

2:02 pm - Roxborough

Okay, you're thinking you've seen this guy before, but no. This is a different hawk. At least the third different one I've seen here. He had a bit of a mouse or something else he was pecking at. I don't know if he caught it or just picked it up off the roadside or something. Our complaining bird was squawking nearby the whole time this fellow made his appearence. That too made it easy to say they are two different birds.

3:00 pm - Roxborough

Time to go home... not because it's 3, but I need to get some chores done at home. I never really look at the clock. I'm salary not hourly. As long as I'm here each day to open up on time, I'm good. I still punch in and out, but my pay is not based upon my hours.

3:24 pm - Bala-Cynwyd, PA

Even on Saturday there's traffic... UGH!

6:01 pm - Upper Darby, PA

The obligatory food shot... Romaine lettuce, Broccoli, onion, cucumber, red pepper, baby white mushrooms, sliced jalapeno peppers with a fat free low cal asian sesame dressing. I could do better with the dressing, but I would have added oil and it would need to sit for a while to marry the flavors. I'm really all about convenience any more. I'll have more time for myself during the winter to cook and work on setting up my apartment to my liking. Hurry up cold weather.

August 2009 12 of 12 - Summer Swelter

2009-08-13T19:08:00.012-04:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell. Thanks Chad.

5:33 am - Philadelphia/Roxborough, PA

Arrived at work. My humble office. Yeah, I spend most of my time on the course.

8:00 am - 3rd green

Can't say for sure what the weather will be today. It's been unsettled at best for over a week now. At the very least it will be hot and humid. So I need to water, at least a bit, just in case the sun comes out.

8:54 am - 12th hole

I've been trying to get a shot at this youngster for about 2 weeks now when I heard him crying for his momma. This guy is in his first year. You can tell by the dark band running across his chest. The older Red Tails are in molt and can't hunt very well right now. This is when these young fellows learn to hunt, but he keeps crying to be fed. Makes me want to go find him a mouse.

12:43 pm - 7th Hole

Joe and Joe... a couple of my friends from my old course come out to play.

12:51 pm - 14th hole

Okay, it's green.

1:02 pm - 15th hole

These guy are evrywhere around the course, but they tend to build their homes inside the wood line. I think this is due to the number of nieghbors who walk their dogs through the course. However this guy recently dug this hole on the boundry betwen the wood and rough.

1:07 pm - 12th hole

Here's our young bird on the wing crying as he's flying.

1:25 pm - 18th hole

I found this a bit interesting. This is whats left of a locust tree that up-rooted about two months ago. At first I thought it was coming back to life, but those aren't locust leaves.

5:06 pm - Broomall, PA

Produce aisle at Giant Foods.. my supermarket of choice. Okay a bit of camera shake, but didn't get too many shots inside the store.

5:09 pm - produce aisle

Okay, pop math quiz. Which is the better value... 2 lbs of carrots at $1.89 or 5 lbs at $2.49? I love to eat these things for snacks. So guess which one I bought. This was the last photo I took in the store before some manager asked me not to take any photos. Its against store policy. I think the whole world has gone just a bit paranoid.

6:15 pm - Upper Darby

This is the before photo of my fridge. Now you know why I went shopping

6:31 pm

That's better and that's all for this month folks.

July 2009 12 of 12 Playing in the Mud

2009-07-13T20:25:00.025-04:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell.

Today Promised to be just another long day at work, but ended up being much longer than I wanted.

4:41 am - Upper Darby, PA

We had a big downpour over night. It ended just a ittle while ago.

5:18 am - Roxborough/Philadelphia, PA

Got to have my Joe.

6:27 am - On the golf course

Everytime we get a bit of rain this cart path completely washes out... yes this is a cart path. It'll take me the better part of an hour to fix it.

8:02 am

Number 11 green

11:30 am Delessandro's

I never was all that big on cheesesteaks until I tried one of these. People from all over the country rave about these. I have the good fortune of now working right next to the restuarant. The seating area isn't any bigger than a small living room. That's why most get them to go. You'll be getting more pics as the months go by.

1:27 pm

This is Abigail. Since there is a main access to the bike and walking trails that runs right trough the course, people walk their dogs through the course all day long. Abby belongs to one of our rangers.

1:38 pm

One of our banners blowing in the wind

1:41 pm

...and so the trouble begins. Found this leak on the 16th hole.

2:06 pm

Got to climb down and shut off the water.

3:27 pm

After some digging, I finally find a pipe. I started where I saw the water bubbling up at the point nearest to the lens. I found the pipe where the shovel is. Little did I know that wasn't the right one.

6:57 pm

Looking back up the 7th fairway on my way home.

7:38 pm - Upper Darby

Looking out my window I see the neighbors on their lawn. They're not all that friendly, but at least they're quiet.

Follow up Photo - 7/13/9 6:11 pm

Here's what took me so long to post my pics. I'll test it tomorrow after the fix has cured.

June 2009 12 of 12 - A Short Trip Home

2009-06-13T06:12:00.037-04:00

Credit for the 12 of 12 goes to Chad Darnell of course. ....Thanks Chad.

Today was a busy day for me. I had a dentist appointment back in Harrisburg at 12:15, needed to get a hair cut, had to work in the morning, and had to get back to Philly of course. I did find time to relax and spend some time with my mother.

Well here's my day...

4:09 am - Upper Darby, PA

After getting my shower I checked the radar. This last week it seemed if it wasn't raining, we either just got rained on or were about to get some more. This morning was no exception.

4:32am - City Line Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Morning commute... St. Joe's. It's really humiid out and due to the long exposure the lights all have halos.

6:28am - Roxborough/Philadelphia, PA

The lighting is still pretty bad so even with optical stabilization on my "critter cam" lens, this is the best shot I could get of this juvenile fox.

9:52am - PA Turnpike reststop somewhere outside Morgantown

On my way to Harrisburg... I didn't have breakfast yet this morning other than coffee, so I stopped and got a 3 pump 5 shot mocha. More coffee and less chocolate... Any more chocolate or less espresso and it tastes more like hot chocolate than mocha. ...Oh, I had a Key Lime crumb cake with it. Yummmm.

1:55pm - Colonial Park/Harrisburg, PA

Done with the dentist, got my hair cut, now I'm out with my mother at Cracker Barrel for lunch. ...catfish, hush puppies, steak fries, turnip greens (with pepper vinager of course), and corn muffins. I should have skipped the fries and muffins, but what the hey, you only live once.

4:37pm - Harrisburg

Sitting on the back porch with my mother. Here she is coming in after talking with a neighbor.

5:39pm - Harrisburg

As I'm getting ready to head back to Philly I decide to take this shot of the house where I grew up. It's been so long since I've lived here, but it still feels more like home than anyplace I've lived at since.

5:40pm - Harrisburg

I decide to listen to John Mayer for the ride home. Six miles down the road, I remember it's Funky Friday on WXPN and they have satellite stations all over. So I tune into XPN. My taste in music is pretty eclectic.

7:06pm - King of Prussia, PA

I decide to stop at King of Prussia mall to get a drink and something to eat. I don't stop up here very often even though I'm working closer to the mall. Brian McConnel is the Brew Master here at Rock Bottom Brew Pub. I love his IPAs and they have this one on an English beer engine.

7:17pm - King of Prussia, PA

I decide on the Ahi Tuna (rare of course) with rice and string beans. Again yummmm.

7:54pm - Rock Bottom Brew Pub ...still

Here's a run down of what's on tap. I like to sample more than one where ever I go, but the IPA is so good I stuck with that. After I left here I went to the camera shop in the mall to purchase a lens cap for the 35-70mm lens I won on E-bay, but they didn't have a 62mm lens cap... bummer.

9:37pm central time - Detroit, MI

Okay, I'm not in Detroit and it's 10:37pm eastern, but the clock is down to 00.0 secs and the Pittsburgh Penquins win the Stanley Cup ...Yippee!! It's been a great year for pro sports in PA.

Speaking of Pennsylvania sports, I have a bonus pic of last week's bike race in Philly. The Manyunk "Wall" as they call it is just a short walk from my workplace.

Extra Bonus Picture

I saw this guy back at the end of last month so I thought I would share him with you too.

Pileated Woodpecker

Just a reminder... the GPS data is imbedded in the EXIF if you want to see exactly where each photo was taken. Indoor pics won't have any GPS data and today I had some difficulty with my GPS so some of the outdoor pics are missing the data as well.

See you next month.

May 2009 12 of 12 - One More Day in the Life...

2009-05-13T07:29:00.025-04:00

Credit for the 12 of 12 goes to Chad Darnell of course.

Nothing spectacular was going on this month, just another day of working and living. Found myself kind of busy through much of my work day, so I didn’t take many photos between mid morning and late afternoon. I was busy making some drawings for a project we are trying to push through as quick as we can. I’m starting to get settled in at work, but nothing ever goes 100% as planned. That’s just typical of everyone’s working life I suppose.

So here’s my 12…

3:36 am - Upper Darby, PA

The Moon was screaming so bright this morning it woke me up. So I finally got up a half hour early and took this shot.
5:08 am -City Line Ave, Philadelphia, PA

This is my morning commute... not much traffic, but plenty of lights.
6:58 am - Roxborough Section of Philadelphia

Here's a little conflict of purpose... a golf course along side a busy thoroughfare. Of course most of the city courses have to deal with noise from traffic to a certain extent.
7:09 am - Roxborough

Here's my creature feature for this month.
7:28 am - Roxborough

Here's one of my crew cutting a fairway in the morning dew.
7:47 am - Maintenance Barn

The Daily Grind... Here's my Equipment Tech grinding a bedknife for one of our greens mower units. Much of his day is spent either adjusting or sharpening the mowers.
3:49 pm - Roxborough

Okay, so it's a double creature feature. He (or she) was still going from limb to limb looking for a meal or two. If you ever want to find a dying tree just listen for the rapping of a wood pecker.
5:17 pm - City Line Ave

A little more traffic on the evening commute. 12 to 15 minute morning drive turns into a 35 to 50 minute ride home at this time of day.
5:29 pm - City Line Ave

At least I can enjoy the scenery on my afternoon commute.
5:50 pm - Drexel Hill, PA

I have to stop at my bank to get some money. The bar I'm going to doesn't except cards, so it's cash or wash the dishes.

7:20 pm - Morton, PA

Ahhhh... nothing like a nice pint of beer. This is my second, hmmm... maybe my third, but I was so hungry I forgot to take a photo of my dinner before I ate it all.
7:48 pm - Morton, PA

Here's Victor my bartender manning his station. His attention was diverted by the the TV as the Phillies got another hit on their way to beating the Dodgers.

Well that's all for this month. Kind of boring, but maybe I'll have something of more interest next month. Remember, if you want to see exactly where I took each shot the GPS data is embedded in the EXIF. (The GPS data maybe missing or inaccurate for some of the indoor shots)

April 2009 12 of 12 - Back to Philly

2009-04-12T22:42:00.022-04:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell.

Well I'm back in Philly and somewhat settled in, but still living out of boxes, so there's not much to show at home. I planned to go to my sister's place for Easter dinner, but had to work this morning first. It's been am unusually cold spring. Today was no exception.

7:10 am - Roxborough/Philadelphia

At the course...

10:01 am - Roxborough

Some cherry trees in bloom...

12:14 pm - somewhere outside Lebanon PA

On my way to my sister's house. I forgot to mention I now have a GPS unit attached to my camera. All the GPS data is embedded in the EXIF in case you want to track the shots.
12:43 pm - Cleona, PA

My sister's BF has a new "Man Cave" in the basement. He has two walls covered with just about every player who ever put on a Viking uniform. Despite being the wrong team, I found it rather impressive.

12:43 pm Cleona, PA

...He has a few other ones as well.

1:00 pm - Cleona,PA

Vinnie the cat...

1:02 pm - Cleona, PA

Sammi the Minature Pincher. ...poor dog, forced to where a doggy dress. I think I saw Vinnie laughing.

1:02 pm - Cleona, PA

Here's Joe. Not something you find in everyones foyer, but pretty cool, even for a replica.

1:42 pm - Cleona, PA

My nieces on the left Kerri and Kelly. Eric, Kelly's BF at the end of the table. next to him Brad my nephew, then my sister Susie and her BF Bill, closest to the camera.

1:43 pm - Cleona, PA

Okay last animal... Lou, a dachshund/Jack Russell mix.

5:44 pm - Lebanon, PA

It happens every Easter... people driving while under the influence of ham and horseradish.

6:49 pm - Valley Forge Exit - PA Turnpike

What a backup. What you don't see is that there is no line for the EZ-Pass lines. About 30 seconds after this photo I was able to get through and keep on flying. I hope this will convince even the sometime users to pick up an EZ-Pass.

March 2009 12 of 12 Just Shoot Me Already

2009-03-14T15:20:00.009-04:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell.

Sorry I'm running behind, but it has been a tough two days for me with a few more to come. I've been packing and moving from my apartment in Hackettstown back to Upper Darby... same building, same floor opposite end of the hall and still two flights up. I am just now taking a breather, and now have time to download my photos from my camera. Here's my day.

Hackettstown, NJ - 12:04 am
Near full moon, but too many clouds. This was as good a shot as I could capture.
Hackettstown, NJ - 9:12 am
The River Star Diner... A nice little place serving a good breakfast and lunch.
Hackettstown, NJ - 10:51 am
Need to get a move on. I have to get to Upper Darby, empty the truck, and take it all up two flights of steps, all before making my Dr.'s appointment at 2:30.
Upper Darby,PA - 2:05 pm
Done moving the boxes up... at least for today. I figured I moved about 1/3 of the boxes, but I still have all the furniture to move.
Upper Darby, PA - 206 pm
I put away some of my clothes the other day when I took my first truckload.
Wynnewood, PA - 2:51 pm
I took a photo inside the exam room while my doctor returned a page. I made the appointment at exactly my appointed time.
Wynnewood, PA - 3:07 pm
Just a photo of one car park from the vantage point of another parking garage.
Upper Darby, PA - 3:34 pm
My appartment building, but now I'm living at the other end of the L-shaped building and on the back side. Top floor... not looking forward to tomorrows move, but at least I have a little help.
Upper Darby, PA - 3:34 pm
Some serious ground moving going on across the street.
Upper Darby, PA - 4:38 pm
My chariot awaits.

Long Valley, NJ - 9:38 pm
Taken a break at the local brew pub after doing some intense packing. This is a converted 18th century barn... nice atmosphere. I haven't had a bite to eat since breakfast. Been constantly busy all day long.
Long Valley, NJ - 9:58 pm
Getting a growler to go one last time. That's it from me this month. Sorry if the photos are a bit boring, but I was worried about making my schedule and not so much on taking good photos.

February 2009 12 of 12 - Here We Go Again

2009-02-13T20:08:00.025-05:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell.

What goes around comes around. So here we go again. It's a bit long and somewhat complicated, but a year ago on my birthday (2/14) I got an offer for a position in North Jersey. After being unemployed for 3 1/2 months it was a welcome relief, but as time went on I had second thoughts about how competent my boss and the company I was working for actually were. I started looking around and despite the current state of the economy, I had a few prospects and interviews. However, none of those panned out. Then out of the blue I get a call from Philadelphia. The head of the company I used to work for called me up on behalf of his client. I hadn't mailed him a resume nor did he know I was even looking to make a move. I was a bit flattered. To make a long story short (I know, too late) I'll be working for a non-profit organization as a superintendent for the First Tee of Philadelphia. It will be a great change working to improve the lives of kids rather than filling the pockets of some rich guys behind the scenes of yet another management company. It's not that I really mind working for these management companies; I just don't like being pissed on and told that it's raining.

The plan was that I wasn't going to start until mid-March, that's still the plan, but I wasn't going to give my 2 week notice until the beginning of March. The GM comes in my office Tuesday morning and tells me they're "making a change". My boss didn't even have the Henry's (hope you don't mind the reference Chad) to call me. He sent in some wet behind the ears kid to do his dirty work. I called him and ask for his reasoning and he tells me it's because of poor performance. I can't imagine how he could come up with such a lame excuse 4 days after I was commended at our annual meeting, by his boss for a 22% increase in last year's net profit for my course. (It would have been even greater if the "wet behind the ears" GM hadn't gone over his budget by $45k.) My guess is that somehow he got wind of me landing another job and canned me rather than waiting for me to quit. It really doesn't bother me that much except I wanted to wait until my expense checks cleared before I gave notice. I have about $2,000 coming to me between my trip to New Orleans for the Golf Industry Show and monthly out of pocket expenses I inccured because the company doesn't want to waste the effort to fill out credit applications.

Well anyway, I am glad that I now have more time to prepare myself for the move back to Philly and can relax a bit before taking on the new position. I spent the day getting doing just that.

Hackettstown, NJ - 6:26 am

Okay the clock says 6:25, but my camera says 6:26. I'm going with the camera. It should be saying 5:45, but my flash wasn't working quite right. Apparently the batteries were good enough to flash and everything else looked good, but somehow the sync was off. I guess because of low power in the batteries. I changed them and they worked fine. That was after a shower and taking my glucose reading.

Kitchen - 6:40 am

Making the morning latte. I'm going to have to replace this thing sometime after I move. It does all right, but is a bit inconsistent with the amount it brews and sometimes with the quality of the crème.

6:45 am

The finished product.

Phillipsburg, NJ - 8:06 am

On my way to Philadelphia I get into a little morning rush hour traffic heading into Easton and Allentown ...not too bad though.

Philadelphia, PA - 9:25 am

After being away for almost a year, I had forgotten what I hated so much about this town, but it only took 5 minutes on the "Sure Kill" expressway to remind me.

Philadelphia, PA (Manayunk/Roxborough) - 12:34 pm

Here's a brief look at my future office. If anyone can identify the woman in the photo in the upper right hand corner, I would appreciate if you let me know where I can find my future wife.

Philadelphia, PA - 2:26 pm

This is the practice putting green. Not much to look at now, but remember we are still in winter.

Upper Darby, PA - 3:00 pm

This might look a bit familiar. No, it's not my old apartment, but it's just down the hall from it. They're putting in all new stuff appliances, cabinets, sinks, tile, vanity, carpet ...the works. They start painting tomorrow. Then the carpet will be all that needs installed. I looked at a couple of others a few miles away, but this one is going to suit my needs the best and it will be sort of like moving back home. I already know the local shops and eateries, so I'll be comfortable and set. Okay, not very adventureous, but after all the turmoil I've gone through over the last few years a little stability is not a bad thing.

Upper Darby, PA - 3:03 pm

It may not look like much now, but wait till I move in. I'll have it looking like a dump in no time. They even installed new windows which is good, because my old ones I had down the hall really had some gaps and leaked quite a bit. This apartment is better too because, if you notice, it's on the side where the quiet neighbors reside.

Philadelphia, PA - 4:26 pm

On my way back to Hackettstown. This time I get to drive right past the "Sure Kill". These are the signs for it as I pass them on rt. 476 north ...the "Blue Route" as it's called locally. Traffic is a bit heavy, but moves well most of the way back.

Hackettstown, NJ - 7:28 pm

I have been posting on a local forum here in Hackettstown. They get together every week or two for happy hour at one of the local establishments. Here we are at a place called Mattars. It's probably the best place I've eaten at since moving here last year. Too bad I'm moving ...lol. This is about half of those who showed up last night. You might ask why their faces have been blurred. Well, I have a policy of not posting anyone’s faces on any of my blogs without their permission. It seems only one person was comfortable with having his photo out there and his face doesn't even really show on here... lol

Hackettstown, NJ - 9:29 pm

Here's the last look at me in my forties. Turn the big 50 in 2 days.

Next month, the big move. I'm tempted to just post last March's 12 of 12 in reverse... LOL

January 2009 12 of 12 - Winter Wonderland

2009-01-12T23:47:00.022-05:00

Credit for the "12 of 12" goes to Chad Darnell. This is the fourth year for the 12 of 12, but only my second.

A new year fresh with new hope ...a blank canvas for us to paint our lives anew.

Okay, enough with waxing poetic. I had to work most of the day pushing snow with a front end loader, shoveling, and salting walks. Not really a bad day though considering we are going into a deep freeze for the better part of a week in a couple of days. So here's my 12 to start the new year.

Oh! I almost forgot. I just got a new camera, a Nikon D90. So all my photos will be taken with it. There are some new things I can do with it, but I'm still learning.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:40 am

Up a little later than usual. I guess I hit the snooze bar a few times.

6:10 am

Fly Eagles fly... Just a coincidence that my vitamin suplement was mixed in my Eagles glass. Had that glass like 25 years or more. Glad to see them win. I'm excited at the possibility of an all Pennsylvania Superbowl. We'll see in one more week.

6:17 am

My morning latte. I can use my wireless flash capibilities of my SB800 now I have the D90.

Hackettstown, NJ - 1:59 pm

I've been working on the parking lot and walks all day. Finally done so I'm getting out on the course to check it out and take a few photos of the winterscapes.

2:00 pm

2:05 pm

A little brook that runs through the course.

2:18 pm

I guess some geese are just too lazy to fly south or maybe they fly down from the Canadian Maritimes and this is warm to them. Just wait till he end of the week. They'll wish they had kept flying south.

2:35 pm

A few more snow scenes.

2:36 pm

2:36 pm

2:53 pm

Back at the barn. Here's Jac and another chance to use the off camera flash.

Hackettstown, NJ - 8:45 pm

I had a late lunch, so I just had some peanut butter celery, and a red pear for a late dinner ...of course a latte as well. I'm really like working with the wireless flash. I'm going to have lots of fun with this camera ...not that I didn't with my D40.

Bonus Pic
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Disney Hollywood Studios - December 22, 2008

I know it's way past Christmas, but since I my photos themed on a winter wonderland, I thought I would throw this one in ...very colorful and festive. (Just for those not in the know, Disney Hollywood Studios is a theme park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, not in California)

The Concept

2008-12-31T15:59:00.000-05:00

Hi,
My name is Gary AKA Hibe. I live in the Philadellphia area. I've took up photography as a hobby less than a year ago. I recently joined in the 366 for 2008. Here is the link for that blog. The "12 of 12" challenge sounds intriguing and with me having more time on my hands right now, I figure I'll give it a go. I'll probably have some of the same photos posted on both sites

The original idea was created by Chad Darnell. Below are the rules he posted (copy & paste). I have Chad's "12 of 12" link on the right side of the page. I'll be adding more as I learn who the participants are.

1) ALL PHOTOS MUST BE TAKEN ON THE 12TH OF EACH MONTH.
2) After you post your pictures onto a webpage of your choice (Livejournal, typepad, MySpace, Flickr, etc...) please post the TIME, LOCATION, and A SMALL COMMENT in the pic.
3) You own the rights to all of your pictures. The idea "12 of 12" is mine. While credit is not necessary, please don't credit someone else with the idea.
4) The original concept was at least one body part in the picture. That idea was slowly faded away. The important part is that it are 12 pics.
5) When referring to the project, please refer to it as "12 OF 12" - not "12 ON 12."
6) Once completed, please e-mail or post the PERMALINK of the post AND the city and state or city and country of WHERE THE PICTURES WERE TAKEN. (If you are on vacation, it's where the pics were taken.)
(The permalink is the link to the ENTRY of your page. If you just send me your website, I have to track it down. By listing the permalink, it helps for people to go back and view your previous 12 of 12 entries from previous months.)
ANYONE is welcome to join in, even if you've never done it before! I hope you will.

12 of 12 - 2008 Year in Review

2008-12-21T20:42:00.016-05:00

January

This is my first picture I took for the 12 of 12 and maybe the best one all year.

February

It wouldn't be a true 12 without at least one food photo.

March

One of my favorite haunts that I left behind when I moved.

April

This panaorama stitched together pretty good. You have to open it to appreciate it.

May

Dogwood in bloom.

June

Needed one deer shot.
July

Frog enjoying the water.

August

A super macro shot of a dew drop.

September

Need a beer every now and then.
October

Couldn't forget Jac, she's part of the family now.

November

Couldn't find a more appropriate photo for November.
December

The photo I shot of the soaring hawk would have been a good one, but I thought the shot of this Bluebird perched in a patch of barren brush showed both the winter and the hope of the spring to come.

December 2008 12 of 12 - One for the Birds

2008-12-14T12:55:00.018-05:00

I was looking forward to today all week and then when it came I forgot all about it. I finally remembered later in the morning. This is the last for 2008 and I managed to do all 12. Not bad for my first year. Well, here's my day or at least a good portion of it.

Hackettstown, NJ - 10:23 am

You have to look closely, but here are a few that made it through Thanksgiving.

Hackettstown, NJ - 10:27 am

A hawk is enjoying riding the thermals after the rain finally breaks and the sun comes out.
Hacketttown, NJ - 10:34 am

It's been raining on and off for the last three days and we received over three inches of rain. This creek often runs dry during the summer... not today.
Hackettstown, NJ - 10:38 am

I'm really surprised to see bluebirds still here this late in the year.
Hackettstown, NJ - 10:49 am

The ducks didn't seem to mind all the rain and the swollen creeks.
Hackettstown, NJ - 10:50 am

The geese are actually flying north.
Hackettstown, NJ - 11:19 am

Took this on a bridge that was underwater just 2 hours before.
Hackettstown, NJ - 11:29 am

Here's an abandoned bridge that's still under water. We need to remove it to clear the stream and to keep the stream from backing up.

Hackettstown, NJ - 2:05 pm

Here's the company's Christmas tree.

Hackettstown, NJ - 2:14 pm

The guys did get some work done today. They made and installed this cleat cleaner. The first one took a week of trial and error and finally me stepping in before it got finished.

Hackettstown, NJ - 3:19 pm

Here's Jac. She's getting bigger, but still just a kitten.
Hackettstown, NJ (Home) - 6:35 pm

Dinner.

That's it for this year. Not sure what next year has in store, but I'm looking forward to it. I'll be spending 12 days down in Orlando over Christmas, so I'll probably have a bonus photo from there in the next installment. Ta ta till then.

November 2008 12 of 12

2008-11-12T22:23:00.021-05:00

6:45 am - Hackettstown, NJ

My morning fasting sugar is always too high.

6:4am - Breakfast Yogurt and pills.
6:50am - Checking the weather. It looks like frost this morning ...maybe?
7:30am - Yep... there is a frost so we can't do anything on the course yet so I went on a "photo safari". I surprised a pair of late fawns during my "safari". I got within 15 feet with my utility vehicle, yet they didn't run off. Their mother and the other older bucks and doe are probably off, but nearby, during the rut.
10:00am - The guy's came up with a name for the kitten... Jac. Here she is relaxing on the window sill in my office.
1:13pm - Lunch... half a turkey and cheese sub and chili.

4:05pm - Time to go to the vet. Jac needs her second of two feline leukemia shot and a rabies shot. Jac loves reaching out of the box and playing with whatever she can grab. In this case, my camera strap.
4:34pm - Okay two shots wasn't so bad. Now let's see what's happening on top of the receptionist's desk.
5:01pm - Back home

The sun is going down quick this time of year.
5:05pm - That's where my sugar should be and usually is in the afternoon.
5:14pm - A nice latte before dinner.

6:13pm - Dinner... chicken with red chili sauce and broccoli.

Bonus Pic
8:28am - "I'd like to invite you guys to dinner on the 27th."

I ran into a flock of 9 during my this morning's "photo safari". I thought it would make a great bonus pic with Thanksgiving coming up.

October 2008 12 of 12

2008-10-13T09:47:00.016-04:00

Wow, it's the 12th already! This month went by fast. I had the day off today, so that means I only had to go in and work a couple of hours. Here's my 12...

4:28 am Hackettstown, NJ

Here's a new face... and what a face it is. I've had her for about a week now. She's 12 weeks old and soon to be a great mouser. She's going to be a barn cat, but I've been bringing her home to ease any separation issues she might have. She want's to be on my lap or near me most of the time, but doesn't really cry much when left alone. She's adjusted well. She doesn't have a name yet. I was going to let my guys name her, but they haven't come up with one yet. I'll probably call her squeaky because of the noise she makes when she wants attention. She's so loud though, I should call her screech.

6:51 am

Time for a nice latte before heading in to work.

7:48 am Hackettstown, NJ

Okay, here's the obligatory nature shot I took while making my morning rounds.

10:21 am Mount Olive, NJ

Made a trip to Petsmart for flea control. The kitten has just a few, but best take care of them before they become a real problem. Stopped at Wal-Mart first to kill time before Petsmart opened. Didn't buy anything, but I did look at plasma HDTVs. I think I know which one I want. I'm just waiting for the right time and price before I pull the trigger.

12:52 pm ...back at work

Had a late Sunday brunch at the local diner before getting back to work. I haven't used my infared filter for quite a while and it was a perfect day to use it. So here's one image I captured.

1:04 pm

We had our first frost earlier this past week. The trees finally are turning color. Next weekend should be peak leaf peeping time, but here are a few shots I took today.

6:06 pm ...back home.

All for me?

6:11 pm

...and this is for me. The sushi is from the local supermarket. I know... Sushi from the supermarke??? ...but it's really prety good and cheaper than getting it from the Japanese place across the street. The stoneware is the same pattern used in the show "Home Improvement". ...Funny how I notice these stupid little details.

6:16 pm

You didn't think she'd let me eat all that raw tuna by myself did you?

7:54 pm Adobe Website

Downloaded Lightroom v2.1 I've been meaning to download and use the trial version of the new Lightroom 2 ever since Sunny told me she loves it. There's a big learning curve going from Photoshop Elements. That's why I didn't have my 12 in last night...

That's all folks,

See you next month...

September 2008 12 of 12

2008-09-12T22:40:00.001-04:00

Well, I forgot it was the 12th... at least until 1:00. On top of that, it was a boring rainy day and I'm not taking my camera out in the rain. So I wasn't very inspired.

Hackettstown, NJ - 1:19 pm
Started raining at noon. Makes for a dreary day.
Computer screen in the office - 1:32 pm
There it is on radar.
Hackettstown, NJ - 3:15 pm
Back home early today... I do like the rain. It gets me home sooner.
Still at home - 6:13 pm
Took a bit of a nap before making dinner. Started off with a salad.

Romaine lettuce
Broccoli Crowns
Cucumber
Onion
Main Course... Boneless chicken breast
Avocado
Fry it in some walnut oil
Serve it up with some black beans. Yum yum delicious.

Wash it down with some nice hoppy amber ale and call it a day.

August 2008 12 of 12 - The Continuing Adventures of Hibe ...or just another boring day

2008-08-13T13:07:00.001-04:00

July 2008 12 of 12 ...Zoom Zoom Zoom

2008-07-13T09:54:00.001-04:00

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom... That's my theme for this month. I got a new toy... Sigma 150-500mm OS Lens. So I will throwing up some tight shots. My day started early... got to work at 3:49 am. I had to irrigate which meant I had to get wet. So I really couldn't risk bringing my camera with me for most of the morning.

3:49 am - Hackettstown, NJ

Okay, here I am at work to water my tees and greens... Oh Joy! Now... to turn on the lights.
3:49 am

There, that's better... or is it? Yeah, it's a little blurry, but at this time of morning, what did you expect? No more pics for a while going to be really busy for the next several hours.
11:18 am

Okay done with irrigation for now. This poor little frog pond is all but dried up. There's barely enough water to keep these little frog's butts wet. I felt sorry for them so I hooked up a hose to the irrigation system and ran it to the pond. More on this later.

11:45 am

Here's a view of the gold dome to the main building at Centenary College. I figure it's about 2 miles away.
12:12 pm

I put the hose in the end of the pond away from where are the frogs were. At 125 psi, it could blow them right out of the water... literally. As soon as I turned it on and they heard the water they came a runnin (make that "hoppin"). This little fellow was enjoying being right up there, getting splashed by the water being tossed by the force of the hose.

3:24 pm

More happy frogs. which brings up the question... How many of these fellows do you have to date before you find your prince charming girls?

3:32 pm

Another froggy pond this one has a fountain which we run to try to keep some water in it, but it does dry up faster than the other.

3:46 pm

Just a photo of a weedy flower rising above the hay. Queen Annes Lace I think?
3:49 pm

Looking for a perspective shot. Here the golfer has hit his shot and you see the ball in the foreground hopping towards the green.

3:56 pm

I small pin hole leak in the irrigation system causing a mist beside the 7th tee.

4:16 pm

A nice wooded shot looking back up the mountain.

4:19 pm

At the end of the day, I guess we all are just looking for a little shady spot where we can enjoy our nuts. My day hasn't ended yet. I took a couple of hours break for dinner and was back here at 10 pm watering fairways all night long. Got home at 11am Sunday morning, which meant I was up for 32 hours straight... UGH!!

Bonus Pic

Took this two days ago. I wasn't going to put this in, but I got quite a few good shots of this Red Tail Hawk and I thought I would share one with you.

June 2008 12 of 12 - Critter Cam

2008-06-13T21:34:00.001-04:00

Greetings from Hackettstown New Jersey. It is a rather busy day for me. I started at 5:00 am and I didn't leave work until almost 11:00 pm. Friday wasn't much better so that's why I'm late getting this in. This month's theme is creatures and critters of all sort.

4:45 am

First critter... me.

5:22 am

Okay, no animals here. It just looked cool. I love fog layers.

5:46 am

A little light breakfast browsing.

7:53 am

A groundhog otherwise known a a woodchuck... and no, they can't chuck wood.

8:20 am

A lone ant crawling on an oak.

8:29 am

A Red Wing Blackbird. They love sitting on cattails along ponds and marshes. This one found some poison ivy to perch on.

8:41 am

One cool frog.

8:45 am

Red Tail hawk riding the thermals.

3:41 pm

We have these bluebird boxes set throughout the course. They're mainly in or near our "naturalized" areas.

3:47 pm

I guess this dragonfly got away from the frog.

6:05 pm

I shot this right outside the kitchen door. They're waiting for someone to come out and feed them. The kitchen and wait staff bring out stale bread and feed them and the fish as well. These are actually this years brood. Mama is the one standing on the rock.

9:23 pm

Talk about caught in the headlights. I found a few deer hanging out in one of our naturalized areas while spraying my greens. This one just stayed laying down while I snapped off about half a dozen shots using my Speedlight. I saw four others later together including a fawn, but they were too far away and my shots didn't come out.

Bonus Picture
This I shot this today and even though it doesn't fit the theme, I thought it was worth putting in.

May 2008 12 of 12

2008-05-12T22:14:00.001-04:00

Here it is May already. Seems that most of this spring has been cold. Today proves to be no different.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:30 am
On my way to work on a cold, dark, rainy morning.
Hackettstown, NJ 1:56 pm
Stopping at the clubhouse to make some copies and drop something in the mail before picking up some lunch.
Hackettstown, NJ - 1:58 pm
The salad bar at the local supermarket.
Hackettstown, NJ - 2:03 pm
Okay, I bought the chili too. It's cold and rainy out. Nothing like some nice comfort food on one of these days.
Hackettstown, NJ - 2:34 pm
Back at the office to eat my lunch.

Hackettstown, NJ - 6:59 pm
One last trip around the course to see how it fared through all the rain before I head home. The geese didn't seem to mind the rain.

Hackettstown, NJ 7:03 pm
The ducks seem happy too.

Hackettstown, NJ 7:06 pm
Looking back up the mountain.
Hackettstown, NJ 7:08 pm
A nice Dogwood.
Hackettstown, NJ 7:09 pm
More Dogwood.
Hackettstown, NJ 7:14 pm
Looks like I just missed them since it stopped rianing less than 2 hours ago.

Hackettstown, NJ 7:20 pm
One last shot looking back down the 3rd fairway.

April 2008 12 of 12 - New Start

2008-04-13T15:04:00.001-04:00

I nearly missed the 12 of 12 yesterday. I had fogotten about it until mid afternoon. When you work 7 days a week you lose track of dates and tend to forget what day of the week it is even. Well I rushed back to work (well maybe rushed isn't the right word since it's only a mile away) to take some pics and this is what I got. This will be the first 12 of 12 for me since I moved to New Jersey ...new apartment ...new job ...new start.

Hackettstown, NJ - 10:40 am

Low clouds on the back nine. I took this with my new 3 megapixel camera phone. I got it because the keypad on my old phone was sticking and I had $100 credit for a phone upgrade. No zoom, but it will take video and has a 2Gb mini SD card (cost extra). It will do for documenting course conditions.

Hackettstown, NJ - 4:37 pm

Everything is a mess yet, but I did manage to install vertical blinds (not bad for the first time). I'm not showing the rest of the place. I'm still living out of boxes and they are everywhere ...next month, I promise.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:03 pm

This was taken behind the 8th green looking back at the 10th green.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:08 pm

This is a view looking up the mountain in back of my course. It's hard calling this a mountain because compared to the Rockys this barely qualifies as a hill, but as hills or mountains go around here it is steep.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:15 pm

Here's my office with a view.

I'm not too sure how this wil turn out, but here is a spliced panorama I did with 5 separate photos. I had to cut the resolution down in order to bring the file size down. I'm hoping if you click on the image you can at least pan across to get a closer look.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:41 pm

There are a lot of springs coming out of the mountain which means alot of wetland areas as well. Here's one along side of number 16.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:45 pm

Daisy.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:46 pm

Donald ...or is it Daffy?

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:50 pm

Canada Geese. No offense to our neighbors up north... I love hockey, Labatts, and Molson, but I wish I could call INS or Homeland Security and have these aliens deported.

Hackettstown, NJ - 5:55 pm

Here's the Musconetcong River. What I would call a stream, but I guess one man's stream is another man's river. It's a beautiful river and well stocked with trout. They tell me even that little trickle of a creek running behind the eighth and ten green has sizable native brook trout. I'll have to get pictures of them later in the season.

Hackettstown, NJ - 7:06 pm

This is a dead tree (or at least part of one) behind number 8 green. The top half had broken off during a storm a month ago. Ealier in the morning I had seen at least 3 woodpeckers squabbling over the remaining nesting sites. I was hoping to get a shot of them this evening. ... no such luck.

Hackettstown, NJ - 7:34 pm

One last look at my office before the lights go out.

This is what I usually see at the end of my work day... at least the end of a beautiful work day.

March 2008 12 of 12 - Moving

2008-03-13T14:18:00.001-04:00

I've subtitled this months 12 of 12 "Moving". I'm in the middle of packing and hauling myself to Hackettstown NJ ...all for the job. It's pretty much a sideways move form my previous position, but just a little better course, budget, and staff... not to mention a nicer area to live in despite being New Jersey.

4:45 am Upper Darby, PA

Okay, it's a mess. I'm in the middle of getting it all packed and moved, but I don't have an apartment until the 15th so I've been packing and taking a few boxes every other day for the last couple weeks. I've been staying at a local motel on the company on the odd days, but I need to finish packing everything by Friday so I've been packing, hauling, and commuting everyday this week.

5:30 am Upper Darby, PA

See the two windows to the right of the door and at the top of the building? That's my apartment. I don't mind walking up and down the steps for the most part, but I made the trip seven and 1/2 times this morning with boxes, framed "artwork", clubs, computer, and my trusty camera bag.

5:39 am Havertown, PA (outside the Dunkin Doughnuts)

My sugar hasn't tested that high since I went on meds three years ago. No breakfast, all those stairs... it's hard to explain why it's that high. I did take it again right away thinking it was a mistake. It came down 50 points. Maybe the meter was too cold from sitting in the truck all night, but it will let me know when the temperature is out of range?

6:52 am Route 22, Easton PA

Traffic was fine on the N.E. extention of the PA Turnpike. Then I ran into this in Easton just before the bridge to New Jersey. ...disabled car in the right lane on the bridge.

12:29 pm Hackettstown, NJ

I'm taking this from my truck parked in front of our maitenance barn. It's deciding whether to rain or sleet right now, so you know it's pretty cold, right? Here are some nut jobs playing. I'll never understand or love any game so much that I will play under these kind of conditions.

3:08 pm Hackettstown, NJ

Me at my desk. The office is a work in progress. (You should have seen how much of a mess it was before I started.)

4:09 pm Hackettstown NJ

Here's the maintenance barn. It's not as dirty as it is disorganized.

5:24 pm N.E. Extention of the PA Turnpike

Going home and traffic is moving good.

6:05 pm Interstate 476 South

...also known as the "Blue Route". ...today, it's a parking lot.

8:46 pm Media PA

I will miss this place... Iron Hill Brew Pub. Good food, great beer. There's a brew pub 5 miles down the road from my new digs. I will have to check it out, but it will have a lot to live up to.

8:47 pm Media, PA

Andy tending bar... great guy, bad photo. I tried to catch him too quick in low light.

9:21 pm Upper Darby, PA

Back home... Time to pack a few more boxes before I hit the sack and do it all again tomorrow.

February 2008 12 of 12

2008-02-12T21:01:00.001-05:00

Here we go again. This month will look a lot like the last. It's funny that I have had quite a few new experiences since then, but ended up pretty much back in the rut I call my life. It would have been nice to have shot these photos two weeks ago. I would have been in Hawaii and the scenes would have been of colorful sunrises, sunsets, palms and pristine beaches. As it is, these are of the suburbs just west of a city I like to call Philthadelphia.

Three months into my unemployment situation and things are looking up. I came back early from my vacation for an interview which seems like it may pay off. If so, next month's 12 of 12 may be coming from New Jersey... West Jersey as they call it. Not a bad area, but I dread moving, especially to a new state. It means a lot of problems logistically speaking... new license, new pesticide certification, changing residency ...it's all one big pain in the butt. The worse part is finding a new apartment then actually packing and moving. We'll have to see what happens next month. everything is still speculation at this point.

Well here's today's effort...

7:20 am Upper Darby, PA

This is the amarilys that was blooming it's first bloom during last month's 12 of 12. The first stalk had four blooms this is the second stalk... much taller and the foliage is out and growing.

12:52 pm Upper Darby, PA

Snowflakes on my driver's side window. On my way out to get some lunch and stock up on a few groceries.

1:15 pm Springfield, PA

Here's where I'm having lunch.

1:26 pm Springfield, PA
Chili for starters. I could do without the cheese. I like cheese as much or more than most, but you shouldn't have to put cheese on something just to add more flavor. A good chili should be able to stand on it's own. ...I wonder who left their beer up there on the bar???

1:39 pm Springfield, PA

Chop pork sandwich topped with cole slaw, beans as a side. It looks like someone has been drinking that beer.

2:53 pm Aldan, PA

Always like the produce better here. An apple a day keeps the doctor away... This represents an awful lot of out of work Doctors... Yeah right...

2:54 pm Aldan, PA

This guy has been floating around for the last month. Maybe we'll see if he's still around next month, but don't count on it.

3:47 pm Upper Darby, PA

Back home... a dusting of snow on the road and pavement. No bikes out today, but they did have a couple of small ATVs out. You'll have to look close to see them.

7:24 pm Upper Darby, PA

Looking over some of the early entries and commenting on them.

7:58 PM Upper Darby, PA

Dinner is served ...romaine, bitter field greens, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, green peppers, jalapeno peppers, mushrooms, black olives, artichoke hearts, bacon bits, blue cheese, and french dressing. I like the combination of french dressing and blue cheese.

10:32 pm Upper Darby, PA

Watching Parking Wars on A&E. A new reality show that's probably not as appreciated by anyone outside Philadelphia since that's where it takes place. I find it difficult to choose to be symathetic for the bungling bureaucracy or the morons who don't understand or accept the system.

11:55 pm Upper Darby, PA

Okay, I won a few bucks, but I didn't hit the big one. I guess I'll keep looking for a job tomorrow.

One for the ladies...
I used to have a tradition where I would give all my female friends a rose on my birthday, partly because I know they would appreciate it and partly becase I know it would agitate their boyfriends just a bit... I always like to stir up a little trouble. I haven't done it for a few years, but I thought some of my cyber friends would like it. I shot the rose on the 25th of Jan while in Hawaii.

Okay, one more picture not from today. I took so many pictures while on vacation, I wanted to share at least one more that I really like. I took several shots of the 3 tigers in animal kingdom. I have one on display on my 366 , but I like this one as well. I hope you do too.

January 2008 12 of 12

2008-01-12T01:27:00.001-05:00

I got a late start with the 366 challenge and have been trying to catch up over the last couple of days. So I decided to get an early start on this challenge today. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to present the whole days worth of shots, but I think doing just one post with all the photos inserted makes the most sense for this challenge. The amaryllis I received for Christmas bloomed this evening. I saw this as a photo op for the 366 challenge so I added it to that blog. That first one was before midnight so I left my camera and tripod setup and took some more right after 12 a.m. Since I had my equipment out and set up, I continued on by taking some shots of my hoard of coins.

12:01 a.m. - My living room, Upper Darby, PA

12:05 a.m - My living room again

Here again I went on a walk around the neighborhood looking for subjects for one of my 366 themes. I thought this would do for the flag theme.

2:23 p.m. Upper Darby, PA

Just what I thought to be an interesting alley along the way.

2:34 p.m. Upper Darby, PA

I always see these stone and mortar walls throughout the Philly suburbs and thought they would make interesting subjects. I was reminded of Bill Z's fence photo and decided to do it at a similar perspective. Didn't know what theme it would fit in with the 366 when I took it, but used it as my "Jagged" theme.

2:40 p.m. Upper Darby, PA

Couldn't let the day go by without trying my infared filter.

2:48 p.m. Upper Darby, PA

Stopped at the local diner. Outside at the corner I saw my "Sign" theme for my 366.

3:28 p.m. Upper Darby, PA

Gave the infared filter one more try, but it really works better with live vegatation and skies.

4:54 p.m. Upper Darby, PA

This is me at halftime ...go Packers. I'm not much for taking photos of myself, but this will take care of the "Self Portrait" theme for the 366.

6:16 p.m. Upper Darby, PA

Had to buy a few groceries at the supermarket.

8:18 p.m. Clifton Heights, PA

8:19 p.m. Clifton Heights, PA

One last photo to round out the twelve. This one fits the "Sparkle" theme for the 366. ...taken with an eight pointed star filter.

9:36 p.m. Upper Darby, PA