Idaho

After Colorado, I flew up to Boise for only a few days. I was so close that I couldn't resist seeing the newest member of the Hernandez family. But since I was still recovering from the flu..... I was disinfected at the door. But I when I came down in elevation I felt sooo much better. I will tell you what it was all worth it. Al and Vic make the prettiest babies. Mason is about 5 months old and his big brother Zacky is turning 2 soon. But my buddy Connor just turned 8 and we had a great time while I was there.
We played Sponge Bob Monopoly and I got to sleep on the top bunk. Its been real fun watching him grow up. The first time we went sking together, remember he was only 4 then, he smoked us down the mountain. I knew at that moment that he was going to make his parents lots of moola as some sort of professional athlete. Then there is Zacky he is too cute. I don't think he felt very well when i came and never really warmed up to me this time, but he loves his cars. And loves to watch movies! We watched Cars a couple of times that was his favorite. It was adorable to hear him say CA-CHOW like in the movie. Al finally pulled out the portable DVD player so we could watch real TV. And Mace..... what a sweet baby I was able to play around a bit with him taking a few images..... and boy could he tell you a story and grinn through it all. I couldn't decide which foot pic I liked the most...... I had a great time staying with them, I wish they lived closer, but while I was there we attempted to take some family portaits possibly for Christmas cards. Not sure if we accomplished it, Zacky had his mind on other things like chasing ducks!

Colorado

Last week I ventured back over to the west coast to shadow my photographer friend and then build my portfolio with my local friends. I spent the first day with Erin Cox (Smith) funny huh? I learned a bunch with her. She brought in some people to shoot and then I followed her to a few client sessions. It was really great that she took the time to help me out show me some of her secrets. It was a ton to take in at once. I think I took a lot from spending the day with Erin and will be able to use it in the future as I build my own business. Here are some shots I took over Erins shoulder....... more shots...

Then that night I got sick.... really sick.... 36 hour flu bug. I wanted to die! I havent had the flu in over 20 years! Then on top of the flu which dehydrated me, I got really bad altitude sickness. No winning. I was only in town for three more days and I spent it sick and then when I thought I felt better, I didn't matter cuz I was to shoot newborns and maternity shots. My friend Sarah braved the maternity shots. So I have a few to show but not as much as I would have liked if I was feeling better. But I wasnt able to shoot my friends Erica and Katies babies. I really wanted to see them all but I didn't want to risk it. Big Fat Bummer!!!!!

Sarah & Dave.... Isn't Sarah glowing already at 20 weeks......
. I was able to play with my fisheye to get the beautiful tree behind them.... I liked it!

Harvest Time

My most favorite time of year is the fall. I love the trees changing color and the crisp cold air. Oh ya PUMPKINS! Im not a huge Halloweener but I love decorating for the harvest time. I have a great front porch with plenty of room for flowers and my antique of choice. This year the colors in MD are amazing. We had a huge temperture drop mid October. Perfect! I have a few maples in my yard that turned brilliant shades of orange and red. I do miss my pumpkin guy from WA, I searched long and hard for a red one, I only ended up with some boring orange pumpkins this year.

New Toy

I had to share my newest toy. I purchased a fisheye lens and so far.... I love it! Its digital 10.5 which is equivalent to 16mm in 35mm. Im looking forward to using it in CO when I go and intern with my wedding photographer. I was able to break it in with the puppies.

Out Our Front Door

Today I was able to hobble down the street to take pics of where we live, to show everyone. We live two houses away from the infamous Baker Park. We have found out since we've bought our house that we live in best part of town. Baker Park is a bragging right out here. We are one mile out of downtown and near the historic district. Our home was built in 1950 and one of the last built streets along the park. We are surrounded by beautiful old homes that we can't even hold a candle to, but it sure makes it fun to step out our front door and have views like these. Our street is too cute and everyone knows everyone. Most have lived here there entire lives. And houses only sell when someone dies. Sad but true. We lucked out and found this home with no updates so it keep us within our price range. The park runs along the river with beautiful trees and pathways to walk our dogs. It runs straight into town where the riverwalk begins. There is also a huge pond where tons of ducks gather, baseball & soccer fields, tennis courts, and an amphitheatre. The cover bridge is directly across from our home, which i think is the best part of the park.

Cast is off!!!

Hey there.... my cast is finally gone and Im left with a heavy duty walking boot. My leg looks so odd now. Ive lost a lot of muscle mass but my ankle is fat. Im glad winter is coming, no more shorts for me. Im still on crutches and trying to withstand the pain of putting weight on my foot. This isn't going to be as easy as I thought it was going to be. I have 3 weeks till my next appt, and need to be walking fine by then. It going to be ruff though. I'm having troubles with keeping the swelling down right now and the pins and needles in the bottom of my foot kill also..... I know poor me poor me. But Im dying to get out of this house and back to normal life. Here's a great image of my pain.... ENJOY

Gimpy

One of the other reasons I built this blog is, that I have a lot a time on my hands lately. I hurt my ankle at Fedex almost 2 years ago when I dropped a 150 lb box on it. I went through many docs in WA and was treated for tendon damage and nerve damage. When I moved to MD, I had to find a new doc, here I finally found one who cared and took the time to correctly diagnose my pain. Ends up....I fractured my tibia. By now it became a "nonunion" fracture and I needed surgery. I went under 3 weeks ago and they put one screw in my leg. Ive been in a cast now and only have a week left till it comes off and my stitches come out!!!! My sympathy for anyone who has lost use of a leg. I'm going nuts hopping around this place and boy does my leg itch like crazy!