Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Almost, But Not Quite


I keep trying.  This shot was made last evening, May 25th, at 9:00 P.M. (ish).  It was shot with a Nikon D40 through an Astro Tech 102ED refractor.  The hardest part is to get the focus right.  If you look closely, the focus is off just enough to make the photo a bit soft.  Here is another

To do astrophotography well requires a lot more money to be spent that I am currently willing to invest.  One of the largest expenses is to acquire the right mount. 

Here is a sun shot:


It is an okay shot, but still not quite there.  I hope, one of these days, to get it just right.  For now, I am having fun.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Proud Parent



This picture was on the web site of USA Today yesterday (third week of May).  There is no missing Drew - the green tie gives him away!  He has had a busy week with the election in KY.  Exciting days.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Sunday Night Basketball and Gravity - Wake Up!


For the past month I have had the privilege of teaching a group of High School young men.  They are an invigorating group.  It has been a lot of fun - for me at least.

After class, most of the high schoolers and some college students play basketball and I have been invited to play with them.  In doing so I have made a discovery of which the world should be aware.  Gravity is steadily increasing.  The pull of gravity is growing and I am living to see the effects it is having!  There was a time when I could jump and hang onto the rim.  I never could dunk the ball, but I could grab the rim.  These days, I can, on a good day, touch the bottom of the net.  Two weeks ago a young man, 23 or so, stuffed me.  He was gracious about it, but he nearly shoved the ball down my throat - and he is no taller than I am.  And, the more I run up and down the court the heavier my legs feel. By the end of the night it feels like I am dragging bags of cement around. Something is happening here and we better wake up before gravity does us all in!  One of these days we won't be able to get out of bed.

Wake up world!  Get out and play some basketball with high schoolers.  You will also discover this phenomenon. 


Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Goodbye Mr. Winter


Mr. Orion the Hunter is going, going, almost gone.  If you want to see him, look soon.  In a few weeks, he will be lost in the glare of the setting sun.  It is a sure sign that winter has given away to spring.  I shot this picture a couple of weeks ago.  This is the one constellation most people recognize.  And, I am glad to see him go away for a while but always look forward to his return.  By the way, his companion constellation Taurus is going with  him. 

Monday, May 3, 2010

Happy 50th!!!!!!!!!!!


"Old Blue" (my dad chose the name, not me) was bought brand new by my father in 1960.  I think it cost less than $2000.  There were few amenities - except an AM radio.  He used it as his work truck.  That is, he drove it back and forth to work and he used it around the house to haul everything from dirt to dogs. 

I love driving it and am amazed at how few mechanical issues I have had with it.  The brakes went out last year - that was exciting.  This year the clutch is acting up and I am having some of the slop removed from the steering by replacing a few parts.  Otherwise, it runs like a top, except.  Except it is not the vehicle of choice if you are in a hurry.  I have a motorcycle that chomps at the bit to go, go, go.  Not this truck, it wants you to slow down, take a deep breath, look out the window, relllllaaaaaaaxxxxx. It takes its time warming up and does not like being rushed.  It will break the speed limit, but the groove is about 50.  At that speed it will hum along all day, although it does like gas.  And, the tank is right behind the seat.  Nothing like sitting on a tank of gas running down the road. 

Frankly, I still feel like the truck belongs to Dad.  I am just borrowing it.  His fingerprints are still all over it.  I am grateful for the connection to him.  And, Happy Birthday "Old Blue"!