Don't go viral

Don't go viral. I am watching this surfer in the waves between Hermosa and Manhattan Beach and all I can think of is where are the sharks? So, I used my mad Photoshop skills to recreate what I saw in my head. I like surfing. Did it once or twice. But I think I look too much like a seal to give it another go.

Washington Trifecta

This is not a hugely exciting picture, but it is exciting to me as this place in the Dupont Circle area of Washington DC offers a trifecta of opportunities: A bookstore, an excellent restaurant and a bar all in one. What can be better? Kramer Books and Afterwards. Very cool, independent bookstore.

Godwit Hermosa

You always see these little shore birds along the beach, but I never knew their names. Marbled Godwit....who knew? Birders do. Probably a lot of locals as well. They winter in LA and live the rest of the year in Canada. Smart birds.

Surf's Up, Hermosa

The surf was pounding last week in Hermosa Beach, not an unusual occurrence in the winter from what I was told. This was not a particular big wave, but I like the wind blowing the spray off of the top of the wave. The surfers were telling me that the waves were big but disorganized which made surfing dangerous and difficult. Still, some brave or foolhardy souls made it out.

Hurry....the waves are waiting

Some pounding winter waves showed up in Hermosa Beach this week and surfers rushed to take advantage.

Starved Rock Eagles

This pair really made my day. Someone said the one that is further away is a juvenile and its parent. The juvenile has a bit of fish hanging from its mouth. Amazing birds.

Starved Rock Eagles

Beautiful day shooting Eagles at Starved Rock. This pair, likely a juvenile and parent posed near a great viewing site.

This is what happens when you teach a 5 year old Photoshop

As the title says, this is what happens when you teach a 5 year old Photoshop. He likes me to cut out objects from other picture to place into a background where he can manipulate them. change their blend modes, resize and make all manner of changes to fit a story. The background shot of a hotel room from one of my trips has been filled by WIlliam with all manner of animals and objects.

Seattle Street Musician

I am not sure what instrument is being played here but it looks very traditional and exotic. I found this street artist in Seattle in the Public Market tourist district.

Boston Reflection

Love the shots of the old buildings reflected in the new and in Boston you get a lot of that.

Washington in the Boston Commons

Took a late fall, early evening walk in the Boston Commons and came across George Washington all lit up in a golden hue with some of the downtown in the distance.

Cumberland Hills, Maryland

Saw this beautiful scene on the way to a meeting in Cumberland, Maryland so pulled over to take a shot. Turns out the GPS was directing me to those white buildings in the distance, where we had a lunch meeting planned. 

Let's Play or Work Time?

Verizon wants to play but this guy has to work.....

15 below looks like this

It doesn't look like much. It could be 30 above, but it was 15 below and that is an empty looking cold view of my neighborhood.

No Soup for You

A number of places say they are the original Soup Man, but I liked the look of this one.

Blood Red Sun Set

Another painted and textured effect on a sunset from a trip last year to Manhattan Beach.

Before....and After

Finally, a snow fall worthy of using the snow blower to remove. I didn't use the snow blower at all last year and I wasn't sure it would even start this morning. But it did. It has been snowing on and off all week but I always judged a shovel was just going to do it quicker. No way with this snow. I know it won't be the last time I have to get the snow off the driveway today or this week.

End of a Season

Always sad to put the tree out on the curb and to box up the ornaments. Signifies the end of the Christmas season. Oh well, only 3 months until baseball starts again....

I love a good magazine stand

Quite a surprise to see a full fledge newspaper stand and magazine store in Manhattan Beach among all the surf shops and clothing stores.

Queen Mary View

This scene kinda looked like a painting as I caught it near sunset. So, I turned it into one.

Christmas Toy on Sentry Duty

Tall toy solider doing guard duty during the Christmas season.