North of 19th Avenue

Saturday February 12, 2012- low light

2012-02-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

I have acquired a Pentax K-5, to use in low light situations, and so far initial experiments have proven successful.

Some samples.

Thanks for reading

DJB

Friday December 9, 2011- I can see my neighbour now.

2011-12-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

This past week, my 'tree guy' came over and took down my two 60' plus Manitoba maples and left me some of the wood, for friends to use, and for me to have some kindling.

Did a great job, price was good, cleaned up the yard very nicely.

I will recommend this guy if you need trees down.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Sunday November 27, 2011- This and that

2011-11-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Not much going on since the shed build, but i have managed to take a few photos since.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Thursday October 20, 2011- All trimed out and no place to go

2011-10-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well its 99.99% done. The final bit of outside skirt trim is up and a few corner shelves built this week. Only thing left is to add the "boys funnel" and the window next spring. Oh and a few small vents when i get around to it. Not a huge priority.

It was hell and fun ant the same time. A very good learning experience, with thanks from family, friend's and Do it yourself DIY disaster shows.:-)

Thanks for listening
DJB

Sunday September 25, 2011- doors

2011-09-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well my back up carpenter/builder came over Saturday, and with the help of my welder buddy, what a welder is doing at a wood shed build site I'll never know, managed to get the shed doors up. Still have a bit of interior and some exterior trim to cap it off, and complete the painting, but for me, its 98% done. I can now put stuff in it. Ya.

Thanks again to all that helped, greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Monday September 5, 2011- Trimmed out

2011-09-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.
Worked on the soffits and corner trim for the shed this weekend, it is labour day is it not, and the end is in sight. I even cut the tops of the trim pieces to fit the roof line, i impress myself sometimes.:-)
Just the door and some shingle molding to add.

Glad when this will be done, but it has been fun building this.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Saturday August 27, 2011-shingles

2011-08-28T06:29:00.001-07:00

Hello faithful reader.
Well Saturday was a big day around the casa, my roofing friend came over and shingled the shed roof for me. Did not have to but he did, small town living eh.:-). Looks great and now i can work inside the shed on those rainy days, like today and keep working.

Soffits, door and trim are all that is left.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Saturday August 20, 2011-Its really much more than a box now.

2011-08-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

My builder friend showed up today and helped me install my rafters, gable ends and roof sheeting. It sure helps to have help. I doubt i could have done this myself. It looks great and a big relief that that part is done. Now, soffit some more paint and the door and we are done.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Saturday August 13, 2011-its more than just a box

2011-08-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well i have been busy the last few days, no rain so i managed to get the entrance wall framed sheeted and erected. Liz painted that wall this morning. Also had time to install the 2x6 ridge beam this morning. Looking ,ore like a shed every day.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Tuesday August 9, 2011-shed west wall

2011-08-09T07:31:00.001-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Between Sunday with its off and on rain and yesterday, i managed to get the west wall built. Managed to screw up twe cuts on Sunday, so no more partial work, do it all or not at all. Needed to do some minor edge adjustment on the north wall lay out to get it square enough Rod will not notice during rafter placement but that was ll. So far i have impressed my self.
Oh the cat shot is for fun.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Saturday August6, 2011-Shed floor and some walls.

2011-08-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well a couple of busy days on the shed build. Thursday i built and painted the south wall which is close to the garage, so i wanted to prep as much as possible on the floor. I can get between the wall and the garage, but its just easier this way. Friday i built and painted the north wall, figured what the hell might as well stay consistent with the other wall right. Liz did the priming and paint on the OSB board then i just cut to fit my 10' x 6' high frames. The south wall seems to look out of level at the front, but i checked the corners with a rod and level, well actually a Wild T1a transit at 90 degrees but the results are the same, and all of the corners were with in my 1/4" tolerance, or at least i thought they were.
Any way here are some more build photos.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Tuesday August 2, 2011-shed floor and foundations

2011-08-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well the old shed is completely gone, and i put the new foundation in by myself on Monday August 1. Will be doing the floor sheathing today if it does not rain.

Thanks for listening

Wednesday July 27, 2011- Its down.

2011-07-28T12:24:00.001-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Finally hammered and smashed enough to get the roof section down. Took the sheet metal to the recycle place and got $13.00 for 220 pounds of tin.
Its raining so Friday will be old floor removal and corner leveling.
Oh the stuff under the cover is the new shed.
Thanks for listening

DJB

TuesdayJuly 26-A, Shed tear down

2011-07-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

Hello faithful reader.
Today's work. Kinda fell in on me at one point.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Tuesday July 26, 2011-The shed project

2011-07-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.
I have decided to rebuild my old tins shed. Its leaking and falling apart. This was not a spur of the moment decision, but a 5 year master plan. The plan you ask, well it takes me 5 years to get off my ass and do it.

Any way, the work has started , lumber in the driveway, so I thought i would do a pictorial essay of the progress.

Here is day 1 and 2.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Saturday June 04, 2011-Jays are back

2011-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

More jays.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Saturday May 28, 2011-Jays are back

2011-05-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

The jays are back at our feeders along with the Cardinals and squirrels.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Monday May 23, 2011- Multi tasking

2011-05-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.
The horse farm we are associated with,
 now has a schooling
show team. This is the first step of three
in the horse
show world, the others are Trillium and
then the Nationals.
Have to start some were. Erin, our
daughter teaches at
the farm and does in house coaching,
but this is her first
foray into off property work.

At Pickering Horse Centre.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Thursday May 19th, 2011-Tulips

2011-05-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.
This past week has been dull, and wet, what better time to shoot flowers. Taken in the front garden after one of many rain showers.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Saturday May 14, 2011-Birthday boy

2011-05-14T04:33:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Last Saturday was my Bro Law's 65th birthday. The wife's family, and friends decended onto his house for the bash. Great weather, nice and sunny and warm on the deck, good food and good friends.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Tuesday April 12, 2011- The PDML Annual Photo Book is ready

2011-04-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Our third annual photo book is now available at Blurb. It show cases the work of Pentax photographers from around the world. See below:

This is the third annual collection of photography by members of the Pentax-Discuss Mail List.

73 photographers from 16 countries around the world who work in every photographic style and genre.

Sold to raise money and awareness for the Pediatric Oncology Global Outreach program of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

ISBN 978-0-9830664-3-9

For more information (including ebook versions) see http://www.robertstech.com/pdmlbook

Here is the direct link should you decide to purchase a book.:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2098910

Thanks for listening

DJB

Sunday March 27, 2011-Photo drive

2011-03-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.
Went on a short photo drive Saturday. Colours are flat, mostly oranges and yellows, but I managed a few I like. Mostly taken on the 10th line and Mussleman Lake.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Monday March 21, 2011-Horse play

2011-03-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Not much going on photo wise these days, but here is a shot from Feb whist walking around the farm. A little halter tag.

Managed to install two shelves and put my wood splitter stand together over March break. Happy with that.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Sunday February 13, 2011-Snow golf

2011-02-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, Saturday was our annual snow golf game, played in the hills of middle Uxbridge, as per normal. A large crowd this year, 25 plus, and a wonderful pot luck lunch helped make the day a success. Tee off time is always scheduled for noon, but as normal we never got under way till about 1pm. There was a three way tie for first, but every one was cold, hunger and stiff, so the shoot off was canceled and we split the trophy three ways. I was on one of those teams. Yipe.

Thanks for listening
DJB

Sunday January 30, 2011 Blacksmith shop

2011-01-30T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Took a trip to the Blue Heron charity casino in Port Perry at Xmas and stopped at the Scugog museum for a photo or two.
Spotted this shop. Pretty dull day out so colours were mute.

Thanks for listening
DJB

Monday January 17, 2011-Kay's Birthday lunch

2011-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Its actually on the 18th, but we held a pot luck brunch on the 15th for my Mother in Law's birthday. I'm told it is her 88th.
In the picture is grand Daughter Erin.

Thanks for listening
DJB

Tuesday December 28, 2010-The first Xmas

2010-12-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Another Christmas has come and gone, but for us a small twist this year. Our daughter and her husband hosted their first Christmas dinner this year, and it went very well. A 25lb turkey was not really needed, but you live and learn right.
Dinner was fantastic, as were Erin's pasteries.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Friday December 24, 2010-Old buildings and snow

2010-12-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.
Out for a photo drive the other day looking for my favorite subjects, old farms.
Nothing like an old building and snow.
Merry Christmas everyone, and thanks for listening

DJB

Monday November 29, 2010- Farm walk

2010-11-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of doing an informal digital camera demo for two Ladies with new Canon cameras.
After the lesson, we walked around the farm to try out their new found skills.

Here is one of mine form that walk.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Tuesday November 2, 2010-I have a son in law.

2010-11-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well Saturday October 30, 2010 was a big day at our house. Our daughter was married. The ceremony was wonderful and the reception went off quite well.
Stress level is back to normal +1.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Saturday October 2, 2010- More Bluejays stuff

2010-10-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Been shooting more jays this week.

Enjoy

DJB

Thursday September 16th, 2010- Feathered friends

2010-09-16T14:46:00.001-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Its starting to get more like fall around the casa lately, but the birds in the backyard are still here.

The top flying shot had rear curtain sync flash to see what it would do with blur etc.

Thanks for listening

DJB

August 31, 2010- My big fat tomato

2010-08-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Back in the spring, a company from Ontario advertised a tomatoe plant that would grow 6-8 feet and produce 3 pound fruits.
So....... i bought a package. Three pre packed peat pots arrived and i started two of them. About 5-6 plants grew, and as they matured a bit transplanted them to various mediums, outdoor pots, the veggie garden etc.
None have grown to claim, one is 4' and a bit with average size fruits and one made it to 2 1/2 feet, planted in the veggie garden and has the biggest fruit. Not sure of the weight, but it measures 15" circumference. Looks big anyway.
None have ripened and i'm afraid they may not as fall is approaching and all of my regular tomatos are ripening.

The three peat packs were $15.00 and the shipping was $14.00. What a rip that was, but i figured as much.

Anyway, here is a picture of the big fruit.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Saturday July 24th, At the Cottage

2010-07-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Spend the better part of a week up in the North Bay area for a family wedding.

I was the photographer for it.

Prior to the actual day, we did an overnighter at the bother in law's cottage on Lake Nipissing.

He has done a lot of work on it over the past number of years and now looks great.

Nice scenery, quiet and wildlife is around, you just have to wait for it.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Friday July 23, 2010- Lewis farm tradition

2010-07-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Last Thursday, on July 15th, the annual antique farm equipment demo was held at the Lewis farm in Markham Ontario. Most of the equipment used is horse drawn, and they had 4 teams here this year, as well as a few old tractors using bailers and also used to run thrashers etc.The equipment has been rounded up over the years and lovingly restored by this group, trying to keep the memories and times alive.

Another good crowd, hot and dusty, just the way us old farmers like it.

Speaking of old farmers, i have noticed a pattern over the past number of years. The younger guys try and work the equipment and the older boys tell how to do it right.:-)

Till next year. Thanks for listening.

DJB

Friday May 21, 2010-The Stouffville Crew

2010-05-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, and era is soon coming to a close/end what ever you want to say. The Newmarket yard that i am employed with, as a school bus driver, has lost all of its runs for next school year, in the latest round of contract bids. The era, well, the yard has been running for well past 40 years, i cannot seem to get an acurate number but I know it has been there since the late 70's.
Any way, our Safety Manager, the women who hired me in 2007, has touched a lot of drivers/trainers over the years, and as a tribute to this, we, the Stouffville drivers, put together a small thank you today at a local coffee shop. A nice flower arrangement, a partially inflated balloon, a symbol of our tires, no just kidding here, a gift certificate and a lovely photo, that i just happened to take.

Insert grin here.

A nice morning was enjoyed by our small group, I did not have to buy this time, and we all will miss the yard, the co workers and at least one manager. Insert smile face here. I spent 35 years with my previous company, expecting to retire with them, and when that did not happen, i expected to retire with First Student, and now.??

Thanks Dale, it will be a different school year with the company that took out routes, but you will always be there in our daily logs, er I mean our hearts.

Thanks for reading

DJB

Sunday May 9, 2010-Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Today is Mothers Day, and i want to wish all you mothers out there a great day. Mine has left the planet but not my memories.
Around this time our back yard Cardinals usually return and this year is no exception. We have a male and female for sure, maybe one other pair, not 100% sure just yet. The Blue jays have also returned and the squirrels, well they just never leave the peanut factory we have here.
A small amount of snow last night, but no biggy.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Monday April 5, 2010

2010-04-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, spring has sprung, the grass has riz, we wonder were the birdies is.

Well at least the birds leave my Daffodil's a lone. The first half have bloomed, and they are all yellow except for this guy, the white and yellow one.

The second half looks like they will bloom in a few days with one more like this one.

Thanks for listening

DJB.

February 23, 2010- Snow gold Annual

2010-02-23T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well last Saturday was our annual snow golf tournament. It was a week later than normal, but when the course designer has a paying gig, he has that right to take it.

As usually a lot of fun. A bigger than normal turnout this year. maybe the date suited more folk this year, or maybe more of them sobered up and remembered what day it was.

A lot of great food for the pot luck lunch, perogies, cabbage rolls, roast beef, wings, venison chili and salads. Plus cold beer.
After the same team had won the past 2-3 years, a new championship team was crown. They are seated in front of the group shot

Finally.

Enjoy the photos.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Thursday February 4, 2010-Haiti relief

2010-02-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Last Sunday, January 31st, Pause Awhile Equestrian Centre in Stouffville,
held a fund raiser for the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. The plan was to get interested riders to participate in a fun horse show, with raffles and a silent auction.

A number of interested riders showed up, as did a lot of nice prizes to be won or raffled, by not only parents of the riders, bit local businesses as well.

The show was a pretty simple thing, two divisions, a Princess division and a Queen Bee division. Classes included a spoon and egg, Simon say;s, musical ride and a Handy Hunter(make your own course of jumps). The raffles and auction went well, and the riders all had a lot of fun.

In all, over $7800 Canadian was raised and presented to Mr John Chang of the Red Cross. This is John in the centre of the picture above.

Well done every one. For only a week to prepare you all did great, and i had a blast taking the photos for you.

Thanks for listening'

DJB

December 19, 2009-Run Forest, Run

2009-12-20T03:18:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well December 17th, 2009 will hold a special place in my memory bank, as long as it holds out i suppose. I was hired at MMM Dec 17, 1973 and the Olympic torch for the 2010 winter games passed through our town between 9am and 10am Devember 17, 2009. However, as with both items, they are now long gone. I was "retired" by MMM June 8, 2007, and the flame is now well west of here.
It was nice to see all of the kids and adults out for this. I had no idea we had that many unemployed here in town.

Just kidding, I'm sure most of the adults were legitimately sick that day.:-)

All of the public schools allowed the students to walk down to main street and watch the runners. It was a great feeling. Lots of flag waving and hoots and hollers. That may not mean much to our friends to the south, but keep in mind, we are usually a quiet, well mannered lot, but we do like to show our pride for our country once in a while.

I can take or leave the winter or summer games, but i do like the hockey. Probably some of the best games i watch are during the winter games. More at stake, not sure.

Well that's it for now, and thanks for listening

DJB

December 3, 2009-The store calendar

2009-12-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

The CFO works part time at a local pet food store, and thought it would be a nice idea to put together a calendar for the owner. I already have a number of worthy photos, but she wanted to include a few of the store cat.

Bella does not wake up well, nor get ready for work in a hurry, as you can see.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Monday November 23, 2009-Run away.

2009-11-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Had a chance to get out and do a small photo drive on Sunday. Not
to far from home, but i chanced upon this scene.
I saw the cat in a field of geese and had to stop, it was to good to be true.

Cat saw me, scared the geese and this is the one shot i was able to get. Panned at unknown settings.
Not sure who was more scared of whom.

Thanks for listening

DJB

November 4, 2009- I like fall.

2009-11-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

I'm a big fan of the fall season. I almost started a Face book group, that's how much i like fall.

So Dave, whats with fall, eh.

Well, i like the cooler temp's, so i can breath. I like the crisp mornings and the frost on the windshields(I would have said pumpkins but they did not grow to well this year), and, I like the colours this time of year.The fall colours always make me smile. I love to drive around and see the different shades of yellow, orange and red mixed in with the evergreens and tamaracks.
My birthday shows up(every year can't figure that out) around the time the weather starts to turn rainy and nasty. I get a bit depressed from that, but only for a while. A good photo drive usually does the trick.

The colours are just about gone, but i managed these two shots last week.

Thanks for listening

DJB

August 12, 2009-New family addition.

2009-08-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, after two years plus of hanging around each other, buying a boat and recently a house together, my Nephew on the wife's side, asked his Julie to marry him on August 6th, 2009.

Even having known him for two years plus, she still said yes.

That Simpson charm works again. LOL

Congrats's to both of you from Me, Liz and Erin(oh and the three cats)

Thanks for listening

DJB

July 22, 2009, Thrashing day

2009-07-25T03:21:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, this years annual plowing and thrashing demo took place, once again, at the Lewis farm in Markham Ontario, on July 22. This year one new piece of equipment was added, a horse drawn potato planter.
Oh i forgot to mention, this is a day for display and use of horse drawn farm equipment and early gas powered thrashers and tractors. The equipment has been purchased and repaired over the years and a group of local and not so local farmers put them to use every year.
Small crowds ten years ago, the day attracts people from all over, and now a crowd of 150-200 is the norm.

Pictured is Ted English and his team pulling the wheat cutter.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Sunday July 12, 2009- Procrastionation II

2009-07-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

No amount of free beer will help me to get out of procrastinating, in fact it probably hinders it a lot. However as you may remember from my previous posting, i finally got my ass out of the chair and worked on my kitchen.
Not a lot of work, although it could use a full face lift, but just enough to keep the CFO happy.
Well the final paint went on last Sunday and although it took me a few days to get used to the colour, does not look to bad.

However i did not re read the note i left myself in 1986 when i redid the two bed rooms and bathroom walls. Demolition is my thing, not reconstruction. I said back then, no more joint taping by my self, I MUST HIRE THIS OUT. So i looked at the kitchen walls, not to bad i say, just a few imperfections, not a problem.
Well, all i can say is, my taping looked alright when sanded, primed, but when the real paint went on, several seam's and missed divot's can be seen.

Thankfully i have a lot of photos that can be framed and put on the wall. Now i don't see any imperfections.

Now on to the next chore.

Thanks for listening

DJB

Tuesday June 30, 2009-Procrastionation

2009-06-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

I procrastinate. I really do. To prove it, this is my kitchen story.

About 7 years ago, Odee, our newest cat at the time, found a small bit of loose wall paper and decided that would be a great toy for the day. He managed to pull off a few strips before we noticed it.
The SO then decided, well since Odee started the reno, we would finish it, so Liz started to tear off the paper she could reach with out moving furniture.

The walls stayed like that until just before Christmas 2008. Wanting something to do, we moved the furniture and removed 99% of what was left. Now all we had to do is pick a colour for the paint, she did not want wallpaper any more, and go for it. We have two weeks off at Christmas, perfect timing.

So those two weeks go away and i find my self at March break removing the last 1% of paper and fixing up small holes in the wall. Perfect time to do the kitchen, with a week off at March break.

Last Saturday, she finally picked a colour (and remember all this started back in 2002) and we bought the gallon of paint. We are off for the summer, and what better time to reno the kitchen eh, off for 10 weeks.

Well i finally am motivated and so far have managed to sand the wall, and prime them.

See the picture above for a really bad pano of the part of the kitchen.

I need to have this done by July 11th as we are having an open house and Liz wants it done by then. See, i now have motivation, that's all i need.:-)

So i have gone one better and have said it will be done by July 4th. Talk about pressure. But, all that is left is the final two coats and its done. I think July 4th is not out of the question, but i have said that before.LOL

See this space for the final update.

Thanks for listening.

Dave

May 24, 2009- Five more weeks.

2009-05-24T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, only five more weeks of school and i can park my bus for another season.

We have been doing a lot of charters for field trips lately, I guess they have run out of things to ~try~ and teach these kids.:-)

Seems the zoo is the place to be, not Beverly as the Jed Clampett would have you believe.

Did several trips to the Toronto zoo, and one to a small refuge zoo north of the city.

One little guy seems to like hanging on things. The other guy things I'm dinner.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

May 11, 2009-Getting ready

2009-05-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

A local conservation area, Bruce's Mill, is gearing up for the up coming season of school trips, hikers, joggers and nature buffs.
Here is a shot of some picnic tables ready for use.

Thanks for listening

DJB

April 26, 2009-Good light, bad light

2009-04-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well yesterday was quite eventful. The day started out great, partial cloud, warm, just a nice over all spring day. I decided to take advantage of the light in a small cedar bush that remains after some house construction cut most of it down, here in town, around 1995 or so.
Bush is clear of under brush, but there is some nice crowns on the cedar trees that lets in some playful light. This is one from the shoot today.

Good thing i went when i did, as around 5pm a very unexpected storm blew through the region, high winds, heavy rain etc.
Most of the clothes on the line out back ended up in the neighbors yard. He was kind enough to return them.

Any way, i am remembering Saturday April 25th was sunny, so here is today photo.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

April 12, 2009-Ducks

2009-04-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Mallards have been freed from the ice.

They have their speed back.:-)
Panning helps.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

March 19, 2009-Another one bites the dust

2009-03-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, it looks like another piece of Whitchurch-Stouffville history will meet up with the wrecking ball soon.

The town is expropriating land to widen main street at Hwy 48, and this building is in the way.
March 31 is the dead line for some one to take the building, for free, but has to move it to an approved site. The town is not giving a lot of time to do this, so i suspect they just want to see it go.

Don't know why we have a heritage committee if they don't do anything to save these old bits of history.

The building was built in 1850 and among other things was a general store, post office and from 1990 this lunch shop and ice cream store.

Time will tell.

Thanks for listening

DJB

February 18, 2009- Snow Golf

2009-02-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, last Saturday, the 14th, was not only Valentines day, but the day of our Annual Wagg Road Open snow golf tourny.

Good weather, nice and sunny, with about 1 1/2 feet of snow still left in the bush, after our week of warmer weather.
Snow had a nice crust so walking around was pretty good this year. In past years, it was not uncommon to walk through waist deep snow, and still swing a club.

As always, a pot luck brunch of stews, chilie, meatballs and beer, lots of beer. What else would motivate us to do this eh.

Thanks for reading

DJB

January 31, 2009- Churchill Church

2009-01-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

My daughter and her fiance, are still looking for a church and hall, so they can get married.

I like this one.

Thanks for listening

DJB

January 11, 2009- I spent to much money

2009-01-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

I went to an auction on Saturday.

I went by my self.

Bad idea.

I spent to much money.

I saw this cast iron, horse drawn fire wagon, and thought it would be neat to own. It is.
Thought I could buy it for $30-50 dollars.

I did not.

Spent way to much money, but it looks good in the house.

Now i need to buy some driver figures.

Bad idea, going to an auction with out a spotter.

Next time.

Thanks for listening

DJB

12-21-09-Some winter observations

2008-12-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

This is my 56th winter on this, the 3rd planet from the sun. Some times it feels longer than that. I live in what is called, by those in the know, The Great White North.
Now you would think, with a title like that, 3-4 cm's of snow would not bother any one, right.

WRONG.

Up until 2000, I had spent 90% of my working career out doors, and in the Northern parts of Canada. I have spent the last eight years, either in an office environment, or motor vehicle of some sort, but still manage to get "out".

Some observations i have made over the last eight years, were i actually managed to to be home every day, winter wise.:

- -5 Celsius in Toronto feels like -40 in Thunder Bay.
- -5 Celsius in Thunder Bay, is a nice July afternoon.
- In Thunder Bay, it snows every other day from November to March.
- In Toronto, 2cm of snow paralyzes the city.
- In Toronto, any thing over 3 cm of snow is called a storm of the century, and has 24 hour media coverage.
- In Thunder Bay, unless it snows more than 3 feet, no one even mentions it. Even then only if asked about it.
- In Toronto, 300-600 vehicle crashes will occur each "storm".
- In Thunder Bay, there are 300-600 cars.
- In Toronto, at any given time, one of the big 400 series highways will be closed.
- In Thunder Bay, they only have one highway, and it stays open most times. If there is an accident and its closed, we drink.
- In Thunder Bay, they plow snow only if requested.
- In Toronto, you can't request, the power is out.
- In Toronto, they remove the plows from the trucks in April.
- In Thunder Bay, they stay on, just in case.
- In Toronto, they run out of shovels and snow blowers right after said first "storm of the century".
- In Thunder Bay, every other store sells blowers and shovels.
- In Toronto, you might get your ski-doo out 1-2 times a year.
- In Thunder Bay, they stay in the back of your pick up, all year round, just in case(see snow plows).
- In Toronto, no one adjusts their spend for winter driving.
- In Thunder Bay, you guessed it, its always winter driving, so no adjustment is needed.
- In Toronto, only York Region never cancels school buses.
- In Thunder Bay, the bus is kept pretty busy.
- In Toronto, Pearson Airport closes the day before a storm.
- In Thunder Bay, they put skis on the planes, and carry on.
- In Toronto, the trains run late or not at all, due to switches freezing etc.
- In Thunder Bay, the train is always late.

Basically what i'm trying to say is, i think its hilarious to watch the TV stations go nuts with storm coverage, or what they call a storm. They seem to be the only ones interested.:-)

Thanks for listening.

DJB

November 21, 2008-Our 15 minutes of fame.

2008-11-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, it took 13-14 years, but the rider in the family finally made it to the big show on Nov 16th. Daughter has been helping out by riding a friends new large pony, and attended several events over the summer in the Sport Pony classes to try and qualify for the Royal Winter Fair, in Toronto.
She managed to qualify in two events, Hunter/Jumper suitability and the same for Dressage. Only the first place winner at the qualifying shows can attend.

The team did very well in a field of a dozen ponies.
A 4th in the Hunter Jumper and a 2nd in the Dressage. Needless to say, rider, and owners are thrilled.

We may not have made it on our own horses, BUT, we made it.

Not terribly good photos, high ISO, low light and panned resulted in a lot of semi soft photos, but these three stand out.

Thanks for listening

DJB

October 20, 2008- Panning flight

2008-10-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well it looks like summer is gone and fall has arrived. Dark and dreary day, and now some rain. Typical fall day in Hooterville.

The last few weeks have been nice, sunny and cool in the AM and nice in the PM. The SO and I like to spend time out back, and feed the jays and squirrels. I thought i would try some "In Flight" shots last week. Not so good. Panning these little buggers is tough. I settled on trap focusing and hope they flew into the zone.

So, here are a few shots that are close, but still no cigar i suppose.

Anyway, enjoy.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

September 29, 2008-Straw Art and The Royal

2008-09-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Couple of things to post today. Firstly, the 164th Markham Fair is running this weekend. My photos are all entered, and now await the judges verdicts. I hate that part, LOL.

What started out, i think, as some farmers having some fun, by making things from round and square straw bales, has now turned into a neat contest. Lots of different ides, and they are judged on the creativity.

I'm paratial to the tractors, but they have pumpkins, cows etc.

Good fun.

The past Saturday, we entered the last Sport Pony qualifing show at Twinholm, in Milton.

We had already qualified in the Hunter suitability and needed the Dressage. Well we know how to draw it out, and E qulified for the Dressage at this final show. This is the pony she is helping her young student train, and everyone is thrilled.

So we finally get to the Royal Winter Fair, but on some one elses horse. Thats ok, its a privelage in any degree.

Thanks for listening

DJB

September 19, 2008- One step out of the way

2008-09-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well Sunday September 14, 2008 was the engagement party for daughter Erin and James. I guess this is the new fad, i don't remember this when we got married. Although dirt was just being invented about then, so,

Nice place, held at the Willow springs winery near here, and everything went fantastic. Good eats, good wine and i did not have to go past my bed time.

Now, the horse is sold, they have some money, set a date.LOL

No thats not her baby. Its James' brothers kid.:-)

Thanks for listening

DJB

September 5, 2008- Goodbye to her friend

2008-09-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, as some of you may know, Erin has been trying to sell her
Trakehner for about 2 1/2 years or more. Not sure
why the long delay, her record is very impressive and we did not ask
for an arm and a leg, just a few fingers
and toes.:-). To be honest, its a buyers market not a sellers, so we
just carried on.

Anyway, back in July, Erin's coaches coach tried the horse, liked her,
vetted her, and we never heard back.
Spring forward to last Sunday. She is just about ready to ship her off
to a sales farm, a place that will aggressively market her for a
commission, when she was offered a deal by the coach. Not quite what
we wanted, but after a short meeting, thought it was best to take
the sure thing, than maybe not have her sold in the 2 months we had,
and had to take her back and start all over. More board, expenses etc.

So, last night, Erin recieved the certified check and at 1pm this
afternoon, said good bye to her friend and
companion of 7 years.

She put up a brave face, as she was in tears a few moments later.
Thats why i wanted to be there, say goodbye and offer the Dad
shoulder.

It was used.

She was a great horse. They both taught each other the last 7 years.
Erin bought a horse that knew 0 about showing, and Erin spent hours
working, training, loving, bonding. Calyn had a loving home, and is
going to the same.
Erin has learned so much in the past 12 years of horse ownership, our
first horse, a TB mare is retired now, about responsibilities
health, compassion, finances, joy's and heart aches. It was well worth
the $80-100 K she and or I have spent over the years.

I was away for most of her up bringing, but tagged onto each and every
show she rode at. Even the shows i was photographer at, i made sure i
was at her ring for her rides.

Dads who work out of town a lot have to do that sooner or later.:-)

The money was needed to help in the wedding plans, house down
payments, what have you, but Erin knows she needed to start chapter II
of her life now.

Is horse ownership dead. For now, yes. After the future mortgage gets
payed down a sum, and her daughter(god my next chapter is
granddaddying, when ever that will be.:-))has grown a tad, i'm sure
she will have the bug to buy. Mom's love to see daughter ride.:-)

Not worried about keeping the riding up. Coach has plenty for her to
ride and train.

It was a good ride, so to speak, and we all enjoyed it. I would never
trade those years, ever.

Enjoy your new home Calyn.

You know you'll be missed and loved.

Thanks folks, and sorry for the ramble.

Dave

August 11, 2008- Off to the Royal Winter Fair Horse show

2008-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Spent Saturday August 9 at the Sutton Fair horse show, getting rained on, and stuck in the mud, but it was worth it.

I'll explain.

For about 15 years, my daughter showed in divisions that did not qualify to go to any championships, until last year
when she switched to Dressage, but i digress. She is now going to the Royal Winter Fair, in Toronto this coming November with a Sport Pony entry. This past spring, friends of ours had bought a medium pony for their daughter. A young prospect, with some minor training. My daughter is the coach of this young rider, and was asked by the parents to be the handler and rider for the Sport Pony Line classes and Hunter and Dressage suitability classes. These classes qualify for showing at the Royal, which is every riders dream, but only a small number qualify to go. The Sutton Fair was show number three, and the horse has moved up from 5-6 spots to winning a first place in Hunter suitability this past Saturday.

To qualify you need to be a registered Sport Pony, and win a first in a qualifier class, and she was.

So, we're going to the SHOW.:)

As parents we are so proud of our daughter, and as owners our friends are very happy.

Kind of funny, we finally make it, on some on elses horse.

Thanks for listening.

DJB.

July 21, 2008-The good old days

2008-07-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

I managed to make the plowing demo at the Lewis farm in Markham Ontario on July 17 this year. I have not
been able to attend this since 2004, and was very glad to be able to make this years event. In 2004, they had out for use, two or maybe three pieces of equipment.
I guess over the past few years, they have been able to fix up several more pieces and this year used seven or eight pieces.

This is a local farm owner, that has a petting farm and also trains teams of heavy horses for wagon pulling, carrages etc.

I love this old stuff.

Hope you enjoy this shot.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

Thursday July 3, 2008- New Camera fun

2008-07-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well a week or so ago, i managed to snag an IR converted Canon G3 from Eekbay.
Up until now, my IR was done via the Pentax istD and a Hoya R72 filter, tripod etc, etc.Proior to this, i shot about a dozen or so rolls of IR Kodak film, which got my feet wet, and interested in this medium.

This little G3 is a great IR tool. The person that converted the camera had set up a custom WB which works well. If shooting in the custom WB or B&W modes, the live view lets you see what the photo will actually look like before shooting. If i want the shadow in a slightly different spot, i can see were it will be, as an IR photo, not a colour version. Camera has all of the things i need, Tv, Av, Manual etc modes.

This i love.

Anyway, was out the other day and shot a few around town.

This is in a small parkette downtown Stouffville

Hope you like it, there will be more.

Thanks for listening

DJB

June 6, 2008-Dwarf Columbine

2008-06-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

I kinda like this warmer weather now. Our perennial garden is starting to take shape a bit, and
some flowers are popping out.

Bought some Dwarf Columbines in the spring, and have started to flower after only 4-5 weeks in ground.

Weather was nasty when i shot this. Overcast and rain, but you know what we say.
Bad weather makes for good photos.

Thanks for listening

DJB

May 29, 2008-Spring has sprung

2008-05-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well it looks like spring is in full force in the GTA. My lilac bushes are in full bloom now.

Vegetable garden is showing signs of growth, and the birds and wild life are back in the yard.

A bit of an "artistic" angle from the bigger tree.

Testing out my K10D and DAF 50 macro

Thanks for listening

DJB

April 29, 2008-Final trip

2008-04-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Sorry i have been a bit busy over the past 6-7 weeks, and have neglected my blog.

I have finally been ok'd by our MTO, and finished off my school bus training at the beginning of April. I know
have a route, and like it a lot. Manovering around the yard is no fun, but that, thankfully is only when i NEED to go up to it.

I did my final wind tower escort run at the 1st of April, from Ft Erie to Thunder Bay. The picture here is near Barrie after an over night stay. Heavy rain here, and major snow and ice in Sault Ste Marie. Hwy 17 was closed for a while, but thats not new for that area.

I cannot say i'll miss the work, it was not to bad, as long as i could follow. It was the things i had no control over that bothered me. Weather, road closures, equipment failures. I wound up not getting home in time for 2 of my 3 horse show weekends, and i just cannot afford that, if i want to expand the business.

Figures, I just signed up for a Trip rewards card. Not sure it will be used a lot in the future.LOL

Well as i said, been busy and will be getting busy with my first out door show May 3.

I have a few things to share now, family equine adventures and weddings etc, and i';ll do that over the next few days and weeks.

Enjoy and thanks for listening

DJB

February 20, 2007-Revised Schedules

2008-02-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well this Saturday was supposed to be WhiStle radio's, http://www.whistleradio.com/, Stars of Stouffville III, but due to some problems has been postponed for a bit. I was to attend, also for th e third year, as photographer of the event.
I even went so far as to add another low light lens to the Lowepro, a Pentax DA 50 F2.8 Macro. But it will have to wait i suppose. Good thing, as i need to send in my K10D to address aome back focus issues. I have been assured it will be a maximum of 2 weeks turn around, so the timing should be good.

Its a pretty good event. Usually 6-7 local artists, doing sort of an Unplugged type of show. I'm always impressed with the talent we have in the area.

Today photo is a shot from year I, Chris Huddy and Bob Watson, converted to B&W, one of my first attempts.

Tanks for listening

DJB

Feb 6, 2008-Windmills on wheels

2008-02-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

You know, this trucking business sure is starting to look like the survey business i was in for 34 years.
A lot of hurry up and wait. Rush out to the site, and find you don't have half of the paper work and or information you need
but start out anyway. Took four loads of windmill bases to Fargo ND last week, but due to the loss of at least 10 hours, waiting for permits and the drivers to tie down the loads properly, we only made it to Hurley Wis., Friday afternoon. Since they could not travel Wis. on the weekend, we were sent home and some US escort drivers took over on Monday.
I should mention, none of this was driver fault, and all office fault, which again, reminds me of my survey days.

Here is a picture of one of the three bases used to make a tower. Gives you a sense of the size of these things

Thanks for listening.

DJB

January 26, 2008-Back in the saddle

2008-01-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, i have a couple of things to add to the blog this week.

First off, its been snowing a lot here over the past two weeks, and i'm getting some good shots towards the fall fair photo contest. Second, i picked up a new Tamron 28-75 F2.8 for my Pentax camera(s) today. So much for New years resolutions eh.

Thirdly, i'm back in the saddle for a bit longer. Had a load to escort to Sarnia Ontario this week, and next week 8 of us will be escorting 4 loads of windmill bases to Fargo ND. Yes i know i quit, but i guess the boss did not get my memo.LOL.

I also have an offer to do some inside work for a garage installation company. I'll do a day on the job when i get back to see if its something i want to do.
Sent my physical back to MTO, with the ok from my Cardiologist. If i get accepted by MTO, i'll have the bus driving job to fall back on.

Pictured today is an old rail car out side of the place i picked up my load to Sarnia. Converted to B&W Sepia in Lightroom.

Thanks for reading

DJB

January 11, 2008-Game On

2008-01-11T06:48:00.001-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, since this IS supposed to be a photo blog more than anything else, i will try and get more on here for ya'll.

This is a shot of the basketball court at our local park. It was shot in colour, but the B and W conversion gives it the dreary look i was after. The kids in town grip there is nothing to do, and look, no one on the court. Go figure.

Shot Jan 2 after a big storm and cold snap. -25 that day.

Enjoy

DJB

January 8, 2008-I can't see anything.

2008-01-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Welcome to 2008 and Happy New year. The weather has been a bit weird here lately. Went from -20 C to + 10C over night, and with it came a LOT of fog. Not unexpected with all of the snow on the ground and the warmer temps.

Something a bit different for me, photo wise. Here are some fog shots around the farm that we board our horse at.

DJB

December 30, 2007-On to 2008

2007-12-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, 2007 has come and gone. The world is still in a turmoil, and Dslr shooters are in a tizzy about what may or may not be on the next generation of cameras.:-)
Actually, I had a decent year, all things considered. Had a great vacation in Las Vegas in April. Daughter and her SO accompanied us, and had a wonderful week. They plan on returning. My work here is done.:-). Also had a wonderful week at the Grandfather Mountain, Nature Photography Weekend in June. This was my third year, and i love the place. Great scenery, great company. Pentax may be the # 3 in the camera game, but the owners are #1 to me.
Even though i was bought out from my place of employment, after 34 years, it was not that bad. I had really no love for the business, and was glad to be out. The SO even said i was now sleeping better and snoring less. I tried to tell that to the PDML at GFM, but they don't believe me.:-).
This was my best year every for web based sales from my Equine shows. That means a new lens i fear.LOL

Managed to keep busy with a few part time gig's, and i think i have some decent prospects coming my way in early January.

My daughter finished her show year with 5 of 6 Championships, Champion year end and first overall in Level I, Dressage, in Ontario at the Trillium level. Why we cannot sell this horse still amazes me.

Christmas was good for us. Small and quiet. Had supper at my sisters, whom i only see 1-2 times a year. She does not cook, but didi a great job.

So to all, have a great Newyear and hope all your wishes come true. There has to be a job out there for me somewhere. I'll find it.

DJB

Dec 15, 2007-Wether the Weather

2007-12-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, i have finally had enough of local news and weather channels and their "Storm Watch" doom and gloom reports.

Ten minutes of super hype, for a meager amount of snow, say 1-3 cm's, that may or may not show up.

I can not believe how worked up the GTA of Southern Ont gets over these "storms". I worked for a survey company for close to 34 years, and most of my work was done away from the office, in Northern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Alberta. I have also worked winters in the East Coast.
It is not unusual in the North, to have snow in Winter. Trust me, it does and will happen.
Usually 3-5 cm's a day is common from Nov to Jan, at least, if not more, then it settles down a bit, snow still but less often. Local news might mention it in the daily weather forecast, but believe me, they do not make any big deal out of it. Heck the snow plows don't even come out for any thing less than 5 cm's. You just drive on it.

Here is a typical Northern news lead, as i remember it.

"Oh BTW we should get about 10 cm of snow tonight, say how's are hockey team doing these day, Ken".

That's the Northern way. It should be adopted here. If i see one more reporter standing out side, toque on and saying how bad it is out side, when you can still see pavement, I'll scream.

One or Two cm's of snow, can and will, paralize Toronto and the 400 series of Hwys. No one slows down, and the OPP will respond to a crash a minute. People its winter. Has been around here for 1000's of years if not more. Trust me, in that it will snow between Nov and April every year.
Get those snow tires on, slow down or stay home.

And please no more super hype news stories about what is inevitable any way. Half the time, when i am hoping for a snow day, the sun will shine, and Buffalo gets it.:-)

Sorry for the rant. I'm feeling better now.

Thanks for listening

DJB

December 01, 2007-Repair week concluded

2007-12-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well its been a pretty exciting week, at least for a guy with 10 thumbs.

I have, and still have, some repairs and things to do around the house. I have been "semi retired" since June, and i thought this is now or never time to get some of this stuff done. Three things needed some what immediate attention, a leaking sink cold water handle, a broken basement sub floor(the raised wood kind) and our electrical panel upgrade. I have no intention of doing the panel. The panel has been on the list for quite some time. I have had someone in to install and repair my air conditioner on several occasions and i questioned his wiring on several times. My suspicions we're confirmed by the electrician with comments like, who put this in, its illegal and could cause a fire. Stuff like that.

Managed to get the old water handle off. Its an old, old sink with separate handles. A trip to the local Canadian Tire and with some hands and knees product searching, found what i needed, a cold water plug. Nothing much to put it back in, however i forgot our house was built by a left handed owner, and the taps are all back wards. I should have bought a hot water plug, as the handle is reversed now, but i was not going to get into a fight with it again. We'll live with it.

Next i tackled the floor. A piece about 4'x4' plywood had rotted, due to a small water leak the house has during certain kinds of rain or spring thaws. I knew the plywood and at least one 2x2 had rotted, but kept putting this off. I REALLY need to be motivated to do stuff like this. Motivated, as i did not want my electricians to break a leg, i fixed it on Tuesday. My simple 1 hour plan turned into a 5 hour adventure. My carefully planed mini saw did not cut the mustured and had to find my skill saw, which took some time. Needless to say, finally a new piece is in place, but some old survey words found their way out into the open.:-0.

Friday was D day. The panel was getting up graded from 60 to 100 amps. I hand tried to get this done over the past three years, and the people my SO wanted in kept putting us off. I thought i was being quite fair in letting her have three years to ask them, so in Sept i said i was getting someone else, that she has a hate on for, and that prompted her into calling the son of another friend who is a qualified electrician and a price and date set quickly.
Friday WAS supposed to be nice, about +2 and sunny. Well, how does -10 and snow sound. We pretty much had to do this now, as it would take another month to get Hydro to come and cut and hook power up.

Only a few minor snags, wrong size this, wrong length that, but by 3 pm all was done and inspected. However the worst part was waiting for hydro to come back at 6pm and re hook. Good thing we have a wood stove.

Soooooo, three major repair items are done, i still have 10 thumbs, but its enough to please the SO for a while and i can concentrate on how i will fix the next set of problems. Remember i need to be motivated.:-)

Thanks for listening

DJB

November 21, 2007-Back from my trip

2007-11-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hello faithfull reader.

Well its been over a month since i last wrote anything, thats due to two things. My life is now boring, and what was to be a two day trip back on Nov 5th, turned into a two week x country adventure in the US and Canada.

I had no loads to escort for about 10 days, when i recieved a call to escort another converyor belt to the Dayton Ohio area for Nov 5th. Sounds good i said, easy loads to cover, just follow and in Michigan another escort is needed and they lead. Well we delivered the load around 9am on Tuesday morn, helped my driver take wires and lights off, then we headed back to Canada.

Stopped for fuel around Wapakoneka Ohio, when my phone rang. I knew i should have shut it off, but i answered it anyway. I'm needed in Holland Michigan for the next day to be one of 4 escorts on two super loads going to Fort McMurray Alberta. Managed to find the place on Wednesday, and met up with all the other drivers. The one driver from Michigan, who shall remain nameless was a complete jack ass and pushed my buttons from the get go.The loads had been sitting in Holland, as well as the truck drivers, for 23 days until they finally received permits for Michigan.

Two days to get out of Michigan and over the bridge to Sault Ste Marie Ontario.Friday was drive like mad to get to Nipigon, were we had to weekend over. Oversize cannot move on weekends in Ontario. Well two days of Mr knowitall(not the guy from Rocky and Bullwinkle, i like him) was all i could stand, and i quit and started to head home. I finally cooled off, and returned to honour my commitment, reluctantly.

Three days of following a 16' wide by 16' high load followed untill we reached Lloydminster Alberta Wednesday night. Alberta escorts would now take over and i could look forward to a long, three days to get home. I over nighted in Lloyd and headed out Thursday.
Gave it pretty hard, Lloyd to Kenora Ontario in 13 1/2 hours. Not much to see or stop for photos in the prairies. Friday i made it to Longlac, i was tired, and over nighted there. Big changes since i was last there in 1999. They put up some street lights and built a new drug store.
Managaed to get a few photos on Friday, of some churches i had always meant to in Upsala and Longlac(the Upsala one is featured here.)
Saturday was a twelve hour drive and i'm finally home after 13 frustrating days.

I am now in the process of looking for a new job, for obvious reseaons. I do not want to travel anymore, and guess what this job entails.LOL

Any way, glad to be home, the North is still the same, under populatred and dreary, but it was nice to see, for the moment, one more time.

Thnaks for listening

DJB

October 13, 2007-Post Thanksgiving Blues

2007-10-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Been a while since i had something to write down, been a bit busy with post season photo orders and job hunting.

Its not unusual for a lot of orders to come in after the equine season is over. Lots of people wait to see if i get anything else they may want printed or on a CD.

I don't mind, bill's have to be paid, right.:-)

This past weekend was our Thanksgiving here in Canada, and as in the past 7 years, i made the anual trek up to a friends hunt camp in Madawaska Ontario, for a weekend of what we call bird hunting(actually its more of a nice walk in the bush, with camera, but i bring the 410 along to make it look good) and the "family" dinner on the Saturday. The family is a group of people, some related to but mostly associated with the camp and are or were one time Mmadawaskians. Great group of people. Unfortunatly some could not attened. The desert lady was there and had my fill of home made carrot cake and pecan pie. Now as long as my Doctor does not read this.LOL

Its a happy and sad weekend for me. Happy as i enjoy getting away from the big smoke(Toronto) and in the quiet bush. Quite a few photo op's but the weatehr the past few years have lead to not so great colurs in the trees.
Still, photos are out there to be found.

Sad because its pretty much it for the summer type weather most people like. I personally am a cold weather person, so i'm not so sad for long.

Two banquets on tonight. The Central East Hunter Jumper, of which i supply slideshow material and take awards photos, and the Cadora Dressage Banquet, of which my daughter will receive her first place and Champion awards.

Unfortunatly they are at the same time, different locations, and i will miss her night. To bad we only knew about the Cadora one a few weeks ago, not longer.

For that i am very sad. I missed a lot of my daughter growing up, due to major work travelling, and i try to attend everything she does now, to help make up and catch up the time missed.

Thanks for listening.

Oh and what am i thankfull for on Thanksgiving, well, that i have a wife that puts up with the cameras all over the house, and a daughter who is smart, honest and fun to be with.

DJB

September 11, 2007-A proud Mom and Dad.

2007-09-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well the horse show season is just about wound down for me, one more to go, but it has for my daughter.

As i may have mentioned, she she has been riding for about 15 years, showing in the hunter ring for about 10 years, and last year, about this time, made the switch to Dressage from the Hunters, due to some coaching concerns.

Well it turns out we should have made that move many years ago, at least with this horse, the Trakehner mare. Both of them have taken to this disipline like ducks to water. Lessons went well, and her show this year in Orangeville were all great. Out of six shows, she was Champion for five of them.

This past weekend, was the Trillium Championships, again held in Orangeville. Saturday was lovely and was a schooling day, although it was judged. Did well, and we enjoyed the sun and the day.

Sunday however was another day. Heavy rain off and on all day made for some tough ring conditions, but the mare has shown Hunter in these conditions and it did not bother her, as it did with some others. They did their two tests and finished second place for both, which was good enough to take Champion for the Tournament in her division, Level I.

Daughter is finally happy again in her riding, really enjoys the dressage atmosphere and team comradery.

Only sad part is she needs money to help build up their house hunting fund, and we reluctanlty will be selling her. If this years success does not help in the sale, i don't know what will.

Thanks for listening, and oh, ya Mom and Dad are very proud.

DJB

August 30, 2007-Summers gone.?

2007-08-30T04:22:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well it looks as if summer is on its way out.

Why.

Several reasons. One, the Canadian National Exibition is on, signals unoffical end of summer, my last horse show for Trillium was last weekend, and most important, after three months off, i have a job interview scheduled for Sept 4th.

This is important, as MTO still, after 5 1/2 weeks have not done anything about my drivers physical, and the school routes are now all handed out, so job one is out. I have some temp work later in Sept to help set up a new store, but i get from the phone calls it will not lead to anything permenent.

I do have one resume in for a car parts driving position but no word.

I said all summer i did not want to get another job in surveying , as is this interview, but it sounds as if i can decide weither i want to work 3, 4, 5 days a week etc.

Job would be scanning survey plans, which is the new way of storage, as well as plans from other surveyors they have and old notes etc. Some of the old notes are in bad shape and are photographed instead. I should be able to help in that regard.
This, apperantly is an ongoing process, and has been for two summers.

Well i'm Xing my fingers. A job is a job, and i'm not really ready to fully retire, just want to slow down , but still do something. To bad my equestrian photography does not earn enough to live off of.

Thanks for listening

DJB

August 17, 2007-A busy week

2007-08-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hi faithful reader. Well its been a busy few days here in the Castle. Tuesday was our 25th wedding anniversary, and we had some old friends over in the backyard for an informal open house on Wednesday night. Good to see the faces again, and see we are ALL getting a bit on in years, not just moi.LOL.

We held it during the week, as i knew everyone would not stay to late and i could at least get SOME rest after.

Thursday afternoon in town was a bit exciting. Brad May, a Stouffville resident and member of the Anheim Ducks Stanley Cup Team, had his day with the cup. An informal photoshoot and signing at Bruces Mill in the morning and then a 2 mile parade through town with the cup.

As a hockey fan, but definetley NOT a Leaf fan, i was thrilled to see the Cup. I have never seen it in person and it looks pretty good concidering where it has landed over the years.

A good week for picture orders, and i'm still waiting to hear about my physical for the bus job. Three and a half weeks and no reply. How many drivers are out there.:-)

I hate Gov red tape.

Thats it for now.

Thanks for listening.

DJB

July 30, 2007-Old friend still remembers

2007-07-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Flash back to 2001:

"Dad, she's not getting better, her leg is still not right".
"Well we can't jump her in this condition," says I.
"I know, and i can't bare the though of selling her. What can we do."
"I'll call Ma two and see if they have a spot for her at their little farm and we'll go look for another project horse,if you want."

"I think i would rather like that, said Erin."

Travel now from 2001 to yesterday(July 29)

Having not seen our old, banged up Throughbred Mare for some time, my daughter had us call up to our friend up north to see if she/we could visit.

Not a problem, you knew you could come any time, said Jacki.
I know, I know Erin said, its just, well, timing you know.

LOL Jacki said, I know, come up and visit. Oh and BTW I don't think i told you or your Mom and Dad(us) we moved her to our friend just north of us last year.
No said Erin, is she ok still.

She's fine. Her lamness is all but gone. They had an older horse that passed away, and the other horse was lonely and looking for a new pal. She and Horas, a huge Clyde cross (Horas) are unseperatable pals now. They have a 15 year old daughter that riders her lightly and does a few small fair shows. I knew that would be ok with you guys. With my health, i can't even ride my own.

That is not a problem Jacki. Will the new people let us come up.

Absolutley.

So, after about 6 years, yes i know we should have checked in more often, we saddled up and went for a visit.
Followed Jacki and Bill up the road a few miles, and into a nice old farm property.
Erin gave her special whistle, and out of the run in shed came our old TB, ears forward. I swear after all these years, she remember Erin, maybe not me, but her for sure.
A few carrots and picture showing insued, and it was evident, Megan was indeed happy here. Horas, as mentioned, would not leave her side. Even tried to get inbetween us, untill i brough out carrots.:-)

Erin was asked if she wanted to ride her, and she did. You could still see the bond they had for over 4-5 years.(see picture) and she still jumps the same.

At almost 20 she has a nice place to live, and horsey pal, and a nice little girl to gently ride her.

I had to laugh when we were leaving. Horas went out of the run in shed to the paddock to eat. Megan started to follow, turned around, and came back and gave Erin a head rub. Thats when i knew she remember us for sure. Had to say goodbye before heading out with her pal.

What a great day. I know we should have made the attempt to see her more, but this is the rush age. No time etc, etc.

Well, I;m glad my kid decided to make time yesterday. It was so nice to see her again, and our friends to.:-)

Thanks for listening

DJB

July 26, 2007-Shoulda done this years ago

2007-07-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well, whilst i was standing around, baking in the hot sun last weekend at a two day horse show, my daughter and horse spent a nice relaxing , but fruitful weekend at a Dressage Show in Orangville Ontario. She has owned her horse, Calyn,for 5 years now, mostly doing Hunter shows, but she recently( last September) switched to dressage, mostly due to major conflicts with her old Hunter coach.
The one big difference in the two diciplines is the fact you are given a time that you are to go in the ring and do your test for the judge. This is great, as in Hunter/Jumper land, one has to wait around on their horse for the oportunity t do their thing. Can be tiring and hot etc. So whats the big deal, well she gets to sit and relax in a nice shady area were the stalls are and chat with friends, whilst i'm all by my lonsome, baking.

Well i suppose i should get to the point of todays write up.

At the previous show in June, E had two very good % scores and was Champion on the Saturday(shows are over two days) and won a "Cooler" which is basically a light blanket in real talk.:-).
Well last weekend, she had very good % scores again, and was Champion on the Saturday, but since she won a cooler already, was given a nice saddle pad, and the runner up(Reserve Champion) was given the cooler. On the Sunday, again very good % scores and this time they did not know what to give her for a prize so she got $50.00. Her cooler had no writing on it to say what show she won it at, so the $50 can go to that.

All this time, over two years, we have been trying to sell the horse as a Hunter, with very little interest, and after 2 shows we have a tentitive offer on her.

I always knew she should be doing this dressage stuff, ya right i did.LOL

Any way, we are pleased as punch on E's success rate in Dressage and hope she can do well in the Championships in Sept.

Thats it for today, just some chest thumping from a proud Dad.

Thanks for listeing

DJB

July 18, 2007-Almost there

2007-07-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hi faithfull reader.

Not much to report lately. My bus training is over, for a bit. I have my hours in, and instructor things i'm ready, and so do I.

I have a refresher on Tuesday and road test on Wednesday. Xing my fingers.

Then its up to the Provincial Ministry of Transport to approve my physical. If our level of government is like others out there, i'm screwed.LOL

I think this school bus thing can really work out.

I'm at a very nice relaxed point in my life, having been tossed from the Survey/Mapping game last month. More time to do things I want to do, meaning enjoy and relax.

Had lunch with a friend in the roofing and siding business today, and he sorta offered up a eavetrough sales job to me.

Now if i could drive bus and do that part time as well, things might be good here.

Anyway, its friggin hot out again, so i;'m going for a beer and sitting out side and see if some birds will fly by.

Thanks for listening

DJB

July 5, 2007-Eyes wide shut

2007-07-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hi faithful reader.

So, i have begun what is hoped to be, my new carrer training this week. Tuesday was manovering the bus around a big empty Silver City park lot for a few hours, learning turn reference points and weaving in and out of tightly set up trafffic cones. I hit 1 curb and 1 cone. Instructor said thats pretty good for day one.

Now comes day two, yesterday. We went back to the park lot for a second, as my partner wanted to do some more tight turns in a safer environment, as we were scheduled to go and do some back road driving, to get used to the bus, the roads, traffic, albet light, and signals.
We drove north of were i live and its not quiet but its not busy either so it was not to nerve racking. I did some back roads and then she hasd me do some more travelled roads as she felt is was getting comfortable.

This is were i came to the realization, that us 4 wheel drivers are pretty bad. Just in the space of 1/2 hour on moderately traveled roads, i watch as car after car, passed us in unsafe areas, when stopped at railroad tracks and other venues.

This was a huge eye opener for me. I all ways, try, and give the bigger rigs a bit more space, not to dart in an out, but now i see why.

I propose that all 4 wheel drivers HAVE to take a 2 hour road drive in a big rig, so they can see what A holes they can be.

Not only will i have the safety of many small kids to worry about, but 1/2 of York region.

This should prove interesting.

Thanks for listening

DJB

July 3, 2007-Strawberry Festival and our record

2007-07-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hi fathfull reader.

Well last weekend, June 30th, was our Strawberry Festival as part of Canada Day celebrations. Been going on for 23 years. My were does the time go. Seems like yesterday they were still in planing mode.

Well it was perfect day. Weather was warm, but not killer hot. Parade had a good turn out, and our fledgling radio station 102.7 had a float and parade route booth. I took a few pre parade photos and a lot from the float.. Some good crowd shots if i do say so myself.

We did our Whistle Off in the park at 2pm and had 119 participants sign up.
Led by our whistler, Steven Sword, we managed to whistle for the aloted 5 minutes and set the Guinness record for the biggest whislte off.

We did 6 tunes including whistling O Canada in French and English. You can tell the difference.LOL

Any way a long day and sore feet, but a good day.

Please see www.caughtinmotion.com and look for the link to the photos near the bottom of the home page.

Thanks for listening

DJB

June 22, 2007-A new beginning

2007-06-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hello fathfull reader.

Well last week was a very special week at the horse farm. The owners have had a breeding pair of Trumpeter Swans on the property for about 7-8 years now and all but one of those years have produced a large quantity of young swans. In 2003 or 2004, only one baby survived. In most years, including 2007, 5-6 will survive.

The picture shows some of the newly hatched birds about 5-6 hours after hatching on June 12, 2007. Afew minutes to gather their collective thoughts, then into the pond for a float with MOM.
I snapped this shot, when Mom was trying to get them to climb into her wing for safe keeping. They are VERY territorial, and i have seen them kill Canadian Geese and ducks aswell.

As you can see, they are already fighting for seniority.

I sent this to the local paper, and they ran it on the front cover.

I, to say the very least, am very happy they did that.

So to spoil an otherwize good week i had a stone hurled at me on a photo drive this afternoon and cracked my windshield good.

Siggggghhhhhh, whats $300 bucks to someone retired eh.lol

Well that it. Meeting up with my buddy Knarf Saturday. Should be interesting.

Thanks for listening

DJB

June 21, 2007. Why did i keep the sky light

2007-06-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Afternoon all.

Well its been a hectic week or so. I never knew being semi retired, required so much work. I think i'll go back to work just for a rest.
No i'm only kidding. Just trying to get a few things done around the house that i have neglected since i bought it, and a few interviews. I spend a day after leaving MMM to process some photos taken at GFM during June's Nature Photography Weekend. The one you see here, made it to what is known as" The dishonerable mention" category. Thats sounds horrible you say, but not so. These are photos that, for some small mishap on the photographers part, would have most likely finished in the top three of what ever category it was entered in. For my photo, a Dslr Infrared conversion shot, the judges felt the sky needed to be darker. Point taken, and duly noted for the 2008 contest.

Going out Friday and shoot some MF B&W. Have not done that for a while. Im excited.

Thats it for today. I have a cutsy pic and story for you Friday

Thanks for listening

DJB

June 12, 2007-Time to catch up, or, How i survived the Doug and Mark Show.

2007-06-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

Morning all.

Sorry i have been a bit tardy on the blog lately. I had a pretty hectic, for me anyway, couple of weeks. Hectic used to mean, a month of working late, partying late and sleeping litte. Now its down to camping on a mountain for 3-4 days, then spending a week or so, unstiffing up.

As i mentioned, pretty busy lately. I spent May 31 to June 4 in a lovely spot in North Carolina, called Grandfather Mountain, near Linville. This was my third year attending the Nature Photography weekend and had a blast. Meet up with some old friends and met some new ones. All great folk. This year we had in the PDML compound(told ya you'd hear more from us in the blog:))folks from Australia and England, as well as my self from Canada. Speakers were all good, and i think i absorbed a few things. Mark Cassinos macro lecture was the best. Gona give that a try this summer if i can.

A lot of great photos entered in the contest. My IR shot made dishonerable mention, which actually is a good thing. One of the hilites of the weekend is Doug and Mark's(the judges) comments on the photos. If they were Canadian, there names would be Doug and Bob. They work great together and humour styles are the same, Monty Phython or bust.

A few of the regulars had to back out at the last minute, and were missed, but we had surragate Knarf with us anyway(see photo)

After lack of sleep and two long drive days, i only had a short time to catch up on sleep and attend two horse shows on the weekend. First one was to watch my daughter and PAEC Dressage team in Orangville Ontario. Every on did great and E had two excellent scores and was Champion in her class for the day.
Next day was spent at a farm north of us, shooting a Hunter Jumper schooling show. Nice place and i love to shoot there. Great backgrounds and colourful jumps, and a great owner.

As i am now officially "between assignments" as they say, i can now do my equine work during the day, and get out orders a lot faster. To bad its not quite enough to make a living, so i'll have to look for a "real job" in a while. I have my first interview to day, first in 34 years. I'm a bit nervous over this one. I thing things have changed from 1973.

Anyway, wish me luck and talk to you soon.
Thnaks for listening

DJB

May 23, 2007- Feeling sad for George

2007-05-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hello fathfull reader.

About 26 years ago, my wife and i rented a farm and old house, for about three years, prior to buying the house we have now. It was a great place, set back from the main road, yet close to town for shopping and relaxing. Place was huge, 5 bedrooms plus a summer kitchen. I was not a fan of the stone basement. Always felt creepy down there, even in daylight.

Seems like a normal old farm property right. Well maybe not, for you see, I and many others in town as well as previous occupants, firmly believe the place was haunted. Not just due to creaks and groans of a 150 year old house or wind blowing through holes in the mortar, but out and out blantant haunting.

I must say though, George as we named him, was more of a practical joker than a "Get out of my House" kind of spirit. His big nusance was throwing rocks through windows. Well not really. You would hear a big crash of glass, spend 1/2 an hour inspecting all the windows of the house, and as always, would find noting out of place. Settling back into your chair to continue reading, and there it was again.If it happened once it happened 50 times over the three years we spent in the farm. After a while we would just sigh, say thats enough George and it would stop for a few days.
Other things that happened was singing could be heard from the kitchen, horses neighing, and knocks on a bathroom door, when you knew you were the only occupant of the house at the time.Many times i was alone in the house for a few days at a time, and would leave a book on the coffee table in the livingroom, only to find it gone the next day,and returned to its exact spot 1-2 days later. That i hated.:-)

Several people before, and after us, left the house before the rent term was up,always complaining of the things going on in the house.

The last family to live there, did so for about 20 years, bringing two kids into the world from there(we had our daughter there)I recently met up with them, and not having told them some of our tales, heard the same things told to us, when we asked if anything unusual was noticed at the house.

My concern for George is this. The property was sold last year, and the front of the farm will be an Auto Mall, and the rear will be single family dwellings. Not a nice fate for such a nice farm. Originally the house was going to be torn down, but i hear now, it will stay and possibly be an office of some sort.

I hope George treats his new neighbours nicely.

Thnak for listening

Dave

May 15 2007-The quest for knowledge, Part II

2007-05-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Just thought i'd give a brief out line from last night, for those that are interested.:-)

Instructor brought in her light system and her 19 year old daughter, who as it turns out, does not mind having her picture taken, unlike my daughter.LOL

Her system is pretty basic, but does a very good job. Two 500 watt strob's and stands, a plain Jane rod and stand fore backdrops and that's it.
Back drops are painted muslin, and canvas, and props were foam cushions to raise people up to make a nicer, rounder group photos. We worked on the 3', 6', 6',6' triangle being subject 3' away from backdrop and the lights 6' away a6' between them. This is her basic small studio setup.

We spent an hour or so watching her pose and shoot her daughter, and showing us various ways to soften light with out a softbox, and use home made reflectors for shadow reduction in certain cases.She showed the class how to work the light meter, at least i can do THAT.:-)

With home made light box, and metering, it only took her a moment to set the power on the stobs for her working ap of F8. Stob's trigger by wire and i see now what you need for the hotshoe to do that.
She works with a D70.

At the end of the night she posed a group of 5 students, some tall and some short etc, and showed us ways to position them, and also briefly touched on using a flash and umbrella as studio lighting in a pinch.
I may have to go this route for any pet store shoots, as if they are all small like the Petvalu my wife works at,. i won't be able to utilize the 6' method, but the one stobe method sh eshowed us. Either that or get the stobbracket and just lift the flash off the camera.

The best part was at the end, she asked to see the horse, pet and kid pictures i was asked to bring in, and she thought they were all great. I'm happy.:-)

Next week, our turn to wreck havoc in the photography world.

LOL.

Oh, my Pentax K10D partner, was not able to get his Sigma flash to sync wirelessly, so i think thats a dead issue, if anyone is thinking of getting the 500dg super for wireless flash.I thought i was getting it to work, but i have some shots with the flash in the picture and the red ready light is still on, so maybe my cheat method failed.
Now, to find the cash for a 540.

Thanks for listening.

Dave

May 8, 2007- The quest for knowledge begins after 50

2007-05-08T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hi gang.

Well last night, was the first of 5 lighting/portrait classes in Barrie. Long day as I was in the field until 5:30 then a made dash to the school, a hour a way. Took a while to find everything, but we did.

As I walked in to the class room, one gent in the class was raving about his new digital camera, must be a Nikon shooter, says i. LOL

Nope, he has the K10D and kit lens, so I whipped out mine, K10D camera that is, and we bonded. I feel so good now. :-)

Teacher is not the regular instructor for the class. Great I think, a Physics Prof. teaching me photography.

Wrong. She also teaches the night classes for Wedding and Children's portraits.

Bonus, says I. Maybe this is worth the drive to Barrie, me thinks.

Course outline was presented and a two hour talk about portraits, what to look for, the "shapes" thing.(how to set up the people to form, in principle, diamond, triangle and eclipse. Not really sure how to explain this yet, but it made sense in the examples)

She asked us what we wanted from the course, and I mentioned more experience with not only on board flash, but how to light and expose for studio stuff. I mentioned about the possible pet work in stores. She used to do that before just going to people portraits, so she will add that to the class, and will bring in a bunch of tips for me.

Sounds like a real night class. Learn what you want, not what the school says you need to:-) Instructor seems to know her stuff, and is a good speaker. I think I’ll learn something here.

Looking forward to next week, She is bringing her lighting in and we get to play. She will be setting up the subjects, and will shot them herself, but we can do our own shooting, if we want(I want).

Thanks for listening

DJB

May 2, 2007- Turning the corner

2007-05-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful reader.

Well its now May, and as the header say's I'v turned the corner. The Jan-April blah's are gone, the grass is greening up, the property taxes,house insurance and Truck insurance have all been paid and the John Derre is charging its little battery for a summer full of grass cutting and squirrel chasing. The grey one hates that, BTW.

May also brings out my other self, the equine photographer. My first show starts on the 20th. Good thing Monday after is our Stat holiday. Chance to snooze.
Lots of good things lined up. I have several shows back that i lost to another company last year. Seems politeness is still needed in some business after all.(I'm the polite one :-))

Had a visit Monday with my Doctor. Man getting old sucks. More problems found. Quess all of those gout attacks over the years has produced some nice arthritis in said foot/toes.However it has now pushed me to actually do something, and i'll be getting my 17 year old Norco mountain bike out this week, and start peddeling my arse around town. Gotta lose a few LB's and get the legs in shape for all day standing at the shows.

Just about lost the end of my thumb this morning. Cut it on a broken bottle that found its way int my garbage. Nasty cut along the top. Probably should have gone for stitches.

Daughter and Boyfriend are now hooked on Vegas. Gota nother one.

Bwaa Haa Haa:-)

Well thats it for today.

Thnaks for listening

DJB

April 24, 2007-Back to basic's

2007-04-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hello faithfull reader. In keeping with the main spirit of my blog, that being horses and photography, i'm happy to announce that i have found a College night class that will allow me to hone up on studio lighting and Portrait photography.

Its a bit of a drive from my humble abode, about 80 Km's, but its also the closest facility i can find. Over the past 8 years or so, after putting photography on hiatus for most of the 90's, i have managed to remember, or atleast find classes, in all that has been forgotten. Several classes in B&W darkroom, now gone the way of the Dodo bird in most areas, general tips of the trade from the good folks at Pentax Discuss Mailing List(PDML), and now pretty much my last learning curve, that of studio lighting.
After this, next will be a specific class on Photoshop for photographers. I have just enough experience now, to be dangerous.

LOL

I have read up on the internet about this, but i tend to need to be able to see it in action before it really sinks in.

I was a bit disappointed that the school i took the B&W classes in, had stopped the class due to low enrollment, but i have enough experience now to be able to develop and get out some sort of print, if and when needed.
I still love film B&W prints, but digital software has come along way over the past few years, and coupled with printers like the Epson 2400 and Canon i9500(i think) excellent B&W conversion prints are now possible.

Well thats it.

Thanks for stopping by.

DJB

April 17, 2007-From desert to spongy grass

2007-04-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hello faithfull reader. Sorry about nothing posted for a week or so, but i was on vacation in Las Vegas last week and am just getting back into Ontario life. We had a great time, as we always do, but its always great to be back home.

I don't mind flying to destinations, i just hate the very act of getting to an airport. Left the house early as suggested and arrived to an almost empty terminal. I did our check in over the internet and it only took a few minutes to get past Air Canada desks. For everything i dispise of AC, these ladies were great. So now we have a long wait, and beer is $10.00. Arggg.:-)

The hotel we stay at is a smaller one near the Flamingo, and is a nice, quiet building. It used to be our favorite place to play, and still is, but they don't have the ever popular $1.00 beer, so we now have two extra hotels we like, O'Shaes and Casino Royal. Dollar beer tastes great.:-)

Went on a tour to Valley of Fire National Park and that was excellent (insert Mr Burns here). A lot of nice photos were shot that day. The SO and i loved the quiet enviroment.
Went and saw the Wynn and Venetion hotels and the Secret Garden at the Mirage. Got my night shots around town, i missed last time in Vegas. It took a bit, but we managed to find our favorite slot machines that used to be at the Flamingo, but we found them at Bally's. The double diamond McDonalds one. Get the bonus lady and play a snakes and ladders type of bonus for extra points. I seem to be able towin on this one.

Even managed to come back with a few bucks.

Thanks for listening

DJB

April 5, 2007-Up down and film meets digital

2007-04-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

Good day all. Well it may be the end of the first week of April, and Easter Weekend to boot, but you sure can'nt tell from here ist spring. The great weather the last few days, even of it did rain, it was warm, has turn sour again, and we had a small blast of winter over night. The wind picked up, the temp dropped and over 2 million people in Toronto and the GTA all forgot how to drive all at once. Amazing 1 cm of snow and cars and truck bounce off each other lik a pin ball game.

People, SLOW DOWN. How hard is that.

On a good note, a friend of mine, i have a link to his blog, knarf, recently bought a Pentax istD camera. Why is this so important, well because now, film is officially dead. He was probably one of the last hold outs of the members of the PDML.

Notice though i said Pentax, not Nikon or Canon. This is for all you people brainwashed in to thinking only N or C can produced good pictures.

Well, all i have to say is that Pentax has made excellent film cameras and lenses for over 35 years, and it proves some people think for them selves and not let marketers rule there lives.

Pentax makes a very good Dslr in the K10D and K100. Shake reduction in camera, great image quality and viewfinders.

Now don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with N or C cameras, i just wanted to let you know there is another choice.

I use Nikons BTW for my equestrian work as Nikon had better dslr;s before Pentax came out with theirs.

I use both and for different reasons. Do your self a favor, and try a Pentax when looking for your next camera.

Thanks for listening
DJB

April 1, 2007-Is it time to slow down folks

2007-04-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

As i sit here in my livingroom, that serves as my "Office" and watching the rain beat down on an already soaked environment, i thought today might be a good day to jot my thoughts down, as i'm having a slow day, and thats what i wanted.

I, and I'm sure many others out there, find it hard to get up and going in the mornings. It takes me a good hour to get up, stretch, pour some wake up juice down my throat and talk my self into joining the mad rush, the 24/7 people, the traffic jams, and the company voice systems, so dominate in our lives today.

I don't know about you readers out there, but i long for the good ol days. Not so much nickel bread or $4.00 a case of beer, although that would be terrific, but the way things were up to the early/mid 80's.That being, stores that actually closed for a Sunday off. Beer, liquor, gas, grocery all of those things. Was it so hard back then, to actually think a day or two ahead and STOCK UP on things you'd need for 1-2 days.Heck i can remeber when Beckers actually closed for Christmas, the only day of the year.
They don'nt do that now, do they. Gotta sell the 1/2 expired jug of cream and a few packs of smokes.

I quess the whole point of this, is that there never seems to be that slow down or shut down day to unwind and enjoy life. Oh i'm out of tick-tack, quick to Wally World.

I think it would be nice to head back in that direction, don't you. I know i would not mind. Then a long weekend actually becomes a long weekend, not just Monday off.
Of course, i still live in the 60's so it may be the herbs talking, or that voice i keep hearing in my ear, the one that says, "buy more camera gear". Thought is was going somewere else there, did'nt you.

Point is, less stress equals less problems. Seems simple to me.

Now if we could do that,AND, get rid of company voice mails, that would be just as nice as stopping global warming.

Thanks for listening

DJB

March 31, 2007-The snow is gone

2007-03-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well, its only been spring for what, 7-8 days now, and it is already feeling like it. The Toronto Maple Leafs(not my hockey team) is fighting fo a playoff spot. Again.
Good by John Ferguson Jr. The Blue Jays(my baseball team) had a so so spring, and some questions on pitching, but will be starting their 30th season this year, April 7 1977 was the date of the now famous home game, playing Chigago in the snow.Bet those players from Califonia were'nt prepared for that.LOL.

I had my spring hair cut today, and all my baseball hats fit again. No more beany head.

Finally got my Epson 2400 print profiles to work, i hope, and life should be good from now on.

The posted picture today is the one that Pentax rejected for the online gallery. I love this shot, but it seems i'm the only one.From the 2005 Grandfather Mountain Nature Photography Weekend in June.

Lovely spot i hope to make it a yearly trek, until i can't trek no more.

Cats are all asleep, think i'll have a beer out side and wait for the suirrels to sho up.

Have a good day.

DJB

March 24, 2007 - I'm in a Gallery for Pentax

2007-03-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Well Spring has sprung, the grass has ris, i wonder were the birdies is.....I think you know the rest. LOL

I'm in a bit of a good mode these past few days. Our trip to Vegas will be upon us soon, and as the title mentions, i now have had 4 of 5 submitted pictures accepted to the Pentax on line gallery.
The Pentax camera email list, i frequent, was invited, alone with a host of others, to upload our best pictures to the website. Its looking good in Beta, but they are still working on it.

One of the accepted pictures is the one to the left of this post.

Its raining today, so maybe its a good day to work on the WhiStle Radio Stars of Stouffville II logo.

Have a good day

Thanks for listening

DJB

March 20, 2007 - Big K and Little E

2007-03-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday i went to a good friends birthday party. Seems i'v know little E all my life, and i suppose i have. It was his first BDP and i was asked to shoot photos for the parents and family, so they could concentrate on the party and keep an eye on 1/2 dozen young'ens.

The Mom is my daughters Dressage coach, and i had the pleasure of doing the same, for her Hunter coach's daughter in 2004, little H.

The standard gang was there, Grandma's, Uncles, Aunts, etc and the small kids at H's BDP are now a lot bigger and run a lot faster that i can.

I wanted to shoot as much as possible at their level, like 6" above the floor. The last time i spent this much time on a tile floor was after a 3 day binge after a work camp in the bush.LOL

Lots of great food, pasta shells, cheese potatoes etc. Thank you ladies for a great meal.

The kids were well behaved, or atleast as best as could be for agroup of 1/2 to 4 year olds.

A few games to keep them interested, a great Grandma toy room, even Big K was caught in motion. STS, playing with a group of cake waiting boys.

Speaking of cake, little E had his right of passage, the lone hi chair and a bowl of ice cream and a plate of icy, sugary cake, ever so carefully smeared across the face.

Enjoy the day little E. Before you know it, you'll be driving the John Deere.

Thanks for listening

Dave Brooks