Century Plant

We have several century plants around our property, and of course, I've noticed some others around in various locations. This plant supposedly only blooms once in its life, sometime between the ages of 25 and 50 years old. What I find interesting is that all the large century plants I know of are all blooming this year. How do they know this is the year to bloom? What external signal are they acting on? All I know is that they all seem to be blooming this year -- and they are huge. I still have yet to shoot the ones around our house, but I did manage to take this photo of the one downtown San Diego, on 6th street, near Island. We walk past it every time we go to a ballgame at PetCo park. See how tall it is?

Yellow John Deere?

My photo club ventured to the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum up in Vista for this month's field trip. Only seven or eight of us showed up, but we still had a great time. It is hard capturing the movement of these still working machines using still imagery, but we did our best.

As part of this month's challenge, we were to submit the photos in black and white -- or at least monochromatic -- like sepia images. I almost did that -- as you view the album (via the link above) you can see mine have a bit of color to them. I just put a sepia layer in front of the color image, and then let 15% of the color image show through the sepia layer. I thought it a cool effect. What do you think?

Caroline's Graduation Party

With lots of friends graduating at the same time, and all wanting their own graduation party, Caroline's ended up on Thursday night. In addition, rather than just have it at our home, which would have allowed people to mingle a little better, we had it at Buca di Beppo. It actually worked out better -- no mess to clean up afterward and I think we got off a little cheaper than we would have otherwise. Anyway, we all had a good time, and there was time to get photos of the people there for Caroline's memory book.

Caroline Graduates High School

Today it's official. Caroline is a high school graduate. They really didn't pass out diplomas and get it right -- they just passed out empty books, and later the kids had to go back to get the real paper, but that's OK -- she got one. Now we just have to figure out how to pay for college.

We got to the graduation an hour early -- and so did everyone else. We didn't get a jump on anyone. We at least got a good place to park, and I got a semi good spot to sit and shoot pictures of the ceremony. I was forever away, but at least I have a 300mm lens to get me a bit closer. I'm glad we ended up on the side we did -- looking across at the other seats that were completely out in the sun, I could see the people there were miserable. Also, shooting into the sun like that -- I wonder if anyone got anything good? Well, I didn't have to worry -- I was on the shady side, sort of.

Of course I was there to take a photo of Caroline graduating (see above), but Caroline gave me a list of friends to shoot as well. They had two lines going, one with their backs to me, and the other looking more dead-on. Fortunately for us, Caroline was on the "facing us" side. Some of her friends were not in this situation -- so I got a couple of "back" shots. Sorry -- best I could do. They weren't letting zillions of parents down on the field to shoot their kids getting their diploma. Since there were over 600 kids graduating, that would be a lot of parents to shuffle through as well.

Coke Car Workout

Our friend, Darby, loves everything Coke. A visit to her house (museum) would clue anyone in on that. She even has 3 different Coke kiddie pedal cars. Very shiny -- each one. I was surprised to see her let anyone actually use one -- but that's what she bought them for, she says. She has them for when "the grandkids visit." Since she doesn't have any grandkids yet, this visiting youngster would do. He had a great time -- pedaling some, but using "dad power" to make it up the hills.

The occasion was Frankie's (Darby's youngest) High School Graduation Party. Lots of people were there and lots of fun was had. I also got to finally meet Chris' (Darby's eldest) new girlfriend -- A Miss California contestant or something -- not sure -- I do know she is a cast member at Disneyland. She plays "Sleeping Beauty." She says it's a dream job. She was talking Julie-Ana (Darby's middle child) into trying out at well. Check out some of the pictures near the end of the link. Much to Chris' displeasure, his girlfriend and sister seem to get along great.

Nationals Baseball

Today I found myself in the Washington DC area with nothing to do -- so we got some tickets to watch the Nationals play the Phillies. We really didn't care who won, but for whatever reason (home team?) we were rooting for the Nationals. Of course, they lost. Still, we had a good time watching a game at RFK Stadium and getting free bobble head dolls. The food was OK, but nothing to write about ... so I won't.

Oh, but taking the train to the game -- the only way to go. Just a note, in case you ever get the opportunity.

Oh, and note the time posted is PDT, even though we're on the east coast. It just feels more natural...

Prom Night

Tonight is Poway High's prom, and Caroline is decked out and ready to go.