A collection of photography and exploration focusing on Upstate South Carolina and beyond.
Some years ago I considered myself a purist when it came to taste in Christmas music. All I wanted to listen to were the classics, anything that came out of the Oxford Book of Carols, or anything written and arranged by David Willcocks or John Rutter. Basically, stuff from the British school and Lessons and … Read More “Annoying Christmas Music” »
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. For those of us who refuse to live by the commercial calendar, it’s the start of the Christmas season. Well, not really that even, but the preparation for the Christmas season. I’ve mentioned before that one church where I worked, the minister would not allow any Christmas music … Read More “Gloria” »
On my way to work there is a big sign that shows how high the lottery has gotten. Lately I’ve been watching it grow larger and larger, but I just hadn’t gotten around to buying a ticket. It finally reached 155 million for last night’s drawing, and I fully intended to buy a ticket, but … Read More “Unnessary Disappointment” »
Last night I began a four-week class on Advanced Photoshop. The class is being taught by John Simo at the West End Darkroom in Greenville. I thought I knew Photoshop. I’ve been using it for the past twelve years, ever since version 4.0. I knew I had barely scratched the surface, but I wasn’t prepared … Read More “Advanced Photoshop” »
Wednesday morning I had a rare opportunity. I was invited to work with a high school government and economics class, introducing them to Google Earth. There was a class of about 30 students in the media center’s computer lab, and I showed them basic navigation, how to create placemarks, and some general features of the … Read More “No child left behind, except for gifted” »
Two household chores – last weekend we cleared brush at the lake’s edge to improve our view, and yesterday Laura washed the picture windows at the back of our house. Those two items contributed to a fantastic wildlife show this morning. I got up just as light was breaking over the lake. There was frost … Read More “Hawks, Herons, Mallards, and Merganzers” »
My goal for the day was to avoid any center of commerce or any road leading to such an area. Since it was such a beautiful day, I thought it would be nice to get out and take some photos. Before heading out on my photo tour, I did make one stop at a store. … Read More “Black Friday Blues” »
I’ve said it before. Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. Apart from feast preparations, there are no heavy expectations for gifts, etc. You just enjoy each other’s company. This year we celebrated over at Chip and Anna’s. That means turkey liberally sprinkled with electronics and video games. The game of choice this year was “Rock … Read More “Rockin’ Thanksgiving” »
I had multiple confirmations that this morning’s State Department meeting in Columbia was a complete waste of time. First, when I identified myself as an IT person, the presenters said that I wouldn’t get as much out of the meetings as others. Then there was the presenter who kept referring to “school inoperable framework”, instead … Read More “Inoperable” »
After the past several busy, busy weekends, we decided a roadtrip was in order. Charleston and the ACE Basin seemed to be the ticket, so after work on Friday, Laura, her mom and I headed south. We found a place in North Charleston, which would place us within striking distance of the Beidler Forest, in … Read More “Charleston Roadtrip” »