Sunday, November 4, 2012

Wildlife Extravaganza

Yesterday we went for a stroll around Lake Hodges, so I took my new Sigma DG 50-500mm f4.5-6.3 APO along for the walk - he needed the company.  We managed to spot quite a wide variation of wildlife, but suffice it to say a little more practice is needed.
The uzi 9mm - er I mean new boy's toy.
Our first road runner sighting.

What he should have looked like if I new how to use the lens.


Some white pelicans on the lake (which is actually a man made reservoir).
Mr. Squirrel.
Mrs. W.
A picture from the lake bed ... aaargh I'm drowning !




Saturday, November 3, 2012

Halloween 2012

This year we held another Halloween party round at our place.  My contribution during the preparation phase was fairly limited in fairness because if I wasn't in bed, I was working.  So Alma together with some friendly little elves had to pull it out of the bag themselves.  And that they did !
One year on without any cleaning and the place was starting to look really authentic.
No - despite the obvious cheesy puns, this guy didn't help out.
Some of the guests arriving.  No holds barred this year on the costume front !!
The day after.  I don't know about you, but I'd say Alma looks fairly shook.


Big brother is not only watching

Voting !  We've all done it, and many have had to fight for the right to do it, so obviously you're going to exercise your right - right?

Well here it's not only your civil right to vote, it's actually your civic duty (apparently) - and believe me they're going to let you know that too Dag Nam it ! ... almost to the point that you might get the feeling you're being harassed ... which is against the law isn't it?


There's poor Georgina (a previous resident) being told she failed to vote, while all those Stepford Wives around her did (at least that's what the card suggests).  As if that wasn't enough, the card goes on to suggest that everyone knows she didn't vote - her actions (or lack thereof) being a matter of public record that old Mrs. Jones down the road is scrutinizing on a daily basis for fear she wouldn't know what's going on in the hood.  But wait ! - just in case Georgina isn't living at this address anymore, let's use this opportunity to "encourage" the (and I quote) 'Current Resident' to avoid falling into the same pitfalls Georgina did by getting out there and voting.

Reason #24 why I don't do the lottery

The week before last (yep - it took that long before I was prepared to talk about it), Alma brought me to a Lakers' game - the LA Lakers basketball team for those of you who've led a rather sheltered life.  They were playing against the Sacramento Kings ... nobodies in the realms of basketball glory as far as I was concerned.  Despite leaving 90 minutes ahead of time for what should have been a 25 minute drive, we still managed to miss the first half of the game ... but let's not dwell on details.

I've never considered myself to be a gambling man and for good reason it would seem.  The last time lucky #71 let me down by not even showing up at the side line for the Charger's football game - claiming injury.  This time it would be #24 - Kobe Bryant of all people - who would disappoint me, again claiming to be "injured".  How does a guy who earned 27.85 million dollars in 2012 even dare to claim he's injured.  Think about the fans man ! (especially the blow in ones who are there for a one off game and yet went to the bother of buying a shirt just so they could look the part).


And not that's it's relevant or anything, but the Lakers lost !

Lucky #24 my eyeball !