March 29, 2009
Spring 2009
Like a lot of people, the economic downtown brought changes for me. While I used to work for American Century down on the Plaza, I now work downtown. I feel incredibly fortunate to find a great job in this economy. I seriously contemplated retirement, but given the depth of this economic mess that is hard to imagine actually doing. It is tough out there for a lot of people through no fault of their own. It is interesting now that I am older to have perspective on these things. Things will get better, but lives will be changed along the way.
A couple of weeks ago I flew up to Chicago on business. While it was a very short stay, I did get out to shoot a couple of pictures the evening before our meetings were to occur.
A while back, Kevin, his son Nathan, and I drove to La Cygne to have breakfast with brother Pat. Here is a shot of Nathan and Kevin thinking about what to order.
After a maniacal drive down an icy gravel road, Nathan and Pat hop out of the car to dislodge a tree limb Kevin decided to run over. I would have helped, but I was laughing so hard I was barely able to shoot the picture.
I obviously haven't spent much time with the website. My Oregon cousins sent me some pictures I need to scan an put up, but there just hasn't been time. The new job is keeping me rather busy for now. I know things will slow down in time, but for now I am a busy, busy lad. My writing class just finished last week, though and I expect a slowdown anytime now. In the meantime, one of the guys I work with showed me this image last week from a national banking publication. I think it is funny but I am inspired to diet!
Henry is my boy. He spends most of his life either on my lap or at my feet. It is funny, because at night he wants to sleep near CJ. The rest of the time, this is my guy. We have been taking Henry to day care a couple days a week. It helps burn off some of his energy as we try to shake off the last of the puppy. It also helps with the allergies by making him too tired to think about it. Any port in a storm...
Whether you are sitting, sleeping, or standing, at my house you are never really alone. The girls, Chesny and Gracie jumped up on CJ to help her take a nap. CJ must have been exceptionally tired to sleep through this, or maybe we are just used to the company.
A couple of weeks ago I went to Dallas to see my friends, Teresa, Paul and Becca. We had a great visit, including an afternoon at Irish Fest. We took in a stage show by the group Clandestine. They were my favorite of the performers. I recommend you take a look and listen at their web site if you like Celtic music.
Teresa and Paul work with Irish Setter rescue in the Dallas area. They and Becca worked the rescue booth a couple of hours while we were at Irish Fest.
Here is Becca with a friend at Irish Fest!
Becca actually shot this picture at my request. While we were standing around talking, this lady came up and starting talking to the dog. She dropped to the ground and for a while lay talking and petting the poor pup. I don't know if she had too much to drink or was just off her nut, but it was one of those strange moments that come in every trip. Maybe she just had a thing for Paul?
Did I mention Teresa and Paul like Irish Setters?
Henry just woke up after napping in my office chair. Henry is not a morning bulldog.
Henry normally sits on my lap while I work at the computer. He will stay with me for hours at at time. When I get up, he keeps the chair warm for me.
