Stanton's Round-Up

Hard Times

2011-02-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

In December Shelley and I got our first Nook Color. Neither of us were anxious to grab it and start reading because we were afraid the other would want to use it. We didn't want to deprive each other. We didn't confess this to the other until we got our second Nook Color a month or so later. These things are a blessing - for me especially.

I never have been much of a reader, other than tech manuals or the like. I have read more books in the short time we've had them, than I have most of the rest of my life. No, that's not many - just two or three - but for me it's a great improvement and a promising trend.

The book I'm reading now is "The Worst Hard Time", by Timothy Egan. It is an eye-opening historical account of the dust bowl days of the 1930's - not so long ago. It tells of the time prior to the dust storms enveloping the plains, the events that led up to (and were responsible for) the earth rising up into the sky, and the lives of several pioneering settlers' families as they struggle to stay alive. Not even the city of New York was immune to the black clouds when the jet stream got its grip on the soil.

The first storm - a 10,000 foot high "duster" that rose up out of the south and rolled across Amarillo around noon on January 21, 1932 - defied explanation and description by the weather bureau of the time. They didn't know what to call it, let alone what it was. It appeared as a black snowstorm, a moving mountain range in a land where no mountains existed. Black drifts were everywhere. The very little rain that fell from the sky during these years fell as mud. Raindrops captured the dirt as they fell. Hail was black or brown. It was as if they lived in a different world. As you read, you will be in a different world too.

A very good read. I highly recommend it. As Walter Cronkite might say, "And that's the way it was."

(Posted By Dale)

Birding

2010-01-17T18:15:00.001-08:00

Shelley and I took a trip down into the canyon again today. It was a beautiful day with light winds and temps in the 60's. As we entered the park, one of the visitors was engaging a roadrunner that was posing for him. Naturally, we had to follow his lead and do some of our own. Here are a couple of shots I took.

As we left the park, we spotted some Red-Tailed hawks perched on some power poles. Here are some shots of one of them.

(-Dale)
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Palo Duro Canyon with Snow

2009-12-31T17:20:00.000-08:00

We got a moderate amount of snow early in the day today.

We decided to see how lovely it looked in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Photos copyright S.D.Stanton 2009-2010

The Early Days

2009-12-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

A while back I got some pics from my baby sister that I had taken some time ago. Among them were some that were taken before I existed. Of the ones here, the only one I took was the one of my older brother and his new wife. I'd like to share some of them with you.

Me, when I first went in the CG.

Mom, at age 13.

My younger brother, when he went in.

My older brother and his bride.

My maternal grandparents with Mom and her sisters. Mom is the second from the right.

A Morning With Huckabee

2009-11-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

This morning, Rick Huckabee was here in Amarillo doing a book signing. We bought his book, A Simple Christmas, yesterday before the signing this morning. That way we didn't have to waste time in checkout lines.

"Huck" and his team had the book signing down to a science. It was set up to maximize signings, allowed a short time to talk to the Governor, allowed customers to get pics taken with him, and shook hands with everybody - all at the same time. Some customers had 5 or 6 copies of his book to sign. He took it all in stride, and kept the momentum up very well. Now, I have photos of me with the next President of The United States! :)

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What I Call Living

2009-11-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

What I Call Living
Edgar Guest 

The miser thinks he's living when he's hoarding up his gold;
The soldier calls it living when he's doing something bold;
The sailor thinks it living to be tossed upon the sea,
And upon this vital subject no two of us agree.
But I hold to the opinion, as I walk my way along,
That living's made of laughter and good-fellowship and song.

I wouldn't call it living always to be seeking gold,
To bank all the present gladness for the days when I'll be old.
I wouldn't call it living to spend all my strength for fame,
And forego the many pleasures which to-day are mine to claim.
I wouldn't for the splendor of the world set out to roam,
And forsake my laughing children and the peace I know at home.
Oh, the thing that I call living isn't gold or fame at all!

It's good-fellowship and sunshine, and it's roses by the wall;
It's evenings glad with music and a hearth fire that's ablaze,
And the joys which come to mortals in a thousand different ways.
It is laughter and contentment and the struggle for a goal;
It is everything that's needful in the shaping of a soul.

Our Boy

2009-10-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

I was hanging out with Buster in the back yard today, and while he was hunting crickets and grasshoppers I got this shot of him.

And yes, he did bag a grasshopper. Snatched him right out of the air.
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Air Show

2009-10-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Shelley and I took the day off to take a short jaunt to Tucumcari, NM to see an air show that the Rotary Club was sponsoring. Tucumcari is only about an hour and a half down I-40 from us. The Canadian Snowbirds were there, as well as an assortment of WWII planes and other aerobatic aircraft. The Army's Golden Knights parachute team performed as well. I took over 1000 photos of the event, and Shelley did 800 or 900 or so. Makes me glad I don't do film any more.

Here are some of the shots I took that day.

This Avenger is similar to the one "Papa Bush" flew in WWII.

An F-15 demo team made an appearance, too.

The Canadian Snowbirds - flying their Canadair T-114's.

A T-6 Texan.

You can see more photos HERE.
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Dedicated to one that I love and will certainly miss - Our Chip

2009-10-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Chip

1994-2009

For 15 years he was in my life and in my heart.

He was his own cat--funny, independent, kind--but never cuddly.

Cuddly wasn't Chip--but I never doubted where I stood with him.

We respected each other.

He was a funny old Maine Coon who called the shots in our relationship

and I obeyed him the best I could.

Chip was unique. He talked. People would doubt it until

they heard his verbalizations with their own ears.

"Hello!" "Out"

Plain as day.

His given name was "Chaucer" but he didn't like that. He sure let us know that

"Chip" was more suitable. "Chippie" was another name he was called when he was "kittenish".

He loved being outside--and because of a thick long coat, even

a blanket of snow didn't bother him.

He sure kept my feet warm on a cold winter's night.

Chip would let us know it was time to get up before the alarm went off.

Chip had a soft purr and he loved treats.His favorite place to sleep was on the

console table in our bedroom--under the fragile Tiffany lamp because the sun came in that window.

He was special,

He will be missed

Rest in peace my little friend.

I will see you again waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge...where Bat must be waiting too. Perhaps you're together playing in the cool grass or basking in the sun.

--00-

- From Dale....

Chip was a special, albeit a bit misunderstood little fella. He was known for being a bit psycho, unpredictable. You would wake up sometimes in the middle of the night and look up and see his face - just staring at you - an inch or two from your face. You never knew if you would get slashed for simply petting him. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

He was misunderstood by most - but I understood him. I knew he wasn't a bad boy at all. As time passed, my faith in him was proven right, and we became the best of friends.

One of his talents was that of speech. He could say "Hello!" as well as you or I - and he'd do it when he wanted something, not just at random times. If we were doing something and not paying attention, he would say "Hello! Out!" when he wanted to go out.

He was special. He was our little boy. We will miss you, Chippie.

Relaxing in the back yard.

Security Device: Locking down Momma's computer.

"The most beautiful things in the world cannot be
seen or touched. They must be felt with the heart."
-Helen Keller
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New Video

2009-09-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Brooks and Dunn have a new video that features a well-known "monument" just outside Amarillo.
(can't embed--just click on the link)

TJ Maxx Playground

2009-09-27T13:50:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Shelley and I were in TJ Maxx just killing some time, looking to see what we can see. We found ourselves in the household goods section. It wasn't long before we heard the crash and clanging of falling pots pans. I just snickered to myself, wondering if Shelley had knocked something over in the next aisle. (Just kidding.) ;) I kept hearing the rattle and clanging of pots and pans for several minutes "too long" and drifted around the end of the aisle to see what was going on. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

There in the next aisle was a young couple who had a baby with them - maybe toddler age, maybe not quite yet. While the "adults" were obliviously looking through the cookware, their baby was sitting on the floor, playing with numerous pots and pans scattered all over the aisle - as if he was in his own toy room! Say WHAAAAAAT????? You bring your baby to a department store and let him play as if in his own toy room? ....and not pay any attention to him?

What is wrong with people these days?!

-Dale
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Discovery

2009-09-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

We got word this morning that the shuttle was going to stop over at AMA for fuel on its way back to Florida. I went out to the airport to get some photo ops and to see the real thing. As it approached AMA, Shelley reported that it flew right over our house! How cool is that?

This is the tail of the DC-9 that accompanied the 747/Discovery.

Abundant Harvest

2009-09-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

I saw on the news a few nights ago, that the Panhandle farmers are having an abundant harvest due to a lot of rainfall this summer. I saw photos of maize stocks that were almost seven foot tall. This is quite a boost for the entire area. What a blessing!

--00--

Billboard Collage

2009-08-30T16:13:00.001-07:00

Here is a collage of all 5 of "my" billboards with their locations. We finally got to get shots of the last ones today. Click on the image for a large view.

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Harrier Party

2009-08-29T20:49:00.001-07:00

We got a treat this morning at Rick Husband International Airport. A squadron of a dozen or so Harrier "Jump Jets" stopped over on their way home to North Carolina, and Steve and I were there to see them. They had been at Twentynine Palms, CA for training - "Blowing things up." as one pilot told us. One of the pilots was available and kind enough to take us out to the flight line and give us a tour of one of the Harriers. Never saw one up close until today. Awesome machine! Here are some shots I took of them.

The Harrier "Jump Jets" were accompanied by a C-130 support aircraft. Here, they are warming up its engines.

This pilot gave us a tour of this Harrier. Awesome machine!

A pilot boards his bird in preparation for takeoff.

The Gatling Gun on the Harrier is enclosed in a pod.

The Harriers depart AMA with the Amarillo skyline in the background.

The "tail feathers" of some of the Harriers on the flight line. Note the jet's yaw control ports on the tail.

Each of the pilots waved at us as they passed on their way to the end of the runway.

(As always, click on the photos for a larger view.)

Full Moon over Palo Duro Canyon

2009-08-26T15:42:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Palo Duro Canyon

photo by SD Stanton copyright 2009.
All rights reserved.

Red Canyon Wall

2009-08-25T15:14:00.001-07:00

One of three photos that have been made into posters for our
KACV-TV Palo Duro Canyon, The Natural Wonder of Texas show.
Photography by yours truly!

copyright SD Stanton 2009

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Saturday Sunrise

2009-08-22T05:45:00.001-07:00

If you elected to sleep in this Saturday morning, you missed this! It only lasted a few minutes and was a breath-taking sky on the heels of a morning sunrise.

--000--

(I got a couple too, but Shelley's were better.)

--000--

Beautiful Chaos

2009-08-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

A nice line of thunderstorms went through the area tonight. On the back side of it, I shot a little lightning from our front porch/alcove. While I was talking to Steve about it, this one shot across the sky. All I could say was, "WOW!" I couldn't have planned it better if I tried. Steve saw it too, from his apartment.

Here are a few more I got.

Click on the images for a larger view of each.

Geronimo!

2009-08-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

This Kite played with me over the last week or so, by perching in this tree until I got my camera. He would leave as I came back out with my camera. Today he decided to pose for me for a while. Here he was just leaving. You can see a couple more shots on my bird blog.

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Rhubarb Maladay

2009-08-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

We have some really nice rhubarb plants, but they are getting their stalks killed off before they can mature. The culprit is a little rascal resembling a termite somewhat. If anybody knows what they are or how to get rid of them without killing our boys (cats), please let me know.

Click on the image for a larger view.

Billboards

2009-08-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

"My" billboards are up! We checked a couple of them out yesterday before going to a birthday party. Mine is the one for KACV with The Lighthouse on it. I took the photo on my first hike (6 miles round trip) to The Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon while shooting photos for a calendar.

This one is on 45th, viewable eastbound just before Teckla.

Viewable southbound on Western at 33rd, south of I-40.

Morning Glory

2009-08-15T07:36:00.001-07:00

We have some morning glories climbing a portion of our fence at the side of our house. I caught them just about right in the evening to give kind of a unique composition.

The billboards are going up around the area now. I saw one the other day. We'll be doing a billboard photo tour and I'll post one/some. Stay tuned!

Camping? Try Glamping!

2009-08-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

I guess camping nowadays, isn't all leaky tents and campfire cooking.

Go Glamping

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Late Summer

2009-08-14T08:27:00.001-07:00

Signs of late summer are everywhere. Besides all the back to school preparations, the late summer flowers are taking over the garden. My cosmos are starting to bloom and cicadas are buzzing up in the trees. The days are getting shorter and the temps are cooling down a bit.
Soon, college will be back in session too. Its a lovely time of year.

Purple Coneflower

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Big Guy /Little Guy

2009-08-09T20:40:00.001-07:00

Does whatever it takes to get away from the one below.
Too much energy for him.

He's really sweet--until about 4:30 in the morning when he's "hungry".
We need to buy him a watch.

--00--

Dale v/s Wind and the Tent

2009-08-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a day trip up to El Porvenir and got all excited about camping this fall. We are buying Paul and Connie's pop up tent trailer from them, but we wanted a tent, too--for supplemental storage and sleeping in areas where a tent trailer wouldn't work. So, we found a really nice LARGE tent yesterday when we were out shopping. Today, Dale thought he'd set it up to see how it looked. After a few tries, wresting with the wind and "help" from Chip and Buster, Dale got to try out the fruits of his labor.

View from inside through the top without the rainfly on. We can lay and look up at the stars~

It was too much for Chip. He had to be the first to crawl inside and enjoy the new "toy".

Of course, Buster had to try it too..he was running around the inside because he liked the sounds his feet made on the tent floor.

We liked the tent because we can stand up in it. It has room for two queen sized mattresses and gear.

Tis done!

Let's go camping!

--00--

Touchtable

2009-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dad sent me this. Its very cool. Its like an iPhone and Google Earth on steroids. Thanks for sharing dad. I missed this program.

Ah..... A cool mountain stream in New Mexico

2009-08-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

A cool mountain stream at El Porvenir Campground, New Mexico

Dale and I had to take off our shoes and socks and wade a little.

--00--

From Dale:

Here are a few of the shots I took on our road trip Friday.

New Mexico Highway 104 is a bit on the desolate side at times.

A log cabin is dwarfed by Hermit's Peak, west of Las Vegas, NM.

I have no idea what butterfly this is. It sits on a mountain aster.

Not sure what this one is either, but it appears to have had a rough life.

This is a black-billed Magpie. It's the first I've seen in person, and there were a lot of them in one small area.

Happy Birthday Dale...its your turn. July 31st.

2009-07-30T20:33:00.001-07:00

To my dear husband Dale. Have a wonderful birthday, Baby!!

--00--

Birthday Girl

2009-07-29T07:18:00.001-07:00

Shelley is celebrating her birthday today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Shelley!

Billboards

2009-07-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

I was informed today that one of my photos was chosen to be displayed on several billboards around the area as part of an ad campaign. I had always hoped to make some money with my photos, but I never in a million years dreamed that one would show up on a billboard - let alone several! I will be posting images here when I get them.

Wow! Billboards! I'm agog at the thought. Can't wait to see them. :)

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Summer Thunderstorm

2009-07-18T19:32:00.001-07:00

A little rain and lightning is all.

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Me? A Bird Brain?

2009-07-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

I can't help it. I have a great fondness and respect for these raptors. To me, they have the qualities of a miniature eagle. Proud, graceful, and strong predators. When they hunt, they remind me of Peregrine Falcons as they dive after their quarry. This is one of the few species that eat on the wing.

This guy was nice enough to pose for me while I did an impromptu photo shoot - with him as the subject. No, I really don't know if this is a male or female. The female has very similar colors to the male, but is slightly "duller" - if grey isn't "dull" enough already. ;)

See more of my Mississippi Kite photos and information HERE.

Palo Duro Canyon - Full Moon at Sunset

2009-07-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Thems the colors as it were. Taken with my little Powershot Pro 1.

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Is It Broken?

2009-07-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

If it is, I didn't do it! It was fine when I was done playing with it, honest!

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Dust Bowl Stories Wanted - Ken Burns Documentary

2009-07-10T06:08:00.001-07:00

KACV-TV (PBS) is assisting Ken Burns' production company gather tales from the old dust bowl days. Pictures, stories and interviews are needed. If you have a story to tell, please submit them here.

You know its hot in Texas when...

2009-07-09T14:45:00.001-07:00

You eat hot chilies to cool your mouth off.
You learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a bit chilly.
You discover that in July it takes only two fingers to drive your car.
You know the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Hot water comes out of both taps.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.
You realize asphalt has a liquid state.
It's so hot the birds have to use pot holders to pull worms out of the ground.
It's so hot that potatoes cook underground and all you have to do for lunch is to pull one out and add butter with trimmings.
It's so hot farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard boiled eggs.

Light Show

2009-07-06T21:15:00.001-07:00

Storms passed to the south of us tonight and gave us a pretty good light show with all the lighning flying around. Never got a drop of rain in town, light breeze blowing, good setup for shooting the lightning. Unfortunately, there wasn't much cloud-to-ground lightning, mostly cloud-to-cloud.

(This one was taken from in front of the house, clearly showing cloud-to-cloud strikes. Cloud-to-ground is much more photogenic, IMO, as far as lightning itself goes.)

Cloud-to-Cloud strikes can be very dramatic. In the next two, you can see the lightning flowing out of the clouds to the right. This scene would have been better with some ground strikes. Maybe next time.

(Click on images for bigger size.)

Tractor Parade - Texas Sports Cars?

2009-07-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Some of the members of the Panhandle Antique Tractors Association.

July 4, 2009 Canyon, Texas.

--Photos by Shelley

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Riding and Tawking

2009-07-05T10:16:00.001-07:00

This was taken yesterday at the Independence Day Parade in Canyon.
I don't think the teen's heart was in it, do you?

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The Bombs Bursting In Air

2009-07-04T21:52:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots of the fireworks we watched tonight. None of them have been edited other than cropping and adding text.

I like to call this last one the "Palm Tree".

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

--00--

Today marks the 233rd anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. It is the day that marks the starting point of our Country. Since the Declaration was signed and delivered to the King of England, many have died doing their best to keep its principles intact. The primary one is Freedom.

On this 4th of July, reflect on our history and how we came to be. When you see the fireworks tonight, know what they represent. Those "Bombs Bursting in Air" represent the battles our forefathers fought to free themselves (and us) from tyrannical rule. It has been (and still is) our responsibility to see that it remains free.

Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day!

--00--

*** A Humbling Experience ***

This morning we went to the parade in downtown Canyon. It was the biggest they've had yet - markedly bigger than past years. It lasted over an hour this year. We loved it!

As the floats of military men past and present passed by us, they were met with grateful applause all along the route. As they passed by, I stopped my applause to take a few pictures and give them a high "thumbs up". One of the floats touched me. I was standing there with my US Coast Guard cap on, camera in hand, just minding my own business. ;-) Two of the soldiers (shown here) broke loose from escorting their Veterans of Foreign Wars float to come over to me - ME, of all people - for the purpose of shaking my hand!
I was surprised when the first one (a Desert Storm veteran) extended his hand and said, "Thank you, sir!" (I thought they just wanted to say hi to the kids in front of me.) I was kind of glad he did though, because I wanted to thank them - each and every one in the parade.

I was very much humbled. It's been over 30 years since I served and I must admit I felt a little unworthy. I remember thinking, "Everybody should be thanking you guys."

Thank you, Gentlemen!
Thank all of you who are putting it all on the line (and have put it all on the line) to keep our Country safe and Free.

--Dale

--00--

Emily not too excited about waving the flag here.

But wait!!! Something about dad just brings out the patriotism in her!
(red headed and blue eyes!)

--Shelley

--00--

Good ole Ken (friend of the family) made an appearance on one of his tractors.

--post by Dale

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Tonight's Sunset

2009-07-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Shelley and I went out behind Academy this evening to catch the sunset. Been a while for us. Here are some of the ones we took.

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Canyon Birds

2009-07-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

We made a trip to the canyon this morning to do some more photography. The Mississippi Kites were everywhere! Must be a good food year for them down there. As we drove around checking out various parts of the park, we came across a couple of birds we hadn't seen before.

This one is a Gambel's Quail. It was one of a pair that had a brood of chicks they were watching over. This male was on lookout, and he was facing his chicks and mate that were safely hiding in the brush.

This is the Bullock's Oriole. We first saw him when this blazing orange thing flew by.

*********

(Addendum: Sunday - July 5, 2009)

Another trip to Palo Duro Canyon today gave us another treat shortly before sunset. Hundreds - literally hundreds of turkey vultures were amassing at the lower end of the park to roost in trees. Wave after wave of vultures arrived for a good hour anyhow. It was the most amazing thing I've seen in the bird world.

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Bad Hair Day

2009-06-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Storms passed through today, and at one point a wall of water raced us to the front door. We had just returned home from shopping. As it rained, visibility was close to zero for a bit. The street in front of our house was flooded over the crown and the water was working its way up our driveway. It slopes to about 6-10" above the curb. After it pretty much passed and gave us a little break, I saw this Kite land in our elm tree. It obviously got caught in the rain. Talk about a bad hair day!

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Father's Day

2009-06-21T10:54:00.001-07:00

My Father's Day is going very well! Shelley got me a bike rack for the car that pops on and off at will, so we can take our bikes when we go places.

It will work on the truck too, so we can take it if necessary. We hope to do some camping this year, and it will come in pretty handy.

This morning, she took me for a nice breakfast at one of our favorite haunts. This afternoon, we'll head down to the canyon for a picnic, some photography, and just kickin' around.

I also got a call from my son. He's a good kid. Had a nice chat with him, his wife, and one of his boys.

...and the day's not over yet. :)

*** Addendum ***

We did go into the canyon today. Had a great little picnic. :) Shelley's brother Steve went with us. After our picnic, Steve and I did a little bike riding. Got to try out my new bike rack - and it worked really good! While we were riding, we ran into some deer, wild turkeys, and even this little rascal.
Steve did his best to antagonize him. As a result, this tarantula concentrated on harassing him! He would rear up in his defensive/threatening posture as you see here, and chase Steve around. The tarantula would even jump on his front wheel trying to get to him. It was funny! No, tarantulas are not as deadly as the movies would have you believe. IF they would bite you, you would think it was pretty much a good bee sting. Nothing serious unless you are allergic to insect bites.

While all this was going on, a typical family of 4 (Mom, Dad, teen-age son & daughter) from Alaska came by and saw what was going on. They didn't realize at first what "it" was. Upon learning that it was a tarantula, I heard at least one of them say, "Oh, my God!" as if we were playing with fire. A brief explanation of the non-deadly spider, and they laughed at the ordeal and shot some video and stills of our little friend. Through all this, the dad stayed in the car or right next to the open door. He wanted nothing to do with it.

Seems like we've also had an abundance of Mississippi Kites in the canyon this year. Here are a couple more shots I got of them soaring along the canyon walls.

A great day, for sure! Thank you, m'Lady!

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Cactus Blossom

2009-06-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

The prickly pear cactus are in bloom. This is one I took coming back on the trail from The Lighthouse.

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Wild Wheat

2009-06-16T05:14:00.001-07:00

Light and Wild Wheat

--Photo by Shelley

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Down the Rabbit Hole

2009-06-15T04:36:00.001-07:00

This peaceful scene in Palo Duro Canyon just couldn't be ignored.
Its part of the Sunflower Picnic Area.
--Photo by S. Stanton

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A Wonderful Day in the Canyon!

2009-06-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

(photo by Shelley) A supercell storm passed over Palo Duro Canyon, but only gave way to a bit of wind and rain. This photo was taken near the Pioneer Amphitheater looking towards the north east near the campgrounds.

Saturday 6/13/2009

We spent most of the day in Palo Duro Canyon yesterday. First we got up at dawn and headed to the canyon to meet friends and take the 5 mile hike to the Lighthouse. They hiked while I drove around the canyon taking shots of flowers, birds, etc. (I have a bad knee and couldn't make the long hike.).

We are shooting photos for a calendar the our TV station is going to use for a pledge premium for our Palo Duro Canyon production. The production is in conjunction with a Ken Burns series on the national parks which will be aired on PBS this fall.

The hike was tiring for Dale, Lynne and her husband Jay and we came home to rest and download the photos we had taken. Dale caputure some beautiful shots of the Lighthouse, Capitol Peak, Castle Peak, and others plus a stunning shot of a collard lizard sunning himself.

The park was full of hikers, cyclists, campers and even some on duty military men on manuevers (the canyon resembles the terrain of Afghanistan!) and other people like us (with fancier equipment) taking photos of our beautiful canyon.

It was such a "profitable" morning photo-wise that we got stoked to go down there again and so we packed a supper and headed back to the canyon at 5:oo p.m. to spend the evening down there. We grabbed sandwiches, wine coolers, salad, baked beans (from the friendly supermarket deli) and some bakery sugar cookies and headed back down to the canyon. Our yearly pass has already paid for itself.

On the way to the canyon, a weather alert came across the radio for Randall, and Armstrong Co. As we headed down closer to the canyon, the skies grew dark and it started to sprinkle. We wondered if the park would let us in, because the river down there is proned to flash flooding. However we had no problem getting in and the rain subsided as we went through the entrance gate.

The cloud systems over the canyon were beautiful and we stopped at the lookout, near the interpretive center to sit on the wall and watch the storm pass over the canyon to the south. We had hoped for a light show from the storm, which was spare. But the view was breath-taking.

(view from the wall of the interpretive center) Photo by Shelley

We drove through the canyon and saw people lining up for the pre-show supper at "Texas!", the musical drama in the park. The camp grounds were full. About 6 pm we pulled into the Sunflower picnic area and found a shady spot to have our picnic supper and Mississippi kites soared overhead and deer grazed close by. At one point, a doe got curious about what we were doing and came over close to our picnic table and shared some the sugar cookies with us. She got as close as 8 feet away and seemed hungry and kept us from devouring the rest of the cookies.

As it grew closer to 8:30, we drove to the ampitheater to get some shots of the rim rider who appears over the top of the cliff above and waves the Texas flag signalling the start of the musical.

We vowed to come to the canyon to camp later this summer--perhaps at one of the cabins--and enjoy our pass to its fullest. We are so lucky to live less than 30 minutes from Texas' largest state park, (and most likely the most beautiful) which also happens to be the second largest canyon in the United States!

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**** Dale's Take ****

At first it was tempting to stay in bed, but I was too anxious to actually go to The Lighthouse. After all, it is the iconic structure of Palo Duro State Park. I can't remember if I have ever taken a hike that far before. Wasn't sure how well I was going to take the 6-mile round trip, but I surprised myself. At least a half gallon of drinking water is required (1 gallon is recommended) to keep you out of trouble on the hike. One of the first structures we see as we start out trek is this "Hoodoo", as they call it. It's the pillar-like structure you see here. (This structure is not The Lighthouse.) The white streaks in the walls are gypsum.

Many people don't realize that there is such beauty in the panhandle. The trail to The Lighthouse is no different. Scenes like this are everywhere you look. Even on an overcast day, the colors are astounding. Here, The Lighthouse looms in the distance - still a couple of miles away.

As Shelley said above, a Collared Lizard was nice enough to pose for me for a few minutes. These guys are known for their ability to stand up on their hind legs and run like you or me. They do it to escape predators, and they look like a miniature T-Rex in the process.

As we get closer, Lynne stops to take a shot of our destination while her husband (Jay) takes in the beauty.

On the way UP to the lighthouse, we stopped and looked behind us. You can see the trail that brought us here in places, from the bottom left snaking around through the center of this photo. it goes around the wall on the right side of the floor, way off in the distance. (As with all the images here, click on it for a bigger view.)

Finally, we arrived at our objective! And it was breathtaking!

Later in the day when we returned to the canyon, we had a really nice picnic supper that Shelley worked up for us. We watched mule deer drift around close by, and even had one come within 6 or 8 feet of us as if she didn't have a care in the world. Mississippi Kites seemed to be everywhere, soaring above gracefully. At one time, there were three in an adjacent tree. (You can see more about them HERE in my bird blog.) Sadly, the close-up shots I got of a mule deer doe showed her to be a bit under-nourished - so I won't post it here. I don't know why she was so skinny, but she seemed to be healthy otherwise.

Right around sunset, the TEXAS! musical started in the usual way. A lone horseman rides the canyon rim high above to signal the start of the show. We could see it well from the park road.

We had one fantastic day! It's nice to have a place like this so close to home.

BTW, here's proof that I actually made it to The Lighthouse. :)
(Photo taken by Lynne Groom.)

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Relate Links:

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Musical Drama "Texas!"

Shelley's Palo Duro Canyon gallery

Dale's "This is Texas!" gallery

Indian Blanket Flower

2009-06-13T19:39:00.001-07:00

Indian Blanket in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

--Photo by Shelley

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Desert Rose

2009-06-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

This prickly pear cactus flower looks like a rose.
The are so pretty and almost "waxy" looking.
Taken in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

--Photo By Shelley

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A Parental Moment? (Two roadrunners)

2009-06-13T12:37:00.001-07:00

I caught what appears to be a parent roadrunner, feeding a youngster today in Palo Duro Canyon. We don't see these often. I just wish I had been a little closer but my telephoto zoom lens helped all it could. It is rare to see them doing anything but running off!

--photo by Shelley

Rough and Ready

2009-06-12T14:25:00.001-07:00

He's been riding to work.

Watch out! Dale's hitting the streets.
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Storage?

2009-06-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Shelley just got a storage unit for some of her craft supplies. I put it together for her, and she started making use of it right away. As she got into it, someone else did too - a bit different way.

Remember These?

2009-06-09T19:00:00.001-07:00

Some charming vintage travel postcards.

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The Boys

2009-06-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

In Defense of Home

2009-06-06T08:00:00.001-07:00

Our little Buster has been taking on an active role in protecting our home. This....."thing" (a wine cozy) showed up one day. He seemed to like it at first, but today it did something. It moved! He saw it. He just knew it moved! That's all it took for him to spring into action to save his people....

Buster ATTACKS!

OMG! Buster takes a fall! The "thing" is tougher than he thought. <GASP!>

No more fooling around. It's time for a power slam by Buster The Basher!

Our hero! Thank you, Buster! You saved us! That cozy monster will never move again! How can we ever repay you?

Stormy Night

2009-06-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Storms are passing across the panhandle just north of us tonight. The lightning bolts are low in the sky, but I can still get a shot or two now and then.

By the time I checked my first set of shots and got back out to try again, the storms had moved off and the lightning was really low in the sky from my vantage point.

This one would have been pretty good if I had a better position.

I'll get it next time!

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Ain't He Cute?

2009-06-05T14:04:00.001-07:00

Security Blanket

2009-06-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

We had some storms go through the area again tonight. Chip stayed under the house until it was all over, but little Buster took a different approach. He laid low on the kitchen floor, snuggled up with a wine bottle cover - as if it was a security blanket.

BIIIIIIG yawn....!

Have you ever seen so much "cute" in such a small space?

Tornado warnings had filled the airwaves, the rain had just slacked off, the sky still darkened with ominous-looking clouds. What's that I hear? Could it be...? Is it? An ice cream truck??? A stormy night, and the ice cream man comes out! Brings to mind images of popcorn at a movie, but ice cream with a tornado??? Only in Texas! :)
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Rainy Day

2009-06-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

We had some much needed rain/storms go through the panhandle this evening. It was a very welcome sight! After the storm cells slipped off to the East, they left behind some mammatus clouds glowing in the setting sun.

My Guy - Big Canyon

2009-06-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Dale and I went down to the canyon (in the morning) to get some shots for a calendar that we are putting together for the tv station. Dale is so good with his photography and he's one of my favorite subjects to take photos of. He so into it. Here he is at the scenic overlook about to take a shot. That's a long drop down there!

Canyon Day

2009-05-31T16:24:00.001-07:00

We took a little jaunt into Palo Duro Canyon today. While there, we were going to start getting some shots for project we're working on for the TV station Shelley works at. Besides scenic views of the canyon, we managed to get a small variety of the flora and fauna there. Here are some samples:

I think this is an Ash-Throated Flycatcher.

Bicyclists were everywhere in the canyon today, but most of them were in a bike race.

"The Lighthouse" is the iconic structure of the canyon. I took this from the scenic overlook at the visitor's center. The lighthouse is about 3 miles away - as the crow flies.

This deer let me get quite a few shots before she left - and almost ran over Shelley in the process.

Saw a few varieties of butterflies/moths, but this is the only one I was able to get.

3D Photography

2009-05-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

I've dabbled in "3D" photography now and then. While flying back from Iowa, I had the chance to grab a few more shots that could be used as a kind of stereographic image. Instead of using a contraption to view it through, it can be done with a "split" photo - such as this one:

Instead of your eyes focusing on two images straight ahead as a stereograph or ViewMaster did, they focus on the image on the opposite side. That is, your right eye goes to the left image and the left eye goes to the right image. Doing so creates the same effect. Try it. Click on the image above to make it full size if you like. (The image is 1280 pixels wide.) Then cross your eyes just enough to make the images merge into one, tilting your head a little bit if you need to. When you get it right, you will see three images with the 3D image in the center - no goofy glasses, no strange contraption out of the 1800's, no ViewMaster. This kind of photography is called "3D Cross-View". The method of viewing in stereo this way is called "freeview", apparently because you can view it in 3D - free of any "thing" or gizmo to help you.

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Mooned

2009-05-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

I have spent many many hours trying to get my moon shots right - over many months. I've gotten the hang of it to the point of getting shots like these. I guessed at the settings for the first one, then took the second one at the next slower shutter speed. Nothing was done to either one except cropping and adding the text. Do you have a preference as to which one you like better?

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My Trip

2009-05-27T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of my trip to Iowa for my Dad's funeral.

This is the Denver airport on Monday.

It was overcast all of the time I was in Iowa. Rain fell most of the time, albeit drizzly a good portion of it.

It was nice to have someone else do most of the driving. My older brother drove and his wife got stuck in back. *G*

This what Iowa is like along US HWY 20. There's plenty more of this in the state. But don't judge Iowa by this alone. There is much more to it.

On the way to the funeral, we came across this country church/cemetery.

I stayed with my older brother and his wife. She has these flowers blooming on the south side of their house.

Can you imagine driving through this? I took this as we were flying out of Love Field.

Watching and Waiting

2009-05-25T15:44:00.001-07:00

The lonely sentinel of the plains.
No matter where we roam, it stands tall and waits, ready, steadfast, unyielding.

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Missing Someone...

2009-05-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

...and isn't it great? Seriously, its wonderful to care for someone so much that you miss them even when they've only been away a few hours. That's a very special relationship. What a blessing it is to finally have that with someone so special.

I've been on the phone more today that probably the whole of last year!
Thank goodness for cell phones! (Did I say that?)

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DIA Terminal

2009-05-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Flying to my Dad's funeral. That's the top of my head, waiting at DEN for the second leg of my trip. I'm glad I don't change airlines. This concourse alone is pretty big!

I only wish I could have m'Lady with me. Seems like such a lo-o-o-o-o-ong trip without her.

NASA and Birds

2009-05-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

I've been communicating with a guy from Houston and the Johnson Space Center/NASA. I first ran into him through my bird blog when he was curious about one of his bird photos. Turns out that he is an "in-flight maintenance" tech for the shuttle. He does real-time support on cockpit systems from Mission Control. Pretty cool. Might be able to go to Houston sometime and check it all out. He says it's also a great place in the spring to photograph birds as they return for the summer. Yep, might have to find out first-hand sometime. :)

It's Hard Work...

2009-05-23T17:22:00.001-07:00

...being a kitty.

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We Had A Baby!

2009-05-23T15:51:00.001-07:00

Well, ok - it's a baby feline. We brought him home from Richard and Jeanette's (one of Shelley's brothers and his wife) house on Thursday (May 21, 2009). Since I tend to speak to our boys by saying things like, "Watch it, Buster!", we decided we might as well name him "Buster". And so we did. He is adapting very well. (Thank you Richard, Jeanette, and Aviaq, for taking such good care of him in his first weeks.)

Here are some of his latest poses and antics.....

Doesn't take much to amuse him. This twig caught his eye, and it was all over for the twig.

Tryin' to figure out how to load it....

A little break.

Exploring his new "ranch" - the back yard.

His pardner, Chip, is having a little trouble getting used to a little buckaroo around the house - but he'll make it.

Bird eating practice.

A hard-workin' boy's gotta take a fishin' break sometime!.