tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33217888114245928142011-07-07T22:48:17.631-07:00.. the occasional rantings of a photographer, chess player, cat lover, longtime hacker / geek, and survivorTravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.comBlogger3261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-74769081722126485752011-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:002011-03-01T13:04:17.709-08:00

A few days ago, I was privileged to catch this action at Reifel. A BC local had noticed the flock of chickadees and nuthatches enjoying seed, and thought to try hand-feeding as a lark. Please feel free to download this photo for personal use on your computer's desktop. ...To download, just click once on the image, which will bring up the enlarged image on a new webpage. Then, right-click

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-78819133563398614912011-02-02T21:09:00.000-08:002011-02-02T21:09:07.716-08:00

A few years ago, near Rexville, an intrepid group of birders wandered up to the local grocery. In back, a fair amount of snow and bird seed brought out some rather fascinating individuals, among them this little cutie, a Varied Thrush. Please feel free to download this photo for personal use on your computer's desktop. To download, just click once on the image, which will bring up the

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-66806736168355116142010-09-02T19:37:00.000-07:002010-09-02T19:37:32.609-07:00

have to say it's been a long times since i've updated this page...  hmmm.  :) 2010.09 Western Tiger Swallowtail [ Papilio rutulus ] 67301c - WenasWestern Tiger Swallowtail, photographed in Wenas last year, digitally-reimagined recently... Please feel free to download this photo for personal use on your computer's desktop. To download, just click once on the image, which will bring up the

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-18048410812349348262010-05-02T21:33:00.000-07:002010-05-02T21:34:12.388-07:00

A single deer (of many) photographed munching on grass in the median near the Ocean Shores Sewage Treatment Plant.  While we were out trying to find birds in heavy wind, the deer were content to be the town's lawn mowers... Please feel free to download this photo for personal use on your computer's desktop. To download, just click once on the image, which will bring up the enlarged image on a

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-32897465333933189232010-04-01T21:01:00.000-07:002010-04-01T21:01:31.675-07:00

April's Desktop Calendar Wallpaper is a White-breasted Nuthatch, located in Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, just a bit northwest of Palm Springs, California Please feel free to download this photo for personal use on your computer's desktop. To download, just click once on the image, which will bring up the enlarged image on a new webpage. Then, right-click on the image and follow your operating

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-17010044186364993442010-03-30T18:27:00.000-07:002010-03-30T18:27:58.602-07:00

A British friend of mine told me this story over dinner about 10 years ago, then THANKFULLY wrote it down for posterity.  As he and I haven't read it recently, and the story came up a few days ago in a completely-random way, I feel it is time to re-post... A tale of two 4x4s (and another 4x4...and a couple of farm vehicles) ................................................................... It

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-63162718010895344532010-03-09T20:35:00.000-08:002010-03-09T20:35:29.602-08:00

Wow.  Long time no type. Anyway, if you type this:    caren park into here:    http://www.xamuel.com/inverse-graphing-calculator.php you get: ((y-(1/2)x-2)^2+|x-2|+|x-4|-2)^2((y+(1/2)x-4)^2+|x-2|+|x-4|-2)^2(y-2x+8)^2(y+2x-16)^2 ((y-3)^2+|x-(11/2)|+|x-(13/2)|-1)^2(x-8)^2((y+(1/4)x-6)^2+|x-8|+|x-10|-2)^2((y-(1/8)x-(9/4))^2+|x-8|+|x-10|-2)^2 ((y+(5/8)x-(33/4))^2+|x-8|+|x-10|-2)^2(x-11)^2((y-2)^2+|

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-43044898149847021192010-02-01T10:37:00.000-08:002010-02-01T10:37:12.715-08:00

Once again, it's time for your February desktop calendar wallpaper.  This month:  St Yves candles, located within the La Cathédrale St Tugdual, in the Bretagne market town of Tréguier... Please feel free to download this photo for personal use on your computer's desktop. To download, just click once on the image, which will bring up the enlarged image on a new webpage. Then, right-click on the

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-12944417110794406922010-01-22T16:42:00.000-08:002010-01-22T16:42:21.979-08:00

... However, if someone wants to bring something easy for dinner tonight, I'll buy... While I was photographing the dogs at Beaver Lake, I was part of a two-dog sandwich about 30 minutes ago: a boxer and a rather large mastiff. My left knee tried to go in three directions at once, managed two of them. My right index finger points well, but it doesn't bend much anymore, and has a fair bit of

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-73055596321426657972010-01-21T19:27:00.000-08:002010-01-21T19:27:33.493-08:00

Not quite the photo I thought it would be, but not bad, either...  Begs the question:  how do those photographers get the moon so big in their pictures?  :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-65254525589808843032010-01-21T17:09:00.000-08:002010-01-21T17:09:07.830-08:00

Two new (to me) dogs at the Beaver Lake Dog Park... I was told Radar (an Australian Shepherd + Husky mix) was quite the jumper, that if he knew he could leap the fence, the fence wouldn't stand a chance... Well, here's a shot of him going after a tennis ball... :) And Cutter is simply a cute Portuguese Water Dog...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-1128930318101787332010-01-15T13:29:00.000-08:002010-01-15T13:29:46.451-08:00

I'm not a big fan of Farmville (Facebook), and yet this advertisement for the product makes me want to ...  :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-4565273034286766302010-01-14T17:21:00.000-08:002010-01-14T17:21:50.407-08:00

Trip is an inquisitive and energetic Golden Retriever puppy, and the muddy fields of Beaver Lake Park were just too much fun for him...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-39015108156859300012010-01-12T16:13:00.000-08:002010-01-12T16:13:00.931-08:00

Bridger is a Golden Doodle.  This is the first time I've seen him at the park, and I hope it's not the last... These photos are also Sunday shots at Beaver Lake...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-70602456688544276862010-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:002010-01-12T15:30:19.888-08:00

An interesting animation detailing the trajectory of 2010-AL30, a very small asteroid recently discovered that will come pretty close to the Earth sometime Wednesday...  The quote from one of the scientists:  “I don’t worry about those that we keep up with…. I am more concerned about the ones we never see coming.” http://www.dangl.at/2010/2010_al30/2010_al30.avi

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-79196506064033778202010-01-12T15:26:00.000-08:002010-01-12T15:26:42.577-08:00

She keeps being photogenic, and you get to see the results :) Photo taken Sunday afternoon at Beaver Lake Park...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-43549478985461809242010-01-08T10:13:00.001-08:002010-01-08T10:13:23.879-08:00

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-38984046963154277992010-01-07T16:49:00.000-08:002010-01-07T16:49:37.562-08:00

Please take a look to the upper right of the blogspot gadget bar (where the time, "who the hell am i", etc, is located), and let me know if you see anything wrong about the Flickr Slideshow I set up earlier today. It looks fine to me, but I've also noticed that the logo in FireFox looks a LOT different from the logo in IE 8, so... :) If things are odd, please let me know WHAT is odd, what

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-65165622255292496202010-01-06T09:56:00.000-08:002010-01-06T09:56:25.030-08:00

If you are owned by a cat, and don't live on the ground floor, this has got to be on your list of the greatest must-haves ever :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-67844787015767121142010-01-01T10:48:00.000-08:002010-01-01T10:48:14.473-08:00

A few days ago, I wandered into Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for about an hour.  Among the more interesting findings:  a Northern Harrier lunching on an unfortunate rodent.  While s/he was deep in the brush, there was still a small window along the road from which to (morbidly?) watch... S/he fed for about 5 minutes, ripping little bits and larger chunks, while watching the surrounding

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-5461512199732537992009-12-31T18:15:00.000-08:002009-12-31T18:15:48.816-08:00

On the front side of the auto route at Ridgefield, a Golden-crowned Sparrow, a Great Blue Heron (the most numerous of the large birds) eating what looks like a vole, a Bald Eagle (perched in a tree directly over the road), and a Northern Harrier privately enjoying lunch...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-6839350520596644412009-12-30T19:55:00.000-08:002009-12-30T21:10:00.389-08:00

As promised, here are two shots of the White-tailed Kite light-morph Rough-legged Hawk seen at Ridgefield, just west of Rest Lake, on Tuesday afternoon.  One shot is the original frame, the second is the close crop...  S/he was NOT close to the road :) I want to thank Truffles and her driver for spotting the Kite Hawk. Without their sharp eyes, I might have missed it entirely...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-19247531057999108542009-12-30T19:09:00.000-08:002009-12-30T21:09:12.428-08:00

Does anyone know what species of bird this is? Size reminds me of a Red-tail, but I don't honestly see any red in the tail;  breast is mottled like a Cooper's, but my memory says it wasn't that small a bird.  Red-shouldered Hawk, perhaps?  Admittedly, the lighting is bad; s/he probably wasn't going to let me get out of the car and venture across the field to get a better look :) Photo was

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-56532592526890231552009-12-19T21:02:00.000-08:002009-12-19T21:02:19.106-08:00

Chirp, always helpful, lets people know the difference between dogs and cats in a most succinct way... :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-29597724660886282482009-12-19T16:18:00.000-08:002009-12-19T16:18:55.154-08:00

An HD video download from Norway, all 7.5 hours worth, is available for bittorrent download. If you are into trains, scenic landscapes, etc, and have somewhere around 23 gigabytes of free disk space (not to mention the time involved with downloading and watching), this may be for you... Oh, and if you DO download, PLEASE invite me over to watch... I'd be happy to bring the popcorn :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-30910888657152845412009-12-16T11:30:00.000-08:002009-12-16T11:30:22.794-08:00

From what I can find, this is a REAL product!

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-44058473265664519682009-12-15T21:22:00.000-08:002009-12-15T21:22:09.875-08:00

Thank you, XKCD :) Image URL (for hotlinking/embedding): http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/abstraction.png

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-50211064273598461452009-12-15T15:13:00.001-08:002009-12-15T15:14:44.915-08:00

with grateful embed permission from comics.com

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-57432213371136757272009-12-11T10:18:00.000-08:002009-12-11T10:18:27.948-08:00

"... the neighbour's dog is having a go in my grass!"

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-41831804206987004072009-12-09T17:46:00.000-08:002009-12-09T17:46:42.919-08:00

Just before leaving for the gym this morning, a small flock of Evening Grosbeaks (joined by the neighbourhood regulars) dropped in for a bite at my local seed feeder.  For a second, I wasn't sure they were really there... I managed to get a couple of half-decent shots through the window (it was still -7C out there) before I tried to go outside and get something better.  Unfortunately, once

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-86085401969462606712009-12-08T12:07:00.000-08:002009-12-08T12:07:24.834-08:00

A gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog, playing with everyone (including a fun Golden Retriever puppy) on a recent afternoon when the park was just a bit "dirty" :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-9058399208347695782009-12-08T09:19:00.000-08:002009-12-08T09:19:06.479-08:00

Where's the Vulcan Nerve Pinch when you need it? :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-7757671928092946582009-12-07T18:20:00.000-08:002009-12-07T18:20:44.154-08:00

Tigger, here, is a Hound + German Shepherd mix.  He has good speed, a nifty herding instinct, and displays colourful markings... Koda, a Siberian Husky, is a regular at the park.  You have to love the anthromorph'd smile and those electric blue eyes...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-73552806204348024622009-12-07T08:24:00.000-08:002009-12-07T08:24:45.479-08:00

This is one of the truest, scariest, and funniest Dilbert cartoons I've seen in a while...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-496935952360997182009-12-05T15:36:00.000-08:002009-12-05T15:36:11.616-08:00

Roland is a gorgeous Australian Shepherd, but not one given to posing for photos... Cedar, a Golden Retriever, didn't mind being available all afternoon :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-51534511419848499942009-12-05T14:39:00.000-08:002009-12-05T14:39:08.772-08:00

Seems there is call to reverse certain photo-related provisions of Section 44, which made it a criminal offense to photograph anything a police officer said was illegal, even when it wasn't... Congratulations for common sense in the UK!

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-60437176444078760592009-12-05T13:04:00.001-08:002009-12-05T13:04:34.748-08:00

Have to say, this looks delicious. I'm going to try and remember to give these a go...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-28343682891858297072009-12-04T20:05:00.000-08:002009-12-04T20:05:42.011-08:00

First, we have Lacey, a Bichon Frise, enjoying the brisk weather (and the open running spaces)... Next, I'm divided as to which version of this photo I like more: This is Maggie, the boxer. She's semi-regular at the park, and that this particular moment, is enamoured with a tennis ball being thrown by someone who doesn't mind that the ball is gunky beyond all belief; she WANTS the ball,

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-43927695920983108862009-12-01T10:31:00.000-08:002009-12-01T10:31:05.880-08:00

A few weeks ago, I had a mini-fallout occur just a few linear metres from where I sit typing this: Dozens of Townsend's Warblers and hundreds of other more likely (for me, anyway) passerines dropped out of the sky and attempted to empty both the neighbouring trees and my seed feeders of sustenance... It seems apropos they should be this month's Desktop Calendar... Please feel free to

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-86354433920494556212009-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:002009-11-29T19:14:54.301-08:00

Sigh. Just heard from my mom that my uncle Lee just passed away. Not sure how old he was, but I'm guessing he was in his mid 90s. He was a beautiful man, always helping whenever people needed help, never a cross word, a gentle man who I only recently found out was in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II... He and my aunt were the original reason I travel as I do. In their working days,

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-19934364185040484522009-11-28T14:53:00.001-08:002009-11-28T15:07:37.624-08:00

OK, hitting a carriage return early didn't do what I expected :) Let's start with Callie, a Rat Terrier... Bullet is a (muddy) Golden Doodle new to our canine portrait gallery... And Chewy, the Rottie/Chow mix was just plain fun to photograph in the sunshine...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-81592254453190832722009-11-26T08:05:00.001-08:002009-11-26T08:05:38.371-08:00

One of my favourite television programs, with an incredible cast of actors and writers...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-12125421893400651262009-11-25T13:32:00.000-08:002009-11-25T13:35:17.699-08:00

Reminding people that the holiday song for Thanksgiving is Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant Massacree". If you don't have a copy of the music at home, you can listen (or download) a 1997 version at http://www.arlo.net/massacree/ ... please ignore the "buy" thingies underneath this fair-use image from wikipedia -- fotomoto doesn't quite recognize the difference between my stuff and other

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-39883123005265351662009-11-25T09:50:00.000-08:002009-11-25T09:50:26.318-08:00

Do you know anyone who matches this description? :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-82380821840151925502009-11-24T17:12:00.000-08:002009-11-24T17:20:27.678-08:00

I'm a Facebookie. Yeah, hard to believe, but among the many reasons I've found to stay is a simple contest: Give up something dear to you for a chance to win airfare and a few nights in Amsterdam next year... I've entered a poster I created using a local Australian Shepherd; if I win, the contest promoters will obtain the ownership rights to the poster, and I will receive the trip.

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-72377335207190057802009-11-24T17:04:00.001-08:002009-11-24T17:04:42.392-08:00

Currently listening to Glenn Gould's interpretation of the first few Mozart Piano Sonatas... he certainly takes liberties with tempo; oh, and you can hear him humming along in the background, though not as pronounced (usually) as Errol Garner :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-5292433197310560832009-11-23T16:52:00.000-08:002009-11-23T16:52:37.892-08:00

Of the many quotations I have regarding felines, this one seemed the most appropriate for the photo in question :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-73540076509659274212009-11-22T19:03:00.000-08:002009-11-22T19:03:44.808-08:00

As I was getting ready to do some grocery shopping, I happened to notice someone being very stalker-hunter in the bedroom... Not a lot of light in that room, so I'm surprised it turned out as well as it did; I had to open the ISO/ASA to 3200, then brace the lens and my arm against the door jamb for the 1/8 second shot... It was worth it :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-49556883609185214692009-11-21T13:40:00.001-08:002009-11-21T13:40:47.645-08:00

Did someone wash this guy's clothing in spam or chicken giblets? :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-45125451746435687112009-11-20T21:01:00.000-08:002009-11-20T21:03:07.744-08:00

Lily is a Chocolate Lab who arrived with a safety cone on her head to protect the surgical stitches that were within days of being removed. Lily doesn't know the word "slow".  Time after time, someone would throw a tennis ball, and each time you'd hear a loud KUTHUNK as the cone's outer edges contacted the ground at a good velocity while she grabbed the moving ball. It had to hurt, and yet,

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-53468212008389488472009-11-20T16:49:00.000-08:002009-11-20T16:49:12.113-08:00

Will it be sooner than later, though? I've just entered a contest on Facebook that says I need to trade something of value for a chance to win a three-day visit (plus airfare) to that gorgeous city. My choice? The ownership rights to a poster that I've only recently created, showing a beautiful Australian Shepherd named Mouser doing what Mouser does well: look happy... :) The quote:

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-8480955317274057042009-11-19T17:05:00.000-08:002009-11-19T17:05:33.654-08:00

Hard to believe, it's been a week since my last posting. Life sure does seem to become cranky from time to time, eh? Two of the larger Great Danes I've known came a'callin' to Beaver Lake last week: Lulu/Isis (not sure why she had two names), and Caesar, 160+ pounds of Big Dog... Both enjoyed eating/playing with a Snoopy doll, though it wasn't theirs... :) for all the enjoyment, the doll

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-78755347024296415312009-11-11T08:52:00.000-08:002009-11-11T08:52:59.858-08:00

Here is a fantastic way to spend an hour of your time, and have a fun time doing it:  Jeff Shuey is having a birthday party at the Puget Sound Blood Center in Bellevue, Wa...  His requested present? A donation of food and/or a donation of blood... What a great idea!

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-59795380519280916702009-11-10T12:00:00.000-08:002009-11-10T12:02:13.482-08:00

On Halloween, I was invited to photograph what I believe is called a Lindy Bomb, a congregation of like-minded dance enthusiasts engaged in a bit of spirited dancing at a locale that doesn't know they are coming. I loved the idea. Apologies in advance for the quality of the shots;  overall lighting was less than optimal.  Even so, a few turned out pretty nicely, I think, perhaps because of the

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-13798767086817249832009-11-09T08:23:00.000-08:002009-11-09T08:23:14.392-08:00

gotta say, this comic says it all for me. especially since it was just after labour day that the first "holiday" items started to appear for sale in the seattle area...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-70036812910321687972009-11-05T17:30:00.000-08:002009-11-05T17:30:08.418-08:00

Two new (for me) canines for the Beaver Lake Hit Parade: Char (English Mastiff), and Max (Golden Retriever) Char has such an adorable face, and a quiet (if fairly large) disposition. Max, on the other hand, is quite energetic, and the first Golden Retriever I've seen that is almost entirely cream white...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-52255461626753940642009-11-04T13:53:00.000-08:002009-11-04T14:17:33.188-08:00

Sometimes, it's hard to tell the players without a score card... A quick example from a few days ago, may I present Chewy and Chewy? Chewy (the Australian Shepherd), shown here demonstrating some wrestling moves with Katie, a German Shorthair... Chewy (the Chow - Rottweiler mix) is easily more distinctive, and (this is simply my own opinion) seems to match the original Chewy (Chewbacca) much

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-35108265520623794322009-11-04T10:37:00.000-08:002009-11-04T10:37:00.839-08:00

There are so many birds flying around my feeders the past few days, I feel there's a good need for professional air traffic control at times... I'm truly surprised there aren't many accidents, collisions, or raptors searching for appetizers...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-56377399284433522832009-11-03T23:02:00.000-08:002009-11-03T23:02:48.996-08:00

Remember Hailey?  I think I've told you if you mention Jackson to her, Hailey goes nuts...  Well, here is Jackson: Stanley seems a little territorial with this particular ball this afternoon. Not sure if the reason has anything to do with the grass, the grime, or the slobber... And here we have Joey engaging in a little intellectual mind game with one of her playmates:

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-85867577557436730672009-11-02T11:02:00.000-08:002009-11-02T14:14:25.678-08:00

You have to admit: dogs simply don't care. Whether they are at work or at play, they live in that moment, and damn the consequences. Buddy was doing nothing more than playing with his canine pals at Beaver Lake on Satyrday. I suppose it wasn't his fault there were a few muddy patches on the green, but I seriously doubt he gave it a second thought... Obviously. :) He won't be lacking his

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-43819793685449779252009-11-02T09:20:00.000-08:002009-11-02T09:21:00.273-08:00

You have to admire an honest individual... [ thanx to grrlscientist for finding this jewel! ]

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-8949776634276144902009-11-02T08:19:00.000-08:002009-11-02T08:19:41.280-08:00

This month's desktop calendar wallpaper shows a fairly common event on Jetty Island during the summer:  an osprey taking a freshly-caught flounder back to its nest to feed its chicks.  For this photo, I was lucky enough to be fairly close to the target to see how its talons attach to the fish so it couldn't wriggle off the hook (if it were still alive). It almost reminds me of how the NASA

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-33149067757976583992009-10-30T12:24:00.000-07:002009-10-30T12:24:48.598-07:00

From a few days ago at Beaver Lake, Breezy (Saluki) and Cleo (Borzoi)...  Gorgeous dogs standing still, impressive in flight...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-60329363785049238172009-10-28T20:17:00.000-07:002009-10-28T20:17:35.206-07:00

This is one of the strangest covers of a Beatles tune I've ever seen... As someone else points out, I'm not sure if I'm creeped out more by the puppets or their handlers...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-85980988602207815232009-10-24T13:27:00.000-07:002009-10-24T13:27:27.863-07:00

i'm still in wonder over what just happened. minding my own business, i watched something i'd never seen in my forest backyard before: dozens of warblers (mostly townsend's first-winters (according to Sibley), though a few adults were mixed in), maybe 50-60 black-cap, chestnut-back chickadees, and red-breasted nuthatches, three anna's hummers, and more than a dozen ruby-crowned kinglets, all

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-8489781795447865732009-10-23T17:02:00.000-07:002009-10-23T17:02:09.022-07:00

our first contestants are Callie, a Rat Terrier, and playing together at a full gallop, Ace (Airedale) and Patches (Aussie Shepherd)... the final two are Snoopy #1 (there were two beagles named "Snoopy" at the park within 30 minutes of each other) and Hailey (English Pointer), both rendered in black and white...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-84451835355696468042009-10-22T13:40:00.000-07:002009-10-22T13:51:15.660-07:00

The newest posters available are here: #71 (Weight Gain), 72 (Health Club), 73 (Proportional), and 74 (Truth)... These images, as well as all of the preceding Quotes, are for sale as physical art you can put on your office or home walls. Our example here is available in 12x18" and 20x30" posters. Feel free to email me if you'd like to own this piece of American Pie(ty). Be the first on your

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-64178659350097044082009-10-21T09:36:00.000-07:002009-10-21T09:36:02.387-07:00

Another high-value birth anniversary today: Martin Gardner, who introduced me to mathematics through Scientific American lo these many decades ago, turns 95 today... A Cambridge interview is here, and a CSICOP interview Have a happy, Martin, and many more!

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-32542810050000675812009-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:002009-10-21T08:47:17.713-07:00

One of the more fascinating fiction writers of our time is celebrating her 80th birth anniversary today... Among the first books I read while I was in college (for the first time), "the Lathe of Heaven" and "the Left Hand of Darkness" were fantastic and thought-provoking to me... Her website is www.ursulakleguin.com. Pay a visit, say "hi" ... more links: http://blog.bookviewcafe.com/?s=ursula

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-52929439374165261402009-10-19T17:41:00.000-07:002009-10-28T20:17:57.496-07:00

one of the best pixar parodies i've seen... i don't think i'll ever watch a pixar film again without thinking of this video...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-26725768741907628002009-10-14T09:12:00.000-07:002009-10-14T09:12:03.488-07:00

It's clear to me, travel is a way of life, a necessity for clear mental health, a path to learning, an opening to locating new friends and extended family. Among the things I missed while traveling: the taco bus near Hillman City American friends and family Among the things I miss about the summer of 2006: Madame Simone - such a wonderful person, alive and vital in her 80s Madame Bernadette - a

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-76613855001035035082009-10-13T13:38:00.000-07:002009-10-13T13:39:33.133-07:00

JJ (Jack Russell + Rat Terrier), Patches (Australian Shepherd), and Toby (Italian Greyhound) ... Lots of fun here with gorgeous personalities...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-25921988707440376952009-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:002009-10-13T11:47:14.740-07:00

Beauregard, a fairly large and very obedient (knows some American Sign Language!) Poodle...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-13507724049185042112009-10-12T08:14:00.001-07:002009-10-28T20:18:30.568-07:00

keeping you riveted right to the end! :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-18911176145350146102009-10-10T13:12:00.000-07:002009-10-10T13:12:00.883-07:00

From top to bottom here, we have Beauregard (Poodle), Joey (Boxer), Naomi and Sumire (Australian Shepherds), and Claire (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)... Yes, other canines cavort and frolic at Beaver Lake besides Hailey :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-55888575969496389502009-10-10T13:06:00.000-07:002009-10-10T13:06:51.790-07:00

More of the talented Hailey, English Pointer. You'd think she lived here :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-57892582645905332112009-10-10T10:42:00.000-07:002009-10-28T20:19:02.577-07:00

This is a real school answering machine. Apparently, staff was a little annoyed... :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-68624135217603256812009-10-08T15:55:00.000-07:002009-10-08T15:56:21.299-07:00

Quickly becoming a crowd pleaser, Cody (Pembroke Welsh Corgi) is not camera-shy... Her human says she's 90% fur, 10% dog... :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-74086147072403562942009-10-08T15:53:00.000-07:002009-10-08T15:55:32.963-07:00

A newcomer, Chloe (Labradoodle), attempting to chow down on a log almost as tall as she is, and one of my favourites, Hailey (English Pointer), still learning how her legs work...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-20804921637936707522009-10-08T14:56:00.000-07:002009-10-28T20:19:30.004-07:00

Is there a place in Sammamish something like this could be constructed? I'd hate to think I would have to go to Sweden to get my exercise... :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-7008866340582926332009-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:002009-10-08T09:18:39.778-07:00

Gotta love literal-minded individuals who still remember their elementary school math lessons... It all adds up, too!

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-83799760811938921092009-10-07T14:44:00.000-07:002009-10-07T14:44:58.536-07:00

Joining Hailey in today's portraits were Cosmo (sp Husky), Toby (Springer Spaniel), Stanley (Black and Tan Coondog + Lab), Beau (Dachshund), and an unnamed but gorgeous little Shetland Sheepdog...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-6368111783410081842009-10-07T14:42:00.000-07:002009-10-07T14:42:05.535-07:00

The energetic English Pointer is still showing off dazzling moves with gangly limbs that seem akimbo even at total rest...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-76197278640442144832009-10-07T12:25:00.000-07:002009-10-07T12:25:42.913-07:00

it's been quite some time since i've displayed a chess puzzle; i guess i've been a bit busy with other endeavours. this is a cute one i ran into this morning. white to play, mate in 2. i hope you enjoy its little barbs... :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-69932813835196134182009-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:002009-10-09T18:18:16.584-07:00

Pechos, an Australian Shepherd, is quite the terror with tennis balls... Callie and Ruby are regulars; I usually photograph them enjoying the company of much larger prey (usually Bernese Mountain Dogs). Here, they are speaking to each other... Toby jumps in anticipation of a ball thrown...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-21128611500614574962009-10-06T13:28:00.000-07:002009-10-06T13:28:54.330-07:00

Hailey is quickly becoming a regular here at Sooper Sekrit Intergalactic Headquarters... She loves watching (and chasing) birdies, and skews her head dramatically when someone says "You want to play with Jackson?" Bailey, here, is a soft and cuddly Siberian Husky tired from her walk. Arthritis affects her gait, but not her spirit...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-89768561094996837112009-10-05T21:40:00.000-07:002009-10-06T13:38:54.636-07:00

It's been a long time since the first three photos I've taken of a person or animal were this easy, this simple. A VERY long time. and yet, these three images seem to exemplify Cody, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Cody is simply photo-genic, a natural for the lens... Up to here, anyway :)

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-34069163254930889292009-10-05T21:01:00.000-07:002009-10-05T21:01:10.808-07:00

Benny, one of the smallest adult Bernese Mountain Dogs I've seen...June, a Pied Rescue Mutt!Spirit, an Australian Shepherd (there's a lot of that going around lately!)If anyone can identify this wonderful face (breed and/or name), I would appreciate it :)And last, but not least, Bailey, the springing Springer Spaniel

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-70479173544462169802009-10-05T14:47:00.000-07:002009-10-06T13:39:31.607-07:00

A gorgeous Siberian Husky named Koda has been enjoying the sunshine lately at Beaver Lake.  Of course, as with most Huskies, the eyes are incredible.  However, you have to admit his personality shines through as well...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-4694097605391616602009-10-01T10:22:00.000-07:002009-10-01T10:25:00.774-07:00

Yep, it's that time of the month again, time for your new desktop calendar courtesy this month of ParkGallery PetPics. During this past summer, I spent a lot of time in the waters of the Sammamish Slough at Marymoor Park for more than a few reasons, not the least of which was our unusual (to date) temperatures, climbing over 100F (>40C) on several occasions. On one of those excursions, I found

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-59122527019569955362009-09-27T15:26:00.000-07:002009-09-27T15:26:08.728-07:00

And lastly, though certainly not least, is Xena, a Japanese Chin + Pug...  What a beauty!

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-26572212722336693292009-09-27T15:23:00.000-07:002009-09-27T15:23:35.435-07:00

Numerous others were also at the park yesterday, including Sam (Chow + Lab), Bandit (English Bulldog), and MayMay (Border Terrier)...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-84630578648116799592009-09-27T15:16:00.000-07:002009-09-27T15:16:18.769-07:00

Apologies for the late update to yesterday's photos, but there were so many wonderful shots...  Part 1 features Ernest (Australian Cattle Dog) and Ruby (Border Terrier)... For some reason, they loved being together with fangs bared, and yet tails wagged high and it was obviously all in fun...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-77991194309625562242009-09-26T11:06:00.000-07:002009-09-26T11:06:31.796-07:00

and finally, we come to Hailey, an English Pointer with an incredible amount of energy, and a dance you can imagine just looking at her photos.

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-26653875729072487722009-09-26T10:50:00.000-07:002009-09-26T10:50:01.301-07:00

Beaver Lake Park is definitely THE place for dogs late in the afternoon...  Among the regulars are: Max  Joey  lovely EllaDiamond, and an unnamed Boston with a mouthful of entertainment...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-82899590895987471662009-09-26T09:20:00.000-07:002009-09-26T09:20:01.939-07:00

not sure who this dog is;  he's one of the few where I didn't get breed or names.  however, he's wonderfully-expressive at rest and at play...

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-58107814215744742442009-09-25T14:42:00.000-07:002009-09-26T09:20:37.150-07:00

Two new posters are now available here at the Park Gallery: Happiness, an anonymous quote with a beautiful (and obviously happy dog as a photo), and Time, with a Terry Pratchett quote adorned by a bubbly baby These images, as well as all of the preceding Quotes, are for sale as physical art you can put on your office or home walls. Our examples here are available in 12x18" and 20x30" posters.

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-10982383461386096052009-09-22T21:31:00.000-07:002009-09-22T21:31:08.276-07:00

A few of my new friends, playing at Beaver Lake Park this sultry afternoon... Seems BLP has more than a few Bernese Mountain Dogs:  this one is Rio... These two friends are Jersey and Buster, sharing some well-deserved water... Here is Coco. Her human says she's a "bagel": Beagle, Basset, and Corgi :) and Ace, an old acquaintance from Marymoor Park earlier this year... Finally, we

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-74851822962090964762009-09-20T18:01:00.000-07:002009-09-20T18:01:18.039-07:00

For the first time in not long enough, sunshine is funneling directly through my office window, within days of making use of my office desktop difficult... While I love the season, it's also a bit disheartening.  As the sun's position progresses through the seasons, eventually the shades must come down, causing me to lose my beautiful view for hours each day.

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321788811424592814.post-32259098727117849682009-09-18T19:09:00.000-07:002009-09-22T20:34:24.041-07:00

Gorgeous day at the park, with temperatures closing on high 20sC (mid 80sF).  Still not finding the Western Screech Owl, though people are telling me it was still in the area just a few days ago... Among the interesting: Western Wood Pewee, Coots are starting to return (where did they go?  anyone?), Two male Wood Ducks were seen with spanking-new breeding plumage, a Downy Woodpecker,

TravelGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997758803862274363noreply@blogger.com0