A Day with Roby and Renee

Matthew 5:14-16

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

When I think of Roby and Renee, this verse always comes to mind. Their love for the Lord shines like a bright light, radiating and touching everyone they meet!  Rick and I are so blessed to have them as friends!

I met Roby and Renee some 15 or so years ago, when I got involved with the Hotter 'N Hell 100, and we've been friends ever since.

Roby with his 2nd catch of the evening.

 

Renee with Maggie (black lab) and Zoe (Min Pin Mix)

We were thrilled to get a call from them to come out to their Jack County Ranch and spend an afternoon riding around checking out the sights and sounds, and feeding the turtles and fish.  I enjoyed Renee's story of the animals that have made the ranch their home.  Renee told us about some orphaned baby birds (and I can't remember what kind -- but they look like tree bark)   that they rescued and took to the Wild Bird Rescue.  The WBR nurtured the baby birds and sometime later -- Renee and her grand kids were able to release them back out on the ranch.

Renee also told us about a beat up raccoon they named Troubles.  Why Troubles -- well, the poor little guy evidently was not a fighter and was getting licked by some other raccoons.  He was missing an ear, his tail, and eventually lost an eye in fights with the other raccoons.  Renee made sure he got plenty to eat and drink -- and tried to make his life a little easier.  Eventually, Troubles passed away.

Roby and Renee had so many interesting stories about the vegetation and animals.  I wished I had a photographic memory -- so I could retell them here on my blog.  Unfortunately, my brain is full -- and something has to fall out before anything new can go in!!!!  Quite honestly, I think if anything falls out -- it'll be my entire brain -- so I guess I should be content with my really crappy memory!

Roby hand feeding one of the gi-normous catfish

Gi-normous catfish eating

And -- to top it off, we got a glimpse of some black-bellied whistling ducks that have made Roby and Renee's ranch home!  I should mention that it is not common to find these ducks this far north.

 

Anyhoo -- it was a fantastic, peaceful, and totally fun day. Rick got to get in some fly casting time, I got to play with my camera, and we were treated to a great meal cooked by Roby and Renee! I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

 Renee and Maggie watching the fishermen

Rick practicing his casting

Zoe contemplating world problems

Roby checking out some flies

Roby and Rick talking fly fishing

Well, got to get back to work -- but, I wanted to get this post out there.

Thank you Roby and Renee for a splendid Saturday -- but most of all, for your friendship!

Have a great evening!

: ^ }  Frances

Summer has Sprung -- I think we missed Spring!

We have two seasons in this area. Summer and Winter. The other two seasons creep out for a day here and there, but basically, it's hot or it's cold.

I think it was less than two weeks ago when we had snow -- today, it was 90 degrees and windy.

But, the good news is that the trees are budding out and it's starting to green up around here!!!!!

As I was walking around the backyard looking for picture opportunities, I noticed this white fluffy nest in the cedar elm tree.  I have no clue who or what it's for.  It sure looks like it beats the twig nest for comfort!

Lola, my chunky monkey dog -- loves being outside!    All the other dogs are very, very domesticated and spoiled.  They prefer soft, fluffy pillows to the grass. 

I shot the picture of Lola wide open at f/2.8 so you can't really make out how tall the weeds are around her.  It looks like I'll be mowing this Friday.

Ok, let's see.  I shot plants, pets and hmmmmmmmmm -- need a people shot.

This is  a shot I took of Rick this evening while we were on the back porch enjoying the evening.  I think he's thinking happy thoughts, or is that annoyed thoughts? 

 

Here's to things that start with P's -- plants, pets, people, potato chips, pizza, popcorn, pie, pudding. 

Have a great evening!!!

; ~D Frances

Wichita Falls Family Portraits | Nickolaus

Hola and a blessed Sunday to you all!

It's another cold, gloomy day here in Wichita Falls, Texas.  Looking out my backdoor, it's a foggy, dull gray and brown kindof morning.

Yesterday, my youngest son Nickolaus stopped by for a quick visit.  Little did he know that he was going to have to pose for pictures!  Nick plays bass for a local band called Twice Broken -- I think they are fabulous!  Click here and check out there newest release.

 

 

And finally, Hank insisted on being a part of the picture, or maybe he was looking for a little scratching???

 

Have a wonderful Sunday!

;~D Frances

SAFB Tower Tour Part Une

As the computer police would say "Ma'am -- step away from the computer, step away from the computer"!

Yep, I need to stretch my legs and get a breath of fresh, freezing cold air. I just spoke to Rick and he said the temperature outside was warming up -- it was finally up to 32 degrees. I'm glad I waited until the day warmed up before venturing out!!!!

Before I head out -- I'd like for ya'll to see a couple of shots I took yesterday during the Wichita Falls Aviation Safety Club's tour of SAFB's tower and control center (not sure if I said that right).

My friends Elizabeth and John Hawley were kind enough to treat me to lunch and to let me tag along with them for this tour. It was really neat getting to see all the bells and whistles in the tower and control center.

Well -- need to quit lolly gagging -- and head outdoors!

Have a safe, warm evening!

;~'} Frances

Elizabeth looking through the extra large binocs!

I used one of the png files (picture) from the CoffeShop Photography  polaroid emulsion kit on this photo (plus a couple of other textures).

Wichita Falls Family Portraits | Amy and Jared

Have I mentioned that I'm funny (or maybe I should say I think I'm funny)?  I've got proof!

Well - to be honest, I think Amy was laughing at something Rick said -- but, I can dream that I'm an up and coming comedian!!!!

I was thrilled when Amy and Jared called needing a few shots for their Christmas cards.   I figure since I'm the mom -- that surely I'd be #1 on their list of photographers to call.  Wait -- I should be the only one on their list!!!

Anyhoo -- Sunday afternoon wasn't too bad -- as the sun came out and the buildings blocked us from the wind.  I love my kids -- and am always thrilled to spend time with them.

Here's my wonderful son Jared and his adorable wife Amy.

 

Well, it's time to make some hot fresh bread for my friend Carolyn's ornament exchange party.  Hope it turns out looking like bread!

Have a great evening!

;~'} Frances

Wichita Falls Family Portrait | Tyra Sneak Peek

Move over Tyra Banks and meet America's Next Top Model -- Tyra Joy!  Isn't she gorgeous!  I spent some time taking pictures of her beautiful mom and handsome dad at Lucy Park this afternoon.  It was another perfect day here in Wichita Falls.  God has blessed us with warm, sunny days.

Oh, you want to see the entire family???? Here's your sneak peek of Tyrane, Tyra, and Ashley

I hope you all have a wonderful Thnaksgiving -- and a great weekend.

Check back later for more pics of Tyra and her family!

;~`} Frances

Wichita Falls Family Portraits | Jan, Jacob and Ashley

Laugh, jab, pinch. Laugh, hug, elbow. Yep, that was our afternoon! Meet my friend Jan and her two beautiful children Jacob and Ashley. Jacob is the Energizer bunny, and Ashley is all girl -- sugar and sweet!

Jan is one of the super ladies at the American Red Cross. Ok -- sometimes I call them "blood suckers" -- but, they take excellent care of me when I'm there to donate platelets. Jan and the other ladies -- make me feel like I'm going to the spa! I mean, I get covered with heated blankets, they serve me beverages and snacks -- and come running every time my machine beeps!

You're probably wondering why I don't just live at the ARC -- with all the first class service they provide! Well, I've tried -- but they don't take overnight guests!

Oopppssss -- here I go -- digressing again!

Here's a sneak preview of our fun afternoon at Lucy Park. It was a beautiful day, at a beautiful park, with a beautiful family!

Thanks Jan, Jacob and Ashley!

 

 

Have a great week -- Frances

Wichita Falls Family and Pet Portraits | Carolyn and Birdie

Okay -- since I don't have any grandchildren yet, can I brag on my granddog?????? OMG -- Birdie is sooooooo smart!  Carolyn and Michael have enrolled Birdie in dog obedience training -- and by golly, he's catching on!   He can sit -- and most importantly, he can stay!  I've always wanted to teach my dogs that -- but, they're not having any part of the "stay" command!

Anyhoo, we took the Bird Man out for a walk. This was a perfect opportunity to catch a quick shot of him while he was "staying" -- so we can prove to Rick that Birdie in fact is paying attention in class!

He's full of energy and oozzzezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz love.

Annnnddddd -- before I make my own critters upset, here's a shot of my little chunky monkey -- Lola!

Time to sign off and start the Pink Vodka Sauce!

Have a wonderful weekend!

:~'} Frances

Colors of Fall

Rick and I were out yesterday scouting fall foliage for a session I'll be shooting tomorrow. Poor Rick, I made him act as my model -- whenever I found a spot that I thought would look great behind the lens.

He of course -- is always patient and willing to help a girl out! While we were down by the river, I noticed a gentleman and his dog all decked out for Christmas.  He was out with his four legged friend and a two legged friend shooting pictures for his upcoming Christmas card.  Well you know me -- I love dogs!  I couldn't resist and asked the gentleman if I could take a picture of his buddy.

Isn't he (or is it a she????) adorable?  Anyhoo -- if you are wanting portraits with fall foliage, you need to head out now --- as the  leaves are "fall"ing fast!

Have a great week!

;~ `} Frances

Colorado R&R

Hugs and kisses to Rick for taking me away from the 100 degree temps of Texas to the beautiful, lush green (and much cooler temps) of Lake City, Colorado. We spent a very relaxing week -- fly fishing, four wheeling, and my favorite -- eating!

I would guess that during the summer months, Lake City is inhabited by about 70% Texans. It's quite amusing to see so many Texas license plates!

The fishing was great for Rick and his Uncle Dub -- as they caught quite a few large trout -- for me, not so good. I caught one teenie, tiny trout on my first day of fishing, and the big goose egg from there on out. It's really not a big deal for me -- as I enjoy the practice (sounds like I'm in denial or something).

About four years ago, instead of taking a 4-wheel drive jeep on the mountain backroads (Alpine Loop), Rick has opted to doing the drive on a four-wheeler. I prefer the four-wheeler as it makes the day less scary. Jeeps just seem too wide for these narrow roads -- so I'm glad we've made the change.

We saw two moose while there. The first moose sighting was at Lake San Cristobal. We were driving around the lake when we noticed about six cars pulled over to the side -- and the car's occupants were out of the cars looking out toward the middle of the creeky area of the lake (not sure what you call it). The crowd had spotted a huge bull moose eating! We had a lot of fun chatting it up with the onlookers while watching the feeding moose.

Our next sighting was of a cow moose at Deer Creek. If you click on the moose picture below, you'll notice that there is a sign that has "Deer Creek" imprinted on it. I thought it was funny -- but, it doesn't take much to amuse me. Another moose watcher told us that the cow had two calves with her earlier. Rats -- how cool would that have been to see the mom and babies??????

Lake City has a number of wonderful restaurants. We love Poker Alice's (Pizza), Lake City Bakery (breads, sweet rolls, you name it -- they bake it), Cannibal Grill (hamburgers, hot dogs), the Sportsman (gas station that serves great BBQ), and an Italian Restaurant which I can't remember the name. We always end our trip with Rick's Uncle Dub and Aunt Sidney at Bruno's Restaurant. Bruno and his wife -- serve the most amazing food. It's five star dining -- I kid you not. We always look forward to the soup, bread -- and the main course. If you like wild game or a good steak -- Bruno's is the place to go.

Wow, it's not even 10:00 a.m. and I'm getting hungry!

If you'd like to learn more about Lake City, Colorado, click on today's post title (Colorado R&R).

Enough of the gab -- it's picture time! Enjoy and have a wonderful week!

Click on image for a larger picture.

Shot taken out the car window, somewhere in New Mexico.


Moose at Deer Creek (hey, who said moose can read?).


Dumpsters are locked to keep the bears out.


Garden shop (Pottin Shed) located behind our cabin (notice the sod roof).


Lake City Bakery (our first stop every morning).


We love shopping at Dan's Fly Shop. Dan and his wife are the best!


Photo of umbrellas at Kip's Gill in Creede, Colorado.


Rick soaking in the sun at Kip's Grill in Creede, Colorado.


One of the private streams we fished (Rio Grande)


Pssst -- what's the password? Had to get by the cattle before we could hit the Rio Grande for fishing.


Headed home, leaving New Mexico.

It's official!

Family and friends -- it's time to mark your calendar for - dun, du, duuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnn (or if you prefer a ddrrrrrrruuuuuuummm roooooollllll) -- Nick and Emily's wedding!


Click on the image for a larger version.

I am soooooooo excited -- I get to take pictures of people again!

Just in case you can't increase the size of the picture, the date is Saturday, June 19, 2010. I'm giddy with excitement!

Have a relaxing Labor Day!

Love -- Frances

HH100 Part Deux

Words cannot describe how awesome it is to watch the start of the HH100 bike ride! We had over 14,205 racers and riders at this year's event! I especially love the USAF flyover at the beginning of the ride. Here's a video posted on YouTube that gives you a little flavor of what it's like to be on Scott Street in Wichita Falls at the start of HHH.

Following are pictures I took at the start of the ride. Click on each image for a larger picture.






This is the dude that was selling lemonade! Well, it was his proxy before his booth opened.


I was practicing taking motion blur pictures (like I need practice taking blurry pictures!!!) of the riders. This one fascinated me, as it looks like there was a flag superimposed over the picture, when in fact, it's just the colors of the riders going by that made this cool, blurry photo.