Monday, August 31, 2009

A Man's Best Friend

Photo 70-71: My uncle has a new dog, Leo, and he's filled with spunk, energy and acts like a one-year old dog should - with more enthusiasm than you know what to do with. He is absolutely adorable, and quite the show dog as well. But it doesn't take fancy toys to amuse Leo, he's happy with an empty water bottle and a backyard. My nephew, who's 18, and him had quite the fun afternoon on Saturday, and as you can see, they bonded quickly over a game of fetch.

Old and New

Photo 67-69: I'm back from Austria, and here are a few choice gems from sightseeing with my dad and his wife. We went to this "Food Symposium" in an old monestary, and combined modern art with classic libraries and collections.

It as a great trip, being home and all, but it was way too short. Got to see lots of old friends, lots of family, and I ate way too much. Who knew a salad could look so good upon my return.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Leonie

Photo 64-66: My friend's little girl is quite the character. She appears to be shy and quiet, that is until you put her in front of the camera. She then proceeds to pose, smile and flirt away. What a sweetheart. She's definitely not camera shy and is continuing the "fork" theme that seemed to be predomant in Austria this year. lol

A little Billboard Action

Photo 63: I'm back, I'm home, hello NYC! I've been gone for about a week, and my little blog needs some love and some attention, then again I WAS on vacation. So as I'm sitting in the Brussels airport, waiting for my flight to Vienna, I look up, and see this. Ah, the power of advertising. Not only did I want to change my cell phone coverage, but I was suddenly hungry which I quickly remedied with a crispily delicious croissant and some coffee. Not quite pasta, but that came later.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Auf Wiedersehn and Au Revoir!

Extra: I'm off to the country of wine, great food, Mozart, the Alps, and grand palaces in the middle of a city... and yes, in that order. lol I'll be back in a week with lots of pictures, funny stories, amazing memories, and probably some seriously overweight luggage.

Lots of hugs, love, and see you in a week.


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

DC, DC I welcome thee...

Photo 60-62: I am off to DC for a meeting, and won't be back until late tonight, soooo I'll be posting some recent pictures of our nation's Capitol. I know I didn't take them TODAY, but it's within a two month time frame, so I think I'm excused. And the posting is going to get a tad bit sporadic this week, because of my hectic schedule. Thursday is probably my last chance to post anything, because I'm going back home to Austria for a much needed VACATION!


Monday, August 17, 2009

Heatwave

Photo 59: And as the night draws to a close, a sunset to remind us that (eventually) everything will cool down, and be bathed in gentle colors of the sun.

Photo 58: I know, I know, it's hot... and guess who is thrilled about that? ME! Here's a refreshing little picture of our NYC and a little boat action.

Photo 57: The really cool thing about Brooklyn is that you can really see anything and everything. Even on 90 degree days, theatrics and gigantic balloons can be found on the beach.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

A little Church Action

Photo 55-56: This church screams Henry VIII and the Tudors to me. Beautiful inside and outside with ominous clouds above. Where's the chopping block though? *tsk tsk* I know, I know bad humor.

Friday, August 14, 2009

I See Orange

Photo 53-54: This will be my own version of "The Gates," only I'll try to catch a different "orange" photo in different places. You can't really miss the color when you see it. lol

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Waterlily Definitions

Photo 52: Monet may have painted stunning waterlilies, but I like to photograph them. There is something so calm about a single waterlily surrounded by its dark green pads. I had another beautiful shot of a waterlily from last year, but I lost that one when my hard drive crashed last December. Which reminds me, I have to back up my computer...

As a sidenote, I learned something new today. Did you know that lily pads is Military slang for cooperative security location installations, a military term for a scaled down Military facility with little or no personell presence which contains pre-positioned equipment and often serve as a staging ground for Special Forces and Intelligence operations. Betcha didn't know that, huh? lol

Brick and Steel

Photo 49-51: Wandering around Raleigh the other weekend, really gave me an appreciation for the simple things again. It has an all American hometown feel with flags flying on the front porches of Victorian-style houses, Harley-driving men zipping down the highway with the wind wipping at the tassles of their motorcycles, and old Baptist Church choirs singing their hearts out on Sunday mornings as the sun is just coming up. Little bakeries open only for a few hours in the morning, and if you want to grab brunch on a Saturday, you better get there early, otherwise the "French" bistro is closed again if you come too late. As we were driving down the street to grab said brunch, I saw hometown diners bustiling with activity, children dressed in their soccer uniforms, and remembered my time in Columbia, Mo. At that time I was the one running into the diner, grabbing a cup of coffee, and rushing to the soccer fields outside Jefferson City to coach six-year olds how to pass and dribble in a line. It still brings a smile to my face. But, as with everything, Raleigh is also trying to distinguish itself from its Southern past, stripping old tobacco warehouses bare, and remodeling them into modern, steel-enforced apartment buildings with abstract art hanging on brick walls, and modern contemporary furniture strategically placed to create a more "zen" environment.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Substitute

Missing Photo 47: Here's the substitute photo from the other day. There's nothing better than blowing cherry blossom kisses at a baby! How cute is this little girl?

Sunday, August 9, 2009

On my way to North Carolina

Photo 46-48: I went to Raleigh, NC, this weekend, to visit my friend, Caroline. Had a great time catching up, indulging in some wine and girlie fun. I did get to give Pedro some exercise, and got some pictures of people and places. Installment one is of people, keep tuned for some great scenery shots as well.

P.S. I know there is a picture missing, but I will substitute one tomorrow...

-- Missing picture --

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Oh sun, where art thou?

Photo 45: Since the sun seems to hide away every chance it gets, I figured I'd post a gloomy, foggy picture as well. I'm off to NC tonight, but Pedro is coming with me, so I'll be coming back with loads of pictures of Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh for Sunday. I'll make up for it then. And this time, I'll be taking pictures of people, otherwise my friend Caroline is going to be the model.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

I dream of...

Photo 42-44: Soon I'll be off to Austria, and I can't wait to just go home and relax! It's been quite the summer, and I'm a bit worn out. It's stunning outside today, and hot! The weather is finally participating in this little season called Summer. As I won't be going to anywhere tropical until December, here's a few pictures that Pedro was more than happy to take! Look at the water...

Monday, August 3, 2009

I read ... NYT

Photo 41: Since unusual amounts of traffic help me up from going into the city on Saturday on time to see the High line, here's a photo I captured at the 15th street fair that was going on that day. I have never in my life seen so much traffic, nevermind trying to not embrace road rage and hit those Jersey drivers over the head. lol Is this photo irony or is it me?

Saturday, August 1, 2009

What's in a reflection?

Photo 38-40: I took Pedro with me one morning this week on my way to work. It was right after yet another huge rainstorm, and everything looked so clean and clear. The sun was coming out, it was the perfect temperature, and the traffic was just starting to pick up. There really is something refreshing after a rain storm... even in BK. lol Hope you enjoy them. I'm off to the High Line today! Can't wait to see what I can capture there... I'll try to stalk some people this time! If you're interested in going, check out their site. It looks amazing!