Sunday, August 22, 2010

Romelle's Flower Garden - Friday, 6 Aug 10

While back in Wisconsin for a family gathering I had an opportunity to capture some of the beautiful flowers my sister Romelle has grown with such care and attention in her back garden. I'm sure she knows the name of each; I just know they looked wonderful. A small angel stands nestled amongst the colorful blooms.
I wish I could zoom right in and capture the intricate details better. Mother nature creates some pretty amazing things.
A small burst of color mixes with some of the larger flowers to bring a brilliant balance to the space.
This variety of hibiscus stood taller than me, making it easy to snap some summer sky behind the huge bloom.

Monday, June 14, 2010

One Of My Favorite Photos - Thursday, 29 Oct 2009

After many months without having access to my blog I'm going to try to get things caught up as best I can. What better way to do so than with a photo that turned out to be far better than ever expected.
As the sun went down over the tops of the tents, the new concertina wire being installed by one of my contractors was a bitter-sweet site. A glorious sunset - a marvel of nature - a warm and carefree vision mixed with the realities of war - the razor sharp wire that was erected to protect and keep so many safe. A contrast we don't particulary like to see, but one that was/is reality, and can still create an amazing sight worthy of capture and sharing.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Outback, Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill - Saturday, 17 Oct 09

Tonight we had a very special treat for dinner! I thought it was only Outback Steakhouse coming in to provide steaks, but when we got inside we saw that they had Outback, Carrabba's and Bonefish Grill entrees!!!
Sorry for the blurry pic - I was taking the shot across the room at the dining facility where they had their Outback Steakhouse banner displayed.
It was so hard to decide what to have because they had several entrees to choose from! I wish they would each come a different night so I could have enjoyed all of it!!!
I decided on the Ribeye steak from Outback, the Tilapia w/ Thermadore Sauce and Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill and the Au Gratin Potatos and herb roll from Carrabba's. I'm not sure which one provided the Key Lime pie for desert, but it was scrumptious!! We also had a Bloomin' Onion for everyone at the table!! WAY too much food, but it was delicious!!!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Dust Laden Sunset - Friday, 16 Oct 09

Today was a very still day so the dust never had a chance to be blown away, it simply lingered, creating a 'fog' across the camp.
A solitary soldier makes his way west across the camp.
Even through the dust the colors on display showed their rich tones as dusk approached.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - "Street" Scenes - Friday, 16 Oct 09

I have absolutely no idea where this guy came from or where he was headed, but couldn't pass on the opportunity to snap the shot.
Not really the best running environment, but there aren't many options. I haven't become acustom to suckin' dust just yet! Bleck!!
Just another view of what a typical commute along the streets is like on any given day at any given time...dusty!!
It's a daily occurence to see groups coming in while others are going out. We're currently in a high transition period that will continue for several weeks.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Random Pics - Friday, 16 Oct 09

Even Camp Leatherneck has it's own unique and impressive structures. It's amazing what can be created from Hesco barriers with a little imagination (and WAY too much time on their hands).
Who needs billy goats to stand on top of anything raised from the ground when we have Marines!
Today I got a group of people together for a very small representation of the diversity of people we have working/living at Camp Leatherneck. We have men and women of all ages, ethnic background, etc from the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Civilians working together to acheive one mission! These are only 17 of over 8,ooo!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Current Office Digs - Monday, 12 Oct 09

In a row of shelters less than a five minute walk from my sleeping tent is our office. We like it here; it's away from the insanity that runs amuck in some of the other work centers.
Here's the view when you first walk through the door. Four of us line the left side, three on the right. I reside on the far end of the left side nearest to the plywood wall which creates a small storage space at the far end of the tent.
A shot from the opposite end of the space.
A closer shot of my work space.
One more pic from another angle. There you have it; the place I spent plenty of hours each day.