Jesus (the bottom half)

I entered a photo contest called "Alameda on Camera". Forty nine photographers draw for a section of Alameda then have 48 hours to take shots in that area.  The judging is later in March with a show for all photographers at a great place called the Frank Bette Center, which arranges the competition. Last night we chose the sections and I was lucky enough to get the section with St. Joseph's church. I found this crucifix statue on the side of the church and took this shot. I am taking more photos tomorrow so not sure if this will be my final submission. Any and all feedback is definitely appreciated.

Private Lot

Beautiful blue sky shot turned into a scary "GET OUT!" shot with the magic of photoshop.

Anniversary Kiss

Today is the anniversary of when I was lucky enough to marry the most beautiful, amazing, loving, caring, compassionate, intelligent, witty, supportive, funny and sexy woman in the whole world who shows me every day what true love really is.  I love you with all my heart B.

Blow up doll + cd rack = trip to ER

So the story goes that there was this blow up sex doll that someone decided to dispose of by placing on the street with a few other items, including a cd rack.  Hannah and her classmates pass by and decide to stop to look at said blow up doll. Somehow the cd rack gets knocked over and hits Hannah in the arm. Swelling of the elbow area ensues followed by a necessary trip to the local emergency room. Two hours later x-rays confirm that there is luckily no fractures or breaks, just a nasty muscle bruise. Of course, I could not let a good photo opportunity be missed.

Step Carefully

I went to some fancy vendor shindig tonight and needed a little escape and a picture for today. While taking a break from the schmoozing I saw a little girl in a vibrant flower dress skipping steps over a little water pond.

B on Couch

It was B's turn for a photo shoot tonight. Since my wife rarely allows me to take pictures of her it was a real joy. With a subject this amazingly beautiful it was not hard to get some great shots.

Old Crow

We are the proud owners of an Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky marketing display from the late 1950's.  It scares the heck out of the kids but it fits in well in our basement lounge surrounded by other collectibles such as the Cramps poster in the background.  

Hannah's rock 'n' roll album cover

Tonight was Hannah's rock 'n' roll photo shoot.  Should work for her first album cover.

Tom & Jerry at Brickhouse

I went to Brickhouse, our favorite dining and drinking establishment near work, for lunch today. One o'clock was a bit early for me to have a drink on a work day but Tom seemed to definitely have the thought on his mind.

LP's are better than MP3's

Frankie had a rock 'n' roll photo shoot in our basement tonight amidst our old school record collection.

Birds!

Here is my attempt to make a Hitchcockian (it's a word) scene out of a bird shot that I took today. Did I mention that I am still learning Photoshop?

Bay Bridge after the storm

It has been raining nearly non-stop for a few days in the bay area. Walking to the ferry after work there was a little break in the weather which made for a nice pic of the Bay Bridge.

Tantrum

Frame by frame of the tantrum of a two year old.

Waiting for the rockin' band

Frankie has been waiting all weekend to see the "rockin' band" which is actually a band called Alphabet Rockers that plays educational hip hop music. Here she is shortly before the show started. You could cut the anticipation in the air with a knife. Let the dancing begin already!

Pampered Pup

The East Bay Express review of The Pampered Pup says it is a "perfect little eatery for penny-pinching weenie fans".  It is a landmark on Park St. in Alameda. A little hole in the wall retro hot dog joint that is loved by teens. 

Roxie

Founded in 1909, the Roxie is the oldest continually operating theater in San Francisco.  The Roxie has a long-standing reputation as one of the most provocative and risk-taking theatres in the nation. It shows more documentaries every year than any other theatre in the nation and is host to many independent SF film festivals. Long live the Roxie!

Wrestling match

Hannah "Gorgeous" George had the size and age on her smaller foe for what should have been an easy win. But what she didn't know is that Frankie "the Ferocious" plays dirty. Here, she applies her patented hair pull move while laughing maniacally to victory.

Chalk

Chalk for playing pool at my work.

Tired

Looking in the mirror when I was getting ready for bed I noticed the large bags around my eyes. Long day I guess.

Computer Buddha

My wife gave this bouncing Buddha to me as a present when we worked together... before we even dated. I have had it on my computer for 6 years now and every time I look at it I think of her and smile.

Merry-go-round

I took the kids to Pier 39 today. Frankie's highlight was definitely riding the merry-go-round with her big sister Hannah. 

The sky is angry!

I took an angry self portrait today combined with a threatening sky pic I took awhile back and decided to pretend I know how to blend in PS.

Evil bird graffiti

More graffiti found while wandering the alleys of SF. I like that it looks like he is about to sneak up the stairs and deliver a bomb.

Where do the children play...

...when it is raining outside?  It was raining today so a normally packed playground in South Park was empty today. I just imagine a bunch a kids looking out their windows wishing they could be outside playing on the swings.

Dry Clean

I was again looking for a picture after dark when on the way to the store I passed by our local dry cleaner and was drawn to the neon sign.  When I was processing the photo I noticed the little sign at the bottom that says "We Clean Skins!" with a pic of a bunch of animals in a bathtub. Odd.

Pipes

Some pipes in the alley by my work that I always walk by. Needed a quick pic today so there you go.

Red's Java House

Red's Java House has been around since 1923. It was originally owned by a red haired Irish boxer named Red.  It was frequented by longshoreman over the years. Since it was discovered in the 90's, people of every walk of life have stopped by to enjoy the sun and get a burger and bud for $3.  The port recently raised their rent from $800 to $2,000 plus a percentage of the profits. They have a sign that says "see you after the holidays" but still have not opened their doors in the new year. It is kinda sad if the rumors are true that this SF treasure is closed for good. 

The day that Frankie conquered a few of her fears.

It is funny how children can be afraid of something one day and totally not the next. Frankie was afraid of the swings, the big slide, and the merry go round. In our trip to the park today she conquered all of them with fearless enthusiasm. For extra measure, she scared me by climbing the bars up to the top of the park structure.