Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas 2011

The days quickly come and go but memories do last. This year's Christmas memories are no exception. Louise and I deeply appreciate being able to spend time with Kristen, Janae, Jared and their families the past few days. I will share a few more photos than I planned but compared with the number that I took, it is OK. It was also a delight to be able to visit with Heidi and Steven and their families. We do wish all a very happy and successful New Year.  Dad.

Each Christmas season starts with a flower from the Stephensons. We appreciate the effort made and the nice effect resulting from the beauty of the thoughtful gift.

Janae and Kristen each had lovely trees to brighten their homes. Janae's is shown.

Kristen has a great touch for creating a nice mood. Thanks Fords for the lovely Christmas Eve dinner.

I am so grateful for the good times we can have with family.

This was too good to pass up. Anson made his list and then checked off the things he received. Looks like Santa still has some work to do! That is a full sized sheet of paper.

A mom and her daughters on Christmas morning. Where love is .....

I don't usually get into the picture but I had to add the hat thing.

The gift of self is best but other gifts are certainly fun and appreciated.



All enjoyed the Old Spaghetti Factory meal. Anders had the disadvantage of sitting across the table from me.

Temple Square at this time of the year is a photographer's delight. I was able to hand hold the camera for the photos (1/10 second exposure).

We warmed up in the north visitor's center.

Eirk was the photographer.


Tuesday afternoon: The teachers had a great time talking shop. Thanks Gillettes for your home.


Jeff proudly wore his sweater -- to each his own.

May we never forget -- He is the reason for the season.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Lunar eclipse December 2011

I find looking into the night sky a fascinating experience. However, when I invite others to view the Perseid meteor shower at 2 a.m. or the recent lunar eclipse at 5:45 a.m. this last Saturday morning, there is a scarcity in the ranks. OK, so it is cold and dark but it is still a worth it. I did, however, get Louise and the Fords to take a quick look Saturday morning at the moon. Enjoy.

All photos were taken with a 300 mm lens at f 5.6. I cropped them in PhotoShop. The earlier ones were at 1/80 sec. but the 6:45, 7:00 and 7:10 exposures were at 1 sec to capture the red "hidden" moon. Enough light comes around the earth to illuminate the moon just a bit.

10 p.m., 9 Dec 2011


5:50 a.m., 10 Dec 2011


6:10 a.m.


6:15 a.m.


6:30 a.m.


6:45 a.m.


7:00 a.m.


7:10 a.m. Full eclipse