Checking my lesson
Ginger dropped me off early at church tonight
15 December 2011 | 365:349 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
After Thanksgiving Dinner at church
I spent this evening helping in the kitchen at church
16 November 2011 | 365:320 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Trunk or Treat
This evening we went to the Church Hallowed Carnival
I took today’s picture while I was handing out candy. We’ll pass over how I frightened one kid by making them think the candy finger they’d picked out of the box of human body parts was really my finger. Oh how I laughed (later).
Lanie the victim at the Trunk or Treat
Nurse Katie D'eath, box of body parts in hand, tends Lanie the Victim
30 October 2011 | 365:303 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Blessing of the Animals
Today was another busy day.
Clearing up took a long time, so I decided to stay at church until the afternoon’s events started. I took today’s picture after the blessing of the animals had taken place, Getzger was very well behaved and the only feline this year – there were lots of dogs but no lizards (shame).
02 October 2011 | 365:275 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
This is what results when one accidentally presses the shutter while struggling to get the camera into position
AKA Parking lot fund raiser wash-out.
Ginger and I volunteered to watch over the Youth Group kids working the Cider Days parking lot fund raiser after church today. Yesterday’s attempt got rained off, and the weather wasn’t any better today. After less than an hour we sent the kids in and Mark and I stayed out and took around six dollars an hour (that’s two cars) for about three hours before throwing in the towel.
Gary at the parking lot fund raiser wash-out.
18 September 2011 | 365:261 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Gary in the van
at church after the Thursday evening service.
11 August 2011 | 365:223 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Thursday evening service
I could write a lot,
21 July 2011 | 365:202 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Late at night sitting on my brother’s kitchen floor
UK June 2011 – Day 26. Last week we were Scottish Episcopalians, this week we reverted to CofE,
The service was sparsely attended, we stayed afterwards for coffee, which we had in the Church as the parish hall was being used for a function of some sort.
Two weeks later back in Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, I felt very uneasy about the full church and how well supported it is. I read that the (below target) weekly contribution for the previous week had been over $13,000 that’s about £8,000 at current exchange rates. At St Margaret’s the vicar stood in the pulpit relating the reduced income of the previous week’s jumble sale of £700.00. One wonders what he, or the people at St Maelrubha’s in Poolewe would do with a fraction of that £8,000 per year let alone per week.
After church we spent the afternoon and evening with my friends Roy and Jan, their daughters and families. Dee is my Goddaughter, and I’m honorary Godfather to Lynn who asserts (to me anyway) that she should be my Goddaughter. The amusing thing is that I wasn’t her Godfather because Roy and Jan thought my (first) marriage wouldn’t last, well that’s what they told me some time later. Ha! I must have got ‘em fooled by the time Dee came along then. We had a great time catching up and were treated to a nice dinner out. But much more importantly Jan produced real home made mince pies for us. Mince pies in July. Wonderful.
I should have taken some pictures, but the photographic lethargy that’s afflicted me on this trip struck again, and I took none. At the end of the day I just sat on my brother’s kitchen floor (why not) and took today’s picture. After nearly a month away from home my beard’s looking in desperate need of a trim – that’s only a few more days away.
Today’s extras
Inside St Margaret's Church, Eastney, Portsmouth
St Margaret's Church, Eastney, Portsmouth
10 July 2011 | 365:191 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
EFM Retreat
This week’s EFM class was held on a Saturday,
During our mid-morning break I noticed something move out of the corner of my eye and heard a small knock on the front door. On investigating further I discovered a small bird had flown into the door and was laying stunned on the mat. Checking the bird books at home, we found it was a migrant – a Male Wilson’s Warbler. After about twenty minutes it recovered and flew off.Before we finished for the day I explained about my 365 Days project and asked if anyone was willing to be in my daily picture. Everyone was, and this is the result. Thanks Guys!
To get the best out of this picture I would have needed to use a diffuse fill-in flash. I didn’t have the flash gun and diffuser with me (the weight of EFM books was quite enough), so I had to settle for an over exposed background. Had I been thinking I’d have taken a separate background shot with no one in it and merged the two – there’s hindsight for you.
***
While I was out being educated Lanie spent the day working the parking lot at Arts Fest with the Youth Group and Katie went with Ginger and they enjoyed some time out in the Kayaks on Lake Springfield. However, the home highlight of the day had to be Ginger, Katie and Lanie shaving Blue Kitty to give her a lion cut. When Blue Kitty eventually comes out of hiding I might try and get a picture.
Today’s extra
Male Wilson's Warbler
07 May 2011 | 365:127 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
You’ll always find me in the kitchen at lock-ins
I managed around three hour’s sleep,
which I guess isn’t too bad. I was up at seven fifteen and helping out with breakfast. Before the end of the lock-in we held a short service in the church, and left for home at ten am. Instead of getting a nap, we went shopping, I spent some time at the computer and we had a visit from Dash and Leslie.
At seven pm Lanie and I were back at church for the Easter vigil. Either we didn’t do these back in my days as a choir boy, or the choir never attended, as this was my first. It was a wonderful but long service; we didn’t get home until after nine. At one point I was concerned that Lanie would burn the church down with her candle. That, fortunately turned out to not be the case.
Once the kids were all in their rooms for the night Ginger and I settled down to watch Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. We’re slowly going through all the Star Wars movies in episodic order.
Tomorrow we have another early start for Church and hopefully I’ll get a chance for a nap.
Today’s extras
Breakfast at the Youth Group lock-in April 2011
Breakfast at the Youth Group lock-in April 2011
Breakfast at the Youth Group lock-in April 2011
Breakfast at the Youth Group lock-in April 2011
How can Donya, our Youth Minister be so chripy on so little sleep? Donya with Dan.
Cindy and Edith serve the breakfast they and Donya prepared.
23 April 2011 | 365:113 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
2.25am Youth group lock-in
I was foolish enough to volunteer to chaperon at tonight’s Youth Group lock-in.
At seven pm Lanie and I went to church for the Youth Group lock-in which started with Friday night’s Good Friday service. The lock-in that followed was an enjoyable, tiring, late night. Some of us watched the movie – The Passion of the Christ, there was a less challenging movie available for the others and I honed my dish washing skills; not that they need any honing. By the time I took this photograph I was thinking that maybe we should have brought bed time forward by a couple of hours.
Note: A lot of people taking part in the 365 Days project make sure they take their pictures before twelve midnight each day. I’ve always considered that my day isn’t over until I’ve gone to bed for the night. I have no problem posting this photograph taken after midnight as my previous day’s picture.
22 April 2011 | 365:112 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Gary and Loyal at Christ Episcopal Church
Another long day at church.
Alek and Lanie helped with the reading at the nine am service, and then all the family except for yours truely was stood down for a well earned rest. I stayed for the eleven O’clock service to sponsor Loyal in his confirmation. Today’s picture was a quick Arm’s length self portrait with Loyal after the service. I should have anticipated that he was going to wear uniform, so I was a rather shabbily dressed sponsor with no tie and wearing flip-flops. At least it was my ‘dress’ flip-flops.
I also cheated on this picture – which is a composite of two images, I hope you can’t see the join. Loyal’s pose in the this shot was great, but mine was marred by a huge reflection in one of the lenses of my glasses. I was going to try cloning it out, but I noticed I’d hardly moved between the two shots I’d taken, so I was able to composite my face back into this shot. Oh the wonders of Photoshop.
I spent a lazy afternoon, the highlight of which was testing my latest wood burning stove for the first time. Initial results are promising, though I’m having a bit of trouble getting it to start evenly. An adjustment to the air jets (that is sticking in a screw driver in the holes and bending them) helped the wood gas burn, and I got around thirty minutes burn time from one load. The burner might benefit from larger air intake holes. More experimentation is required.
17 April 2011 | 365:107 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Beauty and the (out of focus) beast
I had a self portrait planned for today.
Not to worry though, the day wasn’t about my project, and I got some superb pictures though this is probably the only sneak preview I’ll show. With over 500 pictures it’s going to take a while to do the processing. The F2.8 70mm-200mm lens was an absolute godsend, and made all the difference on the shots of the ceremony.
Unbeknown to me the architect of the church sat in on the wedding – I even got a picture of him. I wish I’d known as I would have asked who designed the sanctuary lighting, and hopefully prevented the future use of sodium lights in up-lighters in an area where ambient light photography is required.
Lanie, Katie and Alek all did a super job, and Ginger was great, pointing out shots I might otherwise have missed, holding and directing the flash gun, positioning the reflector and passing equipment to me. It was a long and tiring day, and I promptly fell asleep once we got home. Not for too long though, as a barbecue and several Jack Daniels and Coke with the parents of the groom, Tom and Rebbie beckoned.
16 April 2011 | 365:106 | 365 Days blog | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Pancake supper at Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield Missouri
It’s Shrove Tuesday – Time for Pancake supper.
We had a quiet day and shortly after picking the kids up from school headed down to Church as Alek and I were helping in the kitchen. Tickets to the pancake supper are sold as a fund raiser for the youth choir. Traditionally supper is prepared by the dads of the choristers and youth, while the choir does all the serving. Alek took over my job of batter mixing, and I helped serve. Ginger helped too, taking tickets and money on the door.
There was an excellent turnout, lots of sausage and pancakes were eaten. Between serving and clearing up I took a few pictures including today’s self portrait. In the background you can see the guys working away at the grill making pancakes.
Today’s alternate shot & some favourites from the Pancake Supper
Steve and Tim debate quantities
Intent on pancakes and sausages
Pouring the pancake mix
More and more pancakes
Mixing the batter
Clearing up
Pancake supper at Christ Episcopal Church
08 March 2011 | 365:067 | Christ Episcopal Church | Christ Episcopal Church Pancake Supper 2011 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Gary and Ginger at the Church Annual Meeting
We spent a lot of time at Church today
Lunch was provided before the annual meeting, possibly as a reward / incentive to those attending. Though as these events go, the meeting was fine. I took today’s picture at the end of the proceedings, and my camera surprised me by actually focusing at one point, so the Nikon’s focusing fault has gone from permanent to intermittent.
Back home the wonderful 64°F (18°C) temperatures made me think of getting out in the snow covered backyard, in my shorts and taking a picture of myself reclining in a sun lounger with a nice refreshing cocktail. Which just goes to show how quickly the 365 Days ‘let’s make a clever shot’ thinking can sneak up on you. Luckily I realised my mistake before I executed this plan, so I indulged in a three hour snooze instead.
Our evening trip back to Church to hear the Springfield Chamber Chorus and The Dury Singers was well worth the effort. I love choral music and we were treated to a variety of wonderful examples.
One good thing about recording my day and not setting up artificial pictures: I won’t be wracking my brain for a clever Valentine’s Day shot tomorrow. Though I haven’t been beyond doing so in the past.
Today’s out takes & alternate shot
Never work with children, animals or Ginger. If she's not pulling funny faces she's just as likely to flash me or the camera. Nice but it disrupts my creative flow (well dribble is more correct).
Oops, camera far too close and massive lens distortion even after adding some software correction
13 February 2011 | 365:044 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Gary in the parish hall kitchen
There was a time when I would have scoffed at the concept of a drive through ATM.
Out take: at the drive-thru ATM
Speaking of tomorrow, the kids are now home for four days. with freezing temps outside they’ll probably be getting a bit stir crazy quite quickly. Fortunately Lanie’s going to the grandparents’ Saturday for a couple of days. With overnight temps 25-30°F, our planned backpacking trip for this weekend has probably been thwarted. Darn I knew we should have tried out the tent in the backyard when it was a bit cold the other night!
13 January 2011 | 365:013 | Christ Episcopal Church Springfield, Missouri | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
Choral evensong
Somehow I managed to miss my Sunday afternoon nap.
Today Alek came along as both he and Lanie had been requisitioned to be ‘Kings’. There was no adult Sunday school after the service, so more socializing (and doughnuts) was called for while I waited for Ginger, Alek and Lanie to finish their various activities.
Normally once we get home, we collapse on the bed and declare nap time. Not today. Today Ginger went out frock shopping with the girls while I sent some emails and tinkered with our blog. On their return a grocery shopping expedition was declared. Ah-ha! Thinks I, it’s about time we did another ‘Nauseating in Wal-Mart‘ picture. But it wasn’t to be. The place was absolutely throbbing and If I’d slowed up the aisle traffic by stopping to take a SP there might well have been a riot. On to ‘Food 4 Less’ for more groceries, and I was feeling less than inspired to go with a ‘Nauseating in Food 4 Less’ picture.
Choral Evensong was being held at Church this evening featuring a couple of new pieces by Carlyle Sharpe that we wanted to attend. By the time we’d finished getting the groceries we had just enough time to go home, dump them on the kitchen floor for the kids to put away and head back down town for our second dose of Church for the day.
We arrived in plenty of time, and while we were waiting for things to start I took today’s picture. The music and service were very good, and we enjoyed the small cheese and wine reception afterwards too.
By the way. Friday night we watched ‘The Changeling’ good movie. Last night we watched ‘Memphis Belle’, not Ginger’s kind of movie, and certainly showing its age a bit. It’s a long time since I last saw it but I still enjoyed the film. I don’t think Ginger appreciated my pointing out that Alek will all to soon be of a similar age to some of the aircrew.
09 January 2011 | 365:009 | Copyright © 2011 Gary Allman
