Delanie’s 7th Birthday Party – November 5, 2013
Delanie turned 7 years old on October 24th! Its a GREAT day for a birthday, except when most of your family is on their way to San Fransisco for a wedding. We got to celebrate with Delaine on the 3rd of November. She is full of energy. The shots on the trampolene are 3 combined images of her doing a backflip. She “travels” a LOT less then this composite image shows. I had to space them out so you could see more of her flip. I though she was getting tired, she flew off the trampolene, and climbed the closest tree. What a little cutie. All images shot with the Canon 5D Mark II, the EF24-105 F4 IS L glass almost never gets changed, and was the only lens I took to Emil and Angela’s house for the party. Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted for flash fill.
New GoDaddy Tempe Call Center – November 4, 2013
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y B J S T A R R…. BJ would have been 60 years old today……
Looks like the phase 2 concrete has been poured. Underground, infrastructure seems to be progressing nicely…
The “lake” or pond is very low, this is where any runoff from the GoDaddy parking, grounds will end up as it makes its way into the lake.
Duck!!!
Water tower, shot from the pond, or lake area.
View from the slab, looking towards Warner and the 101. Camera set on the edge of the slab….
View from the slab, looking back towards the water tower, and existing buildings. The job trailer would be just off to the right of where the picture ends…
One of the slabs poured earlier……. not sure what they are being used for. The sun reflecting off the concrete almost makes it look wet. Nice cool cloudy day. Makes for nice photographs. Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105, and 70-200 f4 lenses. The site looks like its coming along nicely.
Art & Ron – November 2, 2013
Art is my wifes uncle. Ron and Art have been partners for 38 years. California just changed the law, and they were able to “officially” get married. It was a fun weekend. A catered meal friday night with wood fired pizza’s, salads, even an accordian player. Saturday a simple service in their backyard with 30-40 guests, friends, and family in attendance. The reception was at the Petaluma Golf & Country Club, which was a great venue. Great food, great entertainment, The Fil Lorenz Orchestra provided music throughout the evening. Lots of merriment and dancing.
Halloween – October 31, 2013
Spooky enough for you…? Took this picture in Golden Gate State Park. Not sure what kind of spider it is, but its eating a bug, with another trapped in its web close by. This spider’s body was bigger than a quarter. Shot wide open at F4 to blur the background. Canon 5D Mark II, ISO-100 105mm, F4, 1/200 sec, 580 EXII Speedlight camera mounted for fill, and to add to the separation of foreground / background.
Golden Gate Bridge – October 25, 2013
The plane landed, we collected luggage, got into the rental car, and next thing I knew, I was taking pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge. The weather was just about perfect. The little park was jam packed full of tourists, like me taking pictures. Canon 5D Mark II, EF 24-105 L F4, IS, at 47mm, F8, 1/200 sec.
New Grill – October 24, 2013
Blue Rhino – The propane gas exchange company makes BBQ grills. Walmart sells this one under the brand BHG, Better Homes and Gardens. It had a lot of the features I was looking for in a new grill. I put it together last night. I’ve grilled chicken, steak, baked potatoes, summer squash, and made rotisserie chicken on it so far. 3 burners, a searing station, side burner, and the rotosserie burner in the back.
GoDaddy’s new Tempe Call Center – October 18, 2013
I drove by Warner and the 101 on my way home from work. I took several photos, but I’m only posting this one. The drainage pipes for the building, and parking lots seems to be in place, and they cross the road, and empty into the lake. Infrastructure seems to the main things that are getting done. I’ve driven by every week and took pictures, but I have not posted many of them. Now I’m trying to get on with life without my friend BJ Starr.
As this post is about GoDaddy I need to say that GoDaddy is the best company I’ve ever worked for. I always hear that we are like family, and with everything going on in my life, and the death of my friend, my boss’s ALL said “what can we do for you”? I was given time off work, and everyone was very encouraging, and concerned with my needs. I’ve never experienced this type of support from a place of employment. Even now 2 weeks after BJ’s passing, a supervisor, or a manager will walk by, and take the time to ask me how I’m doing, and what can GoDaddy as a company help me with. I’m truly amazed and blessed to be working in this environment. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU GODADDY!
Monkey Bars? – October 16, 2013
Monkey bars in the park. I liked the composition. Canon D Mark II, EF24-105 F4 L IS lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec.
A Day in the Park – October 14, 2013
So Jennifer was in the hospital……… could we watch Maddie for a couple of hours. Of course! Canon D Mark II, EF70-200 F4 L lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted, for fill.
How could you say no to that face? Canon D Mark II, EF24-105 F4 L IS lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted, for fill.
Maddie’s FIRST dandelion…… ever! Canon D Mark II, EF24-105 F4 L IS lens, ISO-50, F4 to blow out the background, 1/200 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II camera mounted, for fill.
Funeral for a Friend
Click on the link above for a PDF of the program from BJ’s funeral. If you notice there are 2 American Flags, 1 was presented to his son Emil, and one was presented to his son Eric. The presence of the City of Phoenix Police department, and the honor, and respect given to one of their own was amazing. City of Phoenix councilman Michael Johnson, the Chief of Police, the assistant Chief of Police, City of Mesa’s helicopter pilot, and others spoke at BJ’s funeral. I would guess that there was no less than 50-60 current, and past police officers in attendance. The procession into the sanctuary, and leaving the sanctuary was led by traditional bagpipe’s. Pictures from the viewing, funeral, and events after are here.
BJ STARR – October 4, 2013
February 2013 Jerita, Billy, and Deborah.
Jennifer, Billy, and Joncie.
Billy and Emil.
Eric and Billy.
Jim and Billy.
BJ Starr lost his battle with cancer on Friday October 4th 2013, at approx 6:10 PM. I sit here crying as I type this entry for my blog. I spent about an hour with BJ on Thursday, he was not very responsive, but when I left, he knew who I was, I let him know I would be by tomorrow after work, and that I was thinking about him, and praying for him. The very same way I ended my conversations, and visits for the last 3+ years since he found out he had cancer. Friday I spend about an hour or so with Billy, who was visably worse, and his breathing had become labored. I let him know I would see him on Saturday, he nodded his head. That was the only response I got from him. During my visit, Deborah came by, and honked when she got to her brothers house, because “I was in her parking spot”, a running joke between us. I was in the room with Billy, and witnessed a very special moment between Deborah and Billy. She cradled his head and told him ” I love you big brother. We’ve got it, you can relax and let go,… Mom and Daddy are waiting for you, and we’ll be along soon, Dont worry about anything, we’ve got it. Relax and let go.” I was choked up with emotion, and thought how beautiful. Deborah left to go to work. I called Jerita and let her know I was headed home and about Deborah and Billy’s moment. I assured her I would come by on Saturday….. Before I was even home, Michael, Billys room mate called me and let me know Billy had passed, I turned around and went. It was tough to drive and cry at the same time. I tried to be strong for Deborah, Jerita, and Joncie. Several friends and neighbors were there, as was his son Eric. We held hands and recited the 23rd psalm. I will miss you Billy Starr!
The above pictures were shot in February 2013 at the viewing for Billy, deborah, and Jerita’s Daddy.
Old House – October 1, 2013
I’ve shot this house before. The fields around the house now have corn, or maise growing. In the bottom picture there is a metal sign that says “KEEP OUT LIVE WIRES”, I’m not quites sure what that means, so I went in, and took some pictures. I went by BJ’s house after work for approx 2 hours, or so. He was asleep the entire time. His aunt is in from Oklahoma, and used to be a nurse, rumor is that she looks like BJ’s mom. I never got to meet BJ’s mother. She seems nice. I met Mark, another neighbor, and we swapped stories about BJ. I let him know when I arrived, and when I left. Jerita and Jeff were on their way to see him, I just missed them. I feel like the time is getting near. One of the reasons I started this blog was to help encourage my friend fight, and to hang on a little longer…… I dont know how much longer he can hang on…….
Emties? – September 27, 2013
Driving home from BJ’s house, how many times have I said that on my blog? I went out to Estrella Parkway, and headed south…. there is a dog park along the main road just befor you cross the river, and this sculpture is on the premises. Its pretty neat with the sun overhead. Lots of colored shadows on the ground. So an update on BJ, he has been very alert the last couple of times I stopped by to see him. Lots of old friends and neighbors are starting to visit him, and it seems to really tire him out. He has a hospital bed in the living room. On Wed, or Thur, he asked me to help him go sit there….. what he wanted was to move from the hospital bed, to his bed in his room, where he fell asleep in seconds. He gets tired easly. He is not eating, or not eating much. He is drinking a few sips of tea, or water. The hospice nurses come in every other day, or so…… I hate to see him like this. I will miss spending time with my friend. Every one of his neighbors and friends say he is good people. I’ve known Billy, as a friend for 5-6 years, and as an acquaintance for 6-8 years, and I agree he is good people.
Grain Silos – September 24, 2013
My car needed to be run through emmissions. I’ll go to the one in Goodyear. Long lines, it was a Monday, not even the end of the month. I did take a couple of pictures on the way home. Not sure if these store grain, or something else. there is a railway spur that runs right up next to the front of the silos. Canon 5D Mark II, ISO-100, 105mm, F8, 1/360 sec.
Red Skies at Night….. – September 23, 2013
Driving home Saturday evening from visiting with BJ, Michael, and Richard. BJ was in good spirits, and we had a good conversation. I snapped a couple of shots. After driving directly into the sun for 20-25 minutes, it set. The sky was bright red, yellow, orange.
My Girls – September 19, 2013
Sheri Lynn, Lucy, and Jazmin. Sheri Lynn needed a photograph, so I took a couple of head shots. Lucy and Jazmin were curious and wanted their picture taken as well. I’m a very lucky man to have them in my life. Not so much the cats…….. Canon 5D Mark II, ISO100, 105mm F4, 1/125 sec, Canon Speedlight 580 EX II, bounced of the ceiling.
Go Daddy’s New Tempe Call Center – September 18, 2013
Went by on my way home from work. Looks like they are getting ready to get the drainage pipes into the ground soon. Still waiting for the next big cement pour.
If you click on this image, it will allow you to click on it again to see it full size. You can see the forms look like they are all in place for the next big slab. You can see the detail in all of the infrastructure comming up from underground. Water, sewer, electrial, etc. Canon 5D Mark II.
More Clouds – September 17, 2013
OK, same scenario as yesterday. Driving home after work after spending some time with Billy, the sky was incredible, so I stopped and shot a couple of pictures. I know, its hard to believe. I love the light and dark blue areas around the clouds, like they are casting shadows. Canon 5D Mark II, ISO-100, F18, 24mm, 1/400 sec. Minimal processing in LightRoom.
Estrella Mountains – September 16, 2013
So as I was driving home from visiting my friend BJ Starr, I stopped off at 91st Avenue and Baseline Road. Looking west into the sun, with the cloud cover produced a very nice landscape. The sky was very cool. Our skys are always clear and blue, its nice to have the weather we have had over the last 6 weeks or so. Shot with the Canon 5D Mark II, EF 24-105 F4 IS L lens, at 24mm, ISO-50, F8, 1/400 sec. Post production Lightroom only to darken the sky, and add a little saturation.
Big Sky – September 15, 2013
Driving home from BJ’s house I drive through the desert, and farm land. Friday the 13th produced a big sky, lots of big cloud formations to the east. Dust storm / thunder storm warnings and all. I drive by this field 3 or 4 times a week. I went past, and looked in the rear view mirror, and really liked what I saw. I thought about using the EF 17-40 F4 L lens at 17mm to accentuate the sky, but settled for the 24-105.
Go Daddy’s new Tempe Call Center – September 14, 2013
This image was shot on my way into work on Friday the 13th! Approx 5:15 AM. Several cement trucks were on site pouring some slabs.
Shot Friday on my way home from work, approx 2:30pm. So it looks like these slabs were poured, almost a “free form” maybe as part of driveways? Then finished, and cut for expansion/seams. As you can see the next phase was not poured. I have not talked to Vince the last couple of times I’ve been out to the site to take pictures. I’m sure he started VERY early today. Canon 5D Mark II, EF 24-105 F4 IS L lens, top shot ISO-400, F4, 1/25 sec. All others ISO-50, F8, 1/400 sec.
Go Daddy’s new Tempe Call Center – Friday the 13th
Went by the site today on my way into work – they are pouring concrete – multiple cement trucks are on site now. I will take some more pictures after work and get them posted this weekend.
I took lots of pictures after work, but ran out of time to get them processed, and posted. I will add more over the weekend. Looks like the vapor barrier (yellow plastic) is down and ready to get covered with new concrete. It also looks like the foundation/stem wall forms are in place for the existing slab, Phase one, that was poured 10-14 days ago. It would not surprise me to see concrete poured on Friday, or Monday. Lots of standing water / mud in places on site. Main work areas were already to grade, so they appear to be much dryer / less muddy. I took pictures of the drainage pipes that will go into the ground, and help moving water away from the structures and parking areas.
Canon 5D Mark II, EF 24-105 F4 IS L lens, ISO-50, F8, 1/400 sec.
Another Rainy Day – September 11, 2013
I envisioned this landscape as black and white as I took it. Driving home from visiting my buddy BJ Starr. I get very emotional when I leave. I try to be strong while I’m spending time with BJ, but the truth is he is getting weaker every day. He is not eating much, and has little to no energy. I will miss him more than I can every say. Jerita and I talked for 30-45 minutes after I left. I can’t even imagine what Deborah and Jerita are going through. God give them the strength they will need to get through this.