At Home, At the Library and a word about Cameras

(Also on Sidney's Page)

These shots were taken with our new camera.  As a now die-hard point-and-shoot fan, I upgraded to the Powershot S95 which has the body and convenience of a small point-and-shoot but the adjustability and improved optics of a DSLR.  Things have come a long way for cameras since I began shooting in high school.  I used my dad's old Pentax (could hammer nails with it or drop it off a 2-story building) SLR with screw in lenses and film.  In those days, you had no idea if the film wound properly or if you metered right until it was all over.  

I know that I might get better photos with a true DLSR (and some good lenses) but as a participant and "first responder" in the daily life of Sidney, I can't have a bulky piece of equipment.  I've seen a few moms get spectacular photos of their children with good DSLR cameras but I honestly think for many people, it's more equipment than they need or can handle.   I get a little indignant when people think they need such a fancy piece of equipment for close-quarters, documentary-style, still-on-duty mom photography when a good point and shoot will more than suffice.  I have been very surprised by some of the pictures I've been able to take, many on this blog, where I've pushed the camera and taken some decent shots.  Now I hope to keep pushing with this camera to get the crispness and depth of field I've been missing.  

With these I was just starting to mess around with how the camera deals with dim lighting and multi-light sources.

Sidney shows off her many bows.

I call her bows "pretty hair" in an effort to persuade her to not pull them out.

Stacking cups are delicious.

Hanging out at the library.

Do you have a Rewards Card?

Tuesday I was in All The Best Pet Care on Market Street looking at kittens with Sidney and getting some cat treats.  We were one of two or three other customer groups in the store at the time.  As I'm ringing out, I spot a man on the far side of the store who looked like he just got out of bed and hadn't shaved for a few days.  And yet he looked oddly familiar...

I continued with my transaction as the woman who accompanied the gentleman was ringing out at the register next to me.  The salespeople were acting a little squirrelly.  I kept staring at bed head dude.

"Do you have a rewards card?" the cashier next to me asks the woman.
"Yes," she answered.
"What name would it be under?" the giddy cashier asked.
"Ashley Harper?" she offered.
"Hmm, not finding it.  Could it be under another name?" the cashier asked leadingly.

Oh I think, that guy looks just like Dave---

"How about Matthews?" Ashley offers.
"And first name would be?" the excited cashier asks.
"David--Dave," Ashley says exasperated and the cashier can't help but look a little proud of herself.  I stop staring at him and roll Sidney out the door.

Oh damn.  I even had my camera with me but notice my restraint.

Alan Wilder / Recoil / Favorite (Ex-)Depeche Moder @ The Triple Door

OMG, OMG, OMG

So we go to the Triple Door (Dinner & a Show venue where you sit down the entire time) to see my favorite former Depeche Mode keyboardist & arranger "play" his newer solo material. First thing to note is that there were two open Macs on a table, a huge screen behind them and no real musical instruments anywhere to be seen. But that doesn't matter. Electronic music is the current that runs through my soul and this show blew my mind. I felt a little sorry for Alan and his musical partner in crime because I think they are used to traditional music venues where everybody stands/dances and there is a frenetic energy that is generated which gives back to the performers. But in this venue, we'd clap, scream and raise our hands at song transitions then go back to eating our Seven Flavor Beef and Snow Peas. It was probably not optimum but it was SO intimate.

I loved being able to see the whole time and not having to get up on tip-toes like I usually have to do at a normal concert. From our seat we could see Alan's facial expressions so well and then--AND THEN--for the encore he motioned for people to stand up. People politely started doing that and then some even had the gall to walk to the front of the stage and (gasp) dance. I was one of them. I started at the back about 20 feet back and 4 rows of people deep. During Personal Jesus, I worked my way forward and danced at the stage like a teenager----and Alan almost touched my hand! I can die happy now. Great show. I was very pleasantly surprised and Ken was enjoying it too. So rad.

Oh and I didn't take any pictures because 1) I only had my crappy Android phone camera 2) I took cues from Ken and was fully in the moment, and oh, 3) I also got a signed program which has better pics than I could ever take. (Alan signed it before I bought it so I didn't get to talk to him.)

Scratchy Wenatchee

Ken came up with that phrase "Scratchy Wenatchee" when we were driving there on Friday.  I don't know why I find it so darn funny but I do.  A close second is "Eye patchy Wenatchee."  But I digress...

We had the distinct pleasure of visiting our friends Daric, Heather, Ethan and Olivia in quite possibly one of the most picturesque areas of the state.  It was a gorgeous weekend and we felt so lucky.  Last time we saw them was June: I was pregnant and Heather was about to be.  It is good for Ken and I to see what two kids are like very close up so that we have full disclosure should we find ourselves in that scenario.  It is not for the faint of heart.

Saturday the moms snuck off to the Farmers Market in the morning.  So much fresh fruit is available now and folks who come to our Farmers Market in Ballard are from Wenatchee.  Saw them there.  Later that day, we journeyed to Leavenworth which coincidentally was celebrating the last day of Oktoberfest so it was packed with revelers wearing funny hats and carrying giant beer mugs.  There was even an area for the children populated with bouncy houses.  Sidney isn't yet stable enough for that but Ethan had a field day.

It's always such a wonderful time when we get to visit with the Ronngrens.  Sidney had a blast playing with Ethan & Olivia, the dads got to be together and talk about music and the moms got to catch up, trade stories and revel in the fact we've known each other since 4th grade.   Thanks for the hospitality, the conversation and the baby wipes!

Washington State's Little Bavaria

All of us.  Olivia got a little washed out.

Ken thinking about standing in line for a Bratwurst.

Dads & First Borns

Someone loves the Bouncy House

Family Pic in Leavenworth

Bouncy House

Olivia!

You'll never guess who else came to Leavenworth with us... Flat Stanley.  He will be guest blogging, so look for that.  He's a man of adventure and also considered getting a tattoo in Leavenworth.  What a rebel.

Did I mention the hats?

American Olympic Drinking Team

Goat!

Goat!  Closeup

The ladies, not so friendly moment in the backyard

All the spawn happy and generally looking in the same direction

Moms & Babies

Family portrait in (East) Wenatchee