30 seconds at the race
kmilyun.com [1]

I made my way downtown this afternoon so I could stake out my claim on some turf to photograph the 2nd stage of the Amgen Tour of California Bicycle Race. It is the longest bicycle race in America. I am lucky enough to have friends in the parking business so the closed lot full signs did not stop me. After parking I made my way out front and found a decent space where I could see the riders as the first crossed the Tower Bridge.

Now here is where my experiences at the Sacramento Train Museum Photowalk came into play. One thing I learned on the photowalk was not to give in to supposed "professionals." I overheard many of the amateur photographers discussing this attitude in relation to their right to be somewhere just as much as the next guy or gal. So, I found my space, checked with the event authorities to make sure it was OK -- and I refused to budge. I did not move when the guys with the super-dupper long and expensive lenses showed up. I did not move when an hour later the other amateurs showed up, and I really, really refused to move when the point-and-shoot crowd in business suits came running from office buildings and tried to shove in front of me. Nope you all would be proud. I stayed my ground.

I was fortunate enough to meet some very nice semi and professional photographers along the roadway while I waited. One nice man took the time to share his experiences and gave me a few tips about my camera. Together we held our ground! ...

Two and a half hours after arrival the cyclists crested the horizon of the Tower Bridge road.

We all started snapping off shots.

And about 30 seconds later -- we were done.

The bicycles were out of sight again! All Gone

The End of my first attempt at shooting moving objects. LOL

 

Return of Psycho Chicken
thepoodleanddogblog.typepad.com [2]

Friggin chicken is still here.

When I let the dogs out this morning, he was strutting around the yard as if he were trying to figure out where to have the pool installed.

Then it was "chase on." All we needed was music from "Benny Hill" or the Keystone Cops to complete the scene. Psycho Chicken squawking, running, flapping, with the barking dogs in hot pursuit, running through the rose garden, the herb garden, the woodpile. Tools, pots and tomato cages flying. The dogs bumping into bushes, tree trunks, each other ... Psycho Chicken safely outdistancing them ... me yelling.

Do my dogs have selective hearing? Or are they practicing "intelligent disobedience" since I obviously don't understand the danger from fleeing poultry?

I called Animal Control. "Do you do chickens?"

They wouldn't send someone out because by the time anyone could get there, it would be gone, but if I trapped it, they would pick it up. She explained that it is difficult to catch chickens, especially one ... "Did you say it FLEW into your tree?" Did I detect a snicker?

Finally Psycho Chicken flew over the fence and disappeared. All was serene in the neighborhood once more until we went back out near sunset. This time he flew to the fence, squawked a few times and quickly flew into the tree.

OK. He came suddenly, he won't stay long. Denial. I love denial.

Sometimes when you ignore a problem it will just go away.

 

No dogs allowed
thebramble.blogspot.com [3]

 

Yahoo News: "Despite the feel-good story of Velvet, the black labrador-mix who helped keep three Mount Hood hikers warm and alive, some experts say taking dogs up the mountain for warmth and companionship is a foolhardy practice that could do more harm than good."

God, I hate taking dogs camping! The last time I went camping my brother brought his mutt Banner along, and I ended up having to roll out of my tent in the middle of the freezing cold night to untangle him from his leash. I don't know how those hikers coped with having a dog -- even a well-mannered one! -- in the tent with them. I'd kicked the dog out and froze to death.

You can probably tell I'm a cat person.

 

Still alive!
wickedsmaht.vox.com [4]

I'm here! I'm busy! I can't find more than two minutes to update! I miss you all! I love exclamation points! I have to find some extra time in the day! Eeek!

OK. Morning caffeine all used up. *bangs head on keyboard*