Sunday, November 29, 2009

Area Hawk

I observed this hawk sitting on a chain link fence and another tree before getting my camera and snapping some pictures. before I got the camera, there was a small grey squirrel moving around on the major limb above and to the right of the hawk. Eventually, the squirrel ran back up the tree.

I think this may be a Red Shouldered Hawk but I am not an expert.

Another large hawk flew overhead while I was watching this one. The flying hawk was making the normal screeching sounds we hear daily and this hawk did not answer. I believe the hawks we normally see are Red Tailed Hawks but again I am no expert.

This is a shot from behind the hawk after I have continued on down the street and around the corner.

Internet photo of Red Shoudered Hawk from http://www.boylanenv.com/Bec-Wildlife%20Photos.htm

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Hockey Player's Hockey Game November 2009

On the ice with a team-mate.

Referees providing positional guidance and direction.

Ready for the puck to fall.

The puck is in play.

In pursuit of the puck.

Our hero has passed the point of equilibrium and is headed for the ice.

After the puck, our hero reaches for it with his stick.

Of course, he is not the only player after the puck. So is the one on top of him.

Back on his feet and in full pursuit.

Somehow again he is the closest player to the puck; and he is still after it. He keeps a good focus out there.

And he finally got the puck. In this picture, the puck has just left the stick of our hero who gave it a mighty smack.

The bad guys are trying to score against the Penguins' (our team's) goal.

While down, the puck suddenly arrived at our heroes location.

The other side also wants control of the puck.

It is hard to get back up on the ice, it's even harder when someone is on your stick.

A main member of The Hocky Player's Fan Club.

Throughout the game they continually drop like flies. It is amazing the number of thuds you can hear as players hit the ice, in or out of the action.

A fan trying to open the access door to the ice rink to let The Hockey Player out.

Shot 1 of The Hockey Player.

Shot 2 of The Hockey Player.

Check out the sweathead under that helmet. When they come off the ice, those little guys are frazzled.

Local Stick girl.

The Hockey Player and The Nana.

The Hockey Player and The Mom.

Working that stick, she can't wait to join The Hockey Player on the ice.

A shot of The Hockey Player and his cool game shirt.

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Hockey Player's Little Sister, November 2009

While going through some clothes the grand-daughter discovered an apron. She indicated to Nana that she wanted to wear it and wear it she did. Neither the Mom or the Nana normally wear aprons.

Here a little shopper is coming out of the pantry with a juice box. She is indicating that she would like to have it, so I told her to ask her mother. She did and the answer was " you know your not allowed to have them, they make you throw up". At which point she put it down and moved on to something else without further comment. Just glad I did not say "OK".

Determined little girl, moving with a purpose.

With her buddies, Bunny and Owl.

Pondering something.

She definitely loves her Cheez. She would seek me out in a crowd to pick her up.

She also loves her Nana. Nanas are special.

The Hockey Player's Hockey Practice, November 2009

Immediately upon arrival the dressing starts. The skates have to be firmly attached to the feet. Dressing the skater is the parent's job.

Looking at the skaters on the ice and playing with the grand-daughter is the Nana's job.

The grand-daughter heard the camera or saw the flash so we get a cheesy bink smile at this point.

One skate on, dressing continues.

Mom also checks to see the helmet is properly worn.

Dressed and ready for practice.

Skaters are on the ice, now Mom can spend some time with the human dynamo.

The skater of primary interest for us is wearing a white helmet and the runners on his skates are also white.


The hockey version of soccer's herdball. this is a movement across the ice drill. This is commonly called skating for the uninitiated.

They then skated from one coach to another. First without a puck and then while individually moving a puck.

A close-up of our hero moving along the rink wall.

A coach is giving each skater a puck and sending them off on a mission.

Skaters moving their pucks from station to staion.

The skater and his greatest admirer.

Our hero in his pads getting ready to depart practice.