Introducing Senor Robles

I'm taking PhotoShop this quarter and so far it's been really fun (though a bit overwhelming!). We're starting with the basics and this week we learned about layers. Our assignment was to create a character by layering multiple images. We were free to take new pictures or reuse existing ones. I figured it'd be fun to reuse images that I didn't take with reuse in mind, so I went to my Paso Robles folder and decided to pick only images from there. So...I'm introducing Senor Robles to you :-)

It's been a silly and fun assignment. As you can see Senor Robles leaves a lot to be desired, but at least I have room to show much improvement in the weeks to come :-)

Just for kicks, here are the images I used for the above composite:

LaConner, in search of the salukis

Colin, Tiger and I went to LaConner last Sunday, to visit a saluki breeder and meet a bunch of puppies. Lamentably, I didn't take any pictures of the dogs, but needless to say, the puppies were adorable. One, however, needs to look at the parents for a realistic assessment of the breed as all puppies are cute. :-)

Colin found them a bit too big (they are taller than me when they stand!) and a bit too gangly. I loved their goofy look and aloof personality, but in the end we decided to get a whippet.

Neither of us had been to LaConner, which is about an hour north of Seattle. The only thing I knew about LaConner was that that's where Tom Robbins lives. It turned out to be a beautiful town, with gorgeous fields around it. I was able to take a few shots as Colin drove. The light was quite dramatic, I thought...

Backyard progress

After a 3 week hiatus, the activities in the backyard have resumed. The crew is putting the finishing touches and they brought in the first batch of plants today. We should have the entire project done and done by Monday, at the latest. Can't wait.

Seattle by night

Colin, Amanda and I enjoyed some pizza and wine while admiring Seattle by sunset and twilight.

I love my new camera: I was able to take these shots without a tripod!

M

Quick Fry in July!

"Quick Fry in July" is the name of the heat wave going around Seattle right now. Temperatures went up by 30 degrees overnight!!

It is absolutely gorgeous! Plans for the weekend:
- Take the afternoon off and head out for a hike with Colin, Amanda and Tiger
- Sat: head out to the Olympic Peninsula (Neah Bay) for a full-day awesome hike with the above
- Sun: drop Amanda off at the airport and potentially meet our new puppy!! http://www.classicsaluki.com/future.htm Try to watch the World Cup finals in between.

Can't wait!!!

Happy Birthday, USA!

It was cloudy, it was rainy, but it was July 4th nevertheless! This is the first time we've been around Island Point for July 4th. We attended a little celebration (chips, brownies and neighbors) and in the evening went to watch the fireworks from the vista point at the end of the street.

The triangle at IP, nicely decorated with flags:

Despite the rain and the clouds, the fireworks were fun:

Of course, Tiger was suitably dressed for the day (and so were we!):

Willows Lodge

For our five year anniversary, Colin made reservations at the Barking Frog and we spent the night at Willows Lodge. It was so nice to go back and experience Willows, it's such a beautiful place!

Five Year Anniversary!

It's unbelievable how time flies...tomorrow (July 2), will be our 5-year wedding anniversary! I've found the best partner-in-crime and am so grateful to have him next to me every day.

We had such a fun time at our wedding! I'll never forget Phil telling me to wiggle my toes, so I don't pass out during the ceremony :-). Once that was over, it was all party time!

Down memory lane: