Another amazing photo from Bullycreek...

This is another photo from my Bullycreek Reservoir series. This one was also taken in April, 2010.

April Photos of Bullycreek...

Dakota and I spent 3 hours at Bullycreek this evening taking our April photos for the Bullycreek project. My favorite is posted here. To see the rest click on the Bullycreek file to the left...

The Guest House...

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
Who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture.
Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
For some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing,
And invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.

The Essential Rumi

I am...

I Am
by Mary Lou Van Atta

The "I" that is me - you cannot see
You see only the form that you think is me.
This form that you see, will not always be;
But the "I" that is me - lives eternally.

i see the 17 mile super atom smasher smashed today...

what does it mean and what did they learn?

This was the email I sent to my son Chris this morning. His response was quite interesting.

Dad,

The recent operation of the 10 billion dollar Large Hadron Collider was just a test. No experiments were done. There will be no experiments done until later this year, but everyone is excited (including me) to have it up and running.

The last time they tried to 'fire it up' there was an explosion. The collider uses powerful electro-magnets to accelerate various atomic particles around it's 17-mile track. To get the magnetic field powerful enough, a tremendous amount of electricity must flow through the magnets. In order to handle this amount of electrical current the magnets are cooled using liquid helium. The recent explosion was caused by a poor connection between two of the magnets, which was essentially vaporized by the high current. It cost $400 million to fix.

One of the particles scientists are looking for is called the Higgs Boson. This is a theoretical particle thought to mediate the gravitational force. If it's existence were confirmed, it would add strength to a number of physical theories, some of them falling under the umbrella of 'string theory'. If the particle doesn't exist that would be exciting too, because it would force scientists back to the drawing board so to speak.

It's interesting stuff.

Chris

Bullycreek Reservoir is full...

In January I made my first trip to Bullycreek Reservoir this year. It was then I decided that I would document the seasonal changes that take place there, just 7 short miles from home. I have now documented the changes for three months in a row. You can see the fun images and dramatic changes that have occured there from month to month by clicking on the slide show titled 'Bullycreek' to the left. It's been fun. Dakota loves it too!

Martha's Social Tips for Rednecks...

1. A centerpeice should never be prepared by a taxidermist.
2. Do not allow the dogs to eat at the table...no matter how good their manners are. Really.
3. Always offer to bait your date's hook, especially on the first date.
4. Grooms should rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cumberbund and a clean bowling shirt could be interpreted by some as tacky.
5. While ears need to be cleaned regularly, use your OWN truck keys.
6. Proper use of toiletries is essential if weekly bathing is not possible. (However, deodorant is a waste of money after 3 days.)
7. Never take a beer to a job interview. Leave it in the truck.
8. Only vacuum the bed once. After that, change the sheets.
9. Even if you're certain you're in the will, it's considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.
10. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
11. When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, do not ask her to bring back a beer.
    

Walkabout Town...

Today, Dakota and I took a nice long walk around town. I carried my camera today and took a few photos. They were all taken within the city limits of Vale. You can click on the photos on the left and it will take you to the complete album. The sun was shining and it was a wonderful day!

Some pictures from my trip to California...

This is a picture of the main tower on campus at U.C. Berkeley.

This picture was taken at Bully Creek Resevoir of a wild goose in flight.
Another picture taken at Bully Creek Resevoir.
This was taken between Winnemucca and McDermott on the way home from California.
This is Stacey at the Doggy Park with Dakota, looking out across the Bay towards San Francisco.
This is a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge taken from Fort Funston in San Francisco.

And this is a picture of Dakota and I on the beach in San Francisco at Fort Funston.

Winter in the High Desert...

Took Dakota to Bullycreek today for a walk. I thought everyone might enjoy a little bit of winter in the high desert. It was beautiful.

The family visited...

Dad and I had the wonderful pleasure of recieving a visit from my two sons and their wives. They were in town to attend the funeral of Earl Byington, their grandfather. It was so great to see them! Click on the family pic slide show to the left to see all of the family pictures. We love you Chris, Sean, Tiffany and Stephanie!