Rainbow

Blessed is the rain that fell on us!

Here's proof!

we had several showers through out

the night too...so refreshing!

Our Gang

This is, of course, my sweet girl Gracie.
As her position indicates, she is a very contented girl.

Last night, while I was focusing on a job I was doing, I heard such a ruckus! When I looked, the dogs, were laying in a semi-circle around our mamma cat Cassie May, barking and growling, just being excessively aggressive to her! I couldn't believe what I saw!

You'd think they had cornered a lion the way they were carrying on! I expected to see them all inches away from a snake or something!

I need to add here that Cassie May was laying on the floor all curled up and watching the show, like she wasn't a part of it in any way.

I did my typical "Hey! what are you guys doing!?!"

They all turned in unison and looked at me.

I walked to the crate and opened the door, expecting I'd have to chase them down to make them get in. But nope, when I turned around they were all lined up and walked calmly, single file, into the crate and layed down.

I had no more trouble from them the rest of the night.

Cassie May casually walked to the chair next to the crate, layed on the arm and looked down at the dogs.

Hmmmm....makes me wonder who started the show? This is our little girl that has OCD...Bailey.

She likes to focus on Findley, who stares back for a while,

then goes back to his favorite spot in his box by the window.

As cats do, he allows Bailey to feel powerful when it suits him.

What a good friend he is to Bailey!

Maintenance Day 06/07/09

I attended my first "Mike's Maintenance Day". This event is part of the motorcycle group I joined a few months back: SAAME (South Austin Area Motorcycle Enthusiasts). It was a great learning experience and I look forward to the next one!
This day, Mike demonstrated how to handle a flat on the motorcycle: tube or tubeless. Everyone adds a word or two about their own experiences and experiences they've heard about.
Scott took the floor (driveway) next and showed us all the items a long distance rider might have on the bike...absolutely amazing! Being a gadget person (and shopper) myself, I had to go to a few stores and see which items I could find. So, I have my list now and will see how long it takes to pick these things up....a new adventure in itself.
As you can see, I got to work on my girl for the first time. Darrel assisted me with some tools, but let me do all the hands on. My battery cables have been a problem. It is nice to have someone assist but let you do the work. Takes the fear out something I had the knowledge to do, but had not "felt" the experience.
The girl with the scooter was getting assistance with adjusting the valves and performing her own oil change.

Mike

Group of Learners
Mike's Bikes

Scott...traveling demo...

Scott

The Mechanic

My vulnerable girl...

Baby of the group, a scooter

Darrell

One of the girls....

Another biker chic...

May 17th....Trip to Laredo Texas

On the way back from Laredo, Camille and I couldn't resist a few shots of typical Texas Valley scenery....

Pretty Ladies

An audience to the insanity (me in an ant bed)

A bug trying to land on a windy day

Plenty of fruit this season!

Yellow Rose of Texas....

Photo Meet Up Workshop

On Saturday, the 16th, I attended my first photo workshop with the photography meet up group here in Austin. They conducted 3 workshops: lighting, outdoor portraiture, and macro photography in nature.

I chose to attend the lighting session, as I felt that was a very weak point for me. I intended to line up portraiture next, and end up with macro (as the day would be warming up and being indoors seemed the logical place to be...right?)

I wish I had reversed the plan, as it started to sprinkle during the first class, the second class got moved indoors as the rain progressed to torrential status, and before it was over the final class had been cancelled!

Up side to it all...my sister Grace and my mom came up for the day from Laredo. My niece Camille joined us and we had a great day as it was...

Hope you enjoy the shots:

May 7, 2009

Nick, Abby, Myself

My daughter made it down for one day...

ONE DAY!

One day of a good thing is just NOT ENOUGH!!!!

Greenhorn Ride

The Line Up (My girl's #4)
Awaiting our turn on the course

Tarra maneuvering the cones

Veteran's Memorial in San Marcus

What a group heh?

Taking time to "tank up" for the next leg of the journey!

Wimberley Maui Wowee Coffee Shop

Nice lookin group of bikes!

I managed to complete my first group ride. It was called the Greenhorn Ride and initially we were going to ride to Groene Tx. But due to a later than planned get off and the weather being cloudy and windy, we changed plans and went to San Marcus. I believe there were 24 that participated. We lunched at Herbert's Taco Hut, then on to Wimberley for a break and gas up at Maui Wowee, and back to Akins High School in Austin where we met.

I really had a good time and met some wonderful people to ride with. My bike started cutting out on me between San Marcus and Wimberley. Thanks to some of the guys investigative work, it turned out to be loose connections on the battery. Got that tightened up and had no more problems. Sure am glad I was not on my own! And the next time they have a maintenance day, I plan on attending!

There was a fellow rider named Tarra, who has the same bike as mine. She is new to riding, having gotten her license 2 months ago and has only logged 100 miles on her bike so far. She has the 2008 model, so hers is black (she's the one riding the cones). I hope to get to ride with her and her boyfriend some on weekends. They live on the south side of Austin also.

Thanks for sharing with me.....

(some of the pics were from fellow group members)

My Baby...

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 500

I offered my baby for sale today.

Things just ain't fair most of the time!

While looking through images to share,

I came across these and they brought back

some mighty sweet memories.

Each time I go for a ride, I still get this same smile on my face!

*sigh*

I have to admit, this is a reflection of my mood of late. Getting out in the fresh air last weekend with good company sure did my spirit good.

Thank you Norma.....

Well, this is the result of my wildflower drive with Norma last weekend.

We didn't find too many flowers, but enjoyed the other sites.

Hope you do too!

Zilker Spring Day

Park Entrance


This is the way to......

Purple Haze

Partner in Fun

Cabbage Patch Transformed

Backlit Pretty in Pink

Shamrock

Oak Strength

Can You Find the Hidden Object?

Back in time

Timeless Love

Well, Camille and I went to Zilker Park here in Austin. It was her first time, so it was like taking a kid to the candy store!

We sort of followed this couple who were taking engagement pictures and got a couple of shots ourselves. We plan a day of photo session for Camille when she dresses for the day...I can't wait as she is a good model and very photogenic (my niece ya know...takes after her Aunt!)

Can't wait til April...will be absolutely fantastic....!