Round Rock Daily Photo

Up Up And Away!

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Having fun on "I Told You So". This is the last known photo of the white Jeep with his rear drive shaft in one piece that day. He took it home in two pieces after moving another 50 feet or so :)

This Not Be What I Was Wanting!

2011-09-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Driving along minding my own business when Kelly says, Dad, something does not sound right! Hello new ABS speed sensor wire & shock.

Oops There Goes Another Tie Rod

2011-09-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

Believe it or not, after an on trail repair, this Jeep kept on going. This hole actually claimed 2 tie rods that day, both of which were field repaired.

Leave No footprints

2011-09-25T06:00:00.008-05:00

Leave nothing but footprints...If you must

Resident Cowboy

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

There is always music to be heard in Luckenbach!

You Aint Seen Texas Until...

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

You visit Luckenbach!

Jeeps Like Sunsets Too

2011-09-22T06:00:00.003-05:00

As well as their drivers. Taken at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in West Michigan.

Fun In The Setting Sun

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

The girls enjoyed the sunset from a unique location.

Lake Meet Sky

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

On our vacation this summer, we got into the UP of Michigan, and spent a couple of nights on the lake. I loved how the water & sky merged.

Don't Try This At Home

2011-09-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

We are (or think we are) professionals! Note, this was one of our early trips on "I Told You So" near Llano TX, and my new front bumper is 1/4" steel :)

Hill Country Sunset

2011-09-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Taken from our camp after a day of Jeeping near Llano TX.

Caretaker Needed

2011-09-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Not all flags get the TLC they need.

In Case You Want to Read

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Zoom In, and you too can get the story of Baby Head Cemetery.

Double Take

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Some signs just can't be passed up, you gotta stop and read.

Watching the Water Bottles

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

We were backpacking in Colorado Bend State Park this spring, and while the collection of water bottles was colorful and interesting, the rattlesnake that wandered into camp and decided to hang out directly behind the collection of bottles was what captured our attention.

Put the tire where?

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

They say this is a road......

New Spotter Please

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Always be extra nice to your spotter, so they will pay attention when you need it!

Not The Plan

2011-09-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite activities involves being members of the "Austin Jeep Exclusive" club, and you will likely see a number of pictures from those events over time. In this case, one of the 2 doors needed a little assistance to get back down to earth. For some reason, none of the 4 door Unlimited models exhibited these sorts of lighter than air moments.

Gerner From Above

2011-09-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Garner State Park sits nestled in a valley in the Texas "Hill Country".

Cave Dweller

2011-09-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Earlier this summer, we went down to Garner State Park, a very popular spot in Texas, and ventured out to Crystal cave. You never know what you will find in the caves!

Beat The Heat

2011-09-08T06:00:00.004-05:00

In July we escaped the heat in Texas by heading to Colorado, and promptly sticking our Jeep in the snow to cool it down.

Sunset Stroll

2011-09-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Lovely night for a sunset stroll!

Hmmmmmm

2011-09-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have heard of two story outhouses, but not showers......

Dad can I......

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it best not to ask!

Peek-a-boo!

2011-09-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Some self portraits are more work than others!

Storms

2011-09-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last November I took a class in night photography, and we did some light painting. This is one of the shots I kind of liked.

Ignore the Man in the corner

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

There is still a little life left in this proud auto.

27 Years & Counting!

2011-09-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks Patrice for 27 great years, I look forward to at least 27 more! Note, not taken in Round Rock :)

Catch Me If You Can

2011-08-31T21:46:00.001-05:00

While it was not my intent, I ended up taking off a year of blogging, and decided today to get back into it. I am going to start with various shots from the past year, and work into getting current again. It has been too long :)

Waiting for our ship to come in....

2010-08-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Any day now, any day.......

Tryouts

2010-08-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Waiting in line for Darth Maul tryouts in the feathered version of Star Wars (tm). (Zoom in for detail)

Say Cheese!

2010-08-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Was it something I said?

Sunrise!

2010-08-04T07:49:00.001-05:00

Nothing like a good sunrise to get the day started!

Road Trip!

2010-07-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Wheels down in 5 hours for 2 weeks in Colorado for Rose & Eddie's wedding and some simple R&R!

Used Tires?

2010-07-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Let me check my inventory.....

Please Sir I Beg You....

2010-07-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

No bricks!

Looking for a load

2010-07-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

Shave & A Haircut, 2 bits

2010-07-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

And the overhead is low!

Spital

2010-07-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

If you see a large pool of swirling water (a.k.a the spital), you might not want to get too close.....

I Call Luggage Rack!

2010-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Shotgun was taken.....

Lawn Sweepers

2010-07-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

I always wondered where the term "lawn sweeper" came from........

Hell or Helmet?

2010-07-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

The gospel according to the Faridabad Traffic Police, Chapter 1, Verse 1.

Leteracy Proeramme

2010-07-17T06:00:00.004-05:00

Never take a computer leteracy proeramme that is not from an ISO 9001:2000 certifieb institute. (Zoom for details)

There's No Place Like Home

2010-07-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Always Carry a Spare

2010-07-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

There is more than one way to get around! I am taking a better one however!

Fuel Truck

2010-07-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

I suspect you pay by the pie......

Excuses

2010-07-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

So the guide was telling us that each of these towers leaned outward 2 degrees so that in case there was an earthquake, they would fall away from the main building......I suggested that it went more like this: King to Engineer: Why is it leaning out.....ummmmmm....in case there is an earthquake?......yea that is.....In case there is an earthquake King!

My guide was not amused :)

The Taj From the Spot

2010-07-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

We had a guide at the Taj that liked to tell us where to take pictures from....not a bad choice :)

We Drive On The Left.....

2010-07-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

You don't say.....

Welcome to India. I am going to share some shots of my trip this week, hope you enjoy them.

Bill

Swimming Rule #3

2010-07-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Listen to your Mother!..........I told you, wait at least 30 minutes before you go in the water after eating......I'm not in the water Mom, I'm...um...practicing my Yoga....this stretch works the....well pretty much every muscle group.

Swimming Rule #2

2010-07-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Always shower before entering the cave, because you never know who you will meet inside! Did you hear that noise??????

Swimming Rule #1

2010-07-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Always check the water temperature before you enter the water!

Seeds

2010-07-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Can you please help me get the seeds out?

Truth In Advertising

2010-07-06T06:00:00.003-05:00

Have you ever lived on Knucklehead Way?

Nice Day for a Drive...

2010-07-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

With the top down & Neil Diamond blasting from Hot August Night of course!

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T09:37:00.001-05:00

Hope you have a great 4th of July in these dog days of summer!

Welcome to Texas!

2010-07-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

I find it easier to drive friendly when wearing Blue Jeans!

Just Swing Already!

2010-07-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Orderly

2010-07-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

New developments tend to do everything possible to keep everything orderly, even light patterns!

With the right bait......

2010-07-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Chances are that if you toss in your line just be for lunch....

Refreshing!

2010-06-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tricks

2010-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

I think the trick is to keep your arms up and take big steps.....

Splash Down!

2010-06-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

And then the air was suddenly gone.......

Good Morning Sunshine

2010-06-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Earth says hello!

Too Hot for Ice.....

2010-06-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Peeling Paint......

2010-06-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Or modern art....you decide!

You Lookin at me?

2010-06-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I think she is a about to....

2010-06-23T21:48:00.000-05:00

Get Wet!

Lookout for that

2010-06-23T21:17:00.000-05:00

Tree!

I'm Sorry Officer

2010-06-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm Sorry Officer, I did not see the signal.....

Details

2010-06-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, paying attention to details is fun.

Out for a Walk

2010-06-20T20:56:00.000-05:00

I decided to take a walk tonight and took the camera with me. It was getting dusk, but I was able to take this at 1/25 of a second hand held. I love fast glass :)

Keep Your Eye On The Ball

2010-06-10T21:18:00.001-05:00

Or if need be, your entire face will also do!

It has been a while since my last post, and I hope to change that. Dorothy loved to tell us to do what we want to do, and do it now! Well today I did something that I have wanted to do for quite some time. My trusty 7 & 1/2 half year old Canon D60 has been relegated to the "kids camera", and I am now shooting with a Canon "EOS 5D Mark II" and a "70-200 f2.8L IS II USM" lens. I will keep my "17-40 f4L USM" lens handy as well, but I am really looking forward to seeing what this new setup will do. Dort, thanks for the encouragement and all you have done for us. I will try not to let you down. This first published shot from the new rig is dedicated to you!

Bill
(Doing it as fast as I can)

Until We Meet Again

2010-04-25T09:16:00.003-05:00

The Lord puts some very special people in our lives, and it is never easy when He takes them home. Today is not an easy day, as I have lost one of those special people. Dorothy was my Aunt, my Godmother, and my friend. From the first day we met there was a special bond. She loved to tell the story of her visiting when I was still in a crib. She was getting dressed, and turned around to find me standing in the crib just watching her. She then said to me in a stern voice with a smile, “I’m gonna have to keep an eye on you!” And she did. We would see each other only once a year at most, but we made the most of those times. There were jeep trips to Yankee Boy, Corkscrew, and her favorite Silver Basin. There was penny poker at the dining room table, “99” everywhere we could find a flat surface, including the top of a fire tower, and the Christmas trips! The Green Bay Wisconsin area in the winter when warmth was a distant memory, where we would still get out and cross country ski and hike at “The Ridges”, walk the shores of Lake Michigan, or visit the Red Mill with the chapel the was so special to her. And then there were the vans. Dorothy loved the vans her and Marie bought, and I remember once, I got to drive us all to the “House On The Rock” in one of them and as it turns out we were oblivious to the tornadoes that touched down all over the state that day. We really heard about it from Grandma when we got back! Why did you not call! And I recall the pain and struggles that Dorothy had while she cared for my Grandmother in her later years, and how somehow God would prompt me to call her at just the right time to give her encouragement. There were many tears of sorrow and of laughter spent on the phone over the years.

In the later years, there was a very special trip where I drove her and Marie down to Gulf Shores AL which turns out to be her last trip there. It was a hoot to explain how a GPS worked, and hear her retort that she was so far removed from technology that she did not know how she was still alive! I still recall the large volume of meatloaf sandwiches they made for the trip which we had for dinner, breakfast, lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch…….and we laughed together about that just a couple of weeks ago. Our mantra became no meatloaf please! There was the day we just sat on the grass in front of her home nicknamed “Treemenless” and watched the kids play in the lake, jumping off the floating dock, and paddling around in the Kayak.

I remember her visit to Colorado when we were there caring for my Mom in her last months. She wanted to come and say goodbye to Mom, and she gave us encouragement as well.

Special memories all.

Not too many years ago, as her health declined, she came to live with my father in Colorado for a year or so, and that time was special for me. We would sit out on the back porch with a glass of port or take a drive in the G6 with the top down to see the colors of fall. I remember her sitting in a chair in our driveway helping to decide where to place the trees in our landscaping project, and her comments of how good they looked. She got to enjoy a number of birthdays with us on the back porch, and we laughed as we often did.

As her memory faded, the last years were the toughest. Last summer we got to take her for a drive around the Chain-O-Lakes, and out for lunch at the Wheel House. She had done this many times for us, and we wanted to return the favor. It was hard on her to get out, but she really wanted to spend more time together. We showed her movies of the kids, reminisced about all the good times we had together and about meatloaf. We laughed and hugged, both knowing that this would likely be the last time we would see each other on this earth. I still recall how melancholy I felt as I left her apartment for the last time…….

Dorothy did not want to burden anyone, and at her request, there will be no memorial service, but I still want everyone to know that she was a very special lady to many, but especially to me, her nephew, her God- son, and her friend. I love you Dort, and look forward to when we can meet to hug and laugh together again.

It seems fitting to end with Dort’s admonition:

Live With Your God,

Do what you want to do,

and DO IT NOW!

We will do our best Dort.
Bill

McKinney Falls

2010-04-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

It gets hot in Texas, and one of the ways to cool off is to swim in the many swimming holes in the rivers of the area. McKinney Falls is one of those SE of downtown Austin. This shot is looking down the lower falls. You can actually swim up to the bottom of these falls. The perspective does not show it, but you are looking down 10-15 feet here.

Let Us Spell It Out For You!

2010-04-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Any Questions?

Would You Like A Free Coke?

2010-04-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it is hard for people to believe they are getting a free Coke!

Free Coke, No Joke!

2010-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of the outreaches done by our church is to give out free Cokes, and last Satuday, over 1000 cokes were donated & distributed free of charge to people fortunate enough to stop at a few red lights in town. No pressure, no donations accepted, just a small way of saying God cares.

Would you like to buy some brisket?

2010-03-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

A fun day was had by all!

Watch your fingers!

2010-03-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Is it done yet?

2010-03-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Looks done to me!

$8 per pound

2010-03-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

Brisket was $8 per pound....more or less....

Smoking Brisket

2010-03-27T15:53:00.002-05:00

Spent the day smoking brisket & sausage and selling $3 lunches as a fund raiser for our church mens group outside the local Wal-Mart. Not sure how much money was raised, but we had a lot fun and fellowship.

Pie Time

2010-03-04T06:00:00.002-06:00

Having daughters that can cook makes Bill a growing boy!

Super Happy Fun Fun

2010-03-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

If you are tired of your boreing old job, you might want to apply at Supper Happy Fun Fun, Inc. I have no idea of they live up to their name, but with a name like that, you just gotta wonder......

Good Bye Mr. Snow Man

2010-03-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

The visit was short and sweet last week.

Snow day

2010-03-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, not much by the standards of any other place we have lived, but it snowed in the Austin area last Tuesday, and the schools let out early so the kids could go see it! The roads were warm from it being 75 on Sunday so the snow did not stick, but it was fun!

Recommended by birds everywhere!

2010-02-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

Trick Riding

2010-02-23T06:00:00.004-06:00

But those that are really good get into trick riding! I wonder if he forgot to ready the signs......

Ride um Cowboy

2010-02-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Flag riding is a new and exciting sport in Texas, but not for the faint of heart or those that have a fear of heights!

Got that done!

2010-02-21T07:12:00.003-06:00

Nothing like a tall stack of broken down boxes, and a bunch of boxes full of packing paper to make you feel like you have gotten something done!

Welcome To Round Rock

2010-02-18T06:50:00.001-06:00

Pardon me while we unpack...More to come!