Whale Watching Off Santa Barbara

[DwightMcCann]

I can see we are all looking forward to next weekend. Dwight, will you PM me directions to your house?

I'll put up directions this weekend with a Mapquest link ... I'm in the middle of some other stuff right now.

[DwightMcCann]

Well, looks like signups are pretty pitiful ... I guess we'll plan the BBQ for eight people.

My address is:

430 Sycamore Drive
Buellton, California 93427

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=Home&address=430+Sycamore+Drive&city=Buellton&state=CA&zipcode=93427


The little Oak Park across the street from my house is a strip park with some kids equipment and a couple of picnic tables that shares the block with the Oak Valley Elementary School where Anna will start kindergarten in less than two weeks. At the extreme south end of Sycamore Drive (across HWY 246) about 1/2 mile away is a much bigger newer park with more equipment.

I will be PM'ing the phone numbers I got soon.

[Kevin]

Is the eight including Anne and I? If not make it ten.

[ayotnoms]

I'm schizophrenic so frankly, I don't know how much higher you should bump the tally.
:lol:

[DwightMcCann]

I had asked that everyone add themselves to the list below as has been done on the past and as you can see the list is short. We have had several "confirms" become "cancels" so commitments made weeks ago aren't really very useful. Anyway, here's the current list of participants:

Anna, Dwight & Marna: Staying in Valley to give directions.

Mathew and Laurel: Driving down in the afternoon of the 25th

Skip & Mo: Driving to SB Friday night, Whale watching Sat. morning,then
to Dwight's Sat. afternoon. Staying overnight with Dwight & Marna.

[Kevin]

I had asked that everyone add themselves to the list below as has been done on the past and as you can see the list is short. We have had several "confirms" become "cancels" so commitments made weeks ago aren't really very useful. Anyway, here's the current list of participants:

Anna, Dwight & Marna: Staying in Valley to give directions.

Mathew and Laurel: Driving down in the afternoon of the 25th

Skip & Mo: Driving to SB Friday night, Whale watching Sat. morning,then
to Dwight's Sat. afternoon. Staying overnight with Dwight & Marna.

Kevin and Anne, BBQ for sure

[Kevin]

Sorry Dwight, I must have either read past your post or just missed it altogether.

[ayotnoms]

I had asked that everyone add themselves to the list below as has been done on the past and as you can see the list is short. We have had several "confirms" become "cancels" so commitments made weeks ago aren't really very useful. Anyway, here's the current list of participants:

Anna, Dwight & Marna: Staying in Valley to give directions.

Mathew and Laurel: Driving down in the afternoon of the 25th

Skip & Mo: Driving to SB Friday night, Whale watching Sat. morning,then
to Dwight's Sat. afternoon. Staying overnight with Dwight & Marna.

Kevin and Anne, BBQ for sure

Annoytoms - quantity(1) to the BBQ!!

[belmondo]

We're coming (Lois and I). We're not sure when we're leaving the desert, but the most likely scenario is to leave here Saturday AM early enough to reach Dwight's in time for the BBQ. We'll probably spend the night in the Buellton, and head home Sunday afternoon. If there are any social activities planned for Saturday night, we'll be there (unless you can keep the location a secret from us).

[DwightMcCann]

We're coming (Lois and I). We're not sure when we're leaving the desert, but the most likely scenario is to leave here Saturday AM early enough to reach Dwight's in time for the BBQ. We'll probably spend the night in the Buellton, and head home Sunday afternoon. If there are any social activities planned for Saturday night, we'll be there (unless you can keep the location a secret from us).

So, does this mean you're going add your name to the cut&paste list or not? I suppose Annoyotoms could do it for you, sigh.

[Edit: what a waste of my 10,000th post!]

[belmondo]

So, does this mean you're going add your name to the cut&paste list or not? I suppose Annoyotoms could do it for you, sigh.

I had asked that everyone add themselves to the list below as has been done on the past and as you can see the list is short. We have had several "confirms" become "cancels" so commitments made weeks ago aren't really very useful. Anyway, here's the current list of participants:

Anna, Dwight & Marna: Staying in Valley to give directions.

Mathew and Laurel: Driving down in the afternoon of the 25th

Skip & Mo: Driving to SB Friday night, Whale watching Sat. morning,then
to Dwight's Sat. afternoon. Staying overnight with Dwight & Marna.

Kevin and Anne, BBQ for sure

Annoytoms - quantity(1) to the BBQ!!

Belmondo and Mrs. Belmondo. BBQ for sure, and likely other activities after that...especially if they involve vandalizing Dwight's house.

Hey Dwight...Are you going to take pictures this time, or pretend your shutter has gone bad again.:p

[DwightMcCann]

Hey Dwight...Are you going to take pictures this time, or pretend your shutter has gone bad again.:p
Well, if you had been at the last event we had eagle watching you'd know! :p:p

[Edit: Oh, good, you have a 1DMIII I can try out!]

[belmondo]

Well, if you had been at the last event we had eagle watching you'd know! :p:p

[Edit: Oh, good, you have a 1DMIII I can try out!]If you remember, that's the one nobody told me about. I have no reason to believe that was an accident.:p:p

[DwightMcCann]

If you remember, that's the one nobody told me about. I have no reason to believe that was an accident.:p:p
You are an astute observer of human behavior ... but not a good hint taker. :lol::lol::lol:

[Edit: I am off to bed!]

[belmondo]

You are an astute observer of human behavior ... but not a good hint taker. :lol::lol::lol:I don't care what you say, Dwight. I'm still coming this weekend.;)

[ironbelle]

Dwight I would love to attend your BBQ as I would love to see more of Santa Barbara and walk through Solvang, but your a bit of a ways from San Diego for just a day event. I'm sure everyone will let me know all the fun I missed.

[DwightMcCann]

I don't care what you say, Dwight. I'm still coming this weekend.;)

You got me out of bed to tell me that!? Oh, I think there's a free Disco Dance at the Casino Saturday night starting around 9:00PM ... excellent after BBQ entertainment and they have free valet parking ... maybe you could take Cybnew and his sweet thing since he wants to see the casino! I'll be at the pillow fights in the upstairs wing at home. :cool:

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight I would love to attend your BBQ as I would love to see more of Santa Barbara and walk through Solvang, but your a bit of a ways from San Diego for just a day event. I'm sure everyone will let me know all the fun I missed.

Yes, just out of range! Yes, they will tell you what a fun time they had at my house! I will not yet be recuperated.

[Cybnew]

Dwight....I also have a 1d mk3 you can try out if you would like :)

[Maureen Souza]

If nothing else, this weekend should be fun just to watch the interaction between Tom & Dwight.

Maybe my Pro1 on video mode might be a good idea. ;)

[ayotnoms]

If nothing else, this weekend should be fun just to watch the interaction between Tom & Dwight.

Maybe my Pro1 on video mode might be a good idea. ;)
while you're shooting the action, can I look the POTN book over...I mean if you don't mind bringing it :)

Dwight....I also have a 1d mk3 you can try out if you would like :)
Dammm Mat. A 1dmk3? I mean it's no Pro1 but it's a serviceable substitute :lol:

[Johnny Thunder]

[quote=belmondo;3764878]I had asked that everyone add themselves to the list below as has been done on the past and as you can see the list is short. We have had several "confirms" become "cancels" so commitments made weeks ago aren't really very useful. Anyway, here's the current list of participants:

Anna, Dwight & Marna: Staying in Valley to give directions.

Mathew and Laurel: Driving down in the afternoon of the 25th

Skip & Mo: Driving to SB Friday night, Whale watching Sat. morning,then
to Dwight's Sat. afternoon. Staying overnight with Dwight & Marna.

Kevin and Anne, BBQ for sure

Annoytoms - quantity(1) to the BBQ!!

Belmondo and Mrs. Belmondo. BBQ for sure, and likely other activities after that...especially if they involve vandalizing Dwight's house.

Johnny and Keleigh - Leaving the Desert Early AM Saturday, Attending the BBQ and causing some random trouble, staying at Dwights Sat. Night.

-Johnny

[DwightMcCann]

If nothing else, this weekend should be fun just to watch the interaction between Tom & Dwight.

Mo', Belmondo and I go way back ... we went to separate schools together many years ago ... we have exchanged money and camera equipment ... I'm concerned that you will be disappointed if you rely on us to entertain you. OTOH, Anna is now expecting a pillow fight and will likely side with Kel and you against the boys and I expect the Belmondos will be dancing the night away at the casino ... I'll try to get back here and edit in a picture of an earlier event in the series.

[belmondo]

Mo', Belmondo and I go way back ... we went to separate schools together many years ago ... we have exchanged money and camera equipment ... I'm concerned that you will be disappointed if you rely on us to entertain you. OTOH, Anna is now expecting a pillow fight and will likely side with Kel and you against the boys and I expect the Belmondos will be dancing the night away at the casino ... I'll try to get back here and edit in a picture of an earlier event in the series.Dwight is right. There won't be much excitement. There's too much risk that Lois might think we're serious, and if that happens, there could be bloodshed.

I plan to be on my best behavior.

[DwightMcCann]

I am always on my best behavior!

Here's what's gonna be available for free at the casino on Saturday night:

[DwightMcCann]

Here's the collage for the night I did it as an event!

[Karl C]

Dwight is right. There won't be much excitement. There's too much risk that Lois might think we're serious, and if that happens, there could be bloodshed.

I plan to be on my best behavior.

Is this what I should expect after 40+ years of marriage?

:p

[DwightMcCann]

Is this what I should expect after 40+ years of marriage?

:p
Only if you change your mind and come to the party! ;)

[belmondo]

Here's what's gonna be available for free at the casino on Saturday night: At least the price is right.

[DwightMcCann]

At least the price is right.

Oh, I misread your title as "Moderately Senile", sorry ... yes, the casino often provides free entertainment on weekends so players can bring their non-player friends. I like The Bomb, who usually play first ... they are actually a Latin group but can do Rock and Disco things. I expect that Cyb and his Honey will enjoy it. The casino is only 7.5 miles away and only two turns: left onto Hwy 246 from Sycamore and right into their driveway and the trip includes a ride through the main drag of Solvang.

[Cybnew]

Dammm Mat. A 1dmk3? I mean it's no Pro1 but it's a serviceable substitute :lol:


I love the camera...I still enjoy the 20d though (it is having a slight issue at the moment with the shutter) I move to San Francisco tomorrow so maybe we can go shooting

[Cybnew]

Oh, I misread your title as "Moderately Senile", sorry ... yes, the casino often provides free entertainment on weekends so players can bring their non-player friends. I like The Bomb, who usually play first ... they are actually a Latin group but can do Rock and Disco things. I expect that Cyb and his Honey will enjoy it. The casino is only 7.5 miles away and only two turns: left onto Hwy 246 from Sycamore and right into their driveway and the trip includes a ride through the main drag of Solvang.


She is 17...is that ok? ...ill throw her in there while i play the slots. :) ....now i couldnt do that...could i?

[DwightMcCann]

She is 17...is that ok? ...ill throw her in there while i play the slots. :) ....now i couldnt do that...could i?

Nope, she wouldn't get through the front door ... she'll have to stay here and join the pillow fights upstairs!

[Cybnew]

Nope, she wouldn't get through the front door ... she'll have to stay here and join the pillow fights upstairs!


It's ok...I dont think I will go over to the casino anyway.

On a side note. I was cleaning out my room (preparing for my move tomorrow) and found your business card right where I forgot I had put it :)

[DwightMcCann]

It's ok...I dont think I will go over to the casino anyway.

On a side note. I was cleaning out my room (preparing for my move tomorrow) and found your business card right where I forgot I had put it :)

That's OK, I never gave you the film I had in the freezer ... if it's still there you can have it ... :lol::lol::lol::o

[ayotnoms]

... I move to San Francisco tomorrow so maybe we can go shooting
You betcha...whenever you want.
:)

[thomascanty]

I just moved to Palmdale (still moving a few things, but mostly done for now), and my boss was kind enough to hastily rewrite the schedule at work to give me two weeks off so the pressure to get it all done by the end of the month wasn't too bad. I just realized, that time off includes this weekend... Hmmmm.

I don't want to pencil Ashley and myself into the cut-and-paste post just yet, but there's a chance we may be able to make it to the BBQ after all. I just did a quick online search for hotels/motels in the area, and I can't afford anything that search returned right now -- I've spent way too much in the past week on the move -- but I'll keep digging and see if I can find something more reasonable. Or, I suppose we could just drive home afterwards. It's only a two-hour drive... LOL

[Kevin]

I hope it works out Lonnie, we would enjoy seeing you and Ashley.

[belmondo]

I hope it works out Lonnie, we would enjoy seeing you and Ashley.

Keeping fingers crossed. I haven't seen either of you in a while.

[Skip Souza]

I would love to see Ashley................. You too Lonnie :lol::lol::lol:

[Cybnew]

I would also like to see the two of you...hopefully this time though I wont step on Ashley :(

[thomascanty]

I would also like to see the two of you...hopefully this time though I wont step on Ashley :(

I'm sure she's forgotten all about that by now. ;)

[Karl C]

Only if you change your mind and come to the party! ;)

I would love to join the festivities however, even if I flew into town this weekend, I still couldn't attend. What was supposed to be a routine pacemaker procedure for my elderly mom has turned into something not-so-routine. She's still in CCU at the hospital in L.A.

Next time for sure...

[belmondo]

I would love to join the festivities however, even if I flew into town this weekend, I still couldn't attend. What was supposed to be a routine pacemaker procedure for my elderly mom has turned into something not-so-routine. She's still in CCU at the hospital in L.A.

Next time for sure...

We'll have our fingers crossed for your mom. Catch you next time.

[Karl C]

We'll have our fingers crossed for your mom. Catch you next time.

Thanks for the well-wishes. It's definitely been a rough week.

[DwightMcCann]

I just moved to Palmdale (still moving a few things, but mostly done for now), and my boss was kind enough to hastily rewrite the schedule at work to give me two weeks off so the pressure to get it all done by the end of the month wasn't too bad. I just realized, that time off includes this weekend... Hmmmm.

I don't want to pencil Ashley and myself into the cut-and-paste post just yet, but there's a chance we may be able to make it to the BBQ after all. I just did a quick online search for hotels/motels in the area, and I can't afford anything that search returned right now -- I've spent way too much in the past week on the move -- but I'll keep digging and see if I can find something more reasonable. Or, I suppose we could just drive home afterwards. It's only a two-hour drive... LOL

Well, if that's all that's keeping you away then you can have first dibs on any couch in the house, the carpeted floor, a club chair, recliner or whatever! Sorry I didn't see your post earlier! We have a shy cat but she can hide from Ashley somewhere. There is a park across the street where folks take their dogs so that is not an issue.

[Edit: Or, you can have the back of Belmondo's truck!]

[thomascanty]

Well, if that's all that's keeping you away then you can have first dibs on any couch in the house, the carpeted floor, a club chair, recliner or whatever!

Thanks for the offer, but that really isn't my main concern. I can drive home and sleep in my own bed afterward. I don't mind long drives at all. In fact, I rather like them. I'm just wondering if I can spare the day. I'm pretty much completely moved into the new place now, but I have a lot of work to do to clean and straighten up the old place before I turn in the keys. I should have a better idea where I stand tomorrow, after I see what I can get done there this evening.

[Edit: Or, you can have the back of Belmondo's truck!]

Hey! There's an idea..

[DwightMcCann]

OK, just so folks know, we will NOT turn away those who don't get their names on the cut & paste list. We want everyone to come. But it would be helpful to Marna to know how much food to prepare.

[JSimonian]

You, Dwight, are a brave, brave, yet lucky man to have a woman that, first allows you to provide such an event and secondly, to prepare food for your guests. I haven't read through this whole thread, so this may be a repeating issue, but I just wanted to say that your Wife is an extraordinary woman. Congratulations to you both.

Today is the first I've read of this trip and hope that there may be more in the future. I am presently occupied this weekend, but I hope you all have a great time!

[DwightMcCann]

I have just PM'd the cell phone list to those who provided a number. If you did not receive the list and want it please let me know. If you want to be added to the phone list please let me know. Currently looks like a dozen or so folks for the BBQ.

Let me again say for those not whale watching there are a lot of opportunities in the valley. I strongly recommend the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch on Alamo Pintado, Casa Cassara Tasting Room (disclaimer: a client of mine with new tasting room less than a mile from my house), flower fields locally and in Lompoc, casino (free Disco Dance Saturday night), Solvang tourist trap, Los Olivos artsy tourist trap, Santa Ynez with Maverick Saloon and dancing, my studio complete with full set of studio flash from Bowens (I expect to pick up the generator that took 3 months to repair today, but I have two) for those who haven't ever gotten to try studio flash, Epson 7800 printer (just got $1300 of supplies from B&H this morning including paper and ink cartridges) plus all the SIDEWAYS COUNTRY locations (it was filmed in Buellton), nice little park across the street (can be seen in Mapquest Aerial View of my house), nice bigger park just down at the end of the street.

[thomascanty]

I had asked that everyone add themselves to the list below as has been done on the past and as you can see the list is short. We have had several "confirms" become "cancels" so commitments made weeks ago aren't really very useful. Anyway, here's the current list of participants:

Anna, Dwight & Marna: Staying in Valley to give directions.

Mathew and Laurel: Driving down in the afternoon of the 25th

Skip & Mo: Driving to SB Friday night, Whale watching Sat. morning,then
to Dwight's Sat. afternoon. Staying overnight with Dwight & Marna.

Kevin and Anne, BBQ for sure

Annoytoms - quantity(1) to the BBQ!!

Belmondo and Mrs. Belmondo. BBQ for sure, and likely other activities after that...especially if they involve vandalizing Dwight's house.

Johnny and Keleigh - Leaving the Desert Early AM Saturday, Attending the BBQ and causing some random trouble, staying at Dwights Sat. Night.

Lonnie and Ashley -- I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm going to plan on attending anyway. I have all next week to finish cleaning the place up...

[greg20d]

I wish I could make it but saturday is the last race of the summer series and last year it was my biggest sales day of the year ..you guys have fun and I will try to make the next get together ...

[Cybnew]

Glad to hear that you are going to make it Lonnie!


Sorry you cant be there Greg

[Cybnew]

For all those traveling today...I just want to wish everyone a safe drive...and I look forward to seeing you guys tomorrow!

[DwightMcCann]

Small Updates: (1) I picked up my backup Bowens generator that took three months to repair along with two new flash heads (for a total of five at home and one in repair) yesterday ... so I now have a total of 6000 Joules of studio strobe lighting available for experimenting. (2) My B&H order with paper and ink for my Epson 7800 and R220 printers has been hauled home. (3) I expect to be home (or at worst available via my cell phone) today, tomorrow and Sunday ... feel free to call if you get lost, need help (except Belmondo), want to know fun things to do or if there are other issues or questions. Anyone who has not received the phone list and would like it should let me know here or via PM. (4) Marna is making me clean up all my photography stuff that I have managed to spread across every nook and cranny in the house. (5) We can accommodate more people if it would make a difference in your being able to come. (6) Please feel free to come even if you declined earlier.

[snedigity]

Dwight,
Claudia and I will for sure be there around 4:00.

[Maureen Souza]

Skip & I are heading out for SB right now. See all you whale watchers in the morning...and the rest of you at Dwight's later on!

[Johnny Thunder]

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon, should be leaving early tommorrow AM

Have a safe drive Maureen

-Johnny

[belmondo]

We couldn't get decent rooms anywhere in the area, so we're going to spend Saturday night in Ventura. We'll hang around with you guys during the day, but probably not return for any of the Sunday activities. That would be too much doubling back on top of an additional drive home afterwards.

Looking forward to seeing all of you at Dwight's.

[DwightMcCann]

Skip & I are heading out for SB right now. See all you whale watchers in the morning...and the rest of you at Dwight's later on!

We looked for whales driving home tonight but didn't see any, sigh ... hope you have better luck in the morning.

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon, should be leaving early tommorrow AM

Have a safe drive Maureen

-Johnny
You two drive safely, too! Allow plenty of time and when you're near give us a shout!

We couldn't get decent rooms anywhere in the area, so we're going to spend Saturday night in Ventura. We'll hang around with you guys during the day, but probably not return for any of the Sunday activities. That would be too much doubling back on top of an additional drive home afterwards.

Looking forward to seeing all of you at Dwight's.
Well, while I would have given up the master suite for Lois, I'm afraid that wouldn't work for my bride. You could still have a couch or floor! Or maybe the top bunk of Anna's bed with Johnny & Kel underneath! Whatever, we are all anxious to see you.

I will be leaving to shoot UB40 in about half an hour. Hope they only allow me a couple of songs 'cause then I race home and go across to the park to watch a movie with Anna & Marna put on by our local Parks Department and the Police ... "Princess Bride" I think is this time.

The smoke from the fire seems well behaved ... no much in Santa Barbara area and none up here in Buellton, so if you drive through some on the way here keep in mind it is temporary.

[belmondo]

We're actually getting a lot of that smoke down here.

Enjoy Princess Bride. It's a kinda' cute movie. Age appropriate for your daughter IIRC.

[DwightMcCann]

We're actually getting a lot of that smoke down here.

Enjoy Princess Bride. It's a kinda' cute movie. Age appropriate for your daughter IIRC.

There is a fire front down near Ventura and I am honestly concerned that it will be smokey there ... in all seriousness we will make adjustments to arrangements here to accommodate you if it is an issue.

[belmondo]

There is a fire front down near Ventura and I am honestly concerned that it will be smokey there ... in all seriousness we will make adjustments to arrangements here to accommodate you if it is an issue.Thanks, Dwight, but it things are that bad in Ventura, we'll just bite the bullet and drive home. It's only another 3 1/2 hours, and that's nothing for us.

My big problem now is trying to decide what equipment to bring. I can only find 4 tripods and 2 monopods. I must've lost a few.

[Johnny Thunder]

hmm, thats really odd. Mapquest gives me a trip of 228 miles and 3:45min, where as my Tomtom gives me a trip of 232 miles and 4:45min...

Strange.

-Johnny

[Cybnew]

4 tripods? I think that is a little much :)....unless you are planing on selling one to me Tom :) I probably wont be able to leave Cambria tomorrow until around 2:00 which puts us down in Buellton around 3:30....If you want me to pick anything up for the BBQ Dwight...just let me know!

[thomascanty]

We couldn't get decent rooms anywhere in the area, so we're going to spend Saturday night in Ventura. We'll hang around with you guys during the day, but probably not return for any of the Sunday activities.

Same here. Well, except for the "stay in Ventura" part. I'll just head home after the party winds down tomorrow evening. I have plenty of other things I should probably be doing on Sunday anyway.

I'm planning to leave Palmdale around noon tomorrow. I think that should put me at Dwight's about 3 or 4pm. See y'all then.

[Kevin]

We will be leaving about 1:00PM tomorrow so we should see everyone 2'ish.

[DwightMcCann]

Excellent! Princess Bride was a good as ever! UB40 was, hmmm, I don't know ... I had my earplugs in. We are off to bed. I gotta' get up early tomorrow and clean up all my stuff before you people start arriving.

[Maureen Souza]

Well we are at the Days Inn across the street from the Harbor & boat launch. We stayed here before and just decided to wing our way in again.


Happened to get the last room, tho.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Johnny Thunder]

alright, getting ready to head out the door, planned to leave a few hours ago, but my insomnia got the better of me for most of last night, made me wake up a later then I wanted.

see everyone in a few hours.

-Johnny

[belmondo]

I'm in Thousand Oaks at the Oaks Mall. I have some things to do at the Apple Store.

See you all later today.


Thos.

[DwightMcCann]

I'm in Thousand Oaks at the Oaks Mall. I have some things to do at the Apple Store.

See you all later today.


Thos.

Granny Delicious

[Cybnew]

Washington Red?

[johnstoy]

I'm in Thousand Oaks at the Oaks Mall. I have some things to do at the Apple Store.

See you all later today.


Thos.


Hey Belmondo...

I had an office near where you are, right on Ventura Blvd. and Tampa...and also at the Warner Center in Woodland Hills... You'll be passing right by on the way to Ventura... Have a great day out there everybody.

[Cybnew]

Ok...im going to get ready...go up to cambria..have lunch...pick up the GF...then drive down :) see ya'll in a bit

[Kraig C]

I'm seeing alot of that smoke in the atmosphere up here too, specifically, at night, when the sun goes down turns the horizon a nice deep red color... Increadibble moonset too! some picture perfect weather last night, looks like fog tonight though. Don't forget to look out for the lunar eclipse coming up..

[ayotnoms]

You know you've had a fun gathering of POTN'ers when even the furriest among us is smiling. :lol:

http://steve-montoya.smugmug.com/photos/187940831-L.jpg

[snedigity]

Claudia and I had a good time meeting all of you.

[thomascanty]

You know you've had a fun gathering of POTN'ers when even the furriest among us is smiling. :lol:

Hey, that mutt looks familiar. Now, where have I seen her before?

[cfpackerfan]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!

[short5]

Cute shot of Ashley:D

[timbernet]

That Ashley sure gets around (I swear she is the most photographed dog in the USA)

[Cybnew]

heh...ill post my shots of her monday night when I get back to my "house"(dorm room) :)

[DwightMcCann]

Everyone has gone home ... they laughed themselves sick when my Bowens QUADX 3000 studio flash generator that took three months to get "repaired" exploded as soon as I fired it, sigh!

[thomascanty]

Sounds like maybe I did leave too soon... :lol:

[snedigity]

Dwight,
Sorry to hear that. Hopefull it wont take as long next time to get it fixed.

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight,
Sorry to hear that. Hopefull it wont take as long next time to get it fixed.

I'm hoping they just give me another one, sigh, but given their track record they'll probably tell me this is "normal"!

[Maureen Souza]

We had a great time at Dwight & Marna's. The BBQ was scrumptious, the company terrific and even the bed was comfortable. Thanks for all your kind hospitality.

Skip & I were the only ones to go whale watching. It was a record day...we saw 40 Great Blue Whales and a thousand + dolphins!!!!

Here's a little tail for you, Dwight!;):D

See the other Great Blue in the background in the 2nd photo?

[Maureen Souza]

Here Come the Dolphins...from afar and right along the bow of our boat!

[cfpackerfan]

:shock: WOW, mo!! Fantastic shots.

[Maureen Souza]

Unfortunately, my longest reach was 200mm so I just made do with that. Some of the dolphins were so close, the 70mm end was too long. So then I just enjoyed the show with my eyes;)

[DwightMcCann]

I also got a whale and a cute little dolphinette!

[SuzyView]

Those are great portraits, Dwight!

Skip, you are one good looking guy!

Dwight, your daughter is just beautiful. Must be from your wife's genes? ;)

[DwightMcCann]

Those are great portraits, Dwight!

Skip, you are one good looking guy!

Dwight, your daughter is just beautiful. Must be from your wife's genes? ;)

These were done in my studio as part of the "test" of the "repaired" Bowens Generator (that failed) and setting up for a portrait sitting I have now done for a new casino host. I had Steve, Skip and Johnny Thunder "helping" me. The lighting is a bit flat and I didn't really pay attention to framing since I was just adjusting light levels and the portrait of the host is for a business card and needs NOT to dramatic. Anna get her good looks from my mother. Skip gets his from Mo'! I'm not showing nudes in here! :p

[belmondo]

Dwight, your daughter is just beautiful. Must be from your wife's genes? ;)Trust me on that one....:rolleyes:

Dwight does have a better beard, though.

[Maureen Souza]

Steve (ayotnom) taught me how to distort people's faces into UGLY this morning. I was laughing so darn hard...now I can't wait to try it myself.

Okay....my first try...... Sorry, honey!!:lol::lol::lol:

[DwightMcCann]

Steve (ayotnom) taught me how to distort people's faces into UGLY this morning. I was laughing so darn hard...now I can't wait to try it myself.

I wondered what terrible thing he was up to after he couldn't get on my WiFi! If you got some shots of Belmondo you have plenty of material to work with ... make him a new avatar!

[Johnny Thunder]

Just got home, little over 6 hours after leaving Dwights, had a great trip aside from the last 10 miles, blew a wheel bearing on the car and had one ROUGH ride home, sigh, guess its time to go to work...

Had a blast, look forward to getting together with everyone again soon!

-Johnny

[DwightMcCann]

Sweet Lord, Mo', ya' coulda' used Anna! Hmmm, I may use that one of Skippy as my new avatar!

[ayotnoms]

That's hilarious Maureen! Is Skip talking to you?? :lol:

It was great getting to see everyone again, but really, I got to take my hat off to Dwight and Marna (with an Anna assist). A solid 9.75 on the Perfect Host scale (I had to deduct ¼ point for the WiFi incident) :lol:

PS Maureen, love the whale tail photos...particulary the first one.

Cheers!

[belmondo]

That's hilarious Maureen! Is Skip talking to you?? :lol:

It was great getting to see everyone again, but really, I got to take my hat off to Dwight and Marna (with an Anna assist). A solid 9.75 on the Perfect Host scale (I had to deduct ¼ point for the WiFi incident) :lol:Since I didn't try to connect to Dwight's WiFi, I'm giving them a perfect 10. The food was incredible, but the Peach Cobbler was particularly amazing. Heck, even the trip back to our hotel was good. It was a perfect day with good friends. I'm already looking forward to the next time.



Thanks, Dwight, Marna, and Anna.

[snedigity]

Johnny, Sorry to hear about the wheel bearing. But thank goodness it was close to home.

[ayotnoms]

Impossibly cute X 2

:)

http://steve-montoya.smugmug.com/photos/188357227-L.jpg

[Maureen Souza]

That is adorable, Steve. I am just now loading in my photos and will try to post one of everyone.

[DwightMcCann]

It was great getting to see everyone again, but really, I got to take my hat off to Dwight and Marna (with an Anna assist). A solid 9.75 on the Perfect Host scale (I had to deduct ¼ point for the WiFi incident) :lol:

Hey, we deserve a 1/8th addition for offering an RJ-45 connection on a 100' Cat 5 cable! I was even gonna' let you use the red one. :cool:

[Kraig C]

Nice whale tail and the shot of the porpoises off the bow looks good!

[SuzyView]

What a great new skill, Maureen! Skip is still cute.

Dwight, was that a pony?

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight, was that a pony?

No, that was Skip! Oh, oh, you mean standing with Anna that Steve took (I'm giving him an 8.5 ... -1.5 for distracting one of my other guests with Photoshop nonsense). No, that is a miniature horse and if they hear you say the "P" word they will hemorrhage! Seriously, they think there is a huge significant difference ... anyway, the place is the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch http://www.syv.com/qsminis/ which is about six miles from my house. I sent everyone there while I prepared to blow up my Bowens Generator! :rolleyes:

[ayotnoms]

No, that was Skip! Oh, oh, you mean standing with Anna that Steve took (I'm giving him an 8.5 ... -1.5 for distracting one of my other guests with Photoshop nonsense). No, that is a miniature horse and if they hear you say the "P" word they will hemorrhage! Seriously, they think there is a huge significant difference ... anyway, the place is the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch http://www.syv.com/qsminis/ which is about six miles from my house. I sent everyone there while I prepared to blow up my Bowens Generator! :rolleyes:
Why you hating on Photoshop Dwight?
I have a feeling Photoshop has delivered Bowens Generator-like service to you in the past. Personally, I think it would be fun to try some Photoshop compositing on some of those fantastic Casino shots you've taken. :)

Suzy, those miniature horse were seriously cute. The prices were anything but however. The woman pictured here (who handles the business side of the ranch) said they go for between $3K and $15K. The whole time she had this one out for show, Momma Miniature was having a fit in the corral....didn't like being separated from baby at all.

http://steve-montoya.smugmug.com/photos/188671142-L.jpg

[DwightMcCann]

Why you hating on Photoshop Dwight?
I have a feeling Photoshop has delivered Bowens Generator-like service to you in the past. Personally, I think it would be fun to try some Photoshop compositing on some of those fantastic Casino shots you've taken. :)

Did I say anything bad about Photoshop? I certainly said bad things about Bowens! I told them today that I consider their unit a boat anchor.

You can Photoshop my casino images however you like! They are perfect to start with but given the kinds of things you taught little Miss Mo' I don't think that is an issue! ;)

[SuzyView]

That was Skip! :) HAHAHA. . . .

Poor Skip.

The mini horses are amazing. How big was the mother horse? And for 15K, I can get 2 1DsMKIII's!;)

[DwightMcCann]

And for 15K, I can get 2 1DsMKIII's!;)
I'm budgeted for two 1DMIIIs (when the AF is sorted) and a 1DsMIII. I keep thinking about how I have twice as much money tied up in bodies I don't own yet as in bodies I do own, sigh. :confused:

[SuzyView]

Well, if I could sell everything I own I could probably afford one 1DsMkIII, but I'm not sure I can shoot without any lenses. :(

[Johnny Thunder]

the mini horse ranch was fun, who wouldnt love a place with signs like these?

-Johnny

[ayotnoms]

The mini horses are amazing. How big was the mother horse? And for 15K, I can get 2 1DsMKIII's!;)
The mother horse was the size of a big-eating Great Dane...not that I've seen one but with the Liquify filter in Photoshop I could probably come up with a reasonable facsimile. :lol:

The mini-horse handler was a wealth of information on the little guys too. She said it took about 200 yrs to completely breed the pony out of them. Initially, they had been bred to work in coal mines. Because they could pull several times their weight, they were prized mine workers. No more mine duty now, what with Black Lung and all.
...now if only they could quit smoking cigarettes. :lol:

[SuzyView]

Mine work for small horses. That's something to talk about in history class.

[Cybnew]

Some of the shots that I took (i really didnt want to run them through neat image or noise ninja)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1072.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1074.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1081.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1085.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1090.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1096.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1102.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1121.jpg

[Cybnew]

and one more
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Enkonta/096P1107.jpg

[DwightMcCann]

I recognize that place!

[Kevin]

Whos' that good looking young lady with the camera?

Good shots there Matt

[DwightMcCann]

Not only cute but did you see the size of her lens? Phew!

[Maureen Souza]

Are you guys talking about me:oops::oops::oops::oops:

[DwightMcCann]

Are you guys talking about me:oops::oops::oops::oops:

Well, it's either you with a big lens or Kel with, well, er, ah, ahem, Kel. :oops:

[Maureen Souza]

Okay..here are a few not really PP'd but postable anyways.

Mat & Laurel and the Chief, belmondo.

[Maureen Souza]

Steve (ayotnom) (Lonnie in the background) and Kevin & Anne in the Hi Boy.

[DwightMcCann]

Damn, you make even Tom look good! I think Laurel was trying to hide her laugh ... boy, was she nice!

[belmondo]

Okay..here are a few not really PP'd but postable anyways.

Mat & Laurel and the Chief, belmondo.

Wow. I look like I'm in the midst of cardiac arrest.

Someone pound on my chest, please!!

[DwightMcCann]

Wow. I look like I'm in the midst of cardiac arrest.

Someone pound on my chest, please!!
You shoulda' stayed for the studio session ... after the Bowens smoke cleared we got some nice shots!

[Maureen Souza]

Damn, you make even Tom look good! I think Laurel was trying to hide her laugh ... boy, was she nice!
I was going to post one of you, Dwight but I couldn't even make you look good:p:p:p

J/K. I am off to work and will add some more shots later. Here are your better thirds.

[DwightMcCann]

Ah, yes, Anna in her fifteenth outfit of the day and her Mona Lisa smile. Today was her last day at pre-school ... tomorrow it is kindergarten!

[Edit: I always look great ... post away!]

[ayotnoms]

..don't know about that shot of me, Ms Mod
A few of my co-workers have commented...and not so nicely :confused:

Me: but, the camera puts 10 lbs. on you
Coworker: how many cameras were on you?

grrrr

[Maureen Souza]

..don't know about that shot of me, Ms Mod
A few of my co-workers have commented...and not so nicely :confused:

Me: but, the camera puts 10 lbs. on you
Coworker: how many cameras were on you?

grrrr
You always make me laugh, Steve. (I never laughed so hard as when you were contorting those faces, Sunday.)

[ayotnoms]

Still looking through the photos from last week and messing with one in particular.

Anyone want to guess who sported this tattoo? Hint, it wasn't Maureen or Anna McCann :lol:

http://steve-montoya.smugmug.com/photos/190733533-L.jpg

[Kevin]

TOM?

[Maureen Souza]

TOM?
Ha ha ha. It was LOIS!!!!;);)


Actually, I think it was Johnny Thunder.

[belmondo]

ASHLEY

[ayotnoms]

If it wasn't for the possibility that such a tattoo would scare the bejabbers out of your patients, I would recommend one like it for you, Maureen. :lol:

Here's the guy...the one...the only, JAY TEE!! Booyeah! :)
http://steve-montoya.smugmug.com/photos/190758296-L.jpg

[ayotnoms]

ASHLEY

:lol: :lol:
...best not give Lonnie any ideas.

[SuzyView]

You guys were stripping?

[ayotnoms]

You guys were stripping?

We definitely could have...had it not been for the lack of an Environmental Impact Statement.

:lol:

[DwightMcCann]

You guys were stripping?

Anna would have in the bat of an eyelash ... birthday is her favorite suit!

[thomascanty]

:lol: :lol:
...best not give Lonnie any ideas.

Hey! A tattoo... Hmmm....

[Johnny Thunder]

If it wasn't for the possibility that such a tattoo would scare the bejabbers out of your patients, I would recommend one like it for you, Maureen. :lol:

Here's the guy...the one...the only, JAY TEE!! Booyeah! :)
http://steve-montoya.smugmug.com/photos/190758296-L.jpg

Photoshopped! I dont have any tattoos, I find them morally reprehensible!

Man, I need to remember to keep my clothes on in public... that should be my next Tattoo "Caution, Cant keep clothes on"

Lets not even get into the party I was at last night...

-Johnny

[Cybnew]

nah...the treasure map for sure

[Johnny Thunder]

Gotta convince the wife on that one, shes not too keen on the idea, and that would be some serious Ouch.

-Johnny

[DwightMcCann]

Gotta convince the wife on that one, shes not too keen on the idea, and that would be some serious Ouch.

-Johnny
Oh, THAT treasure!

[frydryce]

well darn. i just got Maureen's Private Message inviting me to take a look at this thread. I guess i'm a little late to the party =)

it looks like the california meet was another success! hopefully i won't read my messages 6 months from when i get them! hehe. sorry Maureen! i was actually just in Santa Barbara this weekend with my family. Beautiful place!

I hope everyone is doing well! i'm still swamped with work, however i'm hoping i can devote more time to photography come January as i'm leaving my job in November to pursue other business ventures.

-Patrick

[Cybnew]

So when are we doing the next one of these?! :)

[DwightMcCann]

Well, if you're talking about a BBQ at my house, probably next summer. If you're talking about a general Central Coast/Southern California POTN meet, then it's best to propose one in a new thread and post a link in this thread to that thread.

[Cybnew]

i was thinking just a general get together...maybe monterey area this time?