All ears

All ears, originally uploaded by schoolio.

An attentive pup at Dogtoberfest, 2006, hosted by UrbAnimal. I love the profile shots but it's such a challenge to get them to look at me for more than .18 seconds. Until I get faster, the off-camera shot will have to suffice.

Fashionable min pin

Fashionable min pin, originally uploaded by schoolio.

A touch of class in the costume event at Dogtoberfest, 2006.

Miniature Pinscher, dressed to the nines.

Glance

Glance, originally uploaded by schoolio.

Luc, the infamous Red Cavalier, was snuggled in his mom's arms and gave me a quick sideways glance during Dogtoberfest. I had already photographed Luc with his mom so I'm sure he was wondering why I'm still hanging around. All he wanted to do was nap and get away from all the madness. Such character. :)

Braveheart

Braveheart, originally uploaded by schoolio.

Hanging out at UrbAnimal for Dogtoberfest, 2006, the place was wall-to-wall dogs. Mostly German breeds but all dogs welcome. :) Dogs here, dogs there, a few puppies and kittens up for adoption and then I spied this little guy. A black cat hanging out amidst hundreds of dogs.

Oh, but he handled it well

The giving tree

The giving tree, originally uploaded by schoolio.

A rescue dog, this gal had produced many litters for a puppy mill before she was about to be destroyed. She has had a tough life yet kindly posed for me during Dogtoberfest, 2006. Her owner, also aging gracefully, held her close.

That was one of the most touching moments of my day. I chatted with this woman and found out that this sweet little girl was about to be destroyed when this woman rescued her. They both have health issues but together, they're growing old, sharing their lives, and loving one another.

A beautiful dog, a wonderful story, and quite a nice little lady.

TJ & Sara

TJ & Sara, originally uploaded by schoolio.

A quick pic of aunt Sara and little TJ at Wade & Lisa's couples' shower.

Seasons change

Seasons change, originally uploaded by schoolio.

Fall colors in Minnesota. A beautiful reminder of one of the biggest reasons I live here.

(insert audible sigh here)

A beautiful morning

A beautiful morning, originally uploaded by schoolio.

A week in Florida and every morning I slept in - it was a vacation, after all. Well, every morning except the last. That morning, I arose early and ran out to the beach to make my best attempt and sunrise photos. Everyone else does it - why not me?

I managed to catch a few Hollywood Beach sunrise shots. This is one of my favorites. Absolutely breathtaking.

Sunrise gull

Sunrise gull, originally uploaded by schoolio.

This gull had my attention. It was trying to pick up something that was obviously too big to pick up, but didn't give up. Eventually, it got the attention of other gulls who wanted to get the thing from this gull, probably for no reason other than the intention of this gull. This gull would then pick it up, fly a few feet away, and try again to pick up and fly off with said thing. No luck. Repeat about twenty times.

Ah - the life of a gull.

The beach says, "come hither"

The beach says, "come hither", originally uploaded by schoolio.

We had arrived in Florida from Minnesota and what?!? No sunglasses. Not that important back home, critical here. A quick trip to Publix and we were set with some cheap sunglasses.

The next day, Melissa headed down to the ERE conference and I slept in and offered to meet her for lunch. I probably should've checked the distance first but I thought "How bad can it be? It's sunny, warm - a walk down the beach would be nice." I left the comfort of the Marriott and headed down the beach toward the Westin.

A while later, I stopped because I thought: did I miss it? I pulled out the Blackberry, pulled up Google Maps, and check - nope, still have 2 miles to go!!! Dang. I only had a 1/2 hour to make it too so I picked up the pace and didn't really think about the fact that it's 90 degrees and humid. Two miles later, I found myself sitting with Melissa at one of the Westin Diplomat Resort bar/restaurants. After a delightful mandarin/cranberry and a light ahi tuna salad, I caught a glimpse of where we should go next - back to the beach! Well, maybe later. Let's shuttle back to our hotel first and change into something more fitting for the weather - swimsuit!

Hollywood, Florida. Sunglasses required.

Lickin' his chops

Lickin' his chops, originally uploaded by schoolio.

Another shot of the local critters. This little sparrow must've been eyeing our appetizers. :) I must say, the seared ahi tuna was delicious - I can hardly blame the guy.

Ocean reflection

Ocean reflection, originally uploaded by schoolio.

A candid moment on the ocean in Hollywood, Florida. The day was overcast and windy but despite the conditions, the ocean felt about a million miles from Minnesota and a pleasure.

September, 2006.