Hoodie

Hoodie, originally uploaded by schoolio.

A view of Mt. Hood from the Chart House restaurant in Portland, OR.

The air wasn't crystal clear but the view was still breathtaking, majestic, and beautiful.

Fakeout berry

Fakeout berry, originally uploaded by schoolio.

While on a recent trip to Portland, OR, my eye caught this berry. I thought by some miracle, it had survived the unusual snowfall and enterprising animals but upon closer examination, I found it to be fake. You can see some manufacturing details in the large view.

I was bummed but on second thought, something like this would probably only survive if it were highly radioactive. :)

Love me as I am

Love me as I am, originally uploaded by schoolio.

The first part of the winter offered little snow but some enterprising (young?) person wasn't to be deterred. Scraping up enough snow and debris to make a snowperson, the finishing touches included sticks for arms and a planter for the hat. I'm not sure if it was intended to be a cyclops, but I like the look. Kind of a Stygian Witch without ownership of the eye. :) The full figure is nice.

I could almost hear the plea, "I was born this way - love me as I am."

Santa Julie

Santa Julie, originally uploaded by schoolio.

I always liked this portrait of Julie in her santa hat. She wore it at Christmas as a replacement for the head scarves she typically wore. The chemotherapy had made most of her hair fall out.

On Saturday, January 13, 2007, we lost my sister-in-law, Julie. Despite her assertions to the contrary, I witnessed a brave battle against cancer that included chemotherapy, acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and a hardened mental fortitude. She was a wonderful part of my life and will be missed.

Rest in peace, Julie.

Persistence

Persistence, originally uploaded by schoolio.

Just in time for New Year's Eve, it finally snowed enough and was cold enough for snow to stick and I (naturally) ran out with my camera and tripod to capture the moment.

I discovered this little guy and liked "never say die" attitude.

Happy New Year!!!