PEAK Art Photography

Florida

2009-03-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

March 17th, 2009

Goodbye Cedar Heights. On the same flight with Mrs. Heinan and Mrs. White.

Room with a view.

March 18
NY friends. Tee, Kellie, Donna & Sue

March 20

How pretty is this?

The guys rented these in search of Cooter's and the 5 pound hamburger.
"Burger was good but the bun was disgusting."

Hula at sunset.

Had a really nice visit with Sheila & Mark

March 21

On campus at Florida Southern College.
Tall students need not apply.

Had lots of fun in Lakeland with Sherry, Andrew & Christian.

March 22

Beach day

WIP
Having a great time in Florida....wish you were here.

Take care and take pictures.

Thank you for your patience.

2009-02-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

I want to apologize for not posting any pictures for over 2 months. Lots of thinking about the road ahead and adjustments to who I think I am as compared to who I thought I was. When you think you have things figured out....well maybe that's not how it really is so you have to start all over. Kind of slows down the process.

Will post soon. Perhaps pictures of water??
Take care and take pictures,
-Kim

8th and Jackson, Springfield, Illinois

2008-12-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Lincoln home is one place that I have always wanted to visit. For most of my life, even way before Frank Lloyd Wright, I have read presidential biographies. I would have to say that of all of the presidents I find Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington to be the most fascinating.

With the Dana-Thomas House closing in Springfield, last weekend, I knew it was either a "go or regret that I didn't go" kind of decision. I also know that at long last I could see the Lincoln's home town.

This is the view that most people are familiar with.

Looking north east.

Before owning his own home, Lincoln roomed in boarding houses, a tavern, an attic of a store and other peoples houses. Finally a debt was paid from New Salem and he was making some decent money and could afford his own home.
This was originally a 1 1/2 story house that was bought for $1,500 from the Reverend Dresser, the preacher that married the Lincolns. The Lincolns would live here from 1844 - 1860 when they moved to Washington D. C.

Work in progress. The restoration of the formal parlor.

This is the "family room" where the Lincolns spent their evenings. The boys, Willie and Tad were given the stereoscope, that is sitting on the table, so they could look at pictures of places from around the world. That is the equivalent of a Playstation 3 to us.

We touch the hand rail that Lincoln used for the 16 years that he lived here. How cool is that? I was surprised that we could take all the pictures we wanted with and without flash.
So I gladly and giddily took quite a few.

The Lincolns had a bedroom suite sleeping in separate rooms as was the custom.
I believe the small stove belonged to them.

Right behind the ranger's head is Mr. Lincoln's shaving mirror set to his height of 6'4".
They said with his boots and stove pipe hat it put him about 7'.

This is Mr. Lincoln's home desk.
We were told that it broke and his wife threw it out
only to have its owner go out and fetch it back and fix it.

The small table was Mary Lincoln's. I think the chair was too. The wall paper is a reproduction of the French wall paper that Mrs. Lincoln picked out. Even though these rooms were not seen by friends, family or business people, the rooms were very up to the moment in wall coverings, flooring, and furniture.

The boys room. Before Robert, the oldest moved out this was his room.
I'm sure Willie and Tad were happy to move in.

This was an active kitchen. Mary Lincoln and her her servants fixed meals for the constant company and probably friends of the boys.

The window looks over the long back yard. The lot is 50 by 150 feet.

Elizabeth looks at a model of the house as it looked in 1844.

This picture is mounted at the visitor's center. The nomination and election behind Springfield had reason to celebrate. The August Republican rally held at the fairgrounds included whole steers cooked in pits and a parade that took 8 hours to pass by his house. All 4 Lincolns are in the photo. President elect is to the right of the door. Wife, Mary and Willie are in the very left bottom window and Tad in the 2nd from the left 2nd floor window. Robert was off presumably to college.

We had enough time to stop by the new Presidential Museum.

The Lincolns have a daughter at last.

The path from log cabin to the presidency.

Lincoln logs. How fitting. Invented by John Lloyd Wright, Franks son.

The law office sits across from the old capitol. Mr Lincoln took part in over 5500 cases in 24 years.

The old state house.

Such a complicated man both beloved and hatefully scorned. He was the right man at the right time during the most divisive time in our counties history. Perhaps the only one to see the entire purpose of a civil war and how it must end. His House Divided speech was made from this capitol. His friends thought he was committing political suicide and thought the speech to harsh and radical.

One question that was asked on our tour was, " Are there any living ancestors of the Lincolns?" Sadly no. Of the 4 sons only Robert lived to adulthood. He married Mary Harlan, daughter of Senator James Harlan, from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. They had 3 children, Mary, Abraham II (Jack) died in 1890 at 7 years of age, and Jessie. Mary married Charles Isham and they had one son, Lincoln, who died in 1971 having married but fathered no children. Jessie married Warren Beckworth and they had Mary Lincoln (Peggy) died in 1975 and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckworth who died in 1985, Bob married 3 times but never had any children and Peggy never married. When asked during a Civil War centennial regarding insights to her great-grandfather, Peggy replied, " I'm as far away from him as anyone else." Now that is a generation gap.

Sources:
Books: Abraham Lincoln Self-Made in America, produced for the 200th Anniversary by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, pp 13.

Lincoln, An Illustrated Biography, Phillip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Phillip B. Kunhardt III & Peter Kunhardt. Alfred A. Knopf, New York 1992, pp 70 & 127.

The Lincoln Family Album, Photos from the Personal Collection of a Historic American Family, Mark E Neely, Jr., and Harold Holzer, Doubleday, New York, 1990, pp. flyleaf, 119, 147, 149 & 154.

Words and information by our Park Ranger.

Interesting websites:

Mr. Lincoln and Freedom

Lincoln National Historic Site

New pennies next year to celebrate the bicentennial of his birthday.

U.S. Mint
Pennies

I have heard there are more books written about Mr. Lincoln than any other person. There are thousands of websites to explore. Only by learning about the past can we know why we are here today and help guide us to the future. I feel sorry for those who think that history has nothing to do with them as it has everything to do with anything which effects everyone.

Take care and take pictures, they are YOUR history,
-Kim
If there corrections to facts or dates please correct. Thank you.

Land of Lincoln

2008-12-01T05:24:00.001-08:00

Saturday, November 29th 2008, Springfield

The focus of our trip was the Dana Thomas House. I read in USA Today that it was closing to the public as of December 1st. This house was on my list of "must see" so we decided to go for it. My pictures of the house are on my other blog. The pictures on this blog are of the Lincoln home, the Lincoln Museum ( toured on Sunday) and some very memorable corn dogs. We stayed at Hilton Garden Inn on Dirksen Parkway, also recommended.

After the tour of the Dana-Thomas house we stopped by the Lincoln home. Too late for a tour we walked around his neighborhood.

We asked the staff at the visitor center for a recommendation for supper. She suggested the Cozy Dog Drive In

An icon of Springfield since 1949, it sat on Route 66.

The hit of the basket is the signature corn dogs. It's piping hot crunchy, not too thick crunchy coating and great quality dog made us think of the tv show, Drive Ins and Dives. Yes, dive right in to a cozy dog! It is closed on Sundays so we couldn't stop for lunch. We were able buy batter to take home and try it ourselves. We highly recommend!!!

Take care and take recommendations from the locals on where to go. They know. Take plenty of pictures of the glorious moments.
-Kim

UNI vs Iowa State Women's Basketball, Nov 20, 2008

2008-11-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple pictures from the basketball game the other night.

Let me say that those who know me know that I am no huge fan of basketball. Actually I don't care for basketball too much.
My sister took Elizabeth to the game as it was girls night out while I went to an art show reception for Gary Kelly's Paris and the French Riviera. (my other blog.) I met up with them at close to half time. This was the second time that I've been in the McLeod center. The first time was May of 2006 for high school graduation.

We are slightly over matched.
Not to worry as it's a young team and
they will all learn from the experience.

State unity is shown with the cheer squads.

Half time already. No marching bands as in football.
We saw some great pyramid building.

I can't even see the ball.

Another score for UNI.

T.C. mingles with the fans.

Some are loved and some wipe up sweat.

Red bird alert.

Win or lose it was very nice.

"Good game."

It was fun to people watch. Perhaps I'd see another game someday. Till then...

Take care and take pictures of all the family happenings at Thanksgiving.
-Kim

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, Grand Opening

2008-11-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

Our state museum to honor all Iowa Veterans opened today. I am sorry to say that I didn't make it to the parade or the ribbon cutting. I arrived at 3:00 to volunteer in what ever way needed.

The Lone Sailor looks great against the colors.

Civil War meets todays sailors.

The Navy band sounded beautiful in the atrium.

Here is the picture that I was talking about in the first post about the museum.

The last time I saw so many uniforms was when I toured the Pentagon.

I really like how the story of the home front is told from several eras. Do you think we would have won without the support from home?

Reenacters from several states answered the call to come recognize
the veterans and help tell the story.

The little prairie girls are checking out the photos that soldiers carried with them to war.

The gift shop was open. I liked the Lone Sailor pin that I bought.

Top of the hour...BOOM!

The Lone Sailor has company tonight.

The staff at the Grout worked very hard to get everything ship shape for today.

The feel of the museum is pride, honor, sacrifice, unity and wonderment. It was very moving to see our veterans take it all in and hear their comments. Even I, a volunteer of two hours, was thanked for being there! I told them that the thanks belongs all to them.

I encourage you to run over and take a tour. It really is well done.

Thank a veteran and take pictures,
Kim

Troop 55 - Eagle Scout Number 98

2008-10-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am very proud to announce that we are celebrating Christopher's advancement to the rank of Eagle Scout. Can it be that it has already been 10 years since he was a first grade Tiger Cub? He joins his brother, Ben, who is Eagle Scout number 89.

His Eagle Scout service project was the planning and leading 40 people the construction of a wood chip path to a playground at Cedar Heights Elementary.

Take care and take pictures of all the happenings all the time.
-Kim

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

2008-10-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15th because that is the grand opening of the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum at the Grout Museum in Waterloo. (There will be a parade too 10:00)

I had a chance to go for a sneak peak yesterday with a Cub Scout Pack and was excited and proud that this museum is here in our own area.

The Lone Sailor statue greets visitors. Designed by Stanley Bleifeld, the original stands in Washington D.C. at the Navy Memorial. He represents all sailors past, present and future. There are 12 statues around the country all standing next to water. We are only inland site. (If you ever get to Washington D. C. take a moment to visit the memorial. The bronze reliefs surrounding the Plaza are really cool to see!)

Inside: Learn about Iowa's veterans from the Civil War to the present.
Including Iowa boys sent to the Phillipines in the late 1800's. Learned something new.

Trench warfare in World War I, the war to end all wars.

Up periscope.

The home front is explored through packing crates of cans in 30 seconds.
We told him that the lid would have to fit on the crate. Lid?

Checking out the theatre and viewing the stories of our Iowa Veterans.

Liberation is at hand! They were told to get down from the tank. I don't know why- the huge picture mural behind them shows about a dozen soldiers sitting on top of a tank.

Exploring a coding machine.

There is a Navy feel through out the museum.
The battleship grey and the steel stairs had the feeling of a battle ship.

Upstairs this statue of the 5 Sullivan Brothers greets us.

Evaluations are filled out at the end.
We only had time to touch on a few things.
Leaving plenty to come back and explore and learn.

If you don't already know the story of the Sullivan Brothers, I encourage you to do a some research. Kelly Sullivan Loughren, the granddaughter and grandniece lives and teaches right here in Cedar Falls! Check out Kelly on YouTube.

Take care and take pictures,
Kim

Park Farm Winery

2008-10-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 19th, 2008

My coworker, Ann, and I were talking about fall leaf gazing trips the other day. She mentioned the Park Farm Winery that is located in her old neck of the woods. I asked my friend, Mary, if she wanted to go with me to find it. It was a gorgeous day for a drive as we set out.

We see the distinctive barn and knew we were in the right place.

Looking north we gaze at the vineyard.

Feelings of Tuscany come to mind as we take a closer look at the grapes.
The leaves are about at peak.

They are open for tasting...and buying.

Mary opens the beautiful doors.

The tasting room is a busy place.

Mary looked at the pictures.
I didn't have the chance. Next time.

Looking out the west windows at the scene from Italy....I mean Iowa.

Displayed like art are some of the offerings of Park Farm.

The barrel room seems pretty full.

We tasted whites and reds and chose a couple to bring home.

I always stop for pictures of fungi.

Relaxing the afternoon away. People brought their own picnic snacks.
The band was setting up. It was very peaceful and soothing.

Almost the best time of day for pictures.
See what a slight turn of the camera does for lighting?

Mary show good composition in these last two frames.The contrasts of the landscape, the motion of lines, lighting and texture
is what makes these pictures stand out.
Thanks Mary for taking these. I am proud to say that
I didn't jerk to a stop while saying..."Mary get the shot!"

Each season has plenty of opportunity for great pictures.
Get out there and take some,
-Kim

Klunker's Krit @ Camp Ingawanis

2008-10-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 13th, 2008, Camp Ingawanis

Klunker's Krit

Jeremy demonstrates how to roll over the 12" log. Too bad they have to go up hill not downhill

Tom and Paul peel out from the start. Yukon is serving as ref.

Takes plenty of muscle to heave the klunkers over the log.

A rolling log gathers no moss...none the less... Yukon doesn't like it.

The starting point has now been moved back as per the race directors.

Past the log is the left hand turn then a right to head toward the nurse's cabin.

Sometimes you get distracted...by others. Good one Rob.
Jumping back on then back up the hill.

Looks like a cross race to me.

Good job!

We have a winner.

What a fun race. I took a turn with my sister and John.
The only way to beat her is when she has a fracture in her vertebrae.
Heal on sister.

Take care and take pictures.
-Kim

Ingawanis Mountain Bike Fat Tire Festival 2008

2008-10-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Sundays race at Camp Ingawanis.
I rode the race backwards to catch the racers whiz past me.
They went so fast that they seemed but a blur.
A pleasure to watch in the sanctuary like setting.

And they're off.

Steve always makes it look easy. 2nd place.

I wasn't able to get a good picture of Scott and Steve pass through these trees.
I had to get off and walk through. Just wide enough for the handle bars.
The guys blasted through as if they were on a 6 foot wide trail.

Bruce among the towering trees.

Sara with a beautiful backdrop of autumn leaves.

Going through the minor rock garden.

I am not the only one watching the race.

Kristin is headed toward the front of camp.

Some of the course is fairly technical.

After the race its time to acknowledge the winners.
They pick out their prices...sometimes with help from their advisers.

It was a beautiful race.

Here are pictures from the spring run, tt and race.
It was a great weekend. The guys serving on race committee put in tons of hours which you could tell by how smooth everything ran.

Till the next race,
Take care and take lots of pictures before the leaves are down,
Kim

50th Anniversary Winnebago Scout Reservation, Winnebago Council

2008-09-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Winnebago Scout Reservation, better known as WSR, celebrated its 50th Anniversary this last weekend with a fall camporee. Elizabeth and I joined the troop, her first camp out past the front yard.

Friday, September 26th

Al checks in with Tammy. " Roster? We need one of those?"

Tents and dining fly are set up. Its cracker barrel time.

Saturday, September27th

Breakfast is served thanks to Greg, the morning cook for the adults.

Scrambling up some eggs. Scouts cook for themselves.

Morning flags.

Off to rifles.

Elizabeth tries archery.

There is plenty of lashing involved with building a gateway. It was pretty neat to see the guys (and E) problem solve, find building materials, and construct. The older guys helped younger Scouts. The way it's suppose to be.

Lunch time.

Christopher made it up in time for lunch.
Doing dishes the Scout way.

One of the afternoon activities was water ball.

One of the judges is an architect that got his start in
design and construction in Scouts building structures such as these.

Mixing up pineapple upside down cake for the Scout dessert cook off.

Ready for baking in the dutch oven.

Off to the judging.

Well...it tasted great anyway. After the judges got their tasting portion,
the rest of the cake was taken care of while we waited for
Elizabeth to talk to the judges about the cake.

Here is an entry for the main dish adult division.
It looked beautiful and smelled wonderful. It won.

Casey got his biking fix on a camp bike. He said it was
one of his favorite things for the weekend.

Pizza dough is ready to go.

I got to hang out all weekend with 9 Dads.

Winners of the gateway competition.

The camp celebrated with a great program and some spectacular fireworks.
The troop ended the day on a sugar high (smores).

Sunday, September 28th

We load up on our way to breakfast.

The old dinning hall.

Still hanging. Woodbadge 6 years ago. Can it be that long ago?
I enjoyed woodbadge. I'm lucky that 2 patrol members are in T55,Deb and Chuck. I see Jeff and Gaylen on occasion. I don't believe Marty is involved with scouts anymore.
We really jelled as a group.

Favorite part of your weekend?
Mtn bike riding, fireworks, gateway, cooking, taking pictures.

Policing the grounds. Then fluff the grass.

Later that day I went on a bike ride with Mary and Holly and saw these Scouts doing a service project on the bike trail. Good job Pack 55, Den 2.

I enjoyed the weekend. Getting to know the guys from the troop was fun if not interesting. Camping really makes you appreciate the little things. I really appreciated my bed.

Take care and take pictures,
Kim

Flood, Reminders are Everywhere.

2008-09-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Three plus months after the flood, a common topic is still flood: recovery, dealing with and trying to move on. You see signs everywhere. Every person still has been affected in some way, whether catastrophic or in a lesser way. I believe that it is times of difficulty not the smooth sailing that unites people against a common enemy. Long term or short lived, these times of banding together can erase the lines of the categories that we think separate us. We truly become one people. A theory that is proved true over and over again by history. Enough reflection. Have a great day!

People are going into the woods and
gathering the stuff that the flood washed over the banks.
Who knows where this is washed down from.

This heavy log rests on the slender branches-a reminder of the power and craziness of water.

Corn was washed down from the grain bins after they burst.
Yet another reminder of the waters that were everywhere.

It was a nice little spin with Mary, my lifesaver,
who got me out to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Take care and take lots of pictures.
-Kim
P.S. Washington Park club house is still standing.
We did not feel brave enough to go over and peek inside.

Gunderburger!

2008-09-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend, while my sister was out mountain bike racing at Chequamegon, Wisconsin, (She used Leadville to warm up for this race just like Lance used Leadville to warm up for the Tour next summer. That's my observation) She did fantastic by placing 1st in her age group and placing 7th of all the women and 120th of all the racers ( there was well over 800), we stayed at home enjoying a 3 day weekend. We capped it off by doing a mini road trip to Gunder, Iowa.

Gunder, Iowa is home to The Irish Shanti, and birthplace to the Gunderburger. We have heard about this and wanted to see and taste for ourselves. It took a little over an hour to get there from Cedar Falls. It is on the list of Worlds 100 Best Restaurants, Essential Iowa Food, Des Moines Register (July 9, 2006, 100 Things to Eat in Iowa Before You Die.
But don't just read about it. Drive out and eat one yourself!

We arrived about 6:40 after calling them to tell them
not to turn their grills off before we got there.

Pictures were taken to tell the guys tomorrow.

All dressed up and ready to go.

I like mine clean.

Member of the clean plate club.

Owner Kevin Walsh does a Kilroy or a Wilson from Home Improvement.
Kevin is from Boston and noticed the NY Yankee shirt right away.
We told him, yes were embarrassed and "yes" he is adopted.

Christopher also joined the ranks of the clean plate club. Placing a DNF, Did Not Finish, I took a large portion of mine home. Elizabeth stuck to her tried but true chicken tender/sticks/strips.

It was a very nice time spent together. Here's to another spur of the moment road trip!

Take care and take lots of pictures.
Kim

Farewell to Washington Park Golf Course

2008-09-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

For 81 years the golfers of Cedar Falls were treated to a fun 9 hole course. Yearly fights with flood water came to an end this year with the catastrophic flooding that was as high as the rafters of the clubhouse.

My friend Mary and I rode down to check out what is left of the course and to say good bye. We have both played rounds there. She with her husband and I played quite a few times with my dad, brother and boyfriend. Fond memories were recalled. I can still vividly remember hitting the clubhouse off the first tee and the lady coming out to yell at me to, "Stop doing that." As if I meant to do that. Mary and I had both heard the "bonk" when balls driven off the first tee hit a hood or two. Of course I NEVER parked on the south side of the clubhouse. I knew better.

Looking in the driveway at the south end of the course.
It has been plowed up and reseeded.

The club house will be coming down soon.

You can make out the vinyl chairs . The white you see is mold. Yuck. We are looking through mold on growing on the windows. Mary wondered if the Hole In One board was still around. She said names were written on Popsicle sticks.

These pull carts were left behind by the flood.

The only tracks on the course now.

Looking down the first fairway. The cars were parked off to the left.

All that's left of the ball washer over by the northeast side of the long pond.

Was this sand from the sand traps? I was told there were no sand traps on this course.

You can see the line of the water on these mature trees.

All that's left of the pond by the 8th hole.
Water near the top of the bowl when I last played.

Goodbye Washington Park. You will live on in the memories of many generations of Cedar Falls golfers.

Take care and take pictures,
Kim

What's New?

2008-08-31T02:49:00.000-07:00

What on earth am I doing at this time of day at my computer? Can't sleep so I gave up. I popped over the the Bike Tech blog then to Mike Johnson's. I was tagged and I thought...why not. Here goes.

What was I doing ten years ago?
Let's see. Elizabeth would have been one. The boys 10 and 8 so that would mean going to games, Cub Scouts, church things. I worked at Lincoln Elementary for 3 hours a day having started at 90 min. a day. I think that sums that up.

What are five non-work things on my to-do list today?
1. If I go back to sleep and then wake up in time I might go to church.
2. My aunts and 2 cousins are visiting from Michigan, so it is a cookout at Porters. Plenty of food, Gater rides and pictures to take.
3. Evidently I am hosting some sort of food event at my house Monday...I should think some about that.
4. Nap
5. Pick up house???? If time.

Snacks I enjoy?
Popcorn. Other salty -crunchy things that are most likely bad for you.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire.
I would do the same as Mike and quit my job. Travel would be a must, with sisters or Mary and Audrey. Of course I would pay. I would make my list of who I would be giving to time and money.

Places I have lived:
Fort Dodge, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, all in Iowa, Madison, Wisconsin, and Bentonville, Arkansas.

Jobs I have had: No particular order.
babysitter, detasseler, McDonald's 2x, Bishops Buffet 2x, KFC, Beaver Hills Country Club, 5 Sullivan Brothers, Area 7, Cedar Falls Schools 2x , Wood Design Group, Gordan Advertising, Northern Glassblowing, American Professional Color, someplace on Main Street, 2000 U.S. Census, Professional Office Services, probably a couple others and freelance architectural illustrator!! I am looking forward to being in a place for more than 5 years!

Tagging others: I lost most of my bookmarks and Blue has already done it. I'm a dead end.

Reflecting:
This has been a weekend of reflecting for me. Can it be 3 months ago we were planning a funeral and our lives changed forever? It seems like yesterday but a foggy yesterday. People ask me how am I doing. I most always say okay. Some days it actually feels "okay" sometimes it all is overwhelming. Everyday I miss and think about David. All those little things you know.
My list of things to do is getting longer all the time even though I have been working on paper stuff steadily. I still have close to 200 thank yous to write. I think about adding, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" to the back of the envelope, but that seems tacky.

I would like to thank all those who continue to keep us in mind. You say that we are in your thoughts and prayers. I can't help but think, "Wow its 3 months and people still are thinking of us?!" It means allot when people come up and tell me that.

My community is larger than I imagined: family, friends, church, neighbors, Scouts, bike family, former coworkers and my really great school coworkers. Having had so many places of employment I haven't had the sense of togetherness and support that others do. Till now.

In particular, would like to thank my friends, Mary, Audrey and Jen. They really help me in many ways all time. I thank my sister most as she has helped me even though I have been crabby and tired, crying, yelling and saying things that I would not say to others. She has not walked away from me yet!

Though this really is a photo blog and try not to talk about myself, I would be remiss not to publicly try to thank everyone but these 4 special people in particular have gone above and beyond friendship.

Doing okay,
Kim

Colorado 2008

2008-08-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

After looking at all of my pictures the last couple days I think I have picked my favorites. The key to a great photo: subject, composition and lighting.

I have had the thought pass through that perhaps I take too many pictures. After all, most people take one here and there and are happy with what they have. I guess I am unable to do that. Looking always for a slightly better way to record what I see. Quite often I can't quite capture what I really see but when I get a good shot....so much better the reward!

Rocky Mountain National Park:
Elk Grazing Below the Alpine Visitors Center

RMNP: Englemann Spruce

RMNP: Hidden Valley

Highway 36 West: Sunset

Winter Park: Crankworks Free Ride Mountain Bike Festival, practice

Winter Park: Crankworks Free Ride Mountain Bike Festival, finals

Leadville, Mineral Belt Trail: Aspens

Leadville: Sun and Rain on Mount Massive

Leadville: Amy

Leadville, Mineral Belt Trail: Miner's Leftovers

Leadville, Mineral Belt Trail: Shades of Green

Leadville: For Sale, Some TLC Needed

Twin Lakes Reservoir: Clouds

Leadville: Leadville 100 Mtn Bike, Waiting For the Start.

Twin Lakes Reservoir: A Sister Reflects
Leadville: Congratulations!

Leadville: Good Morning Leadville

Leadville: Flowers Aplenty

Highway 24:

I want to thank my sister, Kathleen,
for taking me on her biking journey.
Without which I would never have the
opportunity to take these great pictures.
-Kim

Lance at Leadville

2008-08-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 9th: Leadville The Race

I have followed the Tour since the days of Miguel and watched the Tour everyday of the 7 years that Lance won. Having never seen Lance at RAGBRAI, it was a thrill to see him in Colorado!

We just happened to be at the right place at the right time.

He looks great in his Livestrong jacket.The people behind Lance don't really see him-yet.
"Good luck Lance." I say as I pat him on the back.

Now they do.

Here is a glance at his rig. Riding a Trek, of course.

He is in there.

Race sponsor, Lance and Chris Carmichael, Lance's coach.

Christopher took this great shot.

Waiting for the countdown.

The gun was fired.

Such a pretty sight at 6:30 a.m.

Christopher caught them blasting through the first stop.

I was over a bit as he passed. He was in 7th at this point.

Off they go.

Dave Weins leads Lance over by the dam.
Heading for the finish 40 miles away.

This is the more gentle terrain that turned into a nice headwind.

Sunday, August 10th: Award Ceremony

Lance receives the goods. He will be back next year.

It was great to see him in person.
Now I can add my OWN pictures of him to my all Lance screen saver!

-Kim
You can do your own searches for more complete and detailed accounts of the race.

Mineral Belt Trail

2008-08-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

August 4th and 6th were great days for a ride on the 11.6 mile loop around town. I 'm glad I could go a 2nd time with Amy so that I could actually stop and look at what we passed the first time.

Doug is an excellent photographer.

It hard to picture this valley full of miners,
noise, dust and worse over 100 years ago.

Doug demonstrates what NOT to do. Thanks for the tip.

Most of the timbers are original.

Each pile is the result of a mine.

Amy and Mike are on the down.
I was able to get up to 28mph when I went down.
No brakes for me. Free ride.

Looking down California Gulch at Leadville and Mount Massive.

Hard to beat a view like this.
Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.

The Tabor cabin where Baby Doe was found.

Amy and I made it to the top. Photo by Amy

More mine ruins. Was this used for storage?

This could be one of the earlier ruins in California Gulch. Panning for gold is what brought people here.

To learn more try: The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, Leadville, Colorado: A capsule History by Jerry Clark.

Take care & take pictures,
Kim

Boom Days, Leadville, Colorado 2008

2008-08-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

I bet almost every town has their yearly celebration of who they are.
Leadville is no exception. We got into town during Boom Days.

August 2

We went downtown and witnessed the slow motorcycle race.
How slow and accurate on the center line.

Now this was a new contest to us.
You have your girlfriend on the back of your motorcycle and you ride up to this noose holder type thing which holds a mustard covered hot dog. After much adjusting, custom fit for each biter, the driver of the bike rides under the noose holder like thing and your honey who is on the back but not holding on to you, attempts to take a bite. There might have been more contests but that was enough for us for one night.

August 2: Parade

Best seat in the house.

Celebrating the 10th Mountain Division. Learn more here.
They used real mountain snow.

August 3rd: Burro Races

The ATV's are lined up ready to volunteer.

The route. It takes over 3 hours to RUN the route with your burro.

The men gather.

Number 6 is ready to go.

How can you not love this face?

After the men and women left there was a celebrity race. Pretty much anyone who wanted to try could race a burro down and back a block. The little burro did the best.
Feet are flying - for both man and beast.

Sometimes you need some motivation.

One of many food booths.

Even in the old days the people had to eat, I bet.

The Mosey.
First place winner for couples. I heard she made her dress.

There were a couple different catagories.

This is a nod to the mining days. Drilling into granite. All the rocks of past Boom Days rest here.

It was fun and educational to see the Boom Days. The people of Leadville were very friendly and eager to share info or answer questions. The are and should be proud of their rich heritage.

More to come,
Kim

Days Leading to Leadville...

2008-08-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 31. Boulder, Colorado

While my sister rode her bike, the kids and I took a day trip to Boulder. We had a college visit scheduled. It was Elizabeth's turn to pick the lunch spot. Abo's Pizza on Iris, was an excellent choice. Who knew that the pizza slices would be bigger than her head. It was also cool because everything in the restaurant is recyclable. The plasticware is made from corn.
Very tasty pizza- winner of over 20 awards.
We highly recommend.

We went to the college visit at beautiful University Colorado-Boulder
but then had to bow out of the walking tour or
we wouldn't have time for the quick trip to Denver.

Denver, Colorado

We went by and took a picture of the stadium for my nephew. Hi Cody!

Finally a parking place and a chance to ride up and down 16th Street shuttle.
The live music was great.

We head back to Estes Park as the sun sets.
That means driving in the foothills in the dark.

Friday, August 1st. Fraser and Winter Park

After my sister saw (and took a picture of) a HERD of elk next to our hotel in Estes...
I got to see ONE elk in RMNP.
I am happy none the less.

We are on the Grand Lodge side of the Alpine Visitors Center still on Trail Ridge Road.
Notice the browning of the trees. All because of a beetle. These trees won't recover.

Fraser, Colorado

In back of the bike shop in Fraser. How pretty is this?
These are the pushers. Perhaps its headed to Cheyenne.

Winter Park, Colorado

While the racers were biking - we drove to Winter park to see part of the

Crankworks Freestyle Mountain Bike Festival

Terribly amazing! We saw these guys and one girl shoot off these ramps
as if they were ready to fly over the Rockies.
This is why I love cycling. Something for everyone.

The only way up is to hike. (Though during practice they rode up.)
I believe the winner received $8,000.

South to Leadville.

The trees here seem unaffected.

On to Leadville, elevation 10,152 ft
Take care and I took LOTS of pictures,
Kim

LEADVILLE 100

2008-08-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

A quick update till I get home. Our 5 racers are doing well. 4 are still out on the course as I write. Doug is doing VERY well. Mike and John are working together. Paul is looking stronger at each stop. (4 all together) Unfortunately Kathleen has disqualified at the 2nd check point at she didn't make the time cut off. She is satisfied with what she did though. Good job Bike Tech!!!

Christopher, Elizabeth and I happened to get to the start line just in time for Lance to push his bike past me! I got in several good pictures. Patted him on the shoulder and told him, "Good luck, Lance." Also took pictures of his ride. Got pictures of him going through the 1st stop, of course he didn't stop, and again at the 3rd stop out on the dam. I heard he got 2nd by a few seconds after he took a fall. Dave Wiems, umpteen-nine time winner, won.

That it will picture posting when I get back.

Leadville, Colorado...update

2008-08-05T13:14:00.001-07:00

Just a note to let you know that the air is nice and clear. 10,200ft above sea level and 71 degrees. We have been 2 miles up since Friday night. Over the weekend we have taken in Boom Days. Visited the National Minining Museum Hall of Fame and bought a cool rock. Rode my bike up to 10,600 feet. Lovely downhill...once you got uphill. The big race is Saturday.
Till then..
Kim
Taking pictures but trying to keep it under 2gig!

Rocky Mountain National Park

2008-07-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Westward Ho!!

2008-07-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

Our first day of vacation took us all the way to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Thankfully the trip was unremarkable. I like riding shotgun so I can take pictures.

Sunday, July 27

I try to take pictures of the state welcome signs.

This crop duster was fairly close.

We watched the temperature climb and climb.

The cloud formations were really dramatic. The space is so vast.

We watched the temperature change.

We arrived in the capitol city of Wyoming.
This Union Pacific rail yard is the largest yard I have seen.This picture cannot do the yard justice.

Monday, July 28

One of several boots celebrating the centennial of the state.

We attempted a trolley tour. We had to bail half way through. We think it was half way, not quite sure. Good thing my camera was on my wrist as I fell asleep and dropped it. I didn't take any pictures on the tour as we kept passing by the same buildings over and over. He was an old disk jockey and former teacher. He showed us all the sites where buildings USE to be.

Here are some pricey boots at the Wrangler Store.
A boy from Florida is wearing his well worn Johnny Popper boots.
He was outfitted with some new ones.
We are truly in cowboy country.
This buffalo greeted us after we crossed to Colorado.
You can see for miles.

The beginning of many pictures of scenery. I can't put but a small sampling on.
Views from our hotel window in Estes Park.
Kathleen has the computer lab set up.

Tues, July 29

We walk to down town and see the famous Stanley Hotel.

Lunch is at the deli next to the theater. All the sandwiches are named after movies.
This is the Three Sopranos.

I would like to get my nerve up to ride up the cable car. After all we are all acclimating
Rocks on the way to downtown.
We rode our bikes downtown for dinner. It was downhill all the way.
It really wasn't so bad going back.
The elevator is out so it's hike a bike to our room 8 flights up.
It's getting easier and we aren't gasping for breath quite so bad.

Till next time,
Kim

Bags are packed and ready to go!

2008-07-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Instructions were given, several times. Hunted for cords and adapters. Ran to the store a couple times for more stuff to add to what we have already. We are headed for Colorado tomorrow. Kathleen, and a couple kids and a new camera to try. (10x digital zoom and a 28mm wide can be formated to a 4x6 picture or to fit a flat screen tv.)
I will try and post some pictures as I'm sure I will be taking some!

Take care and take loads of pictures,
Kim
Sorry- no time to post a picture. First time for everything!

Iowa Games Cycling TT 2008

2008-07-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight's time trial marked the end to a very busy week. In spite of the work out it really is a stress reliever to do something. Elizabeth and I joined Kathleen, Solveig, Mike and then met up with Karen (and niece) and Rob S. down in Cambridge, Iowa for the Iowa Games Time Trial.

I believe each person has certain goals when riding or racing bikes. I always imagined that I too would have a goal or two should I be brave enough to try.

Tonight I was brave enough to try. After all it is only 12 miles on near flat road. I knew there were some good vibes when I picked up my number and it was "6".

Bike Tech did very well, each one of us bringing something home. Karen brought home gold, Mike (pr set) and Solvieg each brought home silver and I got the bronze!!! (Rob received gold too?) Way to go! 100% for the team!!

During the race I did quite a bit of praying. Praying that I wouldn't cause someone to fall, praying that I wouldn't have a heart attack, praying that the cramp in my calf wouldn't get too bad and cause me to fall. I'm glad Mike fixed my brake so it wouldn't slow me down anymore than I was going. Mike said had I pumped up my tires I could have done even better.

I am thankful for those that encouraged me as they passed by. Karen, Mike, Rob S., Lacey, Michelle. (They went past so fast that I didn't have time to utter a thanks or anything.) Thanks to Kathleen and Elizabeth who cheered me on.

Who would have believed that I would, could, and did a time trial. I guess you really can do anything.

I thank this unknown gentleman who inspired me for a whole year. I thought of you off and on and never forgot how you did your best. Thanks for your inspiration.
Take care and next time I'll take pictures.
-Kim

Clear Lake Weekend

2008-07-14T05:07:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures and comments from the weekend.

My sister and I went up to Clear Lake for the Bikes, Blues and BBQ. There was a crit on Saturday and the good old road race on Sunday.

Low humidity equals very clear pictures.

That might translate to too harsh of shadows.

You don't have to have the entire bike.
Fill up the viewfinder with people.

Look for sweeping shots.

Take time to notice beautiful homes.
One of many that I saw. I could have taken hundreds of house pictures.

Look for the lighter moments.

Or, take the people out and go for close ups.

What kind of bush is this anyway?

Or this flower? Doesn't matter really.
The color is pretty good and the natural composition is good.

My favorite time of day. Near sunset.

It's all about lighting, composition and texture.
Check out lighting on the Wisconsin State Capitol

Great lighting.

Minor cropping brings in the action.

Sunday started at the Surf.

Facing west in the morning is not the best lighting.
Good morning Carl and good luck.

The light is harsh.

It's a good thing to keep your camera handy.
You never know what interesting thing will be going on.

I hope this wasn't a bike racers car.

Getting on the same level works out well. Especially with children.

Amanda looks great. However I should have moved so that cloud
didn't look like it is steaming out of her helmet.

Punk Rock girls are assessing the bad crash.
This would have been a better picture had I moved another step right.

That is why I take plenty of pictures.
Choices. If you only take one picture you will only have one picture to pick from.

Take care and take pictures,
Kim

State Team Time Trial, Littleton, Iowa 2008

2008-07-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

This was the 2nd year that Bike Tech Racing hosted the State Team Time Trial. Thankfully, race director, John kept the "folder" with all the info from last year(inside joke here!). Here are a couple pictures from the day. I was assigned the follow car for the race. It was cool to see the race and the Amish folks as well as visit with my friend Audrey who came from Ames just to help. Thanks Audrey.

Here is a view of the prerace protein at my house the day before.

If it weren't for Amy and Mike there would be no registration, hence, no race.
Here's hoping they were treated with kindness and respect.

I walked around saying hi to the teams who came from Iowa City, Grinnell, Des Moines, Wisconsin and Minnesota to list a few. There is something comforting and calming during this part of the race.

Pretty quiet in the parking lot.

Alissa organized the DMOS women's cooler.

Rasmussen guys carry their wheels over the gravel to the start.

I heard that the pinner has only poked the pinnee 5 times this season.

It really is a bit of a challenge not to poke a bit of skin.

A rollout of the wheel is required of junior racers.
They can test the gearing to make sure that they
aren't using a gear with too many teeth.
That's how is was explained to me anyway.

Special thanks to our hosts of the Littleton Lounge.

I'm sorry I didn't catch your names.

Last minute instructions were read.

Organization rules this year as far as coolers go.

Bikes to bikes. Sounds a bit like Dr. Suess.

What a great addition to have the tandems race.
Nice to see you Kim.

Awesome team. Last to leave of the 21 teams.

My friend counted 31 buggies.

Going south on Amish Blvd. We had to admit that they
young Amish man looked pretty cool in his aviator sunglasses.

Bikes to You looked exceptionally fast as they flew past me.

First time rider (he runs) had enough of sitting.
Pretty cool, his very first race and its the State TTT.

Replenishing their salt!

Whew doggies the results are in!
(We've been watching Beverly Hillbillies at our house)

Thanks to all at Littleton Lounge.
The sandwiches were wonderful and your drinks were cold!

In the medals. Way to go guys!

"Congratulations guys"

Your mom will love this pictures.

That's All Folks!

It was another great day of racing.
-Kim

"L" Ride Takes to the Lakes

2008-07-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful night for a ride. I admit, without my friends planning on the "L" ride, I might not have gone to the ride as I had spent the morning at summer school, errands, 15 min. lunch with coworkers, attended a funeral (1 month since ours) and a 10 min. nap, with baseball yet to go. I thought I was on summer vacation?

We gather in the alley behind Bike Tech.
Look who is sporting some new wheels! Way to go Amy.
I think she is showing a chain ring tattoo?

She has gone clipless.
The guys are bracing themselves for some hurt.

They appear calm and civil here. But according to reports from Paul last week...
they aren't so sweet to each other on the road.
They don't talk about food, fashion or what movie to watch next.
They only silently plan on attacking each other. Its nice to see Solveig and Carmen. Of course Sherry, Amy, Kathleen, Mary and Jean are always fun to ride with. We also talk too.
Please one more picture? Then we will be ready to head out.

Mary eyes the huge pile of sandbags
(She said, "No you can't use them to fill your kids sandboxes.")
Kathleen is leading the way.
We made it to the lake via south riverside trail to Greenhill road then through the danger intersection then south on the bike trail to Prairie Lakes.

Thanks ladies for another nice ride.

Take lots of pictures and see you at the TTT Sunday at Littleton!
Kim

Porter Preserve

2008-07-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

The Lowdown on the "L" Ride

2008-06-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have made a decision not to become a hermit, though I can see that would be very easy to do, and get out with friends or family at least once a day. I am NOT counting trips to the bank as walking in the lobby raises my blood pressure. (Don't get me started. I am changing banks A.S.A.P. as I must think of my health and of my kids)

Thursday is the scheduled "L" ride. Paul decided to join so the "L" ride is officially called a "Low-key" ride. He will get in touch with his softer side. Recipe exchange, fashion and whatnot.

Kat is rounding up help for corner marshall's for the
State Team Time Trial in a couple weeks.Two of the nicest people. Amy, never says a negative thing.
Paul, my old coworker. Only 2 jobs ago.
Strange, one person showed up in the team kit.
Amy buzzes past the set-up for Sturgis Falls.
We are headed out the same was as a couple weeks ago.
Down to Hudson road, out west 1st Street,
south on Union Rd, west on 27th then back in through UNI and on home.
We take a recipe break to think.
Amy is thinking about heading out to the turn around
that they use for the 27th Street time trials.
She made it!! Proof is in the picture! Way to go Amy!!
Next time down to the T-intersection?

Scenes from last week. The "L" Ride = Ladies Ride
Jean, Sherry, Amy and Kat get ready to head south for the "L" ride.
This is what the "A" riders look like. They are getting ready for some throw downs!
We head out to Prairie Lakes.
Way to go Jean. We will see you next week.

Hopefully Mary, Jean and Judy will be able to join.
Anyone else that wants a nice easy ride. The more the merrier.

Take care and take pictures,
Kim

Still Unbelievable

2008-06-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 17th, we are on our way to the Cedar Rapids airport heading south on I380.
(My kids took the pictures as I thought I should concentrate on driving.)

East side of Quaker Oats.The railroad tracks disappear under the water.
You can see the waterline on the doors on Quaker Oats.
Amazing that the water has gone down so fast.

You can just see all the buildings jammed up against the railroad bridge to the northwest of Quaker Oats. Ellis Blvd. is to the left. That where my uncle lives. Totally underwater.
On the other side of the interstate we are looking down on the deserted mud covered street.
The DQ sign that they kept on showingon the news.
The water was up to the bottom of the sign.
The river is still above flood stage.

Monday, June 16, on the way up to Waverly, Iowa.
It looks almost like a natural lake. Except for the trees and fence line.
These suffered from the Memorial Day Tornado.
Temporary habitat for birds.

Saturday, June 14th, a bike ride with my daughter. Some of the pictures are taken from the same spot as the 10th.
Looking south east at Waterloo Road.
Utility Parkway. The grass shows the waterline.
E checks out the utilities.
Utility offices are being moved while this building gets accessed.
One of the big blue water bumpers is high and dry now.
The dishes are above the waterline.
Big piles of soggy belongings are repeated though out our town and the Midwest.
I haven't made it north of the Cedar river yet.
The sandbags are uncovered now the at the water is down.

The water is and was unbelievable. The people helping others are incredible. Here's a prayer for all of those downstream. Let's pray this doesn't repeat its' self anytime soon.

-Kim

We are thankful

2008-06-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

We are thankful in Cedar Falls. Our downtown stayed dry thanks to the efforts of hundreds of people working thousands of hours. We rode our bikes on the "L" ride and checked out a couple spots that we saw last time.

The parkade: Sandbags ready to be picked up.
On the way to 1st and Main Street.
Gateway park and its colorful piles of sandbags.
You can see the water passing under the bridge.
The water is still high on the north side of the Cedar River.
The National Guard is keeping on guard for leaking water or people who want to pass.
I'm sure there was a good reason for the toilets out on the balcony.
I don't know the reason though.
Views of the Cedar River from Kreig's Crossing.
Looking toward the east side.

Looking at the tracks that lead to the utilities.

We are all very thankful that the water was kept back. Everyone is keeping their eyes to the sky. We can't take too much more water.

-Kim

A New Normal

2008-06-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

What is normal? These last couple of weeks have been anything but. There were the tornadoes Memorial Day weekend in New Hartford east to Parkersburg on to Dunkerton that were rated EF5. There are the floods that are saturating my home town. Thousands of volunteers spent days shoring up the levy that protects downtown. My life, as I knew it, was yanked right out from under me and my children with my husbands accidental death at work. It had started as a normal day.

The community has pulled together for each other just as my own family, friends, neighbors and coworkers have supported my kids and I this last week and a half. The out pouring of support is both phenomenal yet typical of my town. They drop what they are doing to and rush to help.
They do not question or blame or expect a return. That is how my home town is.

To try and describe what one feels at a time like this is hard. This early I can't really wrap my brain and soul around what has happened. Many people have said they they cannot picture them self in my place. I realize that I can't really picture myself in my place either. I know I don't want to think about all the decisions and paper work that has to be done. I don't want to think at all. But I have to. So I will. I know that many people have been to where I am now. It can be done.

What was "normal" is a new "normal". I don't think I like this new normal but I have no choice. Just like the hundreds of people whose lives have been upended and their homes or businesses destroyed their possessions blown or floating away, they had no choice. Some how, with the support of those who will pray for me and help support my family,this new normal will work. It has to work.

My sister and two friends, Mike and Amy, came and got me out of the house yesterday to go downtown and look at the flooding. I took a few pictures.Looking north at the bike trail and access road from 18th Street.
CF Utilities are in the background.

Mothers everywhere protect their children with water raising fast.
We went way around to get on the other side of the water on Waterloo Road.
I live on the other side.
This seems a more appropriate way to get around.

The utilites is surrounded by water.We look east to Washington park. The utilities offices had a couple people stop by in boats.
The Western Home evacuated hundreds of senior citizens to higher ground elsewhere in town.
This is the back of the Western Home. Sandbagging was at a controlled frenzy.Dishes at the utilities.Sandbaggers met at the UNI dome to board school buses.
They were shuttled to the levy to raise the levy.

A couple of miles of sandbags.

A bit north was hundreds of volunteers working together. There was not a lot of talking.
It was very organized. My son helped during the night.
Several hundred people were up till 2am doing what they could.
Ice House Museum is absolutely surrounded. The sand bags that our Troop 55 helped place are totally submerged. Believe it or not there is a dam. The first time that I have ever seen the river run without dropping over the dam.
Looking north to the boat house you can see its roof.
The river is leaking though the bags and down the street. This is looking east at 1st and Main St.
Gateway park looking north.
The parkade, that's what we use to call it, braces itself for possible water.
We are on the bike bridge, Kreigs Crossing looking north at the bridge that
I took a picture of 3 pictures ago.

Unbelievable. Overwhelming.

We pray for all,
Kim

Update.. yesterday afternoon a tornado tore through a Boy Scout camp in Western Iowa. 4 Scouts were killed and almost 50 wounded. Enough already!

In Memory...

2008-05-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

In loving memory, David Pierce.
December 28, 1959 - May 30, 2008

Funny, loyal, sports crazy, Dallas Cowboy fan, proud Dad & loving husband.

Memorial Day Weekend Races: Saturday

2008-05-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

Snake Alley

It looks like a gentle "s" from here. But this snake has a bite.
Nice to see Fry Guy.
Mike making a practice run down the cobbles.
I'm sorry to say I missed his official ride up the cobbles.
Fat tires.
Skinny tires.
NO tires.

Way to go Linda.

Jane from Punk Rock Cycling, smiles as she climbs. I didn't see too much of that.
I love Andrea's socks.

This is really how fast it feels as they pass.
The breeze they create sometimes sends chills down your spine.

Tracy makes it look too easy at the head of the Snake

There were many big lenses there.
The Hawk Eye and freelance guys wait for the finish of the Pro/Cat1 2 race.
There are several nice articals on the Hawk Eye website.

The winner Dewey Dickey

Memorial Day Weekend Races: Sunday

2008-05-28T22:33:00.001-07:00

Melon City Crit

The big pre-race Pow Wow.

Setting up camp on the hairpin turn is Mesa Cycles.

Team Revolution waiting for traffic to pass. Nice track stand!

Pausing a moment to find a lost parent.

Womens Cat 1&2 ready to race.

Another win for Mesa.

Hurry up and wait.

These racers really created a breeze as they flew past.

Man down on the last lap. They moved him in time for the finish.

On to Rock Island!

Memorial Day Weekend Races: Monday

2008-05-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Quad Cities Criterium is held in Rock Island, Il.

A Walk Through Hartman

2008-05-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Just a couple pictures of spring at Hartman Reserve Nature Center
A picture perfect day to take pictures. The sunlight was very good at 7:25 p.m. We looked for the baby foxes but didn't see them. maybe next time. We did see and feel mosquitoes though.
Get out and take some pictures before it's too leafy.
Kim

Ingawanis Mtn Bike Race 2008

2008-05-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

Casey is called to do a pre-race bike check for Garrett. Notice Garrett's great sweatshirt.

Carl is out on a mission.
I took some time to notice some plants opening up.

Kids race. Garrett, Conner and Rob.

Kristin came up for the weekend.
I thought there was 2 big deer in this picture. Not Bambi sized but Bambi's father on steroid size. I think they are wearing some camo because I don't see them.

He almost made it to the top of the run-up before he had to get off.
Did anyone make it all the way to the top?
William from around Ames shows how its done.
I met his mom, Natalie who was out taking pictures.

On the trail up towards the dining hall.

Some well deserved rest time.
Amy, Ron, Paul and Bill hash out solutions to the worlds problems.
Casey announces results.
This is 3 pictures stitched together.

These are some of the pictures I took today. I am always trying for variety of composition, near and far, riding in and out of the picture, lighting, and rule of 3rds or even 4ths and background. Hopefully I won't end up with batches of cookie cutter pictures.
Get out and take plenty of pictures while the leaves are just coming out.
-Kim

Ingawanis 8K Run and ITT May 3, 2008

2008-05-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

On my way up to Ingawanis I passed Carey who was riding into a 30mph headwind.
I am not very experienced at taking running pictures.

The operation table, between races.
Between races I popped up to the dining hall to say hi to the Troop who was there for the Spring Camporee. Casey is talking to Al, our Scoutmaster.
Carol is resting after feeding the boys lunch. (About 200 including adults.)
It must have been a good lunch.
I made my way over to the rock garden for the time trial.
In all my years of going to camp I had never seen this section of the camp.

Nice to see Steve after a winters hibernation.

Robin can do it all: road, crit, cross, tt and mtn. She never touched going though.

Looking good Paul.

It was a very beautiful day and it was fun to take different types of pictures.

Go out and take some pictures.
The best time of the year is finally here!!
-Kim

27th Street ITT April 30, 2008

2008-04-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is the 2nd in a series of the spring time trials put on by Russ Clark of Europa Cycle. Pre-ride gathering
Tom is getting ready to go.
They had an easy ride out but after the turn around it was nice and breezy!
And who is this man? Paul in his modeling his new team kit.

All gather for the reading of the results.

I only took a few pictures tonight as Russ let me shoot with his nice digital SLR. He might put a few pictures from tonight on his store website.

Next up for me is the Ingawanis race this weekend. I will be on a corner in the woods telling people where to go. LOL

Have a great week, I know I will because I'll be taking lots of pictures.
-Kim

Iowa City Road Race 2008

2008-04-29T20:35:00.001-07:00

This is my 2nd time attending the Iowa City Road race held in Sharon Center, hometown of my mother. It was a gusty day with threats of all kinds of yucky weather.
I'm glad my sister raced having just returning from a business trip to Hong Kong.
I love watching the racing and seeing the varieties of Amish rolling stock.

University of Minnesota has unpacked and is inside registering.

Collegiate men passing one of the cemeteries.

The first group of women. You can just barely see the second group in the middle right.
Here they come with Lacy leading the way.

My favorite race picture of the weekend. I like the composition and colors.
After the town corner its quite a way to the next corner.
Surrounded by Kansas.
The winner!

Another lap to go means time for hand ups.
Please bring your own chair. If you forget...yank out your van seat.

Racers meet the buggy.
Won by at least 6 lengths!

The approach this year was to travel the course backwards looking for various backgrounds for the racers. I always try to mix it up with both close and far, racing and relaxing and non bike shots.
As racers can get stretched out I tried to capture that in the view from the hill. Racers really don't want to get stretched out but it happens.

Go out and take some pictures. Be sure to mix it up.
Kim
Check out my other blog for pictures of the interior of Old Capitol.

Old Capitol Crit 2008

2008-04-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Racers gathered round Old Capitol for the 31st time for some great racing. I tried to catch some of the action. Congratulations to all for your hard work. Pat yourself on the back for doing your best.
See you at the next race. I'll be taking some pictures.
-Kim

Finchford Roubaix 2008: Behind the Scenes

2008-04-15T21:50:00.001-07:00

One might think that the only action during a bike race is out on the course.
Let me tell you...things can happen at anytime and anywhere.

Here is a look at registration.

Corner 1. These gentlemen were working hard keeping traffic at bay.
This brief moment they finally had a chance to rest. Sometimes there is a interesting house that you might want to record.

Corner 2
Sheri is not kneeling nor is she unusually short.
And hi to you too!
There is plenty of rehashing the race.
You can eat while rehashing the race.One can look just as cool riding around in your team kit in your car
as well racing on your bike.

"And then I was off the front and never looked back!"

The officials are now without shelter. Too much wind I'm guess.Corner 3
Cool ditch find. Reversible and very functional.

Michael helps a lost driver. "Back up and go east."Rob wants closer look at the rig.

Mike is making sure all is good with the final results of the final race.
Looks good to me.I guess that about wraps it up folks.

Get out and take some pictures.
They tell the story on their own.
Sometimes there are multiple lines of pictures going on at the same time.
Check out my other pictures on the Bike Tech Blog.

Kim

We Have Talent at Our Show!

2008-04-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

One of our co-directors of the talent show teased our new principal for quite some time about his "number" for the show. After all our old principal always ended it with a folk dance. ;-) After a month of teasing our boss secretly got a cracker jack team of square dancers together, had one practice and called it good enough. At the end of the show the last number was announced very much to the delight of the students, staff and parents.

It was time to break out the old phonograph and dust it off for the square dance record.

Everyone is smiles when talking to the boss.

Now that the boss has left...more discussion is needed.

"By the way, we forgot to tell you something, you are the couple in front."
"No....not in front!!!! That's not how we practiced it. Turn the front to the back!"

"I wrote it on my hand so I won't forget"
I don't think she will have time to read her hand while dancing. Do you?

Show time. Big boss announces its time to break a leg.

The co-directors seem a bit worried. Can they really pull it off??
"I hope they really "Don't break a leg!""

It was a good idea to tape this. We can later prove it wasn't a dream
plus use the footage for retirement parties for years to come!

Waiting for the nod to go.

So far so good.

"Okay, which one of you stepped on my toe?"

The square... is not quite... square.
I guess that is what happens when the speed of the music "accidentally?" gets cranked up.

The boss is wondering why 3 couples have stopped dancing.
"What did you say? Oh, the music stopped."

"I didn't know they could dance did you?" "Yee Haw...I'm sure glad it wasn't me."

What a great way to finish the show and show that teachers really can have a lot of fun!!! Think what they could have done with one more practice. Go on tour?

Get out and take some pictures of whatever the occasion,
-Kim

Just Passing By

2008-03-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and here is the proof. First photos of the spring classic race at Kent Park which is just west of Iowa City on Highway 6. I have passed by the entrance dozens of times but never drove in...till today. What a great county (?) park. I enjoyed seeing the bridges but I have to admit I was excited to see the race more. So excited that I plugged the adapter for my ipod into the lighter and wondered why there was no sound. After a few miles down the road when it occurred to me that I never plugged the thing into my ipod! I knew I wouldn't be able to stand listening to the radio for 90 min.!

Here is a series of four photos of the climb to the finish. To walk up one had to walk at quite a slant. Hard enough to walk let alone race a bike and pass people!

You can see Kathleen right behind the rider on the right in the red. 00:00:00

She sees her move as the Punk Rock Girls get out of the way.
Carey is right behind. 00:00:03 second later.

She pulls even with one girl. 00:00:0 5Now she is free and clear and you can see just a touch of a handlebar on the right edge of the picture. 00:00:07 Kathleen passed 4 people in 7 seconds on that killer hill!

I will post pictures of the team on the Bike Tech blog tomorrow. An update for the PEAK Art blog is coming soon.

Get out and take some pictures it's spring,
Kim

Bike Racing: A Glance Back 2007

2008-03-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Best or Favorite.

It's hard to tell. These are my picks for top 10 bike racing pictures of the for the 2007 racing season. It was a fun and educational year for me. My sister has tried quite a few of the disciplines of the sport. I was lucky enough to be there to share. Unlike pictures of a football game where all the pictures could turn out to look like ant sized people on a green rug, biking pictures can be up close and personal. And that is for us regular people without the big lenses. All of these pictures were taken on my trusty Kodak DX7440

March 10th: Prairie Rude, Cedar Rapids

Shooting the different types of racing required different strategies. For crits you have the opportunities that they will be back so you can try again and move to different locations. You know the route and you can see the action as it unfolds.

April 15th: Finchford Roubiax VII

Not every picture has to be of action. I think you can feel the excitement and anticipation in this picture. You can see the news crew interview a racer. This is fairly large number of participants that enjoyed this early race.

April 28th: Iowa City Road Race at Sharon Center

I like this photo of the women racers as they are about the pass the Amish lady out for Saturday marketing.

April 29th: Old Capitol Criterium

Setting can make a picture really tell more of the story. This is a high speed short circuit with plenty of tight turns, a screaming downhill right 90 degree turn and a horrid up hill. The pace car (not sure on that term) made me nauseous as the camera and another person were looking backwards jerking and careening around.

May 16: Weekly Europa Time Trial on 18th Street

You, your bike, the road and the clock makes for a grueling 10 miles. The spring series of TT is great training for racers as they check and see where they are for the summer season of road racing. The sun at this time of day and the lone rider on the road (complete with family cheering section) make this picture what it really is- just you and your bike and the road.....

July 1: State Championship Team Time Trial

The first TTT for our area. I can't remember how many teams 22 or 24 came from all over Iowa race around the Littleton/Hazelton area. A treat for the racers was a ride down Amish Boulevard. I stayed at the start/finish so I got PLENTY of pictures of each team. This years race will be July 6th.

September 29: Newton Cyclocross

First cyclocross race. I have found my new favorite type of race. It's close, you can take pictures every time they pass, you can change locations, the leaves are turning, that nip of autumn in the air, run-ups, barriers, technical and nice long runs make up cyclocross. What more can I say. It's a long time till next September.

I really like the flow of this picture.

November 25th: Iowa City Jingle Cross

Hard to really pick-but I believe this is my favorite pictures out of over 2,200 bike pictures taken last year. I love the colors and the mass of riders climbing up that goat hill, actually called Mount Krumpet. The racers went far and wide but it was very compact for us to watch as we could see almost the entire course. Newton was very pretty but Jingle was my pick for best race of the year, picture wise.

...and the crowd went wild!!!! Professional Todd Wells showed everyone how Mt. Krumpet is attacked. He rode up each and every time. Of course he made it look easy. He and pro Chris Horner were a pleasure to watch. I loved the tunnel of sound as the crowd cheered for each and every racer.December 13: Kansas City National Cyclocross

Wow nationals. They rotate the location of Nationals so we felt fortunate that it was held fairly close. The level of racing was way up there and that in and of its self make it very rewarding to watch. My favorite races was the Men's collegiate, all in their school kits and the professional men and women's. Picture opportunities were aplenty. The variety of weather from huge snowflakes to bright and clear blue skies with ice on every branch and twig made for some very pretty pictures.

This year's racing will be just as exciting. Mountain biking will be added to the mix. I am already looking forward our favorites of last year and to Leadville100 in August and Chequamegon Fat Tire next September. I will be helping with Bike Tech races and I joined Ingawanis Mountain Bike and will help them as well.
I will be trying out my new Kodak Z712IS. That in and of its self will make the season VERY exciting!!!

Go out and take lots of pictures.
Kim

Reflection of What's Really Important

2008-03-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

We should all take the time to play in puddles.

On the shores of Lake Michigan this last July.
This reminds me of another special time at Traverse Bay, Mi.
Elizabeth and I watched the beautiful sun set together. Then, when leaving to go back to the hotel another mother and daughter got on the same shuttle. The were probably 50 and 70ish. My daughter was only 4 and I'm not really saying how old I was, but I caught the eye of the mother and we shared just a flickering moment. Perhaps shared the same thought. "That was special, sharing one of nature's greatest shows with our girls?

Sailing on Lake Michigan, June 2005, by Racine, Wisconsin. I would rank this as one of the best time with Christopher. A quiet evening sail on Lake Michigan while watching the sun set with the lights of Racine turning on seemed very peaceful. We had a fun weekend together learning something very new. We don't have too much water in our neck of the woods.

One of my favorite times with Ben is going with him while he is golfing.
This picture is taken at Pheasant Ridge Golf course, July 2006, but my favorite round with him is at Crow Creek, by the North and South Carolina border. It was fun just to ride along in the cart and watch him play his favorite sport. It was very peaceful we only saw a couple of people out on the course as they had just aerated. The course was beautiful and you could smell the ocean.

What is really important? Hoping that you did your bit to instill values for the next generation. My hope and prayer? Try and make my own little corner of the world a little better. Even it is is a world of three people.
So I try and tell them and then I try and live it.
If you try and do your best, be kind to others, say thanks, encourage those around you and set goals for yourself you will have few regrets.
Take a moment and set your goals. What about this year, five years what about 10 years from now? Will you have many regrets that you didn't try or wasted your time? Or will you have satisfaction that you took the plunge what ever the outcome?
It is my turn to think and reflect and write down so I have those goals in a physical form.

These aren't terrible recent pictures but they are among my favorites. Here's to a NEW and FRESH new year. Happy Birthday to me.

Beers To You at GPBAC

2008-02-24T22:38:00.001-08:00

I was fortunate to be able to attend Beers to You and Gourmet Too tonight at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center here in Cedar Falls. The proceeds will be going to support programming.

In the past I have been enriched, amazed, impressed and moved by huge variety of music, dance and shows. I have also been fortunate to go to a couple Kaleidoscope performances. This is the education outreach that the GBPAC is known for. For more information go to the GBPAC site as they explain it very well.

This is the first time in our area that a fundraiser like this as been put on. All I can say is WOW!

Tara Sagers of Fahr Beverage introduces the guest speaker Mr. John Hall, an alum of UNI and CEO of Goose Island Brewery.
Mr. Hall tells us about the different beers, hops and the variety of beers that he and his company create. Behind him are Sous Chef Steve Carlton and Executive Chef Jim Nadeau of Sunnyside Country Club of Waterloo, Iowa. They prepared four offerings using beer in the recipe. The Beef Tenderloin with Nut Brown Demi was to die for. I really wanted to switch seats to get another taste of that.
Twenty three restaurants offered their wonderful food paired with over 30 beers and/or ales. The surprise was the Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat. My favorite, which is really hard to decide, was the Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms from SAAKs on Bremer. It was all exceptionally good. (This is coming from a person who has drank beer enough to count on one hand.)

Brent tries out the ice sculpture from Goose Island.

Friends of GBPAC President, Kathleen Porter thanks Mr. Hall for coming.

The co-chairs Paul Stapella and Nancy Seidler worked very hard
to bring us this wonderful experience.Kathleen Porter, Paul Stapella and Steve Carrigan, Assistant Vice President for Educational and Sports Event Center Management, (I just call him Steve)
check with each other on how everything is going.

As a parting gift we were given gift bags with recipes, coupons,
information AND a Beers to You glass. Here's to next year!
-Kim

Krispie Kronicals

2008-02-24T22:09:00.001-08:00

Back by popular request..no unanimous demand are the best
Krispie bar you've sunk your teeth in to. Or tried to anyway.
This is not the recipe on the box.
The secret....the ratio between butter and marshmallows.
Sorry..can't reveal the ratio as I don't remember.
It takes plenty of muscle to man-handle them.
I mean...woman-handle those babies into the pan.

You can see the bars - somewhere between the Yoga Towels and the microwave.

Now is this a no brainer decision or what?

This could be an entire meal.

To think he drove up from Cedar Rapids
and beat his body for 2 hard miles just for one of these.
When eating -do not look right or left.
Truly the saddest site I saw all day.
An orphaned half eaten bar.. on the cold, hard and dirty ground. sniff sniff.
-Kim, I saved one back for myself, Pierce

Frostbuster- Look Back at Last Year

2008-02-20T22:34:00.001-08:00

Going down memory lane. Frostbuster VII.

Making sure all is A-okay is Amy, Mike and Solveig.

I was the door opener and greeter. Welcoming all who came lugging their rollers.
(Notice the lack of coats and snow.)

Lots of Bike Tech jerseys. A good thing.

Thank goodness for games.

Looking at the computer... how much further..how much longer?

Come join us this coming Sunday, February 24 at the Cedar Falls Rec Center for this years excitement of Roller Races!
Frostbuster VIII

I'll be there to hold the door and greet the roller luggers
...and take some pictures.
Kim

There Has Been a Time Without Snow - Really

2008-02-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

May: Iowa City, Iowa Old Capitol.
A look right down the middle.
July: Littleton, Iowa
Only one cow stops long enough to pose for a picture.

July: Iowa: Clear Lake
All kinds of water craft enjoying a break from the stiffling heat and humidity.
September: Wisconsin Tyrol Ski Basin
This is what it looks like without the snow.
October: Cedar Falls, Fall Camporee.
Troop 55 is out doing a service project for Black Hawk Park.

Take pictures year round. Enjoy each season. -Kim

Five Kittens: The First Year

2008-02-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

It was bitterly cold.
Name: Jacob.
He was taken in.
Conditions demanded a name change: Jennifer.
She was soon to be a single mother.
Soon five kittens arrived.
The quints were given generic names.
The date: February 6, 2007

Proud Mama, "I have it good now."

Climbing the ladder to success.
On top:Spottie,
middle:Grant and Pee Wee
Bottom: Crusty and Blacky

Spotty checks out her shadow.

Taking time to pose for a portrait.

They are getting good.

It's good to be a kitten...just lazing around.

It is May. These girls are about to move out.
They now have REAL names.
Samantha (Sammie) and Penelope (Penny)The move was 4 miles away to my house.
Moving in make a kitten tired!Blacky (Henry) found some good digs in Waterloo.
He settled in well and is said to be highly intellegent.The twins,Crusty (Rusty) and Grant relax at the home
place having moved but a mere 40 yards away to the big house.
Rusty is shy and Grant is brave.Sammie is easy going and ready to duck out the door
while Penny is more cautious.Penny and Sammie settled in have adapted well to
fashion changes, kids, and being carried all over the place.

It is amazing h ow much pets and enrich ones life!
Here's to our kittens!
Happy 1st Birthday Henry, Grant, Rusty, Sammie and Penny!

Take lots of pictures of your pets. If you are lucky...you will get some really good ones. Kim

Freewheel Bike Shop, Minneapolis, MN

2008-02-03T22:07:00.001-08:00

You got to love this place.

They say that this is the best bike shop in the Twin Cities. I believe it.
The service is excellent, the staff..devoted, the selection is overwhelming.

Just a sampling of the couple hundred bikes.
You can also ride around the floor on the little track.

Your bike will be fitted on the spot with Lance looking over your shoulder.
Of course some people have already had THAT experience!

I liked the sink in the bathroom.

The handles were easy to grip.

I really like this mural.

Roller Race is ON!

2008-01-29T15:20:00.000-08:00

The roller race season started a couple weeks ago and last week it moved to Grinnell, Iowa. Quite a few racers in all categories in the impressive Bikes to You bike shop. It was good to see our racing friends and meet some new people. Besides watching the racing (as fast as you can go for 2 miles on rollers, best time was 5min) my highlights were the discovery of the Louis Sullivan Jewel Bank building on the same block and the Back Alley Deli!!! Great sand which!!!Warming up.

Great coaching from Dad.

Getting ready for the tandems.

Go juice.

Got to love those doc martins and the stripeee socks!

Till the next race...go out and take some pictures! Kim

Best of 2007: Wisconsin State Capitol

2008-01-20T22:27:00.000-08:00

Remember how Claude Monet painted the same subject over and over trying to capture the light as it changed the look of the hay stacks, water, cathedral and buildings? I thought of that as I took these pictures last September.

Here are a few pictures that I took while walking around the Square experiencing the wonderful food at the Taste of Madison. I really like how the light is reflected on the capitol.

The reflections of the Capitol in other building is just as interesting.

The Capitol changed from brilliant white, to ivory, to sand and then to pink. I think that this capitol is very beautiful and is very photogenic.

I enjoy looking at these pictures as it is now snowing.
Take pictures in all kinds of light. You will be amazed!
Kim