Well, it hasn’t really felt like days off at all.  Busy would be the best way to describe things.

Yesterday I let myself rest a little in the morning.  A late start to the day, but then lots of running around.  The first big errand….well, not really an errand…..but it did involve running around.  Sadira gave me a call to let me know that an Arts and Crafts style event was happening on the square.  I had to go.

See, last year I noticed that there was a regular Bonsai dealer at the shows.  I’d been thinking about adding a little tree to the Airstream, and finding out the first big activity on the town square was happening I jumped in the truck and stopped by Sadira’s.

She was under the weather yesterday.  Sinus infection done, food poisoning in full effect.  One thought here gang.  Shrimp & Arizona….don’t do it.  Just don’t!

We hit the show and sure enough, bonsai trees were available.  I looked around, then wandered the square for a while deciding on what to do.  Finally we returned to the little tent full of trees and I picked my Airstream’s new resident.  You’ll see photos soon enough.

I once had a wonderful little bonsai for years.  High school.  It thrived.  Then I went to MA for a few weeks and my mom watched over the tree.  One night on the phone she told me she’d accidentally killed the tree.  She thought it could use some fertilizer (NOOOOOOOOO) and the tree went brown pretty quick.  Whoops!  Still, she was the best mom I could ask for and I still miss her.  Happy Mother’s Day mom.  A new little tree is along in the Airstream now.

I dropped Sadira off and headed for home.  Quick lunch and then I ran up to the Rodeo Stadium.  Yes, I got to photograph the rodeo.  No, I’m not satisfied with the shots.  I needed a 1.8 lens for this stuff, and I didn’t drag one along.  The rodeo started at 7:30, and even with the lights in the stadium the action was so fast that the lenses I brought didn’t cover it.  A few interesting shots that I’ll play with in Photoshop.  Maybe you’ll see them down the road.

I didn’t get home until almost 10, and I was starved.  So I sat up and made a late dinner.  Didn’t get to sleep until nearly midnight.  Ah yes, restful!

This morning was an early rise.  I headed out to the north side of Sycamore Canyon with Sadira, Tom, & DaNece.  2 hour ride in on the super bumpy roads through Perkinsville.  Nearly a 3 hour hike toward the canyon (no water already, lots of dry beds), hot sun, winds with some type of eye irritating  pollen, and a generally wonderful time!  Glad to have shared the adventure.

Our “haze” has returned to the skies, and the blues were really washed out today.  I’ve heard it’s hazy from here to Georgia, so who knows what is up.  So, many of the landscape shots today were sub-par to say the least.  But there was one thing that caught all of our attention.  The flowers heading into the area.  Blues, powder blues, oranges, and purples.  The purple really got me.  Cactus flowers once again (hey, they’re not red).

As we made our way in we began seeing new (to us) flowers that really stood out against the red rock background.  Small green cactus with purple flowers.  One here, one there.  As we neared our destination clusters of the flowers.  Big clusters.  They seemed to be everywhere.  Even along our hike we found more of these wonderful cactus (I’ll look them up in my book tomorrow).

I have dozens of good shots.  They’re all slightly washed out, but I’ll deal with them in Photoshop tomorrow.  High afternoon sun, even with haze, yields less than brilliant results.  But the shots here are currently unedited.  And they’re still stunning flowers in my opinion. 

Finally, after hours driving in, hours hiking, and hours driving back we returned to Prescott.  Sadira wasn’t feeling too well, and I was a little off.  Hot hike, lots of dust, lots of exertion, etc.  Plus I got too much sun.  So we basically crashed on the couch for a while, and finally got enough energy to get moving again.  Sadira headed off to Costco, and I went to do some shopping at Fry’s.  Groceries you know.

After some rest this evening I decided to head to downtown Prescott to try setting up a few exposures for doing an HDR (High Dynamic Ratio) photo.  My intention was to get Whiskey Row and the St. Michaels Hotel.  I’ve gotten many exposures this evening, and only started toying with them.  I only took one set of exposures of the Courthouse, and the result was the photo at the start of this post.  My first satisfying HDR photo (to me at least).  I only tone mapped it after feeding the 3 exposures into Photomatix.  No real tweaking beyond their basic tone mapper.  I like it.  There are places for HDR to be used……more will follow.

That’s it for the evening.  10 p.m. here and I’m beat.  Tomorrow, laundry, errands, and who knows what else.  Wonder if I can fit a 3 hour nap in somewhere?

Ah, time off. No racing around this morning. No radio on to find out the news of the day. Just a slow and steady start to the day.

Oh yeah….I slept in until 8 a.m.! I did wakeup around 5, some light coming through the vent cover, but I strategically placed a pillow and went back to sleep. Sometimes light can be overcome by the common pillow!

After getting up I made a few calls back to New England. Mostly I reached nobody! They’re all out doing stuff, after all they’re 3 hours ahead of me and I woke up late.

While I made my phone calls I did a little organizing in the trailer, and charged up all my camera batteries. Re-stuffed the new Crumpler bag, got the 30 & 40D cameras ready, and charged my flash batteries as well. The rodeo is tonight you know.

I also messed around with a series of photos I shot weeks ago. Remember my mentioning HDR images? Yeah, they’ve still been on my mind, but I’d been doing the 7 Point System. One major project at a time. The next major project is coming up. I now want to really learn about HDR. I’ve got a few ideas you see……

So, this morning I gave Photomatix Pro a whirl. I also tried the HDR setup in Photoshop once more. The image you see here today was done with Photomatix. I’ve only started experimenting, so cut me a little slack on this first true venture into HDR. I used their default settings, and didn’t get far into tone mapping.

Why?

Time for breakfast & a shower. Then to start the day. Plus I had to pop a post up you know.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been more than worn down.  Downright exhausted often.

No, I’m not sitting up all night watching sitcoms.  Late night blog reading….ha, I don’t think so.  Blog reading is a morning activity! 

A combination of things have made rest a little more difficult.  The other week I wasn’t feeling well.  That went a long way to disrupt rest.  But there’s been another issues that has finally been resolved.

The super early wakeup!

I’m not trying to get up early.  But I find myself waking up earlier and earlier.  See, the Airstream is parked with the rear window facing the East.  We all know what comes from the East.  The sun.  Sometimes I wonder about the sun.  It causes skin cancer, sun burns, dries out lakes, sends radiation our way, and causes early wakeups in Airstreams.  Something should be done about it.  Is any Presidential candidate currently campaigning against the sun???

Each day the sun is rising a little earlier.  And the shades that came with my Airstream are pretty flimsy.  Sure, they’re cute, but so much light pours through them it’s just not funny.  I mentioned this to Sadira the other week, and suggested that I needed to find some black out shades, or something like that.

Sadira had an idea.  And she’s great about putting ideas into motion.  Last night she popped over with two new blackout shades for the Airstream.  You know what?  They work!

I’ve left the shades up this morning (they’re Velcroed up, so I can pop them down at will), and the back of the Airstream has transformed to a dark bat cave.  Super cool!

The shades go on under my transparent shades.  I can close them and nobody even knows about my new little blackout shades!  But I thought I’d share them here.

By the way, there’s still light pouring in from my Fantastic Fan vent covers.  Yes, I noticed that this morning…..hmmmm……maybe one more shade wouldn’t hurt!  :

I’ve played with Scott Kelby’s 7 point system for a while now. Still, I’m only in the “Photoshop Experimentation” mode. It’s hard choosing photos to edit. Looking through my favorites I find myself saying, “I don’t think I need to edit that…..do I?”

Well, today I decided to apply some of the techniques.

The original photo I picked was one of Bert Gildart. You remember him, don’t you? Well, on our hike into the Promised Land I got a few interesting shots of Bert & Janie as we hiked around.

One favorite was Bert at the edge of a small cave we explored. I liked the photo right off and never adjusted it, just posted it onto the blog. You’re looking at the photo right now.

Unfortunately the lighting wasn’t the best. The sun was above us and slightly behind the rock formation. The plus was we weren’t staring into the sun, the minus was a lack of good light shooting into the cave.

Looking at the shot I thought a little more and found everything to be slightly bland. Except Bert of course, he’s just not a bland guy. The rock edges didn’t have the greatest contrast, Bert’s blue jeans looked even more faded than they truly were……I think you get the gist.

So, this morning I set about trying my hand at being “artistic” with one of my photos. I wanted the rocks to have more contrast, and I wanted Bert to stand out from the scene. I’m not sure if I achieved it or not. Then again, I spent about 6 minutes on the edits.

As you’ll see immediately, the colors have changed dramatically. That happened almost immediately. I shot this picture in RAW. That left me a lot of room to work with the photo after the fact. The first step I took was resetting the white balance. The original seemed a little too far into the blue range. And it was. I simply sampled an area that should be white to set my custom white balance. The white I sampled from was the piece of paper sticking up from Bert’s pocket.

After resetting the white balance I revealed some more detail from the shadows behind Bert. At first I revealed too much and it looked far too artificial, so I toned it down a bit. All of those changes were in the RAW editor in Photoshop (it always pops up when you bring a RAW image in).

I opened the image and created a new layer with adjustments. At the tone curve I set it to Strong Contrast. That really brought all the edges of the rocks out. It also over did it on Bert, so I created a mask and got Bert out of the strong contrast.

Finally, when resetting the white balance in the beginning I thought Bert’s jeans faded way too much. So I created one more layer, jumped into Hue & Saturation, and pumped up the blues a touch. Bert’s jeans became “new jeans”, and I touched up the blue pattern around his hat. Basically, I got the blues back to where they were in the original shot, while keeping a warmer yellow to everything else.

So, there’s the first real official edit attempt. I understand all the concepts from Kelby’s amazing book. The thing that he can’t do for you in the book is teach you what the correct lighting and colors should be. Sure, in his book he walks you through getting that great image, and he’s made all the decisions. Doing this one I kept asking myself, “Is that closer to the real color?” I guess in time I’ll get better with that as well.

I can say, I love the 7 Point System. It’s been a lot of fun. Now it’s time to really play with applying the techniques and get creative!

Monday I received a package in the mail.  It was expected.  After all, I ordered it!

Several weeks ago Sadira and I took a ride up to Sedona.  Sadira needed a case for her camera, and locally there weren’t many great bags available.  I’d checked Manzanita Outdoors, and the selection at the time was super slim (they must have had a run on camera bags.

Honestly I’m happy to say that our Sedona trip worked out great.  Rollies Camera had quite the selection.  They also had something I’d never seen before.  Crumpler bags.  Sadira ended up with a “4 Million Dollar Home.”  A cute little bag that will fit a digital SLR with a lens on it, one spare lens, and extra junk that you choose to load.  The pack got me thinking…….

The thinking continued to the point I finally ended up ordering a Crumpler bag.  I wanted to carry a little more, so I got the 6 Million Dollar Home.  I’ve already put gear in it too.  My Canon 30D with my 28-135mm lens on it, my 18-85mm Canon Lens, my 50mm Compact Macro Lens, and my 580 EX Speedlight.  Oh, also my off camera flash cable, my shutter release cable, several CF cards, and my battery charger.  I’ve still got some extra room, and I can lash a lens case to the outside of the pack.

Did I mention how compact the pack is, even with the room in it?  Probably not.

Gotta say, I’d heard about Crumpler last year, but I didn’t investigate them too closely.  After seeing the products in person I knew their cases would be something I would like.  Now that I’ve got one, I can tell you for a fact their cases are super!  I’ll let you know how it works over time.  I’ve had Lowe Pro packs for years, and they’re still doing well.  I’m hoping Crumpler will offer the same durability…..time will tell.

Often I’ll take a few moments to Google “The Digital RV” just to see what pops up regarding the book.  I’ll find an imitator or two, many links back to my site, and links to several of my resellers.  I’ve even found a review or two around the net (and they’ve always been pretty good).

This morning I found something totally different.  And I mean different.  MTV’s shop site has the Digital RV listed, and it’s for sale at their site.  Yeah, that’s right, MTV’s site.  The book is listed as “In stock” and is available for shipment within 48 hours.

How does one get listed at MTV’s site exactly?  I don’t know how it happened, but there it is.  Good lord, I can’t recall the last time I saw content from MTV.  Been years.

I’m looking forward to further sales of the book this year through upcoming reviews.  Now I’m also looking forward to tracking what impact MTV’s site will have.  Every avenue counts.

Over the past few months I’ve received several strange calls.  Blocked caller ID, unknown IDs, etc.  And I’m clear on what those numbers are 90% of the time.

Wireless consulting companies.

I’m also getting a good deal of e-mail regarding potential contracts.  The latest is a Transport Engineering position (Backhaul).  I used to do that.  My first job at Sprint PCS.  So, that would be a good gig, right?  Sure it would.

There’s one problem though.  I can’t understand the “recruiters” at all.  I can’t read their job descriptions either.  Has something gone wrong with my brain?  Can I no longer comprehend telecommunications terminology?  Did I get hit in the head with something?

No on all counts.

I can’t understand the recruiters because the recruiting companies are having folks call me from India.  And let me tell you, the people calling me and writing me can’t use the English language at any level.  Over the past 2 days I’ve been called by 3 different recruiting companies regarding the Transport role.  All 3 of the callers were nearly unintelligible!  In my frustration I’ve asked each recruiter to e-mail the job description.

The job descriptions are no better than the phone conversations.  Seriously, each sentence that was uttered on the phone led to me saying, “I didn’t understand anything you just said, repeat yourself slowly.”  Well, guess it wasn’t just how they articulate themselves.  The e-mails were jumbles of words that barely pass as a sentence.

Normally wireless carriers include a description packet for recruiters they work with.  The 3 companies I’ve spoken with have not had such a document available, so they’ve written their own.  If I can’t understand them, what’s the likelihood that I’ll be able to resolve pay issues, get support, etc.

Too bad.  The job has potential if it’s really Transport work.  But since I haven’t had a clear description, conversation, etc., how can I ask a company to represent me?  Hmmmmm……

I’ve meant to mention another visit here at GAC last week.

If you’ve followed along with the comments on my blog you might have seen a note from Bruce the other week.  Bruce & Lena are Airstreamers as well.  And they passed through Point of Rocks last week.  Bruce dropped a note, and we got to visit the night before they departed for California.

Well, we met up that morning too.  I popped up to say hi.  Gave a knock on their door and I woke them.  Whoops!  It was 9:00 a.m., but still, sorry about that guys!

Turns out Bruce discovered my site & book several years ago.  He met my father at Salisbury Beach, in MA.  My dad pops out there occasionally to camp.  It’s an extremely nice park, and I visited there back in 2006 when my full-timing began.

I told Bruce my family might be coming out this Fall, he smiled and told me that he had met my father.  Small world.  All the way across the country and we met up here. 

I enjoyed my visit with them very much.  Lena had a ton of information to offer, and I need to start e-mailing with her.  So, Bruce, if you’re reading today pass along her e-mail address!  And thanks!

You know, I really like cactus flowers!

Today is May 5th.  I wonder how many folks are out for a day of fun.  Last year I had a totally interesting time on May 5th.

Last year it snowed on May 5th.  You think I’m kidding?  Nope, not at all.  It really snowed, and it made me wonder what type of place Prescott really was.

Also, May 5th I went to a blogger get together at the Raven Cafe.  Granny J had contacted me regarding my blog.  Apparently she looks around for blogs talking about Prescott, and I’d been doing that a lot back then (I still do).  So, I headed into town to meet up with other local bloggers.  My hope….maybe somebody needed web help, and I’d find a job via the meeting.

No jobs were gained.  However, many friendships were formed.  A year ago today I met Sadira.  And we’ve been enjoying our hikes, photo days, movies, etc., ever since we met.  Honestly, I think Sadira keeps me around for my Airstream….  :)  One of the first things she said to me was, “Oh, I’ve always wanted an Airstream….”  Ah yes, that’s gotta be the key.

So, I’ve definitely been here a while.  More than a year.  In that time I’ve met many great people through the blog and just out in the world.  Climbing has resumed (Andy & Brooke, let’s go climb), fun bike riding, great places to hike, and so many places to explore.  Lots of cactus flower photos too….. Thanks everyone for helping to make this place home.  And thanks especially to Sadira who has made this a fun and interesting year!  And thanks for letting me use your Dyson the other day….that was great too! 

A day off.  Ah, I remember those.  Glad I had one again today!

Days off always seem to involve catching up on stuff.  It’s only when you have a few in a row that you can really get out and enjoy yourself.  Sorry to say, no fun photo safaris today.  Just hanging out in a Safari (Airstream Safari that is).

As is my ritual, days off mean laundry days.  This morning I was ready bright and early.  Laundry situated, detergent on hand, drier sheets ready to do their thing.  The laundry room opens at 8:00 a.m…….Except the mornings Pat works.  She’ll open the room early.  Pat worked today…..whoops.

I noticed a truck down the way at 7:45.  Someone was doing laundry.  That means I missed out on the best washers and driers.  I raced down and found one washer available.

We’ve got a ton of pipeline workers here at Point of Rocks right now.  There’s a huge Arizona Pipeline project going on.  And the town is crawling with pipeline guys.  Seriously, everywhere you go you recognize them.  A big block of the guys working the line are from Texas.  Can’t miss the accent.

Like me the line workers are doing 6 days a week.  Sundays are their free days.  Mine too (at least for the past couple of weeks).  At the end of the week these guys have some dust covered clothing, so laundry is in order.  Fortunately, I was the second person in the laundry room, so I got my stuff done reasonably early.  By the time I left there was a backup of 5 other loaded laundry baskets.

I’ve got to get Pat’s schedule!

After laundry I headed into town to meet up with Sadira.  We were going to take a few photos at the museum in town.  Unfortunately no flowers are blooming at the museum.  Bummer.

So we hit a few stores, I finished up restocking groceries ($120 for a week’s worth of stuff……no inflation), a run to Wal-Mart, and a stop by New Frontiers.  I’m going to make my own baked tofu.

After the store experience we returned to the Airstream where I proceeded to bore Sadira.  Reorganizing the Airstream.  It’s been on my mind.  A small amount of space plus too much stuff leads to clutter.  Today I got 50% of the way to clutter reduction.

Tech device packages, DVD boxes (yes, I had some), camera boxes, lens boxes, and books.  All things got repacked, tossed, etc.  One full cabinet has been reclaimed and one under bench storage area is empty once more.  Things can move again, and a tidy Airstream is being restored.  You won’t hear me gripe about all of my books soon….they’re finding a home!

On top of all that I dusted, vacuumed, and cleaned the tar out of the Airstream tonight.  I’m more than halfway done, and I’ll wrap it up this week before work.  Little project list on hand to keep me honest!

Oh, and by the way……with the winds, dust, pollen, and weird “haze” over the town my HEPA has filled to 50% in under 3 weeks (the last cleaning of the HEPA).  There’s a lot of stuff in the air, more than last year.  It will be good when the Spring pollen wraps up and we get back to a low allergen / dust environment.  :)  Right around the corner!