Inauguration Map

Double click on the map to get a clear view. Shane and I will

walk down among the throngs to try and see something, but

mostly just to be part of the experience.

More Pictures from Florida

These are some pictures I took with my digital camera, which takes marginally better photos than the iPhone. The first one is the pelicans off Boca Grand. The next two are of Shane, his mom and I at Boca, taken with the little tripod I got for Christmas. The last one is Shane and I on the beach at Naples, also taken with the tripod. I love that little tripod.

Bathroom Guts

They started our bathroom remodel.  They gutted it today.  This is before and after.

100 Facts About Me -- Numbers 1-10

These are the first 10 of the 100 Facts about me. You may notice there are 11 items listed. That is because one of the items is not true. Can you guess which one? I'll post 10 more facts and a non-fact next Monday and tell which one of these is false then.

1. I was born in New Jersey.

2. My father died when I was 1 year old in a skydiving accident (where he drowned).

3. I've run 3 marathons (so far).

4. I can name all 50 States in alphabetical order in less than 30 seconds.

5. I killed a deer with a bow and arrow (mostly the arrow).

6. I was a vegetarian for several years.

7. I donated one of my kidneys to my Aunt Alice.

8. I successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on my dog.

9. I've worked for the Government for more than 24 years in five different jobs.

10. I've been interviewed on live TV as a Government agency spokesperson.

11. Because I'm deathly afraid of public speaking, I took my present Government job to avoid having to do live TV interviews.

In the Loo

I don't know what possessed me to snap a photo of myself in the
bathroom of Flight 1468 from Tampa to Washington DC today.

This Is Wrong On So Many Levels

Shane and his mom pose for a photo in Punta Gorda, FL.

Double Rainbow

And they say SW Florida isn't that gay...

Rainbow Inland

As we were driving home from the beach, we ran into a shower and an
accompanying rainbow.

Naples, FL

We're relaxing and sightseeing on the beach today. Perfect weather.

New Year's Day 2009

Shane and his mom relax on the beach at Boca Grand, FL. Not a bad way
to start the year.

The Pelicans at Boca Grand

Shane's mom watches the pelicans. Double click the photo and make it bigger.

We're Off to Florida -- Happy New Year!

We're not going to Miami, but close enough... We're flying into Tampa and heading down to North Port to stay with Shane's parents.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

The New Ten Commandments

This list was found on the Atheistic Forum (http://www.atheist.net/) and inspired by the list in Richard Dawkin’s The God Delusion.

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

2. Treat the natural world with respect. -- a. Protect and preserve the environment. -- b. Treat living things with respect. -- c. Seek to create a better world.

3. Rejoice in your life. -- a. Live life with a sense of joy and wonder. -- b. Appreciate what you have. -- c. Look after your emotional, physical, social and intellectual health.

4. Seek knowledge and understanding. -- a. Always seek to be growing in your knowledge and understanding. -- b. Always check your understanding, ideas and beliefs against the best available facts or information, and be ready to discard any belief if it does not conform to this best available information.

5. Seek moderation in all thoughts and actions. -- a. Understand your cravings and do not be a slave to them.

6. Have integrity in all your words, actions and thought. -- a. Keep your agreements and promises. -- b. Take responsibility for your action.

7. Protect and care for the weak and vulnerable.

8. Recognize harm and act to prevent, stop or minimize it.

9. Respect the right of others to act and think differently; seek to understand the reasons for their thoughts and behaviors. Honor their contribution to the richness of your world.

10. Strive to make the world a better place --a. Leave a contribution for future generations -- b. Seek to further the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of others -- c. Nurture and support the ethical, intellectual and emotional growth of your family

Brandywine River Museum

Today, I took my Mom to the Brandywine River Museum. If you are a NC, Andrew or Jamie Wyeth fan, this is the place to go. They also have various Christmas displays this time of the year. They have a large model train set and various trees with ornaments made from all-natural things from the woods. For more info, go to http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/.

Wolf Moon by Andrew Wyeth

This is a print I have in my kitchen. I saw the real thing today at
the Brandywine River Museum.

Stop by Andrew Wyeth

The Brandywine River Museum has a large room dedicated to the art of
Andrew Wyeth. This is a new painting, called Stop, that was on display dated 2008. While I
was there, Wyeth's granddaughter stopped by and discussed about eight
of his paintings. Very cool.

UPDATE: 6/2/09

I came across this photo of Victoria Wyeth who conducts tours at the Brandywine River Museum six times a week, according to the USA Today article.

Ornament Display

At the Brandywine River Museum, they had a display of Christmas trees
with ornaments made from seeds, twigs, dried plants and such. This
deer (fox?) is just one example.

Where History Will Happen

They have already constructed the platform for the inauguration. It
is the center lower area. I doubt I'll be able to get this close on
January 20.

Christmas Portrait

Shane's mom got us a flexible tripod for the camera that attaches to almost anything.  We attached it to the door knob of our kitchen door to take this self-portrait after exchanging gifts.  

Mark and Shane Exchange Presents Part 1

Shane and I waited until the day after Christmas to exchange gifts.  We wanted to do it at home and just between us.  He gave me this iPhone clock radio, which I requested.  I love it!