Picture Perfect ~ peeping tom

Welcome

to

Picture Perfect

and our theme this week is

Peeping Tom

And other shallow nonsense...

Sick in bed..with just enough energy for Pinterest and icecream

The Endeavour over California skies

Cali people became the paparazzi this morning aiming their lenses not at the latest starlet, but toward the sky to catch a glimpse of an aging superstar headed for retirement. It was the space shuttle Endeavour, zigzagging around California where it was born and where it will spend its golden years as a museum showpiece.

From the state Capitol here in sacramento to the Golden Gate Bridge and on to the Hollywood sign, thousands of spectators pointed their cellphones and cameras skyward as the shuttle, riding piggyback atop a 747 jumbo jet, buzzed past....

After a nearly five-hour loop that took Endeavour over some of the state's most treasured landmarks, it turned for its final approach, coasting down the runway on the south side of the Los Angeles International Airport, where elected officials and VIPS gathered for an arrival ceremony.

As the jumbo jet taxied to the hangar, an American flag popped out of the jet's hatch. Endeavour will stay at the airport for several weeks as crew prepare it for its final mission: a 12-mile trek through city streets to the California Science Center, its new permanent home, where it will go on display Oct. 30.

NASA retired the shuttle fleet last year to focus on destinations beyond low-Earth orbit. Before Endeavour was grounded for good, Californians were treated to an aerial farewell.

Endeavour took off from the Mojave Desert Friday after an emotional cross-country ferry flight that made a special flyover of Tucson, Ariz., to honor its last commander, Mark Kelly, and his wife, former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

It circled the high desert that gave birth to the shuttle fleet before veering to Northern California. After looping twice around the state Capitol, it swung over to the San Francisco Bay area and Silicon Valley and then headed down the coast, entering the Los Angeles air space over the Santa Monica Pier.

(and isnt this the cutest pic ever?)

all pictures from The Associated Press

Images and Words ~ Open

Images and Words

Running funny...

Im thinking of having some fun tshirts made, that I can use for running (anything to make it fun..)..hmmm..now which one(s) should I choose?

Back of shirt: "If you see me collapse, please hit 'Pause' on my Garmin."

"Wicked fast runnah"

"Born to run. Forced to work."

"Anyone can run a hundred meters, it's the next forty-two thousand and two hundred that count."

"Will run for bling."

"Running a marathon...there's an app for that."

"If you think running a marathon is hard, try giving birth."

"Running is my happy hour"

"My sport is your sport's punishment"

"My mascara runs faster than you do."

"Running is a mental sport...and we're all insane!"

"Pain is temporary..Internet results last forever."

"Running...because dieting is not an option

Back of shirt: "Like my shirt? After the race, I'll let you read the front."

Back of shirt: "If you can read this, I'm just warming up."

Back of shirt: If you want to come in second...follow me!

Back of shirt: "It's a hill. Get over it."

Back of shirt: "Don't pass me....I'm not in your age group"

Back of shirt: "How's my running? Call 1-800-EAT-DUST"

* "Kick assphalt" ( my choice..esp after my fall when it kicked mine!!)

"Your pace or mine?"

"Fast girls have good times."

"The faster I get there, the faster I can start eating."

"See Dick Run. See Jane Run Faster."

"Why are all these people following me?"

"Endorphins: Runners' drug of choice"

"If found on ground, please drag to finish line."

"I found my happy pace."

"Pain now...beer later"

"One more mile and the cake is history."

(damn thing is still sore if I bump

it or lean on my elbow..a bone bruise apparantly!

Everybody Talks

the video is a little weird, but I LOOOVE this song...

Bloody Freedom of Speech!!

Right now Im not sure if I'm more angry at the group of radicals who have perpertrated these hideous acts of senseless violence, the dumbass who made the video..or You Tube for allowing it to be be posted!?? The killings that have come in the aftermath of it all defy comprehension...

Surely the sensitivities of Muslims worldwide to depictions of Mohammed are well known and the administrators of a war-torn country simply cannot take the risk of more people being killed because of a work of ''art'' that, by all accounts, amounts to hate speech.

This leads to an infinitely more perplexing question: at what point should the owners of social media take responsibility for the content that they allow to be put up on their sites when it amounts to hate speech or incites violence?

Kabul ~ South Africans killed in suicide bombing (RIP Brandon)

The names of the eight South Africans killed in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, have been released by the department of international relations and co-operation.

"The Department has consulted with the families of the deceased and hereby releases their names with permission from their families," said spokesman Nelson Kgwete in a statement on Wednesday.

The victims were:

Christian Johannes Justus Pretorius, 30, from Pretoria, Gauteng

-- Fraser Angus Carey, 31, from Johannesburg, Gauteng

**-- Brandon Quinn Booth, 47, from Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal (RIP)

-- Johan Abraham van Huyssteen, 31, from Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

-- Johan Frederick Bouchaud, 30, from Johannesburg, Gauteng

-- Johannes Judenis Humphries, 65, from Centurion, Gauteng

-- Steven Leong, 31, from Johannesburg, Gauteng

-- Jenny Margaret Ayris, 46, from Scotland in the United Kingdom

The department was working with the private aviation company that employed the victims and Afghanistan authorities, and was rendering consular assistance to the families.

"This includes arrangements for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased," said Kgwete.

The government expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those killed and condemned the use of violence.

"The South African government believes in peaceful means to settle disputes and/or conflicts and we strongly condemn the use of violence, particularly violence targeted at innocent civilians."

Evenings Blush

Sitting on a bench in this vast beautiful place, with a light heart..made me pause, breathe and remember that the most important moment is..right now...

Plenty of Fish

as I rush off to work..a little something to make you smile....

Picture Perfect ~ #3 ~ My Corner of the World

My days off seem to be filled with long walks with my camera slung over my shoulder, and two dogs in tow. Ive just had my camera professionally cleaned..sensor lenses..casing..all of it, hence the slew of pictures..lol..am loving the new clarity I must say!! I found these dried garlic heads yesterday morning..and loved the shapes...I picked up a handful of them and have them in glass vase.

Luscious Lodi

Lodi (pronounced low-dye) is in the heart of the winelands, and well known for its dairy farms and supurb cheese. The rural side to Lodi is so beautiful in the twilight, on the edge of Fall...

we walked across the canal

and looked both ways

no rain for months makes for a dusty dog

down the road most travelled..by me

a sweet river runs through it

The vines all around are heavy with wine

cows in the twilight caused some interest

the sun burst through the trees one last time, as we turned and headed home

Picture Perfect ~ I heard it through the Grapevine

Home City in a song..is todays theme on Picture Perfect.

Im not sure I have one actually, but this is were I am now..so it shall be this. Lodi the heart of some of the most beautiful wine country..

Picture Perfect ~ Freestyle # 1~ Morning Light

Welcome to

PICTURE PERFECT

After such a first-class summer competition, the four of us wanted to keep the momentum going and give everyone - us included - more chances to share photos with each other. So we've decided to post a photo and thought every day (Monday through Thursday) this week. The rules are loose as there won't be a proper "theme", though you're welcome to go with the idea of each day's posting. Add your own words or those of others to complement your photo, if you like. On Friday, we'll resume the weekly theme, as usual.

oOo

(I love your theme Gayle...pinched your quote too :))

oOo

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. -Khalil Gibran

Pumpkin Spice Muffin

..with real pumpkin seeds on the top and spicy cream on the inside...

get in mah belly!!!

Sacramento Sunset

as i hurtled home yesterday afternoon, I took this through my side window..literally a flyby shot without looking at all..the light was gorgeous and I wanted to stop and take pics sooo badly, but there was a Democrat bash to attend and I was LATE!!

Happy Birthday Ted ~ from all of us....

Happy Birthday to the kindest, handsome-est, blogger-extraordinaire..and most wonderful friend!

I hope your day is as awesome as you..

couldnt find an Adele song, sooo here's a little bit of South African humour

muah..Happy Birthday!!

Soldiers coming home to their dogs

Sometimes...

Rope Wrap

weathered wood and rope in Bodega...

Maybe next time?

I hear that there are many wonderful things to do here in Bodega Bay. Such as horseriding and cycling, surfing, hiking and trout fishing.

However I have no time for any of that.

Ive been to busy watching the pelicans swoop over low over the water,and the comorants dive from ridiculous heights, listening to the foghorns of the fishing boats calling to each other in the twilight, as the mist rolls in over the screaming seagulls. I've been far too busy sipping a steamy cup of coffee in the early mornings, sharing shallow nonsense with the other guests as my dogs sniff beneath trees and around unfamiliar rocks and rose bushes. With barely time to enjoy delicious fish ratatouille or a cabernet with a spicy salami...the other stuff will have to wait.

Maybe next time?