A star in someone's sky

Have a safe and fun Halloween everyone.

Tall on water

Every once in a while my ship comes in...

Snap Time

Do you see what I see? You've got to wonder....

Kicking the ball

There's a magic in simplicity!

Shadows and Reflections

We're living in a netherworld of our own making. Hiding in the shadows from the truth of our reflections.

Parting Shots

Now imagine this scene with no people in it.... One word: boring!

No Mas

A couple of weeks ago this was a restaurant replete with customers. In a sign of the continuing "economic recovery" it's now boarded up, sitting vacant. Its future a decaying uncertainty.  Living in bubbles has consequences.

Sailing Tall

The ship sailed in before the storm.

Coffee Break

Sometimes it's the simple things that make the most sense.

Moon over pier

I got the opportunity to do some night photography. It was a nice change of pace.

I really don't know why I don't do this more often.  Not only do you get a complete change of perspective, and different challenges, but it's refreshing too!

The Bend

Along the road that leads me to you.

Looking for forgiveness

Aren't we all?

Water and Wood

All things take their place

MyMedicare.gov

Sorry folks, this is a bit of a rant.  I helped a loved one with setting up their online Medicare account so that they can manage their Medicare services.  I have to admit that in setting it up, my first impression was that this service was going to work out great.  In other words, I was a bit impressed.

That didn't last.  The first time using this site was the only time it had information needed, which was the data we put in.

Since that time, every time we use the site it says:  Due to system unavailability, the information displayed below is not current. Please visit us at a later time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The information is not only not current, it's not there.   Visit later?

What a crock!  This site isn't useful at all.  It's been this way for weeks.  I've called them, done the online chat thing, and all they can say is keep trying back.

The online chat thing was a joke.  The person on the other end suggested not using Firefox and letting secure and unsecured data through using IE, which I did just to humor them.  Same results.

If you're going to have a website it needs to work!  Especially one that's supposed to provide vital support for seniors.

I know, I know.... it's the government.... don't expect anything but disaster.

Sigh!

10/28/2010 - Update:

Now you can't even login to the site with IE or Firefox.  Way to go.  Clowns!

Sheesh

1/2/2015 - Update:
 If you're wondering if anything could be worse that answer is yes. What? California's Medi-Cal/Covered California websites.....

Rowhouses

Things aren't so different now...

Getting Out

Running a little late...

Chance of Rain

The rains have come heavy, hard, and early this year. It could end up being a very wet winter.

Tough Break

Just the way things work out sometimes.

Fenced Off

With the snows arriving soon, this area should change drastically.

She's hot

Sunset shots are sort of a fallback for me.

Something easy to shoot when I've been confined to a limited geographic area.

There's not much to them really. In my case, all I really need is some wet sand, a setting sun, and something in the foreground.

The sun sets quickly, so it's not difficult to end up with a 100 shots in ten minutes.

Angels in the Architecture

All in a dream
the past forgotten
lost in color
floating away

How can I make your day better?

After nearly four hours and talking to fifteen people just to get online ebilling established for a loved one, I have lots of ideas on how AT&T can make my day better (which is how they answer their calls).

Here's an idea:  train your staff!  Don't make it so difficult to do something simple!

The whole point is to make it easier to manage accounts and pay bills.

I know that AT&T is trying, and it doesn't help to have the FCC involved, but they've got a long way to go.

Let hope it happens soon.

Converting Pavement

Faith leads the way when you get lost.

Passing Clouds

A few clouds can really add a lot to a composition. Here they add a nice sense of depth, provide some nice contrast and soft shadows.

October Past

Autumn is upon us, Winter just a breath away....

Bikes and Shadows

The sun has been shifting into a better position for these kind of shots. Well worth taking advantage of it.

We lost ourselves

Technology had so much potential to bring us together, and yet it amplified our human weaknesses. We're further apart than ever.

Lots-O-People

Amazing how food and sunshine will motivate people.

Afternoon Drive

There are places that create their own magic, and oh so fun to explore.

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Light moved upon the face of the waters....

Nothing on the face of things

So Billy took the time to look...

Couple in the distance

The warm afternoon light made it a moment to remember.

Ain't got the time

It slipped away when we weren't looking. Now something lost, something we'll never get back.

Couples of the mist

When you don't need to say a word.

Up around the bend

I've been able to do some exploring lately. A great why to spend time. You just never know what to expect.  I like that.

Close Encounters

When the beach fills with magic...

I'm app'd

About a month ago I got an email from Cheryl Crabtree asking about a photo I took during this past Fiesta.  It's the dancer with the red cape that you see in the screen shot above.  She wanted to know if I'd be interested in letting her use it in an app she was working on for the iPhone/iPad.

Was I interested?  You bet!  I'm a big fan of apps and was honored to be asked.

The app is called Santa Barbara Savvy and it launched in the iTunes Store this week.

I'm very happy and excited for Ms. Crabtree.  Way to go!

Long Curvy Road

When your goal is a long way off it's not always easy to enjoy the ride.