Ella Has a New Stablemate

This weekend we bought a new car to replace the VW Beetle (bon voyage little green bug!).  It is a 2012 Ford Focus 5-Door (aka hatchback) in the terrific candy blue color. 

Why this car, you ask?  Because T. loved it, of course!

Seriously though, we were looking at Ford because we wanted to add an American presence to our garage.  The SUV options felt too big, and then we saw this hatchback.  Did I mention the color? I think T. would have bought a horse carriage if they painted it this color!  (Just kidding, honey ;-)).

Want to see it?  Click past the break...

Photo Scout Trip

We have been thinking of holding a car photo shoot at the Eisemann Center, so we swung by one evening to check it out (before dragging friends and family along).

Access to the fountain is limited to parallel parking on the street, and evening light is tough as it back lights the car.  With proper flashes, however, we might get some very nice shots.

There are also several walls with simple geometric patterns that might serve well, and a couple of nearby fields with beautiful spring grass.  We should go back soon!

Here's one shot we took on the scouting trip.

Side note:  my first "professional" employment was in the building on the left about 15 years ago...

All in the Stable

Ever since we moved into the house, we have wondered if our oversize two car garage would actually fit our three (relatively small) cars.  Tonight we quit wondering and found out.

The Stable

The threat of hail storms might have helped our motivation a bit...

Road Trip: Dallas to Arkansas Scenic Highway 7

The Goal

Simply put -- experience our Porsche 993 on winding roads, take some photos and enjoy a long weekend (and, as my wife said, not get a ticket!).

A friend had strongly recommend Arkansas's Scenic Highway 7, so we headed that way.

Off Topic: Autoblog and I (separately) visit the Arctic

I recently returned from hunting the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) with my family.  The very night we returned, Autoblog posted this article and video on their trip to the Arctic.  Our paths exactly overlapped on for the Fairbanks to Coldfoot, AK portion of their trip.  Fortunately, it was a little warmer when we visited.

It was a little strange seeing photos of very, very remote places you were standing published.  I can even tell you the exact spot the photographer shot from when taking the northern lights photo (kudos to him for getting into that position!).

Enjoy!

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/autoblog-arctic-circle-mercedes-sprinter-alaska-adventure/

Porsche Photoshoot, March 2013: Ella Makes a Friend

Ella made a friend for this photoshoot.

Whereas the February shoot turned out more good photos than I expected, I struggled with this one.  The light was a bit harsh, I was using a wide angle lens for the first time and the disparity in the cars' colors all contributed.  Fortunately, I happened across a professional photographer and he offered some pointers.  Hopefully the next shoot will be better!

Bug Infestation!

I arrived home tonight to find my driveway infested with green beetles!  I guess I should be kinder to Porsche family relatives ;-).