Picture of the Day (Dial-up internet users enter at own risk!)

[taffy19]

Your reflections has so many colors, Steve. Really nice. I always like your pictures and I like this thread as there is such a variety of pictures.

 

[easyrider]

 

[easyrider]

 

[LODISCOLEE]

A reflection I had

Taken on a trip to DC about 4 yrs back. Hope I don't upset anyone that might not find inappropriate.

I took it not expecting the reflection - I was trying to get the boots along the wall and when I finally got to go thru the 1100 or so pics from the trip I noticed the reflection of the young couple standing there.

 

[easyrider]

 

[Mosca]

I bought a used film camera, and ran a roll through it to see what would happen. The pro to shooting film is that I am much more careful in shot composition. The con is that, hey; this is expensive! But the camera only cost me $100 (for a Canon EOS-1N). So I have a long way to go before the overall cost is higher than the digital has been so far.

It was obviously a cold day; I drove up and down the tracks and these are the best shots. Quite a change from those beaches!

 

[easyrider]

 

[jerseyfinn]

We attend BMT graduation ceremonies ( basic training ) last week at Lackland AFB TX. Close to 700 guys and gals become full-fledged USAF airman. Those of you who are of military background already know the deal, but for those of us who are pure civilians, it's an amazing process to observe. Youth who 8 1/2 weeks earlier were lounging around doing their own thing are now motivated team members who march and drill and now move on to training schools for their chosen jobs.

We're one of those rare graduating classes who get whacked with bad weather the entire time. Temperatures drop from 80 a few days before to 42 degrees with rain for 4 days. It doesn't dampen anyone's spirits but you sure felt cold out there.

Clearing the parade ground of water

__________

Coin Ceremony with all of the flights in parade formation.

______

Our son ( in BG ) waiting for us to meet him after the ceremony. We sneak up on him from behind & watch him squirm anxiously for a while before finally popping up to surprise him

_____​

The bad weather causes the cancellation of the dress blue parade formation graduation on the AFB parade field the next day. They instead hold ceremonies at each individual squadron dorm where they dress in ABUs ( camos ) beneath the buildings while the rain pours. I'm sure glad I had my HD video in hand as I capture all of it on video since the light was not real good for still photos.

We stayed at the Rivercenter Marriott in downtown San Antonio. For you Marriott folks, the new MVC policy which gives credited MR night stays for each night you stay at your timesare earns us MR Gold/Plat status which in turns gets us a room UG at the hotel to the 26th floor with a full balcony room. It turns out to make our brief time spent on town leave with our son even more special.

This link has photos of the graduation ceremony.

Barry

 

[Karen G]

Barry, thanks for sharing these pictures! I know you are very proud of your son. I love our U.S. Armed Forces! Way to go!

 

[dmharris]

Barry, I looked at your gallery. Please post the "Pride Assembled", it looks wonderful. I especially liked your writing; you're quite eloquent and your values fit mine to a T. You also have a good eye for detail. Thanks for posting this.

P.S. I pray for our service men and women even though there are none in my family.

 

[Kay H]

You must be very proud. What a handsome young man you have.

 

[jerseyfinn]

Thanks Karen, Kay, & Diane for your thoughts.

I'm a non-military guy myself but my wife & I who are both nurse anesthetists have been encountering our military folks for years at our hospitals and surgicenters and we've been awed and inspired by the attitude and outlook of these fine folks -- the guys are upset that the Army makes them fix their hernia before they can deploy with their units . . . the team work & committment is touching. We were away in Spain last Fall visiting Marriott Marbella and Playa Andaluza resorts & when we came home, we learn that our son and a friend had joined the AF. It was a happy surprise. It's a bit different being on the military parent side of the equation, but also in a good way as you learn that America's military is really a big extended family.

As to our son. There were times that we're not so sure about how things would turn out in high school and afterwards. But it is amazing to see how completely he has bought into the AF ethos. At least his room will no longer look like a pigsty. His dad is now the only guy in the family who dresses like a bum.

Here's that "Pride Assembled" image taken as the flights line up in marching order before the Coin Ceremony. The only element missing here is the sound of the TI's voices ( training instructors ) who are each barking out a cadance to their flight as they march to the parade ground. It sounds like baying hound dogs as these newly-minted Airman march in unison. The most special part however is afterwards when families rush down to find thier Airman. I tried going through the crowds to snap shots of the emotion, but I had to quit when my wife gets impatient at my photography moment . . . well, I grab a few shots anyhow.

Thanks,

Barry

Flights Assembled for the March to the Parade Grounds​

 

[dmharris]

The most special part however is afterwards when families rush down to find thier Airman. I tried going through the crowds to snap shots of the emotion, but I had to quit when my wife gets impatient at my photography moment . . . well, I grab a few shots anyhow.

Barry, at the end of the Vietnam War, I was traveling every week by air and when there were service men on the flight, they generally were coming home. So I'd always hang around the arrival gate to watch the service men's homecoming with their families. It always made me cry. I wish I had a camera back then. Thanks for positng the photo.

 

[swift]

For those needing their Disney fix I will have a few more coming.

 

[HatTrick]

Hello World!

 

[Makai Guy]

Hosted by Image Shack

Aiken Trials, March 14, 2009

(We had a great tailgate party at our railside spot, occasionally interrupted by some horses running by ...)

 

[swift]

It's A Small World ride was updated.

 

[swift]

 

[SueDonJ]

At the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Holmes Beach, FL, a pair of ospreys have built a nest within the last four months or so. This is the male flying into the nest:

 

[SueDonJ]

sunset last week over Holmes Beach, FL

 

[swift]

 

[KristinB]

It's cherry blossom time in DC again...

 

[KristinB]

 

[KristinB]

 

[dmharris]

Kristin,

Your photos are perfect! I'm heading to DC Monday and hope the blossoms will stay intact till then, but with the weather, I'm doubtful. So the photos are appreciated even more.