"Riding that Train"

ABOARD AMTRAK 181 NORTHEAST REGIONAL, Dec. 16--A 5:00 a.m. wake up call, three cups of coffee, and four states aboard a train in under four hours is how I spent my morning.

I was on assignment photographing the route President-elect Barack Obama will take on his way to the Inauguration in Washington a few days before taking office.

I started off in Baltimore, then Philly, Wilmington, back to Baltimore, then on to D.C. where I ended up sending my photos from our office there, hanging out and catching up some old friends I hadn't see in a while.

As you can tell from the self portrait in the bathroom, the coffee ran thru me somewhere in Maryland!

Looking forward to Christmas boys, see you in six days!

Love,
Dad

Yup, it's cold here

Baltimore, Dec. 7--It feels like it happened overnight. One day it's a mild nice day, and the next thing you know, it feels like winter.

That's what happened Sunday covering the Baltimore Ravens home game against the Washington Redskins. It was flat out cold. Bone chilling cold.

As you can tell from the photo Nick Wass shot of me before the game, I was dressed like I was going turkey hunting. Anything to stay warm, which I managed to do for the most part. Although my fingers started to feel the effects towards the end of the game despite my gloves and hand warmers. But once I got back to the workroom after the game and had a cup of coffee, I started to thaw out.

While I didn't mind being in the cold and shooting the game, I sure wish I would have been able to make it to Kentucky for your birthday Luke. We'll make up for lost time over the holidays. See you boys then and Happy Birthday Lukie pants!!!!


Love,
Dad

Among "Giants"

East Rutherford, N.J. Nov. 16--Yes, I was a mere photographer among Giants Sunday as I got my first chance to photograph the New York Giants at the Meadowlands, against my hometown Baltimore Ravens.

And while the cold wind was whipping across the field, it didn't bother me one bit as I watched the defending Super Bowl Champions beat the Ravens 30-10, proving that yes Alex, your Giants, once again, are pretty darn good.

While taking in the whole atmosphere of the game was awesome, the best part of it was walking inside the stadium, past the waiting players, then stepping out onto the field right before they did. Quite an awesome experience boys.

I had a great time shooting the game, and was able to catch up with friends and fellow photographers during and after the game. I have to say a special thank you to my co-workers, Kathy Willens, and Bill Kostroun, who were nice enough to show me around and make sure I didn't get lost.

I miss you boys.

Alex, Brady, looking forward your visit next week, we are going to have a great time. Tyler, Lukie, you boys are next. I can't wait.

As always,
Love,
Dad

I love a parade...

Georgetown, Del., Nov. 6--While I'm thankful the election is finally over, for me it still sort of lingers on as Vice-president elect Joe Biden is from Delaware, which is part of my coverage area.

And the reason I say it still "lingers on" is because good ol' Joe loves to come home every weekend to his beloved state. Which means I'll be spending more quality time in the "First State."

On Thursday, Biden made his first trip back after being elected, participating in the Return Day parade in this quaint little town. The tradition of the parade, which dates back almost 200 years, has the winning and losing candidates from Election Day riding together in open, horse-drawn carriages and antique automobiles.

As you can tell from the photo of me walking the route with a member of Biden's staff, far left, and a Secret Service agent, taken by my friend Suchat Pederson of the The (Wilmington) News-Journal, it was a miserable day. It rained the whole way on the two hour drive from Baltimore, and didn't let up until I got home 10 hours later.

A long day.

I miss you boys.

Love,
Dad

Historic Election

Baltimore, Nov. 4--Election day has finally come and gone, thank goodness, as it was a one long day for me.

I started the day out photographing Vice President-elect Joe Biden as he and his family voted in Wilmington, Del., then drove back to Baltimore to photograph the large turnout at the polls.
Later that night, I had a great experience watching the returns on a big screen t.v. at Bethel AME Church in downtown.

The atmosphere at the church was electrifying. It was an old time revival prayer service and a party at the same time.

My friend Justin Kase Conder took this photograph of me at the end of the night.

And yes, Brady, Brack Obama won, you were right!

Love,
Dad

To the hoop!!

College Park, Md., Thursday Oct. 16--Spent the afternoon covering the University of Maryland's mens basketball media day yesterday. Washington Times photographer Peter Lockley set up his lights for portraits, and I decided to jump in and have one of those "stylish" photos taken.
Fun afternoon.

Love,
Dad

Taking in some history

Philadelphia, Oct. 9, 2008--Had a few hours to kill before the start of the baseball game tonight, so myself, Houston based photographer David J. Phillip, and Milwaukee photographer Morry Gash decided to do some sight seeing before heading over the ballpark.

We started out the trip by chowing down on Philly cheese steaks at the legendary Geno's. I had mine "provolone with," which means provolone cheese with onions. You have to order the right way or it messes up the whole process.

After lunch, we drove around the city and stopped at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, then went and the saw the Liberty Bell.

Then it was on to see the statue of Rocky, located at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs made famous in the first film. We just did a drive by of it, but it was still cool to check it, and the nearby Schuylkill (SKOO-kull) River out.

Heading over the game now boys. Sure wish you guys were here to see it with me.

See you in two days!!!!

Love,
Dad