Red Eye

Well I suppose this is one of the reasons that I took the job with ONR. Was videotaping keynote speakers at a ONR sponsored convention at the Reagan Center last week when my boss approached me on Thursday afternoon and told me I needed to be in San Diego to shoot aerials of the Sea Fighter arrival. Left late Sunday night, up early Monday morning, two hours in the air and another two covering arrival ceremony. I was tasked with shooting stills and coordinating the video shooter. Following my coverage, I dubbed the Beta SP tapes so we could distribute to several local stations, then I captioned about seven images and transmitted to my Navy channels and also emailed three images to Reuters. So far getting good play.

Vacation I

Just returned from a family vacation to Alaska. Beautiful state with lots to see and more to photograph. Spent time in Anchorage, Seward and Homer. Only disappointment came when fishing trip out of Seward was canceled. We were about an hour out and already in 15 foot seas, which was quite exciting, but not the best for fishing or for survival. Went out a few days before that on a glacier cruise and saw lots of wildlife and of course some really cool glaciers. Ended the vacation back in Anchorage where we stayed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Played a round of golf at the base golf course, Eagleglen, and as you can see from my son's photo, encountered this creature as we approached the 6th tee box. Not everyday you meet a moose on the golf course, but this is why we came to Alaska and we were not disappointed.

No particular reason

As the title indicates, I have no real reason to update except for the fact that this is a blog and that means I should be writing more often. It has been incredibly hectic lately. Patrick came home from the hospital, graduated eighth grade, and went back in the hospital for some complications. Much better stay for my buddy this time and after five days he was discharged and despite a small scooter accident which had is mother ready to send him back to the hospital, he is fine. Attending a workshop today which only served to prove that I know a whole lot more than I believe I do and really need to market myself better. Crazy times. Vacation time arriving fast, watch for spectacular photos.

Fleet Week

Arrived in New York City yesterday for Fleet Week and checked into the Millenium Hilton (not sure if they misspelled Millennium on purpose) located in the Financial District. Very nice hotel and for the first time since 9/11/01, I have seen the World Trade Center site. In fact my room overlooks it. I have been to NYC quite a few times since we were attacked and have never visited the location. Not sure why.
Have a busy week ahead and hope to publish a few updates. Speaking of updates, my son came home from the hospital yesterday and is doing very well. Another week of meds and lots of school work to catch up on. Can't say enough about Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. They deserve the number one rating.

Feeling bad

Since Monday a week ago, my son has been feeling tired and spent most of the time in bed. On that same Monday he complained of stomach pain and a headache, but little else. Well this Monday at 1215 in the morning he came into the room complaining of severe stomach pain and we took him to Roxborough Memorial Hospital's emergency room. He spent the night there and in the morning was transferred to Children's Hospital where he underwent a two hour surgery to remove his ruptured appendix.
Apparently the pain he felt last week was his appendix rupturing and all week it was leaking into his stomach cavity. I can't imagine how was getting by, but just said he was tired.
The surgery went extremely well and he is resting comfortably. He will be in the hospital for at least a week, maybe more, but the good news is that he will recover fully.
For a kid who had never missed a day of school and rarely ever felt bad, this was quite a shook.