Day 45 - Comeback - 25 Jan 2011

One thing I've done to prepare for my life as an old man is to master the game of Cribbage. This photo odyssey caused me to notice my old cribbage board sitting lonely and neglected on top of a bookshelf. After bringing it down and cleaning it off, not only was it ready for its closeup, but it soon was discovered by my son who is now preparing for his life as an old man.

Day 44 - Harry Potter and the G-String - 24 Jan 2011

Haha. See what I did there?

Day 43- Smoke4 - 23 Jan 2011

Luckily the AFC Championship Game did not hold my interest, because while it was on I decided to try something I've wanted to do for a while: photograph smoke. I'd read a bit on how to best do this, but it still took quite a few attempts to get anything decent.

My technique in a nutshell was to use an ingot as the source of the smoke since it gave a nice steady supply along with an aromatic wood scent. The room itself was fairly dark so I could control the lighting. I shined a bright flashlight from one direction and positioned the wireless flash pointing in from the opposite side.

Then it was just a matter of manually focusing on the smoke while following the smoke with the camera (which was on a tripod), while also pointing the flashlight. The final work was done in Lightroom where I used a graduated filter to modify the exposure and the color.

Even once I got the hang of it there were many many attempts that went right to the trash for each one that I saved. I processed about a dozen, and wound up with six worth sharing. Here are the other five - please click through to see them bigger.

Day 42 - Makes No Difference Who You Are - 22 Jan 2011

Despite arriving at the totally non-hip hour of 5:00, the restaurant we wanted to go to had an hour wait. Plan B was to go next door to Glory Days. There was nothing glorious about it. Not sure how they even got this star.

Day 41 - Worlds Colliding - 21 Jan 2011

Here in Chez Roth, Friday is Junky Cereal Day. You might think this is a small weekly indulgence to the youngins. You might think this is so I can have a break from preparing them a nutritious balanced breakfast. Or perhaps you think this is a subtle gambit by which I ensure a ready supply of tasty goodness that once the kids are out the door I can have all to myself, bwah hah hah.

In case you believe I think way to much about breakfast cereal, check out my Lucky Charms rant.

Day 40 - Clean Livin' - 20 Jan 2011

First time I had left the house since Day 36 yet somehow the Swagger Wagon needed gas. It was also desperately dirty, so a run through the carwash was in order. Most people find carwashes fun, but I find them kind of scary ever since the Bullet Sideview Mirror-ectomy of 1995.

Day 39 - Sailor's Delight - 19 Jan 2011

I bought this Canadian moon syrup bottle in 2009 thinking it might make for an interesting picture someday. The syrup was good, too.

Bonus Tip: If you have a Canadian moon syrup bottle filled with red food-colored water and you also have a kitten, do not leave the Canadian moon syrup bottle unattended on the counter overnight.

Day 38 - Repulser - 18 Jan 2011

Iron Man was my favorite Avenger long before Robert Downey, Jr. donned the red and gold. Despite not being to identify with Tony Stark's suave playboy ways, I thought his suit and the powers it gave him were just too friggin cool to ignore. That's probably why I bought several of these collectible statues back when I was in my collectible statue buying phase. Little did I know at the time that someday I would actually find a use for them.

Day 37 - Put a Cork In It - 17 Jan 2011

It is rare that a wine stopper gets long term usage in our house, but we stopped this bottle of Lobo Loco more than a week ago, and still have yet to restart it. Crazy, I know. At least it provided me with a bottle topped with a spiral, which I have had success with in the past

Day 36 - Through My Dreams - 16 Jan 2011

The early morning sun was shining through this plant, making it glow like something from Pandora. That was what I was hoping to capture. Instead I got this. At first I was disappointed, but before long it started to grow on me. You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.

Day 35 - Fred City Chop Shop - 15 Jan 2011

This did not make it into Roth365 by being a great picture. Nor is it the photo of the day because it is the only picture I took that day (it is). Even the fact that both my son and I are in it (if you look closely enough) is not why it made the cut.

Nope, this made it in because it documents what turned out to be an important event. Yes, this was just after our first haircuts since well before Thanksgiving, and they were much needed. Maybe this is not "one small step for man..." nor "a day that will live in infamy" important, but relative to most of the rest of January thus far it was kind of a big deal for us.

Day 34 - In Your Court - 14 Jan 2011

I noticed these pewter pitchers in the Duck & Turtle, and what with them being all lined up and such, how could I help but take a picture. The largest measures a quart. The rest don't say, which makes them a good bit less useful as measuring devices. This is not to say that the tallest is always the most useful - but that is the case here.

Day 33 - Shape of My Heart - 13 Jan 2011

I'll admit that I have a handful of photo ideas that I keep in my back pocket for days when I can't think of anything else. This was one of those ideas. It is some wrought iron thing that I gave to Shelley a few years back when she was in her wrought metal phase. I'd like to say it was a romantic gift because of the various heart shapes within it, but I actually did not notice those until I took the picture.

Day 32 - Keyten - 12 Jan 2011

Good day, and welcome to Day 32. We saw this kitten before, and I'd bet dollars to donuts that we shall see her again. She is not the smartest cat in the drawer as shown here. She loves the keyboard but ignores the mouse. Meanwhile, I'm stil that guy posting kitten pictures on the internets. I can haz cheezeburger?

Day 31 - Frozen Dragonfly - 11 Jan 2011

It is too bad I wasn't doing Roth365 last winter because we got several really good snows that would have made for some nice pictures. This winter's meager snows don't even compare. Last winter this dragonfly yard art thing would have been completely buried. I could not even have taken this picture then. Also, we didn't have this last year. This is besides the point. The point is, I don't know. Something about snow.

Day 30 - No Stones To Chase Them Away - 10 Jan 2011

If you believe Sting, then birds on your roof is a symbol of forthcoming death (see liner notes for Lazarus Heart). I hope he was just being ironic, otherwise I would not want to be the guy who lives across the street. Something made every big black ominous bird in the zip code pay a visit to his roof. Just to be safe, I should probably get back those DVD's he borrowed.

Day 29 - Miss You Much - 9 Jan 2011

You don't have to watch a great deal of U10 (aka 2nd and 3rd grader) basketball to realize that relatively speaking, a shot that comes this close to the the hoop is a good shot. This particular effort was my sixth try photographing free throws, and the only shot that includes both the ball and the rim. Some days you take what you can get.

Day 28 - Tres Pez - 8 Jan 2011

While my son was making a cricket transaction with the fine staff at Petsmart, I surveyed the various tanks to find which fish would wish to be featured on Day 28. Turns out that shooting fish in a fish tank is as easy as, I don't know what.

Day 27 - Under The Table and Dreaming - 7 Jan 2011

This is another instance when I used the first Roth365 as inspiration. For this shot I actully went all the back to Day 1 of first photo odyssey. I'm starting to find that it is a fun challenge within a challenge to reshoots the same things but in new ways. Perspective changes over the years, so why not?

Day 26 - Bearly Started - 6 Jan 2011

One thing that is tricky about doing a second Project365 is coming up with original things to take pictures of that were not covered in the first go-round.

But wait, who says that is a rule?

I just consulted the official yet imaginary Guide To A Photo A Day, and it seems that the subject can be whatever you want it to be. All that is required is that you take a good picture each and every day.

Whew. Good thing, because we've seen this bear before. In fact it was on this same exact date. What a coincidence.

Day 25 - Contemplate - 5 Jan 2011

Whenever I'm out a wanderin' and I see a cool looking stone, I pick it up and take it with me. This is not because I like to collect them, it is just so others don't get to enjoy their beauty. That is, unless they look at my photographs. Bwah hah hah.

Day 24 - Cat Bowling - 4 Jan 2011

Through a series of events which I don't quite understand, we now have a cat. Perhaps the dog, gecko, hamsters, wife, inside goldfish, outside goldfish, crickets (for the gecko), or kids were lonely, but now our menagerie is +1. So, this is Mitten, who likes to curl up in what used to be my favorite popcorn bowl. We have a cat, and I've become that guy who posts cute kitten pictures on the internet.

You just never know where a year is going to take you.

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Day 23 - In With the New - 3 Jan 2011

My first day of work in 2011 was a holiday. It was a true holiday meaning that everyone else had work or school and I was left to my own devices. After fulfilling my carpool chauffeur duties, I drove around on some nearby country roads. I always wondered where they might lead, and now I had the chance to find out. Of course I brought along my camera, so was able to get this fence shot along the way.

Day 22 - Out To Inner - 2 Jan 2011

Here is another picture of Shelley (view the large size if you don't believe me) in Baltimore, where we had spent all of 2011 up until that point. It would be nice to stay longer because there is lots of good food and plenty of things to point a camera at, but shortly after this was taken it was back to real life.

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Day 21 - Eyes of the Duck - 1 Jan 2011

Happy New Year!

What will The Duck see in 2011? One can only imagine. Stare into the eyes of The Duck and maybe see the future? Or is the past? Only The Duck knows.

This is not The Duck. Neither is this.

Be The Duck!

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Day 20 - Shelley Knows - Dec 31 2010

No one I would rather end the year with.

Day 19 - Willing to Sacrifice - 30 Dec 2010

I am a strong believer that garages are for storing cars - but perhaps I am wrong about this. Due to a basketball hoop assembly project that took a good bit longer than I expected, I had to park the Swagger Wagon in the driveway for a few days. On one cold morning I got into my vehicle to discover there was frozen water of some sort all over the windshield. You don't get this kind of photo opportunity when parking in the garage.

Day 18 - End of the Universe - 29 Dec 2010

Those of you that were along last time may remember my fondess for blue glass. If not, you will soon realize that blue glass is the new Santa.

Day 17 - Bares Berrys - 28 Dec 2010

One thing I've learned on my photo odysseys is that pictures I take outside tend to come out better than those taken inside. This is especially true when the subject is a sunset, a critter, or a shrubbery. I also know that when a winter day comes along that I can go outside for a picture, I should take advantage of the opportunity.

Day 16 - As Real As He Could Be - 27 Dec 2010

Many people consider snowmans to be Christmas decorations. Since they are made of snow the children know they are suitable for any time in winter. This fellow is not made of snow, which is good since he would melt on the counter and make a mess, which is a *bad thing*.

Day 15 - Goes Too Fast - 26 Dec 2010

And just like that, Christmas was over. The holiday, just like the year, goes by much too fast.

Day 14 - Last Waiting - 25 Dec 2010

There are many traditions in the Roth house around Christmastime. One that I enjoy and the kids participate in reluctantly is to wait at the top of the steps for me to take their picture on Christmas morning. Do they appreciate the fact that they get one extra minute of anticipation to enjoy?

Day 13 - Santa Showers - 24 Dec 2010

What is a better a picture of a Santa or a picture of a minifig? How about a picture of a Santa minifig!

What is better than a picture of a Santa minifig? A picture of a naked Santa minifig!!

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Day 12 - Happy Golden Days - 23 Dec 2010

This is my sweet Lorraine enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve Eve. Maybe the best day of Christmas is the 23rd because everything is still ahead, but so close you can taste it. Does Lorraine realize this while she poses for this picture? Of course not, she is a guitar.

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Day 11 - The Distant Future - 22 Dec 2010

It is the distant future the year 2000
We are robots
The world is quite different ever since
The robotic uprising of the late nineties
There is no more unhappiness - affirmative

We no longer say yes instead we say affirmative
Yes affir-affirmative
Unless we know the other robot really well
There is no more unethical treatment of the elephants
Well there's no more elephants so ah but still it's good

There's only one kind of dance the robot
And the robo-boogey
Oh and the ro... two kind of dances
But there are no more humans
Finally robotic beings rule the world

Day 10 - Winter Solstice - 21 Dec 2010

The Prophet Daryl Hall taught us that seasons change and people change. The former can be counted on. The latter not so much. While we in the Northern Hemisphere traveled into a new season, I went back in time to reuse an idea from the first round of Roth365.

If you'd like, you can see the first day of spring, summer, autumn, and winter from 2008.

Day 9 - Her Majesty's Secret Service - 20 Dec 2010

Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Lego Minifig.
Lego Minifig who?
Aren't you glad I didn't say Santa?
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Day 8 - Cane Able - 19 Dec 2010

Hey, is that a picture of some jolly old fat dude posed ever so nonchalantly in front of a blurry Christmas tree? Inconceivable!

Day 7 - Time To Reflect - 18 Dec 2010

I just realized when checking the date on this that it said 19 Dec and thought I might have missed the 18th. Turns out I never fell back on my camera clock, so I've been an hour in the future all this time. No wonder December seemed so rushed. I should have taken the time to notice this sooner.

Day 6 - Across The Street - 17 Dec 2010

I like it when someone is bold enough to paint bits of a building a nice, bright, primary color. It certainly catches the eye when one is looking for things to notice. This pub also had a cool old looking sign about coming in for a pint which a minute after I left I regretted not taking a picture of. I need to learn to listen to the voice that says I should go back across the street.

Day 5 - King of the Lite Brite - 16 December 2010

Larry King ended his historic television show run on December 16, 2010. Me and my co-workers were all guests in his New York City studio. OK, we were not guests on his show, and Mr. The King himself was in his Los Angles studio, but still we were there, and I have this picture of the lights behind his desk to prove it.

Day 4 - Close Encounter - 15 Dec 2010

In the state of New York is a city called New York. In the city of New York is a hotel called The New Yorker. In the lobby of the New Yorker is this chandelier. How I managed to take a picture of this without looking like a tourist, I just don't know.

Day 3 - Fat Santa - 14 Dec 2010

I guess collecting Santa Clauses is our thing. Of all the Santas we have, this one is definitely in my top three. Those following along might ask if two shots of a Santa in front of blurry tree lights already is too many. To you I say: just wait.

Day 2 - Sweater Weather - 13 Dec 2010

The Lego Advent Calendar is one of the most brilliant ideas to come out of Denmark in quite some time. It is especailly cool and also a bit spooky when day by day you wind up building your own family. Here is me, and if I do say so, I make that green v-neck look good.

Day 1 - Hangin With Santa - 12 Dec 2010

One of the reasons I started in December instead of waiting until January 1st is that decked halls provide a target rich environment for a photo-a-dayer. The kids chose the location for this particular St. Nic and it was far enough away from the tree lights to provide a nice bokeh opportunity.