Model Trains

If you have noticed all of the train photos that turn up
on this site, it's probably not a surprise that I have
some N-Scale model trains, too.
I shot this for the current Photoblog Scavenger Hunt.
Since I only have about a foot of track with full
scenery this wasn't easy to do, and in the photo
the model appears a bit larger than actual size.
(Please click on the thumbnail for a full-size image)

Chinese War Horse

Having never set foot inside PF Chang's China Bistro,
I can't comment on the food, service or decor.
However, I have spent a lot of time
hanging around their entrance because of the two huge
and intimidating concrete statues of Chinese War Horses.
My first visit resulted in a few keepers that looked nice and
placed their location in town, but convinced me to return when
the sky was more dramatic.
Two weeks later the storm clouds rolled into town
at the perfect time of day for me to go on a photo-safari.
This one tied for 2nd in the SonyCams November Challenge, the theme of which was "Black & White".
After bagging a series of shots including the middle photo,
I decided to try only one exposure towards the sun. This ended up being my favorite (after extensive work in PhotoShop) but might be a bit too wild for some people.
(PLEASE click on the thumbnails to see the bigger versions)

Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle

Went on the Army post today to visit the animals that live
in the Quadrangle.
Ducks, chickens, peacocks and deer--all tame and
well cared for.
Here's an odd couple which is also my entry for
this week's scavenger hunt, Topic: Game Bird.
(Click on the thumbnails for the full-size images)
Here's a photo of the famous clock tower.

Happy Thanksgiving

Spotted this turkey lurking in my backyard.
Had to choose between getting my shotgun or
my camera.
Also worthy of note, a pair of the new generation
of LED flashlights made this shot possible, since
it was pitch-dark at the time and on-camera flash
creates unattractive shadows.
(clicking on the little picture gives you the big picture)

Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific

After receiving a facelift at JFS Railcar in
Independence Missouri and Trans-Texas Rail
in San Antonio, RS&P caboose #9 is seen here
loaded on a flatcar for transport.
It's headed to a Bed & Breakfast in Bentonsport, IA.

The Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railway was a West Texas shortline
chartered in 1906 that operated through the mid 1980s.
Here, workers are seen securing the trucks to the flatcar.

(Click the thumbnails for fullsize images)

Cemeteries

Boerne Texas





(Please click on the thumbnails for full-sized images)

Globes Revisited

While searching for globes at The Shops At La Cantera
I also came across this worthy contender.
One of the kiosks had all kinds of crystals that feature
laser-etched internal 3D designs, on rotating bases.
They are lit from beneath which is helpful when you're
trying to photograph them but the rotating feature makes
things very difficult because one moment you have a good
shot, the next you see a bunch of reflected shoppers.

(Click on the thumbnail for the full-size image.)

Global Warming

Yesterday I spotted this hanging lamp with a fanciful
globe design on the shade, and realized it would make a
nice entry for this week's Photoblog Scavenger Hunt.

Veterans Day

This is part of the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial
in front of the Municipal Auditorium.
If you are a veteran, on active duty, or a family
member of someone who served or is currently serving,
I offer my humble thanks and prayers.

EZ's

Went to EZ's tonight for a snack: fries & onion rings
and a shake on the patio. It was a beautiful evening
for sitting outside, eating, watching the cars go by...
And playing with the camera.

Music

This recent photo of mine just won the SonyCams Challenge
for October--Music was the theme.

Jack

Here's a look at our Jack-O-Lantern this year.
I cut them from commercial patterns and I'm fast--an hour from the first cut that opens it up to lighting the candle.

Sunset Station

The Southern Pacific Railroad's Sunset Station was
San Antonio's portal to the outside world for many years.
It was (and still is) a beautiful, ornate jewel.
While I have posted a photo of this stained glass
window before, this time I used a different exposure
to preserve more details in the glass.