Living in Reno

Inspiration strikes!

Dave — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:23:04 +0000

I’ve got an idea for a project, now it’s just a question of execution. Black and white, random rock outcroppings in the middle of the desert. Problem of course, is getting out into the proper area. I have to be cautious about driving on rough roads, particularly with the thorasic spine issues.

So the concept is good, but the real question is can I safely get out into the desert and take the pictures.

Just call me by my new codename, “Scar Back”

Dave — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:54:41 +0000

Well, I’m feeling better. Still have some numbness in my left leg/foot, and some nerves that are numb in my right leg. My doctor assures me that I am responding well to the operation and should be better within a few weeks. Everything is looking good for our vacation in Yosemite at the end of the month. I’m not back to work 100% yet, but I should be back in the groove so to speak starting next week.

The numbness I’m feeling in my left foot and right leg are related to the operation. The doctor tells me that when they removed the excess bone from my lumbar area, it may have.. well.. angered the nerves that were controlling my left foot and upper right leg. The doctor assures me that in the near future I should be getting the feeling back. I’m really hoping that everything is back in time for the Yosemite trip, since having a “dead foot” is really annoying.

Thanks to all my friends and family for their kind thoughts and positive energy, I really feel like they’ve helped me to heal faster and feel better.

Suture picture

Dave — Sun, 30 May 2010 00:39:40 +0000

Rather graphic, putting the image after the jump. View at your own risk.

For the curious

Dave — Wed, 12 May 2010 09:22:42 +0000

This is what’s wrong with me, and this is what they are going to do to fix it. I go in for EKG/lab work/xrays late this week, then it’s in the hospital on the 19th. Everything is cleared with insurance.

T-Minus 9 days and counting

Dave — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:08:21 +0000

Back surgery on the 19th. Should fix the sciatica, but it’s just the first of two surgeries. Getting the “easy” one out of the way first.

Welcome back Doctor, we’ve missed you

Dave — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:18:08 +0000

Just got done watching the new Doctor Who. Season 5, episode 1. Despite concerns about the “toddler in the TARDIS”, I can honestly say that I’m impressed. I had high hopes now that Stephen Moffat is running the show, as all my favorite episodes have been written by him, but I was concerned that the new Doctor might feel.. well wrong.

I’ll admit, after Eccleston left, it took me some time to warm to Tennant. After all, you never forget your first doctor, and I did warm to Tennant eventually. I have to say, I like Matt Smith. He pulls of the mad cap with out seeming cheesy, and that sense of adventure is back.

While I’ll always be grateful to Russel Davies for bringing the doctor back, let’s be honest, his writing could be a bit shit at times. Moffat is consistently great in everything I’ve seen of his (like Jekyll), so this bodes well for the coming season.

Here’s to the madman with a box. I’m looking forward to the new season, with the new TARDIS. Oh, and thank god they reined in Murray Gold. The new theme song is so much better then last season.

Big news..

Dave — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:18:41 +0000

I’ve been going to a massage therapist once a week for the last two weeks, and I woke up to something very interesting this morning.

I can feel my entire left foot.

Ever since the initial event, I’ve have varying stages of numbness in my left leg. At the peak, my entire left leg from my hip to my toes was numb. This means that it’s basically been two years since I could feel the little toe of my left foot. I’m not 100% sure how long this will last, but I’m hoping that this shows that a cure is possible, and someday I’ll be able to get back to how things once were. For now, I’m just grateful for the progress that has been made, temporary as it may be.

Where have you been hiding?

Dave — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:01:45 +0000

So it occurs to me that I’ve been quiet lately. Just wanted to provide a quick “what’s up” post for those who don’t follow my Facebook. If you do, this will be a recap.

Started some blog side projects:

Davenology.com- I started this site to try and build a stronger online presence. I’ve syndicating all my writing in to one place to make it easier to find. Hit counts have been non-existent, but oh well.

Autofocusblog.com- After moving to Reno, it occured to me that no one really knows the “good spots” to go take pictures. I’m compiling a list and hoping that I’ll get some random stranger suggestions as well. This one has some potential to get me out of the house.

SierraShutter.com still languishes away, unpopulated. I need to get out and do some shooting.

We’ve got a family trip planned for the end of June to Yosemite. I managed to get a site in the campground I wanted, but it was close. The entire place was sold out in about 7 minutes. This time of year the waterfalls should be much more active, so I should be able to get some good shots. I also plan on being close to recovered from my back problems, if all goes as planned.

E-book readers are great. I have a Sony PRS 700 (which has a backlight and a touch screen) and it is amazing. I read so more much now then I used to, just because it’s so damn convenient. I’m looking forward to seeing the next generation of products.

The wife has gone insane this spring, she has no less then two giant planter trays full of seeds. Should be a bumper crop. To be honest, I don’t begrudge her having a hobby. And it’s certainly cheaper then my photography stuff.

Anyway, that about covers it. I’ve also given up World of Warcraft, but I’ve started playing Star Trek Online. Xbox gaming has also been pulling me in lately, I’ve been playing a ton of Battlefield: Bad Company 2. It’s fun, but I’ve had a steep learning curve since I’ve never been that good at FPS games. I am getting better though, and those skills are helping me out with other games as well. Pokemon for instance.

The tale of the mossy bridge

Dave — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:26:44 +0000

Here’s something a little silly. On Beaver Falls road, near Clatskanie Oregon, there used to a be an old bridge. The bridge is gone now, replaced by a new high strength concrete monstrosity designed to handle the weight of propane trucks that will never come. A couple of years ago, I was back in Oregon, and went for a drive on Beaver Falls road with my camera in hand and took a picture of the bridge. It’s not what I’d consider my best picture, but it’s one that I am proud of, I like the perspective and angle of it. Yesterday, I was checking the webstats on my alternative picture site (SierraShutter.com) and noticed a surprising large number of hits on my mossy bridge picture. So here’s my new brief moment of fame: if you do a search in Google Images (or Google) for a mossy bridge, my little picture is the eighth hit you’ll see.

Even more amusingly, I submitted my mossy bridge picture to a photo contest a few years back. I was told by the site that my photography skills didn’t meet their strict levels of quality, and my submission was rejected. Sometimes, I think accidental revenge is the best kind, no? So please, enjoy the gallery below, from the “Mossy Bridge” series. And I’m sorry if they aren’t very professional, but I like them.

Time-lapse snowstorm

Dave — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:16:30 +0000

Not my video, but I have to share: