Yes... This is My Property (said the cat)

"You can keep a dog; but it is the cat who keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals."
                                                            George Mikes, "How to be decadent

I'll Protect You, Young Ones

"Trees are much like human beings and enjoy each other's company.  Only a few love to be alone."
                                                         Jens Jensen, Siftings

The Cyclist in "Topaz Adjust"

A few weeks ago, I attended a meet up where photographers shared their latest photos. One photographer made a comment that he runs a lot of his photos through Topaz Adjust to enhance details. His pictures did not look over processed (which I like) so I was interested in researching this Photoshop plugin. I just downloaded it and started playing with it. I had only a few minutes so I used the "I feel lucky" option for automatic adjustments and then did some very small tweaks on it. I can see the potential there (see the original in the previous post). Looks like there are tons of options and features that I will have to explore in the coming days to take full advantage of it (without over processing. This picture was an exception). Check it out if you are interested.

The Cyclist in The Fog

It is the season for the MS150. That's an annual bicycle ride between Houston and Austin. For those who don't know, the MS 150 is a charity ride for the benefit of National Multiple Sclerosis Society. There are more than 100 similar extraordinary rides across the nation. So if you find this intriguing, follow the link for more information.

I was thinking of doing this ever since I heard about it when I was new in Houston 5 years ago. Still have not done it yet. I better start getting in shape if next year is to be the one.

Clubs and groups of cyclists usually start serious training in January and then ramp up considerably in the spring. Last weekend they were everywhere. Only a couple of weeks left for the big weekend. April 17-18.

Good luck to all riders.

Spring in Texas

"Spring has returned. The earth is like a child that knows poems. "
                                                                                             "Rainer Maria Rilke"



Spring in Texas means Bluebonnets  (and lots of cyclists on the rural roads preparing for the MS150, the annual ride from Houston to Austin). It is a big tradition to go out to get bluebonnets pictures and welcome the coming of Spring. Although we've been living here 5 years, Gretchen and I have never done that before. This year, we made sure that we did. Seas of blue, yellow and rose on the side of the road were surely welcomed after an unusually cold winter by Texas standards.

Spring Greeting

On The Streets of Luanda

"It is the voyage not the ship that matters" 

                                                        Angolan Proverb

Last February, I had the good fortune to travel Luanda, Angola. Although it was a short business trip, I was happy I went. 

This photo was taken on a few block's walk between my two work locations in Luanda. It was one of the rare opportunities to walk on the street because my employer required all employees, especially visitors, not to travel between location without a car and local driver, even if it was for a short distance. Two co-workers and I were walking rapidly when I spotted these two ladies. I tried to slow down to take a picture, but my friends were walking a few steps in front of me and I did not want to be left behind. Especially since I did not know which turn to take after that. All of us turned the corner, and these two ladies started crossing the street while my friends were getting ready to enter the building on that corner. I thought I'd lost my chance. Suddenly, one of my colleagues stopped and turned sideways to take a picture with his phone, and this gave me enough time to snap this photo. 

On the streets of Luanda, you see a lot of these women, wearing vivid colors and selling the best fresh fruit that you can buy. Better and fresher than any supermarket in Luanda. It was shocking to learn later that selling fruits on the street is actually against the law in Angola. Police "raid" the street vendors, who typically run away before they can be arrested.  The police then confiscate as much produce as they can carry, and then smash the remainders on the ground so the vendors can no longer sell it.


One of the most surprising facts I learned on my trip was this. Quoting from Wikipedia: "Luanda (Angola)is the world's most expensive city, ahead of several Japanese & European cities. Around one-third of Angolans live in Luanda, 57% of whom live in poverty. Living conditions in Luanda are extremely poor, with essential services, such as safe drinking water are still in short supply".

Let’s count our blessings, shall we?
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Special thanks to Gretchen for her input and feedback