2013, Day 194 - Muppet racing

Today Frankie got his first ribbon!  We went lure coursing which is much more suited to his style of running, beautiful but slow.  It is a very subjective thing but it isn't all about speed which means he was able secure the ranking of next best qualified; it means he came in fifth in a very competitive field including some of the best racers in the country.

It was an all breed event so we had some whippets, an Italian greyhound, a couple of Rhodesian ridgebacks, and an afghan hound.  His name is Lil Mo and he is a bit of a chicken.  At check in Mo had to let someone other than Mom touch him which he found rather traumatic but he chased really well.  Given the heat Mo has been partially shaved and looked much like a giant Fraggle running around the track.  I wish there were more muppets to race because I like taking their pictures.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f4, 1/8000 sec @ 320 ISO

2013, Day 193 - Broken streak

Sadly Frankie broke his streak today.  He has been consistently last in all of his races of the recent past.  This afternoon his half-sister Kira took his crown and became "The Turtle."  Actually Frankie had a great start to the day but he is a man of leisure and he got tired pretty quickly but had a great time in the process.  Even some folks who just came as spectators were impressed with the way he carriers himself.  Yup, he is pretty but not especially competitive.  As we wrapped up today's racing the scattered cloud cover really put on a show so I stopped to take a picture.  Oregon summers are the best!

Canon EOS M, Canon 22/f2
22mm, f8, 1/1000 sec @ 1000 ISO

2013, Day 192 - Aspiration

Little miss Whisper got a chance to strut her stuff as a show dog this afternoon.  She was so happy in the ring, her tail never stopped wagging.  Unfortunately she was being measured against the triplets, three half Finnish girls that have their mother's grace and beauty.  Poor Whisper came in fourth but she definitely wins for Miss Congeniality because her personality just sparkled!

Canon 7D, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/1600 sec @ 250 ISO

2013, Day 191 - Mirrored armor

I know these are the same green bottle flies that I see on dog poop but they're still pretty.  That exoskeleton is so mirror bright and shiny!  They're like the peacocks with those dazzling colors :)

Fuji X-E1, Fuji 60/f2.4
60mm, f5.6, 1/170 sec @ 400 ISO

2013, Day 190 - Sarlacc

There is beauty in simplicity.

Fuji X-E1, Fuji 60/f2.4
60mm, f8, 1/210 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 189 - Rotate

This morning I got my oil changed and tires rotated.  A couple years ago a neighbor of mine recommended a this shop to me, he said that the owners are honest and they do good work.  Not only that but they are quite popular and even though they can always squeeze you in the service isn't lightning fast.  But they're meticulous and that extra time allows me an opportunity to take a few pictures of their shop.  The old concrete block walls have such great texture I had to work it in.

Fuji X-E1, Fuji 35/f1.4
35mm, f1.4, 1/200 sec @ 400 ISO

2013, Day 188 - Tangled web

I get to scout so many macro possibilities while walking the dogs.  This morning, less than a block from my house, I noticed that one of the neighbors has large day lilies blooming in their yard.  One caught my eye because of the pollen floating on the web of a small spider.  I finished walking the dogs and grabbed my camera before dashing back out the door.  This little guy was kind enough to stay still long enough for me to get a few good frames before scuttling away deeper into the flower.  Happy macro Monday!

Canon 1D X, Canon 100/f2.8L IS with 12mm Extension Tube
100mm, f5.6, 1/160 sec @ 640 ISO