Some of you guys may or may not have noticed that my abandoned places photos have dried up recently. This isn t due to any lack of interest on my part. I have two expeditions planned and ready to go. One journeys to Apple Valley, Route 66 and the Helendale Army Air Corps fields #1 &amp; 2 (now semi-retired test centers). The other trip heads west to the Sandbourne  ghost town  and sites along the old Ridge Route into LA, including a former NIKE missile battery. My problem is transportation and time. I sold off my old Jeep Cherokee and have a no reliable SUV I would trust on the bad roads out here in the perimeter.


I m looking at two potential replacement (4x4) vehicles and certainly wouldn t mind opinions. I m looking to trade in my current ride for either a Nissan Xterra ( 06) or a Honda CR-V ( 06). I ll already lined up loan offers and double checked insurance rates (almost identical between them). I m torn between which to get. The Honda gets better gas mileage but isn t truly made for off-road work (rated: light duty by Cars Direct, Edmunds and JD Power). The Xterra has lower mileage, but it noted for it s rugged off-road ability and towing capacity. I ve driven them both and like the handling, acceleration and internal set up. Whatcha think folks? I m leaning toward the Xterra




As for my time problem, sadly that s going to remain a factor. I believe that I may have to take the route that several folks have taken and limit posts to a max of 4 shots per post and stretch the series of posts out over time. As a storyteller and historian, this is frustrating to me. I feel like I m leaving people hanging and not telling the story behind the pictures as well as I could. This matter is still under consideration.




A personal note






As my photography efforts seem to be growing in scope and effort, I want to keep it as a way and mean to keep involving my kids in a fun activity. When does the hobby transition to profession; and how to keep the involvement fun for all? These are matters I m pondering and though they aren t immediately on the horizon, they are concerns. People keep telling me that my photos are really good. Surprisingly, self delusion and ego stroking is my not my bag of tea. I tend to be modest about it and wonder what all the fuss is about.


Still I d be stupid to overlook a new avenue of possibilities and adventure that can bring in some much needed income. When I start devoting increasing measures of time to developing a website/on-line portfolio, to attend distant shoots and to shop my photos to publications; I don t want to cut my already limited quality time with my kids. For most types of shoots, this won t be a factor thankfully, but it is something I need to watch for and be aware of.




I'm falling horrendously behind on Christmas/Yule preparations. Cards and presents need to go out soon and I haven't made much progress on either. After two nights staying up till 1am wrapping presents, I gave in and went to bed early (11pm). Probably a good thing.. Chris came home yesterday complaining of a sore throat and feeling bad. I hope he's not getting sick. This weekend, we're all heading to a friend's place in Santa Cruz for a photoshoot. If it turns out well, I may have the chance to shoot a group of her friends for a charity calendar.