Felling a Sycamore Tree: A Chainsaw to Envy and Fear
I have never seen a six-foot-tall chainsaw before today. While out in Harpers Ferry, WV visiting my friend Chris at the Stone House we went on an adventure with a friend of his who got a call from the National Park Service to take down a tree that had been set on fire and continued to smolder after a number of days despite repeated attempts to put it out. The tree was about ten-feet in diameter, was hollowed out and was apparently a meeting place for people with “alternative lifestyles”. Someone said that the locals had set the tree on fire a number of times in an effort to prevent such gatherings. Well, mission accomplished. Did I mention the big chainsaw?
Inauguration Day
The day was a crush. People were everywhere, as were barricades, fences, and port-o-potties. I wandered down to the mall at about 6:30 am and decided to focus on streetscapes. I know that the mall was the place for everyone to be but all of the flags, the hats and Obama paraphernalia were really boring and cliche. As a resident of DC I have been on the mall so many times for events that the magic quotient is very low. The gathering of hundreds of thousands of people was spectacular but I found the odd scenes on the surrounding streets more interesting.
Texas State Society Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball
The Lone Star State knows how to party and Texas expats came together to party even with the imminent departure of President George W. Bush. Although it isn’t an official inaugural ball, it was one of the hottest inaugural tickets in 2001 and 2005. Organizers held the ball at the newly opened Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on the banks of the Potomac River, calling it a Texas-sized location.
northern virginia photographer said: Nice work Jay. Always making it look easy. I think I've just about defrosted enough from the parade route- never again. on 01.21.09
Kate Mefford said: You really did capture that wonderful Texas pride! on 01.22.09
Neil Cowley said: Ha - you were shooting texas before you got there!! on 02.09.09
John Heisel said: Wow Jay, that's quite a couple of day. Great job keeping it real. Hope you have chance to catch your breath. see you soon, John on 01.22.09
northern virginia photographer said: Gosh, that thing's a turn on! on 01.24.09