There have been tons of butterflies out in the field recently. Mia is interested in the birds, but she can actually chase the butterflies around, as they don't go too high or too fast.
I'm sure I'll curse myself by bragging, but Mia has been awesome about coming when called at this field.
And such a rock star on this one- with a great sit at the end!
This one was taken a few weeks later & the grass has grown taller in this area. Mia has to hop around to see where she's going.
Videos taken October 22, 2009
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Going to see our favorite nephews tonight and take them out for some Halloween fun.
Last week Condoleezza Rice was in Houston speaking at the World Affairs Council. We just found out about this group, who invites in various speakers to discuss international politics & current events. They had 1500 people at the swanky luncheon at Hilton Americas downtown.
We had a table near the back, but luckily they had set up 2 projector screens. Condi spoke for abut 45 minutes on her experiences as Secretary of State, and how we should be more worried about the threats from failed states than from giant super-powers like China, Iran or Russia.
She did a 15 minute Q&A with some great responses. She's an extraordinarily talented woman, even if I disagree with some of the decisions she has made in the last 8 years. I hope that she continues to be in the public arena & would love to see her pursue an elected office.
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: I just signed up for Google Voice & it's so freaking cool! I am again blow away by technology.
Two weeks ago we headed to see U2 at their 360 Tour at Reliant Stadium. Their stage, known as The Claw, is just incredible. The sheer size & scope of their tour is also amazing- they have 3 of these stages roaming around the US & being set up for a few concerts a week. Above is the nice little photo they sent me, but all the rest are mine.
We purchased some really reasonable charity tickets that benefits the [Red] campaign & that was a reserved area next to the catwalk called The Red Zone. We didn't have to get there at 9AM to wait in line to get hear the stage.
On each of the 4 arms of The Claw was a device with 3 chairs & 3 lighting people that got hoisted up to the top just before the show started.
The Claw and stage below were surrounded by speakers and lights that made the show phenomenal.
There were people inside the catwalk, but we ended up about 1 row back on the outer edge. The screen above the stage shows very cool images that are edited together really well & constantly changing.
It's nice that U2 lets you bring cameras, even if I could only bring my small point & shoot, I still got a few good photos in the challenging lighting.
The show itself was just amazing. I'm not a huge U2 fan, but I knew almost all of the songs, especially since I'd bought and listened to their latest album- No Line on the Horizon.
Bono puts on an incredibly entertaining show that had the whole stadium rocking.
It was great when they turned on the audience lights and you could see the whole place singing and dancing along.
I was equally fascinated and amazed at The Claw. Just check out these camera & the dolly, plus all the wiring and all technology involved. It was just overwhelming.
Then the screen descended & the honeycomb separated for another cool trick.
Bono & the others had visited NASA while they were in Houston & spoke with the astronauts in space.
Love all the people taking pictures with their cameras below him.
He was always walking quickly when he went by us & this was the best photo that I could manage, but it was still very exciting. I think this is the closest I've ever been to a real celebrity.
The show lasted nearly 2 hours & we didn't leave until the end!
Green guitars...purple guitars- gotta love it!
Just about every seat that I could see was filled.
The lighting was just beautiful & captivating, making the atmosphere for the Houston concert.
On our way out, we got to see the Claw from the front & it was incredibly impressive, especially with the roof open & the fresh air coming down.
Here is a cool little video I took while the crowd sand "Stand by Me"
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: My husband is awesome...some days that's enough!
I love that H took a sequence of photos with Mia mastering the A-frame & these GIF animations crack me up!
She was too funny...she'll eventually learn that it's much easier to go over the A-frame quickly than it is to go slowly and slide around.
I love this photo H captured of Mia going over the top!
Anything for a treat!
We went from this to this....
in about 2 seconds!
Zoe did awesome by herself going over it when I'd just point to it and tell her "A-frame". It melted my heart a little bit to see her remember all the agility that we'd learned. Unfortunately, I think this is probably where she hurt her dewclaws and they started bleeding.
Photos taken October 17, 2009 Mia ~4 months old
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Tuesdays are going to be my new favorite day: no running in the morning, no volunteering, no dog classes, no volleyball games, no wrestling matches.
Last weekend we were blessed with gorgeous weather & decided to take the dogs to the dog park. I was a little bit nervous about taking Mia since she can be intimidated by things, but she was a rock star!
Zoe, who sometimes acts more human and refuses to "play" with the other dogs, had more fun with Mia there & ran around quite a bit more than normal.
Mia was a bit nervous (see how far that tail is tucked up??), but did eventually come out of her shell and became accustomed to other dogs approaching her.
It had been a rainy week with a cold front blowing through, which created lots of mud at the park.
We quickly gave up the battle of trying to keep them clean and just resigned ourselves to a bath time later.
The both had a blast chasing the ball & bringing it back for treats.
After running through the water, Mia would chase Zoe back and "yip" at her.
Running Running Running....
Splashing Splashing Splashing!
"Hey look Zoe- I'm as tall as you are!"
"Yea, watch out for that hole right there!"
We had a blast at the park and also played with the dogs to some agility equipment.
Photos taken October 17, 2009 Mia ~4 months old
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Tailgating this morning & Texans football game at noon.
Born and raised in the Lone Star State, I'm a newlywed full of stories to make you smile and photos to brighten your day.
They pay me to be an engineer, but I'd rather be playing with the other loves of my life- my pup and my camera.
www.clickthegoodnews.com
