Eye of the Kitty – Snapshot of the Day, No. 92

042713_92EyeOfTheKittyRThis was not my plan for my photo of the day, but I was not having any luck. My default here is Sera. I was trying to capture all of the colors in her eyeball. She kept moving, so it could have been better. It could have been worse.

Greek Basil – Snapshot of the Day, No. 91

042613_91GreekBasilRA friend of mine grew a lot of herbs from seeds this year, and after planting all she had room for, brought the rest to work to share with others. I brought three home, but have yet to plant them.

I placed them in the kitchen window; but in order to get this angle, I had to climb on top of the counter and balance against the cabinet to get the shot. With such a low depth of field, I had to hold my breath as not to shake the camera. It took several times before I felt I was still enough to keep the “Greek” label in focus. Under the guidelines of  my little project, I only get one chance per day. So I had to be sure. It made me late for work, but it was worth it.

Brainerd Tunnel – Snapshot of the Day, No. 90

042513_90BrainerdTunnelRI took this today on my way to East Brainerd after work. This is one of the Brainerd Tunnels which go under Missionary Ridge – a Civil War battle site. Anyway, I got stuck in this tunnel years ago on a Friday night around midnight. I was on my way home from working late at the paper when my car just died – inside the tunnel – which runs up hill. Great. I did have a cell phone, but no one I knew was close enough to help me.

Then I saw a city bus coming toward me at a high rate of speed. I thought, “Great. This is where I die.” It veered into the other lane at the last minute. It had been a close one.

Who to call? The last person I saw on my way out of the building was a sports writer. So I called him.

Dick: “Hello?”

Me: “Hey, would you mind coming to get me? My car is stuck in the middle of the Brainerd Tunnels.”

Dick: “WHERE????”

Me: “Inside the Brainerd Tunnels.”

Dick: “*&^%! I’m on my way!”

Meanwhile, the next car to come through stops right behind me and the person gets out of the car and comes toward me. Great. I just knew it was going to be a big scary serial killer. I had nowhere to go and no choice but to roll down my window.

Thankfully it was a very nice woman who offered to push me out of the tunnel. Why she decided to help me is beyond me – except for the fact she might have been one of those angels you hear about who help people out of life-threatening situations and then disappear.

At any rate, she got back into her car and pushed me out and then drove on her way. I coasted to the right side of the road so Dick could see me. I had no way of getting in touch with him to tell him I had been pushed out. So! I had to stand by the side of my car in hopes of flagging him down.

And then I saw him. Not Dick, but a pedestrian walking on the other side of the street.

Me: “Please don’t notice me! PLEASE don’t notice me!…..Crap. He sees me!”

Stranger: “Having car trouble?”

Me: “Yes, but I have someone coming to pick me up.”

This man had on no shirt; jeans that rode very low on his hips, and well, no underwear.

Stranger: “I can push your car down to the gas station if you want me to.”

Me: I am thinking, “I wouldn’t stop at that gas station during the day. People get shot there. I certainly don’t want to be stranded there at night.” But I just said, “No thank you. I have someone coming to pick me up. It’s nice of you to offer, though.” Smile. Please don’t hurt me.

Stranger: “Suit yourself…..Hey! Do you have any money you could spare?”

I knew it! Me: “No, I’m very sorry. I don’t have any cash, but thanks for offering to help me. I really appreciate it!” Smile. Please don’t rob me……

Thankfully he walks off and through the tunnels toward town. I breathe a sigh of relief. Where is Dick!?

Finally, Dick comes riding through the tunnel and sees me. When he pulls over, he rolls down the window and says: “Like my Woodie?” And of course he was referring to his new/old station wagon, but I was a little taken aback considering my evening. So I stuttered out, “Why….YES! I do. It is very nice.”

He drove me home and I had the car towed the next day, but I always think about that night whenever I drive through those tunnels – thankful I was watched over that night.

Mr. Snail – Snapshot of the Day, No. 89

042413_89MrSnailRI was planting flowers in the garden early this morning when this little snail decided to keep me company. He and his kind love to cross the sidewalk this time of year to get under our shrubs. I call it “Snail Crossing Season.” We have to watch where we are stepping when walking back and forth from the car to the front door.

Zoo Guests – Snapshot of the Day, No. 88

042313_88ZooGuestsRI suppose they were excited when they first got there. But these two look as if the heat is getting to them. They, I assume, are with their mother on an outing to visit the Chattanooga Zoo. Even though it is still April, it was fairly hot today.

Moe Monday – Snapshot of the Day, No. 87

042213_87MoeMondayROk. It was the end of the day and I was running out of light. We were at Moe’s for dinner since it was Monday – $5.00 burritos! A must for us. Anyway, while standing in line, I noticed a woman using her phone outside holding a leash. Hmmm. I knew something cute had to be on the other end – I was not disappointed. The expression on this dog’s face is priceless.

(Dog thought balloon: “Ok. I’ve got $32.50. Should I get 6 burritos, or 5 burritos and something to drink? Wait! 4 burritos and a Billy Barou! Of course, it’s been a while since I’ve had a quesadilla…….)

Charlie – Snapshot of the Day, No. 86

042113_86CharlieRThis is a neighbor of ours – Charlie. He and his brother are real characters. Today, they were playing pirates with peg legs. At least for the moment. They were both wearing cowboy boots, so I’m assuming a game of Cowboys and Indians was involved.

Dora and the Princess – Snapshot of the Day, No. 85

042013_85DoraAndThePrincessRThis is a scene from the dressing room for us “Characters,” who were at the Kidz Expo today downtown. We had some pageant girls helping us on and off with our costumes. I and another girl were Dora The Explorer. Fun, but hard work.

The best part: hearing, “I love you, Dora!” from almost every little kid.

Murray Has a Stick – Snapshot of the Day, No. 84

041913_84MurrayHasAStickRThis is Murray. Whenever he loses his favorite toy, Chicken Man, he improvises with the nearest stick. He runs, spins and jumps around the yard with the longest one he can find. I you’re not careful, he’ll take you out at your knees.

Great fun!