[East Coast Trip #1] [Iowa #1] [Iowa #2] [Iowa #3]

Our Trip to the East Coast--May, 1999

All my family and friends are so worried now--they see me taking pictures and think to themselves--"Hmmm. Is my picture going to be the next one up on the web? I know, I know. Everyone's paranoid. But think of this--how do you think my dog feels? Why, I've got her pasted up here in every pose imaginable!

Let's start with memories. This is (was) our house in Vermont. My parents just sold it and moved to Iowa--of all places! The gray cat you see is Ben (brother of "Jerry"--yes, we lived in Vermont).

Here's a better picture of the house. It's a beautiful place, with a huge garden and a brook running gleefully along out back. When the autumn came, the hills turned such shades of red, orange and purple that if you squinted you could imagine the mountains were on fire.

Here's a little of the view from the yard. You can see a little of my Mom's amazing garden. In summer we ate fresh--crisp lettuce, cucumbers, green beans, peas, zucchini--you name it.

Speaking of my mom, here we are saying goodbye in Vermont. We're right outside my old high school in Manchester. This was the last time I would ever visit Vermont while my family lived there.

Our next stop on the trip was Essex, Connecticut.

The flowers were beautiful. Gorgeous Lilacs.

Even if the weather is squalling (it was just windy and gray this day) these old seadogs are out here fishin'. Yup. You bet. Seen any big fish? Yup. You bet. Caught any? Nope. Not yet.

Here are Jim and his mom, enjoying the fresh sea air on the dock. It doesn't get much better than this.

We went to visit Jim's father.

Here they are together. What sweet moments. Thanks, Pop, for all your love and support over the years.

EH? DID YOU SAY SOMETHING, SON?

Well, let's take a break from all that sentimentality, and focus on what you always know will be the eventual subject of my photographs. The dog.

"Ma, is this a good pose?"
Ain't she the greatest pet you ever saw?