Two Things Challenge: Big / Little

Gold Star Dad Chopper: Honoring our fallen warriors

This week's Two Things Challenge was Big / Little. Oddly, I had a hard time finding stuff to photograph for this one. I kept hoping to see someone out walking a ginormous dog and a rat-on-a-rope teeny, tiny dog. I thought about asking a friend if I could take pictures of her baby's hand in her hand, but then we never got together. Then yesterday, I drove past a car dealership that sells Mini Coopers and thought a Cooper and Hummer would be perfect, but Tash beat to that one!

Instead, I went with motorcycles. Real and pretend. Yesterday, I went to the Marine Corps Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the D.C. Armory. That's where I saw this custom chopper from Gold Star Dads. For those who don't know, Gold Star families are those who have lost a son or daughter in war. This motorcycle was crafted in memory of the young men and women in our country who have given their lives, justly or unjustly (depending on how you feel about our military involvement in other countries), in wars and conflicts.

Smaller versions of the real thing:
Hallmark Christmas decorations of Harley-Davidson motorcycles

Later, I was out in Fairfax County and stopped at the local Hallmark card store in Kamp Washington. Imagine my delight when I saw motorcycles hanging among the Christmas ornaments on sale. (What a Harley-Davidson has to do with the birth of Christ I have no clue, but work with me here.) The larger of the two Harley ornaments was about three inches long, while the smallest was about an inch.

So there you have it. A big chopper honoring our fallen warriors and two little choppers honoring I'm-not-sure-what!

Snoopy and his little crew in their canoe

But wait! There's more. I also took a picture of a Snoopy ornament that just tickled my funny bone. Big Snoopy and his little yellow friends. (As for the connection between Snoopy, Woodstock, and Christmas--that's totally valid. But Harley's and Jesus? That's just a bit of a disconnect for me.)

P.S. I also took pictures at Borders Books & Music for this week's theme, but had a hard time choosing which to post. Come back tomorrow and see my other Big / Little pictures.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/08

Lines

Lines horizontal. Lines perpendicular. Lines diagonal.
But what are all these lines?!

Today is Theme Day for City Daily Photo bloggers! This month's theme is Lines. Can you guess what this is? Come back tomorrow and all will be revealed!

To see the results of this theme on other city blogs, click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Happy Theme Day, fellow CDP'ers!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

SFM ISO Apartment

Single, furry male in search of an apartment...

When I was out on Capitol Hill taking pictures the other morning, this little guy took an interest in me and my camera and did a great job of posing. In truth, I think he was hoping for a handout. When he/she/it (how do you tell?) figured out I had nothing yummy to pass along, he continued on his merry way up the tree.

I love squirrels, but I know there are some folks who have developed a hate-hate relationship with them for various, valid reasons. Squirrels can be quite destructive. On Saturday I hung out with a friend who recently dealt with squirrels in her attic. Despite her annoyance with the situation, she managed to regale us with her story and we all had a very good laugh about the whole squirrel-in-the-attic debacle.

Yesterday, I sent her an email with this picture and the following text:

S:

I ran into this guy on Capitol Hill on Sunday. He says he’s in search of a new apartment living situation. I hear you have a recently vacated attic available. Let me know if you’re interested in a renter. I’ve attached a picture. He seemed like a sweet guy and said his hobbies, while low key, include things like late night tap dancing, people watching, and home renovation. He also mentioned something about nesting, which makes me think he might be looking to settle down, but you never can tell with guys these days! I gave him your number. No need to thank me! I live to serve and look out for my dear friends.

J

I haven't heard back from my friend. Hope that's not a bad thing...

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 08/08

Birdie, Birdie in the Sky.... Um....

Is this a resting or a roosting pigeon? Hard to tell...

Whoops. Nope. Guess not. This pigeon is lounging in the grass. No clue why, but there you have it. It didn't appear injured, but it sure looked comfortable and wasn't too disturbed by my being on the other side of the fence photographing it.

As to the title of today's post, I grew up in a family where we said a prayer before each meal. Normally, it was all pretty formulaic, but every once in a while one of us would be a smart ass and improvise with a little ditty our hilarious mother taught us. It went like this:

Birdie, Birdie in the sky,
I see some cocoa.
Amen.

The end result would be irreverent giggles as we dug in (or tucked in, as the Brits say.)

Sometimes, when my siblings and I go to Mom's and Dad's for dinner now, we still say that prayer.

Obviously, you never outgrow being a smartass. Or enjoying a good laugh. I'd like to think God laughs right along, too!

UPDATE: 07.22.08... My cousin, Arlene, reminded me that the actual words to the Cocoa Prayer are:

Fishy, fishy in a bowl,
I see some cocoa.
Amen.

Thanks, Bee! Getting older sucks!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 07/08

Gull, Gull, Gull, Gull... DUCK!

This mallard and the line of seagulls just cracked me up. Ducky was pretty vocal, too. He kept quacking away and keeping an eye on me. Funny little guy! Meanwhile, the gulls were totally indifferent to it all.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 5/08

What Is It?

A mere US$6.00 to look shiny and new...

High in fiber, but all the additives cancel out its virtuousness...

Black is boring...

Today, I bring you something light and fun. Can you guess what these photos are showing? If you think you know what the first three are, leave your guesses in the comments. I'd love to offer a prize, but I'm at a loss regarding what would be of value to anyone.

Time for a new round of public service ads, I think...

This last photo is one I took at L'Enfant Plaza a week ago. I liked the framing and perspective. Composition aside, though, I despise laziness and littering. Surely a person can hold onto their trash long enough to throw it in a proper receptacle!



Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 4/08