There was little opportunity for photography today after a 12-hour day in the office. I did notice this rather interesting light fixture and reflection in the stairwell as I left the building this evening. It has been raining all day like you would not believe, and I am guessing tomorrow’s post will feature a submerged road or bridge.
I was too busy with the new job today to find time for a single photo. Instead I am posting from my archives. Exactly two years ago I had just started construction of my kayak and as the spring paddling season rapidly approaches I am looking forward to getting out on the water again. Yesterday I played in an outdoor soccer scrimmage and tweaked my knee again. I am hoping to heal in time for the season opener in two weeks. There is a nice gym at work and I plan to do some rehab there as soon as I can.
Today’s photo is a scanned black and white print that was taken and developed by Kyle for his photography class. I am very impressed by the composition he selected. He has a distinct foreground, midground and background. He has captured two leading lines, made use of complimentary diagonals and included reflections. Most importantly, the photo tells a compelling story. I do not know if Kyle intentionally composed around these design elements but he has certainly demonstrated a keen photographic eye. I absolutely love this photo and was thrilled when he shared it with me.
This morning Nicolai, Jeanine and I drove to Franklin, MA to attend a wrestling clinic conducted by Anthony Robles. A junior at Arizona State University, Anthony is a two time All-American ranked third in the nation at 125 pounds. He was born without a right leg just like Nicolai and spent time after the clinic giving Nico some private coaching. Beyond his wrestling prowess we were all impressed by Anthony’s demeanor. A nicer man you will not meet and we were delighted when he accepted our invitation to drive him to the airport for his flight back to Arizona. We will look forward to attending the NCAA Nationals next year and watching Anthony go all the way.
The Abby Fund was created in memory of the former CCHS student Abdirauf Abdullahi. “Abby,” as his friends called him, graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School in June 2006, having received a full scholarship to college. Two months before attending his first semester, he was shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity and urban violence. This evening Maya performed an African dance to drum music during the fundraiser and will dance two more times this weekend.
Eye of the Storm is a Massachusetts equine rescue center dedicated to saving the lives of horses who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Jeanine, Maya and her Girl Scout troop visited the Stow center today where Jeanine took this photo.
My new office is very reminiscent of the one I had at Truevision. It is only day two but I feel very at home in my new surroundings which is good as I have spent 30 hours here in my first two days.
Today begins a new chapter in my professional career as the Senior VP of Product Development for the Home Robots Division of iRobot. I spent the entire morning in orientation briefings with 7 other new employees (the company is growing fast). The Government & Industrial Division does some work for the defense department on Secret and Top Secret projects. Because of this all employees must understand and comply with stringent security policies. I enjoyed lunch with my new boss and spent the afternoon in meetings with new colleagues. I spent the evening settling into my new office and made it home in time to enjoy the 11pm news.
For the last few days many of the roads to and from our home have been flooded due to heavy rains. This has added significant delays to our simplest journeys. Today, fortunately, the water has subsided sufficiently to allow slow passage. Our home sits on high ground and we have been spared the problems of many of our Concord neighbors who have flooded basements.
At Kyle’s request, I am adding a full-length image of Hannah subsequent to my original posting.
The Black & White Ball was held this evening at the high school. Kyle escorted the lovely Hannah, and both allowed me to photograph them after the event. Nicolai, after much vascillation, also decided to attend. Both fit in the tuxedo I wore at my wedding and it was amusing to watch them fight over it.
When we returned from the talent show the family enjoyed an Angel Food cake prepared from scratch by Maya and her Aunt Lauren. By the time I set up a proper fill flash, the cake was already being devoured and I had to settle for this poorly lit photo of the cooks and their creation.
Maya with friends Sarinnagh and Kristina performed a dance routine that she choreographed during the annual Willard School Talent show this evening. Thunderous applause from the standing room only audience was the reward for extensive rehearsal and flawless execution. Maya reports that she loves being on stage.
Jeanine’s sister Lauren and nephew Luke are staying with us for a couple of days while they check out the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. This evening Kyle and Luke grilled a chicken and built a nice fire. Nico and I helped eat the chicken. Later the cousins took up a game of cards on the deck making the most of the great spring weather.