Sept. 10 - Lisa's Musings (on agility trials) and Every Day Life

Today was the perfect day for an agility trial, so I headed to the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club to take some photos and find some friends I hadn't seen in a "dog's" age.

You see, it's been a long time -- probably about four years -- since I've shown at an American Kennel Club agility trial. In fact, the last time I trialed was in Wisconsin at the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever National Specialty and Widgeon, my first Toller, got his third and final qualifying score needed for his agility excellent title.

With his untimely death not too long thereafter, I haven't had a Toller who loved agility the way Widgeon did. Consequently, I haven't competed.

I'm a believer of the "agility is fun school" and Ryan, my dear, dear Ryan, doesn't share my enthusiasm for the sport. With me at least, so I never showed him in AKC.

Driver, on the other hand, is very game to play this agility sport, but I've been so busy being a reporter, I haven't had a chance to really show him all the skills he needs.

And, I don't show my dogs until I'm sure they know their part in this team sport and, I've never shown a dog in agility until they're at least two years old. He's just 18 months old at this point, so his turn will come.

But in the meantime, I've put on blinders and ignored the whole thing. Until today.

All it took was one look at all those dogs out on course running, jumping, zipping through tunnels and weave poles to remind me what I've been missing.

I came home, edited my photos and vowed that this fall and winter Driver and I would do some training and be ready to play this spring.

So, today, not only was I able to reconnect with old friends, but also I reconnect with a sport I love and was reminded of the bond that dog and owner form while playing in agility.

Sometimes, when I least expect it, I'm reminded of the really fun stuff in life. And it's time I partake in a little more of it.

Sept. 7 - Lisa's Musings (on going back to school) and Every Day Life

I spent the first day of school at Logan Elementary today.

Surprisingly, I saw no teary-eyed kindergartner's parents and Logan Principal Terra Webster made mention of not needing a box of tissues this year, either.

What I saw were excited teachers and students who couldn't wait to get on with the school year.

And I learned the Logan cheer, too.
"Hey Logan!
We're Logan!
Where are the leopards?
Right here!
We've got spirit!
We've got smarts!
We will work with all our hearts."

And, I'm sure they will.

Wish I could have stayed for lunch -- hot dogs were on the menu, but I had to head out to a Road Commission meeting.

And once I finish this and feed the dogs, it's off to the Ann Arbor City Council meeting.

'Tis a busy Tuesday.

Sept. 5 - Lisa's Musings (about Dancing in the Streets) and Every Day Life

Oh what a difference a day makes.

As promised, I did read every word about U-M football in the Free Press today and smiled. Yesterday's game was a great start to the season and no "but, but, but" could take that away from me. And it shouldn't take anything away from the team, either.

Enjoy it for a couple days, folks. Quit looking for negatives and savor what happened on the field yesterday. Please.

I am. In fact, I pseudo danced in the streets of Ann Arbor this afternoon.

But, it's not what you're thinking. I covered the annual Labor Day Weekend event in downtown called "Dancing in the Streets."

And, lots of people were doing it. Some already knew how; others were learning. But what they all had in common were the smiles on their faces.

If I hadn't been lugging my camera and a notebook and a pen, I'd probably have joined them. I did dance in place a bit and swayed back and forth.

It was perfect weather, the live music was terrific, and to quote one person I spoke to for my story, "This is quintessential Ann Arbor."

Yup.

How many cities do you know that will close the streets so people can dance in them?

So tap your feet for U-M.

Go Blue.

Aug. 29 - Lisa's Musings (on hummingbirds) and Every Day Life

As a reporter, it's a good bet that I learn something new almost every day. Sometimes it's useful knowledge; other times not so much.

Today, I learned that I probably do not have a future as a nature photographer -- if that "natural" subject has to cooperate for it to work. Trees, flowers, even bees, I can handle them, but hummingbirds, well here's what happened.

After a nice chat with two nature photographers at the Sunday Artisan's Market today, I decided I wanted to shoot some photos of "my" hummingbirds. You know, the ones I provide food to at least twice a week. On my dime. The ones that are always eating and hovering at the new feeder I bought for them this year.

The ones I stand in the living room and watch all the time.

Those hummingbirds.

So, inspired by the professional photographers I met today, I decided to take the camera, a cup of coffee and a book out to the front porch for some quiet time with nature.

I positioned myself at the perfect angle to the feeder to snap away for pretty blog photos. And I waited and I waited and I waited.

Engrossed in my book, one hummer came calling. She took one look at me, hovered for the time it took me to realize there was a hummingbird at the feeder and flew off. Missed opportunity number one.

So, I quietly sat there, camera poised, listening to the birds, and my dogs periodically bark at the deer on the far side of the house that I couldn't see. I'm not even sure how long I sat there, but long enough for my arms to get tired holding the camera in that position. So, I rested it on my legs and listened intently for that distinct hummer fluttering sound.

And voila -- there she was again. But before I could lift up my camera, she was gone.

Missed opportunity No. 2.

So, I waited some more ... long enough to surprise a chipmunk that came around the corner. I'm not sure who was more scared -- the chipper or me because we both jumped.

More waiting. More barking. More bees at the feeder, but no hummers. I was probably out there for two hours.

Since the lovely light I'd had was gone, I gave up and went inside, and as I turned to close the front door, there she was, feeding away.

And I think I detected a hummingbird sneer.

Aug. 28 -- Lisa's Musings (on parades in photos) and Every Day Life

I love a parade. Especially the Chelsea Fair Parade.

But what I love even more? Shooting photos at the Chelsea Fair Parade.

Enjoy.

And look for the video tomorrow.

Aug. 27 - Lisa's Musings (on cover cats) and Every Day Life

Regular readers know I'm a dog person, but in my other life I'm the editor of a cat magazine. I know, the dogs can't believe it, either.

And for the second time in 21 years, one of my photos graced the cover of the magazine. I'm kinda excited because it looks REALLY good. (I'll see if I can get a pdf of it from my designer now that it's been mailed to readers and post it in the future.)

Plus, the cat lives in Ann Arbor. I happened upon this kitty while out on assignment for A2 Journal. Which was also the case with my first cover.

Now, I'm pretty darn good in picking content that my readers like, but covers? Not so much. The owners of I Love Cats and I have never quite seen eye to eye (or whisker to whisker) on what images make a good cover.

But this year's been different.

Not sure why. Either I'm finally "getting it" after all these years, or they are coming around to my way of thinking -- because my finger snapped two of the six covers in 2010.

And I'm rather proud of myself for this little feat.

I feel like the cat's meow.

Aug. 26 - Lisa's Musings (on National Dog Day) and From Every Day Life

Today is National Dog Day but don’t tell my two because I didn’t get them anything.

I didn’t take them to National Take Your Dog to Work Day – I think it was last month – either. Because technically, they are constantly a part of my work day.

Driver sleeps under my feet when I’m working on my laptop, until he wants to do something, then he puts his front feet on my leg and licks me in the face. It’s impossible to ignore dog love.

Ryan does his best to force me to get up and walk around a few times a day by whacking at the door to go out in the dog yard or by barking at deer while out on the three season porch. He likes to do it early in the morning – before I’ve had my second cup of coffee, so I usually have to get up and tell him to stop barking. I’m not fond of barking dogs.

But back to National Dog Day. It’s really a day to celebrate dogs that are in need of rescue, family dogs and dogs that work to save lives.

And, although my two could be considered family dogs, these guys actually do stuff – like dog shows, so, not sure if that would apply.

Besides, in this house, pretty much every day is Lisa Dog Day because these two make me smile, many times a day.

Perhaps I should have bought them something because they truly are my greatest gifts.

Aug. 22 - Lisa's Musings (from The Big House) and Every Day Life

I don't think Rich Rod can buy a break these days.

At Fan Day today, U-M security couldn't open the gate to get him to his designated autograph signing spot. So, he took things into his own hands (and feet) and climbed the brick wall next to the gate.

With a U-M cop close behind.

I'll give him credit for being a good sport about it though, as he remarked, "I won't be able to do this 10 years from now." Followed by a huge grin.

Speaking of huge smiles. I don't think Denard Robinson stopped smiling all afternoon as he greeted fan after fan and happily mugged for photos. This year, they split up the QB's and Tate Forcier was at one table and Robinson was several tables down the way.

Fans quickly discovered where he was and Robinson's line seemed to go one forever.

Now, I don't know either of these student athletes, but on appearances alone -- it sure looked like Robinson was having a blast. Forcier not so much.

And I can tell you, standing in line did not deter the fans in the least bit. They were all smiles no matter how long they had to wait.

There was all kinds of excitement in the air at this event. Especially when fans were allowed a rare chance to go down on the field.

The newly renovated stadium looked beautiful. A lot nicer inside than out. And even the weather cooperated. It was almost early fall-like.

There's just something magical about the weeks leading up to the first game of a new football season.

No wins. No losses. Just optimism.

Go Blue.

Aug. 17 - Lisa's Musings (on proof in the photo) and Every Day Life

Ah, the comfortable power of the seat cushion.










I look almost happy to be sitting the Ann Arbor City Council chambers Monday night, don't I?

Well, in the interest of truth in journalism, I asked Ryan Stanton from Ann Arbor DotCom to take my photo. (So, a shout out to him for helping me with this blog.)

OK, I look kinda goofy sitting there on my new seat-and-back cushion, but you get the picture, right?

And, all the council members, and a few members of the public, were impressed. Maybe even envious. I did hear a few "sweet," comments.

The thing is, and I'm not complaining, mind you, but I hardly had a chance to get it warm because, are you ready, the meeting was over in about an hour.

Sure, it looked like a light agenda, but with this group, ya never know what might be lurking in the wings just waiting to drag the meeting out for hours and hours.

Not so Monday night, although I was also warned by one council member that this would probably the only time we'd get out this early until next August.

Gulp.

But I'll be ready for that first meeting in September, armed with my new butt-and-back comfort aide.

I wonder if it will make it on TV.

One thing's for sure, though, I know it will be well broken in by the time the meeting's over.

Now, if I can just stay awake ...

Aug. 14 - Lisa's Musings (from MIS 2) and Every Day Life

Race weekend Part II.

More scenes from the Michigan International Speedway during NASCAR weekend.

Bring on Race Day.