Flying With The Pope

This is a friend of ours that spent many years flying for a well known Mexican airline as a flying attendant. It was in one of his many flights that the Pope and his court happened to be the passengers. Obviously he was not going to pass up the opportunity to take a picture with the Pope. This image, definitely one worth displaying. I really enjoyed putting this one together.


My sister took a picture of believe it or not another picture that was already in a frame, she had the jpeg for a while and really didn't know what to do with it. She wanted to get it cleaned a little to maybe have a print done so she could keep it. When she mentioned this to me I asked her to email me the image and that I would have my associates take a look at it and to perhaps have something done to it.

I sent the jpeg to Nikki and asked her if she could clean it up. She looked at it and told me that since the resolution wasn't the best there was only so much she could do with it but since she was about to graduate I would have to wait.

Well, she now has graduated and as promised as soon as she had a chance she got to work on it. She cropped it to completely eliminate the pieces of frame showing, then she brighten it a little but the real magic was in the way she almost made the flash glare disappear. If you look where the hands are touching that's the only reflection left of the flash. The final result is the illusion of electricity being passed from one hand to the other. After all he was the Pope and him possibly a pauper.

I called her and told her the picture was ready so I took it down for her to see, then I asked her if she wanted to keep it she could, she said to please finish it up by putting it in a frame. I was up to the challenge so off I went to our local arts and crafts store after a few minutes I found the perfect frame for it and after trying every mat color in the racks I decided for the one you see here. I think the final result is outstanding, possibly one of the best frames I've done to date.

I have a friend at work that after seeing the frames has asked me if I can frame a picture for her too. And so the services we provide expand. I am just thrilled to see that what we are doing is so well received.

This is the final product. The frame and mat I think worked perfect for with the image.

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July 2nd -- Bike Night at Westgate

Welcome to Westgate City Center in Glendale Arizona, home of the Coyotes Arena and the Cardinals Stadium, and tonight the stage for hundreds of bikes.

And so on very humid 110 degree afternoon hundreds of bikers packed Coyote Blvd. at Westgate City Center on Thursday, July the 2nd. It was hot, it was muggy, and it was awesome, any time so many bikes are in one place it's a sight to be seen. I got there at around 7;00 pm, out on a different parking lot the Patriot Guard Riders known to escort and keep guard at soldiers funerals rode in escorted by a couple of Glendale's finest. The Patriot Riders are regular bikers with a particular passion for riding and a deep respect for the military. Their bikes are equipped with multi color lights resembling the lights on a regular police bike. Seeing the bikes ride through the crowded street, carrying the American flags while the speakers played I'm Proud to be an American was emotional to say the least.

A motorcycle cop rides ahead of the pack as he opens the way for the motorcade.

Patriot Guard Riders riding through Coyote Blvd.

Thousands of bikers and spectators were enjoying the sights and sounds of the event. The big screen TV played clips recorded earlier in the day. The loud speakers played patriotic music in honor of the upcoming Independence Day. And no empty sits in or out of all the restaurants in the complex, and trust me there are many of those there. Being that today was the last bike night the restaurants and bars are going to miss bike night. Bikers are not shy at spending money and are usually very giving individuals.

As you can see the desert heat did not discourage us from packing Westgate tight.

Can we all get along? Yes we can. Gone are the days where "bikers" would give "rice burner" riders a hard time. The hardcore biker image is pretty much gone, now we are bikers but above all we are riders and we have learned to co-exist and to share the space equally. I personally think that it's awesome to have the mixture and to respect each others riding choices and philosophies.

Here is a big group of Japanese bikes.

This one here is totally my style. Awesome color, great rims, and I really dig the white wall tires.

This one here is an old pan head beautifully restored. The two tone paint job is awesome and it sports a suicide shifter.

This is a replica of what could possibly be the most famous bike in the world. "Captain America" the infamous chopper riden by Peter Fonda in the now classic "Easy Rider".

Another sweet ride complete with black paint job, white wall tires, and beach cruiser handlebars.

That is enough for this edition of cruising Westgate City Center with Joe Cool. Next time I will show you some of the not so regular bikes there. Today I concentrated on showing you the ones that are within my riding style. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed photographing them.

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SYTYCD Top Fourteen

So, four more have left since my last post. Because this season they are all so good it is hard to see anybody leave, so far there has not been the "I am mad because such contestant left" syndrome. I did hate to see Max go as I thought they let him go too soon but still someone had to go.

Two weeks ago we said goodbye to Max and Ashley, of the two I was bummed Max was cut but I predicted it and not necessarily because he was bad, I just knew knew he would be the one and I wan not wrong. But as I mentioned before this is the best top ten couples I have seen in all five seasons and I have not missed one yet so any one contestant leaving is sort of sad.

Last week it was Jonathan's and Asuka's turn. In Jonathan's case it didn't come as a big surprise, I thought he should have left the prior week and not Max but I also knew his days in SYTYCD were numbered. Asuka on the other hand had a great performance and I felt she should have stuck around instead of Karla. But again, competition is so tight this year that it doesn't really matter. At least all of my favorites are still in the competition.

Last night's show was without a doubt one of the most exciting shows in it five year history. To start things off Brandon and Janette opened up with and I agree with Nigel the best cha-cha to date. Being first is really not a good thing but in this couple's case it didn't make a difference, they came out and performed setting the bar so high for the remaining six couples that I don't think anybody that loves dance and loves the show will forget that performance anytime soon.

Brandon was harshly criticised by Mia during the last days in Vegas stating that he wasn't "all that" and that she just didn't "see it". Last night probably against her will but recognizing the obvious she paid him an apology of sorts that inevitably drew tears to Brandon's eyes. This couple in my opinion has been very consistent, and to think that Janette was supposed to be good only as a Salsa dancer.

Kupono and Kayla did very, very good too. Kayla is such a strong dancer that I have no doubt will make it far. She certainly has the potential to go all the way. Kupono is good but will leave eventually, he may out dance Jayson though and Evan.

Evan and Randi, I really enjoy this couple but they probably don't have the strongest fan base. There are other couples that are already hugging most of the votes. I think their Broadway routine last night was really good and I enjoyed it. As expected they didn't get the best reviews and were even criticised for being short, ouch! I am short too so that kindda hurt.

Jason and Caitlin, I have liked this couple since their Bollywood routine but they continue to find themselves in the bottom three and probably will be there again tonight. I think Caitlin is a fantastic dancer and Jason is good but I get the feeling they are in danger, mostly Jason whom stated last night that he barely squeaked by last week.

Phillip and Jeanine don't have to worry. He probably has the biggest fan base and she is just that good. Not my favorites at all but apparently everybody elses.

Ade and Melissa, definitely one of my favorite couples. She is the oldest contestant but you wouldn't know that by the way she looks and moves. Their Pas De Deux to Romeo and Juliet was just awesome.

And last but not least, Vitolo and Karla the definite underdogs in this competition the ones that pretty much were supposed to crash and burned last night delivered a great quick step routine. The whole thing was fun and I think they really delivered. Their costumes were awesome and Karla surprised us when in just one second she changed from what I thought was the worse costume for their routine into a wonderful ballroom outfit. They most likely will be bottom three again but I wouldn't count them out just yet.

So there you have it seven awesome routines 14 great dancers. It will definitely go down to popularity and my prediction is that Vitolo and Karla, Evan and Randi, and Jason and Caitlin will once again be dancing for their lives tonight.

Should be interesting but I don't expect to be too surprised.

This week's top fourteen.
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Tidbit Time

Let me see if I can come up with some tidbits. For starters let me tell you that our weather here in the valley of the sun is reaching 110 degrees. We had a nice break in our weather the first three weeks of June but we are paying it now. And yet last Saturday I washed the car and drove it topless to one of our car club functions. My motto is adjust and overcome, contrary to popular belief, life doesn't stop because it gets a little hot. Our swimming pool is seeing a lot of action and doing an excellent job at keeping us cool, particularly the kids, they live for swimming.

As my sister in law stated in a comment to a post I had on Facebook. "Whatever it takes". This came up when mi chica asked me if I could drive her to her hair stylist on Sunday. "Sure, I can" was my reply when she asked on Saturday afternoon. So, Sunday morning at 6:45am mi chica wakes me up, "Come on baby, it's time to go", huh! what? where? "My hair appointment, remember I asked you" my appointment is at 7:00am. Seven in the morning on a Sunday? What women will do in the name of beauty. Well, she is worth it so off we went.

Looking forward to the three day weekend. R&R and laying by the swimming pool is a major part of the agenda, I am sure babysitting the grand kids will be included in the deal but that's OK. I avoid crowds and specially on 110 degree days so going out to catch any fireworks is totally out. No, no, no, that is just not for me. I am sure the kids are all going out although I haven't heard if Avondale or Goodyear cancelled the fireworks show like many cities are doing to save money, after all their budgets are pretty tight.

Arrrg!, I just realized that like a dummy I left my lunch at home. Green chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice. What a fool. Now I'll be thinking about food and actually I am already hungry. Now the tug of war of what to eat begins, of all the fast food places around my work nothing sounds appetizing. What to eat, what to eat? I am open to suggestions, anybody wants to express me a meal you may do so, specially if it's home cooked.


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The CMC Ice Cream Social

The temperature was well over 100 degrees and my car was a total mess, so after thinking about it for a while I grabbed my towels, and my bucket and I headed outside to wash it. Of course I invited two helpers to come out to give me a hand. I thought I was crazy being out there when it was that hot but my two little helpers didn't seem to think so. After all when it's hot but you are constantly being wet it rather feels nice.


The goal was to get the car ready for the ice cream social, it needed cleaning both in the inside and outside if I wanted it to look semi decent. The heat did take the best of me and after an hour or so of being outside I just had to come into the air conditioned house and get under the cold shower. I found out later that the temperature reached about 110 degrees. No wonder I was about to melt.

In the end the car looked pretty decent considering. Being a daily driver and taking approximately 50 miles per day the car is starting to show it's age, but every time I wash it the car still looks good. Why of course it is after all a Mustang.




At around 4:30pm we left for the meeting place. In contrast to our Pancake Breakfast where we pretty much knew everybody, this time around it was like visiting a new club, we didn't know anybody and it felt completely different. The club has gone from mostly vintage Mustangs to the very high value Shelbys, Rouchs, and Cobras, etc, etc, etc. So much has changed since I joined ten years ago. And to think that the founder of the club is still and active member that attends the meetings and activities. This year the club is celebrating it's 30th Anniversary.



Here are some of the cars attending today:

This one was one classy classic. The paint and body were perfect.

This baby is ready to race.

My humble Mustang next to a pretty awesome late model. Love the model in front of the two.

Pretty classy too, ain't it?

I really like this front end. The headlights are pretty unique.

A really nice Fox Body.

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Time Flies

The distant past feels like yesterday, the distant future is too far away. The older I get the faster the days, week, months, and years pass. I am starting to feel them swoosh over my head.

The weekend is here again, I think it's awesome to look forward to the two days off but I just think Fridays come way too fast, so fast that I am left thinking where did my week go? It also makes me wonder what it's doing to may age process. It certainly feels like I'm getting old too fast. Could it be that I am conscious about my age because I am going to be 50 in a couple of months. No I don't think so, I for one appreciate the getting old process and am thankful for each day I wake up. Still the weekends just get here way too fast.

But, since the weekend is here let me do everything in my power to have an awesome weekend. Normally my weekends are reserved for sleeping late and catching up with my chores,(yes, I do have some of those). These days are also reserved for swimming and just plain laying in the pool in my not so trusty plastic floater (the kids already saw to it to puncture it). I know some good food and probably movie watching will be involved and some heavy duty car washing too.

My car is a total mess, it has not been washed for a while and tomorrow is our annual car club ice cream social. This year it will include an impromptu car show and so I will be busy trying to bring my car up to par.

It should be a good one. It's always nice to go and see so many Mustangs in one place. No doubt our club is one of the best in the country with over 300 registered members and activities for all to last through the year. Come and visit our website just to take a peak. Copperstate Mustang Club.

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Father's Day

Thanks to the girls in our lives for making Father's Day always such a fun, food, love, family, filled event every year. If we rock it's all because of you.

This is my nephew Chris, soon to be a daddy again.

This is my son in law Loyiel.

Me, and sons in law Loyiel and Junior.

Me and my awesome son.

He who has the most hands on his shirt wins.

All of the above images were stolen from the awesome blog "My World Through My Eyes". Please make sure to visit her for a different take on this wonderful day.

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Invation Of The Water Snatchers

Woke up typically late, after all it's Saturday and it's my day to sleep late, but wait besides my three live-in grand kids didn't two more slept here? Yep, my grandson "Ducky" and adopted grandson Noe also spent the night, that means that if I'm smart I should stay in my room and hide or...

Let me go out to the peace and tranquility of my back yard. It's a little hot though. Wow, Mike is really doing a great job at keeping up with my back yard, no wonder last Saturday he took over three hours trimming here and there. Oh but look at that pool, it's a little hot and that water is saying "Jump in, jump in, and I will keep you fresh and cool".

Oh yeah, let me go and get my floaters in, I shall escape the kids and relax in the cool pool water, floaty here I come.


Some people buy these very expensive floaters but for me this little $3.00 plastic unit is more than enough. Only thing is, will the bright orange color clash with my not tanned body?

Oh, hell yes it clashes, darn I'm white and I'm not white if you know what I mean. No wonder mi chica thought I was Puero Rican and not Mexican when she met me.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey... who invited you to my shindig, who let you crashed my partei, wait... who in the heck are you?

Well, so much for peace and tranquility in the coolness and freshness of the pool water.

No, no, no, no, how in the heck are you little things multiplying? Who are you invaders? This is a nightmare, the attack of the water snatchers, get out of my sweet dream and let me re-claim my pool, my little oasis in the desert, my piece of paradise.

What, that I must be crazy, and you won't leave my domain, and you even dare throw me the "I am all powerful" sign by raising your fist to the air. Well, that's not fair, I'm only one lowly grandpa and you are seven monsters in training.

Well you know what they say, if you can't beat them, then join them, and that's exactly what I did. After what seemed hours in the pool they all came out begging for food, and the girls from the inside, the ones that unleashed those monsters into grandpa's swamp of fun hooked us up with the best tasting sandwiches and some little packets of punch. It all made for a fun time in the sun, a grandpa and seven of his grand kids. There were two more inside but since they are of the toddler kind they had to say inside.

Yes, my grand kids invaded my desert oasis, and my paradise but truth be told I enjoyed every single minute of it and bowed that we will do this again soon.

Kids, what a blessing... in disguise.

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