Party! - Day 63 #CY365

Well it not exactly a party per se, it's lunch at the Chartreuse Bistro in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. It's one of my favorite places to eat. The food is wonderful, the tableware and decor are inspiring and the whole team make it a wonderful place for a relaxing break in the middle of the day. Chartreuse is locally owned by husband and wife team - general manager Karine Varga and executive chef Christopher Corrie. Just in case you're interested today's lunch was fish stew; a kale salad with goat cheese dressing, almonds, apricot, and onion; and an amazing mushroom & fontina focaccia. The menu is different everyday, you must try when in Norfolk.

iPhone 5 - with a newly cracked screen, Camera+ app.

Cattus Petasatus - Day 61 #CY365

Happy Birthday Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, who was born on March 2, 1904. This is a Latin translation of the children's classic first published in 1957. It belongs to my son Michael who teaches high school Latin and it's looked over by my prized Lucky Cat. iPhone 5, one LED Litepanel and the Camera+.

Oh Boy! - Day 53

My grandson Robert was by today. I had a new "build-on brick mug" for my little Lego maniac. He built this rocket mug creation all by himself and he's showing it off for Grandpa's photo of the day. iPhone 5, 1/20 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 64, Camera+ app.

Notice - Day 52

Sometimes you just have to notice the unusual or different perspective. I was walking to Norfolk's City Hall for a meeting this afternoon and looked up to notice the reflection of the Bank America Building in the green glass of the Norfolk Southern Railroad's headquarters building. Just to left is Norfolk's Confederate Solder Monument, a.k.a. "Johnny Reb". Just about every southern city, town or county seat has one of these. There was a line of thunderstorms advancing right behind me and I got soaked on the last two blocks of my journey. iPhone 5, 1/60 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 64, Camera+ app with the Clarity effect and the vibrant filter applied.

Two - Day 50 #CY365

Today's challenge was "Two". This is my Pebble smart watch, a Christmas gift from my son, daughter-in-law and grandson. I love watches and have a pretty decent collection of classic analog watches. So this was the perfect gift for me, a "high tech" watch. The Pebble allows you to change watch faces to thousands of possibilities. This text based face is one of the more distinctive and interesting faces. So at 2:02pm EST I took of photo on my sleek black Pebble, capturing two, twos. iPhone 5, 1/20 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 100, Camera+ app.

Where I Stand - Day 48

Today I stand with a cat toy, no a "kill", laid at my feet by our cat Sasha. This is her favorite toy and a meaningful gift. iPhone 5, 1/15 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 800, Camera+ app.

Shadows - Day 37 #CY365

Today's challenge "Shadows". These push pins in a bulletin board were harshly lit by the sun streaming in from a near by window. iPhone 5, 1/120 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 50, Camera+ App.

Secure - Day 27 #CY365

I walk by this cypher lock everyday but have no idea was the cypher is, so I guess it's pretty secure. iPhone 5 1/20 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 125, Camera + App converted to black and using Silver Efex Pro II.

Vivid - Day 26 #CY365

Vivid - In thinking of today's challenge I was looking for something that was both vivid - very bright in color and producing distinct mental images. I chose this empty bill container because of not only the bright colors but the memories it represents. This was one of two such containers that my father-in-law Carlton Garrett relied on each day towards the end of his life. Suffering from renal failure diagnosed in 2006 he spent 6 years in hemodialysis, 3 visits a week - 4 to 5 hours a visit, and then home based peritoneal dialysis for the last year and half of his life. There were a variety of pills to take four times a day and the brightly colored containers brought some order to the chaos of it all. We miss you Dad but always know your memory will be vivid.

iPhone 5, 1/300 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 50, Camera+ App, clarity enhancement, Diana filter and Film frame.

Revolving Door - Day 10 #CY365

Revolving door - "a door consisting of four orthogonal partitions that rotate about a central pivot; a door designed to equalize the air pressure in tall buildings; or an organization or institution with a high rate of turnover of personnel." This one is at Norfolk City Hall - the most appropriate definition is your call. iPhone 5, 1/24 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 50, Camera+ App with Olloclip fisheye lens.

Goals - Day 2 of 365

Starting another year with an early morning at Fitness Together Norfolk. Set a new goal for myself to get my weight down to 165 pounds. Six pounds to lose in January and got off to a good start today. Can't wait to see this Detecto scale level up at 165.

iPhone 5, 1/17 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 400, captured and converted to Black & white with the Camera+ App.

Naro @ Night

The Naro Cinema is in the heart, same say it is the heart, of the Ghent Business District along Colley Ave in Norfolk Virginia. Opened as The Colley Theater on Feb 24, 1936, it was a modern suburban theater with the latest amenities, 500 seats including a balcony and an art deco design. Since 1977 it has been operated by Tench Phillips and Thom Vourlas as an independent theater featuring foreign, art and independent films. Recently converted to digital projection, the theater hosted tonight's sneak preview of episode 1 of Downton Abbey season 4 for local PBS station WHRO.

iPhone 5, Camera+ app.

Doumar's @ Night

Doumar's @ Night. Over the past 100 years, Doumar’s has become an historic Norfolk landmark and is known for inventing the world’s first waffle cone. Stop by Monticello Ave between 19th and 20th Streets and enjoy a piece of Norfolk’s history and some of the best ice cream cones and barbecue around! Apple iPhone 5, f/2.4, ISO 100, Camera+ App, Olloclip wide angle lens.

Headed Down

I couldn't end the year without another stairway picture. Don't know what it is that catches my eye about stairs, but I think they make cool photos. iPhone 5, 1/30 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 50.

Barbacue and Fries

Doumar's classic drive-in on a December Saturday night. Yep, pork barbecue sandwiches with cole slaw and an order of fries. It's a Norfolk Virginia legend and a frequent stop for us. iPhone 5, 1/20 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 100, Olloclip fish eye lens.

Doug's Dome

Looking up at the inside of the dome at the Douglas MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk Virginia. Around the dome are inscribed the names of major battles from MacArthur's 50 years of service in the U.S. Army. His career spanned the Mexican Revolution, WWI, WWII and the Koren War. The building and its dome was originally designed as Norfolk's City Hall by Thomas U. Walter architect of the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington D.C. City Hall was completed in 1850. The dome is 32 feet in diameter and 52 feet high. iPhone 5, 1/24 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 50, Olloclip fisheye lens.

It's Oz

Saw this analog soundboard on a tour of the WHRO Public Broadcasting studios in Norfolk Virginia tonight. Two ladies along for tour were peering into the audio control room when one asked "is this radio or TV?" The second replied "it's Oz."
iPhone 5, 1/17 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400, Camera+ App.

Holiday Arcade

The Monticello Arcade in Norfolk Virginia decked out and celebrating its 105th Christmas holiday season. That a pretty good run. iPhone 5, 1/15 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 800, Camera+ App.

Holiday Trappings

Holiday trappings everywhere you look. I love the colors and sights of the season. iPhone 5, Camera+ app.

Tis the Season

Holiday decorations are going up every where so the season is upon us. Captured this cheery holiday bauble at MacDonald's Gaarden Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. iPhone 5, 1/120 sec @ f/2.4, ISO 100, Camera+ App.