The Christmas Turkey

On Christmas Day Jan and I went to her folks' place for a "round robin" Christmas Dinner. The main course was at her sister Karen and brother-in-law Frank's house. I had heard that they had "adopted" a tom turkey recently (or rather I think the turkey adopted them), and I was anxious to see if I could get a shot or two of the bird.

Normally, I think that turkeys are pretty secretive, preferring to stay far away from humans and their habitat. But this one seems to have taken over Karen and Frank's yard, and is very protective of his "space."

As I moved quietly closer to the turkey, he noticed me and immediately displayed his tail feathers, and began to quietly gobble (I guess that's the term for it), moving back and forth in a diagonal pattern. As he weaved back and forth toward me, I got the impression he wasn't very happy I was there.

As he moved closer to me, I moved away from him. We "danced" like that until he began to lunge toward me to peck. I took one last portrait shot, and then stomped and yelled at him and he ran off behind one of the cars.

Frank says the turkey is fond of sneaking up behind him as he reads the paper in the hammock. Maybe if I took the time, the tom would eventually learn to tolerate me being around. I hope you like the photos, and I hope your Christmas holiday was filled with good cheer.

All the best,

Mike Z

Our Christmas Tree 2009

I am sending all my Photographic Memory friends and visitors this Christmas "card" to let you know how much I appreciate everyone who's visited and shared my photos and stories. I wish you all the Happiest of Holidays, whatever the holidays mean for you. I hope you're with friends and family, and that you are able to forget about the worries and stresses that inevitably crop up in life, and most of all that you find rest, joy and peace as we end 2009 and look forward to 2010 and beyond.

All the Best to You and Yours!

Mike Z

Sunset in Wharton TX

I did a lot of traveling this week--from Austin to San Antonio to Houston to Brownsville, and back to San Antonio! I don't recommend that much driving to anyone. Too hard.

But, as I drove through Wharton TX, south of Houston on the way to Corpus, I passed this small pond as the sun set, and had to stop and take a photo.

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I have a few more, but this shot is my favorite. I hope you like it. As usual, when I find more "photo ops," I will post them up.

all the best,

Mike Z

Tour of the McNay Museum, San Antonio TX

Driving through San Antonio, I had passed the McNay Museum many times. This time I had my trusty travel camera with me, so during lunch hour (arguably the worst time of day to take photos) I drove in to see the sights.

Entrance to the McNay Museum



The Fountain and Main Building

I was met at the gate by a very friendly Security guard, who asked what I was doing and if I was going to take professional photos. I said no, I was just going to take some snapshots of some of the artwork around the museum. He said the museum itself was closed that day, but that I was welcome to take non-commercial photos if I wished.

Sculpture near the Fountain

There were quite a few sculptures on the property, and an oriental garden and pond. Some of the sculptures were very strange, but most, like the one in the photo above, were very tasteful, and added to the calm feel of the area.

Another View of the Main Building

I wandered around for a while, snapping away, and came across this metal sculpture near the side of the main museum. I thought it was a very fine thing, a lot like some of the sculptures at the Benini Sculpture Ranch that I had been to recently.

Sculpture on the Grounds

The Security guard had told me that the museum was a popular place to have portraits and bridal photos taken. He said some days as many as a dozen different photo sessions were scheduled. The fee for the professional photo sessions was very reasonable, $20, and helped with the maintenance of the grounds around the museum.

Bridal Portrait

Near the main building there was a small pond with a mobile sculpture in the center. There were a few lilies in the pond, and it seemed to be well tended.

Moving Sculpture in Pond near Main Building



Water Lily in Moving Sculpture Pond



Palm Tree and Sky

The photo above was a whim. I looked up at one of the palm trees and thought how pretty it was next to the blue sky. I hope you agree.

Well, that about sums up my "tour" of the McNay Museum. I hope you like the photos.

Best regards,

Mike Z