As 2013 Comes to an End

From my original post on the SM9

I did receive a fantastic Underwood Standard.  It is the best typewriter in the collection save for the hard platen that makes it noisy.  Best of all was the price,
free.

The other highlight happened just this week when I received a free Omega D-II (predecessor to the D2V which is what I really want) enlarger is in great condition.  I've wanted a 4 X 5 enlarger for years and now this one is complete with the 4 X 5 condenser.  'Nuff said.  It'll fit nicely beside my Bessler 67C that I use for 35mm and 6 x 4.5 cm.  One day I hope to add medium format to the D-II.

Both of those only cost a bit of gasoline to go an get them and the trips were a nice for Mrs. M. as she seldom gets out and about and does not always desire to go along on my errands around town.

For those new to the blog Mrs. M's health is not always up to doing things.  She has a condition that causes paralysis (among other things) and she no longer walks.  So errands require getting in and out of a car too often for her to enjoy the outing.

Well, much more went on during 2013.  Many things were completed and many more left uncompleted.  As I reviewed a list of things to do from 2007, 2008, and 2009 I found many of the same things are still undone.

Now to dust off my old Signal Electric spark gap key and get ready for Straight Key Night .  Or I may just use my J-38.

Christmas: 79 Years and Still Going

I knew the paper was at the end.  Trying to stretch it did not quite work.

I have quite a bit to write about Rich.  He and Bob were my first mentors and they had quite an impact on my life.  I've had quite a successful life.  I know my life would be much better though had I lived more as they did. 

Here are the links to the Santa Truck:

Lykens site

Please spend some time on this site.  For me many many great memories from working with Rich and the Santa team.  I left Lykens in the early 80s never to return again to be able to work with the gang.  Rich and Bob (and some of the other fellows) are no longer with us.

The best I can say is that Rich was a humble man that never liked attention.  I hope if he can see from the beyond that he is not upset his family set up the wonderful tribute to him. 

'Tis the Night Before Christmas

I'm Still Here

While we were away this arrived.

 

 

 

 

 

The longest masonry stone arch bridge in the world.  The Rockville Bridge.
I travelled under this bridge for nearly 20 years every day.

 

 

 

 

I have several photos of the bridge and trains from the 70s when I was in college taking photography classes.  Back then you could go up on the bridge and take photos and even walk the bridge.  Technically it was probably illegal, but I met some track crews and have some unique photos.  All  I need is to dig them out of my files.  The bridge was built in 1900 and is over 3800 feet long.  Before Conrail I think there were 4 tracks on top.  No there is one or two.

On the way home we drove past the monuments in D.C.  I could not resist imitating Luis over at One Photograph a Day and snapping a few photos as we went through.  Construction is almost finished on the repairs of the Washington Monument.

 

Jefferson Memorial

Doc Pomus was a singer and songwriter of the 1950s and 60s.  He wrote many of the songs old guys like me grew up with.  Later I played hundreds of his songs on the radio and today they get quite a bit of air play as oldies. 

I watched the DVD and if you liked the music of the 50s and 60s I think you will enjoy his story.

Doc was quite an amazing fellow.  When I heard about the documentary on NPR I contacted the producers and was able to get an advanced copy of the DVD. 
The movie is being screened in selective theaters and the DVD is available in limited quantities until 22 December.

http://pomussongs.com/

http://akadocpomus.com/the-film/


To order the DVD