Retracing her tracks in the sand.

I just returned from a photo session/vacation to Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead. The weather was amazing, cool in the mornings - about 50 F - until just past noon when it reached the mid 80's . It was a special trip for me for a couple reasons, including sharing this experience through the lens and making memories for a couple lifetimes.

My Mother took a trip to the west with her sisters when I was a little boy, probably 9 years old or so. She never traveled, refused to fly, so I was interested in knowing why she decided to take that trip. Before she passed, she told me about her trip west, describing in detail the rock formations, the plants, how vivid the colors were, how indescribably massive the Grand Canyon was, the crisp dryness of the air, that she was part Cherokee Indian, and most importantly how she felt being there.

She brought back a plastic cowboy playset from that trip for me. I still have the two horses and one cowboy, sans hat. I thought about my Mom a lot this trip, how she seemingly provides just what I need, when I need it. It amazed me how her stories of the west resounded in my minds eye, just like watching a scene from an epic movie. I was taken back to childhood when Loml pointed out rock formations with the question "What's that look like" as we laughed at how we came to the same conclusions at the same time. An elephant, a skull, and a few unmentionables etc...

I hope you enjoy the photos.

It was a special trip with sites beyond imagination created millions of years ago and memories made that will last a lifetime. Both that 9 year old, and now a much older man, felt we were retracing her tracks in the sand.

See the pics here.

The End of the Rainbow

My 4 year old son Brandon and I were on our way to the Young at Art Museum this past weekend. The weather was drizzling rain and basically a nasty day for South Florida. We've enjoyed spotting rainbows in the past and I was particularly excited to point out a BIG rainbow forming in front of us. Brandon's excitement grew as the rainbow became wider and wider, growing more brilliant with each second of its' life.

I stopped the car to take a few pics with my iPhone. As we spoke about the rainbow, Brandon was excited and wanted to tell a loved one about his "find". We drove a little north, actually getting a better view of the rainbow. As we turned the curve, there it was, in an open field - THE END OF THE RAINBOW. I parked the car and snapped a few more pics. It was so bright, translucent and as bright as neon lights. The experience lasted about two minutes, I stood in the rain trying to comprehend what I had seen, talking to my son through the car window, magic was in the air.

First hand, I can tell you there is no POT "o" GOLD, but a golden memory that I shared with my son. The pic does no justice to the excitement, magic, and mystical feeling we experienced. We can only hope everyone gets to see the end of a rainbow in their lifetime.

Home for the almost the Holidays

Brandon and I returned from a beautiful long weekend in Lousiville, KY. While there we visited with his Grandfather, Aunt, and many Uncles and Cousins. He was busy from sun-up to sun-down, which of course meant I was too! It was cold, no snow however. Too bad, the little guy wanted to meet FROSTY!

Brandon has become acustom to me making a DVD of his events, especially travel. With this top of mind, I took some adorable pics of his activities. I'll post the video link here once it's complete and passed the little director's final cut!

Having an older "Papaw" means it's that much more of special time when we can visit. There was no warming up period. The two of them played, ticked, and fought like they were the best of friends. It was evident to all, they love each other. It warmed my heart!

Brandon also had the chance to reconnect with HIS dog, Charlie, a 100 lbs.+ Australian Red Merle. Pic below!!!! It was Christmas, many thanks to all that made it possible for us. Love you all.

Randy

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family and friends, great food, and thoughts of what you are most thankful. Brandon was in a skillfully crafted play at his pre-school where he played the part of a Pilgrim. Nice job, he did. Might consider getting him an agent, Nahhhhhh.

His school event finished the day with a traditional turkey dinner, which I am proud to say he ate ALL of his turkey! Of course the last few days have been filled with banter back and forth... "you're my turkey, noooo daddy you're my turkey".

I had the interesting opportunity to prepare and have Thanksgiving dinner a few days early. It really doesn't matter all that much, it was a day of great smells, good conversation, filled with love and admiration. After all, it's just a day. Giving thanks needs many more days like I had Tuesday.

Updated Websites

I've finally taken the time to revise my websites. RandyDeWitt.com received a total overhaul and randydewittpics.com had some fun additions for me, including some nice pics of the everglades and pics taken with my i-Phone.

The links are:

www.randydewitt.com

www.randydewittpics.com

Hope you find what you need, if not give me a call or drop me an email.

Take care, happy holidays!

Randy

Apple Pastry Recipe - Yes, I like to Bake

Well, let's just say "some people drink when they feel bad, I bake!" Here's a quick recipe for Apple, Cran-Raisin Puff Pastry.

Pre-heat Oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2 tablespoons raisins

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1/4 stick butter cut into small pieces

1 sheet puff pastry dough

1 tablespoon flour for dusting

Let puff pastry dough thaw for 40 minutes, dust with flour, then roll thin

Cut apples and mix all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl

Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 second, stir

Dust both sides of dough with flour and spoon mixture onto middle of dough

Fold sides in and bunch ends until it holds in place

Make three or four slits in top of pastry dough

Dust top with sugar

Bake on cookie sheet for 12 to 15 minutes or until pastry is browned and flaky. Let cool 15 minutes, enjoy!!!!

New Website Featuring Photos

I launched a new website featuring photos taken over the past three years in July 2007.

The address is http://www.randydewittpics.com/

Hope you enjoy the pics, new categories coming soon!