Wordless Wednesday

(Redondo Pier)

Smoke? What smoke?

It looks like we’ve gotten to the point that smoke or no smoke, we’ve just got to get on with our lives. That certainly seemed to be the case at this year’s Best of the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks. After running some errands yesterday, Sweetie and I made our way over to Victorian Square to take in the sights.

Packed. The place was wall-to-wall people. And as you can see, the blue sky was obliterated by smoke and visibility only went so far. There are usually hills visible beyond the trees.

Still, the cloudy skies made for a huge soft box.

Smoke upon smoke. And no one seemed to care.

Lots of dads carrying kids.

Lots of eating.

Corn on the cob seems to be a universal favorite.

Everyone seems to have their own rib-eating style.

There are the nibblers.

There are the “strip the meat from the bones” types.

Fingers must be licked and teeth picked. Fingernails will do.

There were carnival rides.

And dancing in the streets.

Criss Angel’s little sister?

A couple of the musicians.

People hanging out and enjoying the music.

More dancing!

Dance routine!

And the big finish!

Tour de Nez: The Little Kids

And then there were the kids.

Adorable.

The wee ones (7 and under)

The little ones just did one sprint to the finish line. No laps. Heading back to get their medals.

I loved her outfit. My daughter would have dressed just like this at her age.

Everyone got a medal.

Wordless Wednesday: Break Time

Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

This week’s photo challenge is Pattern.

Bartley Ranch Park Sculpture

The weather was pretty nice yesterday, so I grabbed my camera and left the office for a little photo time. I kind of followed my nose and wound up at Bartley Ranch Regional Park.

In front of the old Huffaker School House there is a life-size sculpture of a boy and a girl playing at a water pump. I’ve been searching high and low for the artist and have not been able to determine who created this. However, it does bear a striking style resemblance to the sculpture I photographed last spring outside the Raggio Building on the University of Nevada campus.

I added some texture to these two.

See? Up there!

Reno Air Races, September 15, 2012

Day 189 – Playing in the fountain

I realize that I am a day behind. Late night Friday, full day yesterday. You all understand, I’m sure. Anyway, here is “yesterday’s” post.

Sparks, Nevada has a fun little downtown area called Victorian Square. Many street fairs are held there, including the Best in the West Rib Cook-Off and a weekly Farmer’s Market in the summer. One of the best parts of Victorian Square is an interactive fountain in front of the movie theater. Yesterday I stopped by to snap some of the kids trying to stay cool on a hot Nevada summer day.

It was hotter than the dickens and I could only bear about fifteen minutes in the sun, given that I didn’t have a hat or the freedom to jump in the fountain with the rest of them. Still, I got a lot of shots in (and handed my card out to the moms there), so if you’d like to see them all, just head on over to my SmugMug gallery.

The kids were having a blast and it was hard to narrow it down, but here are just a few of my favorite shots. (Moms – if you want a copy of any of my photos, please contact me via my Facebook page or contact me via email at carissanv at gmail dot com).