#41-Take genealogy DNA test – Done

Last week, I received a Living Social deal on a ancestry DNA test.  The test normally costs $199, but the deal was for $97.  I couldn’t pass up this deal!  I purchased it as quickly as possible so that I didn’t miss out on the discount.  I was expecting the kit to arrive on Saturday, but it arrived today.  I made sure that I read the directions several times before I took the DNA sample.  There were two swabs in the kit, and one was for each cheek.  I had to swab each cheek for 30 seconds, and place them in the envelope.  I will mail the swabs back tomorrow, Lord willing.  I can expect the results in 6 – 8 weeks.

The AncestrybyDNA tests “are  performed to determine an individual’s bio-geographic ancestry. Whether you’re interested in researching your family history, or just simply want to learn more about yourself, this test can provide you with a better understanding of your genetic ancestry and provide a window into further research about your possible ancestors”.  I have two friends who’ve already completed this test, and one has shared her results with me.  My second friend will share her results when I share mine.

I’ve now completed #41 on my 50 by 50 list.  This feels so good, and it’s exciting!

 

High Tea and 50 by 50

Today, I attended a High Tea at Kimberly Ann’s Tea Room in Glendale, Arizona.  I’ve wanted to do this for quite some time, and a group of friends brought the dream into fruition.  We all got dressed up, and some of us sported hats.    We had three different types of teas, scones, fruit, pastries, and finger sandwiches.  The tea was wonderful, and the atmosphere warm as well as inviting.

The ladies looked so beautiful.  They arranged this event to celebrate my birthday, and it brought tears to my eyes.  I thank God for these women and their friendship.  They made this 50 by 50 activity a very memorable one.

 

Comfortable Intimacy

During the wait for the Inauguration activities to begin, I watched the crowd.  I love going to events to people watch.  I like to document the event by capturing the expressions on people’s faces.  There were several people sleeping on the lawn of the Capitol while waiting for the event to program.  I noticed this couple sleeping, and I was so touched about the intimacy of the moment in a crowd of thousands of people.

 

Unforgettable – 57th Presidential Inauguration

One of the 50 activities on my “50 by 50” list to complete before my 50th birthday was to attend the Presidential Inauguration of President Barack Obama.  It was the inauguration for his second term.  It was such an amazing weekend.  There were so many people from as far away as Honolulu.  With the huge throng of people, there wasn’t one incident.  Everyone was happy, friendly, and so enthusiastic.  The media would have you believe that the size of this crowd was smaller than the first Inauguration.  I have to strongly disagree.

We stood in the “Orange” section, and were  perpendicular to the dais of the Capitol Building.  While I couldn’t see President Obama, I was on the grounds, and that meant the world to me.  Here are some of my favorite images from the weekend.

Self-Portrait #1

Lord willing, I will celebrate turning 50 later this year.  I created a list of the 50 things that I wanted to do by my 50th birthday, and one of the tasks is to take 50 self-portraits of myself.  I thought today was as good a day as any.  I purchased the Fedora that I’m wearing as a prop for future photo shoots so I decided to break it in on myself.   Here’s the result.

 

 

Yesteryear

Today, I attended a meeting at the George Washington Carver Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.  I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve lived in Phoenix for almost 8 years, and I’ve never visited this building.  Like all museums, history lived there.  I was intrigued by several old typewriters on display.   There were machines from the 1930’s and 1940’s.  There was always a card catalog present!  I can remember using typewriters when I was younger, and how you had to use corrective tape if you made an error,  My, we’ve come a long way, and just in my life time.  These machines inspired me to take out my camera and shoot.  See, I lost the desire last week when I learned about the passing of a fellow photographer, Ken Williams.  I met Ken via a Facebook group of photographers.  He became a mentor and a friend.  I didn’t feeling like shooting because of this loss.  Today, it returned.  So here’s to you, Ken.  Thank you for being a great person.

 

Year 2, Day 196: A Happy and Tired New Year

My granddaughter Desiree spent the weekend and New Year’s Eve with us.   She is  1.5 years in age, and a bundle of energy.  It’s been a long time since I’ve chased a toddler, and she provided me with plenty of exercise.   Yesterday, the plan was to tire her out so that she would sleep through the night.  Well, let’s just say that things didn’t go as planned.   Desi woke up at 4:15am, and would not go back to sleep.  We did the customary things – changed her diaper, and then fixed a bottle of milk.  I thought that she would go back to sleep.  WRONG!  She found her teapot, and wanted to play with it.  It’s not only a teapot, but one that plays music.  At 4:30am, the song isn’t so cute.  We played with the teapot for at least 30 minutes before Desi grew weary.

Here is the a picture of the “precious” teapot, and another of Desi looking well rested.  At least one of us is.