The Problem...It Works TOO Good

 When I started my seasonal gig this fall, I noticed many employees hauling around these large metal water bottles. I also noticed these bottle for sale at the employee's kitchen. I thought maybe I ought to pick me up one. It wasn't too expensive--in fact--it was quite reasonable.

I noticed a co-worker had one. I asked him if he liked it. You know, doing some research. He liked his. I asked if it was worth the price, and since he said he was given his for free, it was well worth the price. Even though they were a good deal, I decided against picking up one. 

Then, I got a message from the same co-worker that he had received an extra bottle and wondered if I would like it.

I did.

It's fantastic.

In fact, there is a problem with this item...

It works too good.

Each evening before I go to bed, I fill up a large cup with ice and water and put it in the fridge. I do this so I don't have to wake up my family when I clock in at 6:30am by the sound of the fridge's ice machine cranking out the ice. I get up, grab the mug out of the refrigerator and go to work. After receiving the metal water bottle from my friend, I decided to give it a try. I filled it halfway with ice (as I did with the mug...) and added water. 

I took it to work in the morning and during the day began enjoying the ice-cold water. The problem was the ice didn't melt...I mean, at all. With my mug, the ice would melt throughout the day and so when the water was gone, the ice would be gone, too. With the new bottle...nope. The ice would not melt.

It's really not a big deal--just add less ice. And having a product work too good is not really a problem, just impressed I guess.

The Difference Of A Simple Filter...

During a break in between shows over the weekend, I snapped a picture of a pyramid of illuminated Jack-O-Lanterns. The display--and others just like it--can be found to the entrance of Lagoon's Frightmares. It's one of the first things patrons see as they enter the park. It looks great in the day, but they look fantastic at night.

I snapped the picture and didn't think much about it. When I looked at the picture again tonight, I noticed more about what I captured. First, one thing I didn't capture in the shot were people...it's the art and background only.

I love that.

I do not have access to sophisticated photo editing software. I don't know what I would do to this particular photo if I did. But, I do have have the basic photo editing options that come with my Mac laptop. I usually don't even use them, but I thought I'd try to do a little magic on this one photo.

The edited photo turned out much better. The darker background brought out the lights from the pumpkins and the Frightmares sign. It made the smoke lingering in the background more impactful, and the overall feel of the shot matches the subject matter. The changes do not overwhelm, but they're subtle. I like that, too.

I should probably take more advantage of the editing tools I have or the ones I could get with a little research. Since I try to capture things I see on a daily basis, most of the time, things don't need to be doctored--at least, in my opinion. This particular photo was not used as my Pic Of The Day...sometimes that happens. But, I like how it turned out by tweaking it just a little bit.

 

Give Thanks...For The Beauty Of The Hills

 For the life of me, I can't remember an autumn with so much color in the mountains. I've lived in Utah almost all my life, and during those years, I've lived near the mountains. Needless to say, I've seen a lot of fall color displays.

This year, though...

It's like it's increased in brilliance. I have many social media friends who are exceptional photographers. The pictures of the fall colors they've posted are so beautiful. Even my non-photographer friends have shared incredible photos of our autumn.

Last week my wife and I took a drive up Logan Canyon on our way to Bear Lake. We saw displays that matched those of my friends. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture--as did my fiends--what we saw. Truthfully, any picture I could have taken wouldn't do what we saw justice. It was just so amazing. The few shots I did get were taken while driving and through a bug-pocked windshield.

I am thankful for where I live, for the four seasons of the mountains, for the ability to pilot a car effortlessly (for us...) up and down a canyon road and see God's canvas. Soon, the leaves will be gone and snow will blanket the mountains in white.

I'm thankful for that beauty, too.

Feeling Normal...

 We live in interesting times. Say what you want about life in 2020 and beyond, they are--in a word--interesting. Case in point...having my temperature taken.

I have been sheltered from most of the many things other people have had to deal with for the past eighteen months. Before covid, I was happily working at home and we didn't do a lot of extracurricular activities. Or, in other words, we didn't get out much. Sure, I'd do a convention or work a second job or even be in a play now and again. Many times, when participating in those activities, when a person was sick, they would made a determination on whether or not they were "too sick" to go to work or a convention or when in a play.

Boy, have times changed.

Last year, my seasonal gig during Halloween was canceled...bummer. Other shows kept on, but not mine. Also, the convention in which I help organize and run was canceled...bummer, again. Plus, many theaters simply closed down and so I wasn't in a play. 

This year, I haven't done a play, but I did go to FanX and Seance at Lagoon's Frightmares started up again. It seems, just saying you're not sick or if you are sick, you're well enough to work is no longer good enough. You have to have proof. 

I've had my temperature taken--and taken my own temperature--more this past month than I have in the past decade. And even with all these precautions, illness still finds a way. We are never 100% safe...something we should always remember.

These of course, are mild inconveniences. Making sure I'm not running a fever is a small price to pay to work and to attend a convention. I wonder if this is the way it will always be from here out.

Time will tell.

Finding Balance...At Bear Lake

 Earlier this week my wife and I decided to go for a drive. Because I'm now working the weekends, on Monday we loaded up the van and headed east. It was a smoky drive, but even so the canyon trees were incredible.

We also had a wonderful time just hanging out at the lake.

Bear Lake is a favorite of ours. My wife's family rented a cabin timeshare years ago and that's where she developed a love for the place. Me...I haven't spent as much time at Bear Lake, but I do love the small town, the resort feel from the small shops, the delightful homes and atmosphere in the valley.

We pulled over and walked along the shore. I was fascinated by the rocks--they're the same rocks that we dug up in mass when putting in our yard. I guess it makes sense. The entire northern part of the state was once under the same giant inland sea.

Someone set up a monument...rocks balancing on each other. I'm sure there's a proper name for just such a structure. If so, I don't know it, nor do I need to know the name to appreciate it.

There's something about large bodies of water that draws humans like a moth to a flame. As it did us. A few people roamed the shoreline dipping their feet into the water. We did not venture that far out.

Yes, it was smoky and you couldn't see very well the other side of the lake, but it was beautiful none the less. Bear Lake, Utah...a place we'd love to visit many times more.

Personally...I Didn't Think It Was So Bad

 From my office window (which is really a bedroom window...), I can see the various mail carriers approach our mailbox and deliver the goods. Sometimes, they pass us by, but not often. And because we're sometimes non-recipients of mail, I will watch as the car/van approaches to see if they stop and put something in the mailbox.

The other day, they did...

It didn't quite fit.

Our mail carriers are efficient. You can tell because they're so fast. Stop--open the mailbox--shove in the mail--move the van. Bing/bang/boom. But the other day, she stopped, opened the mailbox, put in some mail, then the van didn't move. Because I was watching, I wondered why.

Turns out, we had a box that was too big for the mailbox. I thought maybe the driver would get out of the car and bring the box to the house. Nope...she somehow placed the box so that it rested atop the open door.

Actually, I was impressed.

The car moved on and I decided to take a short work break and go get the box. I couldn't tell how secure it was--I didn't want it to fall. I snapped a picture as I got close. Turns out, it was pretty secure the way it was wedged into the box like that. Later that day, I posted the picture as my Pic Of The Day with some snarky caption. Then, I didn't think much of it.

Until a friend posted a comment on social media.

He posted, "This is unacceptable."

I hold my friend's opinion in high regard, partially because he's a friend, but mostly because he's been a mail carrier for decades. 

Personally, I didn't think it was so bad. I believe the carrier would not have left the box the way she did if she didn't feel it was secure. Yes, the box was too big and it does look like a precarious situation from the photo, but I'm giving the carrier the benefit of the doubt. After all, the package was successfully delivered, which is, first and foremost, the goal.

Frightmares And Hackenslash...Because Scaring Is Caring

 My shift over, I carried my tired body across the pavement, the same pavement where millions of others have trod. As I made my way to the parking lot, I passed a circular stage that doubles as a beautiful fountain in the summer months.

Only this time, instead of water flying through the air entertaining the masses, figures dressed as ghouls fly and bounce to the sound of a killer soundtrack and dazzling lights.

It's Frightmares at Lagoon.

And the show is Hackenslash.

Years ago, my son and I worked the Hackenslash venue as house managers. The dancers and chainsaw jugglers (not really, but almost...) are an entertaining lot. To do that job, you've got to be upbeat, talented, and excited to perform in front of thousands of park visitors. This year's cast is no different, except we have almost no interaction with their troupe this time around.

The attraction in which I'm involved is just west of the fountain/stage. When the chainsaws rev, I love seeing everyone in the area stop whatever they're doing and turn toward the sound and lights and see dancers with chainsaws.

I mean, who wouldn't do that?

I know I did.