I think that I’m officially a geek now.  Up until this point I only had a little, very handy, GorillaPod, I’m now the proud owner of a tripod.  How often I actually use this piece of equipment has yet to be seen.  BUT after my first foray into fireworks photography…the result can be seen above.  I also bought a wireless remote shutter release.  We shall see…

This week America celebrated it’s Independence.  Chad and I took loaded up the jeep with chairs and the dogs…and a bevy of camera gear and went bouncing through the fields to the backside of the farm to view the fire works that were being set off several miles away at Neshannock Townships, Pearson Park.  We get the right amount of dazzle with the big noisy booms being muffled by distance which is great.  After they were over we came back in and watched the show going on in Boston via TV.  What an amazing performance.  While we were sitting there I started to think about my Grandpa Joe.  About the story he told me a couple of years ago about how the fireworks reminded him of the battle fields on the islands in World War II. Which made me start thinking about how much I miss him.  How he was such a big part of my life.  That his passing has left a hole that won’t ever be filled.  I think about him every day.  I miss talking to him.  I miss his stories.  I miss his laugh.  I miss hearing his opinions.  I miss knowing that I’m loved unconditionally.