Fox Trot

If you've read my blog a few times, you know it's no secret that I get excited over pretty much any animal. I love that living in Piedmont, I have found rabbits, deer, hawks and herons, literally in my backyard. It tickles me to see these wonderful creatures. (Okay, I really wasn't tickled to smell a skunk). But I was totally thrilled when, last week, as I was letting the pups out, a fox was hovering around our fir tree! I wished I could have watched him for a little while before he trotted off, but it took no time at all for Sandie to catch his scent and drive him from our yard. Sandie ran the length of 5 neighborhood yards before he decided to come back home. There was no getting Sandie to retreat until he knew the fox was long gone. But it was exciting to see, nonetheless. And I think Sandie felt like a hero as he protected our property! :)

Going With The Flow...

Well, I was about to write that not much has happened in the last couple of weeks. And I guess that is true for the most part. Work has been very busy and I have enjoyed the students in the schools where we have been working. However, there is one big thing weighing on my mind with regard to work. You may have read that there is going to be a BIG budget cut next year in Fairfax County Public Schools. Several positions from my department are going. There's a good chance that my contract will go from 11 month to 10 month, which equates to a cut in pay. Would I take that instead of losing my job? Of course. But I guess the hardest part of all of this is just not knowing! We're not sure when all of the final decisions will be made. I think that no matter what happens, it may be a tough adjustment. So for now, I am trying to be calm and just go with the flow.

I think the sad thing here is that so many people across the country are going through the same thing and my heart truly goes out to them. I read where one guy left the east coast to take a job in the west, only to find out that he was laid off after one day. I pray that our devastating economic situation that is affecting each and every one of us will find recovery soon.

Sweet Love

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing Amy Blodgett, the daughter of one of my dearest friends, Diane, and Amy's sweetheart, Joe. I have known Amy since she was about four years old. I couldn't be happier for this sweet couple. It was so wonderful to see two people so in love! Congratulations Amy and Joe!

No HOV For Me For A While

It felt more like Friday the 13th, instead of Friday, the 31st! Last Friday, I went to Costco after work and as I was leaving, a huge Toyota Tundra truck backed right into me. He got out and yelled at me, "What do you think you're doing???" Hello!!!!! I believe that I had the right of way, buster! Anyway, $2300 later, my car is in the shop getting repaired and for 2 weeks, I don't get to use the HOV lane. Boo hoo, right?

On Top of the World

Greg is sillouetted against the beautiful expanse of the Shenandoah Valley.

Shenandoah In Autumn

Greg and I took a short trip to the Shenandoah this weekend. I was hoping to see more bears, but no luck. We did take in some of the autumn sites in the area.

Here are some interesting looking green pumpkins we saw at a Pumpkin Patch in Luray, Virginia.



It was a bit too early to see the mountain side filled with blazing reds, oranges and yellows, but we did see an occasional tree that had turned red.



We drove through a tunnel on the Skyline Drive and here we see the light at the end.



Some interesting looking gourds...



A multitude of pumpkins..

Autumn Family Photo Shoots

As many of you know, for the past few years, I have been doing photo shoots of families, grads, pregnant moms, a few weddings, and even animals! My usual rate is $100 per session, which includes approximately 30-60 minutes of shooting, post production editing, and a disk with the final photos on it so the recipient can print as much as he or she wants.

I decided to offer an "Autumn Photo Session" at half price! $50 would include the same deal as the $100 session, taken at my home. I am willing to come to your home (I have a stand and a few backdrops) or a nearby scenic location for an additional $5 to cover my time and the cost of gas.

Autumn is a wonderful time to have family or any other types of photos taken.

Please contact me at allenjm@gwu.edu if you have any questions or would like to schedule a session.