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The rosary brought to life is epic.

Grandpa Milton (my dad’s dad) prays the rosary every morning — so early that even God is asleep. He walks slowly throughout the house praying each bead diligently. That is about as live as I’ve seen the rosary.

Until today.

The students at St. Mary’s School hosted their fourth annual live rosary. Candles were placed in a circle — in the likeness of a rosary — and each was lit as a corresponding prayer was said. A pretty good twist on a classic affair.

For the most part, I didn’t try to get too fancy. My wet boots made it difficult to walk without squeaking. I should have prayed for better weather while I was there.

For more photos, click “continue reading” below.

Thanks for looking.

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In honor of Red Ribbon Week — a week for drug prevention — a group of Wyoming Army National Guardsmen landed a Black Hawk UH-60 at local schools in the city today.

It sort of reminded me of M*A*S*H, but Alan Alda was oddly absent from the event. In addition, the helicopter seemed like one bad mother. As such, it would likely be too cool for M*A*S*H… then again, pretty much anything is cooler than that show — even satin jackets, knee-high tube socks and bologna.

Ugh, speaking so freely about M*A*S*H makes me uncomfortable and I no longer want to write.

Thanks for looking.

For more photos of the event, click below.

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If only I had the robust, Yanni-like coif of my youth.

Exactly the thought that crossed my mind as I toured the wind energy class at Laramie County Community College today.

Instead, my forehead acted like the windshield on a ‘78 Buick Skylark as the breeze beat against it mightily, bugs splattering at will. Hardly the wind-blown look of yesteryear.

The kids from Pioneer Park Elementary with whom I toured the facility, on the other hand, seemed to have a blast. In addition, their knowledge of renewable energy far outweighed my own. Impressive in light of the fact that I have a college degree and they may or may not. In my defense, I thought burning old tires in my apartment to stay warm was considered a form of renewable energy. It’s actually quite toxic from what I hear.

The kids in Kerry Peterson’s third grade class are actually studying the subject of wind energy amongst other things. As part of the course work, the students had the chance to visit LCCC’s facility. It’s a really-well-put-together program. In any case, it looked fancy… But anything beyond screws and masking tape looks fancy to me.

Hopefully, these pictures blow you away as the tour did me.

Sorry for the cheap joke, but it seems appropriate.

Thanks for looking.

My tennis skills are reminicent of those put on display by Milosh the tennis “pro” on Seinfeld — I’m no better than a ham sandwich on the court.

Maybe if I had the opportunity to attend the QuickStart Tennis Program, I could at least hold a racket without bleeding and/or crying. Unfortunately, I attended the Mr. Pee Wee Tennis camp as a kid and I was more interested in the sweatbands. Needless to say, my career went as far as bicycle with no wheels.

The assignment was fun. It was tough to not take a good photo (aside from really bad light). The photos in the slide show above are just a few of my favorites despite the fact that I envy the kids for their superior talent.

I’m almost ashamed, but not surprised to admit that a group of 4-6-year-olds posseses more talent than I. Oh well, at least I can take solace in… well, there isn’t much I can latch on to. *Sigh*

Thanks for looking.

Snow, snow everywhere so let’s all run and hide!

After experiencing a winter-like storm in early autumn, some people new to the area might be surprised, or in instances rife with hysteria, setting stuff on fire to stay warm.

Fear not. As anyone hip to the region’s weather patterns will tell you, this kind of thing is more suited for June. Having lived in Wyoming for the better part of the past 25 years, I’ve seen worse, and usually, in more unseasonable months.

In June 2005, my hometown Laramie, was in a state of emergency when more than six inches of snow fell on the city. Really, in June? Yes, tree branches broke at a higher rate than sweats on the “Biggest Loser”.

More than anything, this was a precursor of worse things to come. Maybe not, however; I’m no Willard Scott, so I cannot really say “scientifically” if the weather will worsen. Mostly, I’m relying on my animal instincts. As such, I’m investing in a parka… unless the money I saved for said garment is somehow spent on Chick-o-sticks and Salted Nut Rolls, which will likely be the case.

More seriously, today was pretty fun despite having wet pants for the first time since infancy. Fellow staffer Jerret “J.R.,” “Jerry,” “Raffy” “Laverne” Raffety and I set out to shoot weather-related photos to illustrate the state of Cheyenne amidst this record-breaking blizzard.

I hope we did well since we both suffered hypothermia and frost bite… not really, but it’s fun to think so.

Thanks for looking.