Kirsten and Scott's LaBlog

Lunch Time Photos - Mirror Image

Photos by Scott LaBlanc

I took these photos at the Birdland Marina and Union Park on the east side of Des Moines.

Lunchtime Photo Series

Photo by Scott LaBlanc

Found this nice shot of Des Moines from a park on the south side of town.

More Lunch Time Photos

Photos by Scott LaBlanc

About a week ago I stopped off over lunch and took some photos at another local park.  One of the reasons for this park was the view of downtown.  I had to walk on a very narrow path along a bouncing bridge.  I've wanted to take this shot for a long time and can't wait to go back.  After a bit more practice I wouldn't mind heading out with my tripod and getting a night time shot.  After the break you'll see a few more just for fun photos.

Letter from Kirsten's Sister

Here's an email I received from my sister this week. Just for reference, the high temperature in Denver on November 15th is expected to be around 50 degrees. Please give if you are able.

Hi friends and family!

 

I have agreed to jump into a very cold lake for a very great cause and I am emailing you to see if you will sponsor me.

 

On November 15, 2008, I have pledged to jump into Chatfield Reservoir all in the name of Special Olympics. I am asking for your support in this endeavor.

I am part of a Jeffco Sheriff's Office team that challenged another Jeffco Sheriff's Office team to see who could raise the most in donations.  Our goal is to raise $1,500 for the athletes of Special Olympics.  For your convenience we established a web page that you can donate to  http://www.firstgiving.com/propertyplungers

 

As you will see from this link, I am on the Property Plunger Team!  My supervisor is the Property Investigator Lieutenant.

 

I know money is tight for many of us right now so I really appreciate anything you could give.  The kids who are part of Special Olympics have big hearts and big dreams and this money does help make some of those dream come true. 

 

Thanks a bunch!  And if you want to see me take the plunge, come on out to Chatfield around 12:30 pm.  I'll be freezin' for a reason! 

 

Andi

Thanks!

Kirsten

Why I Voted for Barack Obama

    The first time I remember seeing Sen. Obama was around 2002 or early 2003.  There was a clip  on television showing a very tall skinny man asking the president and the public to reconsider going to war in Iraq.  I don't remember much more.  Like many Americans, I was fooled by what our government was saying,  I had mixed feelings but I thought the war was a necessity evil.  As a result, I discounted Barack Obama.  A few years later, I was surprised to find a copy a of one of Sen. Obama's books on my parents coffee table.  I was even more surprised to find out that it belonged to my aunt and she had encouraged my parents to read it.  I didn't read it until much later.
    On the long drive from my hometown of Denver, Colorado to our new home in Iowa, I listened to an audio book version of The Audacity of Hope. I want to know more about his man who has inspired me.  Over the past year, I have read all but one of Sen. Obama's books.  I have also had th opportunity to attend 3 of his events: The Heartland Forum and the Oprah event- both in Des Moines and then the 2008 Democratic Convention Acceptance speech.  I learned quite a bit about Sen. Obama's life and perspective.  He has exactly the type of experience I want my president to have.
    I believe his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia and his mother's global outlook gave Sen. Obama the ability to see the US in a unique way.  I also believe Sen. Obama has it right. The only way we can achieve lasting peace is to talk to our enemies. This is a lesson we have not yet learned and the rest of the world knows it. 
    Sen. Obama has said he wants us to be empowered to be the best citizens of this country and the world that we can be.  I feel that his background in community service and the law along with his leadership will give us the tools to be a stronger and better nation than we are now. So many people are struggling now. I am lucky although I had to leave my home and relocate hundreds of miles away from my family to a city with a much lower cost of living.  We are our brother's keeper or sister's keeper and we have a responsibility to each other and to our nation to care for each other. Corporate America has the same moral obligation. Every person has a right to the basics including health care. I choose to live with hope. I reject living with fear. I made that decision before I knew of Sen. Obama. Four days after 9/11, I decided to fly from Denver to Boston to visit my cousin. It was a trip I had been planning for a long time. I felt that if I stayed home, the terrorists won. So I didn't stay home. I choose hope. If this makes me naive, so be it. I'd rather live believing in hope and the goodness of people.

Easter Lake Photos

Photos by Scott LaBlanc

This week I stopped off at a few parks during my lunch to take some photos.  I posted a few that I really think turned out well after the break.  If you'd like to see full versions please check out my smugmug account.