Skeena, Wild Dog of the Sierra

These days I'm back in Reno taking photography classes at TMCC. One of my digital photography assignments requires that I employ panning techniques to capture something in motion. Today Skeena and I went down to the dog park with my camera so I could practice on her. I love this doggie more than all other doggies combined.

Enameling Mash

Cloisonné is a traditional Georgian art form that is gaining traction. I am currently taking a class and this is my first attempt at a ring. The tulips and crescent moon are a nod to my love for Turkey.

Not a Watercolor

I've been playing with my Afghan box camera....Maybe I should pick up a brush instead?

Ever Even Noticed That Decrepit Building on Sierra & Commercial Row?

In an oft-forgotten corner of downtown Reno sits my absolutely favorite building. Right on the corner of Sierra & Commercial Row, next to the shuttered-and-quickly-decaying Old Reno Casino (which, by the way, used to be the best place for penny slots) is a diminutive, whitewashed, brick building. Although I never knew it to be opened, according to my tales-I've-been-told memory, this building started its life off as a bank. The last I heard (which would have been mid-to-late 90-ish), this building was being used as storage by Fitzgerald's. Now that Fitzgerald's has been shuttered (and whatever has tried to take over its space seems to keep failing), I'm not sure what this building is being used for. However, it remains my favorite building in downtown Reno (if you ever happen to be walking by it, take a look at the exterior window cornices....simple & lovely).

Doggie!

I'm so glad Skeena is here with me (so glad that I even let her sleep on the bed last night!).

Skeena Likes to Eat Desiccated Rabbits

But I love her anyways.

Slow Photography the Mash Way

I have a funny feeling that I am going to really, really, really enjoy working with film.

Cows in Monitor Valley (looking west towards the Toquima Range)

Ken & Skeena pause for a photo while hiking up to Mount Rose from Galena Creek

Wake Up, Sleepy Balloons!

The weekend of the Great Reno Balloon Race is one of my favorite weekends. I love waking up early to go watch the balloons launch. On Saturday, I walked up on the north side of McCarran to watch them inflate and take off. It was a fun perspective.

Hot Air Ballooning

I love this time of year. The Great Reno Balloon Race always tickles me pink.

Deanie and the Dogs, a Snapshot

First Class Mash

Hah. My $60 + miles ticket from Oslo to Seattle ended up seeing me in first class on the Frankfurt-Vancouver leg. I'm still pretty wiped out, though. First class didn't seem to be able to do anything about that.

Mash is in Transit

About to make my way back to North America....Waiting to board.

Reindeer on the Road!

Somewhere just on the Norwegian side of the Swedish border, this guy was trucking down the side of the road.

Reindeer Sirloin at Hotel Jokkmokk

My Norwegian adventure has expanded to Sweden.

Said adventure has been mostly self-catered (if you've ever experienced Norwegian prices you'll understand that even eating out of a grocery store is tremendously expensive), but tonight I splurged. Not only am I staying at a hotel with a sauna (a week of camping and hiking has left me pretty swampy feeling and in need of a shower), but I ate reindeer for dinner. It was delicious (the lingonberry compote sealed the deal). It was so delicious, I would consider easting it again and not just leaving it as a one-off like I've done with raw horse and raw chicken.

Sorry, Santa!

Mash's Last Georgian Meal

This may very well be my last meal in Georgia. In about an hour, my taxi driver will pick me up and whisk me off to the Batumi airport. If you know me, you may be scratching your head a bit at why I am at a McDonald's. It's simple: free wifi. Plus, the coffee is actually pretty decent. This afternoon I'm off to Istanbul for an overnight, then tomorrow the Norwegian adventure begins!