Category: Events

Hi Everyone, although the cherry blossoms have faded and turning into leaves, the weekend of March 25th was spectacular.  It was cool, but the sky was a stunning blue.  We are fortunate enough to be close enough to bike to Potomac Park and the monuments around the tidal basin.  Since that weekend was the peak bloom (and Spring Break for many places), it was also the peak number tourists… it was packed, so being on a bike worked very well!  In spite of the craziness, it was an amazing experience.  Here are a few of my images from that day:

The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial with part of the inscription visible, “Out of the Mountain of Despair, a Stone of Hope.” Spectacular cherry blossoms that are only visible a few days a year with his stoic image is certainly cause to hope for a path of peace and tranquility.

Even the D.C. police were out.  These two guys and I had fun discussing vantage points and lighting.  It was pretty much awesome everywhere.

As you can tell, not all cherry trees are the same.  Some have whitish flowers while others are heavier on the “traditional” pink.  According to the National Park Service, there are 3,800 cherry trees.  Apparently, 70% are Yoshino Cherry trees… However, I believe the tree below is a Akebono, which makes up 3% of the total.  There are at least 11 different species in the park.

This is more the weeping cherry tree.

The cherry blossom canopy was surreal.  The soft color palette really does transform the landscape.

Here, you can see just a hint of the mass of people wandering around the basin.  Fortunately, I didn’t see anyone accidentally take a swim.  Even though thousands passed within inches pf each other and many were equidistant to the water, no one bumped another into the water (at least that I saw!).

The pink, twisted trees were ethereal.

Well, that covers it for the Cherry Blossom Festival.  Since we had missed the bloom in 2010, I was very excited to live it this year.  The weather cooperated and the cherries did not disappoint.  That week, I heard more than one person say this was on their bucket list.  I can understand why.  It was gorgeous.

Until the next adventure…

–Jim

We have officially entered the Cherry Blossom Festival here in Washington, D.C.  It was an event we missed last time we lived in DC.  So, this has been very exciting to watch as the cherry blossoms and tourists have covered the city.

I am going to begin with a few images I made earlier this week that are somewhat counter intuitive.  Although the trees are spectacular during the day, we decided to check them out at sunset and hang around for a full moon to rise.

The moonlight was quite bright and with a little help, we were able to see the pink blossoms as well.

Of course the monuments, just by themselves are still very beautiful.

We did make it out during the day too… it was just a couple days before peak bloom, so the trees aren’t quite at peak.  However, here’s my muse looking statuesque…

The magnolia trees were the only ones in full bloom.

So, that covers this round of the Cherry Blossom Festival.  I suspect I may end up posting a couple more posts. I hope you don’t mind.  As always, please feel free to leave feedback!

Until the next adventure…

–Jim

Hi Everyone, below are some images we made from a recent trip to the National Zoo.  It’s a great space and located inside DC, it’s a great location too.  We were treated to a guided tour with Uncle Jon and Aunt Nancy… Although, looking at my images, I realize I didn’t take any people shots!  I guess I was drawn in by the animals.  Next time I’ll include a few homo sapiens.

At least I included a cousin…

The magnolia trees have been blooming the last couple weeks and are gorgeous.

We had the opportunity to see little Bao Bao play.  She was born in August 2013.  She will live in the Smithsonian’s National Zoo until she is four, when she will head back to China.  Since there are less than 2,000 giant pandas in the world, each one is a treasure.  Bao Bao and the zoo also welcomed a baby brother at the end of last year.  Bei Bei will also live in the US until he’s 4.

She was very active (and hungry)!

The American Bison, looking rugged as always.

The big cats always capture our attention.

Even the medium sized caracal is majestic.

Ok, that covers our brief time at the zoo.  Next up will be D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms.

Hi Everyone,

Alexander, Anna and I are are very proud to announce that Lily Anna Gingras was born June 3rd, 2012 at 10:04 AM here in France (at the same maternity clinic as her brother).  She joined us after a relatively short labor and weighed 3.04kg.  Both Mom and Lily did great.

It is our great pleasure to introduce you to Lily Anna…

A couple things for Mom and a journal entry to save the details for a later date.  Lily decided to join us on Mother’s Day in France.  So, it was an even more special day for Anna.

This is Lily when she is less than a minute old.  As you can see, her full head of hair is quite a contrast from her brother.

Alexander met his little sister when she was only a few hours old.  Happily he seemed very excited and curious to meet her.  Plus, he has been very sweet and gentle from the moment he saw her.  Now, we can only hope that lasts the rest of their lives!  I suspect there may be a few moments in the next 18 years where that peacefulness doesn’t last… but, we’ll see.

Nani has been invaluable in taking care of Alexander.  Her help has allowed us to focus on Lily and everything related.

This time, instead of having both grandmas here, they spread it out (Grandma Chris is coming in September) … to help share the load over a longer time.  Although Anna is amazing and could take care of both children alone, a helping hand for a couple weeks is always nice.  These are the times where we really feel far away from a built in support structure.  Although we love living overseas, it can be a bit challenging.  Those living at home (or those who have never left the proximity of their family) can’t really understand that.  Again, that’s why we’re so grateful our family and close friends are willing to come see us as much as they do.  You know who you are, and we are so grateful.  Plus, we have great friends here who are always willing to help … whatever that may be.  So, a big thank you to you as well.

See Dad, I’m being gentle!

So, my parents have a picture of me and my sister at about the same age (we are 14 months apart).  The difference is that I’m trying to pick up Julie … apparently to take her back to the hospital because “baby cries.” I wondered if Alexander would have the same reaction to Lily … on the contrary, he seems to adore his sister.  Not that I didn’t love Julie right from the start, I think it took me a little longer to adjust.  😉  I can only hope that Alexander and Lily grow up to have as good of a relationship as Julie and I.

She’s so tiny compared to X.

In France, a longer stay in the maternity clinic is the standard.  So, Anna was able to enjoy 4 days.  On Thursday, Lily came to her home.  The trip tired her out!

For her first week, Lily has been a very good sleeper.  She eats and sleeps like a champ!  We don’t know if this will continue but the first week has been great!  She’s perfect.  🙂

The happy family hanging out on the couch for the first time together.

So peaceful.

Here’s the chic hat made by Ramata again.  Lily wears it as well as X.

Speaking of the little man, this week is also his second birthday.  So, we had some of his friends (and their parents) over for a little party.  He LOVED it.  Here are a handful images.

He’s asking for candy … before he even has a slice of cake.

Happy 2nd Birthday Alexander!

Yum, Nani’s cupcakes…  Oh, and there was a piece of candy on top.  Even better.

Someone has a bit of a sweet tooth.

Alexander and his best friend, Juliette (along with her mom, Daisy — one of Anna’s good friends).

Yay!  A dump truck!  X proceeded to run around for about an hour pushing his new truck.  He’s getting so fast.  Plus, he’s very talkative… It’s about 80% English and 20% French.  That is, a midst the 50% we can understand.  🙂

Nothing like a chocolate, handlebar mustache.

Ok, that’s it for the first week.  A big week for the whole family.  🙂  We look forward to a very bright future.  Later this summer, we’re planning on introducing Lily to the family in Wisconsin.  If you’d like to meet her, let us know.  As always, we’ll have a busy schedule when we meet the family.  We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Until the next post…

–Jim (Anna, Alexander and Lily … or JAXL)

Well, although this is really late, below are the images from Alexander’s first birthday party … back in June.  I have upgraded my photo processing software (thanks, Julie) and hopefully will be slightly more prompt with my posts.  Time will tell.  🙂

Also, a big thanks to René who was kind enough to take pictures and enabled Anna and I to enjoy the party.  Here is the birthday boy opening his first presents.  He kinda figured it out…

I don’t know if he’ll want to be a pilot when he grows up, but at least he has a place-mat to inspire him in the meantime.

A fun book to read.

Alex still loves his magnetic train.  Thanks, Daisy!

Alex, Juliette and Natalia all playing together.

Drinks from the party.  Don’t worry, we didn’t mix up the bottles for the kids.

Salome already looking the part of a French star.

Ludo, Amélie, Christine and Manu … with David and the girls playing bags in the background.

Happy Birthday to you, Alexander.

Trying to protect the candles from often-present wind.

Alex had a little help blowing out his candles.

Anna cooked a delicious red velvet cake, plus chocolate cookies for the occasion.

Nay, Natalia and her daddy blowing bubbles. Always a fun game.

Soooo good.

Yup, he shared the cake with me … of course, it wasn’t in my mouth, but it was very kind nonetheless.

So, that finishes the images from Alexander’s birthday party.  It was a fun, simple event with our friends.  Next time, we hope family can join too…

Until the next adventure.

–Jim

So, during USAFA’s Spring Break, they send groups of students all over the world.  This year we welcomed a group in France.  While here, they were able to see a mixture of professional and cultural sites.  I was able to join the group for a couple days.  On the second, and a tour of Aix-en-Provence, I decided to bring my camera and a single, fast 50mm lens.  Instead of the usual zoom lens, this one forced me to be more creative and zoom with my feet.  I also brought several neutral density filters (thanks, Mom M.!) to increase my ability to make creative images.

Here is what the ND filters do… allow a longer exposure without over-exposure.  It aids the visualization of transience of humans compared to statues like the Rotonde which was built in the same year Abraham Lincoln was elected president.

The following images are some of the students who came to visit.

OK, he’s the exception … he graduated last year.  But was able to “profiter” and come as one of the chaperons.

These aren’t students either.  Just some Aixois people out for a morning stroll.

The city of Aix is replete with beautiful fountains and Hôtel Particulaires (read: private mansions).

The seafood market wasn’t in full swing, but there are always a handful of stands with tempting delicacies.

Yum!  Eat me!

The postman making his rounds.

Talk about a scary door knocker!

This little girl was too cute with her drawing…

More markets.  Even on non-market days, there are still markets.  It’s a GREAT place to buy food.  We’ve never eaten better than we eat in France.

With fresh, local fruit, it’s tough to go wrong.  These strawberries are not modified and as good as they look.

Those handy ND filters again… I had fun playing with them.

OK, a short post, I know, but it was a fun and educational day.  I learned a number of new and interesting facts about Aix.  So, next time you come visit, I’ll be happy to share what I learned!

Next up is a weekend in Andorra with a stop by the medieval city of Carcassonne.  Until then…

–Jim

Also in December, I found out my pending promotion became official.  I was promoted to major.

The school honored me by allowing my promotion ceremony to happen in the room of tradition and honor.  It is the most significant and ceremonial room and I was humbled to be permitted to use it.

In the French Air Force, they don’t have a special ceremony when they are promoted.  So, I was happy to share a little USAF tradition.

The US Consul in Marseille (and commissioned officer) was very kind to come up to read the promotion order and administer the oath of office.

After the promotion order was read, Anna came up to change my rank from the two silver bars of a captain to a gold oak leaf of a major.

Unlike the last time, Anna had a little help.  X knew just what to do!

Alexander was happy to help (and I was very proud).

The French appreciated the fact that we in the US have the two most important people pin on the new rank.

Once the new rank was on, Phil administered the Oath of Office.

I was also honored that so many people decided to attend the ceremony.

Thanks, Phil!

And, thanks, Margo.  It seemed like everyone was happy.

Including me and the ever-curious Alexander.

Here we are.  I wouldn’t be nearly as successful if it weren’t for Anna. As such, I’m very grateful we could have a family ceremony … together.

Next up will be a few images from our holiday adventure(s).

Until then…

–Jim