• architecture,  Candid Portraits,  Cityscapes/Urban,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits

    The Dark Heart Coffee Bar

    I met up with my sister on Sunday morning and tried out a coffee shop we had not visited before, call the Dark Heart Coffee Bar. There was a distinct difference in coffee flavor and probably because they use a coffee roaster out of Portland, Oregon neither one of us had heard of before, Coava Coffee Roasters. We both thought is was on the pricey side but we are also tight with our money, so we are not likely to make them a daily coffee shop but a special occasion place. It’s ambiance was light and airy, with lots of window light. The decor was nicely done, had plenty of room and did not feel crowded due to its open feeling. All the seating was located along the walls which was one continuous bench with separate tables and chairs, except the small high top table this young lady was sitting at. A big plus for me was the quiet, even though they were busy. They also had a nice porch area that would be enjoyable during the warmer weather. I will go back!

  • architecture,  lifestyles,  shadows,  window

    Windows on Campus

    Windows at Lory Student Center
    Windows at Lory Student Center

    The heart catheterization procedure went well. The measurements of my right heart chamber was through my neck and the left chamber through my right wrist. Both places are sore and I have restricted movement of the arm, no more than 5 lbs for the next 5 days.  There is no blockage, the heart is pumping as it should so I’m okay for the valve replacement surgery. I leave tomorrow for Thanksgiving in Phoenix with my family. Hope everyone enjoys the holiday and food.

  • architecture,  Black and White,  shadows,  window

    A Valve Job

    Shadows in Old Town
    Shadows in Old Town

    “There is in all visible things… a hidden wholeness.”

    In 2013 we discovered I have a leaky aortic valve in my heart, known as Aortic Regurgitation. An EKG and treadmill test were done at that time and a status of moderate leakage was the diagnosis. I was told this is not uncommon but we need to watch it closely. This past May during my physical my family physician and I agreed it was time to have a cardiologist run some tests and get their evaluation. After several tests it has been determined the leakage has continued to deteriorate and the left chamber of my heart has begun to enlarge. I now have a better understanding for my lack of energy and motivation over the past 4-5 years. So, the cardiologists, surgeons and my family doctor consider me to be a good candidate for Aortic Valve Replacement surgery.

  • architecture,  Cityscapes/Urban,  Documentary/Street,  doors,  Humor,  window

    Hippies Use Backdoor

    Hippies
    Hippies

    I walk by this home on a regular basis, see the sign, smile and but have always hesitated to take a photo. This morning was different. In fact I took two images. The home is across the street from campus and from the looks and location I assume it’s residents are college students. There was a time when I would have followed the sign. 🙂

  • architecture,  Cityscapes/Urban

    Walking the Camera

    Empty campus on a Sunday morning
    Empty campus on a Sunday morning

    Now I know. It’s a 1.8 mile walk across campus to Mugs coffee shop for a dollar cup of Java. If I wanted to wait an hour or so I could have caught the bus to the transit center then walked a block or two. I’ve never checked the distance so this morning I checked it with my new Fitbit. I didn’t think that was right so I checked Google Maps and sure enough, both said 1.8 miles. 

    I bought the Fidbit since I’m doing a lot more walking in my attempt to match Paul. I used to walk more but I have slacked off the past 3-5 years. Well, I walk but not for the distance Paul goes for nor do I get my heart rate up to high. Working on that.