» May 2nd, 2008
» Posted in Posted in Blog, Photography
Sure, Boundary Waters Recreational Park is probably one of the biggest funding foul-ups in the county’s history, but it has plenty of hiking trails that rival Sweetwater Creek State Conservancy Park and Clinton’s Nature Preserve. Even the heart of the county’s original existence from Campbell County resides nearby just on the other side of the Chattahoochee River.
The main trailhead starts off behind the aquatic center where maps are and information are available, providing access to the Blue and Yellow trails. These trails are fairly easy to hike and are clearly marked by colored markers, coursing around the southern side of the park. Take a good pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
The Blue trail lingers mainly around the small pond and sticks near the aquatic center. The Yellow trail stretches along the edge of the park weaving near the Hooch (for all of you who don’t know, Hooch is short for Chattahoochee River).
On this trail you will come across the “covered bridge” – it’s no much of one – that links up to the Southern Natural Gas Company pipeline. Here you can be at the edge of the Hooch, smelling its insulting aroma and watching the occasional piece of trash float by, as the waters descend south.
If you haven’t made it out to hike the trails, check out my collection of photographs on flickr. By the way, watch out for the horse poo.
» April 22nd, 2008
» Posted in Posted in Blog, Recipes
Now I’m not much of a culinary arts type of person that creates gourmet meals that appeal more to presentation then filling an appetite. Hell I’m not even a cook. But when I guy needs a decent meal with what’s ever left in the fridge, well then its time for the Hampton Suicide.
Now I can’t tell you how I came up with the name, it just happened. I think the picture above suits it quite well.
I’ve always been a fan of the military S.O.S. slop that can be found just at any base in the chow hall. Then there are those skillet meals for the morning that fill you right up. But when it comes to dinner and time is short, sometimes leftovers or some odd and ends are stuck in the fridge. This is where the mighty Hampton comes into play.
What you’ll need
2-3 Russet potatoes
1 onion half – chopped
1-2 minced garlic
1 pound of lean ground beef
Chopped ham or bacon, or both!
Grated cheese
Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, etc…)
Butter
Worcestershire sauce
A simple ingredients list that can be found in any kitchen. Anything really can be thrown in the mix as extra.
1. Knock out the veggies
Chop up the onions and garlic placing them in a bowls for use later. Skin the potatoes and wash clean with water. Grab a cutting board and hack away the potatoes into small squares. Put the potatoes in a bowl and season to your liking.
2. Heat’em up
Pre-heat two skillets or pans (1 for the potatoes and the other for the meat). Slab a tablespoon of butter on one skillet after its warm and drop in the potatoes. Get everything moving around for a bit, it will take awhile for the potatoes to cook properly.
3. The Meat
Time to season the ground beef in a bowl with some Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. After a good mix, drop in the beef in the other pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break down the meat.
4. The Extras
Keep moving the potatoes around occasionally. Once the meat is cooked through, its time to drop in the onions and garlic - season again. Let the veggies cook for awhile before adding anything else.
After a few minutes the chopped ham can be added and will cook quickly. Now drop in the potatoes and stir. If you want bacon, make sure you cook it first, either in a pan, oven or microwave, and chop it up for later use in this step.
5. Oh yes!
Remove the pan from heat and lay on a coat of thick grated cheese (the thin stuff doesn’t work well). Cheddar and Colby Jack are some good choices. The heat will melt the cheese, making it a nice touch. Now plop it on a plate and eat.
Alternatives
If you like your meal spicier, like me, substitute the paprika for smoked paprika or chipotle, and crushed peppers. Add chopped green peppers with the onions. The extras are endless with what remains in the fridge and pantry. I didn’t measure anything out since I usually cook with feeling. Remember you can always add more, but never take back.
Save some for breakfast the next day. Scramble up some eggs and throw it on top of the Hampton Suicide for a filling meal. Trust me, I had it this morning!
» April 21st, 2008
» Posted in Posted in Blog, Photography
After the unsuccessful integration of Ashford Photography, my failed attempt to run a freelance artwork photography gig, and deciding to ditch coding a customized store, I have switched gears and have begun uploading art pieces on RedBubble.
Each piece has been pulled from my private archive of over 10,000 images and color enhanced for hanging on the wall. Product choices include greeting cards, wall art (from laminated, matted to canvas) and posters. Ok, now go buy something!
» April 17th, 2008
» Posted in Posted in Blog, Photography
Since the conclusion of Losing Georgia and renewing my pro flickr account in February, I’ve decided to do a secondary backup of my photo archives online for the first time. Some of the these images, like the one above, are available to those to edit and distribute under a Creative Commons license.
I found that clinging onto my photographic work and restricting them to possible sales was leading no where and no one was really viewing my work with the exception of my deviantArt account. Photography has always been in my blood since I was a child taking pictures at the zoo. Its a beautiful art of capturing time that can never be revisited.
Being a history buff, this has always been a delightful feeling. Enjoy what my eyes see through the eyepiece.
» April 12th, 2008
» Posted in Posted in Blog, Projects
As of today Losing Georgia is ceasing to continue operation due to other projects that are consuming much of my time. It was not a hard decision to make considering that the project ended in December. Since that time I’ve tried to revive the project through several improvements to the website, however I can no longer spend time on maintenance or new material.
In the lapse of this event, I can finally start concentrating on drafting a coffee table book that will take the 5,000+ photographs and compile them into the Douglas Story that stared in 2005.
Thanks to all those who contributed to the project.