Okay, first things first…I picked up a book called “Orson-A Good Dog” about a month ago in the local bookstore. After loving “Marley and Me” I’ve discovered quite a passion for reading about animals. “Orson” is a non-fiction book that is truly wonderful. After finishing the story, I looked up the writer’s website and was equally impressed. I decided, which is rare for me, to contact the writer and let him know how much I enjoyed his book. Not expecting anything in return really, but glad I sent along a message to let him know that I enjoyed the book and appreciated the candor with which this story is told. The next morning to my surprise the writer, Mr. Jon Katz, responded! I’ve asked him several questions since and he has always politely responded the same day or next. My appreciation and respect of this man has tripled. I don’t know of any other writer who’s written a NY Times Bestseller, “Dog Days”, who would take time for a stay at home Mommy from a small town in North Alabama. Thank you Mr. Katz!
In other news, the Cullman Animal Shelter Adopt a Thon is taking place on May 3rd at Heritage Park. I will be assisting with the adoptions most of the day and I am really looking forward to this. Travis will enjoy having a day with Anya as well and they will visit the park I’m sure as Anya is such the lover of animals. Still don’t know where she gets that from! She had quite the morning at the shelter with a very sweet cat named Taz! A very socialble orange and white tabby that has been at the shelter for about a month now.
Let me know if anyone is interested in learning more about the Adopt a Thon or the animals we have for adoption!
Finally, here’s a quick photo of Anya and I from earlier this week.

So, I’ve been trying to decide on a Digital SLR. I’m between the Nikon D80, Nikon D40, and the new Nikon D60. I’m leaning towards the D40 simply because it does most of what I want it to do and would be a good starting camera for my beginning photography business. However, the D40 is only a 6.1 megapixel. The D80 is a 10 megapixel and does more than what I need, but has the best lens option, but is also the most expensive. The D60 is a 10 megapixel and between the two in cost, however, its a new camera, fairly unproven and very lightweight, and comes with two lenses that will work, but not exactly what I wanted. I’m thinking in the long run the D80 is going to be the way to go. It has the lens I want and the high megapixel and is a step down from the ultra professional D300. The D300 is not really an option right now though as the body of that camera alone is close to $1700.

In other Almand family news, Anya will be taking some classes at the B’ham Zoo this month. Learning about animals and just having fun. If she likes them, and since we are zoo members anyway, I will probably let her take more and maybe a Zoo camp this summer. She’s also 100% potty trained now, has been for about 2 months, but I’m still excited about it!

Travis is doing well with his job still and he enjoys it. He’s been working on some freelance work as well at home too. He cut the grass for the first time last weekend and he’s really cute on his lawn mower. I think he really enjoys working in our yard. Its nice to own a home and have a yard to work in. We are getting ready to landscape the front and I’m having trouble deciding on plants. My buddy, Serena, will help me though I’m sure as she has the best green thumb I know. Our main problem is the front of house stays in the shade pretty much year round so the perennials we get will have to do well in partial sun to full shade.

Travis has finally gotten me to watching Battlestar Galactica and I have to say it is a great show. I really like Edward James Olmos and he is truly great in this show. As it the whole cast. Its a little confusing at times with all the Cylons, but I like it and I actually know what the frak is going on! * Frak is the curse word of Battlestar world, for those of you that don’t watch.