We took our new pop-up camper out for its maiden voyage this weekend and camped with all the kids at Katfish Katy’s in Huntsdale. It was lots of fun, though a bit chilly. We had a chance to inspect the camper and we were quick to determine that we paid far too much for the shabby old thing, but oh well! We will just make the most of it.

I took some pictures but not nearly enough since my OM2 locked up on me and I’m not sure why. I need to look into that more now that I’m home. It was awfully disappointing since we awoke to a beautiful morning mist on the Missouri River.

I’m really not taking very many pictures these days. Our camping plans keep getting shelved, and not much else is happening. I have taken some photos, but it’s gonna be a while before I finish a roll of film. That’s the biggest drawback to shooting film, for me at least. However, I am quite enamored with this new high speed film I’m using because I can shoot in a lot of places that I never could before without a flash.

I’m STILL not skating because of my stupid lump. I’m finally going to see a doctor about it tomorrow morning. I injured myself a month ago now and I’m annoyed that it’s still there. I’m dubious that she’ll have any useful advice for me, but I’m desperate. The lump must GO!

DJDD is playing their next bout in Arkansas, and I’m planning to tag along and help out. Hopefully Steve will come too. We’re gonna be serious derby groupies, right up until I’m out there skating with pack! God, I love derby:) It sucked missing out on the last trip, so we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again.

The Derby Dames are off to Bloomington, IN for the Banshee Brawl. Steve and I fantasized for a while about making the trip, but it’s just not possible so we’re missing out on all the fun. I’ll get my chance eventually, though, so I won’t sweat it.

Sorry I haven’t been posting much lately but I’ve been too busy with life, and life has been especially good lately, so take what you can get;)

Instead of camping this weekend, I ended up flying to NH for my grandfather’s funeral. He was 95 years old and it was time. It was nice to be with family, many of whom I hadn’t seen in over 15 years, and reminisce together. He was my paternal grandfather, Grampa Maxwell, and he was a remarkable person. He will be dearly missed.

The Maxwell clan is a truly pleasant and easy-going crowd to hang with, if I do say so myself. It made me a little sad to be so far away from that whole side of my family. I don’t see them nearly enough.

We bought a camper last night! It’s a little pop-up trailer and the price was right so we jumped on it. We’ll be taking it on out on it’s maiden voyage this weekend. Weeeee!

The Missouri Massacre derby bout on Saturday was truly a wild night. I feel sorry for everyone who was watching Mizzou football because there was way more action on the rink that night.

There’s a vicious monkey on the loose, folks. Hide your children!

“One of the things we have found out through all this is there are a lot more monkeys than we thought in the area.”

And that’s just one more reason to love this town. Here’s another good line:

“He said of monkey owners, in general: ‘They’re a wary bunch.’”

As a matter of fact, this is not the first time a monkey has eluded authorities in Columbia MO. See for yourself (You gotta scroll down to see the monkey stories).

[That's Steve and the 6 boys we brought to the Arts Festival last weekend]

You may have noticed from my last post that I’ve been shooting with a new camera. I finally shot a successful roll with my Argus C2 (C3?) and it performed pretty well but it’s not a camera I’ll shoot with often. It’s not at all user-friendly but I still enjoyed getting acquainted with it, in all its square and boxy glory.

I’ve been missing my OM2. It’s such a pleasure to use and it reliably produces lovely images. I did manage to finish a roll from my XA recently, and I’ll be picking that up tomorrow, so hopefully there’ll be something worth sharing on that one.

Last but not least, I’ll leave with you a picture of my bruise. Isn’t it hideous? The swelling is more painful and lumpier than ever and very persistent. I wish it would go away. Stupid lump. It needs to go away so I can skate again.