John D. Tornow2013-06-09T04:41:36-07:00http://johntornow.com/John D. Tornowcontact@johntornow.comMorning Rain2013-06-09T04:41:36-07:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2013/06/morning-rain<p class="image"><img src="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/2013-06-09.jpg" alt="Summer Morning Rain"></p>
<p>Just a few shots after a quick morning thunderstorm.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/2013-06-09-3.jpg" alt="Summer Morning Rain"></p>
Memorial Day2013-05-27T12:11:56-07:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2013/05/memorial-day<p class="image"><img src="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/2013-05-27.jpg" data-retina="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/retina/2013-05-27.jpg" alt="Memorial Day"></p>
<p>I’ve been taking some time this weekend to relax and enjoy life. It’s been a wild ride over the past few weeks, but things are slowly coming together.</p>
<p>Before getting back to the hustle and bustle of the work week we’ve been enjoying some of the simpler things in life. A sprinkler, cheap plastic pool and some chubby thighs in the backyard are all we need. Blessed.</p>
Bulb2013-04-22T15:00:40-07:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2013/04/bulb<p class="image"><img src="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/2013-04-22.jpg" data-retina="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/retina/2013-04-22.jpg" alt="Light Bulb"></p>
<p>Fancy light bulbs seen in Driftwood, Texas.</p>
Picnic2013-04-16T15:09:52-07:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2013/04/picnic<p class="image"><img src="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/2013-04-16.jpg" data-retina="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/retina/2013-04-16.jpg" alt="Picnic"></p>
<p>This past week we enjoyed a nice picnic and concert outdoors at the <a rel="external" href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org">Dallas Arboretum</a>. I’m still amazed at what a beautiful oasis that place is in the middle of the city.</p>
Warm Up2013-04-07T13:16:09-07:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2013/04/warm-up<p class="image"><img src="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/2013-04-07.jpg" data-retina="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/retina/2013-04-07.jpg" alt="Tree"></p>
<p>The spring has arrived in Dallas. The leaves are starting to come out and brown is turning to green. We’re enjoying many trips to the parks these days and of course snapping a few simple photos along the way.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/2013-04-07-2.jpg" data-retina="//d3tg4v0f74vukq.cloudfront.net/images/2013/retina/2013-04-07-2.jpg" alt="Tree"></p>
Christmas2012-12-26T10:27:21-06:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/12/christmas<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-26-2.jpg" alt="Merry Christmas"></p>
<p>It has been a wonderful Christmas week here in Dallas. We’ve had the first “white” Christmas in a long time, made some great food (cookies and fresh lobster) and celebrated with friends and family.</p>
<p>Merry Christmas to all!</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-26.jpg" alt="Merry Christmas"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-26-3.jpg" alt="Merry Christmas"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-26-4.jpg" alt="Merry Christmas"></p>
Verde Camp2012-12-09T12:17:42-06:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/12/verde-camp<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-09.jpg" alt="Verde Camp"></p>
<p>I spent the past few days on a business trip to Austin. While we were there we stayed at the lovely <a rel="external" href="http://www.verdecamp.com">Verde Camp</a> houses. Before breakfast one morning I snapped a few shots quickly of this scenic and quaint area. If you’re in South Austin with a group of people looking for a great place to stay, this is it.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-09-2.jpg" alt="Verde Camp"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-09-3.jpg" alt="Verde Camp"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-09-5.jpg" alt="Verde Camp"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-09-6.jpg" alt="Verde Camp"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-09-7.jpg" alt="Verde Camp"></p>
Bingo2012-12-07T01:48:17-06:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/12/bingo<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-07.jpg" alt="Bingo Sign"></p>
Trees2012-12-03T14:34:53-06:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/12/trees<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-12-03.jpg" alt="Tree Shopping"></p>
<p>Christmas tree shopping.</p>
City Park2012-11-25T16:08:02-06:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/11/park<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-11-25.jpg" alt="City Park"></p>
<p>We spend a lot of time going to the various parks around the city of Dallas lately. It has been a warm and sunny fall and the walks through the neighborhoods keep our constantly growing, crawling, and trying-to-walking baby girl happy. I caught this shot right before sunset walking through the trails of one of our favorite spots in town.</p>
Vacation2012-11-22T07:22:46-06:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/11/vacation<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-11-22.jpg" alt="Coffee"></p>
<p>Taking a much needed break off this week. Enjoying lots of coffee and pie making.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-11-22-2.jpg" alt="Pie"></p>
Winding Road2012-10-21T05:01:47-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/10/winding-road<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-10-21.jpg" alt="Winding Road"></p>
<p>I’ve been going back through some of my archived photos lately and stumbled across a few that I never thought much about before but suddenly am enjoying.</p>
<p>This shot is from a few years ago somewhere on one of the many winding roads of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i.</p>
Peppers2012-10-19T13:58:43-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/10/peppers<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-10-19.jpg" alt="Peppers"></p>
<p>We’re in the midst of a second growing season before the end of the fall here in Texas. Needless to say we were a bit surprised to find these little guys growing in the backyard so late in the year. It took all of maybe 5 minutes before we threw them on a hot grill. Delicious.</p>
Glass2012-10-15T16:41:49-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/10/glass<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-10-15.jpg" alt="Glass Door"></p>
<p>A new, old door.</p>
Offscreen2012-09-29T06:31:28-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/09/offscreen<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-09-29.jpg" alt="Offscreen Magazine"></p>
<p>The third issue of <a rel="external" href="http://www.offscreenmag.com">Offscreen Magazine</a> arrived on our doorstep a few days ago. For those that haven’t heard of it, the folks at Offscreen are putting together a fantastic little semi-regular publication for and by the digital creators of the world. It seems slightly ironic that some of the finest design, writing and thoughts in the Web community are presented in the timeless print format.</p>
<p>The design is beautiful and carefully prepared. The photography and articles are simply fantastic. And the whole concept is just refreshing. If you work or play on the modern Web, <a rel="external" href="http://www.offscreenmag.com/buy/">pick yourself up a copy</a> today.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-09-29-2.jpg" alt="Offscreen Magazine"></p>
Kick Off2012-09-09T16:03:16-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/09/kickoff<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-09-09.jpg" alt="Wings"></p>
<p>Finally. The 2012 NFL football season is under way. What better way to start off the season than with some homemade grilled Buffalo wings? I can’t think of one.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
San Francisco Streets2012-08-28T16:31:19-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/08/san-francisco-streets<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-08-27.jpg" alt="San Francisco Streets"></p>
<p>Clearing out the rest of my favorite shots from the streets of San Francisco. Such a fun city. Can’t wait for the next visit.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-08-27-2.jpg" alt="Buildings of San Francisco"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-08-27-3.jpg" alt="Buildings of San Francisco"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-08-27-4.jpg" alt="Buildings of San Francisco"></p>
Fresh Pack2012-08-14T15:41:00-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/08/fresh-pack<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-08-14.jpg" alt="Field Notes"></p>
<p>I’ve been going through these like they are going out of style lately. I love what the folks at <a rel="external" href="http://fieldnotesbrand.com/daygame/">Field Notes</a> are doing, especially with this latest edition, and it’s always good to get the latest pack in the mail.</p>
Front Door2012-08-11T09:30:50-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/08/front-door<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-08-11.jpg" alt="Front Door"></p>
<p>Enjoying the architecture and building styles of San Francisco.</p>
Painted Ladies2012-08-05T08:36:15-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/08/painted-ladies<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-08-05.jpg" alt="Painted Ladies"></p>
<p>This is one of my favorite shots from our trip to San Francisco a few weeks back. It was completely unintentional (especially the feet!) but turned out to be a great perspective of the scene.</p>
Fire Alarm2012-07-29T14:30:39-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/07/fire-alarm<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-07-29.jpg" alt="Fire Alarm"></p>
<p>Seen on the streets of San Francisco.</p>
Golden Gate2012-07-25T15:35:11-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/07/golden-gate<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-07-25.jpg" alt="Golden Gate Bridge in Fog"></p>
<p>We just returned from a long weekend trip to San Francisco. It was my first time. What a great city. Great weather. Amazing food. Enjoyed every minute.</p>
<p>I was only able to grab one picture of the Golden Gate Bridge and this is it. The fog overwhelmed the entire bridge, making it gloomy and dark even in mid day. What an amazing sight.</p>
<p>More to come from this trip soon.</p>
Bishop Arts2012-07-02T02:30:29-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/07/bishop-arts<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-07-02.jpg" alt="Bishop Arts"></p>
<p>The weather has been great here lately. Oddly enough, not too hot just yet. It was a perfect day for a walk around one of our favorite neighborhoods.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-07-02-2.jpg" alt="Bishop Arts"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-07-02-4.jpg" alt="Bishop Arts"></p>
Chicken Scratch2012-06-21T15:20:08-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/06/chicken-scratch<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-21.jpg" alt="Chicken Scratch"></p>
<p>One of my favorite new restaurants is a tiny little place outside of downtown called <a rel="external" href="http://cs-tf.com/">Chicken Scratch</a>. The recently opened restaurant is the brainchild of <a href="http://johntornow.com/photos/2011/02/gumbo/">Chef Tim Byres</a>, of <a rel="external" href="http://www.smokerestaurant.com/">Smoke</a> fame, so right from the start I was expecting big things.</p>
<p>This hot spot is noticeably out of place in the city of Dallas with its quiet and inviting courtyard, hollowed-out freight containers for seating and soundstage made entirely of shipping palettes. As you sit in the wide open courtyard on a warm summer night, you can’t help but feel like you are somewhere perhaps a little bit more exotic than a small city block (next to a trailer park) just a mile away from the upscale city skyline.</p>
<p>The atmosphere is just great, and the food is even better. Chicken Scratch's specialities are pan-fried chicken, amazing hand-made side dishes, and the best biscuits you’ll find for a long while.Seriously.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-21-3.jpg" alt="Chicken Scratch"></p>
<p>They also have their own generic soda on tap. The root beer was already out the last time we went, but they had a great grape soda that was next in line. Bravo.</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-21-2.jpg" alt="Chicken Scratch"></p>
Father’s Day2012-06-17T14:54:36-05:00http://johntornow.com/photos/2012/06/fathers-day<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-17.jpg" alt="Grill"></p>
<p>There are a few things I typically don’t post a ton of pictures of: food and our baby girl. It would be easy for me to post daily pictures of meals eaten or the latest of her ever changing facial expressions. But that would be <em>too</em> easy. However, this post is a big exception. Today was my first Father’s Day, and we celebrated appropriately with copious amounts of seafood and family time.</p>
<p>On the menu was steamed shrimp, mac and cheese, and grilled red peppers, Portobella mushrooms and salmon. It couldn’t have been more fun (and delicious).</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-17-2.jpg" alt="Fathers Day Meal"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-17-3.jpg" alt="Salmon"></p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-17-4.jpg" alt="Grilled Veggies"></p>
<p>And this is the little girl that made it all possible:</p>
<p class="image"><img src="http://johntornow.com/images/2012/2012-06-17-5.jpg" alt="Baby"></p>