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September 26, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 09/20/2026 to 09/26/2026

“I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.” — Diane Arbus

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

This is a repost from October 2021. I am organizing our house and have only had time to take photos.

Sunday, 09/20/2026: Posted photo — Reflection in the Fog.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/80 s, 113 mm.

Driving into church this morning, I notice fog off the lakes in the area. The location of this photo is one in which I take many practice photos. It is a difficult location to take a photo since I needed to stop on the edge of a busy road.

My initial thought on this photo was to get a picture of the mist rising from the surface of the lake with the foliage behind it. When I arrived at this location, the mist was thicker than I would like. I did see the reflections of the trees on the water and thought that that would take a good photo.

Monday, 09/21/2026: Posted photo — Western Tanager.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/6.3, 1/320 s, 300 mm.

Fact from All About Birds: “The oldest Western Tanager on record—a male originally banded in Nevada in 1965—had lived at least 6 years and 11 months by the time he was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in Oregon in 1971.”

We were walking the north rim at Grand Canyon National Park when I spotted this male Western Tanager in a conifer tree. The color contrast between the bird and the tree caught my eye.

The range of the Western Tanger is the western parts for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Again, from All About Birds: “A clear look at a male Western Tanager is like looking at a flame: an orange-red head, brilliant yellow body, and coal-black wings, back and tail. Females and immatures are a somewhat dimmer yellow-green and blackish. These birds live in open woods all over the West, particularly among evergreens, where they often stay hidden in the canopy. Nevertheless, they’re a quintessential woodland denizen in summertime, where they fill the woods with their short, burry song and low, chuckling call notes.” (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Tanager/overview)

Tuesday, 09/22/2026: Posted photo — The Gathering.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 3200, f/7.1, 1/100 s, 135 mm.

On my way home from work today I saw this rafter of turkey. I have seen them many times before on the property and did not feel the need to photograph them. Today was different.

When I was approaching them today, it looked like it was a group of workers getting ready to clock out of work and were planning what they were going to do tonight. Just the way they were gather in pairs and it looked like they were talking to each other.

Also, I thought it would be a good picture to take.

Wednesday, 09/23/2026: Posted photo — Cattails.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 800, f/5, 1/800 s, 52 mm.

I had a choice of photos to post today — a photo of an island or a photo of cattails. I decided on the cattails for the photo to put in my 365 project because I liked it just a little bit better than the photo of the island. I will be posting both in this blog for you to compare.

Cattails are a type of aquatic plant, approximately 5-10 feet tall. These plants have long, slender, branchless, and upward-growing leaves and a distinguishable brown, cylindrical flowering head at their apex. The grow around ponds and other wetland areas.

What is the difference between a pond and a lake? Here is something I found in my research: “To help determine the difference, both the depth and surface area must be considered. Lakes are normally much deeper than ponds and have a larger surface area. All the water in a pond is in the photic zone, meaning ponds are shallow enough to allow sunlight to reach the bottom. This causes plants (sometimes too many) to grow at the bottom of ponds as well as on their surface. However, sunlight can’t reach the bottom of all areas of lakes. Lakes have aphotic zones, which are deep areas of water that receive no sunlight, preventing plants from growing.” (https://lakes.grace.edu/ponds-vs-lakes-whats-the-difference/)

I took the cattail photo with a shallow depth of field (DOF) to blur the background and the make the cattails “pop”. As you can tell by this photo, the cattails are starting to spread their seeds.

Here is the photo of the island that I took and did not like as much as the cattail photo.

Thursday, 09/24/2026: Posted photo — Sunset Through Trees.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/160 s, 100 mm.

After a week and a half, I was back on the hiking trail today. It felt good to get back. I hiked 4.3 miles on Wachusett Mountain after work with some colleagues. I took a series of photos along the way to determine what one to post. I decided on this sunset photo. I had another sunset photo that I took from the summit, but I accidently deleted it. Rookie mistake.

The other choices of photos were a glacial erratic called Balanced Rock or a burl on a tree at a trail junction. Just a reminder that a glacial erratic is glacially deposited rock differing from the size and type of rock native to the area in which it rests. And a burl is a strange-looking collection of tree cells, which are called callus tissue. Normally, callus tissue is formed by a tree in response to an environmental injury such as a pruning cut, disease, or insect damage. If you have a piece of wooden furniture, such as an end table, it was most likely made with a burl.

These are the photos that I did not post for my 365 project.

Friday, 09/25/2026: Post photo — Pareidolia.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/10, 1/250 s, 21 mm.

Pareidolia is the defined by Merriam-Webster as the tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern. I have posted about this tendency in the past.

Today I am posting a photo of a cloud. I see a couple items in this photo. I see an opera singer hitting a high note and I also see a ships figurehead. It is amazing how one can see an object when one is not there.

What to you see? Do you see what I see, due to the power of suggestion, or do you see something else. Please respond in the comment section.

Saturday, 09/26/2026: Post photo — Iris Bouquet.

Settings: Samsung SM-G930V (Galaxy S7), ISO 100, f/1.7, 1/60 s, 4 mm

From The Old Farmer’s Almanac: “The tall, beautiful iris, named after the Greek goddess who rode rainbows, comes in many magical colors. Despite its divine origins, this June bloomer is rugged, reliable, and easy to grow. Learn all about planting, growing, and caring for iris flowers.” (https://www.almanac.com/plant/irises)

Today was a shopping day from me. Saw this iris bouquet in one of the stores that I shopped. I like the colors.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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September 20, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 09/13/2026 to 09/19/2026

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 09/13/2026: Posted photo — Flags on the 48: South Kingsman.

This is a repost of the commentary from last Saturday. I came back late from the hike and did not post a picture.

I co-lead a hike with the Worcester Chapter of the AMC up South Kingsman for this year’s Flags on the 48 (FOT48). The FOT48 event has been held every year since 9/11/01. It started out with a group of people hiking Mount Liberty to fly the flag shortly after the event. A few more peaks were covered the next year, and then all the peaks after that. The FOT48 is the hiking community’s way to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire for two hours the Saturday closes to September 11. This was my 12th year of doing this hike. I started in 2013 when I hiked Mt. Garfield, only missing a couple due to family events on the day of the hike. I have not yet repeated a peak. I will not fly the flag on all 48 during my lifetime. I will continue hiking in this event if I am able to do so.

It is a very emotional day, and we get many words of thanks and encouragement from other hikers who just happen upon it. Some people plan to hike to see how my summits, and flags, they can see during the day. It is great to take out the binoculars to see the flags flying on nearby peaks.

I have hiked this event in bad weather, high winds, hot and humid weather, cold and raw weather, and ideal weather. When you hike with a fellow group of hikers and friends, the weather does not matter, just the meaning of the event.

Monday, 09/14/2026: Posted photo — Lights on Mount Washington.

For the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Mount Washington sent up two pillars of light.

My brother and I took a trip to see the lights. We did not go near the mountain since there were many people heading towards the lights. We ended up going to the town of Jefferson.

The conditions for taking photos were great. Very dark sky, some clouds, and many stars. The difficulty was focusing. This was the best photo that I took of the lights. They were not as bright as I was imagining them to be.

Tuesday, 09/15/2026: Posted photo – Lonesome Lake.

This is a photo looking over Lonesome Lake looking into Franconia Notch from the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut. The mountains you are looking at are part of the Franconia Range, including Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln. the Arabian slave traders are the ones who gave the banana its name.

We stopped at the hut on the way to the summit and down from the summit to refresh our water and to use the facilities instead of the wilderness.

Wednesday, 09/16/2026: Posted photo — Summit Selfie.

Someone took my photo at the summit with the flag in the background. The photo was too backlit, so I took a selfie photo. I am not very good at taking selfies.

The words on the bottom of the flag: “Flag of Honor: This flag contains the names of those killed in the terrorist attacks of 9.11. Now and forever it will represent their immortality. We should never forget them”

Thursday, 09/17/2026: Posted photo — Gourds.

A gourd is a member of the Cucurbitaceae, or cucurbit family, A gourd is a hard-shelled, non-edible fruit related to cucumbers, summer and winter squashes, and pumpkins. We display gourds in the fall to allow them to dry and last as rustic decorations. In several indigenous mythologies the round gourd symbolizes the circle of life, the womb of the mother, and the repository for ancestral spirits.

Friday, 09/18/2026: Posted photo – Apple Pie.

This is one of the 49 apples pies that were baked tonight at our church’s bazaar on Sunday. The bazaar is normally on a Saturday. This year it is on Sunday. The local elementary school allows the use of their kitchen to bake all the pies. Crusts are made in advanced and the filling is prepared while the pies are baking. My job was to wrap the pies.

Saturday’s weather is predicted to be nice. There is predicted rain for most of the day on Sunday.

Saturday, 09/19/2026: Post photo —Wolf’s Milk Slime Mold.

Wolf’s milk slime looks like little, round, reddish pink balls; they exude a pinkish-orange or pinkish-gray paste when popped. It grows in groups on dead wood, especially large logs. They are not edible. Slime molds have inspired the science fiction movie “The Blob” in 1958. These are on some logs that we have in our yard.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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September 13, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 09/06/2026 to 09/12/2026

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” — Ansel Adams

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

We also celebrated Labor Day this Monday. Labor Day is, and should always be, a federal holiday and a day off from work. This week was also the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. On Saturday September 12, I did my annual hike for the Flags on the 48 hiking the 4,358 feet South Kinsman Mountain.

Sunday, 09/06/2026: Posted photo — 3D View.

FinePix XP70 XP71 XP75, f/3.9, 1/70 sec, ISO 100

It has been a while since I posted 3D photos. We were at the cottage today, doing some planning on what to do to close it up for the season. We are not closing the cottage until Columbus Day, in about a month.

Do you see the 3D photo of the boats? This is how you should look at this image:

  1. Look at what looks like two identical images.
  2. Cross your eyes. A third image should appear in the middle. If you see 4 images, you’ll have to relax your eyes and cross them less.
  3. Focus on that middle image until it pops out in 3D.

To take a 3D image:

  1. Always take photos in portrait orientation.
  2. Set the camera to full manual and choose the correct exposure and focus.
  3. Put your feet square on to the subject of your 3D photo.
  4. Put your weight onto your right foot, without lifting your left.
  5. Take the first photo.
  6. Put your weight onto your left foot without raising your right.
  7. Unless your subject is very close, you don’t need to turn your camera to keep it in the center.
  8. Take the second photo.

Monday, 09/07/2026: Posted photo — Fish.

Canon EOS R50, f/5.7, 1/332 sec., ISO 2000

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day occurs on first Monday of September. The holiday pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. This should always be a holiday and a day to be with family and friends, the ones we work to support.

Now about this fish. I was at the cottage today and saw this fish swimming near our dock. The water is clear in this area since there are not any weeds. The fish was closer to the dock when I took out my camera, and it just stayed in the location of this photo for a while. The fish was just far enough away that it was at the end of the focal point of my regular lens and too close to me for my zoom lens.

Tuesday, 09/08/2026: Posted photo – Bananas.

Pixel 7, f/1.8, 1/24 sec, ISO 51

Bananas originated 10,000 years ago and some scientists believe they may have been the world’s first fruit. The first bananas are thought to have grown in the region that includes the Malaya Peninsula, Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea. The personal physician to Roman emperor Octavius Augustus is credited for promoting the cultivation of the fruit from 63 to 14 B.C. Historians believe that the Arabian slave traders are the ones who gave the banana its name.

Bananas are a source of carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or salt. Their potential benefits include Heart health, Digestive health, Weight control, Faster workout recovery, and Memory and mood help.

To peel a banana gently but firmly, pinch the bottom of the banana between your thumb and index finger. The skin splits into two clean sections, ready to peel away without any fuss. That is how animals peal a banana.

Wednesday, 09/09/2026: Posted photo — Reflection of a Duck.

Canon EOS R50, f/7.1, 1/250 sec., ISO 640

I was just taking photos testing out different settings on my camera. I took photos of the dock, sky, clouds, leaves staring to turn, and this duck. I was practicing panning.

When I uploaded the photos to my computer, I saw the reflection of this duck in the water. It almost looks like the duck has two heads. Or is that my imagination going wild. I did not achieve my goal of taking a panning photo, but I like this photo better.

Thursday, 09/10/2026: Posted photo — Hidden Bug.

Canon EOS R50, f/5, 1/100 sec., ISO 1250

Last week at this time, I took a photo of a rosebud. This is the rose in bloom. When I developed it, I saw this little bug hiding. Do you see the bug?

Did he just type “when I developed it?” Yes, I did. I always take my photos in RAW format since I want my photo to be as I like and not as the camera predicts what I like. It is like not using AI since I want my results to be what I am looking for and not what AI thinks I am looking. A RAW file is a digital image file that contains the unprocessed data from your camera’s sensor. RAW is not the abbreviation for anything, it just means raw as the sensor sees it. I postprocess, or develop, my photos using either Canon’s Digital Photo Professional or Darktable, both free programs. I then use either GIMP or Paint Shop Pro to further edit and clean up my photos. I am using GIMP often now since I carry the program around with me on my thumb drive.

Many times, I can fix and recover a “bad” photo by editing the RAW file.

Friday, 09/11/2026: Posted photo – Northern Right Whale Skull.

Canon EOS R50, f/6.3, 1/125 sec., ISO 100

Today I am posting a photo from past travels. I am on my way to the White Mountains in New Hampshire to take part in the Flags on the 48 memorial hike.

The plaque reads: “Northern Right Whale Skull. This section is all the remains of a 60-foot Northern Right Whale that washed ashore on Ocracoke in 1988. Each spring and fall small groups of these plankton feeding giants migrate past the Outer Banks.”

The Northern Right Whale is an endangered large whale species. It has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. The most recent estimate for the population is approximately 380 whales. The whale can weigh up to 140,000 pounds and can grow up to 52 feet long. It has a lifespan of up to 70 years. It must be a great sight to see one of these whales breaching.

Shortly after this photo was taken the sky opened with the rain so heavy you could not see out of the car. Now I have a better understanding of how quickly the Outer Banks flood during storms.

Saturday, 09/12/2026: Post photo — Flags on the 48: South Kingsman.

Canon EOS R50, f/4.5, 1/60 sec., ISO 1000

I co-lead a hike with the Worcester Chapter of the AMC up South Kingsman for this year’s Flags on the 48 (FOT48). The FOT48 event has been held every year since 9/11/01. It started out with a group of people hiking Mount Liberty to fly the flag shortly after the event. A few more peaks were covered the next year, and then all the peaks after that. The FOT48 is the hiking community’s way to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire for two hours the Saturday closes to September 11. This was my 12th year of doing this hike. I started in 2013 when I hiked Mt. Garfield, only missing a couple due to family events on the day of the hike. I have not yet repeated a peak. I will not fly the flag on all 48 during my lifetime. I will continue hiking in this event if I am able to do so.

It is a very emotional day, and we get many words of thanks and encouragement from other hikers who just happen upon it. Some people plan to hike to see how my summits, and flags, they can see during the day. It is great to take out the binoculars to see the flags flying on nearby peaks.

I have hiked this event in bad weather, high winds, hot and humid weather, cold and raw weather, and ideal weather. When you hike with a fellow group of hikers and friend, the weather does not matter, just the meaning of the event.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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September 6, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 08/30/2026 to 09/05/2026

“It’s weird that photographers spend years or even a whole lifetime, trying to capture moments that added together, don’t even amount to a couple of hours.” — James Lalropui Keivom

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Many flower photos this week for some reason. The sun and warm weather could be on my mind this week.

Sunday, 08/30/2026: Posted photo — Shape with Light.

I was attempting to do some light painting this week. I just never had the opportunity to do what I wanted to do. I guess that I am just lazy in my old age. I took these images using a blue laser pointer against a ceiling in one of our rooms. I like the glow around the trails. Just wish I had outlined an object in the dark as I originally planned.

Monday, 08/31/2026: Posted photo — Bee in Aster.

Canon EOS R50, f/5.6, 1/200 sec., ISO 125

Happy 34 heavenly birthday to Seraphina. Miss you dearly.

Last week I posted a photo of an aster. I was not planning on doing so again this week until I saw this honeybee gathering nectar. Every year I attempt to take a photo of a honeybee on a flower. This year was a little trickier since I am using a new camera and am still learning its settings. I am surprised about how much different this camera is than my last camera. There are features that I like and there are features that I wish I had back. Call my cheap, but I did not want to pay twice as much for just a body as I did with my complete camera kit.

Tuesday, 09/01/2026: Posted photo – Black Eyed Susans.

Canon EOS R50, f/5, 1/80 sec., ISO 160

Black Eyed Susans are not weeds. Sometimes they act like weeds overtaking gardens and flowerbeds. The spread is most likely caused by animals spreading flower seeds. The daisy-like blooms are typically 2 to 3 inches wide, and bloom for up to a month from July to August. The center becomes a seed cluster that appeals to birds and other animals.

This photo was taken in a flower bed that just had a few black eyes Susans a few years ago and is not completely coved with them There are other flowerbeds in the area that were also overtaken by this flower.

Wednesday, 09/02/2026: Posted photo — Flower Arrangement.

Pixel 7, f/1.8, 1/78 sec, ISO 230

This was taken during my shopping trip this week. I am now taking photos of random objects to test out the focus of my phone. I have a small camera that I use underwater that I need to locate so that I can take photos using that camera and not my phone. What happened to my phone’s camera is still a mystery to me.

I know what you are thinking, this is not a random photo since I see many flower photos from Joe. This is a random photo because, like many of my photos, the subject calls out to me to photograph them.

Thursday, 09/03/2026: Posted photo — Rosebud.

Canon EOS R50, f/5.6, 1/200 sec., ISO 400

Yellow roses symbolize friendship and joy, and new beginnings. A rose bud has the same meaning as a fully blossomed rose. This rosebud is in the flower bed I planted in memory of our daughter who passed away at birth 34 years ago. This bud started to appear on her birthday. This is very symbolic and meaningful to me.

Friday, 09/04/2026: Posted photo – Bat Box.

Bat boxes are artificial roosts designed to encourage bats into areas where there are few roosting sites. Bat boxes, also called bat houses, are helpful in providing alternative roosting habitat for bats so that they do not roost in hour houses. I have been in an old Victorian house that had bats. That is not ideal since bats carry many germs. By making a bat box (or house) reduces the chance of human contact with bats.

Bats carry rabies. Unlike bites from larger animals, bat bites and scratches can be small and may go unnoticed or appear insignificant. If you wake up and see a bat in your room, you should seek medical attention in case the bat has bitten or scratched you.

Saturday, 09/05/2026: Post photo — Elephants.

Canon EOS R50, f/4.5, 1/60 sec., ISO 1000

“The Great Elephant Migration” Boston. The 100-strong herd is on the move in the middle of Commonwealth Ave. The life-size elephant sculptures are crafted from Lantana camara, a toxic and aggressive invasive weed that overtakes forests in India and forces wild elephants into human areas. You can purchase these elephants after this exhibition is over. The Tuskers, the largest and most striking males in the herd, easily identified by the mighty tusks that define them cost $22,500 each, while the sold-out Calves started at $8,500.

These elephants are impressive to see, and they are almost out of the city. They are located on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall starting from The ‘Quin House between Fairfield & Dartmouth until September 13, 2026.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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August 30, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 08/23/2026 to 08/29/2026

“Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.” — Yousuf Karsh

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 08/23/2026: Posted photo — Name in Stone.

Name in stone on the summit of Wachusett Mountain.

Monday, 08/24/2026: Posted photo — Mums.

Mums that I saw today.

Tuesday, 8/25/2026: Posted photo – Gazebo on Academy Hill.

The gazebo at historic Academy Hill in Westminster. Stopped by to take this photo after I dropped off ballots at Town Hall.

Wednesday, 08/26/2026: Posted photo — White Wood Aster.

Some white wood asters from our yard.

Thursday, 08/27/2026: Posted photo — Dam at Little Beaver State Park.

My family took a quick hike around the lake at Little Beaver State Park in WV. This is actually the spillway since the water was low.

Friday, 8/28/2026: Posted photo – Bridge to Sandstone Falls.

This is the bridge that we walked over to get to Sandstone Falls in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in WV.

Saturday, 08/29/2026: Post photo — Sandstone Falls.

The largest waterfall on the New River, Sandstone Falls spans the river where it is 1500 feet wide. Divided by a series of islands, the river drops 10 to 25 feet.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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August 23, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 08/16/2026 to 08/22/2026

“All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth.” — Richard Avedon

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 08/16/2026: Posted photo — Altar Cloth.

The color of an altar cloth is normally the same as the priest wears during Mass.

  • White, the color of joy and victory, is used for the seasons of Easter and Christmas. It is also a reminder of the resurrection and can therefore be used at funerals.
  • Red is used on the days when we celebrate the passion of Jesus, Passion (Palm) Sunday and Good Friday. Red recalls the Holy Spirit and is used on Pentecost and for the sacrament of Confirmation.
  • Green symbolizes life, anticipation, and hope and is used during Ordinary Time.
  • Violet or purple are used in Advent to help us to remember that we are preparing for the coming of Christ. Lent, the season of penance, repentance, and renewal, also uses the colors violet or purple.

Monday, 08/17/2026: Posted photo — Focus Check.

I needed to check the focus on my phone’s camera. I thought it was getting better, but it has not. I wonder why it stopped working. Need to do more investigation.

Tuesday, 08/18/2026: Posted photo — Mushrooms.

This might be a gilled bolete mushroom. I do not know my mushrooms or like to eat them. All I know is this one is not edible.

Wednesday, 08/19/2026: Posted photo — Roses.

Another week, another photo of roses. I keep trying different settings on my phone to see if I can get a good photo. All I know now is that I can take a good photo at one set distance. My zoom does not work. I need to either purchase a small digital camera or find my old phone and use that as my camera. I might have traded in my older photo, so wish me luck.

Thursday, 08/20/2026: Posted photo — Round Meadow Pond.

It has been a while since I took a photo at this location. When I was on my way to work today, I had an urge to take a slight detour to take this photo. There was a slight mist off the pond, and I was trying to capture it. Looks like I had no luck. Better luck next time.

Friday, 08/21/2026: Post photo — Cemetery.

Is it cemetery or cemetary? There is some debate about the spelling of the word. I like, and many other people like, the spelling with three “e’s”. I have seen posts on different signs at cemeteries spelled with the “a” and not the “e”. Doing research this week, the consensus is that the word has three “e’s”.

Saturday, 08/22/2026: Post photo — Turkey Feather.

We have had a rafter of turkeys in our neighborhood this week. There is a family of about a dozen little poults. I do not know if they are Jakes or Jennys.

I attempted to get a photo of them later in the week, but I did not find them. They have been in our neighbor’s yard for most of the week. The only day I did not see them was when I had my camera with me to take their photo.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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August 16, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 08/09/2026 to 08/15/2026

“My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.” — Steve McCurry

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Little words this week.

Sunday, 08/09/2026: Posted photo — Stained Glass.

Stained glass in our church. I do not have much more to say about this photo.

Monday, 08/10/2026: Posted photo — Leading Lines.

The theme for my photo project was leading lines. The dock in the photo leads you out to the lake.

Tuesday, 08/11/2026: Posted photo — Nesting Robin.

This robin has a nest at our cottage. This is the third year in a row that it used this nest.

Wednesday, 08/13/2026: Posted photo — Partial Solar Eclipse.

There was a partial solar eclipse today. We had only about 18% coverage. When I woke up the weather was predicted to be partially cloudy. I glad it was not at the time of the eclipse. I stepped out of the office to take this photo.

Thursday, 08/13/2026: Posted photo — Thurmond Station.

Thurmond Station is in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in WV. Thurmond was once among the greatest railroad towns along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The historic Thurmond Depot has been restored by the National Park Service and now serves as a park visitor center.

Friday, 08/14/2026: Post photo — Acorn.

This 10-foot-tall, 1, 250-lb. copper and steel sculpture was commissioned for Raleigh’s bicentennial in 1992. Dedicated to John Watkins, it is located at Raleigh City Plaza.

Saturday, 08/15/2026: Post photo — Ocracoke Lighthouse.

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is in Ocracoke Village at the southern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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August 9, 2026

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Histoy, Inspiration, memorial, Photography, religion, Thoughts, Travel

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Photographic Thoughts — 08/02/2026 to 08/08/2026

“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.” — Sally Mann

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 08/02/2026: Posted photo — Votive.

The word votive describes something offered, given, or dedicated in fulfillment of a vow, prayer, or expression of devotion. The word votive comes from the Latin word votum, meaning a vow or a promise. These candles are in the vestibule of our church. They are dedicated to a good friend and his wife who have both passed.

Monday, 08/03/2026: Posted photo — Abstract.

The topic for my photo project this week was abstract. I took this photo as an abstract photo. It served two purposes. The first is to take a photo for my project. The second is to test out the focus on my phone’s camera. The class on my phone spontaneously broke. I am not the first owner of this brand of phone that this happened. Since the glass broke, my phone’s camera does not focus in the distance.

Tuesday, 08/04/2026: Posted photo — Black Eyed Susan.

The black-eyed Susan symbolizes encouragement, motivation, resilience, and justice. The name comes from the flower’s dark central disk surrounded by bright yellow petals, paired with a popular 1729 English ballad titled “Sweet William’s Farewell to Black-eye’d Susan” by poet John Gay.

Wednesday, 08/05/2026: Posted photo — Avocados.

Though once they roamed wild on the island, the Ocracoke Banker Ponies have been penned for their protection and cared for by the National Park Service since 1959. Legend has it that the “Banker” horses of Ocracoke were left here by shipwrecked explorers in the 16th or 17th century. These horses, often referred to as Ocracoke ponies, have been documented on Ocracoke Island since the first European settlers came to stay in the 1730s.

Thursday, 08/06/2026: Posted photo — Sunflower.

Sunflowers universally symbolize happiness, loyalty, adoration, and longevity. The sunflower got its name from its bright, round shape that looks like the sun and its habit of turning to face the sun.

Friday, 08/07/2026: Post photo — Still Eating.

This is the same rabbit as the last few weeks. I did not see it all week until today. I had to use my DSLR to get this photo. I wanted to take its photo this week using my phone, but as stated earlier, the zoom does not work.

Saturday, 08/08/2026: Post photo — Wright Bothers Memorial.

The site of the first flight in Kitty Hawk, NC in the Outer Banks. The wooden rail in the photo is what they used to keep the plane straight during takeoff. I did not realize how much influence their sister Katharine had on them. She is the forgotten sibling in this incredible feat and should have some credit. Glad to see that her name is in the Memorial.

Flight Details on December 17, 1903
First flight: 120 feet (36.5 meters) in 12 seconds, piloted by Orville Wright.
Second flight: 175 feet (53.3 meters) in 12 seconds, piloted by Wilbur Wright.
Third flight: 200 feet (60.9 meters) in 15 seconds, piloted by Orville Wright.
Fourth (best) flight: 852 feet (260 meters) in 59 seconds, piloted by Wilbur Wright.

Looking at the flight markers, I could just imagine what went through their minds during that fourth flight. It was a relatively long way from the first three. It took some time to walk to it in the North Carolina heat.

When I was walking from the location of the fourth flight to the Big Kill Devil Hill Monument, I heard a teenaged girl tell her mother, “I do not know why so many kids do not like going to a place like this. This is such a historical event in history.” There is some hope with the younger generation.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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August 4, 2026

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hiking, Histoy, Nature, Photography, Thoughts, Travel

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Photographic Thoughts — 07/26/2026 to 08/01/2026

“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” — Don McCullin

Here are some animals that I have seen over the last couple of weeks.

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 07/26/2026: Posted photo — Snapping Turtle.

Snapping turtles are large, long-lived freshwater reptiles known for their powerful jaws, long tail with a saw-toothed appearance, and aggressive snapping defense when on land. This snapping turtle has been living in the fresh water on the property that I work. I know it is the same turtle I have been seeing for years by the deformity in its shell. I have also seen her laying her eggs.

A Common Snapping Turtle delivers a force closer to 200–250 psi. I have seen this snapping turtle snap a broom handle when someone attempted to move it out of the driveway.

Monday, 07/27/2026: Posted photo — Deer.

Here are some deer that were hanging around our campsite in West Virginia. They were roaming the area and were not afraid of people. The deer in the photo kept looking at us and had an expression like “Are you looking at me?”.

Tuesday, 07/28/2026: Posted photo — Snake.

Just a snake we saw at a water crossing in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virgina. I like this photo because you can see that the snake is sticking its tongue out at us.

Wednesday, 07/29/2026: Posted photo — Ocracoke Ponies.

Though once they roamed wild on the island, the Ocracoke Banker Ponies have been penned for their protection and cared for by the National Park Service since 1959. Legend has it that the “Banker” horses of Ocracoke were left here by shipwrecked explorers in the 16th or 17th century. These horses, often referred to as Ocracoke ponies, have been documented on Ocracoke Island since the first European settlers came to stay in the 1730s.

When I went to the island, I was looking forward to possibly seeing the horses running on the beaches. That might happen at a different time of year.

Thursday, 07/30/2026: Posted photo — Barn Owl.

This owl was just after a trailhead on Wachusett Mountain. We heard the owl for many weeks and saw it at a distance once. This was the closest to the trail that I have seen it.

Friday, 07/31/2026: Post photo — Bunny.

This rabbit was eating some of our grass when I came home from work today. Most of the time when I see a rabbit, it flees. This one just looked at me and kept eating. It allowed me to take my camera out of my camera bag and to take its photo.

Saturday, 08/01/2026: Post photo — Golden Silk Orb-weaver.

Females are among the largest non-tarantula-like spiders in North America and are perhaps the largest orb-weavers in this country. This is one of two Orb-weavers that were hinging out all week at our vacation rental in the Outer Banks.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …

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July 26, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 07/19/2026 to 07/25/2026

“What makes photography a strange invention is that the primary raw materials are light and time.” — John Berger

Thumb drive is still missing. Here are some photos from this week. Need to find my thumb drive soon.

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 07/19/2026: Posted photo — Roses.

Here are some colors for today. I went out shopping today to pick up a few items. I post many rose photos without comments, so I am posting again.

Monday, 07/20/2026: Posted photo — Name in Stone.

Sometimes I wonder how long it took for people to carve their names in stone. This is on the summit of Wachusett Mountain where a hotel once stood. The Hayward family was a big furniture family in our area. Solon was the middle and troublesome son.

Tuesday, 07/21/2026: Posted photo — Tiger Lily.

Tiger lilies are covered with black or deep crimson spots, giving them the appearance of the skin of a tiger. If I take a photo of a Tiger Lily at the correct angle, it almost looks plastic.

Wednesday, 07/22/2026: Posted photo — Ginger Roots.

Ginger root provides major health benefits, specifically easing nausea, reducing inflammation, and supporting digestion. Ginger Ale contains a very small amount of ginger, usually in processed ginger extract rather than fresh ginger root. It still is used to ease nausea. I drink Ginger Ale to help prevent kidney stones.

Thursday, 07/23/2026: Posted photo — Mushroom.

I do not know much about mushrooms, except they are a type of fungus. Since I spend many hours or days outside hiking, I should. The only drawback is that I do not like the spongey taste of them.

Friday, 07/24/2026: Post photo — Bunny.

This rabbit was eating some of our grass when I came home from work today. Most of the time when I see a rabbit, it flees. This one just looked at me and kept eating. It allowed me to take my camera out of my camera bag and to take its photo.

Saturday, 07/25/2026: Post photo — Shell.

This is the first of many photos I plan on posting from our latest trip. I just need to find my thumb drive. If I cannot find it this week, I will have to redo my posts. This shell was on the beach in the Outer Banks.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — / -… -.– / .— — … . .–. …. / -.-. .. .-. .- …