Monthly Archives: April 2021

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April 25, 2021

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Photographic Thoughts—04/18/2021 to 04/24/2021

“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” — Edward Steichen

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week. It helps keep me going. Enjoy my blog post!

Sunday, 04/18/2021: Posted photo—American Bison.

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

While at Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, SD we wanted to see some bison. Bison Flats seems to be a good place possible see bison. Bison Flats to the left, what is that to the right, let us explore. It is a herd of 300 bison! No need to go to Bison Flats. What a sight to see. So graceful for such large animals.

From the National Park website: “Discover the Biodiversity of the Prairie. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America’s oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Named for barometric winds at its entrance, this maze of passages is home to boxwork, a unique formation rarely found elsewhere.”

Such an amazing place to visit. As with all the National Parks, Wind Cave offers some great views and wonderful exploring. We were situated below a hill at out campsite. We were joking about seeing a herd of bison or elk stampeding over the hill while we were sleeping.

American bison

The next day we explored the cave and then wanted to see bison. As you can see from the posted photo, we did see bison. We saw the bull and then the herd follow him. What a great sight to see nature in action.

Monday, 04/19/2021: Posted photo—Fish Story.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/320 s, 135 mm.

Stopped by the Old Mill today after work to take my photo. When I arrive at the duck pond, I do not know the location of the ducks and geese in the pond. Today, when I arrived, this goose was near the duck house and was eating some bread that someone had given it a few minutes before. When this goose saw me, he stood up and started flapping his wings and squawking.

Goose at the Old Mill duck pond

I took a series of photos and saw this one with the wings spread as if it was telling me a fish story. Maybe it was about a fish he saw, maybe it was about a hawk or eagle he saw earlier, or maybe it was about something else. I just like the way this photo came out.

Tuesday, 04/20/2021: Posted photo—Rug.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/40 s, 47 mm.

Need a photo? Sitting outside watching a two-year-old playing? Sitting on an outdoor carpet? That is what happened today. I looked at the carpet and saw this pattern and took this photo. The contrast between the white and the green caught my eye. I have seen this before, but this time I took a photo of it. We have had this outdoor rug, or carpet, for a few years now and it is still in good condition.

Always keep you eyes open for a photo opportunity. You never know when one will appear.

Pattern on outdoor rug or carpet

Wednesday, 04/21/2021: Posted photo—Grape Hyacinths.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/125 s, 60 mm

Grape hyacinths (Muscari) look much like little miniature hyacinths. These plants are smaller and only get about 6 to 8 inches (16 to 20 cm.) high. Each grape hyacinth flower looks like it has little beads all strung together up and down the stem of the plant.

Grape hyacinths do not need a whole lot of care after they flower. They do fine with natural rainfall and do not need fertilizer. Once their leaves die off, you can cut them back. In the fall, new leaves will grow, which will remind you of the pretty grape hyacinth flower to look forward to coming spring once more.

Grape hyacinths

These grape hyacinths are growing at my mother’s house in her front yard. I have seen this plant on my travels and this was the first day that I saw them at her house. I got down low to the ground and took this photo. I like the pattern that is on each one of the beads.

Thursday, 04/22/2021: Posted photo—Sunset.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 200, f/7.1, 1/500 s, 135 mm.

Another summit sunset photo

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT)

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code (per Safe Hiking in New Hampshire)

You are responsible for:

  1. Knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
  2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
  3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
  4. To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
  5. For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
  6. To share the hiker code with others.

Why did I start this post with the LTN principles and the hikeSafe principles? I went on a hike tonight with a new group for the first time. I am looking for a group to hike with once this madness is over an I wanted to try this group out. One of the questions that I askes was the first principle of LNT and the second one listed in the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code, what is the route we are taking and how long to the hikes last. The answer was the hikes last about two hours and we make up the route as we go. Not the answers I was looking to hear. These are experienced hikers, and I would like to hike with them again. One of the things a leader must do is to know the group and select the trail that is best for most of the people. The trail may not be good for all, but the trail should be selected before the hike to the LNT and hikeSafe principles can be followed.

When I hike, I leave my planned route with my son or wife if my son is hiking with me. I estimate the return time and let them know that also. I do not stray from that route just incase something happens to me; people can come looking for me in the reverse order of my hike.

Here are the ten essentials that you should always take on a hike:

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation: Map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger.
  2. Headlamp: Plus extra batteries.
  3. Sun protection: Sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen.
  4. First aid: Including foot care and insect repellent (as needed).
  5. Knife: Plus a gear repair kit.
  6. Fire: Matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove.
  7. Shelter: Carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy).
  8. Extra food: Beyond the minimum expectation.
  9. Extra water: Beyond the minimum expectation.
  10. Extra clothes: Beyond the minimum expectation.

Now about the photo. This is the sunset from the summit of Wachusett Mountain. It was very windy at the summit, so I only took a few photos. I like the way this one came out because of the colors and shading. Nature is amazing. No two sunsets are the same and each one is worth the hike.

I am hoping to see the sunset again with this group. I will try again to hike with them and to enjoy the company of other hikers.

Always follow the seven LNT Principles, the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code, and carry the Ten Essentials when on the trail, no matter how short the hike.

Friday, 04/23/2021: Post photo—Turkey.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 3200, f/7.1, 1/50 s, 135 mm

After a long-winded and venting post yesterday, today will be short.

As I was driving into work today, I was stopped by a rafter of turkeys. I have seen these turkeys off the side of the road when either arriving at work or leaving work. Today they were standing in the road and I had to move slowly towards them to get them to move. This one was just standing there looking at me as if it wanted to know what I was doing.

Turkey blocking the road

Saturday, 04/24/2021: Post photo—Treads.

Settings: Samsung SM-G930V (Galaxy S7), ISO 200, f/1.7, 1/24 s, 4 mm.

I took a risk today that we will not be getting any more snow. I took my car in to change out my snow tires. I got up early to bring time in since the place I bring my car is very busy on the weekends. I had to wait three hours before they could take me. I wanted to go early so I could get my Saturday hike in before the crowds. The early hike did not happen, so I hike on a back trail that most people do not hike much later than I wanted. The summit was crowded by not overcrowded as much as it could be.

While on the summit I took some bearings: Boston is at 172°, Mount Monadnock is at 338°, and the city of Worcester is at 84°. Boston and Worcester were not very clear to see. Knowing the mountain, I know the general direction of these cities. These cities are the two biggest cities in New England.

Snow tire treads

In case you are wondering, the photo is of the treads on Bridgestone Blizzak Snow tires. I liked the pattern. They look like they could grip the snow very well.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com/ or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/. COVID is real! Be safe out there, keep your social distance, and remember to always wear your mask and wash your hands. I get my second COVID vaccination on Wednesday this week. Get vaccinated!

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April 18, 2021

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Photographic Thoughts—04/11/2021 to 04/17/2021

“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

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week. It helps keep me going. Enjoy my blog post!

Sunday, 04/11/2021: Posted photo—Lesser Periwinkle.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 250, f/7.1, 1/160 s, 100 mm

Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle) is a vigorous, evergreen mat-forming perennial with glossy dark green leaves and large lavender blue flowers from mid-spring to early summer. Borne over a long period, they continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall and are valuable for enlivening dark areas.

This lesser periwinkle lives in the front yard of my mother’s house. The flower caught my eye yesterday when I visited her. Today, when I went back to visit, I took a photo of it before going into the house. I just like the contrast of the purple against the green grass or the dirt.

Monday, 04/12/2021: Posted photo—Radio Relay Station.

Settings: FUJIFILM FinePix XP70, ISO 100, f/8, 1/420 s, 12 mm.

Wachusett Mountain is the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. It is a good location for communication towers, fire watch towers, and radio relay stations.

This Radio Relay Station was installed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is equipped with an emergency generator and radio equipment and provides relay communications for 31 flood control projects in the area. I have added a couple other photos from tonight’s hike. One shows a small boulder field that is on the trail, one show both antennas on the Radio Relay Station, and the other photo is of the sign attached to the Radio Relay Station.

As part of my photo project, I take photo of different objects. Sometimes for no reason at all. Sometimes they are impulsive photos. This one was an impulsive photo.

Tuesday, 04/13/2021: Posted photo—Sugar Plum Fairies.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 3200, f/5.6, 1/160 s, 44 mm.

From the Story Behind the Nutcracker: “Ironically, the Sugar Plum Fairy is not found in the original E.T.A. Hoffman story Nutcracker and Mouse King or in Alexandre’s Dumas’s The Tale of the Nutcracker, the retelling on which the ballet’s first libretto was based. Additionally, during the era in which The Nutcracker ballet was developed, the term “sugar plum” referred not only to a specific sweet, but, as author Samira Kawash points out, was also “the universal signifier everything sweet and delectable and lovely.” She further explains that the actual “sugar plums” of those days were, in fact, mostly sugar and no plum. They were treats in the category of “comfit”– candy created by layering sugar coating over a seed or nut center. She cites Jordan Almonds as a modern-day parallel. So, with a name that refers to anything and everything sweet and wonderful in the world, it makes sense then that the Sugar Plum Fairy is chosen to rule the Land of Sweets while the Prince is away in Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.”

I have not seen the ballet so I cannot comment on it. One of my nephews dance and my mother-in-law took him to see it in Boston a few years ago. He enjoyed it very much.

These Sugar Plum Fairies are on a music box that my mother has in her special hutch. It is in the hutch along with all her unicorn figurines and other little figurines in trinkets. She also keeps the good china that is only to be used when company comes over in this hutch. This is a hutch that we were not to touch when we were little.

Wednesday, 04/14/2021: Posted photo—Garden of Gethsemane.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 1600, f/5.6, 1/13 s, 24 mm

The Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus prayed on the night of His betrayal and arrest (Mark 14:32-50). According to the record in Luke, Jesus’ despair in Gethsemane was so deep that He sweat drops of blood (Luke 44-22:43). “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.” (Matthew 37-26:36)

This three-dimensional painting is on my mother’s mantle. She has many religious icons and symbols around the house. I do not know whose Rosary that is, but it has been with this painting for as long as I remember.

I look at this painting every time I visit her and kept meaning to take a photograph of it. Today I finally did. I have been looking online to find out the origin and history behind the image and cannot find a good match. If anyone can help me out, please put it in the comment section.

Thursday, 04/15/2021: Posted photo—Summit in the Clouds.

Settings: FUJIFILM FinePix XP70, ISO 100, f/4.4, 1/70 s, 8 mm.

Last month I posted a photo of this fire watch tower and gave a little history of it. Tonight, I hiked up to it in the rain. The summit was in the low-lying clouds and it was wet. I wanted to take this photo to show the conditions on the summit.

The hike itself was good. The trails on the route I took were slippery and wet, but I was ready for the weather and the conditions. I was the only person hiking today. I did see a trail runner, but no other hikers. Trail running must have been interesting on the wet rocks and mud.

We are expecting five to seven inches of snow tonight into tomorrow. The current plan is to post some snow photos tomorrow. We will have to wait and see if that happens.

Friday, 04/16/2021: Post photo—Staghorn Sumac.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/8, 1/125 s, 39 mm

From the Farmer’s Almanac: “The staghorn sumac is a 15-30 feet, colony-forming, deciduous shrub with crooked, leaning trunks, picturesque branches, and velvety twigs. Large, bright green, pinnately-compound leaves become extremely colorful in early fall. Staghorn sumac is often used in mass plantings, for naturalizing, or on steep slopes. Its open habit and hairy stems resemble horns on a male deer, giving staghorn sumac its name. It is one of the last plants to leaf out in the spring with bright green leaves that change to an attractive yellow, orange, and scarlet in fall. Ground, dried sumac berries taste great as a spice rub for lamb, fish and chicken. These berries are also used as a salad topping, and you can include them in your favorite dressings. Middle Eastern chefs use sumac as a topping for fattoush salad, and are often sprinkled on hummus to add both color and a zesty flavor.”

I see these sumacs often and like the contrast of the red against the white snow.

As I was writing this, I noticed that this was the second time that I used the words “like the contrast” as a reason to take a photo.

Here are a couple more photos from today’s snow storm.

Saturday, 04/17/2021: Post photo—Trail Junction.

Settings: FUJIFILM FinePix XP70, ISO 100, f/8, 1/250 s, 10 mm.

Today I went out on a hike earlier in the day than I normally do since I am going to visit my mother later in the day. Yesterday we received about 6-10 inches of snow. I hiked on the mountain today in the snow since I know that there would be fewer people hiking today. The snow was sticky and microspikes were needed. I have not much to say today.

Here are more photos of my hike.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com/ or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

COVID is real! Be safe out there, keep your social distance, and remember to always wear your mask and wash your hands.

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April 11, 2021

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Photographic Thoughts—04/04/2021 to 04/10/2021

“You don’t take a photograph. You ask quietly to borrow it.” — Unknown

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week. It helps keep me going. Enjoy my blog post!

Sunday, 04/04/2021: Posted photo—Easter Mass.

Settings: Samsung SM-G930V, ISO 125, f/1.7, 1/60 s, 4 mm

Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, as written in the Christian bible. Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus’ resurrection from death.

Holy Week is most definitely a very sacred time of the year. It is the time that we will commemorate and remember the last week of Jesus’ life on this earth. Holy Week starts out with Palm Sunday. On this day, the crowds welcomed Jesus by waving palm branches and shouting praise to Him. These are the days leading up to the great Easter Feast.  Especially important for Catholics is the Easter Triduum. This is the three days just before Easter. On Holy Thursday, we reenact the Lord’s Last Supper, which He shared with His apostles on the night He was betrayed and arrested. On Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion and death of our Lord, we have the veneration of the Cross. Holy Saturday is a vigil, we keep watch for the expectant rising of Our Savior. Then comes the glory of Easter Sunday when He rose from the dead.

Easter Sunday changes every year. It is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. The earliest possible date for Easter is March 22 and the latest possible date for Easter is April 25. Easter can never come as early as March 21 because of ecclesiastical rules in which the vernal equinox has a fixed date of March 21. This is what happened last year.

St. Denis Church dressed up for Easter Sunday

This is a photo of St. Denis Church prior to Easter Mass looking down from the choir loft. Happy and blessed Easter to all.

Monday, 04/05/2021: Posted photo—Brenizer Method.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/160 s to 1/1600 s, 34 mm (16 photos).

The Brenizer Method, sometimes referred to as Bokeh Panorama or Bokehrama, is a photographic technique characterized by the creation of a digital image exhibiting a shallow depth of field in tandem with a wide angle of view. The Brenizer Method is named after wedding photographer, Ryan Brenizer. He invented the method (but did not name it) and made it popular by using it with his wedding clients, and teaching others how to do it as well. This is a method of stitching together a series of photos taken in a particular pattern.

Brenizer stack of the dam at Round Meadow Pond in Westminster

This photo is a series of 16 photos that I stitch together. I used this technique today since it has been a while since I used it. As time goes on, I look at my old photos and tell myself to get pack to practice techniques. This is a great location to practice different photographic techniques.

Tuesday, 04/06/2021: Posted photo—What is it.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 1600, f/5.6, 1/160 s, 55 mm.

Occasionally I like to post a photo to see if someone can guess what it is. Today is one of those days. I saw this object and wanted to do such a photo. I thought that this one would be easier than most of them. I was not. Some people were close with their guess and second guessed themselves. These are always a fun challenge.

What is this object?

What is the object? It is a stack of Styrofoam cups. I took this photo since I like the way the grains in the Styrofoam looked. As done with many things, such as Coke or Duck tape or Scotch tape, we use a trademarked name as a general description of a product. Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam, or XPS. This foam is also referred to as “Blue Board” and is used for building insulation, thermal insulation, and water barriers. Styrofoam is owned and manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company.

Wednesday, 04/07/2021: Posted photo—First Daffodil.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 160, f/7.1, 1/80 s, 55 mm

This is one of the first signs that spring has arrived. The daffodils in our yard are starting to bloom. I have been watching the flower sprout over the last few days and today was the first time that I have seen it flower. We have multiple patches of daffodils in our yard. This year there seems to be many more blooming than in past years. Maybe someone that reads this can tell me why this is the case.

Daffodils are a fall-planted bulb, so plant them in autumn and they will bloom in late winter or early spring. The traditional daffodil flower may be a showy yellow or white, with six petals and a trumpet-shape central corona, but many cultivated varieties (“cultivars”) exist today.

First daffodil of the year

Thursday, 04/08/2021: Posted photo—Roses.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/100 s, 64 mm

“The Presence of the Rose by Angela Morgan

From out imprisoning petals—velvet, red—
Thy soul slips forth in fragrance wondrous sweet—
A silent subtle presence—never fled,
That makes thy mastery over me complete.”

During my visit with my mother today, she wanted me to water all her flowers and plants. She has been getting flowers from many people over the past few weeks. I had already taken photos of different subjects to post today and then I saw these roses. I asked her who gave them to her, and she could not remember. Flowers are a favorite subject of mine throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons because of their colors and textures.

Roses for a sweet lady

No matter how old you are, your mother is your mother, so listen to her and be kind and helpful to her. My mother is 95 years old and still treats us as her young children.

Friday, 04/09/2021: Post photo—Painted Wall.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/8, 1/125 s, 39 mm

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a park I never heard about before visiting. It is a small park, but one that should be explored. We camped at the park and did some hiking around the rim of the canyon. Night skies were dark and the sound of the Gunnison River running through the canyon was very relaxing.

Some facts from the Uncover Colorado website:

  1. The Gunnison River drops an average of 43 feet per mile through the canyon, SIX times more than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
  2. Colorado’s biggest cliff is the Black Canyon’s Painted Wall. Standing 2,250 feet tall from river to rim, Black Canyon’s Painted Wall is the tallest cliff in Colorado and the third tallest in the lower 48, after El Cap and Notch Peak. For comparison, the Washington Monument stands at a measly 555 feet and the Empire State Building stands at just 1,250 feet.
  3. Black Canyon gets its name because some parts of the gorge receive only 33 total minutes of sunlight per day.
  4. It has some of the world’s oldest exposed rock. the rocks exposed at the bottom of the canyon are nearly 2 billion years old, dating from the Precambrian era.
  5. It is the least-visited national park in Colorado, and one of the lesser visited parks overall.
Painted Wall at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Explore the National Parks. I have been to only 30 of the 59 National Parks and would like to get out and see more of them. In total, I have been to 87 other National Monuments, National Historical Parks, and other entities of the national park system.

Saturday, 04/10/2021: Post photo—Rock Climbing.

Settings: FinePix XP70, ISO 100, f/4.1, 1/420 s, 6 mm.

The Crow Hills, located in Massachusetts’ Leominster State Forest 2.5 miles northeast of Mount Wachusett, are a single monadnock with a twin summit, 1,234 feet and 1,220 feet, and a high eastern cliff. The hills are a popular rock climbing, bouldering, and hiking destination. In my younger years I did some rock climbing there myself.

Rock climbing on Crow Hills

To get to the Crow Hills, I hiked the Midstate Trail. Round trip from my house to the cliffs is about eight miles. It was a great day for a hike. I stayed away from Wachusett Mountain today since it is overcrowded. My son and his friend hiked earlier today, mid-morning, and told me to say away because of all the people. On a nice day, such as today, people with no experience are out hiking making it not very enjoyable. Everyone has to start out sometime, I know, but because of COVID people are taking too many risks on the mountain.

On the trail there are trail markers. Now here is a short lesson on trail markers. First of all, they mark the trail. They tell you when to go straight or when the trail turns. If there are two makers in the same direction on top of themselves, go straight. If there is a marker pointing to the right, turn right. If there is a marker pointing to the left, turn left. Simple as that. Markers are very useful if you are not familiar with the trail. Just look for the next marker. A Leave No Trace principle is to travel and camp on durable surfaces. This means if the trail is through a mud puddle, go through that mud puddle. Lesson over.

  • Trail goes straight
  • Trail turns left
  • Trial turns right
  • Trail marker

Here are some photos of the different trail markings that I encountered during my hike today.

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com/ or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

COVID is real! Be safe out there, keep your social distance, and remember to always wear your mask and wash your hands.

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April 4, 2021

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Photographic Thoughts—03/28/2021 to 04/03/2021

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

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week. It helps keep me going. Enjoy my blog post!

Sunday, 03/28/2021: Posted photo—Upton School.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/500 s, 32 mm

Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the Upton School was used as a high school from 1912 to 1960, and as an elementary school until 1994 when a new elementary school was built. The Westminster Historical Society purchased the building in 1997. It is in the Westminster Village-Academy Hill Historic District. The building is now vacant and there has been much discussion around town as to what to do with it.

Upton School, Westminster, MA

Interesting fact: Under Federal Law, the listing of a property in the National Register places no restrictions on what a non-federal owner may do with their property up to and including destruction, unless the property is involved in a project that receives Federal assistance, usually funding or licensing/permitting. However, before this occurs, you can, or the property owner should contact the State historic preservation office (SHPO.) The SHPO is the state agency that oversees historic preservation efforts in their state. There may be state or local preservation laws that the owner should be aware of before they undertake a project with a historic property.

Monday, 03/29/2021: Posted photo—Drive By Falls.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 100, f/36, 1/10 s, 55 mm.

I have driven by the Steamline Trail Park in West Fitchburg several times, not thinking anything of it. It is not a spectacular park or a very big park from what I have seen from the road. As I was driving past it today, I noticed a dam with water flowing over the dam. It might be because there are not any leaves on the trees yet. I stopped in to take this photo.

I found out that the park is 4.15 acre and is located at 465 Westminster Street, and includes a parking lot and walking trail along the Nashua River and Flag Brook. This park is the first implementation of the City of Fitchburg’s plans to develop a network of trails along the Nashua River, connecting to trails in Leominster and Westminster.

A steam line is a pipe that carries steam from one building to another. The steam was used to run turbines and other industrial equipment in factories. Fitchburg was a factory town. Many of the factories are no longer in operation and the steam distribution lines are still visible and are being taken down due to safety concerns.

The falls at Steamline Trail Park

Time to go exploring.

Tuesday, 03/30/2021: Posted photo—Waning Gibbous Moon.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 200, f/16, 1/125 s, 300 mm.

A waning gibbous moon at 95.3% this morning. I saw the moon rise last night. It was large and reddish and a wonderful site. On my ride into work today, the moon was lighting my way calling to me to take its photo. I have taken many photos of the moon. Some with my “moon” lens and some with my 300 mm lens. This one was taken handheld with my 300 mm lens as I was getting out of my car to go into work.

Morning moon

Sometimes the subject of a photograph just calls to you.

Wednesday, 03/31/2021: Posted photo—Corrugation.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/40 s, 49 mm

According to the dictionary: “corrugation — the act of shaping into parallel ridges and grooves. change of shape — an action that changes the shape of something.”

Corrugated paper

If you look closely at a piece of corrugated cardboard, you will see a wavy texture in between. This creates the strength and rigidness that prevents the cardboard from folding on itself like paper would. Cardboard boxes have been around for a very long time, as early as 1817, when the first commercial box was invented from paperboard in England. But it was not until the 1890s that a cardboard box with layers of corrugated cardboard was first developed and used for shipping. A decade later, these corrugated boxes were starting to replace the traditional wooden crates and boxes.

This photo was taking of a roll of corrugated paper that I came across in my travels today. This photo is an example of the subject just calling on me to take its photo. I just love when a subject corporates at this roll of corrugated paper did.

Thursday, 04/01/2021: Posted photo—Lake Louise.

Settings: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS, ISO 200, f/13, 1/250 s, 29 mm

“Lake Louise is a hamlet in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau. Hiking trails wind up to the Lake Agnes Tea House for bird’s-eye views. There is a canoe dock in summer, and a skating rink on the frozen lake in winter. The Lake Louise Ski Resort features a wildlife interpretive center at the top of a gondola.” ― Google

Elevation: 5,249’

Area: 222 acres

Province: Alberta

Lake Louise, Alberta Canada

We had a great visit to Lake Louise a few years ago when we were on our Northern National Park tour. That trip too us to, ready: Glacier National Park, MT; Waterton-Glacier Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada; Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada; Jasper National Park, Jasper, Canada; Northern Cascades National Park, WA; Olympic National Park, WA; Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA; Mt. Rainier National Park, WA; Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, ID; Grand Tetons National Park, WY; Yellowstone National Park, WY; Devils Tower National Monument, WY; Wind Cave National Park, SD; Crazy Horse Memorial, SD; Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD; Badlands National Park, SD; Mall of America, Bloomington, MN; and the Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville, IA.

Friday, 04/02/2021: Post photo—Worcester City Hall.

Settings: Samsung SM-G930V, ISO 50, f/1.7, 1/5040 s, 4 mm

City Hall is located on the western end of City Hall Common has been the center of Worcester’s government for many years. In colonial days, the meetinghouse was situated here, and in 1825, a plain Greek Revival style town hall was built here. After Worcester became a city in 1848, this building served as City Hall for another 50 years, until it was finally replaced on April 28, 1898 by a much larger and more elaborate building on the same spot.

Designed by the prominent Boston firm of Peabody & Stearns, it reflects the Renaissance Revival architecture that was gaining popularity in public buildings at the turn of the 20th century. City Hall bears some resemblance to the Boston Public Library, which had been completed several years earlier, but it also includes a 205-foot tower in the center of the Main Street facade.

City Hall was not quite 10 years old when the first photo was taken, and not much has changed to its exterior appearance since then. Nearly 120 years after its completion, it remains the fourth tallest building in the city, and it remains in use as the seat of the city government. Along with the Worcester Common, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On July 4, 1776, Worcester publisher Isaiah Thomas gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Old South Meeting House, which was on what is now Worcester Common.

City Hall, Worcester, MA

Worcester is my hometown and I happily return when I can. Worcester is also the second most populated city in New England with Boston being the first.

Saturday, 04/03/2021: Post photo—Second Appointment.

Settings: Samsung SM-G930V, ISO 160, f/1.7, 1/30 s, 4 mm.

BioNTech, Fosun Pharma, Pfizer vaccine is a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by FDA and recommended by the CDC for use in the US for a limited population. From the CDC website: “Based on evidence from clinical trials, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 95% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people without evidence of previous infection.” For this vaccine to fully protect you, a second shot must be given 21 days after the first shot.

Getting vaccinated is easy. The signup for the vaccination is the hardest part. Due to a high demand for the vaccines, it may be difficult to get an appointment. Keep trying. It will save lives. Remember my footer: COVID is real! Be safe out there, keep your social distance, and remember to always wear your mask and wash your hands. I have lost an aunt to COVID and I know others that have died from it. I also know people that did not know that they had it or had very mild symptoms. Please take it seriously and get vaccinated when you can.

Vaccine appointment card

For more photo of other project I have work, visit my website: https://photobyjosephciras.weebly.com/ or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PhotobyJosephCiras/.

COVID is real! Be safe out there, keep your social distance, and remember to always wear your mask and wash your hands.