Photographic Thoughts — 05/24/2026 to 05/30/2026

“In photography there are no shadows that cannot be illuminated.” — August Sander

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

Short and sweet this week.

Sunday, 05/24/2026: Posted photo — Pentecost.

As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. — Acts 11:15.

Monday, 05/25/2026: Posted photo — Memorial Day.

The words are from a photo I posted a few weeks ago. I took this photo today during my hike since it is Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The plaque reads: “10th Mountain Division. In memory of comrades who gave their lives in the Aleutians and Italy in WWII. This elite division of alpine troops spearheaded the victorious fifth army against the mountainous gothic line fortresses and across the PO Valley to shatter the German defenses in Northern Italy. It was their love of mountains, coupled with their dedication to human freedom, that they inspired hundreds of young patriots to join the 10th mountain division. Many returned to their beloved mountain. Those heroes who did not return are still fondly remembered as brave men whose souls rest forever. Sempre Avanti.”

Tuesday, 05/26/2026: Posted photo — Lady Slippers.

Lady slipper orchids are not universally illegal to possess or grow in the US, but it is illegal to pick, dig up, or damage them on federal and state lands. These Lady Slippers are in a protective area on Wachusett Mountain. I look for them every year. Most years I am either too early or too late to find them.

During a hike this week, I came across them and took this photo.

Wednesday, 05/27/2026: Posted photo — Iris.

Irises bloom best in at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They can tolerate as little as half a day of sun, but it’s not ideal. This iris is at my in-law’s house. Like the photo of the Lady Slippers I took a photo of yesterday, some years I see them, some years I do not.

Thursday, 05/28/2026: Posted photo — Flowing Water.

We have had periods of heavy rain this week leading to the streams on the mountain flowing quickly. It is wonderful hearing the streams flowing in the distance as I hike.

This photo was taking from one of the bridges on the mountain that straddle the streams.

Friday, 05/29/2026: Post photo — Old Gardner Courthouse.

The courthouse and police station were dedicated on May 1, 1929. The courthouse and police station were moved to the new facility in 1988. The Gardner Youth Commission took charge of the building and from 1988 to 1989, dances and other activities were held there. Once the dances were discontinued, the building remained vacant for several years. A decision was made in 1996 to turn it into the City Hall Annex building. The annex officially opened on April 5, 2006.

Saturday, 05/30/2026: Post photo — Ajuga.

Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, ground pine, carpet bugle, or just bugle.

Bugleweed is a low-maintenance ground cover that is used to cover large areas of land. The small, rounded foliage comes in a range of colors and patterns, with showy flower spikes that appear in spring attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insect pollinators.

The subject of this week’s photo project is “On the Ground”. I took this photo as if I was on the ground looking up at it.

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.”

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

Photographic Thoughts — 05/17/2026 to 05/23/2026

“Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness.” — Yousuf Karsh

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

Short and sweet this week.

Sunday, 05/17/2026: Posted photo — Cake.

Every year our Relay for Life team does a cake sale fundraiser after Mass. We set up before people enter the church so they can either select a cake or think about the cakes during the service. The cake sale is a major fundraiser for the team. Many of the parishioners look forward to this weekend.

Monday, 05/18/2026: Posted photo — Blueberries.

The blueberries are starting to bloom at the lake. I was at the cottage today cleaning moss off the roof and I went to see if we were going to have any blueberries this year.

It looks like it may be a good year if the birds do not eat the blueberries first.

Tuesday, 05/19/2026: Posted photo — New Dawn Arts Center.

This is a photo of the New Dawn Arts Center. I took this photo because of the bright blue sky. There was a great contrast of the white steeple against the blue sky.

Wednesday, 05/20/2026: Posted photo — Lake View.

I needed a photo of water this week for a photo project, so I took a photo of our neighbor’s boat in the lake.

Thursday, 05/21/2026: Posted photo — Angel of Patience.

Life is short. I went to the wake of a colleague that I have worked with for almost 20 years. Patience is my ability to endure delay, provocation, or frustration without reacting with anger or negativity. We all need to be patient with each other.

Friday, 05/22/2026: Post photo — Red Azalea.

There is the red azalea bush I took photos of last week. The bush is full and some of the branches are drooping under the weight of the flowers. Tomorrow I will take a photo of the pink azalea bush in our yard.

Saturday, 05/23/2026: Post photo — Pink Azalea.

Here is the photo of the pink azalea bush. I am amazed every year by how you can have the same type of bush, only of different colors, side by side and they bloom at different times.

This also happens with our mountain laurel. The white mountain laurel always blooms before the pink ones do. When they start blooming, I will take photos for you.

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.”

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

Photographic Thoughts — 05/10/2026 to 05/16/2026

“Only photograph what you love.” — Tim Walker

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

Sunday, 05/10/2026: Posted photo — Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

This is my family back in 1967 with the arrival of my youngest brother. We welcome him to the family with wonder. From left to right: son number 3, son number 4, son number 5.2, son number 6, our mother, son number 5.1 (me), son number 2 and son number 1.

This is one of my favorite photos of the family. Our mother is not here in body but is always here in spirit.

Monday, 05/11/2026: Posted photo — Azalea.

Azaleas represent femininity, fragility, elegance, and, in Victorian flower language, a message to “take care of yourself”.

Tuesday, 05/12/2026: Posted photo — Hobblebush.

Hobblebushes are native, shade-tolerant shrubs found in cool, moist forests across eastern North America, known for its sprawling, horizontal branches that root at the tips and “hobble” (trip) hikers. Called “hobblebush” because its branches often grow along the ground, arch up, and root again, creating “wickets” that trip people (“tangle-legs”).

The berries on a hobblebush are edible. I have never tried to eat the berries off the hobblebush. Maybe I would try them if I was lost and hungry enough to do so. When berries are on the hobblebushes on the mountain, I will post photos.

Wednesday, 05/13/2026: Posted photo — Lilac.

Lilacs generally symbolize renewal, confidence, and the innocence of early love, often signaling the arrival of spring.

A few years back, we transferred our lilac tree from a friend’s house when she was moving. Last year it did not do well, this year it is doing much better. We had a lilac bush in our yard when I was growing up. It was a great place to hide in.

Thursday, 05/14/2026: Posted photo — Birch Seeds.

Birch tree seeds are small, lightweight nutlets produced in cylindrical clusters called strobiles (catkins) that break apart. A single large birch tree can produce up to 1 million seeds per year, featuring tiny wings that allow them to be carried long distances by the wind.

Friday, 05/15/2026: Post photo — Dipadenia.

Dipladenia is a genus of tropical, woody, shrub-like vines known for glossy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers, commonly in pink, red, or white.

Saturday, 05/16/2026: Post photo — Canadian Geese.

The Canada goose is a large species of goose with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. Canada geese primarily pose health hazards through bacterial and parasitic contamination from their droppings (feces) and through physical aggression during nesting season. While the risk to healthy adults is generally low, their feces can severely impact water quality and vulnerable populations.

There have been efforts to deter the geese from field and docks because of the heath hazard. The health hazard is both because of the harmful bacteria and because their feces is very slippery and a fall hazard is present.

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.”

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

Photographic Thoughts — 05/03/2026 to 05/09/2026

“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 inspired.

Sunday, 05/03/2026: Posted photo — Wilderness First Aid.

I renewed my Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications this weekend. The first couple of times that I took the class, it was through Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities, Inc. (SOLO). This time it was through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). I found both good programs with NOLS being more informative. There were more hands-on training and scenarios with all participants being victims and rescuers. There is information and techniques that I will use from both programs.

WFA needs to be renewed every two years. I need it to lead hikes in the upcountry and winter. It is also a great skill to have for life in general. This is one training that I hope only to use during training sessions.

Monday, 05/04/2026: Posted photo — X Marks the Spot.

Some contrails that cross to make an “X”. Contrails are line-shaped ice clouds produced by aircraft engine exhaust or pressure changes at high altitudes, typically above 25,000 feet.

Tuesday, 05/05/2026: Posted photo — Flowers.

My typical weekly photos of flowers. These were in a Mother’s Day bouquet at a store that I shopped in today.

Wednesday, 05/06/2026: Posted photo — Fiddleheads.

Fiddlehead ferns are edible and is one of the early signs of spring. These fiddleheads are growing near our mailbox. This is a yearly photo for me. I like the details of the plant.

Thursday, 05/07/2026: Posted photo — Azure Bluets.

This small, delicate perennial is found growing in compact tufts, 8 in. high. The plants may cover broad expanses. Tiny flowers are pale blue with yellow centers, tubular, four-lobed, solitary, and terminal. Spatula-shaped leaves occur in basal rosettes. Stem leaves are small and the stems are unbranched.

This is also a yearly photo that I take just before I mow them down. They will still be in our year for a few more days since our lawn is wet from the on and off rain we are having this week.

Friday, 05/08/2026: Post photo — Further Development.

The sugar maple is developing more leaves. I have shown you over the last few weeks the development of these leaves. I will keep showing you until they are mature.

Saturday, 05/09/2026: Post photo — Slow Shutter Speed.

I needed a slow shutter speed photo for this week’s photo project, so I took a photo of a ceiling fan. We have a fire in our wood stove today to take the chill out of the house.

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.”

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

Photographic Thoughts — 04/26/2026 to 05/02/2026

“You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life.” — Joan Miro

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

Sunday, 04/26/2026: Posted photo — Music.

Singing in Church is an essential form of prayer, praise, and active participation in the Mass. St. Augustine once said that singing is “Double” Prayer. This phrase highlights that singing adds an emotional and spiritual depth to prayer that spoken words alone might not.

I stay up in the choir loft with my family, my mother-in-law, and other friends. I sing softly since I do not have a great voice.

Monday, 04/27/2026: Posted photo — Monument.

The plaque reads: “10th Mountain Division. In memory of comrades who gave their lives in the Aleutians and Italy in WWII. This elite division of alpine troops spearheaded the victorious fifth army against the mountainous gothic line fortresses and across the PO Valley to shatter the German defenses in Northern Italy. It was their love of mountains, coupled with their dedication to human freedom, that they inspired hundreds of young patriots to join the 10th mountain division. Many returned to their beloved mountain. Those heroes who did not return are still fondly remembered as brave men whose souls rest forever. Sempre Avanti.”

This plaque is near the summit of Wachusett Mountain and was installed in 1975.

Tuesday, 04/28/2026: Posted photo — Vote.

Many people complain about this administration and the past administration. They only vote every four years, or do not vote at all. I say if you do not vote in your local elections then you have no grounds for complaining about federal elections. Voting is your voice. Article 1 of the Constitution gives us the right to vote. This gave states the responsibility of overseeing federal elections. Many constitutional amendments and federal laws protecting voting rights have been passed since then.

The only people that do not want people to vote are those who either did not read the Constitution or are attempting to silence the people. This opinion is not just mine. I have heard this from Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and others from all sides of the aisle.

Voting is your right. Please vote every chance you have to do so.

Wednesday, 04/29/2026: Posted photo — Bleeding Hearts.

Bleeding Hearts symbolize romantic love, heartbreak, and passion. It is frequently used in shaded garden borders, woodland gardens, and cut floral designs. There is a four-to-six-week period in which bleeding hearts grow. For many years, I have seen these bleeding hearts grow and by the time I get back to them to photograph, they are past.

Thursday, 04/30/2026: Posted photo — Stone Wall.

A closeup photo of a stone wall. Field stone walls are traditional, durable structures built from natural, weathered stones (often New England fieldstone) that are either dry-laid or mortared, offering a rustic, earthy look. Stone walls found in woodlands are primarily relics of 18th to 19th-century European agriculture, built to delineate property, manage livestock, or dispose of rocks cleared from fields.

Friday, 05/01/2026: Post photo — Stay on the Trail.

One of the many trails on Wachusett. This sign is on one of the steeper trails on the mountain. As you can see, the trail drops off shortly after this sign. This section has a 17° grade, which is categorized as a steep grade.

This is the middle section of Jack Frost Trail. This is one of my favorite sections of trail in the winter. Because of its steepness and location of the slope, there is plenty of opportunity to practice my winter skills.

Saturday, 05/02/2026: Post photo — First Moon Photo.

This is the first moon photo I took with my new camera. I kept playing with the setting. The settings kept jumping around on their own when I was adjusting in manual mode.

There is much to learn about this camera.

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.”

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