“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.
This week will only be photos. Did some commentaries on my photos that I wanted to post this week, but did not have the opportunity to finish so I am posting only photos. I will finish this week’s photos for next week’s blog.
Sunday, 01/12/2025: Posted photo — Grand Tetons.
Monday, 01/13/2025: Posted photo — Alaska.
Tuesday, 01/14/2025: Posted photo — Bird in Bryce Canyon.
“Essentially what photography is is life lit up.” — Sam Abell
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it keeps me inspired.
Sunday, 01/05/2025: Posted photo — Mary and Jesus.
Mary and Jesus next to the Paschal candle. Today was the feast of the Magi but the kings were hiding at the time I took this photo. When I was putting up the numbers for the hymns, I liked the look of this setup. The Paschal candle is lite at Easter and represents the light of Christ coming into the world.
Monday, 01/06/2025: Posted photo — End of the Line.
I posted a photo of the ski lift last week when the snow was melting and the trails were wet. This week, the temperature was in the low 20’s F with the wind chill making the real feel temperature of around 3 deg F.
Tuesday, 01/07/2025: Posted photo — Gardner City Hall.
I had my yearly physical yesterday and took this photo. Gardner is the 92 our of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Wednesday, 01/08/2025: Post photo — Brussels Sprouts.
Brussels sprouts are named after Brussels, Belgium, where it is believed they were first widely cultivated in the 16th century.
When I took a photo of the moon today, it came out looking a little abstract. This is due to the fact that the mount of my lens was loose so there was too much movement in the lens. I knew it was loose, but I thought that it would not effect my photos. Guess I was incorrect.
Friday, 01/10/2025: Post photo — Trip Planning.
I am finalizing my plans on my second leadership hike this winter so that I can receive my Winter Upcountry credentials. I am looking for a hike in the White Mountains. I will be selecting a hike that is not one of the 4K mountains, yet the mountain will be challenging. The full planning of the hike is the last requirement for my credentials. I have planned many winter hikes in the Whites, including some of the taller 4K mountains, but none of them for the AMC.
The most difficult part of this hike is to get the one or two mentors that are needed to evaluate me. There are only a few people in the chapter that are qualified and there is another hiking series going on at the same time. Once I am credentialed, I will be able to lead hikes year round, both locally and upcountry in the higher, more dangerous, mountains.
Saturday, 01/11/2025: Post photo — Snow.
The inch of snow that was predicted turned into three plus inches. Not much snow for this time of year. The temperature will be getting warmer and then a freeze will happen, so I went out today to clean off our driveway, walkway, and deck before the freeze.
“Photography has nothing to do with cameras.” — Lucas Gentry
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it keeps me inspired.
Sunday, 12/29/2024: Posted photo — Jicama.
I was looking for information on this vegetable that I saw while out shopping today. I found this information on webmd.com: “Jicama is a root vegetable with thick, brown skin and white flesh. It tastes like an apple but not as sweet. It’s a bit like a potato but with a lot fewer carbs. The jicama plant grows mostly in Mexico and Central America on a long vine. But the part you eat is the root.”
This was another vegetable that I saw and did not purchase. I want to find out more about the foods that I purchase and their nutritional values before I try something new.
Monday, 12/30/2024: Posted photo — Monday Night Hike.
We had a very warm day today. Most of the ice and snow that were in our yard and on the mountain have melted and have been washed away. The streams on the mountain were flowing almost as fast as they do in the spring. The trails were very muddy and wet.
For the route tonight, I brought the group by the ski area. As members of the group were taking photos, one of the regular hikers on the mountain came off the lift. His alter ego is working for the ski patrol. He came off the lift shortly after I took this photo. The mountain must have had a good base since they lost a lot of snow with the temperature change.
Tuesday, 12/31/2024: Posted photo — New Year’s Eve.
This is a tradition at my house. My wife, son, niece and her husband (one of my son’s friends) come over to do a puzzle. This year was a mystery puzzle. You solve the puzzle and them separate part of the puzzle to solve another puzzle that fits inside that one. Hard to explain. I do not help solve the puzzles since my mind wonders too much.
The did not finish the puzzle last night. The puzzle was finished on New Year’s Day.
Wednesday, 01/01/2025: Post photo — Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all. 2025 will be an eventful year.
Let’s up that people have the Moxie to stand up for our freedom.
Be safe out there and be kind to others. John 13:34: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” It does not say protest or discriminate against those who are different than us.
Thursday, 01/02/2025: Posted photo — Worcester City Hall.
Worcester City Hall. Worcester MA is the second largest city in New England and is my home town. The top ten cities in New England are: Boston MA (population 675,647), Worcester MA (population 206,518), Providence RI (population 190,934), Springfield MA (population 155,929), Bridgeport CT (population 148,654), Stamford CT (population 135,470), New Haven CT (population 134,023), Hartford CT (population 121,054), Cambridge MA (population 118,403), and Manchester NH (population 115,644). The biggest city in Maine is Portland (population 68,408) and ranks 29 in New England. The largest city in Vermont is Burlington (population 44,743) and ranks 59. There are 154 cities and towns in New England with a population over 25,000 based on the 2020 census.
Some history city hall: “Worcester City Hall was designed by Peabody & Stearns and built by the Norcross Brothers in 1898. The Italianate structure was built with a granite exterior, and was partly modeled after Italian Renaissance palazzos. The building was built on the site of the Old South Meeting House, which was the original town hall. The Old South Meeting House was built in 1763 and was the site where Isaiah Thomas first read the Declaration of Independence in New England in 1776.”
Friday, 01/03/2025: Post photo — Sunrise Hike.
It was raining out on New Year’s morning so my traditional New Year’s sunrise hike was canceled. It was rescheduled until tomorrow, but I can not make that hike. I decided to do my sunrise hike this morning.
It was a cold morning and the sunrise was spectacular. The best one this year and one of the better ones in my lifetime. Here is a photo of me enjoying it. I do not know how to take selfies, so forgive the poor photo.
Saturday, 01/04/2025: Post photo — Moon and Venus.
I received a text message for a friend asking me to take a photo of the Venus next to the moon since he only uses a cellphone. I went outside and took this photo. Thank you John.
While I was outside taking this photo, two things were happening. The first thing was that the clouds were rolling in so I had to quickly take this photo. I went out later to take more photos, but the moon had already disappeared in the trees or had already set.
The other thing that was happening was that there were coyotes in the woods near my house fighting. I heard one of them warn the other, and then heard the confrontation. The sound was getting very close to me so I went inside. When I could no longer hear them from inside my house, I went outside to take more moon photos. That is when I noticed that the moon was in the clouds. I went out later and did not see the moon since it either was already set or was too far into the trees for me to see it.
That is it for now. Stay safe.
Happy New Years to all and wishing everyone a safe 2025.
“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 keeps me inspired.
Sunday, 12/22/2024: Posted photo — Never too Old.
You are never too old to believe. This is our son with Santa, his grandfather. My nieces and nephews all know that my father-in-law is the real Santa.
On a sadder note, I found out today that my college roommate passed from COVID a couple of years ago. I wished him a happy birthday on Facebook and a mutual friend let me know he passed. So sad that someone so young died from an illness that some people claim does not exist. COVID is real! Be safe.
Monday, 12/23/2024: Posted photo — Weather Front.
Here is a photo of a weather front that came through the area today. I like the look of weather fronts, the crisp line that creates them.
Here is a bonus photos of how some people feel so close to the holidays.
Tuesday, 12/24/2024: Posted photo — Possible White Christmas.
Here is a photo of my neighbor’s driveway. I just love the way the driveway looks in the winter. It is even better with tire tracks.
A white Christmas is a Christmas when there is snow on the ground or it is snowing on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. The National Weather Service (NWS) defines a white Christmas as at least one inch of snow on the ground at 7 AM local time on Christmas morning. The last white Christmas in our area was in 2009. We had a little snow last night and there might be some more tonight.
Wednesday, 12/25/2024: Post photo — Christmas and Hanukkah.
Merry Christmas to all. Happy first day of Hanukkah.
We have an official white Christmas this year. This was a great year for this hiker. I received new MSR Lightning Explorer snowshoes, CAMP crampons, and heated socks. Friday I will be picking up a new to me ice axe. I should be ready for my above tree line winter training on Saturday.
Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, and it’s mentioned in the New Testament. At that time, Hanukkah was called “the Feast of Dedication” because it commemorated the dedication of the Temple. My family celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah.
Thursday, 12/26/2024: Posted photo — Day after Hike.
It was a wonderful sunny day today. The temperature was cool and the air was refreshing. I went on a hike today during the day for the first time in a long time. The trails had heavy ice on them in some of the typical locations.
It was a practice hike for me. I had a full pack on me to practice carrying heavier weight. I wanted to carry the weight to practice for my above treeline leadership/safety training on Saturday.
Friday, 12/27/2024: Post photo — Headstone.
I had a day off today so I went to a neighboring town to pick up some supplies for tomorrow’s training hike. On the way back, I went to visit my parents, paternal grandparents, one of my aunts, one of my uncles, and by brother to wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
This gave me an opportunity to see if my brother’s name was on his headstone. It was.
Saturday, 12/28/2024: Post photo — Hike.
Today was a training hike for AMC up-country winter leadership. This was also a practice hike for next weekend when the AMC is leading some hiked up Mount Monadnock. All of the participants for this hike were AMC up-country winter leaders. I was the only Leader-in-Training that went on the hike. The other LIT’s could not make it for various meetings. This was a very good training in leading winter hikes and included the use of crampons. I expect to be fully certified by the end of the winter.
The summit was fogged in and there were winds of an estimated 40 mph. We were dressed for it so the weather did not bother the members of the group. These photos do not show how windy it was on the summit.
An Up-Country Hike is defined as a hike (offered within the state of Massachusetts) that is over 8 miles in length or over 1000 feet of elevation gain or any hike offered outside the state of Massachusetts. A winter hike is defined as any hike that takes place during the time period between December 1 and March 31.
The view of Wachusett Mountain from the summit of North Pack Monadnock.
Tuesday, 12/17/2024: Posted photo — Pattern.
Some interesting pattern on my car door this morning. It is starting to get cold. There will be a 40 degree F drop in temperature over the next few days.
Wednesday, 12/18/2024: Post photo — Ornaments.
Some ornaments on a tree.
Thursday, 12/19/2024: Posted photo — Roses.
Some roses to brighten your day.
Friday, 12/20/2024: Post photo — Colorize.
I attempted to do a different colorization today. Normally I would colorize using black and white. Today I wanted to use sepia.
Saturday, 12/21/2024: Post photo — Simplicity.
This week’s theme is simplicity in black and white. This is my submittal for the week.
“If you see something that moves you, and then snap it, you keep a moment.” — Linda McCartney
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it keeps me inspired.
Sunday, 12/08/2024: Posted photo — Organ.
Organ music is played at church because it has a historical association with religious ceremonies, its powerful and sustained sound is well-suited to accompany congregational singing, and it is considered a dignified and solemn instrument that enhances the atmosphere of worship.
In my younger days, I played the organ at church when I was a college undergrad. I also played keyboards in a jazz band in high school. It has been a while since I have played the organ. The one in my house is an older model that needs tubes and some of the broken tubes are hard to find.
Monday, 12/09/2024: Posted photo — Candle.
Candles represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to Jesus’s birthplace. The candlelight symbolizes the light of Christ coming into the world and the hope he brought.
In our church we have candles with real flames and candles with fake flames. The real flames are on the altar and represent the presence of God at the altar and at the tabernacle. The fake flames, such as the one in this photo, are placed on the windowsills near the stained glass and in areas were there might be a fire hazard. I am a traditionalist and like the real flames but understand the reason for safety for the fake flames.
Tuesday, 12/10/2024: Posted photo — Droplet.
It was slightly warmer today than normal. It was in the high 50’s F and low 60’s F. This causes the icicles to melt causing droplets.
If you have been following me for a while, you know that I try to post droplet photos at least once a year. I do this to practice my high-speed photography.
Wednesday, 12/11/2024: Post photo — Sunrise.
I know, I know — would Joe get creative and stop posting sunrise photos? Well, I was not going to post one this week.
I was at my office on the west side of the building and saw the red trees outside my window. I walked to the other side of the building, took out my cell phone, and took this photo.
Thursday, 12/12/2024: Posted photo — Wabi Sabi.
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic, philosophy, and way of life that embraces imperfection and transience.
I found beauty in these old roses. They were dried out and I just liked the delicateness and textures in them.
Friday, 12/13/2024: Post photo — Sensor Check.
Every once and a while I check the sensor on my camera to see if it needs cleaning. You can tell if a sensor needs cleaning because there will be some smudges, sometime hard to see smudges, on the sensor.
Looking at this photo, my sensor looks clean. The only thing that I see is a little vignetting in the corners. This might have been caused by my lens hood. Vignetting is a photographic effect that occurs when the edges of an image are darker than the center. A lens hood is primarily used to block stray light from hitting the lens, preventing unwanted lens flare and improving image contrast by shading the front element. The vignetting occurs when I zoom in to closely to an object and the camera’s angle of view is wider than the opening in my lens hood.
Saturday, 12/14/2024: Post photo — North Pack Monadnock.
North Pack Monadnock or North Pack Monadnock Mountain is a 2,276-foot monadnock in south-central New Hampshire, at the northern end of the Wapack Range of mountains. It lies within Greenfield and Temple, New Hampshire; the 22-mile Wapack Trail traverses the mountain. We hike along the Wapack trail during today’s hike doing a 5.5 mile loop.
Today I co-lead a hike up North Pack Monadnock with the AMC. It was my first official upcountry winter hike lead. I need one more lead to be fully certified as an upcountry four season hiking leader. I have hikes and lead hikes upcountry. I decided to make it official this year.
The hike was a learning hike for participants. We were hoping for snow so that we could practice snowshoeing but there was just ice due to this week’s rain and warmer temperatures. We had everyone carry their snowshoes so that they could practice carrying weight. We did have a great day teaching how to use microspikes. Some have never used them properly previously.
“Most things in life are moments of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.” — Tony Benn
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.
I will keep taking them as long as I can before the time of the sunrise does not allow for it.
Tuesday, 12/03/2024: Posted photo — Joke.
Shopping night. Here are some fruit. These are quick photos since I needed to get ready for my trip to Ohio this week. One of these photos reminds me of end of a knock-knock joke. As I write this, I realize I missed my opportunity for the full joke.
I have been busy at work, attempting to get more work done so when I return from my vacation, my backlog will not be so great.
Wednesday, 12/04/2024: Posted photo — Wood Stove.
Settings: FLIR i5, ISO n/a, f/na, 1/30 s, 7 mm.
Some of you may know that I own an infrared camera. This camera takes photo of heat signatures of object. I use it to look at insulation in houses and efficiencies at power generating plants. Occasionally I use it to take artistic photos. Some of these photos are of footprints, handprints, car engines, warm tires, and even have used it as a stud finder.
Once or twice a year, I use it to check out my wood stove. My wood stove is old and not as efficient as some of the newer stoves. It is just a steel box with an exhaust pipe. One item that I often check is the temperature given on the stovepipe thermometer. This is a thermometer that has a magnetic backing and just sticks to the stove pipe. To my surprise, that thermometer and my thermal camera normally show the same temperature. The 518°F (250°C) temperature reading is the maximum temperature my camera can detect. The brand name of our stove is Nashua. You can just make out the name near the center of the photo next to the pointer.
Thursday, 12/05/2024: Posted photo — Snow.
We left today go to Columbus OH to see our nephew dance with the Columbus Dance Theatre.
Here is some history from their web page: “COLUMBUS DANCE THEATRE (CDT) is a unique voice for dance in Columbus with work born out of a rich background in ballet, contemporary and modern dance, music and theatre. As a professional arts organization, CDT produces high-quality work in an intimate environment. CDT prides itself on creating collaborations with new and upcoming artists of all art mediums and has collaborated with many visual and musical artists local to the city. The work of the company is new, fresh, and innovative, offering central Ohio audiences a cutting edge performance experience.”
We left our house in a snow storm. The storm was ending and we had to drive through the snow most of the trip until we were in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.
Some photos of the snow around our house before we departed.
Friday, 12/06/2024: Post photo — Wonderment.
Our nephew did his last lead in the Columbus Dance Theatre’s production of Wonderment. He is aging out of the roll of Kai. This is the fourth year of this production. We went to Columbus four years ago for the world premier. His photo is not in the program since he is only in the intensive training program.
Here are photos from around the theatre.
Saturday, 12/07/2024: Post photo — Anchor.
Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/9, 1/1600 s, 18 mm.
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941— a date which will live in infamy— the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — FDR. Thus started the United States entry into World War II.
This photo is from my second visit to Pearl Harbor. It still amazes me that there is oil floating out of the USS Arizona. Looking back, I posted the same photos a year ago. This is from that post — “’This anchor was recovered from the Arizona. The ship had three anchors. The crew used one in calm seas and two in foul weather, the third as a spare. Each weigh nearly 10 tons.’ This are the words on a placard near the USS Arizona Anchor at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Hawaii. The sacrifice these men and women made to make our country the great country it is today.”
“Once you learn to care, you can record images with your mind or on film. There is no difference between the two.” — Anonymous
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it keeps me inspired.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Sunday, 11/24/2024: Posted photo — Gospel Cover.
When one of the two churches in town closed a few years ago, the Gospel cover was saved and is used in my parish. This is an ornate and heavy cover. The figure in the center is St. Nicholas. If I am incorrect, please let me know in the comments below.
Every week I put up the numbers for the hymns that will be sung for my wife. This week this cover was inspiring me to take its photo.
Monday, 11/25/2024: Posted photo — Looking Up.
It was a cold and windy day on the summit this week. I was attempting to take a photo of the stars. It looks like my headlamp washed out the photo. I have the red light on in an attempt not to interfere with the exposure.
You should use a red light on your headlight bulb when you need to preserve your night vision while navigating in the dark, like when camping, hiking at night, or reading a map, as red light has minimal impact on your eyes’ ability to adjust to darkness compared to white light; essentially, you would use it when you want to see without blinding yourself or significantly disrupting your night vision.
When I camp in dark sky areas, I always use my red light. When I stop at trail junctions, I use my red light so that I do not blind the other people in the group.
Tuesday, 11/26/2024: Posted photo — Kiwi.
The topic for my 52 week photo project this week is low key. Last week the topic was high key.
Low Key photography is creating a frame that is mostly dark unlike last week when the frame was mostly light. Last week I took the roses into GIMP and turned them into a high key photo. This week I took the kiwis into GIMP and made them low key.
Original PhotoLow Key edit of photo
Here are the before and after photos.
Wednesday, 11/27/2024: Post photo — Pomegranate.
Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols. There is some evidence that polyphenols help protect against diseases in your heart and blood vessels. Polyphenols may have many health benefits, including Antioxidant properties, Lower risk of type 2 diabetes and Reduced risk of heart disease.
When I make my fruit salad for the holidays, I like to put pomegranate seeds in them for a touch of color.
Thursday, 11/28/2024: Posted photo — Rutabaga.
Research on rutabagas below.
Rutabagas and turnips look similar, but they are not identical. Rutabagas are large, more yellowish, and only grow in cool climates. Meanwhile, turnips are small, usually have a reddish tinge, and grow in a variety of climates.
Rutabagas are high in vitamin C and fiber which makes them a great alternative to potatoes in a low-carb diet. One cup of boiled and cubed rutabaga contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, while the same amount of boiled and cubed potatoes contains 31 grams of carbohydrates.
With Thanksgiving today, I wanted to post a photo of a food that many people may not have on their table today. Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude and reflection on blessings. The holiday’s origins are rooted in the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, when the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims shared a meal to give thanks for the successful harvest.
Friday, 11/29/2024: Post photo — Sunrise.
I took this photo on Wednesday and wanted to share it this week.
Today is what is known as Black Friday. It was that day that shops put on special sales for the holiday season. Now Black Friday starts after Halloween, so this day is not as crazy as it was. I can remember people not sleeping or camping out in front of stores to get the item of their choice.
To counter the craziness of this day, I am posting a peaceful sunrise photo. The sunrise was not as spectacular as it was last week, but the colors in the clouds warranted a photo.
Saturday, 11/30/2024: Post photo — Dusting.
We has a dusting of snow last night. It is nice to see a little snow covering. Waiting on the first snow fall of the season so that I can go snowshoeing and winter hiking.
The winter hiking season officially starts tomorrow, December 1. I will be going for my upcountry winter hiking leader certification this year. Once completed, I will be a four season local and a four season upcountry hiking leader. Looking forward to the challenge. I will not be as young as some of the leader, but I will be having fun. I have hiked year round local and upcountry so the additional training I will received this winter will be wonderful.
“I don’t trust words. I trust pictures.” — Gilles Peress
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it h keep me inspired.
I did not have much time this week to go into detail on why I took each photo. I will be posting the photos and a short description.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in this coming week.
Sunday, 11/17/2024: Posted photo — Perspective.
This week’s photo challenge in my other photo project is perspective. As in most weeks, I start out with a plan in mind and then need to take a quick photo.
This is one of my blanket. I took it as I was folding my laundry.
Monday, 11/18/2024: Posted photo — Sunrise.
When I arrived at work today, I was greeted with this wonderful sunrise. I did have my DSLR in hand, stepped my exposure down one, and took this photos.
I am happy with the colors. I know that a photo does not always capture the moment. This one almost does.
Tuesday, 11/19/2024: Posted photo — Flowers.
The topic for my 52 week photo project this week is high key. High-key photography is a style of photography that uses bright lighting to create images with a light, optimistic feel, and minimal shadows. Since I do not have a studio to set up special lighting, I took this photo of roses, brought it into GIMP, and turned it into a high key photos.
High Key ImageOriginal Image
Here are the before and after photos.
Wednesday, 11/20/2024: Posted photo — Onions.
Last night was a special town meeting, so I did my shopping tonight. One of the items I needed to pick up was onions. When I saw the different types of onions next to each other, with their contrasting colors, I took this shot.
Thursday, 11/21/2024: Posted photo — Roses.
Here are a bouquet of rose I saw today. No particular reason for this photo. Just needed one to keep my streak of a photo a day since January 1, 2010 alive.
Friday, 11/22/2024: Post photo — Stage Harbor Lighthouse.
The Harding’s Beach Lighthouse, the Stage Harbor Lighthouse is one of the most noticeable landmarks on Cape Cod. It is the youngest lighthouse in Cape Cod having been built in 1880.
An automated light on a separate tower was built in 1933 and the Stage Harbor Lighthouse was decommissioned. The light at the top of the tower, the glass enclosure and the roof over it (called the lantern room) was removed and the keeper’s house and remaining tower was sold. It is now private property.
Saturday, 11/23/2024: Post photo — Nobska Lighthouse.
History of the lighthouse off the web. “Nobska Point Lighthouse, a classic New England-style lighthouse situated at the entrance to Woods Hole Harbor, Massachusetts. A lighthouse has stood on Nobska Point since 1828; the current cast-iron tower was erected in 1876. During open hours, visitors can explore the lighthouse tower and view the fascinating multifaceted lens that casts its light, as well as the quarters that hosted lighthouse keepers until the light was automated in 1985. From the lantern room at the top of the tower, take in breathtaking 180-degree views of Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, and Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds.”
Photo by Joseph Ciras 