Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

February 22, 2026

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Nature, Photography, Thoughts

Comments

Leave a comment

2026

“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.” — Irving Penn

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

Sunday, 02/15/2026: Posted photo — Numbers.

These are some of the numbers that I put up every week to list the hymns that the choir will sing during Mass. I do not sing in the choir. My job is to put up the numbers before the service and to give Communion to the choir. According to the Second Vatican Council the primary purpose of music at Mass is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.

The Mass I attend is a folk Mass. The music is performed by guitar and voice. Occasionally there are some brass instruments. When I was in college, I played the organ in a traditional choir.

Monday, 02/16/2026: Posted photo — Rope.

Tonight is one of many nights that I will be hiking this week. I brought my rope with me to practice using it down steep and icy slopes. One of the trails on Wachusett is steep and was a great place to practice. Some people may say that the slope on Wachusett is not difficult. It is not, but it is a great place to practice techniques for bigger and longer hikes.

Tuesday, 02/17/2026: Posted photo — Traction.

Tonight, I practiced using my crampons since the snow is getting soft. The temperature is almost above freezing today, and the snow is much different than it was last night. Crampons are not needed on Wachusett as a rule. Occasionally I wished I had them, especially when I am in a very icy trail.

As I stated yesterday, some people think this is overkill. Over my many years of hiking, there is no such thing as overkill when it comes to my safety. I follow the rule that if you do not use a skill, you may lose that skill.

Wednesday, 02/18/2026: Posted photo — Wachusett Mountain.

I stopped by the side of the road before tonight’s hike to get a photo of the mountain. This is not the greatest photo since they were making snow, and the mountain looked fogged in.

If you look closely at the trails in the photo, you can see that they spell “ski”. This was pointed out to me a few years ago and I keep seeing it when I drive past the ski area.

Thursday, 02/19/2026: Posted photo — Hike.

What a great hike I had with this group hiking at night in the snow. I was in the sweep position tonight since I already hiked the mountain a few times already this week. The ability of the hikers in this group varies greatly, from very experience to not so experience. I would say that the not so experienced hikers are getting better every week. They have been hiking with this group for a while.

When I was sweeping, I was observing the use of hiking poles. Members of the group were using them incorrectly. I plan on posting tips on using hiking poles to this group and other hiking groups that I am a member. Poles are very useful equipment to use. They help with fatigue and save your knees and back, if used properly.

Friday, 02/20/2026: Post photo — Tapping.

It is that time of year again. Our neighbor is tapping our sugar maples to make his syrup. It generally takes 40 to 60 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of finished maple syrup. He has many trees tapped on our property and his property. On average, a tapped maple will produce 10 to 20 gallons of sap per tap.

Saturday, 02/21/2026: Post photo — Sunrise.

What a wonderful way to end the week. When I woke up this morning, I saw colors in the snow. The snow had a pink hue due to the colors of the sunrise. I grabbed my camera and took this photo.

I had to work quicky to get his photo since my camera battery was dead. There is something wrong with electronics in camera. When the camera is off, it is still draining the battery. I need to either get it serviced or purchase a new camera. I purchased my camera in April of 2014. Technology may have changes slightly in twelve years!

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.”

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

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

December 28, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

Comments

Leave a comment

Photographic Thoughts — 12/21/2025 to 12/27/2025

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

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

Sunday, 12/21/2025: Posted photo — George S Hutchings Organ.

This organ is in the Ashburnham Community Church. I was at the church this afternoon for Lessons and Carols. Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. There are nine brief Scripture lessons, which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Birth of Jesus, the Shepherds, the Wise Men, and the Incarnation. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief prayer.

Back to the organ, the organ was made in 1886 by George Hutchings of Boston, who later made the first organ at Boston’s Symphony Hall. The organ came to the church from an organ clearing house, and between its previous home and the clearing house, it lost its casing.

Monday, 12/22/2025: Posted photo — Day Hike.

I took the opportunity today to hike during the day. I am taking vacation time this week and next week to relax for the holidays. It has been a while since I led a hike during the day. We attempted to get to the summit before sunset. We did not, since there were patches of ice on the trail. There was not enough ice to wear micospikes, so we had to carefully bear boot along the trail.

Next week I will be hiking even earlier in the day. Hiking during the day will allow more people to join me and possibly break in their new hiking equipment that they may receive during the holiday.

Tuesday, 12/23/2025: Posted photo — Sunset After Glow.

Still did not make it to the summit for sunset. I arrived at the summit just after sunset, during golden hour.

Here is the different types of natural light depending on the Sun elevation:

Day: Elevation higher than 6°.
Golden hour: Elevation between 6° and -4°.
Blue hour: Elevation between -4° and -6°.
Civil twilight: Elevation between 0° and -6°.
Nautical twilight: Elevation between -6° and -12°.
Astronomical twilight: Elevation between -12° and -18°.
Night: Elevation lower than -18°.

Wednesday, 12/24/2025: Posted photo — Christmas Eve.

I hope every has a wonderful holiday season. Our family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas.

Time to enjoy family and friends.

Thursday, 12/25/2025: Posted photo — Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Happy Holidays for those who celebrated Hanukkah or another holiday this time of year.

“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Luke 2:11

Jesus was born for all of us. Not just for the rich, not just the poor, all of us. It does not matter the color of your skin, your immigration status, your wealth, your political beliefs, all of us.

He was born into poverty, under harsh conditions, to show us that we make ourselves into what we believe and how we would want others to treat us. We should not be influenced by others, only the teaching of Jesus and scripture. Our true character is based on our own belief and should not be the belief of other false prophets or gods.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

“In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, with those who have lost their jobs and those who are looking for work, with those who are exploited, with those in prison, who often live in inhumane conditions.” Pope Leo XIV

Friday, 12/26/2025: Post photo — Yellow Rose.

One of the meanings of a yellow rose is for a sign of remembrance. This time of year, I remember the loss of our daughter by putting a rose on our tree.

I took this photo as a gift to her since I was drawn to its arrangement.

Saturday, 12/27/2025: Post photo — Ginger Roots.

Here are some health benefits of ginger roots that I have found online.

Popular Digestive Aid: Settles Stomach Issues
Therapy for Nausea: Reduces Motion Sickness and More
Powerful Anti-inflammatory: Reduces Joint Pain and Relieves Arthritis
Provides Pain Relief: Soothes Migraines and Menstrual Pain
Anti-tumor Properties: Successful in Killing Cancer Cells
Anti-diabetic Compounds: Lowers Blood Sugar and Increases Insulin Release
Heals the Heart: Treats a Variety of Cardiovascular Conditions
Relieves Respiratory Disorders: Effective in Treating Asthma
Immunity-booster: Reduces Coughs and Colds
Potent Antioxidant: Slows Down DNA Damage

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.”

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

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

November 30, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, Thoughts

Comments

Leave a comment

Photographic Thoughts — 11/23/2025 to 11/29/2025

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.” — Destin Sparks

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

Sunday, 11/23/2025: Posted photo — Books.

Some books at my in-laws. We had our first Thanksgiving dinner today since we had relatives home to do some work at their house.

Monday, 11/24/2025: Posted photo — Yellow Chrysanthemum.

Some flowers to brighten your day.

Tuesday, 11/25/2025: Posted photo — Plumberry Purple Garden Mums.

I found this flower interesting as I saw it today. I liked its size and color.

Wednesday, 11/26/2025: Posted photo — Rose.

Whenever I need a photograph, I look for a rose. I found this one in a store as I was doing my grocery shopping. I went shopping a day later this week since I was sick in bed all day on Monday.

Thursday, 11/27/2025: Posted photo — Lilys Home First Kiss.

Lily’s Home First Kiss Resin Garden Statue, Little Girl and Boy Kissing. This is on the porch at my in-law’s. We were there today for our second Thanksgiving dinner of the week. The first one had 20 people and this one had only nine.

Friday, 11/28/2025: Post photo — Wild Turkeys Windsor Ware.

I have posted a photo of these plates many times before. I just needed to post one today.

Saturday, 11/29/2025: Post photo — Footprint.

We had some squalls go through the area yesterday and today. I was out doing yardwork, finishing cleaning up leave, when they came through so I stopped working yesterday, finishing today.

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.”

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

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

August 17, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Inspiration, Nature, Photography

Comments

Leave a comment

Photographic Thoughts — 08/10/2025 to 08/16/2025

“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” — Diane Arbus

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

Sunday, 08/03/2025: Posted photo — Dock View.

Here is an unusual angle for a photo. This was taken with my cellphone. I did not know how the photo was going to come out since all I did was put my phone on the deck of the dock and took this photo.

I am happy with the way this turned out. This might be the view of an ant, spider, or other small animal looking out at the water from the dock.

Monday, 08/04/2025: Posted photo — Ready to Hike.

My backpack resting on a signpost getting ready to hike. There was a new member of the group today and they had to travel to the ski area before our hike. There was enough time for them to go to the ski area and back prior to the hike.

While I was waiting, I was practicing some rope work and was planning for the hike. While I was doing this, I put my pack against this post. I looked over at my pack and thought that it would take a good photo for today.

For the ropework, I was trying out some different ways of tying knots. I want to practice now for winter hiking. I plan on bringing my rope on more hikes and have been practicing secure knots, quick release knots, self-release knots, and knots to use for guidelines. I only have a short section of rope, which should be all that I need for my hikes.

Tuesday, 08/05/2025: Posted photo — Sunset.

Once again, the smoke for the Canadian fires adds great color to the sunset. Someone I was with commented on the layering of the mountains and hills as the sun was setting.

Photos do not do justice to sunsets. You need to get out and experience them. I often joke that if you have seen one sunset, you have seen them all. I have seen uncountable amounts of sunsets over the years. Each one is different. Some are better than others, but they are all wondrous to view.

Wednesday, 08/06/2025: Posted photo — Where’s the Fire?

This is a photo from last week’s visit to the fire tower. It shows how the tower personnel use string to locate a fire. I have only one clear photo since there were many people in a small space in the lookout area.

The personnel spot smoke off in the distance and use a compass to locate the bearing for the smoke. They then place the string in the direction of the smoke. They would radio to adjacent towers to locate the smoke. Once the other towers locate the smoke, they send that bearings to the Wachusett tower. They then place string in the direction that the other towers spot the smoke. The intersection of the strings is the location of the fire.

Thursday, 08/07/2025: Posted photo — Sunflowers.

Not all sunflowers follow the sun. Young sunflowers face east to soak up sunlight in the morning and track the sun as it moves westward throughout the day. This process is called heliotropism. Once sunflowers have reached maturity, they stop following the sun and face east from then on.

Sunflower seeds are rich in nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and fiber, which can contribute to heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

Friday, 08/08/2025: Post photo — Wachusett Mountain.

Clear day have not been too common over the last few weeks due to haze and Canadian wildfires. Today, the humidity and haziness broke and there was a clear view of Wachusett Mountain from Round Meadow Pond.

My DSLR will be out of order for some time as I get it cleaned so I will have to use borrowed cameras and my cellphone. This photo was taken with my cellphone. I am a Canon person. My son is teaching a technology class that uses Nikon cameras. I hope that Simon & Garfunkel are correct. How many of you understand that last statement.

Saturday, 08/09/2025: Post photo — All Dried Up.

In the spring, there were many days without sun. Lately there have been many days without rain. Some of the lakes and reservoirs in this area still appear to have plenty of water in them. As you can see by this photo, they do not.

Water over the dam at Round Meadow Pond normally stops flowing this time of year. This year is not exception. This still made a good photo due to the blue sky.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

August 10, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Histoy, Nature, Photography, Thoughts

Comments

Leave a comment

Photographic Thoughts — 08/03/2025 to 08/09/2025

“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.” — Irving Penn

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

Sunday, 08/03/2025: Posted photo — Campfire.

There was a slight chill in the air, so we started a campfire. What I like to take long exposure photos of campfires to capture their warmth. When there are many sparks coming out of the fire, it makes for a better photo.

There were not many sparks out of this fire.

Monday, 08/04/2025: Posted photo — Wildfire Smoke.

Like last summer, wildfires are burning in Canada. The fires are burning in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Québec and Northwest Territories, including Yukon. Over the last few days, the smoke from those fires has reached my area.

Smoking is a health hazard for many people. The smoke also leads to some interesting colors for sunrise and moonrise. The sun and moon turn a reddish color. This makes sense that they both have the same color, since we see the reflection of the Sun off the moon.

There are four United States national parks that are also burning at this moment. Fires are burning on north and south rim of the Grand Canyon (the Dragon Bravo Fire), the Bear Gulch Fire is in Olympic National Park, the South Rim Fire is in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and the Ash Fire was just recently discovered in Yellowstone National Park. Knowing people with red cards, firefighters in the national parks, unless the fire causes risk to people or property, they let the fires burn. Fires are just part of nature and help the forest flourish.

Lightning started the fires in the Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Yellowstone. Humans started the fire in Olympic National Park. I have been to all four of these parks and they are worth the visit.

Tuesday, 08/05/2025: Posted photo — Bass.

My nephews were fishing tonight and one of them caught this bass. They like fishing but do not like taking the fish off the line.

When I was growing up, my father would take my six brothers and me on fishing and camping trips. The techniques for fishing have not changed much over the years. The equipment has changed some due to improvement in materials. The reason for fishing has not changed. Fishing relaxes you and teaches you to be patience.

Wednesday, 08/06/2025: Posted photo — Nifty Fifty.

A present for me, a Nifty Fifty. This is a Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM lens.

I will be using this lens to take portraits and for astrophotography. I plan on using this lens in low light situations since it has the largest aperture of all my lenses. I am looking forward to learning all that I can about my nifty fifty. Many photographers have a 50mm lens and say good things about having one. Now it is my turn to find out.

Thursday, 08/07/2025: Posted photo — Chicken.

I cooked chicken on the grill tonight. Since I have my new lens, I took a photo of the chicken. In need to practice with this lens, since I will be photographing two weddings this summer.

I am not happy with this photo. It seems to be out of focus. I am wondering if it is the lens, my camera, or me. I need to work on my camera settings to get a sharper photo. I have used this lens twice and have not been happy with the results either time. Sometimes I am my worst critic.

The next step in the process is to send my camera out to have its sensors cleaned and electronics checked out. I purchased my camera in 2014 and have used it well past it shutter life. A Canon EOS 60D camera is typically rated for 100,000 shutter actuations. This means the camera’s shutter mechanism is designed to reliably operate for that number of shots.

Friday, 08/08/2025: Post photo — Hobblebush.

The Hobbleberry is a species of edible viburnum common as a woodland understory plant. It produces delicious edible berries. I have never tried to eat them. I just found out today that they are edible so I might have to try them next Monday when I am hiking.

Saturday, 08/09/2025: Post photo — Smokey the Bear.

The Tuesday night hiking group hikes up Wachusett since we knew someone famous was going to be there and we knew this was the one time of the year that people were allowed in the fire tower. Smokey the Bear was at the summit. He was visiting on his birthday.

Smokey Bear turned 80 years old last year. I went to see him then, but the line was too long. I was on the mountain photographing some trail work for the Appalachian Mountain Club and they had to get back to work. Smokey says, “Only you can prevent wildfires”.

It was interesting to see how the area fire towers triangulate to determine the location of a fire. One tower spots the smoke and relays the message to the nearest towers in that direction. They then take a bearing on the smoke and then triangulate with string to pinpoint the location of the fire.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

June 22, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

Comments

Leave a comment

Photographic Thoughts — 06/15/2025 to 06/21/2025

“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 helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 06/15/2025: Posted photo — Gospel Cover.

This is the Gospel cover at our church. I like the details on the cover. The book is very heavy, and the inside message is important.

I took this photo when I was putting up the numbers for the hymns. Looks like I was too close, so the top of the holder is cut off.

Monday, 06/16/2025: Posted photo — Foot on Summit.

Whenever I hike a mountain, I tough the summit. I have hiked Wachusett many, many times (hundreds of times) and always touch the summit. Some people think that it is strange that I do this. It is just a habit of mine.

Tuesday, 06/17/2025: Posted photo — Burl on Walnut.

A burl on a tree is a large, rounded outgrowth, often found on the trunk or branches. These growths are typically a result of stress or injury to the tree, like damage from insects, fungi, or physical trauma. Burls are used to make furniture.

This tree is at the intersection of West Side Trail and Old Indian Trail on Wachusett Mountain. I have often wondered what the cause of this tree’s injury was.

Wednesday, 06/18/2025: Posted photo — Watermelon.

The entire watermelon is usable. Pickled rind is the most widely known way to eat the rind, but it can also be candied, juiced, stewed, and baked.

That is something to think about. How many of you have eaten watermelon rind. I may have to try this sometime.

Thursday, 06/19/2025: Posted photo — Angel of Patience.

The “Angel of Patience” is a figure associated with virtues like endurance, resilience, and the ability to bear suffering without becoming upset.

I have posted a photo of the Angel of Patience in the past. I took this photo this week and needed a filler photo. To see my other posting, look at my post from May 26, 2024.

Friday, 06/20/2025: Post photo — More Mountain Laurel.

Busy day. I wanted to take a photo of a daily routine to use for my other photo project. Just ended up taking a photo of one of the other mountain laurel bushes in our yard.

These are pink. The ones I posted last week were white.

Saturday, 06/21/2025: Post photo — Camping.

This is my tent set up in our backyard. I set it up in our backyard to dry it out from last weekend’s Relay for Life. I set it up on Monday night before my hike. When I came back from my hike on Monday, my tent was still damp, so I left it set up.

It has been raining and very humid most of the week. Unlike most weekends lately, it rained during the week and not on the weekend. I was finally able to take down my tent and get it ready for my next backpacking adventure.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

June 15, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Inspiration, memorial, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

Comments

1 Comment

Photographic Thoughts — 06/08/2025 to 06/14/2025

“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, 06/08/2025: Posted photo — Pentecost Sunday.

Pentecost is the day that the Holy Spirit fell upon the Apostles and gave them the courage to go out and speak to the people about the faith. Before the Holy Spirit fell upon the Apostles, they did not know what why they were told to spread the Good News, and how they were going to do so.

They left their shelter and spoke to the people. Each heard them in their own voice. The message was one of love and understanding. These are all people, not just the people that you like.

Today, people forget this message to love one and other and to preach kindness to one and other. Today, if you are not of the same social economic class, same religion, same skin color, come from the same country, you are an outcast and troublemaker. The message of the Holy Spirit is to include all, help all, and love all, even if you are told not to do so.

Monday, 06/09/2025: Posted photo — Jack Frost Trail.

What a great hike today. The mountain was fogged in so there was an airy feeling on the hill. I just finished two weekends of teaching navigation, so tonight was a perfect day to use the skills that I taught to navigate the mountain. This is from old-growth area of the Jack Frost Trail. Most of the mountain was clear cut, apart from this area of Jack Frost and an area around the visitor center.

When I saw this area, to took out my cellphone and took this picture. I liked the way the fog and the old growth contrasted with each other.

Wachusett Mountain is home to one of the largest known stands of old-growth forest in Massachusetts, covering approximately 100 acres. These trees, some dating back to the 1600s, have not been cut and are living out their natural lifespans of several hundred years. The mountain also boasts a high diversity of lichen species, including those rarely collected in Massachusetts.

Tuesday, 06/10/2025: Posted photo — Mountain Laurel in Bloom.

Last week I posted a photo of the mountain laurel in our year starting to bud. This week I am posting a photo of the delicate looking flowers on the mountain laurel. There were a few areas in which there was more bloom than other areas.

Mountain laurel is unsafe for people to take by mouth. It can cause many side effects such as pain, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness, dizziness, headache, fever, loss of vision, muscle weakness, serious heart and lung problems, death, and other severe side effects. You can touch mountain laurel, just don’t eat it.

Wednesday, 06/11/2025: Posted photo — Lost Summit.

One of my brothers made a 3-D topographical model showing the relationships between contour lines. I use this model during my classes over the last couple of weekends. The model was in an old hockey elbow pad bag that the summit piece fell out of.

He needed the model back from some training he was giving, so I taped up the holes in the bag so that the pieces did not fall out. When I put the pieces in the bag, I saw that all of them were in it, including the summit, so I thought.

Later in the day, after I handed the model off to another hiking leader to bring to my brother, the summit was found on our living room floor. The model will still work for training purposes. I just need to find a way to always keep it in the bag, otherwise the mountain cannot be claimed!

Thursday, 06/12/2025: Posted photo — Waiting for a Bed.

These rose bushes have been at our house for a few weeks and I have not been able to plant them due to the weather. We have been looking for a good location to plant them, since we had rose bushes before and they did not like their location. We tried multiple locations with no luck.

The new location seems to be a good one for them. The only problem is that they are in an area that gets the heaviest snowfall. The area is also in a location where snow is thrown while shoveling the walkway of the roof.

It was decided to make a raised flower bed in this location to plant them. This will be one of my first summer projects. I just need to keep room around the bed for mowing the lawn and for shoveling the walkway and roof.

Friday, 06/13/2025: Post photo — Daisy.

Today is the first day of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. I took this photo earlier in the day since I do not know how busy I will be tonight. I will be taking photos at the RFL and will be posting one for tomorrow’s photos.

The photo that I plan on posting is one of the luminaires that are around the track. Luminaries are bags with candles in them. The bags have the names of cancer survivors, living and deceased. I take a photo of the luminaires every year.

About the photo — I saw a few patches of daisies as I was packing my vehicle with supplies for the RFL. I spotted the bug resting on one of the daisies. I always look for bugs or bees on flowers since they take a better photo than just the flower on its own.

Saturday, 06/14/2025: Post photo — Luminaria.

Luminarias honor every life touched by cancer. They are dedicated to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who’s overcome it. It is one of the most emotional ceremonies at RFL.

Here are some of the hundreds, maybe thousands, of luminaria that surrounded the track last night.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi.”

“Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

June 8, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Inspiration, Nature, Thoughts

Comments

Leave a comment

Photographic Thoughts — 06/01/2025 to 06/07/2025

“I don’t trust words. I trust pictures.” — Gilles Peress

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

Sunday, 06/01/2025: Posted photo — Mountain Laurel.

Monday, 06/02/2025: Posted photo — Rhododendron.

Tuesday, 06/03/2025: Posted photo — Lupine.

Wednesday, 06/04/2025: Posted photo — Mount Monadnock.

Thursday, 06/05/2025: Posted photo — Trailhead.

Friday, 06/06/2025: Post photo — Lake View.

Saturday, 06/07/2025: Post photo — Lady Slipper.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi.”

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

May 11, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

Comments

2 Comments

Photographic Thoughts — 05/04/2025 to 05/10/2025

“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.” — Elliott Erwitt

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

Looking for some new quotes to use. If you have any, please put them in the comments.

I am following the quote this week with little commentary on the photos.

Sunday, 05/04/2025: Posted photo — Bleeding Hearts.

These bleeding hearts are at my in-law’s house. I missed taking a photo of them last year since I was away when they bloomed.

Monday, 05/05/2025: Posted photo — Stickers.

Some of the 36 stickers on my water bottle from each one of the US National Parks I have visited. Let’s hope that I will be able to visit them all before they disappear.

Tuesday, 05/06/2025: Posted photo — Birch Seeds.

From a birch tree in our yard.

Wednesday, 05/07/2025: Posted photo — Azalea Bubs.

One of the azalea bushes in our yard. We have a red one and a pink one.

Thursday, 05/08/2025: Posted photo — Sacrament of Confirmation.

Congratulations to one of my grandnieces for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is also the same day that the world has a new pope, Pope Leo XIV.

Friday, 05/09/2025: Post photo — Rain.

We are having heavy rain today. We had some last night on our way to and from Confirmation. We will have some more rain tomorrow.

Saturday, 05/10/2025: Post photo — Inspection Station.

Today was the day for my yearly vehicle inspection.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi.”

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

Posted on

May 4, 2025

Posted under

Friendship, hiking, Histoy, memorial, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

Comments

Leave a comment

Photographic Thoughts — 04/27/2025 to 05/03/2025

“When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.” — Alfred Eisenstaedt

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

Looking for some new quotes to use. If you have any, please put them in the comments.

Sunday, 04/27/2025: Posted photo — Pope Francis.

“Who am I to judge?” Pope Francis July 28, 2013. The Roman Catholic Church emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere, striving to be inclusive of all people. “Love one another as I have loved you” John 13:34-35.

Many Catholics forget, or pass over these teachings, to discriminate against migrants and others they do not like or judge people on one topic. Pope Francis pushed for these traditions, and some did not like him for that.

He may not have been the perfect pope. He was human just like us. Matthew 25:31-46 teaches us to love all: “Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’” Matthew 25:44–45.

Monday, 04/28/2025: Posted photo — Communications Towers.

Communications tower on the summit of Wachusett Mountain.

It was a great and uneventful hike tonight. The adventures started on my ride home from the trailhead.

Let me tell you about kidney stones. Not the greatest of topics and some of you may not want to read on. I felt a stone coming on my ride home. I had stones before and knew the feeling. Most of the time the feeling goes away. Not tonight. I got home and was in pain. The decision was made to go to the ER to get it checked out. Good decision. I have an 11 mm stone that needs to be removed. Fun, fun, fun. It will be removed on Monday.

Tuesday, 04/29/2025: Posted photo — Flag.

This is my attempt at negative space photography, this week’s photo topic.

I made the photo a little darker to get more of the negative space feeling.

Wednesday, 04/30/2025: Posted photo — Tulips.

On my way to my medical appointment, I saw that one of the tulips in our yard had bloomed. I took multiple shots and liked this one because of the little spot of dew on it.

The tulips in our yard are hit or miss on their blooming. We have lost a few over the years and are glad to be about to see them bloom in daylight. The bad thing was that I was able to see them bloom in the daylight because I was going to a doctor’s appointment for my stones.

Thursday, 05/01/2025: Posted photo — Bluets.

Bluets are perennial wildflowers that may grow to a height of 6 inches. The leaves are opposite with a smooth margin. The leaves that originate at the base of the stem are large, while the two leaves on the stem are small. Blue flowers with yellow centers first mature in mid-spring and continue into mid-summer.

We have many patches of bluets in our yard. They are there until the first mowing of the lawn.

Friday, 05/02/2025: Post photo — Fiddleheads.

Fiddleheads are the young, curled fronds of certain fern species, and are a popular and edible springtime vegetable. These fiddleheads grow next to our mailbox. I take a photo of them every year and have not ventured into tasting them.

I do see that many stores in our area are starting to stock them this time of year.

Saturday, 05/03/2025: Post photo — Spillway.

This is the spillway from the Barry Falls Dam. Stopped today on the way home from doing an errand.

From the Barre Falls Dam website (https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Barre-Falls-Dam/): The project of Barre Falls Dam was authorized by Congress in 1941 to reduce flood damage from storms like those that devastated New England in 1936 and 1938. Construction of the project began in May 1956 and was completed in July 1958 at a cost of $2 million. A portion of Route 62 was relocated to accommodate the project. The project has prevented $53.2 million in flood damages since it was built (as of September 2011).

I went to the dam a few years ago to look for a geocache and wanted to go back. Soon I will be able to go back and explore more of the area.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi.”