Category Archives: Friendship

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September 20, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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September 13, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To take a 3D image:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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May 3, 2026

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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.”

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

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April 5, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 03/29/2026 to 04/04/2026

“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.” — Diane Arbus

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

Sunday, 03/29/2026: Posted photo — Psalm Sunday.

Palm Sunday serves as a day of reflection on Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This is the first day of Holy Week. Holy Week starts with the triumphant entry and leads to the Easter Triduum: Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday, of the Lord’s Passion and ends with the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. Good Friday is the only day of the year that a Mass does not happen, just a service.

Jesus died for all of us, not just a selected few. Jesus is a person of equality and peace for all. Some people forget this.

Monday, 03/30/2026: Posted photo — Bat House.

From https://www.mass.gov/guides/bat-houses: “Bat houses are particularly helpful in providing alternative roosting habitat for bats that are excluded from homes. In turn, this reduces the chance of human contact with bats. Installing a bat house can provide a safe environment for bats, while protecting your yard from pest insects, like mosquitoes, moths, and beetles. Bat houses give females a safe, warm place to raise their young. Since most female bats only have one pup each year, bat populations grow very slowly. Additionally, due to habitat loss and degradation, it is becoming harder for bats to locate natural roost sites to raise their young. By installing a bat house, you can provide mothers and their pups with a safe home.”

This bat house is at one of the trailheads on Wachusett Mountain.

Tuesday, 03/31/2026: Posted photo — Gold Nugget.

The gold nugget mandarin is often considered one of the best-tasting mandarins in the world. They are only available during the months of February to May.

Wednesday, 04/01/2026: Posted photo — Mushrooms.

A mushroom on some wood in our yard. I need to move this wood to the cottage to burn during the summer. It is taking up too much room in our yard.

Thursday, 04/02/2026: Posted photo — Sunset.

A wonderful sunset from the summit of Wachusett Mountain. I need to start taking up my DSLR to get better photos.

I am in the process of upgrading my camera. I purchased it over 12 years ago and is showing its age.

Friday, 04/03/2026: Post photo — Lost Hat.

Someone lost a hat during a hike. I put it on this signpost, just in case the person is looking for it. This is what is typically done if you find a piece of clothing on the tail, put it on a tree branch, or some other high location, so that the owner can find it.

Saturday, 04/04/2026: Post photo — New Growth.

Some croci starting to bloom in our yard. There is new growth starting all over the area. We grow a little later in this area since we are further north and the snow cover last longer.

I am amazed sometimes when I drive into Worcester and see how much further the blooms on the trees are from my 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.”

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

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February 22, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 02/15/2026 to 02/21/2026

“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.”

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

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December 28, 2025

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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.

  1. Popular Digestive Aid: Settles Stomach Issues
  2. Therapy for Nausea: Reduces Motion Sickness and More
  3. Powerful Anti-inflammatory: Reduces Joint Pain and Relieves Arthritis
  4. Provides Pain Relief: Soothes Migraines and Menstrual Pain
  5. Anti-tumor Properties: Successful in Killing Cancer Cells
  6. Anti-diabetic Compounds: Lowers Blood Sugar and Increases Insulin Release
  7. Heals the Heart: Treats a Variety of Cardiovascular Conditions
  8. Relieves Respiratory Disorders: Effective in Treating Asthma
  9. Immunity-booster: Reduces Coughs and Colds
  10. 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.”

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

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November 30, 2025

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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.”

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

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August 17, 2025

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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.”

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August 10, 2025

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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.”

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June 22, 2025

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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.”